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CONTENTS. 



MEERIMACK COUNTY, 



GENERAL HISTORY. 



I. ORGANIZATION AND STATISTICAL 1 

II. BENCH AND BAR 2 

III. STATE-HOUSE 3 

IV. THE NEW HAMPSHIRE ASYLIM FOR THE INSANE 47 



TOWN HISTORIES. 



CONCORD 57 

BOSCAWEN 160 

BRADFORD ISA 

CANTERBURY 221 

CHICHESTER.". .^.._. ? 235 



BANBURY 269 

DUNBARTON. J^TTT"^ 29l 

FRANKLIN 310 

ANDOVER 328 

HENNIKBR 340 

HOOKSETT 361 

HOPKINTON 391. 



NEWBURY . . 
NEW LONDON 



LOUDON 477 

NORTHFIELD 51B 

HILL 647 



PEMBROKE . 
PITTSFlELD. 
SALISBURY . 
SUTTON . . . 
WARNER. . 
WEBSTER .-,- 
WILMOT, . . 



BELKISTAP COUNTY. 



ORGANIZ.^TION OF COUNTY— BENCH AND BAR 



TOWN HISTORIES. 



.\LTON 

BARNSTEAD 

BELMONT 

CENTRE HARBOR 

GILFORD 

APPENDIX 



LACONlA .... 
MEREDITH . . . 
NEW HAMPTON 
SANBORNTON . . 
TILTON 






ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Abbot, J. Stephe; 
Abbott, Williaiu. 
Aiken, Walter ... 



., 231 

Ames, JasouH 212 

Amsden, Charles H 168 

Bailey, Oliver 308 

Baker, Aaron W 2S6 

Barnard, Daniel , 31 

Bartlett, Levi 676 

Batchelder, Joseph 610 

Bean, Abraham 159 

Bickford, H. C 441 

Bickford, Nathan 476 

Blanchard, Hiram 215 

Carter, Solon A 44 

Carpenter, Charles H 253 

Childs, Horace 359 

Cilley.J. M 418 

CTough, Colonel D. M 234 

Cogswell, Thomas, Sr 793 

Cogswell, Thomas, Jr 807 

Cogswell, P. B 89 

Clongh, Bev. J 509 

Coc, John 728 

Cole, B. J 773 

Conn, G. P 162 

Connor, Abel 355 

Couch, Enoch 694 

Cummings, George A 156 

-Crane, John S., residence of 781 

Crane, J. S 780 

Crockett, S. C 827 

Daniell, Warren F 324 

^ Davis, Curtis 219 

Davis, Hon. Walter S 413 

Deering, Major Arthur 260 

Doe, Charles C 474 

Downing, Lewis 140 

Drake, Oliver 256 

Durell, David 217 

Durrell, Thomaa 806 

Eaton, Joshua 211 

Eaton, Frederick 651 

Ela, Robert L 162e 

Ela, Richard 162d 

Ela, Joseph '. 865 

KIh rieorge W 162b 



PACE 

Fife, Captain William 685 

Fowler, Asa 15 

Fowler, Winthrop 582 

Fowler, TrueworthyL 682 

Fowler, Winthrop, Jr 683 

French, D. J 612 

Gage, Converse 649 

Gale, N. B 830 

Gallinger, J. H 160 

Gault, Hon. Jesse 389 

George, Paul K 410 

Gerriah, Enoch 158 

Gilnian, James 808 

Gillingham, Moody 419 

Goss, William 470 

Gutterson, John 358 

Hall, Rev. K. S 777 

Hall, Dr. A. B 542 

Hart, George 216 

Hartwell, H. H 167 

Haynes, Martin \....i::. 779 

Head, Nathaniel 385 

Head, William F 388 

Hill, James E 104 



Benjamin 



Hoitt, Thomas L 715 

Holden, Daniel 154 

Holmes, H 218 

Howe, Calvin 152 

Humphrey, Moses 101 

Hunt, Lucian 540 

Jewell, D. L 576 

Keneson, Randall S 729 

Kenrick, Stephen 321 

Kimball, B. A 146 

Kimball, John 144 

Kimball, John P 233 

Knight, Elijah 163 

Knowltou, Hosea C 255 

Knowles, William V 546 

Ladd, Seneca .\ 858 

Lang, Joseph W 862 

Lane,Robert 647 

Larabee, George H 581 

Little, George P 580 

Jjittle, George P., residence of ../. 668 

Little, T.D .'. 623 

Lovering, Samuel B 511 

Map Outline Merrimack and Belknap Counties I 

Marshall, Anson S .34 

Marshall, John W 213 

Maitin, Noah, M. D 408 

vii 



.1 . 



ILLlSniATIONS. 



HHItill Snniilil 
Meserity 1U\ A B 
Moore J C 
Mooro McCuiiii 1 
Moore felcj hen 
Mornll U« id 
Moree John W 
Mors Jowph 
Moulton Hon J >hii C 
Moulton Jolin 11 
Kesmitli Gtorgo w 
New Himiwliire \"j1m 
Norris, J b 
Nutti r b S 
Osgood \dUi(jon N 
I'Hgo Lnoch 
Peabod) Siilviin U 
Pease Simeon D 
Pembroke Vciilimy 
Pbiltruk D M 
Pillsburj Gt ipt \ 



Plumni r (ihrauii 
Prescott D S 
Piituej Truman 
Rolft H iir> I 
BjIHiik, Amos 1 
Sanborn Ctipt \\ A 
Saudi rs Gtorge Jr 
Sand re O S Keti kn 
SanduK O s lortr it 
3.irgent J ( crett 
Sarg< DI Mos e 



"vargcnt >^terling 106 

Sa»age MiyorGeorge D 708 

Smj<r \ H 710 

Shdw CharlesC 2.H 

Siiiilair John G 714 

«mil J James R RW 

smith \ D 230 

Smith Jeremiah 543 

stark Viyor Caleb 302 

state House 4(1 b 

Stearns Onilow 138 

Stevens Colonel E 863 

Stevens, LjmanD 40a 

Stinson Cai tain Charles 307 

Stmson Jolin 306 

Sullo a\ Honorable A. W 322 

Tapiran Mason W 22 

Thotr W F 92 

Tilton W \anderH 890 

liltoii C E 887 

TruinUIl Edmund E 579 

luttk Hon Hiram A 697 

Will gh Judge Benjamin, Jr 643 

W wll ij.h Frastus 644 

Wall igh feneral John 857 

\\ all or Joseph B., 

Wcbst r Daniel 

ViuU Stephen 

Wtntworth Joseph .. 

White \-ithanii-I 

\M ittinure Aaiim .. 
Wiodiiili Edgar U.. 
W Hirl Frank K.. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



Abbot, J. Stephens 142 

Abbott, William 154 

Aiken, Walter 326 

All)in, John H 26 

Alexander, Enoch 287 

Ames, Lorenzo 231 

Ames, Ja«on H 212 

Amsden, Charles H 168 

Bailey, Oliver 307 

Baker, Aaron W 286 

Barnard, Daniel 31 

Bartlett, Levi 676 

Bartlett, William H 10 

Batcheldcr, Joseph 610 

Bean, A 159 

Bellows, Henry A 9 

Bickford, Hezekiah C 441 

Bickford, Nathan 475 

Blanchard, Hiram 215 

Brown, John 218 

Carpenter, Charles H 253 

Carter, Solon A 44 

Childs, Horace 369 

Cilley, James M 418 

Clough, Col. David M 233 

Clough, Rev. Jeremiah 609 

Clough, Joseph 915 

Cogswell, P.B 89 

Cogswell, Thomas, Sr 793 

Cogswell, Thomas, Jr 807 

Coe,John 728 

Cole, B. J 773 

Conn, Granville P 162 

Connor, Abel 355 

Couch, Enoch 694 

Crane, Johns 780 

Crockett, Col. Seldon C 827 

Cummings, George A 155 

Currier Family, The 414d 

Daniell, Warren F 324 

Davis, Curtis 219 

Davis, Walter S 413 

Deering, Major Arthur 2tiO 

Doe, Charles C 474 

Downing, Lewis 140 

Drake, Oliver 266 

Durell, David 217 

Durrell, Thomas 806 

Eastman, Ira A 39 

Eaton, Frederick 651 



Eaton, Joshua 211 

Ela, George W lU2b 

Ela Joseph 865 

Ela, Richard 162 d 

Ela, Robert L 162e 

Emerson, Benjamin 600 

Evans, Bei^amin 675 

Fife, Captain William 683 

Fogg, George G 869 

Foster, W. L 27 

Fowler, Asa 15 

Fowler, Truewoithy Ladd 681 

Fowler, Winthrop 582 

Fowler, Winthrop, Jr 683 

French, DavidJ 612 

Gage, Converse 649 

Gale, Napoleon B 830 

Gallingor, Jacob H 169 

Gault, Hon. Jesse 389.^ 

George, John H 28 

George, Paul R 410 

Gerrish, Enoch 157 

Gillingham, Moody 419 

Gilman, James 867 

Goss, William 470 

Gutterson, John 368 

Hall, Dr. A. B 542 

Hall, Rev. K. S 777 

Hart, George 216 

Hartwell, Rev. Henry H 166 

Haynes, Martin A 779 ^ 

Head, Governor Nathaniel 385 

Head, William F 388 

Hill, James R 103 

Hodgson, Samuel 860 

Hoitt, Thomas L 715 

Holdcn, Daniel 163 

Holmes, Rev. Hiram 218 

Howe, Calvin 152 

Humphrey, Moses 101 

Hunt, Lucian 54C 

Jewell, Col. David L 676 

Jones, John F. (See Currier Family) 414 d 

Keneson, Randall S 729 

Kenrick, Stephen 321 

Kimball, Benjamin A 146 

Kimball, John 144 

Kimball, J. P 233 

Knight, Elijah 163 

Knowles, W. F 546 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



PAOE 

Knowlton, H. C 255 

Ladd, Seneca A 858 

Lane, Dr. Robert M" 

Lang, Joseph W 8G2 

Larabee, George H 580 

Little, ThoniM D 02a 

Little, George P 580 

Lovering, S. B 511 

Marshall, Anson S 3* 

Marshall, John W 213 

Martin N 408 

Martin, Samuel *69 

Meservey, A. B 874 

Moore, Joseph Cliffoni "83 

Moore, McConnel 584 

Moore, Stephen 513 

Morrill, David 232 

Motso, John W 209 

Morse, Joseph 420 

Moulton, JohnC 825 

Moulton, Col. John H V27 

KorriB, James S 161 

Nesmith, George W 30 

Nuttor, E. S 151 

Osgood, Addison N .'583 

Page, Enoch 048 

Peahody, S. B 891 

Peii», SimeonD 867 

Pliilbrick, David Morrill 475 

Pillsbury, George A 147 

Pillsbury, Oliver 45 

Pitman, Joseph P 831 

Plummer, Ephraira 184 

Prescott, David S., M.D 829 

Putney, Truman 04G 

Rolfe, Henry P 624 

Rollins, Amos L 709 

Sanborn, Capt. W. A 775 

Sanders, George, Jr 473 

Sanders, Orren Strong 471 



Sargent, J. Everett 18 

Sargent, Moses 782 

Sargent, Major Sterling 106 

Savage, George D 708 

Saw-j-cr, Alonzo H 709 

Shaw, C. C 254 

Sinclair, John G 714 

Smilh, Alpheus D - 231 

Stark, Caleb 302 

Stark, Caleb, Jr 308 

Stearns, Onslow 138 

Stevens, Lyman D 40 

Stinson, Charles 307 

Stinson, Col. John .30fi 

Smiley, James R., M. D .^ — 650 

Smith, Jeremi.ih 543 

Stevens, Col. Ebeii./.] 863 

Sulloway, Hon. A. W 322 

Tappan, Mason W 22 

Tenuey, Dr. R. P. .1 5US 

Thayer, W. F 92 

Tilton, Alexander II 890 

Tilton, Charles E 887 

Truesdell, E. E 579 

Tuttli-, Ilinm A 597 

Upl.i.in. \ ,:l ,,::.:.; 5 

Wii.ll. I J. r. ' u B-u 

Wadl.i-li. i:n,.tu 044 

Wadlcigli F.iniily, Tli..- CIS 

Wadleigh, General John 8.57 

Walker, Joseph B 33 

Walker, Rev. Timothy 2 

Walker, Hon. Timothy 05 

Webster, Daniel 9 

Weelts, Stephen 509 

Wentworth, Joseph 157 

White, Nathaniel 136 

Whittemore, Aaron , 585 

Woodman, Edgar H 40 

Woodward, F. B 558 



HISTORY 



MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



CHAPTEK I. 

ORGANIZATION AND STATISTICAL. 
BY DANIEL F. SECOMB. 

Merrimack Couxty was formed, in 1.S2;'., from 
towns in the northerly parts of Hillsborough and 
Rockingham Counties, to which have since been 
added towns from Grafton County and a portion of 
Sanbornton, in Strafford County, and it now contains 
portions of four of the five counties into which the 
province was divided in 1769. 

It is now the second county in the State in popu- 
lation, and the third in the valuation of taxable prop- 
erty. Its i)opulation, as given in the United States 
census, has been as follows : In 1830, 34,614 ; 1840, 
36,253; 1850, 40,337; 1860, 41,408; 1870, 42,151; 1880, 
46,300. It includes the city of Concord and twenty- 
six towns, as follows : 

AUeiistown, taken from Rockingham County in 
1823; incorporated, 1831; population in 1830, 483; 
in 1880, 1708. 

Andover, from Hillsborough County, 1823 ; first 
known as New Breton ; incorporated, 1779 ; popula- 
tion, 1830, 1324; 1880,1204. 

Bradford, from Hillsborough County, 1823; first 
known as New Bradford; incorporated, 1787; popu- 
lation, 18.30, 1285 ; 1880, 950. 

Boscawen, from Hillsborough County, 1823; for- 
merly called Contoocook ; incorporated, 1760 ; popu- 
lation, 1830, 2093 ; 1880, 1380. 

Bow, from Rockingham County, 1823 ; chartered, 
1727; population, 1830, 1065; 1880, 734. 

Canterbury, from Rockingham County, 1823 ; char- 
tered, 1727 ; population, 1830, 1663 ; 1880, 10.34. 

Chichester, from Rockingham County, 1823; char- 
tered, 1727 ; population, 1830, 1084 ; 1880, 784. 

Concord, from Rockingham County, 1823 ; incor- 
porated, 1765 ; formerly known as Penacook and 
Rumford; adopted a city charter, 1853; population, 
1830, 3727 ; 1880, 13,845." 



Danbury, from Grafton County, 1874; incorporated, 
1795; population, 1830, 785; 1880, 760. 

Dunbarton, from Hillsborough County, 1823 ; in- 
corporated, 1765 ; formerly called Starkstown ; pop- 
ulation, 18.30, 1067 ; 1880, 708. 

Epsom, from Rockingham County, 1823 ; chartered, 
1727; population, 1830, 1418; 1880, 909. 

Franklin, from parts of Andover, Northfield and 
Salisbury, in Merrimack County, and Sanbornton, in 
Strafford County ; incorporated, 1828 ; population, 
1830, 1870 ; 1880, 3265. 

Henniker, from Hillsborough County, 1823 ; incor- 
porated, 1768 ; population, 1830, 1725 ; 1880, 1326. 

Hill, from Grafton County, 1868 ; incorporated, 
1778; formerly called New Chester; name changed, 
1836; population, 1830, 1090; 1880, 667. 

HooJcsett, from Hillsborough County, 1823; incor- 
porated, 1822, and included parts of Goffstown and 
Dunbarton, in Hillsborough County, and Chester, in 
Rockingham; population, 1830, 880; 1880, 1766. 

Hopkinton, from Hillsborough County, 1823; incor- 
porated, 1765 ; formerly called New Hopkinton ; pop- 
ulation, 1830, 2474; 1880, 1836. 

London, from Rockingham County, 1823; incorpo- 
rated, 1773; was originally a part of Canterbury; 
population, 1830, 1642; 1880, 1221. 

Newbury, from Hillsborough County, 1823 ; incor- 
porated, 1778; formerly known as Fishersfield; name 
changed, 1836; population, 1830, 798; 1880, 590. 

New London, from Hillsborough County, 1823; in- 
corporated, 1779; formerly called Dantzic; popula- 
tion, 1830, 913 ; 1880, 875. 

Northfield, from Rockingham County, 1823 ; incor- 
porated, 1780 ; was originally a part of Canterbury ; 
population, 1830, 1169; 1880, 918. 

Pembroke, from Rockingham County, 1823 ; incor- 
porated, 1759 ; formerly called Suncook, and granted 
by the General Court qf Massachusetts, in 1727, to 
Captain John Lovewell and his associates in the fight 
at Lovewell's Pond in 1725; population, 1830, 1312; 
1880, 2797. 

1 



/ 



Ill.STOKY OF MERllIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Pittsfield, from Rockingham County, 1823; incor- 
porated, 1782 ; formerly a ])art of Chichester ; pop- 
ulation, 1830, 1271 ; 1880, 1974. 

.SalUbiiri/, from Hillsborough County, 1823 ; incor- 
porated, 17G8; formerly known as Stevenstown ; pop- 
ulation, 1830, 1379 ; 1880, 795. 

,Su(ton, from Hillsborough County, 1823 ; incorpor- 
ated, 1784; formerly called Perrystown ; population, 
1830,1424; 1880,923. 

Warner, from Hillsborough County, 1823; incor- 
porated, 1774; formerly known as New Almsbury 
and Jennistown, and includes what was formerly 
called Kearsarge Gore ; population, 1830, 2221 ; 1880, 
1537. 

Webster, formerly West Boscawen, taken from Bos- 
cawen, 1860; population, 1870, 689; 1880, 647. 

Wi/mot, from Hillsborough County, 1823; incor- 
porated, 1807 ; formerly called Kearsarge ; popula- 
tion, 1830, 934; 1880, 1080. 

Of the 46,300 inhabitants of the county in 1880, 
46,133 were whites, 158 colored, 1 Chinese and 8 
Indians ; 40,521 were natives of the United States, 
and 5779 of foreign birth; 34,808 were natives of 
New Hampshire, and 5713 of other States; 5116 
males and 5075 females were from five to eighteen 
years of age ; 14,286 males were above twenty-one 
years of age ; 9380 males were between the ages of 
eighteen and forty-five years, and one-half of the 
entire pdimlatioii was abiive twenty-six years of age. 

Agricultural Statistics of Merrimack County, 
from the Uuiteil States census of ISSO, were as fol- 
lows: Number of tarms, June 1, 1880, 4334; number 
of acres of improved land, 305,282 ; value of farms, 
buildings and fences, $11,392.721 ; value of farm im- 
[)loments and machines, $426,083 ; estimated value 
of farm products for the year 1879-80, $1,878,149. 
Live stock and some of its products for the year end- 
ing June 1, 1880 : Horses, 5998; working oxen, 4121 ; 
milch cows, 1 1,800 ; other cattle, 17,296 ; sheep, 27,756 ; 
swine, 8138. Gallons of milk produced, 586,662; 
pounds of butter made, 908,728 ; pounds of cheese 
made, 190,809. Vegetable products, 1879: Barley, 
6279 bushels; buckwheat, 2976 bushels; Indian 
corn, 229,877 bushels ; oats, 7503 bushels ; rye, 4932 
bushels; wheat, 25,403 bushels; hay, 75,713 tons; 
hops, 3219 lbs.; Irish potatoes, 375,653 bushels. 
Oi-rluird products valued at $117,382. 

Manufacturing Statistics. — Number of manufac- 
turing c^liiblisliiucnts, June 1, 1880,449; males above 
sixtr, II vcai>Ml a,i;e employed, 3580; females, 1477; 
clnMivn :in,l > ,,utli, 628. 

Of the population of the county in 1880, there 
were 22,751 males and 23,549 females ; 40,521 were na- 
tives of the United States, and 5779 of foreign birth; 
5116 males and 5075 females were from 5 to 18 years 
of age, 9380 males were bet^veen 18 and 40 years of 
age, and 14,286 males were 21 years of iige and 
above, and one-half of the whole population was over 
26 years of age. 



Capital invested, $6,089,215; value of materials 
used, $4,974,224 ; value of products, $8,742,560. 

VAI-IATIOX ASD TAXATION. 

Valuation of the county, April 1, 1879 $24,882,580 

Valuation of real estate 18,522,356 

Valuation of personal property 6,300,194 

State tax asBessed 568,552 

County tax assessed 78,000 

City, towu and school taxes 257,873 

Whole amount of taxes 393,925 

Total $50,169,025 

Indebtedness of the county, city, towns and school districts in the 

count}', June 1, 1880. 

Bonded debt $956,400 

Floating debt 158,602 

Aggregate debt $1,116,002 

Number of poBt-ofBces in the county July 1, 1883, GO ; compensation 

of postmasters the preceding year, $18,515.94. 



CHAPTER II. 
BENCH AND BAR. 

The first term of the Superior Court of Judicature 
in Merrimack County was held in Concord in January, 
1824. This was the first time that Concord had 
enjoyed the presence of a duly established court of 
law. The members of the bar of the county at this 
term convened and were duly organized as the Merri- 
mack County bar, and during one of the first evenings 
of the session a bar supper was celebrated at the inn 
of J. P. Gass, which was located near the present site 
of Sanborn's block, on Main Street. The venerable 
George W. Nesmith, of Franklin, is the only surviving 
member of those present on that occasion. 

Peter Green, son of Nathaniel Green, was one 
of the earliest lawyers in the State. He was born in 
Worcester, Mass., 1746 ; opened an office in Concord, 
1767. He was chosen State councilor in 1788 and 1789. 
He died March 27, 1798, aged fifty-two. 

Hon. Timothy Walker was the only son of 
Rev. Timothy Walker, and was born upon the 
paternal fiirm in Rumford, June 27, 1737. He is 
said, when a boy, to have been a great favorite of 
the Indians living in the vicinity. Entertaining 
a deep reverence and affection for his father, they 
naturally inclined to him, and, as tradition says, 
were wont to take him on visits to their wigwams, 
assuring his mother, who did not altogether relish such 
civilities, that " Indians no hurt minister's pappoose." 
This promise was never broken, and he was always 
returned in safety, although oftentimes modified much 
in appearance, from the Indians having painted his 
face in glowing colors, and garlanded his head with 
gaudy feathers. 

His father gave early attention to his education, and 
sent him, when fifteen years of age, to Harvard Col- 
lege. He remained there during the regular course 
and graduated in 1756. The two years ensuing he 
spent in teaching school .at Bradford, Mass. Upon 



BENCH AND BAK. 



leaving Bradford, having in the mean time chosen the- 
ology as his profession, he commenced a course of 
study and pursued it most probably with his father. 
Having completed his theological studies, he was ex- 
amined at the association meeting in Haverhill, Mass., 
and licensed to preach September 11, 1759. 

Mr. Walker was never a settled pastor, but preached 
occasionally for about six years. During the last ab- 
sence of his father in England, in 1762-63, he sup- 
plied his jmlpit in Kumford. He preached many 
times from 1761 to 1764 in Kludge, where he received 
a call to settle, which he declined. In the summer of 
1765 he preached six Sabbaths at Pigwacket (now 
Fryeburg), Ble., which seems to have been about the 
last of his preaching, soon after which he relinquished 
the profession of the ministry. 

From his diary it appears that on the 25th of No- 
\ember, 1765, he concluded a partnership agreement 
with Colonel Andrew McMillan, and engaged with 
him in trade in Eumford, in the southerly part of the 
village. They continued in business together but for 
a single year. Soon after their separation Mr. Walker 
opened a store near the residence of his father, and 
there continued his mercantile pursuits until about 
the beginning of the Revolution. During this period 
he was also engaged in the manufacture of potash, 
which was disposed of in the lower towns of the prov- 
ince. Some portions of the works erected for this 
purpose remained until within a recent period, the 
well, stoned up from the bottom, being in good condi- 
tion to-day. 

Mr. Walker was married, some time previous to 
1764, to his cousin, Susannah Burbeen, daughter of 
Rev. Joseph Burbeen, of Woburn, Mass., who died in 
Concord, September 28, 1828, at the age of eighty-two. 
They had fourteen children, ten of whom lived to 
mature life. 

Upon the commencement of hostilities with Great 
Britain, Mr. Walker, like his father, warmly espoused 
the patriot cause, and seconded with zeal the meas- 
ures adopted for the security of American liberty. 
His whole time seems now to have been devoted to 
tlie service of his country. The town of Concord 
chose him a delegate to the Fourth Provincial Con- 
gress, which assembled at Exeter, on the 17th of May, 
1775, and he took an active interest in the very im- 
portant measures which came before that body. 

On the 20th of May he was appointed a member of 
the Committee of Supplies, constituted to act in con- 
junction with the Committee of Safety, and procure 
supplies for the New Hampshire troops, at this time 
in the vicinity of Boston. On the 20th of August he, 
with Ichabod Rawlings, Esq., was sent to the army to 
ascertain the losses sustained at the battle of Bunker 
Hill by each of the officers and soldiers of the New 
Hampshire forces, and in behalf of the province to 
make them compensation, as well as to secure to them 
supplies and advance a month's pay to such as had 
enlisted in the Continental service. The action of 



the Provincial Congress upon the report subsequently 
made of their doings aflbrds evidence that those du- 
ties were performed to their acceptance. 

About the 1st of September of this year the New 
Hampshire Congress passed an act creating four reg- 
iments of Miuute-Men equal in number to about one- 
fourth part of the then existing militia of the province. 
These were to meet to drill once in every two weeks, 
and to be ready for service at a moment's warning. 
Mr. Walker was commissioned colonel of the Third 
Regiment September 5, 1775, and exerted himself to 
train and fit for duty the forces under his command. 

From the 4th to the 16th of October we find him 
acting as paymaster of the New Hampshire troops at 
Winter Hill, commanded by Colonels Stark, Poor and 
Reid, and again, on the 27th of December, he was 
appointed by the Fifth Provincial Congress paymas- 
ter of the same forces. 

The Fifth Provincial Congress was succeeded, Jan- 
uary 6, 1776, by the first House of Representatives, 
organized under the temporary constitution and com- 
posed of the same members. Its journal shows 
Colonel Walker to have been one of the committee of 
three appointed by the House "to make a draft of the 
declaration of this General Assembly for independ- 
ence of the United Colonies." The committee re- 
ported a draft June 15, 1776, which was at once 
adopted and a copy of it sent to the Continental Con- 
gress, then in session at Philadelphia. 

At a date not long subsequent to this event Colonel 
Walker was made one of the committee to devise a 
systematic plan of finance, by means of which the 
payment of the debts of the State might be provided 
for and funds raised for present and future purposes. 

When, on the 14th of March, 1776, the Continental 
Congress sent out the Association Test, to be signed by 
all friendly to the patriot cause. Colonel Walker most 
cheerfully signed the copy sent to Concord, and it was 
through his influence, in part at least, that, of the one 
hundred and fifty-six to whom it was presented for 
signature in that town, not one declined subscribing 
to it his name. 

Colonel Walker was this year a member of the 
Committee of Safety and served in that capacity until 
the 20th of June, 1776. During the next three years 
—viz., from December 18, 1776, to December 15, 1779 
— he was a member of the Council, associated with 
Meshech Weare, Josiah Bartlett, Nicholas Gilman 
and others of like character, — men of the purest pa- 
triotism, whose names New Hampshire will ever cher- 
ish. On the 26th of March, 1777, he was chosen by 
the Legislaturea delegate to the Continental Congress, 
and again, at three subsequent times, in 1778, 1782 
and 1784, but it is not certain that he ever attended. 
He was sent from Concord a delegate to each of the 
New Hampshire Constitutional Conventions of 1778 
and 1781, and also to that of 1791, to revise the con- 
stitution. 

In 1777 he retired from the more stirring scenes 



HISTORl' OF MERRIMACK COUiVTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



connected with the war, and accepted the office of a 
justice of the Court of Common Pleas, which he con- 
tinued to liold until 1809, being for the last five years 
a chief justice. The courts were held alternately at 
Exeter and Portsmouth, and Judge Walker made his 
journeys to and from those places on horseback. 

Upon the organization of the Republican party in 
New Hampshire, in 1798, Judge Walker was selected 
for its fii-st candidate for Governor, and was run against 
John Taylor Oilman, who had already been the in- 
cumbent of the office in previous years, and was one 
of the strongest men of the Federal party, at that time 
in large majority throughout the State. Governor 
Gilraan was the successful candidate, receiving nine 
thousand three hundred and ninety-seven votes out of 
the whole number of twelve thousand one hundred 
and fifty-three thrown, and Judge Walker seven hun- 
dred and thirty-four. Twice afterwards — viz., in 1800 
and 1801— he was the Republican candidate for Gov- 
ernor, receiving the former year six thousand and 
thirty-nine, and the latter five thousand two hundred 
and forty-nine votes, the whole number of votes cast 
being between sixteen thousand and seventeen thou- 
sand. 

Although mingling largely in State affiiirs, Mr. 
Walker did not withhold himself from a participation 
in the management of the more limited business of 
his native town. In this sphere he was also promi- 
nent. He was moderator of the annual town-meeting 
in 1779 and every year.afterwards, with the excep- 
tion of ten, until 1809, serving in that capacity no 
less than twenty-one years. He was also town clerk 
from 1769 up to and including 1777, and one of the 
selectmen of the town for tweuty-five years between 
1769 and 1802, beiug chairman of the board every 
year during this period except four. 

He ever took a lively interest in everything tending 
to advance the prosperity of Concord. Being a rep- 
resentative to the Legislature, which was holden at 
Exeter in 1781, and finding some dissatisfaction among 
the members relative to accommodations furnished 
there, he proposed to them that ifthey would adjourn 
to meet at Concord, they should be as well served 
and at one-half of the expense. The proposal was 
accepted, and upon his return home he informed his 
townsmen of the manner in which he had committed 
them, and they at once pledged themselves to make 
good his engagement to the best of their several abil- 
ities. The next year the Legislature assembled in 
Concord for the first time, meeting first at the meet- 
ing-house, but adjourning, immediately after coming 
together, to a hall prepared for them in a building 
now standing near the southwest corner of Main and 
Penacook Streets. 

In 1798 we find him greatly interested in the im- 
provement of the sacred music of the town, and the 
records of the Concord Musical Association show 
him to have been its first i)resident. Indeed, Judge 
Walker seems to have been intimately connected with 



most of the Concord enterprises of his day. He was 
one of the original proprietors of Federal bridge, 
which was incorporated in 1795, and crossed the Mer- 
rimac at East Concord village. Three years after, he 
became one of the members of " The Proprietors of 
the Concord Library." 

In 1806 the Concord Bank was incorporated by the 
Legislature, and irreconcilable differences of opinion 
arising at the meeting of the grantees for organiza- 
tion, two banks with different officers, but bearing the 
same name, were organized under the same charter, — 
one located at the north end and the other at the 
southerly end of Main Street. Each did a successful 
business for twenty years, at the expiration of which 
period they were organized under separate charters. 
Of the upper bank Judge Walker was the first presi- 
dent, and continued for several years. Upon most, or 
all, of the old subscription papers for procuring money 
for local purposes, which have been preserved, his name 
stands prominent, evincing his constant interest in 
the public enterprises of his native town. 

In 1774, largely through his influence and effi)rts, 
a township of land upon the Androscoggin River, in 
Maine, was granted by the General Court of Massa- 
chusetts to the proprietors of Concord or their de- 
scendants, to indemnify them, in part, for expenses 
and losses incurred in consequence of the long con- 
troversy with the alleged proprietors of Bow. This 
grant affi)rded good lands upon favorable terms to the 
children of the original settlers of Concord, and many 
emigrated to that locality and established the present 
town of Rumford. Of these lands Judge Walker 
eventually became a large proprietor and afforded 
substantial aid to many young fiimilies of limited 
means in establishing themselves in life. Some of these 
lands descended to hLs children and to his children's 
children, while some are still held by his great-grand- 
children, who are to-day among the prosperous fann- 
ers of Rumford. 

Notwithstanding his multitudinous avocations of a 
more or less public character, Judge Walker always 
kept and managed with care the large farm left him 
by his father. He increased, rather than diminished, 
its original area. Situated, as this was, upon the 
very edge of the village, it afforded him a convenient 
residence, and at the plain mansion which sheltered 
him and his family he dispensed, for a long series of 
years, a plain hospitality to multitudes of friends 
and acquaintances who sought his society. 

" My son, you must not pull down the old barn in 
my day," he said, on one occasion, to his youngest 
son and successor upon the farm. " You can build 
as many new ones as you like. That was Parson 
Walker's barn ; it has never failed to afford shelter 
and feed to the horse of the visitor who has knocked 
at our door ; let it stand as long as I last." And a 
new barn went up, but "Parson Walker's barn" re- 
mained standing until the worthy judge had rested 
from his labors a half-score of years and more. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



In person, Judge Walker was of medium size, 
being about five feet ten inches in height and having 
rounded and well-developed limbs. In later life he 
was a little inclined to fulness. He hud a placid, 
oi>eii countenance, a nose somewhat prominent and a 
full, blue eye. His walk was erect and his bearing 
dignified. He possessed an active, vigorous mind 
and a well-balanced judgment. He had keen per- 
ceptive faculties, which, aided by the experience 
gained by long intercourse with men, enabled him to 
form quickly correct opinions of the characters and 
motives of those with whom he came in contact. 
While cautious, he was yet of a sanguine tempera- 
niCMit ; hopeful, also, when others despaired, and 
rarely given to despondency. He had a cheerful dis- 
position; he was reasonable in his expectations and 
charitable in his judgments. Careful in the choice 
of his plans, as well as patient in their execution, he 
was generally successful. Democratic and affable, he 
was on familiar terms with all about him. Rejoicing 
in the welfare of his townsmen, he was ever ready to 
do them kind services. He manifested a particular 
interest in the young men of the town, and not a few, 
just starting in life, received from him counsel or en- 
couragement or pecuniary aid, which assisted them 
greatly in overcoming first obstacles and nerved 
them to exertions which secured the foundations of 
future prosperity. 

When at length old age came upon him, he met it 
cheerfully and manfully. For several years previous 
to 1822 he had been somewhat infirm, but still en- 
joyed life in a good degree. His children were pros- 
perously and respectably settled in their different 
avocations, a part of them near about him. He had 
frequent evidence of the respect entertained for him 
by his fellow-citizens ; he had an inward conscious- 
ness of having done what he could to be useful in his 
day and generation ; he hart entire confidence in the re- 
velations of the Sacred Sniplur.s and an humble hope 
that the infinite atoncnnni nf tln' Son of God might 
attach to him. On the -"itli of .Miiy, 1822, in the bosom 
of his family, he died, a virtuous and a happy old 
man, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. Truly, 
'■ The hoary head is a crown of glory if it be found in 
the way of righteousness." 

Edward St. Loe Livermore, son of Hon. Samuel 
Livermore, born in Londonderry, 1761, entered upon 
his profession in Concord, 1783 ; solicitor for Rock- 
ingham County, 1791-93 ; judge in the Superior 
Court of Judicature, 1797-99; then resided at Ports- 
mouth. He was also member of Congress from 
Slassachusetts. He was the father of the celebrated 
Harriet Livermore, born in Concord April 14, 1788. 
He died at Tewksbury, Mass., September 15, 1832, 
aged seventy-one. 

Thomas W. Thompsox, son of Deacon Thomas 
Thompson, of Boston, born March 10, 1766 ; graduated 
at Harvard University, 1786; was tutor in college, 
1789 ; aid to General Lincohi at the time of " Shav's 



Rebellion ; " commenced the practice of law at Salis- 
bury, 1791 ; representative from that town in the State 
Legislature ; chosen representative to Congress, 1805- 
07 ; in 1810 treasurer of the State, when he moved 
to Concord ; speaker of the House in the State 
Legislature, 1813 and 1814; Senator in Congress, 
1814-17 ; elected trustee of Dartmouth College in 
1801, which office he held till his death. Mr. Thomp- 
son was an accomplished gentlemsin, distinguished for 
the dignity and urbanity of his manners, for integrity 
and piety. He held the office of deacon in the First 
Church in Concord from 1818 till his death. He died 
of pulmonary consumption, October 10, 1821, aged 
fifty-five years. 

Arthur Livermore, judge, brother of Edward 
St. Loe Livermore, opened an office in Concord in 
1792 ; soon moved to Chester, thence to Holderness. 
He died July, 1853, aged eighty-seven years. 

Samuel Green, judge, son of Nathaniel Green, 
born March 7, 1770, read law in the office of his 
brother, Peter Green, Esq. ; commenced practice in 
Concord, 1793 ; associate justice of the Superior 
Court from 1819 to 1840, when he retired on account 
of the constitutional limit of age. He was then ap- 
pointed to a clerkship at Washington, where he con- 
tinued till his death, March, 1851, aged eighty-one 
years. 

Philip Carrigain, son of Dr. Philip Carrigain, was 
born in Concord in 1772, and graduated at Dartmouth 
College in 1794 ; studied law with Arthur Livermore, 
Esq., and settled in practice in his native town. He 
was Secretary of State, clerk of the Senate and was 
often employed in public business. He died March 
15, 1842, aged seventy years. 

Moody Kent, son of Joseph Kent, was born in 
Newbury, Mass., May 22, 1779; graduated at II:uvai-.l 
College, 1801 ; admitted to the bar in 1804 ; pra.ticr.l 
in Deerfield nearly five years; came to Couidnl in 
September, 1809, where he remained in practice till 
1832, when he withdrew from business. 

Isaac Gates, graduated at Harvard College, 1802 ; 
was in Concord a short time in 1814; died in Harvard, 
Mass., in November, 1852. 

Lyman B. Walker, from Gilford, while Attorney- 
General of the State, from 1843 to — , resided in Con- 
cord. 

Samuel Fletcher, born in Plymouth, July 31, 
1785; graduated at Dartmouth College, 1810; opened 
an office in Concord, 1815 ; trustee of Darmouth Col- 
lege; trustee and treasurer of Phillips Academy and 
Theological Seminary, at Andover, from 1841 to 1850. 

Nathaniel Gookin Upham was born in Deer- 
field, N. H., .lanuary 8, 1801. His parents removed 
to Rochester the following year. He pursued his 
studies {preparatory to college at Exeter Academy; 
entered Dartmouth in 1816 ; was a faithful student, 
and graduated with honor in 1820. 

Immediately after his graduation, Mr. Upham com- 
menced the study of law. After being admitted to 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the bar, he practiced his profession in Bristol until 
1829, when he removed to Concord. 

Four years later Mr. Upham was appointed one of 
the associate justices of the Superior Court of New 
Hampshire. This honor was the more complimentary 
a-s he was only thirty-two years of age. With the 
single exception of Hon. Levi Woodbury, he was the 
youngest man who had been placed upon the bench 
of New Hampshire. He discharged with faithfulness 
and ability the duties devolving upon him until 1848, 
when he resigned and was appointed superintendent 
of the Concord Railroad. Some years later, the 
business of the road liaving greatly increased, he 
relinquished the superintendency and was made 
president. In the management of its affairs for 
twenty-three years he used great wisdom and judg- 
ment, giving to it liis best thoughts, his legal know- 
ledge and experience, ever planning wisely and suc- 
cessfully for the enlargement of its business, with 
remarkable prudence, foresight and perseverance. 
He held the office of president till 1866, when his 
connection with the railroad ceased. 

In 1853, Judge Upham was appointed commissioner, 
on the part of the government of the United States, 
to confer with a similar commissioner appointed by 
the English government, and to decide upon certain 
claims brought by citizens of either country against 
the government of the other. These claims had been 
growing in number and amount for forty years. This 
commission met in London in September, 1853, Ed- 
mund Hornby, Esq., acting on the part of Great 
Britain. They considered all claims presented, pro- 
nouncing upon each a deliberate and final judgment, 
and in accordance with these decisions the claims 
were paid by the respective governments, amounting 
in the aggregate to many millions of dollars. 

In 1862, Judge Upham was called to act in a similar 
service, that of umpire in the commission appointed 
by government for the .settlement of claims between 
the United SijI.s mimI \ew Granada. 

In politir^ .lihl'jr I pliain was a Democrat for many 
years. Tliouj;h duel Jed in his political principles, he 
was not a politician. His influence was exercised 
rather by private suggestions and the weight of his 
general character. 

In 1850 he was chairman of the business committee 
of the convention called to amend the Constitution 
of New Hampshire. 

In 1865 and 1866 he was a member of the Legisla- 
ture, and earnest in advocating the proposed amend- 
ment of the National Constitution. He was also at 
this time chairman of the committee to remodel the 
State-House. 

In the struggle between the North and the South 
Judge Upham took an open and decided stand at 
once on the side of the government, in the exercise 
of all the influence he could exert, by addresses 
delivered on public occasions, as well as by letters 
and essays published in the leading newspapers. He 



accepted heartily the emancipation proclamation, 
both as to its expediency and constitutionality as a 
war measure. 

There was in Judge Upham, beneath all the busi- 
ness and professional life, a strong literary taste. 
He wrote with ease, and wrote much. His style was 
clear and forcible, at times eloquent, and many valua- 
ble articles from his pen were published. 

For more than forty years he resided in Concord, 
and his name is associated with the growth and pros- 
perity of the city. He was interested in all wise 
measures for the public good, and his was a leading 
mind in devising methods of improvement, and very 
etticient in carrying them into effect. His fellow- 
citizens learned to place great confidence in his 
judgment, acknowledging his prudence and foresight, 
knowing that his opinions were given after a careful 
consideration of the subject. He was a man of up- 
rightness, true to his engagements, faithful to every 
contract, doing what he regarded as right in the sight 
of God and man. He was a leading member of the 
South Congregational Church from its organization, 
and did much for its stability and prosperity. 

Judge Upham was twice married, first to Miss 
Betsy W. Lord, of Kennebunkport, Me. She died 
in Concord, August 17, 1833, leaving two children, 
both of whom survive, — Eev. Nathaniel L. Upham, of 
Philadelphia, and Mrs. Joseph B. Walker, of Concord. 
His second wife was Miss Eliza W. Burnham, of Pem- 
broke. The children of this marriage are not living. 
An infant daughter died in 1844, and Mr. Francis A. 
Upham, April 3, 1867, aged twenty-nine years. Mrs. 
E. W. Upham died April 14, 1882. 

" But the ihost honored life must come to a close." 
Never a strong or robust man, yet with prudence anil 
care he was ever able to perform well the duties of the 
hour. A few days' illness terminated a useful life, 
and Nathaniel Gookin Upham died December 11, 
1869, aged sixty-nine. 

Stephen C. Badgee, a native of Warner, born 
April 12, 1797 ; graduated at Dartmouth College, 1823 ; 
admitted to the bar, 1826 ; came to Concord from 
New London, 1833 ; was clerk of the courts of Merri- 
mack County from 1834 to 1846 ; police magistrate 
several years previous to the adoption of the city 
charter. 

David Pillsbi-ry, born in Raymond, whence his 
father soon removed to Candia ; a graduate of Dart- 
mouth College, 1827; practiced law in Chester from 
1830 to 1854, when he opened an office in Concord. 
Several years was a major-general in the New Hamp- 
shire militia. 

Hamiltox Hutchins, A.m., son of the late Abel 
Hutchins, born July 10, 1805; graduated at Dart- 
mouth College, 1827; admitted to the bar in Concord, 
1880; was highly esteemed for his amiable temper 
and liciillniianly manners. 

(!i"i;^,i Mix.n-, born in Bristol; graduated at 
Darliiioutli < nil, -e, 1828; admitted to the bar, 1881 ; 



BENCH AND BAK. 



practiced in his profession at Gilmanton, Bristol and 
Concord. He was cashier of the Mechanics' Bank in 
Concord. 

Calvin Ainsvvorth, a native of Littleton, born 
August 22, 1807 ; admitted to the bar, 1835 ; came to 
Concord from Littleton, 1843 ; register of probate for 
Merrick County five years, and first police justice of 
the city of Concord, 1853. 

Ephraim Eaton, a native of Candia ; graduated at 
Dartmouth College, 1833 ; studied law with Samuel 
Fletcher, Esq., and opened an office in Concord, 1837, 
where he continued in business until 1853. 

Nehemiah Butler, born at Pelham, February 22, 
1824 ; studied law with Asa Fowler, Esq., of Concord, 
and at the Law School in Harvard University ; com- 
menced practice at Fisherville, 1843 ; was appointed 
clerk of the Superior Court and Court of Common 
Pleas for the county of Merrimack, and removed to 
Concord, 1852, where he resided until his death. 

Hon. Ezekiel Webster, elder brother of Daniel, 
was born in Salisbury, April 11, 1780. The first nine- 
teen years of his life were spent on his father's farm, 
and it was settled in the mind of Judge Webster that 
he was to remain at home and be a farmer, while 
Daniel, who had less physical strength in childhood, 
who seems to have had little inclination for farming, 
was to be educated to one of the learned professions. 

Daniel entered college in 1797. It troubled him, 
however, to think that Ezekiel was at home plodding 
on the farm while he was obtaining an education. 
He says in his autobiography, — 

"I soon began to grow uneasy at my brother's situation. His 
prospects were not promising, and he himself felt and saw this, and had 
aspirations beyond his condition. Nothing was proposed, however, by 
way of change of plan, till two years later. 

" In the spring of 1799, at the May vacation, being then a sophomore, 
I visited my family, and then held serious consultation with my brother. 
I remember well when we went to bed we began to talk matters over, 
and that we rose after sunrise without having shut our eyes. But we 
had settled our plan. 

"He had thought of goint:- ill! u.- n-u |mi l ^ r I|p. i -unti \ Tlmt 



broke up, or, rather, got up. ii- f -nli ^^ > M,,t I -'i .ri!.i |,i..] — i . my 
father that he, late as it was, sliould U_- sc-Tit tu s.hool, and also to .-olloge. 
This we knew would be a trying thing to my father .and mother and two 
unmarried sisters. My father was growing old, his health not good and 
his circumstances far from easy. The fai™ was to be carried on, and the 
family taken care of ; and there was nobody to do all this but him who 
was regarded as the main stay, that is to say, Ezekiel. However, I ven- 
tured on the negotiation, and it was carried, as other things often are, by 
the earnest and sanguine manner of youth. I told him that I was un- 
happy at my brother's prospects. For myself I saw my way to knowl- 
edge, respectability and self-protection, but as to him, all looked the 
other way ; that I would keep school, and get along as well as I could — 
be more than four years in getting through college, if necessary— pro- 
vided he also could be sent to study. 

■' He said, at once, ho lived but for his children ; that he had but lit- 
tle, and on that little be put no value, except so far ae it might be useful 
to them ; that to carry us botli through college would take all he was 
worth ; that for himself he was willing to run the risk, but that this was 
a serious matter to our mother and two unmarried sisters ; that we must 
settle the matter with them, and if their consent was obtained, he would 
trust to Providence and get along as well as he could." 

The father laid the case before the mother. " The 
farm is already mortgaged, and if we send Ezekiel 



to college, it will take all we have ; but the boys think 
they can take care of us," he said. 

It did not take the strong-hearted, sagacious wo- 
man long to decide the matter : " We can trust the 
boys." 

The question was settled. Daniel went back to 
Hanover, while Ezekiel went, bundle in hand, to 
Dr. Wood's, and began the study of Latin. He spent 
two terms at a school kept at Salisbury, South Road 
village, and returned again to Dr. Wood's, where his 
expenses were about one dollar per week. 

While thus studying and taking recreation be- 
neath the magnificent beeches that stood before the 
house, he kept up a frequent correspondence with 
Daniel at Hanover. Ezekiel distrusted his ability to 
get on. Daniel made this reply to him, in a letter 
written April 25, 1800,— 

"You tell me that you have diffl<ulti 
thingof. Whatdoyoumean, E/i 1,1- I I 
become you. Or do you tbirik \ n r 
ties? If so, be assured you l'i- 
say in your letters to me, 'I am -ii[ - : i 

" I should not resent the language, — I should be very well pleased in 
hearing it ; but be assured, as mighty as you are, your great puissance 
shall never insure you a victory without a contest." 

With such words Daniel endeavored to cheer the 
struggling elder brother. 

In November, 1802, Daniel was at home in Salis- 
bury, while Ezekiel was struggling with poverty at 
Hanover. Funds were getting low in the Webster 
homestead. Daniel writes under date of November 



] to flatter? That don't 
me in natural abili- 
ii- refore, in the future 
I natural endowments ; 
, and more in six than 



"Now, Zeke, you will not read half a sentence, no, not one syllable 
before you have thoroughly searched this sheet for scrip ; but my word 
for it, you'll find no scrip here. We held a sanhedrim this morning on 
the subject of cash , 'ull hi liii ii[Mjn any way to get you any. Just 
before we went aw ;i\ i I i .- through disappointment it came 

into our heads tiial h- m i -- The truth is, father had an 

execution against Hull :U' I, -f N i Ir.-lrr, for about one hundreddollars. 
The money was colleitiug and jiist ready to drop into the hands of the 
creditors, when Hubbard s\iddenly died. This, you see, stays the execu- 
tion till the long process of administering is completed. 

" I have now by me two cents in lawful federal currency. Next week 
I shall send them, if they be all. They will buy a pipe ; with a pipe 
you can smoke ; smoking inspires wisdom ; wisdom is allied to fortitude ; 
from fortitude it is but one step to stoicism ; and stoicism never pants for 
this world's goods ;— so perhaps my two cents, by this process, may put 
you quite at ease about cash. . . . 

" We are all here just in the old way, always behind and lacking. 
Boys digging potatoes with frozen fingers, and girls washing without 

Two days later Ezekiel writes to Daniel. It is 
not an answer; the letters doubtless passed each 
other on the way. Ezekiel, after giving a just criti- 
cism on the writings of Horace, thus closes his 
epistle, — 

" These cold, frosty mornings very sensibly inform me that I want a 
warm great-coat. I wish, Daniel, it might be convenient to send me 
cloth for one ; otherwise I shall be necessitated to purcha,se one here. I 
do not care what color it is, or what kind of cloth it is — anything that 
will keep the frost out. Some kind of shaggy cloth, I think, would be 
cheapest. Deacon Pettingill has written, ofiering me fourteen dollai-s a 
mouth (to keep school). I believe I shall take it. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



"Money, Daniol, money ! As I wa8 walking doivn to the office after 
a letter, 1 happened to have one cent, which is the only money 1 have 
baa since the second day after I came on. II is a fact. Dan, that I was 
called on for a dollar where I owed it, and borrowed it, and have bor- 
rowed it four timeii since to pay those I borrowed of." 

From a paragraph in a letter written by Daniel to 
his classmate, Bingham, of Lemp.ster, it would ap- 
pear that Ezekiel taught school in Sanbornton in 
December, 1803,— 

*' Zeke is at Sanbornton. ' He comes home once in a while, sits down 
befor« the kitchen Arc. begins to poke and rattle the andirons. I know 
what is coming, and am mute. At length he puts his feet into the 
oven's mouth, place his right eyebrow up on his forehead, & begins a 
very pathetic lecture on the evils of poverty. It is like church service. 
He does all the talking, and I only say * Amen ! amen ! ' " 

Ezekiel's funds failed in the spring of 1804, and by 
permission of the faculty he left Dartmouth, went to 
Boston, where he purchased the good-will of a pri- 
vate school, which he taught with great success till 
Ajiril, 1805. He was graduated at Dartmouth mean- 
while, in 1804, having s])ont but three years in col- 
lege. 

While earning a livelihood by teaching, he studied 
law with Governor Sullivan, then Attorney-General 
of Massachusetts. In 1806 he studied with Parker 
Noyes, Esq., of Salisbury, next door to Judge Web- 
ster's house. Daniel having decided to leave Bosca- 
wen and take up his residence in Portsmouth, turned 
over his practice to Ezekiel, who entered upon his 
Iirofession as a lawyer in Boscawen in the month of 
September, 1807. His legal knowledge and moral 
worth soon become known, and acquired for him an 
extensive busine.ss. He was not ambitious to excel 
as an orator, and it was only the urgent appeal of 
duty or the imperative obligation to his profession 
that overcame his instinctive aversion to a crowd, and 
called forth his highest powers of eloquence. He 
never encouraged litigation, but always used his 
personal influence to bring about a private adjustment 
of most of the contested matters originating in the 
town. He repeatedly represented the town in the 
Legislature. He was educated a Federalist by his 
father, a Whig of 1776. He was old enough to 
remember the administration of Washington, and be- 
lieved with all his heart in the political principles 
adhered to by the Federal party, which was in a 
minority in the State after he came into public life. 
This adherence to political principles prevented his 
election to Congress, and from holding other offices 
ill the gift of the )ieo])le. i 

Although devoted to his i)rni'cssi(in, he loved agri- I 
culture, and retained the liomestead at Salisbury 
after his father's death, which occurred in 1806. He 
was one of the projectors and an active member of 
the Merrimack Agricultural Society, and was active 
in advancing imi)roved methods of husbandry. 

He was simple in his tastes, kind, genial, polite, 
and a perfect gentleman. He attended to all the 
details of life, served as assessor in the religious so- 
ciety, and as committeeman for the school district. 



He looked upon Dr. Wood as a loving child looks 
upon a devoted parent. A member of the bar spend- 
ing a Sabbath with Mr. Webster, and hearing I ir. 
Wood, took occasion to disparage the sermon. Mr. 
Webster replied, pointedly and with spirit, that he 
doubted the gentleman's ability to appreciate the 
performance. He was ever Dr. Wood's confidential 
friend and adviser. Together they planned the es- 
tablishing of Boscawen Academy. Mr. Webster 
contributed fully three hundred dollars to the insti- 
tution, and by his heartiness and zeal .stimulated his 
fellow-town.smen to carry on the project, while 
Daniel, then almost in the zenith of his fame, con- 
tributed the bell. 

He was an exemplary member of the church, and 
his influence was ever on the side of right. He was 
a con.stant attendant upon religious services, and 
always maintained religious devotions in his home. 

On the 10th of April, 1829, he was making a plea 
before the Merrimack bar at Concord. He was stand- 
ing erect. The court-room was crowded, for when- 
ever the lawyer from Boscawen made a plea the 
people flocked to hear him. The court, jurors, law- 
yers and audience were listening to his words, and 
noticing the play of his clear-cut features and the 
manly dignity of his commanding presence. He was 
speaking with vigor and earnestness. His periods 
were rounded as usual, his utterance clear, his enun- 
ciation perfect. He closed one branch of his argu- 
ment, uttered the concluding sentence and the final 
word distinctly and with his accustomed cadence, his 
form erect as ever, his eyes clear and bright, his 
arms hanging naturally by his side, and then, with- 
out a murmur, a groan, a lisp, raising not a hand, 
clutching at nothing, with no bending of a joint or 
quivering of the eyelids, he fell backward upon the 
floor — dead ! With the quickness of the lightning's 
flash, from the full vigor of a manly life, at the age 
of forty-nine, he died — one of the most remarkable 
deaths on record. 

His funeral was attended on the following Sunday 
by a vast concourse of people, and he was mourned 
by the entire community. 

A writer in a public journal describes his appear- 



" He was nearly six feet in height, finely proportioned, with a very 
commanding presence. His was a magnificent form, crowned with a 
princely head, that in his last years was thickly covered with snowy hair. 
His complexion was Just the opposite of Daniel's. His countenance was 
ojien iis tlie day ; his heart was wann aud affectionate; his manners 
liinil and courteous." 

Daniel, in a letter written in 1846, thus spoke of 
him, — 

"He appeared to me the finest human form that ever I laid eyes on. 
I saw him in his coffin, a tinged cheek, a complexion clear as the heav- 
enly light." 

One who saw him at church, on a cold day the 
winter before, speaks of his appearance. It was be- 
fore the introduction of a stove. Mr. Webster came 
in, wearing a jacket, or " Spencer," as the garment 




DANIEL WEBSTER. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



was called, over his coat, bringing a foot-stove in 
his hand, which, with princely politeness, he placed 
at the feet of Mrs. Webster, and then took his seat, 
and joined reverently in the worship. 

He held important trusts: was trustee of Dart- 
mouth College from 1819 till his death, and repeat- 
edly represented the town in the Legislature. 

Daniel Webster,' whose fame is world wide, lived 
the earlier half of his life in New Hampshire. The 
son of a Kevolutionary patriot, Capt. Ebenezer Web- 
ster, and of New Hampshire descent for four genera- 
tions, he was born in Salisbury, January 18, 1782. A 
feeble constitution pointed him out as fitter for edu- 
cation than for the sturdy labors of the farm, and with 
self-denial on the part of his parents, and struggle on 
his own part, he accomplished his wishes, and gradu- 
ated at Dartmouth College in 1801 with honor. His 
legal studies he completed under the direction of Hon. 
T. W. Thompson, of Salisbury, and Hon. Christopher 
Gore, of Boston, where he was admitted an attorney in 
1805. He took up his residence at once in Boscawen, 
and remained two years a close student of his pro- 
fession and of general literature. In 1807 he made 
Portsmouth his place of abode, and lived there until 
1816, when he removed to Boston. While a resident 
of New Hampshire he served two terms as representa- 
tive in Congress. 

Mr. Webster acquired a high reputation as a lawyer 
and a statesman (for he never was a politician) before 
he quitted his native State. When he went to Ports- 
mouth, at the age of only twenty-five years, he was a 
mature man, armed at every point for the battle of 
life. Mr. Mason, then in the prime of his unrivaled 
powers, descrit)es his first encounter with Webster. 
He had heard of him as a formidable antagonist, and 
found on trial that he was not over-estimated. Young 
and inexperienced as he was, Webster entered the 
arena with Mason and Sullivan and Bartlett, and bore 
away his full share of the honors. And before he 
quitted his New Hampshire home his reputation as 
a lawyer and as an advocate of eloquence and power 
ranked with the very highest in the land. 

Those who heard his addresses to the jury in his 
early prime testify that none of his later great efforts 
surpassed them — if, indeed, they equaled them — as 
examples of earnest, impassioned forensic oratory. 
There was a youthful brilliancy and bloom about 
those earlier productions that is not found in the 
stately works of his maturer years. 

In those days, when practitioners made reputations 
by special pleading and sharp practice, Mr. Webster 
relied little upon mere technicalities or adroit man- 
agement. He tried his causes upon their merits, and 
with his logical power and eloquent tongue made 
short work of trumped-up claims and dishonest de- 
fenses. Many traditions attest his commanding in- 
fluence over court and jury at this period of his career. 



Without being authentic in all particulars, they all 
concur in deiuoii-,lr:itiiiL: tliiiton no legal practitioner 
of his time \v:i- ih. |h,|iii1iii- confidence and admira- 
tion so univiTsiilly li. sK.wrd as on Webster. 

The events in the life of Mr. Webster from the time 
he re-entered Congress from Massachusetts are too 
familiar to require special repetition here. He con- 
tinued in public life, with the exception of very brief 
intervals, up to the time of his decease in 1852. He 
was a senator in Congress for seventeen years. He 
was twice Secretary of State, and died in possession 
of that office. Every public position that he held he 
adorned and dignified by eminent patriotic service. 

Now that nearly a generation has passed since Mr. 
Webster's death, his character is beginning to be es- 
timated more justly, and the value of the work he did 
for the country has been tested. We see that his sa- 
gacity and foresight were far beyond those of his 
time ; and his apprehensions for the safety of the 
Union were well founded; that his exhortations to his 
countrymen to stand by the flag were honest, neces- 
sary, and vitalizing to the patriotism of the people. 

The petty assaults that seemed temporarily to ob- 
scure his fame have had their brief day, and poster- 
ity will recognize the true grandeur of the man, and 
value at their just worth the great deeds of his life- 
time. As a statesman and a diplomatist, as a vindi- 
cator of the Constitution, as a lawyer and an orator, 
and, most of all, as a patriot, the country will be for- 
tunate if the future shall furnish his peer. 

Sylvester Dana graduated at Dartmouth Col- 
lege in 1839. He is son of the late Rev. Sylvester 
Dana, and is a native of Oxford. He studied law with 
Pierce & Fowler and at the Harvard Liiw School, and 
was admitted to the bar in 1842. He soon after 
opened an oflice in Concord, where he has since re- 
sided. He is the present police justice of Concord. 

JosiAH MiNOT graduated at Dartmouth College 
in 1837. He studied law and was admitted to the bar 
in 1840, and opened an office in Concord. He was 
appointed, in 1852, judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas, which he resigned, in 1855, to .accept the ap- 
pointment of commissioner of pensions. He is still 
in practice in Concord. 

Arthur Fletcher was a native of Bridgewater. 
He graduated at Yale College in 1836, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in Concord in 1840, where he re- 
mained in practice until his death. 

Henry P. Rolfe is one of the older attorneys of 
Concord. He is asonof Benjamin Rolfe, and was born 
in Boscawen, February 12, 1823. He graduated at 
Dartmouth College in 1848, and in 1851 commenced 
the practice of law in Concord, where he has since re- 
sided. 

Henry Adams Bellows,- chief justice of New 
Hampshii'e, was born at Walpole, N. H., October 25, 
1803, and died at Concord, March 11, 1873. 

- By Daniel F. Secomb. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



On the paternal side he was descended from Gen. 
Benjamin Bellows, one of the first settlers of Walpole, 
and on the maternal side his immediate ancestors 
were members of the Adams and Boylston families of 
JIassachusetts, his grandfather. Rev. Zabdiel Adams, 
of Lunenberg, Mass., being a double cousin to Presi- 
dent John Adams. 

His father dying, the care of the family devolved 
upon him at the age of sixteen years, and for two 
years he was engaged in teaching, after which he read 
law in the office of Hon. William C. Bradley, of West- 
minster, Vt., and commenced practice in Walpole 
shortly after, removing to Littleton in 1828 and thence 
to Concord in 1860, where he continued in active 
practice until he was appointed an associate justice, 
in 1859, and on the resignation of Judge Perley, in 
September, 1869, he succeeded him as chief justice, 
which office he held at the time of his death. 

He represented Littleton in the legislature in 1839, 
and was one of the representatives of Ward 5, of Con- 
cord, in 1856-57. While occupying a seat on the 
bench he received the honorary degree of LL.D. from 
Dartmouth College. 

Judge Bellows was a sound lawyer and an excellent 
judge. He was one of the purest-minded men who 
ever held public office in the State ; a large-hearted 
man in thoughts and deeds, taking an active interest 
in benevolent enterprises. A public-spirited citizen, 
genial and courteous in his intercourse with men, he 
enjoyed the respect and esteem of his associates of 
the bar and bench and the community at large. 

William Heney Bartlett. ' — -Beneath the 
shadow of Kearsage Mountain, in the historic town of 
Salisbury, — the home of the Websters and Eastmans 
and Bartletts and Pettingills,— William Henry Bart- 
lett was born, August 20, 1827. He was the youngest 
child of Samuel Colcord and Eleanor Pettingill Bart- 
lett. His father was noted for his vigorous mind, his 
great activity and strict integrity ; his mother for the 
sweetness of her character, her gentleness and dignity 
of manner, and strong, womanly sense ; both for their 
pure Christian lives and characters. He was the 
nephew of Ichabod Bartlett, of Portsmouth, the co- 
temporary at the bar of Mason and Smith and Web- 
ster, and the peer of either in learning and eloquence. 
The son of such parents could not fixil to receive the 
impress of their virtues and characters. He was rec- 
ognized by all as an interesting child, and a boy of 
great promise, both in mind and character. Without 
precocity, he was singularly quick of apprehension, 
and equally patient and painstaking. While in the 
common school, and afterwards at the academy, he 
would come with his arithmetic or algebra, and, of 
his own accord, sit by the hour working at his prob- 
lems, till it was found necessary to send him to his 
sports. He never lost that habit of protracted toil to 



' From an eulogy delivered by Hon. Isaac W. Smith, before the 
amni of Dartmouth CoUege at commencement, June 23, 1880. 



the end of his life. Perhaps the end was hastened by 
the excess. Meanwhile, from his childhood, his 
scholarship was of the highest order. In his earlier 
school-days he was associated in classes with much 
older persons than he, and proved himself fully their 
equal. But neither then nor afterwards did his pro- 
ficiency create in him the slightest aspect of arro- 
gance or conceit; but he remained to the end as mod- 
est as he was bright and strong. 

His childhood and boyhood were marked by an ex- 
tremely kind, obliging and winning disposition. At 
home he was helpful and uniformly cheerful and 
obliging. It was a marked and peculiar trait in his 
character, and steadily deepened into that thoughtful 
kindness which, in after years, gained him such un- 
broken and universal love. 

Young Bartlett entered Meriden Academy at the 
age of thirteen, and at fifteen had completed his prep- 
aration for college. His friends considered him too 
young ; but not seeing how else to occupy him, con- 
sented, and in the fall of 1842 he entered the fresh- 
man class in this college. The modest and diffident 
Bartlett — the youngest member, with possibly a sin- 
gle exception — soon became, by universal and cheer- 
ful acknowledgment, the leader of his class in point 
of scholarship. We were classmates ; and I have no 
hesitation in saying, I do not know that I ever met a 
finer scholar, and seldom have I encountered a 
brighter or stronger intellect. He had a singular 
quickness to perceive, a powerful memory to retain, 
and a breadth and grasp that subordinated every de- 
tail to the whole, and extracted order out of compli- 
cation. The modesty with which he bore his academic 
honors was only equaled by the sincere affection with 
which he was regarded by his classmates. 

At the request of his brother Samuel, he left college 
during his sophomore year, and pursued his studies 
with him at Monson, Mass. There he remained 
nearly a year, applying himself with his usual dili- 
gence, and endearing himself in the community, so 
that the pleasant memory of him there has not been 
lost to the present time. He entered the next college 
class, graduating in the first rank in 1847. The 
"Prophetic Power of Genius " was the subject of his 
oration at commencement. Those who knew him 
best felt that no prophet was needed to estimate his 
maturer character or to anticipate his eminent suc- 
cess in whatever calling he might pursue. 

At the time of his graduation his brother Samuel 
filled a professor's chair in Western Reserve College ; 
and, as he was still quite young, it was thought best 
that he should spend a year of more general study 
before entering upon his professional career. He 
accordingly joined a class of graduate students in that 
college, and spent a highly profitable year in the 
study of history, the German language and the 
Greek dramatic poets. Here again his scholarship 
and personal qualities made a deep and permanent 
impression on his teachers and associates, so that 



BENCH AND BAR. 



11 



they ever remembered him with a warm personal 
interest. 

He entered upon the study of the law in Concord 
in the office of Chief Justice Perley in 1848, and re- 
mained with Judge Perley till he went upon the 
bench, in 1850, and afterwards completed his course 
of preparation with Chief Justice Bellows, then in 
practice at Concord, and was admitted to the bar in 
Merrimack County July 9, 1851. How he impressed 
those eminent jurists by his fine scholarship, studious 
habits, ingenuous disposition and legal attainments is 
best told in the language of Judge Perley, written 
soon after the death of Judge Bartlett: "Few men," 
wrote Judge Perley, " have excelled him in quick- 
ness of apprehension : and this was a general trait of 
his mind, observable in whatever he undertook, — in 
his classical and mathematical studies, in the law, 
and even in any amusement or recreation in which 
he might be led to indulge. There was a playful 
ease in his way of doing the most difficult things, 
which made them look more like an amusement or a 
pastime than an irksome labor. With all his dis- 
patch, he was distinguished for accuracy and correct- 
ness. It was very seldom that he fell into any mis- 
take or blunder. His memory was also tenacious 
and exact. In the' law he united two things which 
are not often found together in the same individual, 
— a perfect mastery of principles, with great and 
ready recollection of points and authorities." 

His relations to Judge Perley were most intimate 
and delightful,— in some respects the relation of 
equals ; in others, almost of father and son. 

His admirable collegiate training, supplemented by 
two years of special instruction under the immediate 
eye of his learned brother, and his study of the law 
under two such eminent legal minds as Judges 
Perley and Bellows, prepared him to enter upon the 
practice of the law with success assured. We are not 
therefore surprised to find him at once taking his 
place in the front ranks of the profession, and en- 
trusted with a business important not only in the 
amounts involved, but especially because of the legal 
principles to be examined and applied. From the 
start he gave promise of becoming eminent in the 
profession, and his subsequent career demonstrated 
how well he was appreciated and understood by those 
who watched his entrance upon professional life. For 
several years he held the office of city solicitor of 
Concord, and with what acceptance is best shown by 
repeated re-elections without substantial opposition. 
The rugged discipline of ten years' practice in the 
courts of New Hampshire afforded him an admirable 
school of training for the faithful and honorable dis- 
charge of his subsequent duties upon the bench. In 
1857 his health, until then apparently perfect, be- 
came impaired, and thenceforward to his death, ten 
years afterwards, his work at the bar and upon the 
bench was done while struggling against the inroads 
of unrelenting disease. His overtasked physical 



frame was shattered, but his intellect shone un- 
clouded to the end. 

While his success in the profession was assured, it 
is not claimed that he did or would have taken the 
first rank as an advocate. As Judge Perley puts it, 
" It is not impossible that he might have been found 
wanting in a certain boldness and confidence of 
manner and style which would now seem to be 
thought requisite in those who aspire to take the lead 
in that turbulent and noisy department of our pro- 
fession." 

Owing to the logical cast of his mind, he appeared 
to best advantage in matters of special pleading, in 
the preparation of briefs and in the investigation and 
argument of questions of law before the court in banc. 
The more difficult the question, the greater delight 
he seemed to take in its solution. He was often con- 
sulted by his brethren upon questions in regard to 
which they were in doubt, and frequently wrote 
opinions for their guidance. 

His high sense of professional honor led him to re- 
gard the profession as an office, and not as a trade. 
Accordingly, to witnesses he was fair and respectful ; 
to the bench he was deferential without being obse- 
quious; and to his professional brethren he wes 
dignified and courteous. As Judge Curtis said of 
Eufus Choate, "He showed that forensic strife is 
consistent with uniform personal kindness and 
gentleness of demeanor; that mere smartness, or ag- 
gressive and irritating captiousness, has nothing to do 
with the most effective conduct of a cause; that the 
business of an advocate is with the law and the 
evidence, and not in provoking or humbling an op- 
ponent ; that wrangling, and the irritations which 
spring from it, obstruct the course of justice, and are 
indeed twice cursed, for they injure him who gives 
and him who receives." 

Judge Bartlett was a lawyer of great research. He 
seemed to have an instinctive clinging to authorities. 
He could find readily what others could not. He had 
a great mastery of cases, such as few ever have ; but 
he was not a case lawyer. He had a legal instinct or 
genius by which he could extract, from what to 
others seemed a chaos of conflicting decisions, the 
true legal principle, and put it in the smallest 
possible compass. He distilled the spirit from the 
dilution, appropriating the gold and rejecting the 
dross. 

It must not be inferred that he was not positive in 
his opinions, or was not sufficiently firm in maintain- 
ing opinions deliberately formed. We have on this 
point the testimony of Judge Perley, that " lie had 
nothing of that facility which yields in substantial 
matters to importunity and over-persuasion. He was 
very firm in his opinions and judgments when once 
formed, and perfectly fearless in acting on them 
when duty appeared to require it." 
I We come now to the period when he " put of!" the 
I gown of the bar to assume the more graceful and 



[ISTOllY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



reverend ermine of the bench." In 1861 a vacancy 
occurred upon the bench of the Supreme Court of 
New Hampshire. Tlie foremost lawyers of the State 
refused to be candidates, because they understood 
that he might be persuaded to accept the appoint- 
ment. In obedience to the united voice of the pro- 
fession, he was at once (February 23, 1861) appointed 
associate justice. The court at that time consisted of 
Bell, chiefjustice, and Sargent, Bellows, Doe and 
Nesmith, associate justices. No change occurred in 
the composition of the court while Judge Bartlett 
lived, except the reappointment of Judge Perley as 
chief justice upon the resignation of Judge Bell in 
18(54. At no period in the history of the State has 
there been a stronger court. Five of the six .judges 
with whom he was associated have held the office of 
chiefjustice. His selection from a bar containing so 
many lawyers of established reputation, to be the as- 
sociate of judges of such eminent ability, shows in 
what estimation his legal attainments and qualifica- 
tions were held. 

Rufus Choate thus describes the qualifications of 
the good judge : " In the first place, he should be 
profoundly learned in all the learning of the law, and 
he must know how to use that learning. ... In 
the next place, he must be a man not merely upright, 
not merely honest and well-intentioned, — this, of 
course, — but a man who will not respect persons in 
judgment. . . . And, finally, he must possess the 
perfect confidence of the community, that he bear 
not the sword in vain. To be honest, to be no re- 
specter of persons, is not enough. He must be be- 
lieved such." We shall see how well Judge Bartlett 
answered these requirements. 

His legal learning was profound. He had an ex- 
traordinary genius for learning everything quickly 
and accurately, and remembering it during life, and 
without effort. We have shining and encouraging 
examples of what can be done by men of moderate 
abilities. Judge Bartlett was not of that class, and, 
therefore, as an example, he is worth far less than 
many others. As a brilliant legal scholar, a brilliant 
legal thinker and practical logician, capable of ap- 
plying ancient legal principles to the facts of new 
cases, and working out for the benefit of modern life 
the best results of that common law that has been 
constantly growing out of the last thousand years of 
English and American civilization, he was not sur- 
passed by any one judge who has sat upon the bench 
of New Hampshire. It is not uncommon for a man 
of intellect to succeed in mastering much of the 
special doctrine and general theory of the law, and to 
fail as a practicing lawyer and working judge from a 
lack of ability rightly to apply his learning to the 
varying and novel circumstances that constitute most 
of the cases that are carried to the office of a lawyer 
and to the courts of justice. Nearly infallible as 
Judge Bartlett was in his opinion on an abstract 
question of law, he equally excelled in perceiving 



what rule was applicable to each case. His remark- 
able powers were equally accurate in theory and 
practice. 

All great lawyers are naturally conservative ; so 
was Judge Bartlett. Generally inclined to follow 
precedents, he was strong enough to disregard them 
when they disregarded fundamental principles. 
Witness his opinion in Bansett v. Salisbury Manufac- 
turing Company, 4.3 N. H. 569. The action was case 
for maintaining a dam, thereby causing water to per- 
colate through the plaintiff's meadow. On the fifth 
jury trial, the present chief justice presided, and 
ruled the law in accordance with the English case of 
Acton V. Blundell, 12 M. & W. 324, and numerous 
cases that followed in its train. The cause was 
carried to the full bench on exceptions, and an 
opinion prepared affirming the ruling of the court 
below, which received the assent of a majority of the 
court; but the judge who drew up the opinion re- 
signed, and the cause was continued for further ex- 
amination, and assigned to Judge Bartlett, who suc- 
ceeded him upon the bench. Few cases have re- 
ceived such careful consideration (50 N. H. 444). 
Four opinions were drawn up by different members 
of the court, of which three sustained the English 
doctrine. The opinion published in the reports was 
drawn up by Judge Bartlett, at the seashore, when 
in feeble health and hardly able to be about. It re- 
versed the English authorities, those of a majority of 
the States, the decision of the court below and the 
opinions of all his associates except one; yet, when 
read in consultation, every judge yielded his objec- 
tions and assented to the opinion, because it was 
found unanswerable. But for him, the contraiy er- 
roneous doctrine would have been established in New 
Hampshire. The logic of the opinion, and its clear 
and precise style, are only equaled by the modesty 
which marked his dissent from the English and 
American authorities. 

As illustrating his way of summing up a case and 
instructing a jury, I might cite Hayes v. Waldron, 44 
N. H. 580, where his charge is fully reported, and so 
admirably and clearly did it set forth the law of the 
case, that little was left for the judge who delivered 
the opinion in banc except to adopt the reasoning 
and substance of the charge. 

The decisions of the court, written and delivered 
by him, will be his lasting monument. Models of 
brevity, of perspicuous statement and logical deduc- 
tion, of legal thought, and literary, unornamented 
style, they will endure. But they are very brief 
Those that are published are but a small part of his 
work, and will carry to other generations a very in- 
adequate idea of how much was lost at his decease. 
His associates at the bar and on the bench, who en- 
joyed the benefits of a personal acquaintance with 
him, and felt the refreshing power of his fellowship, 
will never lose the benefit of his personal influence, 
nor cease to grieve that he did not live to lead them 



BENCH AND BAR. 



13 



to the end of their labors. It was not an uncommon 
thing for him, whether he delivered the judgment or 
not, to cause a decision to be put upon ground not 
thought of by other members of the court or by 
counsel. His learning was so complete, and his 
grasp of the hiw and facts so comprehensive, that 
while he seldom changed in consultation an opinion 
he had formed in his library, other members of the 
court not infrequently found occasion to correct theirs 
by the light of his expositions. 

Judge Perley says of him, — " When he went upon 
the bench, his high qualifications for the otHce were 
;it once recognized by the legal profession. His 
youthful appearance, his unpretending manners and 
his easy and rapid way of dispatching business 
might have led a careless observer to fear that he 
would be found wanting in solidity and soundness of 
judgment; but the character of his mind was emi- 
nently judicial. His examination of authority in 
cases which required it was faithful and exhaustive. 
He weighed conflicting arguments and reasons with 
equal impartiality. He had great sagacity in per- 
ceiving the practical bearing of any question under 
consideration, and its connection with the whole 
complete system of the law ; and his opinions and 
rulings were received with the greatest respect and 
deference by the legal profession throughout the 
State. In presiding over trials, I never learned that 
he was known, in the most irritating circumstances, 
to lose the sweetness and equanimity of his own 
temper, and he often had the rare felicity of winning 
from both sides the commendation of perfect fairness 
and impartiality." 

Judge Bartlett never failed to show that he had the 
courage of his convictions whenever the occasion 
called for it. Witness his action upon the Soldiers' 
Voting Bill, so called, introduced in 18<53in the midst 
of political excitement, when he united with three 
other members of the court in an opinion which set 
aside the act as a violation of the constitution. 

In 1866 was passed, under similar circumstances, 
an act disfranchising deserters from the army, the 
constitutionality of which was brought before the 
full bench. Not long before his death he drew up an 
opinion setting aside this act, also, as a plain viola- 
tion of the fundamental law of the land. The fact 
in some way came to the knowledge of the Legisla- 
ture, which forthwith did itself and him the honor to 
repeal the law before the opinion could be read in 
court. 

History tells us that the celebrated court of the 
Areopagus, when Athens was at the height of its 
civilization, sat in the dark, that the judges might 
not see or know who were the suitors, and so be en- 
abled to dispense impartial justice. I suppose for the 
same reason the Goddess of Justice is represented 
with eyes blindfolded, that her hand may feel the 
"trepidations of the balance," uninfluenced by the 
presence or appearance of the contending parties. 



All systems of judicial tenure suppose judges to be 
imperfect because mortal. The constitution recog- 
nizes this in that clause which secures the right to 
the subject "to be tried by judges as impartial as the 
lot of humanity will admit." 

But I do not hesitate to say, that if there ever was 
a judge who was a living personification of the blind- 
fold goddess ; one who watched not the faces of his 
suitors, to inquire who they were, or what their 
standing or influence, but only the movements of the 
scales held in an even band; one who, unlike his 
ancient brethren of Athens, had no need to sit in the 
dark, because wholly oblivious to all surrounding 
circumstances ; one who, when a whole city. Athens- 
like, came " to demand that the cup of hemlock be 
put to the lips of the wisest of men," would deliver 
him if he believed he " had not corrupted the youth, 
nor omitted to worship the gods of the city, nor 
introduced new divinities of his own," — such an one 
was Judge Bartlett. 

His good-fellowship placed him on terms of inti- 
macy with his brethren of the bar ; but no one 
presumed, on the strength of former intimacy, or 
of close and friendly relations, to influence his rulings 
or decisions; or, if any one did so far forget himself, 
the success of the attempt was not such as to encour- 
age its repetition. 

It must not be inferred that, while he was noted 
for his patient, courteous and urbane manners, he 
was tolerant of fraud, or failed to rebuke chicanery or 
improper interference with the course of justice. On 
such occasion he 

"Carried anger as the flint bears fire, 
Which, much enforceii, shows a hasty spark, 
.\nd straight is cold again." 

The testimony of one of his associates ' upon the 
bench aflbrds a fitting close to this review of Judge 
Bartlett's judicial life, — 

" His career wa.s brief, but it was long enough to satisfy those who 
knew hitii best, and whose judgment was trustworthy, that, with life and 
health, he would have become the great American jurist of his generation. 
No mental or moiul weakness impaired the operation or influence of his 
great powere. 

"There have been great men who were not loved, and did not deserve 
to be loved. There have been good men who were not great. Here was 
a man equally great and good ; equally superior by nature on the intel- 
lectual and on the morat side. Incapable of selfishness, envy or any 
meanness, whole-souled in the best sense, incapable of uttering an un- 
kind word or entertaining an unkind feeling, he would have had only 
pity for his enemies, if it had been possible for him to have an enemy. 
He had neither a single enemy, nor a single cold or indifferent friend. 
He involuntarily held all whom he met, bound to him by those ties of 
affection which draw all men to a character the most amiable and lovely 
as well as by those ties of reverence which draw all men to mental su- 
premacy. With health and life, what a judge he would have become! 
And, what is so much more to be said, with health and life, what a 
teacher and leader of youth — what a head of an educational institution — 
he would have been ! Where he presided, there was no thought of legal 
power provided for the maintenance of judicial dignity. In him all nien 
recognized the unconscious majesty of tlie law, and the unconscious 
majesty of whatever is greatest and best in human nature. With such 
as he in many places of government and personal control, it would not 



1 Hi ief Justice Doe. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUxVTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



be too much to hope that the word ' discipUn 
disagreeable and offensive, might become ob8( 



1 the sense that is often 



There is another aspect of Judge Bartlett's char- 
acter wliich, although already considered to some 
extent, because so closely interwoven with his intel- 
lectual character, yet remains to be spoken of. I 
allude to his moral and Christian virtues. He was 
valued more for his character than for his intellect. 
He was witty, bright and genial, faithful and judi- 
cious; a thoughtful friend, a self-denying brother, a 
most affectionate son and husband. His professional 
life was passed in the near vicinity of his native town ; 
and, in their declining years, the hearts of his parents 
turned much and constantly to him for .sympathy and 
kindly care, and never were they disappointed. He 
visited and wrote to them often ; and for years, what- 
ever were his engagements, almost never did a Mon- 
day pass without bringing them an affectionate letter. 
And during the last months of his life, it was an 
occasion of almost uncontrollable grief to him that he 
had been frustrated of being present to comfort the 
last hours of his father not long before. 

In his own home he seemed to be whatever a host 
and a husband ought to be.^ So warmly was he at- 
tached to his home, and to her who was its star and 
its light, that he was loath to leave it, even when 
called away by professional engagements. The one 
trait that fixes itself most deeply in the memory of his 
friends is the kindly spirit that, in his maturer years, 
followed him in all his relations, and made him always 
considerate of the feelings, and actively attentive to 
the wants, of all around him. It was a pleasure to 
him to make others happy; and he loved to do a kind 
office to those who could not repay. It seems, as we 
look back upon it, the practical benevolence of the 
gospel. He became a diligent and deeply-interested 
reader of the Scriptures ; and to those who knew him 
best, he seemed to exemplify the spirit of the gospel 
in a most important aspect. 

At the close of the summer of 1867 he returned to 
his home from the sea-shore, without having been 
benefited by the invigorating air of the ocean. For a 
few days he struggled cheerfully against physical 
weakness and disease, — more for the sake of others, 
perhaps, than for himself, — his pallid countenance 
illumined as with the lustre of a beautiful spirit. On 
Tuesday, September 24th, as gently as a child falls 
asleep, without pain or a struggle, consciousness pre- 
served to the last moment, that life, which had been 
so noble and beautifiil, changed its course, as a river, 
to a smoother channel, and put on immortality. 
Three days later, on a bright and beautiful day in 
early autumn, his professional brethren, representing 
nearly every county in the State, and the surviving 
members of the court, with his inconsolable relatives. 



1 May 8, ISrjG, he was married to Miss Caroline Baker, daughter of the 
late Abel Baker, Esq., of Concord, and sister of the late ex-Governor 
Nathsniol B. Baker. Mrs. Bartlett siirvives her husband anil still re- 
sides in Concord. 



in tenderness committed to his mother earth all that 
was mortal of him who had been a dutiful child, a 
quick and ready scholar, a profound lawyer, an up- 
right magistrate, an affectionate brother and devoted 
husband, to rest till the resurrection morning. 

Ira Perley was born in Boxford, Mass., No- 
vember 9, 1799. He graduated from Dartmouth Col- 
lege in the class of 1822 and was tutor in that insti- 
tution from 1823 to 1825. He read law with Benjamin 
J. Gilbert, of Hanover, and commenced practice in 
that town in 1827. Here he remained until 1834. 
when he removed to Concord, where he resided until 
his death. 

Upon his removal to Concord he soon acquired a 
large practice, and ranked among the leadere at the 
Merrimack bar. In July, 1850, he was appointed a 
justice in the Superior Court of this State, which 
position he held until October, 1852, when he resigned 
and resumed the practice of law. In 1855 he was 
appointed chief-justice of the Supreme Judicial 
Court, and held the position until 1859, when he 
resigned and again resumed the practice of law. In 
1864 he was appointed chief justice of the same court, 
and held the position until September, 1869. 

Judge Perley had no taste for political office, but 
served at three dift'erent times as a member of tlie 
House of Representatives, — first from Hanover in 1834 
and from Concord in 1839 and 1870. He received 
the degree of LL.D. from Dartmouth College in 
1852. He manifested an interest in historical matters, 
and for several years was an active member of the 
New Hampshire Historical Society and was vice- 
president of the New England Historic Genealogical 
Society at the time of his death. 

As a scholar. Judge Perley ranked among the fore- 
most in the State and in New England. He kept up 
his interest in classics to the day of his death, and 
read German, French and Italian mth readiness. In 
social life he was modest and unassuming, but was 
nevertheless a rare conversationalist. 

In January, 1840, he united in marriage with Mary 
L. Nelson, of Haverhill. Judge Perley died February 
26, 1874. 

John Y. Mugridge was born in Laconia, N. H., 
then a part of Meredith, April 15, 1832. He received 
his preparatory education at the Gilford Academy 
and commenced the study of the law in the office of 
Colonel Thomas J. Whipple, iu Laconia. He con- 
cluded his studies with the late Hon. Asa Fowler, of 
Concord, with whom he formed a copartnership for 
the practice of his profession soon after his admission 
to the bar, in 1854. He was subsequently in partner- 
ship with Hon. .losiah Miuot and later with Hon. 
Mason W. Tappan, but at the time of his death was 
alone in practice. Mr. Mugridge never sought polit- 
ical preference, but devoted himself almost entirely 
to his profession. He served as city solicitor from 
1861 to 1868, was a representative in the Legislature 
in 1863 and 1864, Senator from the old Fourth Dis- 



BENCH AND BAR. 



15 



trict in 1868 and 1869, being president of the Senate 
tlie latter year, and again representative in 1875. 

As a lawyer Mr. Mugridge held a commanding 
position at the Merrimack bar, and probably enjoyed 
H more extensive practice than any other man in the 
county, especially excelling in criminal cases. He 
was a man of great personal popularity, had a large 
heart, full of generous impulses, and he gave them 
free course in all the relations of life. He was a 
Republican in politics. 

Hon. Asa Fowler. — The origin of the name and 
the antiquity of the family of Fowler in England 
have never been ascertained. It is probable, from 
the large number of families of that name known to 
have existed in various sections of that country early 
iu the sixteenth century, and the high standing of 
some of them, that the name was adopted soon after 
surnames came to be used. Edward Fowler, eldest 
son and heir of Sir Richard Q. Fowler, is said to have 
entertained Queen Catharine of Arragon at his 
manor, near Buckingham, in September, 1514. 
Froude, in his " History of England," vol. v. pp. 129 
and 131, mentions John Fowler, a member, iu 1547, of 
the household of King Edward VI., who was so influ- 
ential with that young monarch that he was em- 
ployed by Lord Seymour to secure the royal assent to 
his contemplated marriage with the Princess, after- 
wards Queen, Elizabeth, and subsequently the royal 
approval of his already secretly accomplished mar- 
riage with Catharine Parr, widow of Henry VIII. 
Christopher Fowler, an English clergyman, born in 
1611, left the Established Church in 1641 and joined 
the Presbyterians, among whom he became eminent, 
and died in 1676. John Fowler, a learned printer, 
born in Bristol, removed his press to Antw-erp more 
efl'ectually to aid the Catholics, and died in 1579. 
Edward Fowler, born at Westerleigh in 1632, was 
distinguished as a divine, published a discourse on 
" The Design of Christianity" in 1676, which Bunyan 
attacked, and another on " Christian Liberty" in 1680 ; 
was made bishop of Gloucester in 1691, and died in 
1714. William Fowler, born about 1560, — died in 
1614, — was one of the poets that frequented the court 
of James VI., whose works have been preserved. 
He was a lawyer and clergyman, as well as a poet. 

The Fowlers in this country, now quite numerous, 
as their namesakes were in England three centuries 
ago, and are still more so at the present day, sprang 
from several different pioneer ancestors who emigrated 
to America from various parts of England at different 
periods, and, so far as known, were iu no way related 
to each other. The subject of this sketch is of the 
sixth generation in lineal descent from one of the 
founders of New England, the common ancestor of 
the great majority of the Fowlers in Massachusetts, 
and of most, if not all, of those in Maine, New 
Hampshire and Vermont.' 

I For a sketch of tlie ancestorsof Judge Fowler we are greatly indebted 



Philip Fowler, Si:, born about 1590 in the ancient 
town of Marlborough, in the county of Wiltshire, 
England, where no less than five families of Fowlers 
are shown by the records to have been living contem- 
poraneously early in the seventeenth century, came 
from thence with his family to Massachusetts in 1634 
in the ship " Mary and John," of London, having 
taken the oath of allegiance and supremacy to qualify 
him as a passenger at Southampton on the 24th of 
March. He must have embarked in February, since, 
by an order of Council, dated February 24th, the ves- 
sel was detained in the Thames until the captain 
gave bond in one hundred pounds, conditional, 
among other things, that the service of the Church of 
England should be read daily on board and attended 
by the passengers, and also that the adult male pas- 
sengers should take the oath of allegiance and su- 
premacy. All this having been done, the ship was 
allowed to proceed on her voyage, but did not reach 
New England until May. September 3, 1634, he was 
admitted freeman at Boston ; obtained a grant of 
land in Ipswich the same year, on which he settled in 
1635, and where he resided until his death, on the 
24th of June, 1679, at the age of eighty-eight. Dur- 
ing his long life he made a variety of records, but 
none that any descendant need blush to read. It is 
remarkable that his homestead in Ipswich has ever 
since been, and still is, occupied by one of his de- 
scendants bearing the family name. His wife, Mary, 
mother of his children, died August 30, 1659, and he 
again married, February 27, 1660, Mary, widow of 
George Norton, early of Salem, afterwards Repre- 
sentative from Gloucester. There came over in the 
same ship with Philip Fowler, Sr., and family, his 
daughter, Margaret, and her husband, Christopher 
Osgood, whom she had married the jjrevious year, 
and who was the common ancestor of most of the 
Osgoods of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. 

Joseph Fowler, sou of Philip, Sr., born in England, 
date unknown, married, in Ipswich, Mass., Martha 
Kimball, who came over from Ipswich, England, in 
1634, iu the ship " Elizabeth," with her parents, and 
is stated to have been then five years of age. Her 
father, Richard Kimball, settled in Ipswich, Mass., 
and is believed to have been the ancestor of nearly 
all the Kimballs in this country. His wife, Ursula 
Scott, was the daughter of the widow Martha Scott, 
who came over with the Kimballs at the age of sixty, 
supposed to have been the wife of Hon. John Scott, 
of Scott's Hall, Kent County, England. Joseph 
Fowler was killed by the Indians near Deeriield, 
Mass., May 19, 1676, on his return from the Falls 
fight. He was a tanner by trade. 

Philip Fowler (second), eldest son of Joseph, was 



to Matthew A. Stickney, Esq., of Salem, Mass., author of the admirable 
genealogy of the Stickney family, who is preparing for publication the 
genealogy of the Ipswich family of Fowlers, from which he is de- 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



born in Ipswich, Mass., December 25, 1648. When 
only two or three years of age, he was adopted, with 
the consent of his parents, by his grandfather, Philip, 
Sr., who made him his heir by deed dated December 

23, 1668. He received the rudiments of his educa- 
tion at the famous school kept by Ezekiel Cheever. 
He was a man of superior ability, and as a merchant, 
deputy marshal and attorney quite distinguished. 
He acquired a large landed estate, which he divided 
by deeds of gift among his four sons, a valuable farm 
to each. He married, January 20, 1674, Elizabeth 
Herrick, born about July 4, 1647. He died Novem- 
ber 16, 1715. His wife died May 6, 1727. She was 
the daughter of Henry and Editha (Laskin) Herrick. 
Henry Herrick, born at Bean Manor in 1604, was the 
son of Sir William Herrick, and came from Leices- 
ter, England, to Salem, Mass., where he arrived June 

24, 1629. 

Philip Fowler (thud), ninth child of Philip (second), 
was born in Ipswich, Mass., in October, 1691 ; mar- 
ried there, July 5, 1716, Susanna Jacob, daughter of 
.Toseph and Susanna (Symonds) Jacob, and great- 
granddaughter of Deputy Governor Samuel Symonds, 
of that town. He is reported to have fitted for Har- 
vard College, but did not enter, engaging instead in 
trade and carrying on the tanning business, until he 
sold out and removed to New Market, N. H., in May, 
1743, where he died May 16, 1767. His widow died 
there in 1773. Before removing to New Market he 
purchased of his brother-in-law, Joseph Jacob, for 
the consideration of two thousand pounds, two hun- 
dred and thirty-six acres of land in " New Market, 
iu the township of Exeter and province of New 
Hampshire, with two houses and two barns thereon." 
The deed is dated February 14, 1737. For fifty-six 
acres of this land, including the homestead, he was 
sued by Josiah Hilton in 1760, and after two trials, 
one in the Common Pleas and the other in the Su- 
perior Court, both resulting in verdicts in Fowler's 
favor, Hilton appealed to the Governor and Council, 
some of whom were directly interested in the event 
of the suit as lessors of the plaintiff, and they, in 
1764, rendered judgment in favor of Hilton, from 
which the defendant appealed to the King in Council 
and furnished bonds to prcsecute his appeal in Eng- 
land. The Governor and Council granted this appeal, 
which vacated their judgment, and then at once 
issued a writ of possession founded thereon, upon 
which Fowler was turned out of the land and com- 
pelled to pay costs. He had executed bis will May 
22, 1754, therein devising his large landed estate to 
his three sons, — Philip, Jacob and Symonds, — and re- 
quiring them to pay legacies to his daughters. The 
land in controversy with Hilton was devised to the 
two former sons. The appeal was prosecuted in Eng- 
land by the father and these devisees until after the 
Declaration of American Independence, and in 1777 
the Legislature of New Hampshire passed an act 
authorizing these devisees to bring an action of re- 



view in the Superior Court for Rockingham County 
to determine the title to this land, Such action was 
brought by them, and at the September term, 1778, 
of that court, they recovered judgment for the land, 
costs of court and costs of former litigation. On the 
14th of September, 1778, the sheriff put them into 
possession of the property from which their father 
had been wrongfully ejected fourteen years before. 
Sarah, daughter of Philip, one of these sons, wa.s the 
wife of Governor William Plumer and the mother of 
his children. 

Symonds Fowler, the tenth of fourteen children of 
Philip (third), born in Ipswich, Mass., August 20, 
1734, removed to New Market, N. H.,with his father, 
in 1743, where he married, July 12, 1756, Hanniili 
Weeks, born in the old brick house in Greenland, 
N. H., August 12, 1738. By the will of his father he 
inherited a farm adjoining the station at New Mar- 
ket Junction, on the Concord and Portsmouth and Bos- 
ton and Maine Railroads, upon which he lived un- 
til he removed, in 1778, to a farm in the western part 
of Epsom, N. H., upon Suncook River, where he re- 
sided until his death, April 6, 1821. His wife, Han- 
nah, died there December 9, 1807. 

Benjamin Fowler, the sixth of eleven children 
of Symonds, was born at New Market, N. H., June 
16, 1769; removed with his father to Epsom, N. H., in 
1778; married in Pembroke, N. H., January 15, 1795, 
Mehitable Ladd, only child of John and Jerusha 
(Lovejoy) Ladd, of that town, and granddaughter of 
Captain Trueworthy and Mehitable (Harriman) 
Ladd, of Kingston, N. H. He settled in Pembroke, 
after his marriage, on a farm he purchased, and died 
there July 24, 1832. His widow survived him until 
September 9, 1853. 

Asa Fowler, the ninth of eleven children of Benja- 
min and Mehitable (Ladd) Fowler, was born in Pem- 
broke, N. H., February 23, 1811. His childhood 
was spent on his father's farm, his means of educa- 
tion after he was seven or eight years of age being 
limited to eight or nine weeks of winter school, his 
services after that age in summer being required in 
farm-work. There were very few books to which he 
had access, except the Bible and ordinary school- 
books, and his early reading was confined to these. 
At the age of fourteen he had a very severe attack of 
typhoid fever, which left him in such enfeebled con- 
dition as to be incapable of severe manual labor. Un - 
der these circumstances he was sent to the Blanchard 
Academy, in his native town, then under the charge 
of Hon. John Vose, but with no other intention than 
that he might become qualified to instruct a com- 
mon district school. But with opportunity to learn 
and to read, a desire for a liberal education was 
awakened, and, by alternately working upon his 
father's farm in the spring and summer, attending 
the academy in the fall and teaching school in win- 
ter, he succeeded in not only fitting himself for col- 
lege, but in preparing to enter the sophomore class. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



17 



having attended school only sixty weel^s after he 
commenced the study of Latin. With so meagre and 
defective a training, he entered the sophomore class 
at Dartmouth College at the opening of the fall term, 
1830, and although he taught school every winter, 
was able, nevertheless, to maintain a highly respect- 
able standing until hts graduation, in 1833, when, 
among the parts assigned to the graduating class ac- 
cording to scholarahip, an English oration was given 
him. He was never absent or unprepared at any re- 
citation during his three years' course. In his junior 
year he was elected a member of the Phi Beta Kappa 
Society, as being in the first third of his class. He 
has never sought or received any honorary degree 
from his Alma Mater. After leaving college he 
taught the academy at Topsfield, Mass., for a single 
term in the fall of 1833, thereby raising sufficient 
funds to liquidate all indebtedness incurred to defray 
his college expenses, over and above what he received 
from his father's estate. Immediately upon leaving 
Topsfield, having determined to adopt the legal pro- 
fession, he entered his name as a student in the office 
of James Sullivan, Esq., then in practice in Pem- 
broke, occupying the ottice of the Hon. Boswell Stev- 
ens, disabled by a paralytic attack, from which he 
never recovered. He continued to read books from 
Jlr. Sullivan's library through the following winter. 
In March, 1834, he came to. Concord, N. H., where 
he has since resided, and entered the office of Hon. 
Charles H. Peaslee, then a rising young lawyer, and 
continued with him until admitted to the Merrimack 
County bar, in February, 1837. While a .student in 
General Peaslee's office, he and Hon. Moody Currier, 
then a teacher in Concord, undertook the editorship, 
as a matter of amusement and with no hope of pecu- 
niary reward, of a small literary paper, called the 
Literary Gazette. It was published weekly for six 
months, and then once a fortnight for another six 
months. After Mr. Currier retired from the editor- 
ship, Cyrus P. Bradley, a youth of wouderful preco- 
city, and the author, when a mere boy, of a " Life of 
Governor Isaac Hill," became associated with Mr. 
Fowler in the management of the Gazette. During a 
considerable portion of the period in which he pur- 
sued the study of the law, Mr. Fowler supported him- 
self by writing for other papers. In June, 1835, he 
was elected clerk of the New Hampshire Senate, 
which office he continued to hold by annual elec- 
tions for six successive years, discharging its duties to 
universal satisfaction. In 1846 he was appointed by 
the Hon. Levi Woodbury United States commis- 
sioner for the district of New Hampshire, which of- 
fice he held at the time of his death. In 1845 he was 
a member of the New Hampshire House of Repre- 
sentatives from Concord and served as chairman of 
the judiciary committee. Again, in 1847 and 1848, 
he was one of the Representatives of Concord in that 
body and served upon the same committee in both 
years. In 1855 he was nominated by the Independ- 



ent Democrats, or Free-Soilers, as their candidate for 
Governor, and was frequently assured by prominent 
Know-Nothings that if he would join their order he 
might and would be made their candidate, also; but 
he was deaf to all such suggestions. After that party 
came into power and decided to change the judiciary 
system of the State, he was engaged to draft the bill 
for that purpose, which subsequently became a law. 
Afterwards, at the earnest and repeated solicitation 
of Governor Metcalf, although at first he absolutely 
declined to do so, he accepted a position on the 
bench of the Supreme Court as associate justice, 
which he continued to hold, at a great pecuniary 
sacrifice, from August 1, 1855, to February 1, 1861, 
when he voluntarily resigned it. During this period 
of five and a half years he performed his full share of 
the arduous labors of a judge of our highest judicial 
tribunal, and gave general satisfaction to the bar and 
the public. If his opinions at the law terms as re- 
ported are not so labored as those of some of his asso- 
ciates, they are more numerous and not less sound 
and clear. 

Immediately upon his resignation. Judge Fowler 
was appointed by the Governor and Council a dele- 
gate from New Hampshire to the Peace Congress, 
which met in Washington in February, 1861, for the 
purpose of averting, if possible, the threatened se- 
cession of the Southern States from the Union, and 
continued its sessions through the entire month. His 
associate delegates were Hon. Levi Chamberlain, of 
Keene, and Hon. Amos Tuck, of Exeter. In 1861 he 
was appointed solicitor for the county of Merrimack, 
and held the office until he resigned, in 1865, upon his 
being appointed one of the commissioners to revise 
the statutes of the State. He was associated in that 
commission with Hon. Samuel D. Bell, of Manchester, 
and Hon. George Y. Sawyer, of Nashua. Upon it he 
labored diligently and successfully, alone superin- 
tending the printing of the commissioners' report, 
and, subsequently, the printing of the General Stat- 
utes as finally adopted by the Legislature of 1867. 
He also attended almost constantly, during the whole 
period of that Legislature, upon the sessions of the 
joint select committee to whom the report of the 
commissioners was referred, and greatly aided in 
procuring the speedy action of that committee, and 
the final adoption of the report of the commis.sioners, 
as amended by the General Court, without protract- 
ing the session beyond its usual length. In 1871 and 
again in 1872, Judge Fowler was a member of the 
House of Representatives from Ward Six, in Concord, 
serving on the judiciary committee in 1871, and pre- 
siding over the deliberations of the House, as Speaker, 
in 1872, with dignity, impartiality and complete 
success. 

Judge Fowler was one of the most diligent, labori- 
ous and successful lawyers in the State, and the ex- 
tent of his practice for many years has rarely been 
exceeded. In September, 1838, after practicing alone 



18 



HISTOllY OF MERRIMACK COUiNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



for a year and a half, lie formed a co-partnership with 
the late President Pierce, which continued until April, 
1845. During this period of six years and a half, 
their practice was probably as extensive .as that of j 
any individual or firm in the State. General Pierce 
engaged in the trial of causes as an advocate in nearly 
every county, while Judge Fowler attended chiefly 
to office business, the preparation of causes for trial 
and briefs for argument at the law terms of court. 
Hon. John Y. Mugridge completed his preparatory 
studies in Judge Fowler's office, and upon his ad- 
mission to the bar, in 1854, Judge Fowler formed a 
business connection with him for one year, which 
expired about the time of Judge Fowler's appoint- 
ment to the bench. Soon after his resignation of the 
judgeship, in 1861, he entered into partnership with 
Hon. William E. Chandler, which continued until 
Mr. Chandler's appointment as Solicitor of the ^&yj, 
in 1864. 

During his long residence in Concord, Judge Fow- 
ler was quite familiar with the form.s of legislation, 
and probably drafted more bills for our Legislature 
than any other man, living or dead. He originated 
many laws and procured their enactment, when not a 
member of the Legislature. Among those thus orig- 
inated and procured to be enacted may be mentioned 
the statute authorizing school districts to unite for 
the purpose of maintaining High Schools, and that 
authorizing towns to establish and maintain public 
libraries. He worked zealously with General Peaslee 
to secure the establishment of the Asylum for the 
Insane, was very active and persistent in securing 
the establishment of a Public Library in Concord 
and a High School in Union District. He always 
.showed a deep interest in the cause of public educa- 
tion, and for more than twenty successive years 
served as prudential committee or a member of the 
Board of Education in Concord. He was always fond 
of literary pursuits, and has an extensive and well- 
selected miscellaneous library. For the last three or 
four years of his life he belonged to a class in 
English Literature, whose weekly meetings, during 
the winter season, were devoted, with much pleasure 
and profit, to reading the works and discussing the 
lives, character and times of English and American 
authors of reputation. He was more or less connected 
with various moneyed institutions. He was a director 
of the State Capital Bank from its organization under 
a State charter until his appointment to the bench, 
when he resigned. He was a director and president 
of the First National Bank from its organization until 
he lost confidence in its cashier, when he disposed of 
his stock and resigned. He was for many years a 
director of the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad, 
and for several years its president. In his religious 
sentiments he was a liberal Unitarian, and took a 
prominent part in the work of the society in Concord, 
serving for several years as the superintendent of its 
.Sunday-school, and showing his interest in it by 



leaving it a legacy of one thousand dollars in his will, 
the interest on which sum to be devoted to the support 
of liberal preaching. Educated a Democrat, but with 
strong anti-slavery convictions, he acted with tht- 
Democratic party until its devotion to the e.xtensicm 
of slavery compelled its abandonment in IMti, ami 
for the next ten years he acted as an lndcpiii<leiit 
Democrat. Upon the formation of the Republican 
party he joined it, and continued in its ranks until, in 
1875, he resumed his connection with the Democracy. 

In the spring of 1877, forty years from his admis- 
sion to the bar, Judge Fowler determined to retire 
from active practice. A severe illness in the fall ol' 
that year confirmed his resolution. Before his full 
recovery, by the advice of his physician, he decided 
to visit Europe. Accompanied by his wife, daughter 
and third son, he left Boston on the 13th of April. 
1878, and returned to New York on the 17th of Oc- 
tober following, having, during his absence, visited the 
principal points of interest in England, Scotland, 
Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, Bavaria, Austria, Bohe- 
mia, Saxony, Prussia, Hanover, Holland, Belgium. 
Germany and France. He returned home with re- 
newed strength and energy, and passed the next four 
years in the full enjoyment of health and happiness, 
in the quiet of his pleasant home in Concord and his 
beautiful cottage by the sea, near Rye Beach. 

In October, 1882, the great sorrow of his life came 
upon him in the loss of his dearly-beloved wife, after 
a long and painful illness. He had been peculiarly 
fortunate in his domestic relations. On the 13th of 
July, 1837, he married the daughter of Robert and 
Polly Dole (Cilley) Knox, of Epsom, N. H., and 
granddaughter of Gener.al Joseph Cilley, of the Rev- 
olution, Mary Dole Cilley Knox, by whom he had 
five children, — four sous and one daughter, — all now- 
living. 

In the winter of 1882-83, Judge Fowler had :i 
severe attack of ga.stric fever at Richmond, Va.,whi li- 
on his way to Florida for his health. After a long- 
convalescence at St. Augustine, Fla., he fully re- 
covered his health and spent the entire winter and 
spring in the South. 

In November, 1883, he again went abroad, spend- 
ing six delightful months in Nice, Mentone and Italy, 
returning in May to New Hampshire after a month's 
sojourn in Paris and London. 

Again, in November, 1884, he went aw-ay from his 
Concord home, and sought the warmer climate of 
California, spending the greater part of the winter at 
Monterey. Here he again suffered from attacks of 
gastritis, and, after a trip down to Santa Barbara, was 
very ill at San Francisco, and died at San Rafael, 
Cal., on the 26th of April, .^.i)., 1885. His re- 
mains were embalmed and brought to Concord, and 
were buried. May 9th, from his residence. 

Hox. J. Everett Sargeut, LL.D. — Judge Sar- 
gent, now of Concord, has been well known through- 
out the State for more than a quarter of a century. 






V (^2^ ^2^c^^(S~t7 




BENCH AND BAH. 



19 



Besides an extensive legislative acquaintance, lie has, 
as judge of the ditlerent courts and iis chief justice 
of the State, held terms of court in every shire-town 
and half-shire town in every county in the State. 
He has been emphatically the architect of his own 
fortune, and by his energy and perseverance has 
reached the highest post of honor in his profession 
in his native State. He is genial and social with his 
friends; he loves a joke, and belongs to that small 
class of men "who never grow old." He loves his 
home, his family and his books. No man enjoys the 
study of history and of poetry, of philosophy and of 
fiction, better than he, while law and theology come 
in for a share of attention. He is a kind neighbor, 
a respected citizen, a ripe scholar, a wise legislator, 
an upright judge and an honest man. 

In the year 1781, Peter Sargent, the grandfather 
of the subject of this sketch, moved from Hopkinton, 
N. H., to New London, at that time equally well 
known as Heidelberg. This locality had been known 
by this latter name for a quarter of a century or 
more. It was granted by the Masonian proprietors, 
July 7, 1773, to Jonas Minot, and others as the "Ad- 
dition of Alexandria." It was first settled in 1775, 
and was incorporated as a town by the Legislature, 
June 25, 1779. Peter Sargent, who thus moved into 
the town two years after its incorporation, was one of 
ten brothers, all born in Amesbuiy, Mass., who settled 
as follows: Amasa, Ezekiel, Thomas and Moses al- 
ways lived at Amesbury ; James settled in Methuen, 
Mass. ; Peter, Nathan and Stephen came to Hopkin- 
ton, N. H., and settled there ; and Abner and Eben- 
ezer came to Warner, N. H., and settled there. These 
ten brothers, with four sisters, were the children of 
Deacon Stephen Sargent, of Amesbury, Mass. 

(Christopher Sargent, an older brother of Deacon 
Stephen, graduated at Harvard, entered the ministry 
and was the first settled minister of Methuen, Mass. 
His eldest son, Nathaniel Peaslee Sargent, graduated 
at Harvard, practiced law at Haverhill and was for 
many years a judge of the Supreme Judicial Court of 
Massachusetts, and was chief justice of the State in 
1790 and 1791, when he died, aged sixty.) 

Stephen Sargent was the son of Thomas (second), 
who was the son of Thomas (first), who was the sou 
of William Sargent. Stephen married Judith Ord- 
way, of AVest Newbury, Mass., September 26, 1730, 
was chosen deacon of the Second Congregational 
Church in Amesbury, May 10, 1757, and died Oc- 
tober 2, 1773, aged sixty-three. 

William Sargent was born in England about 1602, 
and was the son of Richard Sargent, an officer in the 
royal navy. William came to this country when a 
young man, married Judith Perkins for his first wife, 
who died about 1633, when he, with several daughters, 
was one of the twelve men who commenced the settle- 
ment at Ipswich that year. He soon after went to 
Newbury, and helped form a settlement there. Soon 
after, about 1638, he, with several others, commenced 



a settlement at Hampton, and about 1640 he re- 
moved to Salisbury, and was one of the eighteen 
original proprietors, or commoners, who settled in 
New Salisbury, since known as Amesbury. His 
second wife's name was Elizabeth, by whom he had 
two sons, Thomas and William. He had several lots 
of land iissigned him at different times, and was one 
of the selectmen of the town in 1667. He died in 
1675, aged seventy-three. 

Thomas Sargent, son of William, was born April 
11, 1643, at Amesbury; married Rachel Barnes, Jan- 
uary 2, 1667-68, and had children, among whom was 
Thomas, Jr., born at Amesbury, November 15, 1676, 
who married Mary Stevens, December 17, 1702, and 
was the father of Stephen, whose family has been 
mentioned, and who was born at Amesbury, Sep- 
tember 14, 1710. 

Peter Sargent, son of Stephen, married Ruth 
Nichols, of Amesbury, and moved to Hopkinton, 
N. H., about 1763, where they lived some eighteen 
years and raised a large family, and, when he went 
to New London, took them all with him. His chil- 
dren were Anthony, Abigail, Ruth, Judith, Peter, 
Ebenezer, Amasa, John, Molly, Ezekiel, Stephen, 
William and Lois. These all came from Hopkin- 
ton to New London in 1781, except Lois, who was 
born subsequently in New London. 

Ebenezer (the son of Peter), the father of the 
judge, was born in Hopkinton in 1768, and was, of 
course, thirteen years old when he came to New 
London with his father's family. After becoming of 
age he procured him a farm, and, on the 25tli of No- 
vember, 1792, he married Prudence Chase, of Wen- 
dell (now Sunapee), the daughter of John and Ruth 
(Hills) Chase. They had ten children, as follows: 
Anna, Rebekah, Ruth, Seth Freeman, Aaron Lea- 
land, Sylvanus Thayer, Lois, Laura, Jonathan Kit- 
tredge and Jonathan Everett. Jonathan Kittredge 
died young ; the other nine lived to mature age, and 
five of them — three sons and two daughters — still sur- 
vive. The parents had only a very limited educa- 
tion, having been taught to read and to write a 
little, the schools of those early times only furnish- 
ing instruction in these two branches. They always 
lived upon a farm, securing what was then considered 
as a competence, and both died in New London, hav- 
ing lived together more than sixty-five years. 

The following, then, is the order of descent : 

1. Richard Sargent, of England. 

2. William, son of Richard, born in England, 1602. 

3. Thomas, son of William, born in Amesbury, 
April, 1643. 

4. Thomas. Jr., son of Thomas, born in Amesbury, 
November, 1676. 

5. Stephen, son of Thomas, Jr., born in Amesbury, 
September, 1710. 

6. Peter, son of Stephen, born at Amesbury, No- 
vember 2, 1736. 



20 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



7. Ebenezer, son of Peter, born at Hopkinton, 
N.H., April 3, 17t)8. 

8. Jonathan Everett Sargent was born at New 
London, N. H., October 23, 181G. He lived at home, 
working upon the farm until he was seventeen years of 
age, and, being the youngest child, his fether had 
arranged for him to live at home and take care of 
his parents, and have the farm at their decease. 

While living at home his advantages for schooling 
were very limited, being confined to eight weeks 
winter school each year, the farm affording too 
much work to allow of his attending the summer 
school after he was nine or ten years of age. He 
attended one term at Hopkinton Academy and one 
term at a private school at home before he was seven- 
teen. For years he had been thirsting for knowledge, 
and had resolved that, if any way could be provided 
for taking care of his parents in their old age, he 
would obtain an education. When about sixteen 
his youngest sister was married, and she, with her 
husband, made an arrangement with her parents 
under which they moved upon the homestead farm 
and assumed the care of her parents for life. So, at 
seventeen, Everett, as he was always called, arranged 
with his father that he was to have the remaining 
four years of his time till twenty-one, instead of the 
sum which his older brothers had received upon 
arriving of age. He was to clothe himself aud pay 
his own bills, and call for nothing more from his 
father. 

This arrangement was made in the summer of 1833, 
and that fall he worked in the saddler's shop near 
his father's and taught school the next winter ; and 
in the spring of 1834 he went to Hopkinton Academy, 
then under the charge of Mr. Enoch L. Childs, where 
he remained through the season. He taught school 
the next winter, and then went, in the spring of 
1835, to Kimball Union Academy, at Meriden, where 
he remained, under the instruction of Mr. Cyrus S. 
Richards, until commencement in 1836, when he 
entered Dartmouth College. After he had thus, 
without assistance, fitted himself for and entered 
college, his father, very unexpectedly to him, gave 
him fifty dollars to pay his expenses the first term, 
and offered to loan him a few hundred dollars, if he 
should need, in his college course, but that it must 
be considered as an honorary debt, to be repaid, with 
interest, after graduation. 

But, by teaching school every winter and two fall 
terms in Canaan Academy during his course, he 
earned enough to pay all his expenses in college with 
the exception of two hundred dollars, which he bor- 
rowed of his father, and gave him his note for the 
same, with interest, which he adjusted within a few 
years after graduation. Though out of college two 
terms, besides winters in teaching and another term 
on account of sickness, yet he was always ready at 
each examination to be examined with his class in all 
the studies they had been over, and always took a 



high stand at these examinations. He was elected a 
member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, and grad- 
uated in 1840 among the first in his class. 

He had long betbre this made up his mind to turn 
his attention to the law as a profession, aud he ac- 
cordingly began the study of the law at once with 
Hon. Wm. P. Weeks, of Canaan, and remained with 
him till the spring of 1841, when he ^vas advised by 
his physician to go South for his health. He went 
first to Washington, soon after to Alexandria, D. C, 
where he taught a High School, then to Maryland, 
where he remained a year in a family school, when, 
having regained his health, he returned to New 
Hampshire in September, 1842. He had, upon his 
arrival in Washington, entered his name as a law 
student in the ofiice of Hon. David A. Hall, of that 
city, and continued the study of the law under his 
direction while engaged in teaching, and he was ad- 
mitted to the bar in the courts of the District of 
Columbia in April, 1842, only about twenty months 
after leaving college. By the rule of that court, any 
one might be admitted upon examination without 
regard to the length of time he had studied. So he 
was examined in open court by Chief Justice Cranch 
and his associates upon the bench, and was admitted. 

After returning home he continued his legal studies 
with Mr. Weeks until the July law term, in Sullivan 
County, in 1843, when he was admitted to the bar in 
the Superior Court of Judicature in this State. He 
then went into company with Mr. Weeks at Canaan, 
where he remained till 1847, when he removed to 
Wentworth, and opened an office there. He had 
been appointed solicitor for Grafton County in No- 
vember, 1844, while at Canaan, and he at once com- 
menced a lucrative business at Wentworth ; was re- 
appointed solicitor, in 1849, for five years more, thus 
holding the oflice for ten years, to 1854, performing 
the duties to the entire acceptance of the count>' and 
the people. He declined a reappointment. 

In 1851 he was first elected a member of the Legis- 
lature from Wentworth, and served as chairman of 
the committee on incorporations. The next year he 
was re-elected, and was made chairman of the judi- 
ciary committee, and in 1853 he was again a member, 
and was nominated with great unanimity, and elected 
as Speaker of the House of Representatives. He 
served with ability and impartiality, and to the 
general acceptance of all parties. 

The next winter a new man was to be selected as a 
candidate for Senator in his district, and at the con- 
vention he was nominated with great unanimity, and 
was elected in March, in a close district, by about 
three hundred majority. When the Senate met, in 
June, there was some discussion as to a candidate for 
president, but at the caucus he was nominated upon 
the first ballot, and was duly elected as president of 
the Senate in 1854. He was renominated in the 
spring of 1855, but the Know-Nothing movement 
that year carried everything before it, and he was de- 



BExNCH AND BAR. 



feated, with nearly all the other Democratic nomi- 
nees in the State. 

On the 2d day of April, 1855, he was appointed a 
circuit justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the 
State. But in June of that year there was an un- 
wonted overturn, and the old courts were abolished, 
mainly upon political grounds, and new ones or- 
ganized, and new judges appointed. Judge Sargent 
was making his arrangements to go into practice 
again at the bar, when he received a request from 
Governor Metcalf that he would accept the second 
place on the bench of the new Court of Common 
Pleas. This ofl'er had not been expected, but, upon 
consultation with friends, it was accepted, and Judge 
Sargent was appointed an associate justice of the 
Court of Common Pleas. 

He acted as judge of the new Court of Common 
Pleas for four years, until 1859, when, by a statute of 
that year, that court was abolished, and the Supreme 
Judicial Court was? to do the work of that court in 
addition to its own, and one new judge was to be 
added to that court, making the number of Supreme 
Court judges six instead of five, as before. .Judge 
Sargent was at once appointed to that place on the 
Supreme bench. He was then the youngest member 
of the court in age, as well as in the date of his com- 
mision. He remained upon the bench of that court 
just fifteen years, from 1859 to 1874. In March, 1873, 
upon the death of Chief Justice Bellows, Judge 
Sargent was appointed chief justice of the State, 
which place he held until August, 1874, when the 
court was again overturned to make room for the 
appointees of the prevailing political party. Chief 
Justice Sargent, at the time of his appointment as 
chief justice, had become the oldest judge upon the 
bench, both in age and date of commission, so fre- 
quent had been the changes in its members since his 
appointment to that bench, less than fourteen years 
before. He was distinguished for his laborious in- 
dustry, his impartiality and his ability. His written 
opinions are contained in the sixteen volumes of the 
New Hampshire Reports, from the thirty-ninth to 
the fifty-fourth, inclusive, numbering about three 
hundred in all. Many of these are leading opinions 
upon various subjects, and show great learning and 
research. 

After the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and 
the attempt to make Kansas a slave State, Judge 
Sargent acted with the Republican j)arty. 

Upon leaving the bench, in August, 1874, he was 
solicited to go into the practice of the law in Con- 
cord with Wra. M. Chase, Esq., whose late partner, 
the Hon. Anson S. Marshall, had recently been sud- 
denly removed by death. He left a very extensive 
and lucrative practice, more than any one man could 
well attend to alone, and into this practice, by an 
arrangement with Mr. Chase, Judge Sargent stepped 
at once, and the business firm thus formed continued 
for five years. 



In 1876 he was elected a member of the Constitu- 
tional Convention of this State. In this convention 
he acted a prominent part. He received a large 
complimentary vote for president of the convention, 
but that choice falling upon another. Judge Sargent 
was made chairman of the Judiciary Committee, the 
same place held by Judge Levi Woodbury in the 
convention of 1850. He took an active part in the 
debates and discussions of that body, and wielded 
an influence probably second to no one in the con- 
vention. 

He was also elected by his ward a member of the 
House of Representatives for the years 1877 and 
1878. It was evident from the first, so numerous and 
important had been the changes in the constitution, 
that there must be a revision of the general statutes of 
the State. Early in 1877 steps were taken for this re- 
vision, and Judge Sargent was appointed chairman 
of a committee, with Hon. L. W. Barton, of New- 
port, and Judge J. S. Wiggin, of Exeter, to revise 
and codify the statutes of the State. 

This committee at once commenced their work, 
and with so much dispatch was it prosecuted that 
they made their report to the Legislature of 1878, 
which report was, with various amendments, adopted 
by that Legislature. There was also much new legis- 
lation enacted that year, which the committee were 
instructed to incorporate with their own work, and 
this was all to go into effect the 1st day of January, 
1879. 

The committee revised their work, making the re- 
quired additions, superintended the printing of the 
whole, and had their volume ready for distribution 
before the day appointed. It is the largest volume 
of statutes ever printed in the State, and it is be- 
lieved not to be inferior to any other in any im- 
portant particular. 

In the fall of 1878 Judge Sargent was invited- by a 
committee of the citizens of New London to prepare 
a centennial address, to be delivered on the one hun- 
dredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town. 
He at once accepted the invitation, and set about the 
work, and on the 25th day of June, 1879, he de- 
livered his address to a large assembly of the present 
and former citizens of the town and others, the occa- 
sion being distinguished by a larger collection of 
people, probably, than ever met in the town upon 
any former occasion. Being a native of New Lon- 
don, he took a peculiar interest in looking up its 
early history and in tracing the lives of its promi- 
nent men. The address was published in the 
Granite Monthly in the numbers for July, August 
and September, 1879, and has been favorably noticed 
as a work of great labor and research. 

About the 1st of September, 1879, at the end of 
five years from the commencement of his partnership 
in business, the question arose whether he should 
continue for five years more or retire. Having spent 
nearly forty years of his life in toil, he concluded to 



22 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



take some portion of the remaining time for enjoy- 
ment, wliile he liad health and strength and capacity 
to enjoy. He retired from tlie practice of the law, 
finding that it was vain to hope for rest and recrea- 
tion while engaged in that profession. The judge 
has one of the finest residences in the city, and is 
enjoying life with his friends and his books. He has 
also traveled extensively in his own country, and 
been a close observer of men and things. 

In 1864 he was elected Grand Master of the Grand 
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons for the State of 
New Hampshire, and was re-elected the next year. 
After this he declined a re-election. 

Dartmouth College conferred on him the degree of 
Master of Arts, in course, three years after gradua- 
tion ; also, the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, 
at its centennial commencement, in 1869. 

He has for many years been an active member of 
the New Hampshire Historical Society, and for the 
last ten or twelve years has been one of its vice- 
presidents. 

For many years past he has been connected with 
the National State Capital Bank as one of its direc- 
tors. The Loan and Trust Savings-Bank, at Con- 
cord, commenced business August 1, 1872, and in the 
thirteen years since then its deposits have increased 
to over one million seven hundred thousand dollars. 
Judge Sargent has been president of this bank and 
one of its investment committee since its commence- 
ment, and has given his personal attention to its 
affairs. 

In 1876 the New Hampshire Centennial Home for 
the Aged was organized and incorporated, and, Jan- 
uary 1, 1879, a home was opened in Concord at 
which some ten to twenty aged ladies have since 
been supported. The funds of this institution are 
gradually increasing, and its work is being well done. 
For the last eight yeai-s Judge Sargent has been 
president of this institution, and has taken a deep 
interest in its prosperity and success. 

In compliance with a request from a committee of 
the trustees, he prepared and delivered, at the com- 
mencement at Dartmouth College, in 1880, a me- 
morial address upon the late Hon. Joel Parker, for- 
merly chief justice of this State, and afterwards 
professor of law in Harvard College. This duty 
Judge Sargent performed in a manner creditable to 
himself and satisfactory to the friends of the late 
Judge Parker. His address was printed, with other 
similar addresses in memory of other deceased judges, 
graduates of Dartmouth, by other distinguished sons 
of the college. 

He married, first, Maria C. Jones, of Enfield, 
daughter of John Jones, Esq., November 29, 1843, 
by whom he had two children. John Jones Sargent, 
the elder, graduated at Dartmouth College in 186G, 
and died in Oshkosh, Wis., October 3, 1870, just as 
he was ready to commence the practice of the law. 
The second, Everett Foster, died young. For his 



second wife, he married Louisa Jennie Paige, daughter 
of Deacon James K. Paige, of Wentworth, September 
5, 1853, by whom he has had three children, — Marie 
Louise, Annie Lawrie and George Lincoln. The 
second died young; the eldest and youngest survive. 

Since he commenced the practice of the law, in 
1843, his residence has been as follows: In Canaan 
four years, to 1847 ; in Wentworth twenty-two years, 
to 1869; and in Concord sixteen years since. 

As a lawyer. Judge Sargent was always I'aithful 
and true to his clients, a safe counselor and an able 
advocate. As a legislator, he has been conservative 
and safe. As a judge, he always studied to get at 
the right of the case, to hold the scales of justice 
evenly, to rule the law plainly, so that the party 
against whom he ruled might have the full benefit 
of his exception to the ruling, and to get the ques- 
tions of fact and the evidence, as it bore upon them, 
clearly and distinctly before the jury. Any one who 
attended the courts where he presided as judge 
could see at once that he was patient and pains- 
taking, industrious and persevering, vigilant and 
discriminating, impartial and fearless; and any one 
who reads his written opinions will see that they 
exhibit great research, learning and ability. 

Mason Weare Tappas' was born October 20, 
1817, in the village of Newport, Sullivan County. His 
father, the late Weare Tappan, being a strong admirer 
of Jeremiah Mason, who, at that time, was in full prac- 
tice at the bar, named his son after him, and gave him 
also his own name and the name of his mother, who 
was one of the descendants of the celebrated old 
Weare family. 

Weare Tappan was a man of note and ability, prom- 
inent as a lawyer, and a main pillar in the com- 
munity in which he lived. He was born in the town 
of East Kingston, Rockingham County, and early 
settled in the town of Newport. He read law with 
the late Judge Ellis, of Claremont, who was one of the 
ablest and most accomplished lawyers in the State. 
Mr. Tappan was one of the marked men of his time. 
Taking an early position on the subject of slavery, he 
was an old pioneer in the cause. His house was the 
rendezvous of the anti-slavery lecturer and the home 
of the fugitive slave. A patriarch of the olden time, 
strong in his convictions when answering to his con- 
science, hehad determined that he was right; he died 
in 1866, but not till he had seen the fulfillment of his 
hope and prayer, that the curse of slavery might be 
blotted out and the authority of the government 
restored. 

The mother of Mason W. Tappan died only a few 
months after the decease of his father. The Concord 
Monitor, in noticing her death at the time, paid her 
the following tribute : " The deceased was a fine spec- 
imen of the old school of ladies, who maintained a 
lively interest in the present, which, added to her 



' Walter C. Harriman. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



great intelligence, rare conversational jjowers, keen 
insight of persons, a strong moral nature and a cath- 
olic spirit, bounded by no creed or color, made her 
ju-eseuce a benediction and her life a pleasant recol- 
lection." 

At an early age Mason removed with the family to 
Bradford, Merrimack County, and here he spent his 
boyhood days, and here has he always resided. In 
his youth he displayed many of those strong traits of 
character which became prominent in after-life. He 
early formed a resolution to abstain from the use of 
intoxicating drinks, and that resolution has never 
been broken. In addition to the regular course of 
instruction which he received from his parents, he 
attended old Father Ballard's school, in Hopkinton, 
and the Hopkinton Academy, which was a noted 
school in those days. He also became a student at 
the Meriden Academy. 

Having chosen the profession of the law, he pursued 
the study of the same with his father and with the 
Hon. George W. Nesmith, of Franklin, who for a long 
time was one of the judges of the Supreme Judicial 
Court. He was admitted to the bar in 1841, and soon 
acquired an extensive practice in Merrimack and 
Sullivan Counties. In the eminent an ay of legal 
ability that adorned the bar in those dayi-, by his 
power as an advocate, he shortly obtained a promi- 
nent place. 

Down to the year 18.5.3 he had given his undivided 
attention to the law. His practice and his reputation 
as a lawyer were constantly on the increase. He had 
lielonged to the Whig, Free-Soil and American par- 
ties. Although his first step aside from his profession 
was only to represent his town (which was largely 
Democratic) in the Legislature, to which he was 
successively elected in 1853, 1854 and 1855, by his 
personal popularity among his townsmen, it was 
apparent, from the position that he occupied and the 
character of the times, that he would drift into broader 
fields. To turn from his profession and enter the 
arena of party strife, although a matter largely con- 
trolled by force of circumstances, was a step not to be 
taken without due deliberation. In Sullivan County, 
with always a formidable array of counsel against him, 
he had achieved some of his greatest triumphs, and 
had never failed to secure a verdict before a jury. It 
was with some misgivings that he turned from the 
certain pursuits of his professional career to tread the 
uncertain paths in the field of American politics. 

In the legislative session of 1854, Mr. Tappan was 
a candidate for Speaker of the House, and, notwith- 
standing there was a Democratic majority of about 
twenty, he came within two votes of an election. In 
the same year, forgetting past contentions, and moved 
by the prominent stand he had taken in the Legisla- 
ture, the Whigs, Free-Soilers, Independent Democrats 
and Americans came to his support and nominated 
him a member of Congress from the old Second Dis- 
trict, and he was elected. He was twice re-elected. 



breaking for the first time the long-established rule of 
giving a member of Congress only two terms, and 
served in the Thirty-fourth, Thirty-fifth and Thirty- 
sixth Congresses with distinguished ability, and es- 
tablished for himself, in those eventful times when 
" madne.ss ruled the hour," a reputation as an able and 
fearless champion of the cause of the Union and the 
great principles of the Republican party. In July, 
1856, Mr. Tappan made a speech upon the subject of 
the extension of slavery into Kansas, the House be- 
ing in a committee of the whole on the state of the 
Union. " It was a rich treat," to use the language of 
the Jfezv York Tribune at the time, "and made some 
of the Southern chivalry ' rise to a point of order,' 
and ask questions and squirm, and look very uncom- 
fortable. It was a speech produced by deep research 
and much labor." In conclusion, Mr. Tappan said : 
" Mr. Chairman, let me say that we seek no quarrel 
with our brethren of the South. This is an issue ifiet/ 
have forced upon us, and, with God's blessing, we will 
meet it as becomes worthy descendants of patriotic 
sires ! You sometimes tell us that you want to be let 
alone. That is precisely what we intend to do ; we 
will interfere with none of your rights ; whatever is 
' nominated in the bond ' that we will yield. In turn, 
is it too much for us to make the same request of 
you — that you will let ?<s alone? If slavery be a 
blessing, to you shall inure all its benefits. If it be a 
curse, do not ask to place it on our soil to involve us 
in its guilt. We desire to cultivate the relations of 
peace and fraternal kindness with the people of the 
South." 

The storm of secession was rising, and all political 
elements were warming to the contest that was fast 
coming on. No State in the Union had more reason 
to be proud of any of its delegation in Congress than 
had New Hampshire of Mr. Tappan. As was 
said by one of the leading newspapers in the State at 
the time, he was " active, enthusiastic and always 
conciliatory where conciliation is needed. With a heart 
forced by its very nature to hate falsehood, oppression 
and wrong, he is just the man whom a free people 
should delight to honor, and in honoring whom they 
must honor themselves." 

Mr. Tappan, in March, 1858, delivered an able 
speech in the House upon slavery agitation, nullifica- 
tion and the Lecompton Con.stitution, in which he said 
that he wished " to put on record the protest of New 
Hampshire of what he conceived to be the most stu- 
pendous political fraud that was ever before attempted 
to be perpetrated upon any people." In the winter of 
1860-61, in the Thirty-sixth Congress, the celebrated 
select committee of thirty-three — one from each State 
— was constituted, to which was referred so much of 
the President's annual message as related to the then 
disturbed state of the country. Mr. Tappan was 
placed upon this committee, and joined with Mr. 
Washburn, of Wisconsin, in a minority report. 
A report on the part of the majority had been agreed 



IIISTOIIY OF MElllUMACK COUxNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



to and submitted, recommending amendments to the 
Constitution, by which the South would acquire all, 
if not more, than it had demanded for its institution 
of slavery. This minority report was a strong docu- 
ment, and recommended the adoption of the following 
resolution : 

" Haohtd, That the provisions of the Constitution are ample for the 
preservation of the Union, and tho protection of the material interest* of 
tlie country ; that it needs to be obeyed rather tlian amended ; and our 
extrication from present dilBculties is to be looked for in efforts to pre- 
serve and protect the public property and enforce tho laws, rather than 
iu new guarantees for particular interests, or compromises, or conces- 
sions to unreasonable 



On the 5th of February, 1S61, the minority report 
was submitted, and Mr. Tappan immediately arose in 
his seat and addressed himself to the issues involved. 
He began by saying that he was opposed to the rais- 
ing of this committee at the outset, not because he 
did not fully understand the perilous condition of the 
country, but because he believed that the appointment 
of such a committee would lead to some sort of a com- 
promise, when any compromise, under the circum- 
stances, would be humiliating to the North, and 
he did not believe that any measures that might be 
passed would be productive of good, and would only 
add fuel to the flame. He was not unwilling, at the 
proper time, to make reasonable concessions to any 
portion of his countrymen that had grievances to be 
redressed. But he contended that that portion of 
the American people who had just succeeded in elect- 
ing their President, in the modes and forms recog- 
nized by the Constitution, had done nothing that re- 
quired apology, — he did not, for one, go into that 
election to have the principles for which he con- 
tended abandoned at the first howl of those that were 
disappointed at the re-sult. Other parties went into 
the election, and all must abide the result. But no 
sooner was the election of Mr. Lincoln declared than 
the fires of revolution broke out. With most indecent 
haste, the disunionists of the country, who, by their 
own confessions, had been plotting its overthrow for 
thirty years, seized the public property, insulted the 
American flag and, with jeers at the government 
which had protected them so long, declared 
themselves out of the Union. Under these cir- 
cumstances, he was for postponing all other ques- 
tions until it was ascertained whether we had a gov- 
ernment or not. He declared that if this government 
was a mere cobweb, with no power for its own preser- 
vation, it would be utterly useless to attempt to patch 
it up with compromises. He was for narrowing the 
issue to the question of Union or no Union, govern- 
ment or no government, and maintained that, if this 
position had been lioldly taken from the start, they 
would have stood stronger. Every time the people of 
the free States have wavered, every time her repre- 
sentatives have evinced a disposition to fall back one 
step from their po.sition, the Secessionists, with fiercer 
yells, have advanced two. At the first dawn of trea- 
son in its borders, the great Nation retires before 



it, and is crumbling to pieces without an eSbrt to 
maintain its integrity or a finger raised to protect its 
flag! The enforcement of the revenue laws, the de- 
fense of the capital and the protection of the public 
property does not necessarily involve war. He pro- 
ceeded at length on this line, and in course of his 
masterly effort uttered the following sentiments: 

" Sir, I will indulge in no threats of what would be 
the result in such an event [in the event of war]. I 
will make no boasts of the prowess of any particular 
section of the country. I desire to say no word that 
can exasperate or inflame, but simply to plant myself on 
the side of my country and the integrity of its govern- 
ment, whose Constitution I have sworn to support. 
Sir, the Union is dear to the people of the Northern 
States ; they would sacrifice much to preserve it as it 
is; but a Union founded on the protection of slavery 
as its 'chief corner-stone ' is not the Union for which 
our fathers fought, and is not the precious boon which 
they supposed they had transmitted to their posterity." 

The speech was widely circulated, and many of the 
congratulations that were called forth by it were con- 
tained in private letters from leading citizens, not only 
in New England, but throughout the free States. By 
this heroic maintenance of the " Union as it is and 
the Constitution as our fathers made it," there were 
accorded to him an ability and statesmanship which 
those troublesome times so much demanded in the 
halls of Congress. 

Mr. Tappan's course throughout, as a member of 
Congress, was characterized by a conscientious regard 
for the right and the true spirit of independence. 
Over him there was no unworthy control and with 
him there was no unworthy alliance. The part he 
bore as a member of the committee of thirty-three 
receives high commendation in the first volume of 
Mr. Blaine's .book, "Twenty Years of Congress." 
His action in the celebrated Judge Watrous case and 
on the admission of Oregon as a State was not with- 
out criticism. But that criticism was fully disarmed 
and his course vindicated. On the 5th of March, 185;), 
at a great Kepublican meeting in the citi|- of Concord, 
the people of every shade of political opinion gath- 
ered to hear him and listen to an explanation of his 
position in the Oregon affair. In a candid and able 
manner he reviewed his action thereon, and concluded 
by saying " that he would not have taken a different 
position if every man, woman and child in the State, 
on bended knees, had implored him to do it; but 
would have resigned and come home and delivered to 
his constituents the trust which had been confided 
to him." A press report says "That the speaker 
was interrupted here by loud and continued applause 
such as was never before heard in the city, while 
three tremendous cheers were given, which showed 
emphatically that the hearts of the people were with 
him." 

During his Congressional life, which closed with the 
Thirty-sixth Congress (not being a candidate for re- 



BENCH AND EAll. 



.lection), he had served on the judiciary committee 
and was chairman of the committee of claims, and at 
the time of his appointment as such chairman, the 
following appeared in the New York Tribune : " The 
Hon. Mason W. Tappan was conspicuous in the Thirty- 
fifth Congress as a member of the committee of the 
judiciary, and during the protracted examination of 
the charges preferred against Judge Watrous, Mr. 
Tajipan was untiring in the discharge of his delicate 
duties. His selection now, as the head of the com- 
mittee on claims, was a coiiipliment due, as well to his 
past services in Congress, as to his distinguished abil- 
ity as a lawyer and integrity as a man." 

He was also a menber of the vigilance committee, 
tlie chief duties of which were to watch the " Black 
Horse Cavalry." 

We had reached the period of civil war. Armies 
were gathering, and the principles he had enunciated 
iu the national House of Representatives he was 
ready to defend in the field. Abraham Lincoln called 
for seventy-five thousand volunteers for three months, 
and Colonel Tappan was one of the first men to enlist 
in the State. The command of the First Regiment 
naturally went to him, and he was accordingly ap- 
pointed and commissioned by Governor Berry. The 
regiment was mustered into the service of the United 
States from the 1st to the 4th of May, 1861, and on 
the morning of the 25th left for the seat of war. The 
regiment received one continued ovation as it moved 
to the front. In New York City it was presented with a 
silk flag, by Judge Bo wney, and its passage through the 
streetsof the great metropolis on the day of the fun- 
eral of Colonel Ellsworth created a scene never to be 
forgotten. It was the first regiment that had entered 
the field fully equipped, with field and staff officers 
mounted, and with seventy-five horses and twenty- 
one baggage-waggons. It wheeled into line behind 
tlie funeral cortege and marched down Broadway. 
Baltimore was reached in the afternoon of May 27th. 
The men disembarked from the cars, and, with loaded 
muskets and fixed bayonets, marched to the tune of 
" Yankee Doodle " unmolested through the city that 
had shed Union blood. On reaching Washington, the 
regiment marched up Pennsylvania Avenue and on 
to Kalorama, where it went into camp. As soon as 
the column had passed the White House, President 
Lincoln sent for Colonel Tappan, and, complimenting 
him highly on the appearance of his men, said, taking 
him by the hand, " Colonel Tappan, your regiment 
looks more like war than anything I have seen." On 
the 10th of June the regiment was joined to a brigade 
commanded by Colonel Charles P. Stone, and marched 
to Rockville, Md. At this time the Confederate army 
was skirting the right bank of the Potomac, and at 
no time during the war was the national capital in 
greater peril. 

On the 14th of June the regiment moved towards 
Poolesville, the object of this movement being to 
guard the river against the enemy, who were in large 



force at Leesburg, Va. On the 17th the enemy opened 
fire on a portion of the regiment with rifles and six- 
pound cannon, and while Colonel Tappan was mov- 
ing with the remaining portion of the regiment to the 
scene of action, he was ordered back to guard against 
an anticipated attack from another direction. He was 
placed in command at Poolesville, and established a 
line of pickets for a distance of fourteen miles, from 
his camp, at Poolesville, down to Concord Ferry, thence 
up the Potomac to the mouth of the Monocacy. On 
the 6th of July a detachment, under command of Col- 
onel Tappan, moved to Sandy Hook, the reserve to 
be sent there by rail on the 7th, and that night 
moved up the river on the Maryland side twelve miles, 
arriving at Sharpsburg at two o'clock in the morning, 
and at Williamsport, twelve miles farther, in the af- 
ternoon, where they forded the river and stood on the 
" sacred soil " of Virginia. Here they joined the 
brigade, which moved forward to Martinsburg, where 
they joined the command of General Patterson, who 
had his running fight with Johnston, called the 
battle of Falling Waters. July 14th the regiment, 
with the rest of the division, moved on towards Win- 
chester. The enemy fled at their approach. They 
reached Bunker Hill in the afternoon of the same 
day. The troops were anxious for battle, but instead 
of marching on Winchester, a retreat was ordered to 
Charlestowu. On the day of the battle of Bull 
Run, the 21st, the division marched to Harper's 
Ferry and went into camp on Bolivar Heights. July 
21st found the regiment again in camp at Sandy 
Hook, and August 2d, their term of enlistment having 
expired, they embarked on board the cars for New 
Hampshire, being mustered out of the service at Con- 
cord, the 12th of August, 1861. 

The men of Colonel Tappan's regiment were a 
portion of the time wretchedly clad, and endured 
many hardships. Owing to the reputation the regi- 
ment had acquired since entering the field, it was 
placed as the leading regiment on the right of the 
army in its extended operations in Maryland and 
Virginia. Of Colonel Tappan, " New Hampshire in 
the Rebellion " says : "As a commander he was pa- 
triotic, brave and thoughtful of and kind to his offi- 
cers and men, and respected by all." 

Colonel Tappan was appointed colonel of the 
Fourth Regiment upon the resignation of Colonel 
Whipple, but declined the appointment, feeling that 
it would be doing injustice to the brave ranking offi- 
cers of that regiment. He was, subsequently, unani- 
mously elected colonel of the Sixteenth Regiment by 
its soldiers ; but Colonel Tappan, as well as the Gov- 
ernor of the State, thought it advisable that the 
commission should go to another. 

For the last twenty-five years Colonel Tappan has 
been engaged in the constant practice of the law. 
He has always maintained a large practice in his 
county, and in many noted trials in other parts of the 
State he has been engaged. In the celebrated Paul 



26 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



R. George will case he was associated with the late 
Caleb Gushing at his particular request. 

By a close application to the study of the law 
through a period of five years, Colonel Tappan was 
admitted to the bar, after a thorough examination by 
such a lawyer as the late Judge Perley, with no com- 
mon knowledge in all its branches, and i)trhaps 
fitted, had he so inclined, to become what is popu- 
larly known as a technical lawyer. But rather than 
a strict adherence to the mere technicalities of the 
law, but taking a broader and more comprehensive 
view of what the law is and what the practice of it 
ought to be, it is more in accordance with his nature 
to rely on the merits of each individual case and the 
great law of reason and common sense as applicable to 
them. 

In 1876, Colonel Tappan was appointed Attorney- 
General of the State by Governor Cheney, which 
position he now holds. The administration of his 
office, and the manner he has conducted the large 
number of State and capital cases that have fallen to 
him, has been characterized by ability and a faithful 
discharge of its varied and important duties. 

As an advocate, he goes to his work with great as- 
surance, moulds his thought into shape with stalwart 
strength, is clear and convincing, and the conviction 
that he is sincere in the cause he presents is impressed 
upon those that hear him. 

During the time that he has been thus actively en- 
gaged in his profession he has, in many heated polit- 
ical campaigns, for which the State is so much noted, 
taken the stump in behalf of the cause of the Repub- 
lican party, and what he deemed to be for the welfare 
of the whole country. In the great contest of 1868, 
in Warner, the home of his friend and the nominee 
of the Republican party. General Walter Harriman, 
he made a speech of four houi-s' duration, in reply to 
Richard Vaux, of Pennsylvania, who had spoken 
there the day before, and had taken the ground that 
in the reconstruction of the Southern Slates the ad- 
ministration had acted outside of the Constitution. 
Colonel Tappan, taking as his text the clause in the 
Constitution that the " United States shall guarantee 
to every State in this Union a republican form of 
government," proceeded with heavy blows to destroy 
the argument of the day before. The impression that 
this speech made upon the writer, as well as upon the 
minds of all that heard him, still remains, and it was 
the opinion, regardless of party, that the object of it 
was accomplished. 

In the national campaign of 1872, Colonel Tappan 
joined the Liberal Republican movement, and sup- 
ported his life-long friend, Horace Greeley, for the 
Presidency. Between these two men the strongest 
ties of friendship existed. Colonel Tappan believed 
that, more than any other man, Horace Greeley was 
the framer and builder of the Republican party. He 
was in Washington, as a member of Congress, during 
the great contest for the Speakership of the House of 



Representatives. Horace Greeley was there, and he 
regarded him as the master-spirit that directed the 
jarring and discordant elements, and, uniting them on 
General Banks, secured his election as Speaker. The 
war being over, and the people of the North and 
South being citizens of one common country, he be- 
lieved that the desired era of peace and reconciliation 
would be brought about by the election of Horace 
Greeley, and preferred that it should come under the 
leadership of such a Republican than under a reign 
of the Democratic party. He therefore supjiorted 
Horace Greeley, and while this course subjected him 
to adverse comment and criticism no one doubted his 
sincerity or the motives by which he was actuated. 
Nor did it imply that he had renounced any of the 
principles of the Republican party, to which he had 
adhered from the day of its birth, and with which, in 
the course of events, he again found himself in full 
accord. 

Colonel Tappan has been three times married. His 
first wife was Emeline M. Worth, of Sutton, by whom 
he had one son, Frank M. Tappan, Esq., who resides 
near his father, in Bradford. His second wife was 
Mary E. Jenkins, of Boston, and his present wife was 
Miss Imogene B. Atwood, of Lisbon, by whom he has 
a little daughter, Helen L. Tappan. 

Of Colonel Tappan, as a man and a citizen, the 
writer concludes this sketch by quoting from a letter 
of a neighbor, as follows : " Mr. Tappan's kindness to 
the poor and afllicted, his fidelity as a friend, his 
sensitiveness of heart and his honor in his profes- 
sion are proverbial among his most intimate ac- 
quaintances." 

John Henry Albix ' was born October 17, 184.", 
at West Randolph, Vermont. He is the son of John 
and Emily (White) Albin. At the High School in 
Concord, N. H., he prepared for college, and entered 
Dartmouth at the fall term of 1860, and graduating 
therefrom in 1864, he commenced the study of the 
law with the late Hon. Ira A. Eastman of Concord, 
who was a prominent lawyer and at one time one of 
the judges of the Supreme Judicial Court. He pur- 
sued his legal studies assiduously, without interrup- 
tion, until October, 1867, when he was admitted to 
the bar. In April, 1868, he became a partner of Judge 
Eastman. In December of the same year, Samuel B. 
Page, Esq., removed from Warren, N. H., and became 
a member of the firm. They did a large business and 
it was one of the leading firms in the State. It wa.s 
dissolved in 1874, at which time Mr. Albin became 
associated with the writer of this sketch, and by rea- 
son of whose appointment as Attorney General of the 
State, the relation was for a short time disstdved, as 
under a statute the Attorney-General was disqualified 
from practice, except in cases wherein the State was 
a party. This statute being repealed, the association 
was renewed. 







//2/ /?, 




-IC-C^ 



BENCH AND B2VR. 



Mr. Albin formed a partnership witli Nathaniel E. 
Martin, Esq., of Concord, under the title of Albin & 
:Martin. This firm has an extensive legal business. 

.Mr. Albin was a member of the Legislature from 
Cuiuv.rd, ill ISTi^-;:;. 1 >ii ri 11, ii bis first term he served 
iinc.n the .lucliciarv ( ■uiuniittrr, ami in 1873 was chair- 



In 1875 be took up hisresidei 
ut continued his business i 
lected to represent the town 



ce in Henniker, N. H., 
1 Concord. He was 
in the Legislature of 
187(5, (hirinu; which session he was a member of the 
Judiciary Co]nmittee,and of several important special 
coniniittccs be was made chairman. 

Mr. .Vlbin has given much time and attention to 
Odd-Fellowship, and takes great interest in the mys- 
tic l)r()therhood. He has held all of the official posi- 
tions in the Grand Lodge of the jurisdiction, and at 
its annual session in 1879 was elected Grand Master. 
In September, 1881, he represented the Grand Lodge 
in the Sovereign Grand Lodge at its session in Cin- 
cinnati, and in that at Baltimore in September, 1882. 
At the session held in Cincinnati, September, 1881, a 
committee was appointed to prepare a Degree of Uni- 
formed Patriarchs, which consisted of William H. 
Crocker of Chicago, Theodore B. Elliott of Milwaukee, 
,Iobn H. Albin, C. B. Colledge of Washington, B.C., 
and John Heeseman of Charleston, S. C. The labo- 
rious duty of preparing the work contemplated, fell 
to Mr. Albin, and was performed with great care ; he 
reported a Degree which was accepted by the commit- 
tee and almost unanimously adopted by the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, at its session in Baltimore in September 
1882. This committee was continued in existence, 
with full power over the Degree until it was dis- 
charged by the grand body at its session held in 
Providence, in September, 1883. At the September 
session of 1884, at Minneapolis, Minn., Mr. Albin was 
made chairman of the Committee of the Patriarchal 
Branch of the Order, and at the same session a special 
committee was appointed for the purpose of making 
any revision that might be deemed necessary so far as 
that Degree was concerned, and also to report such 
legislation as might be necessary to carry it into full 
effect. That committee was composed of Mr. Albin, 
e.x-Governor John C. Underwood of Covington, Ky., 
and Edward A. Stevens of Minneapolis, Minn., with 
instructions to report at the session of the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge, at Baltimore, September, 1885. 

To those who know Mr. Albin it is not too much to 
say, that he is one of the most active, industrious and 
well-read lawyers in the State, and, notwithstanding 
his constantly increasing business, he keeps himself 
thoroughly read up in the latest legal decisions, and 
makes it a point to provide himself with the best and 
newest text-books in the profession. No case comes 
to his hands but is first thoroughly investigated in all 
its legal aspects ; and in preparing and presenting his 
cases to the court, jury, or whatever tribunal are to 
hear the same, in fact, in the whole conduct of a trial, 



he takes high rank at the New Hamp.shire bar. No 
pains are spared and no labor is shirked which be 
considers will in any way tend to ailvancc the ciuise 
or the interests of his clients. 

Although actively engaged in his profession, Mr. 
Albin takes great interest in agricultural pursuits, 
and upon his farm in Henniker he spends many days 
of pleasant recreation. 

He was married, September 5, 1872, to Miss Georgie 
A. Modica, of Henniker. They have two children, 
Henry A., born February 5, 1875, and Edith G., born 
August 5, 1878. 

William La whence Foster is the only son of 
John and Sophia (Willard) Foster. His father was 
one of thirteen children of the Rev. Edmund and 
Pha?be (Lawrence) Foster. 

Edmund, the grandfather of Judge Foster, was born 
at Groton, Mass., in 1754. He graduated at Yale 
College, studied for the ministry and became quite 
prominent as a preacher. He was settled over the 
church in Littleton, Mass., and continued to be its 
pastor until his death, in 1825, a period of more than 
forty years. He was at one time a member of the 
Massachusetts State Senate. In 1783 he married 
Pha>be Lawrence, of Littleton. She was the daughter 
of Colonel William Lawrence, of Littleton. Through 
his paternal grandmother Judge Foster traces his 
descent from Robert Law-rence, of Lancashire, Eng- 
land, who was born about the year 1150. Attending 
his sovereign, Richard Coeur de Leon, in the war of 
the Crusades in the Holy Land, he so distinguished 
himself in the siege of Acre that he was knighted Sir 
Robert, of Ashton Hall. 

The sixteenth in descent was John Lawrence, who 
came to America in 1635, and settled at Watertown, 
Mass. 

The great-grandfather of Judge Foster was Abra- 
ham Foster, whose father came from England about 
the middle of the seventeenth century, and settled 
in Groton, Mass., where Abraham, Edmund and John 
Foster, the ninth child and third son of Edmund, was 
born. John Foster, in early life, removed to West- 
minster, Vt., where he married Sophia Willard, and 
where his only son, William Lawrence Foster, was 
born, June 1, 1823. 

John Foster removed to Fitzwilliam, N. H., in 1825, 
and from thence to Keene, N. H., in 1834, where he 
died February 7, 1854. He was a captain in the 
old New Hampshire Militia, and was for many years 
high sherifi' of the county of Cheshire. While resid- 
ing in Keene, John Foster was many years a trader, 
and his son assisted him in his store. 

Judge Foster, when a boy, attended the common 
schools and afterwards studied in the Keene and 
Walpole Academies. When about seventeen years of 
age he commenced the study of the law in the office 
of Levi Chamberlain, Esq. In 1844 and 1845 he at- 
tended the Law School at Cambridge. In 1845 he 
was admitted to the bar in Keene, and for a short 



HLSTUKY ur iMElllUiMACK CUUNTV, .NKW JIAMPSHIHK 



time sustained a partnership with John N. Baxter, 
and afterward with Mr. Chamberlain. From 1845 to 
1849 he was postmaster at Keene. From 1849 to 
1853 he was clerk of the New Hampshire Senate. 
He was a member of Governor Dinsmore's staff, with 
the rank of colonel, by whom, in 1850, he was ap- 
pointed State reporter, holding that office till 1856. 
During his terra of office he edited Vols. 17-19, 21- 
31 inclusive, of the New Hampshire Rei)orts. 

In January, 1853, he married Harriet Morton, 
daughter of Hon. Hamilton E. Perkins, of Hopkinton, 
N. H., and in April of that year he removed from 
Keene to Concord, where he entered into partnership 
with Colonel John H. (icorge. Hon. Charles P. San- 
born subsequently became a member of the firm, and 
upon Colonel George's retirement therefrom, in 1867, 
the partnership was continued by Messrs. Foster & 
Sanborn till October, 1869. 

In 1854, Colonel Foster was appointed commis- 
sioner of tlic Circuit Court of the United States, which 
office he held until his election to the New Hamp- 
shire House of Representatives, in 1862. He was a 
member of the Legislature in 1862 and 1863. In 
1863 he received from Dartmouth College the hon- 
orary degree of Master of Arts. 

He was appointed a judge of the Supreme Judicial 
Court October 1, 1869, and held that office till October 
1, 1874, when, upon the reorganization of the courts, 
he was appointed chief justice of the Circuit Court, 
with the late Judges Stanley and Rand as his asso- 
ciates. October 1, 1876, he was appointed a judge of 
the Supreme Court. He resigned that office July 1, 
1881, and resumed the practice of the law. In 1884 
he was reappointed an United States commissioner. 

Judge Foster was very highly esteemed while a 
member of the court, and, as a lawyer, is noted ior 
his legal attainments. He is a graceful writer and an 
eloquent orator, and has frequently been called upon 
to preside at public meetings and to deliver commem- 
orative addresses. His post-prandial speeches have 
been especially happy. He is a strong advocate before 
a jury. 

John Hatch George.' — The man who makes his 
way to the front rank at the bar and in politics, and 
holds his position without dispute for more than a 
quarter of a century, must be a person of ability, 
energy and sagacity. Especially is this true in New 
Hampshire, which, from the earliest period of our na- 
tional history, has produced some of the ablest law- 
yers and the keenest politicians known to the country. 
Such a man is Colonel John Hatch George, of Con- 
cord, whose name has long been a household word at 
every Democratic fireside in the State, and whose 
eminent legal position is recognized throughout New 
England. 

He was born in Concord, where he has ever since 



esided, November 20, 1824. His parents 



John 



My H. H. Mctcalf, in "Clarke'8 Succcseful New HampBhilo Men." 



and Mary (Hatch) George, the former a prominent, 
respected and energetic citizen, who, though a native 
of Hopkinton, located in Concord in early manhood ; 
the latter, a daughter of Samuel Hatch, a leading 
citizen of the town of Greenland, among whose grand- 
children are included the Hon. Albert R. Hatch and 
John S. H. Frink, Esq., both also known as eminent 
lawyers and leading Democrats. 

Gaining his preliminary education in the excellent 
public schools of his native town and in the old Con- 
cord Academy, Colonel George entered Dartmouth 
College in 1840, being then fifteen years of age, where 
he diligently pursued his studies for about three years. 
until the death of his father compelled his return 
home and the non-completion of his college course. 
The faculty subsequently conferred upon him his 
graduating degree, which was followed by that of 
Master of Arts. Among his classmates at Dartmouth 
were several who became prominent at the bar and in 
public life, including the late Hon. Harvey Jewell, 
and Hons. A. A. Ranney and Horatio G. Parker, ot 
Boston, and ex-Governor Charles H. Bell. 

If young George was unfortunate in the loss of his 
father, and in the failure to complete the college course 
consequent thereon, he was especially fortunate in 
being favored v/ith the kindly regard of that brilliant 
son of New Hampshire, General Franklin Pierce, 
who, as a friend of the family, had become conversant 
with his qualities and characteristics, and readily dis- 
cerned the line of action best calculated for the de- 
velopment and successful exercise of his powers. 
Fortunate as he was, however, in the enjoyment of 
the friendship of General Pierce at this time, it may 
safely be assumed that he never would have been the 
recipient of such favor had he not given evidence of 
the possession of abilities above the common order. 
The really great lawyer has a lofty regard for his pro- 
fession, and will never be found influencing any one 
to enter upon its pursuit who is not likely to honor 
the profession and bring credit to himself. When, 
therefore, upon the invitation of General Pierce, 
young George entered upon the study of the law in 
the office of the former, — as he did soon after leaving 
college, and at the time when that distinguished man 
was in active practice, — it was under circumstances 
every way propitious to that ultimate success credit- 
able alike to each. During his three years of legal 
study under such tutelage, he made that rapid progress 
which characterizes the advance of the ambitious and 
enthusiastic young man, well equipped, mentally and 
physically, for the work in hand, thoroughly in love 
therewith, guided by wise counsel and inspired by 
brilliant example ; and when, in 1846, he was ad- 
mitted to the bar, and entered upon the practice of his 
profession in his native city, it was with unusual 
thoroughness of preparation. 

At the opening of his professional career, Colonel 
George was again particularly fortunate. General 
Charles H. Peaslee had long ranked among the most 



BENCH AND BAR. 



29 



careful lawyers of the State, and had acquired an ex- 
tensive practice. He was a warm friend of General 
Pierce, professionally and politically, and, like him, 
an intimate friend of the George family. Entering 
largely into public life, its engrossing duties withdrew 
his attention more and more from professional en- 
gagements, rendering desirable a partnership alliance 
with some active and competent young man. Such 
alliance was offered to and promptly accepted by 
young George, who thus auspiciously commenced his 
professional career. 

The limits of this sketch will not permit a detailed 
account of the progress and success of its subject; 
but it may be stated, that from his entrance upon legal 
practice to the present time, all his energies and facul- 
ties have been heartily devoted to the labors and 
duties of his profession, in whose performance he has 
won a high measure of fame, as well as a fair amount 
of that substantial reward which the world largely 
regards as the prime object of human effort. His con- 
nection with General Peaslee continued about five 
years, and was followed by a professional alliance of a 
similar character with Sidney Webster, Esq., then a 
young lawyer of fine abilities and brilliant promise, 
who has since become distinguished in legal and dip- 
lomatic circles. This partnership continued till Mr. 
Webster left Concord to become private secretary to 
General Pierce, upon the accession of the latter to the 
Presidency, in 1853. Soon afterward. Colonel George 
formed partnership relations with Hon. William L. 
Foster, who subsequently became, and long remained, 
a judge of the Supreme Court of the State, and with 
them Hon. Charles P. Sanborn was also for a time 
associated. 

Not only in behalf of an extensive private client- 
age have the professional services of Colonel George 
been employed, but for many years, also, in behalf of 
the public, — he having been appointed solicitor for 
Merrimack County in 184U, and re-appointed in 1854, 
discharging the duties of the oflSce until 1856, when 
he was removed for partisan reasons, the Republican 
party signalizing its ascendency by a clean sweep of 
Democratic ofiicials. From 1853 to 1858 he was 
United States attorney for the district of New Hamp- 
shire, appointed by President Pierce. 

There are, undoubtedly, many men at the bar, in 
this and other States, as well grounded in legal prin- 
ciples as tJolonel George, and even more familiar with 
the text-books, who have fallen far short of the suc- 
cess he has attained. It is one thing to be able to 
state abstract legal principles, and quite another cor- 
rectly to apply those principles to the facts in any 
given case. It has ever been the habit of Colonel 
George, in the conduct of a cause, to thoroughly fam- 
iliarize himself with all the facts and circumstances 
connected therewith. The mastery of the cause itself 
leaves little difficulty in the determination of the law 
bearing thereon, and it is the strongest guaranty of 
success in its management before a jury; and It is in 



the conduct of jury causes tliat Colonel George has 
won the greater measure of his success. Gifted with 
great perceptive powers and a ready knowledge of 
men, and familiar as he ever is with the cause in 
hand, in all its bearings, he is never taken at a disad- 
vantage, no matter how able or alert the opposing 
counsel. In handling witnesses, and especially in 
cross-examination, he has shown unusual tact and 
ability. He reads the mind of a witness almost intu- 
itively, and understands bow to bring out the essen- 
tial facts even from the most reluctant, and to do so 
in the manner best calculated to make the desired 
impression upon the minds of the jury. As an advo- 
cate, he is equaled by few and excelled by none of 
our New Hampshire lawyers; yet his power in this 
regard consists in the systematic, logical and intensely 
earnest presentation of all the facts which go to make 
up and strengthen his cause, and to destroy or weaken 
that of his opponents, rather than in the oratory 
which abounds in eloquently rounded periods and 
impassioned appeals. In this connection may well 
be quoted the words of one who, knowing Colonel 
George from youth, has written of him as follows: 



" Intense earnestness, and a faculty of an Immediate and ixiwerful 
concentration of all bis mental faculties on any subject which interested 
him, were the predominant peculiarities of the early manhood of Mr. 
George. When he came to the bar, he manifested a power of felicitous 
language, and a largeness of vocabulary, which were rarely to be seen 
even in the most practiced speakers. He never prepared beforehand the 
words of his spoken utterances, either at the bar 
or on the stump. Whatever he could see and understand at a 
and understood clearly. The strength of his feelings, the 
power and range of his vocabulary, added to this c 
made mere verbal preparation unnecessary for hit 
made up of a clear perception of the turning-point of his case, and then 
of pungent epigram, sparkling parado.\, rattling attack, vivid repartee, 
hearty humor and, when occasion called for, of a fearlessness of denun- 
ciation of what he believed to be wrong or unjust or unfair, which made 
him, even at the outset of bis brilliant career, a dangerous antagonist 
for the most practiced and powerful members of the New Hampshire 

Though not retiring from general practice, Colonel 
j George has devoted his attention largely to railroad 
j law for many years past, having accepted, in 1867, 
the position of solicitor for the Boston and Lowell 
Railroad, and established an office in Boston for the 
transaction of business in connection with that posi- 
tion. He retired from this position in 1884. For 
nearly twenty years previous to that date he had 
served as clerk and counsel of the Concord Railroad 
corporation, and had already become famiiiar with 
the law of railways and their general relations to the 
public. To-day there is no higher living authority 
upon railroad law in New England than Colonel 
George, — no man who understands more thoroughly 
or can state more clearly the respective rights, duties 
and obligations of railroad corporations and the peo- 
[ pie in relation to each other, a general understanding 
of which is becoming more and more essential to the 
fullest measure of our national prosperity. His pub- 
lic addresses upon the subject, his arguments before 
legislative committees, courts and juries, are models 



30 



HISTOKY OF MEKRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



of clearness and cogency, admirable in construction 
and convincing in eftect. 

Notwithstanding bis uninterrupted devotion to the 
law. Colonel George is no less generally known in 
politics than at the bar. Wei) grounded in the faith 
of the Democratic party in his youthful years, his 
intimate association with Pierce, Peaslee and other 
distinguished leaders of that organization in his early 
manhood served to intensify his feelings and convic- 
tions in that regard; so he has ever been a ready and 
zealous exponent of Democratic principles and a 
champion of the Democratic cause, contributing his 
services without stint in conventions, in committee 
work and upon the stump, doing able and brilliant 
service in the latter direction in all parts of the State, 
and in almost every campaign for the past thirty-five 
years. He long since came to be regarded as one of 
the most powerful and effective political debaters in 
the State. His efforts upon the stump are character- 
ized by the same earnestness, the same sledge-hammer 
logic and the same comprehensive array of facts as 
at the bar. His mode of warfare, political as well as 
legal, is of the Napoleonic order. He never assumes 
the defensive, and if placed in such jiosition by any 
combination of circum.stances, he soon transforms it 
into one of active aggression. 

From 1851 to 1853, inclusive, Colonel George served 
as chairman of the Democratic State Committee, and 
again in 1856. In 1852 he was also selected as the 
New Hampshire member of the Democratic National 
Committee, and he was especially active in the cam- 
paign, both in the State and the country at large, 
which resulted in the election of his friend, General 
Pierce, to the Presidency. His service upon the 
National Committee continued until 1860. He was a 
member of the Democratic National Convention in 
1856, and chairman of the State delegation in the 
National Convention at Cincinnati, in 1880. At the 
Stale Convention of liis party, in September of that 
year, he presided, delivering, upon assuming the 
chair, one of the ablest addresses ever heard upon a 
similar occasion. 

His party having been in the minority in New 
Hampshire for the past twenty-five years, he has been 
comparatively little in public ofiice. Aside from the 
non-partisan positions heretofore mentioned, he was 
for three years — in 1847, 1848 and again in 1850 — 
clerk of the State Senate. In 1853 he was chosen a 
member of the Legislature, but resigned his seat to 
accept the office of United States attorney. In this 
connection it may be mentioned that in 1855 he was 
tendered, by President Pierce, the office of sec- 
retary of the Territory of Minnesota, which he at 
first was inclined to accept, but, after deliberation, 
determined to forego the chances for political pro- 
motion ordinarily involved in an appointment of that 
character, and remain with his friends and his law 
practice in his own State. In 1859, Colonel George 
received the Democratic nomination for Congress in 



the Second District, and again in 1863, when he made 
a vigorous canvass, and was defeated by a very close 
vote. In 1866 he received the votes of the Demo- 
cratic members of the Legislature as their candi- 
date for United States Senator. Had he deserted his 
party and allied himself with the majority when the 
Republicans came into ascendency, he might readily 
have commanded the highest honors in the gift of the 
State, as others less able than himself have done ; but 
his position in the honest regard of the people, irre- 
spective of party, is far higher to-day for having 
remained true to his convictions and steadfast and 
active in their maintenance. 

His military title comes from his service as chief 
of the staff of Governor Dinsmoor from 1848 to 1850. 
He was also for several years .commander in the 
brilliant and popular organization known as the 
" Governor's Horse-Guards." As a popular orator, 
outside the domain of law and politics. Colonel 
George also takes high rank. His oration upon 
Daniel Webster, at the centennial celebration of the 
birth of that most illustrious son of New Hampshire, 
under the auspices of the Webster Club of Concord, 
is surpassed in power and felicity of expression by 
none which the event anywhere called forth. 

Colonel George was united in marriage, in Septem- 
ber, 1849, with Miss Susan Ann Brigham, daughter 
of Captain Levi Brigham, of Boston, who died May 
10, 1862, leaving five children, three sons and two 
daughters, — viz. : John Paul, Charles Peaslee, Ben- 
jamin Pierce, Jane Appletou, Anne Brigham. In 
July, 1864, he married Miss Salvadora Meade Graham, 
daughter of Colonel James D. Graham, of the United 
States engineers, by whom he has one child, Charlotte 
Graham. 

The family residence of Colonel George is the old 
paternal mansion on North Main Street, in Concord, 
wherein he was born. He has also an excellent farm 
a few miles out of the city, in Hopkinton, where he 
makes his summer home, and where, in his little 
leisure from professional labor, he indulges a fond- 
ness for rural pursuits, and especially for the breeding 
and care of domestic animals, which was one of the 
characteristics of his boyhood. Incidental as this 
may be, his farm is known as one of the most highly 
cultivated in the section where it is located, and his 
horses and Jersey cattle are the admiration of all 
lovers of good stock. 

As a citizen. Colonel George is public-spirited, and 
freely devotes his time and energies to the further- 
ance of every movement and the advocacy of every 
measure which he believes calculated to promote the 
material or educational welfare of the community. 
No man in Concord has done more than he to advance 
the prosperity of the city in every essential regard. 
The efficiency of the public schools has ever been an 
object of deep interest to him ; and as a private 
citizen, as a member of building Committees and in 
the Board of Education, he has given his services 




y^£U Q^'^y^^^?^^ 



BENCH AND BAR. 



freely in perfecting the admirably-equipped public- 
school system, which is far from the least of the at- 
tractions which render our capital city one of the 
most desirable places of residence in New England. 

The general extension of the railway system of 
the State, to which most that has been accomplished 
iu the development of its material resources for the 
last twenty-five years is due, has ever found an en- 
thusiastic supporter in Colonel George, who has been 
and still is directly connected with several railroad 
enterprises in different sections, which have proved of 
great local and general advantage. 

Few men have more or warmer friends than Colo- 
nel George. A man of positive opinions, frankly 
aud honestly delared, he commands the sincere re- 
spect of those with whom he comes in contact in all 
the relations of life, private, social, public and pro- 
fessional. Formidable as an opponent, he is never- 
theless fair and honorable, as he is true and faithful 
as a friend and ally. He is a prominent member of 
the Masonic order, having attained the rank of Sove- 
reign Grand Inspector-General of the Thirty-third 
Degree, and a member of the " Supreme Council of 
the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the North- 
ern Jurisdiction of the United States." 

This brief sketch can, perhaps, be no more appro- 
ately concluded than in the following language of the 
gentleman (Sidney Webster, Esq.) heretofore quoted: 



, while they have diniiiiiBhed somewhat the 
energetic temperament and the exuberant animal spirits of Colonel 
George's youth, and hare naturally softened his once blunt and almost 
brusque manner in debate, have not diminished the real force and strength 
of his genuine character, for character is just what Colonel George haa 
always had. As the ripples of his experience spread over a wider and 
wider area, he may have less and less confidence iu the infallibility of any 
man's opinions, and less belief in the importance to society .of any one 
man's action; but Colonel George has reached and passed his balf-cen- 
tury with his mental faculties and his moral faculties improving and 
strengthening year by year. New Hampshire has to-day very few 
among her living sons better equipped to do triumphant battle for her 
in the high places of the world." 

Hon. Daxiel Barnard. — 1. John Barnard was 
among the earlier settlers of Jlassachusetts. He 
came to this country in 1G34, in the ship "Elizabeth," 
from Ipswich, England, and settled in Watertown. 

2. John Barnard, son of the pioneer John Barnard, 
had two sons, — Jonathan and Samuel. 

3. Jonathan Barnard, inn-holder in Amesbury, who 
kept "The Lion's Mouth" in provincial days, was a 
captain in the colonial militia, and was prominent in 
the affairs of the town in which he lived. His name 
heads the list of the sixty original grantees, in 1735, 
of the township of New Amesbury, or " Number 
One," which was afterwards granted, in 1767, by the 
Masonian proprietors, as Warner. 

4. Charles Barnard, son of Jonathan, was a soldier 
in the patriot army of the Revolution, and settled in 
Warner. 

5. Thomas Barnard, son of Charles Barnard, wa.s 
born in Warner in 1782; married, first, Ruth East- 
man, of Hopkinton ; second, Phebe, his first wife's 



sister. In the fall of 1826 he removed, with hLs fam- 
ily, from Warner to Orange. He died January 29, 
1859. His wife, Phebe, died June 30, 1845. 

6. Daniel Barnard, son of Thomas and Phebe Bar- 
nard, was born in Orange, N. H., January 23, 1827. 

This town, though it received some settlers under 
its original name of Cardigan as early iis 1773, was in 
1826, for the most part, still an unbroken wilderness. 
When Thomas Barnard went up there and planted 
his home on his lot of three hundred acres on the 
highlands dividing the waters which flow into the 
Pemigewassett from those which flow into the Con- 
necticut, the whole territory was still covered by the 
primeval forest. The church and the district school 
stood together more than three miles ofl', and so con- 
tinued till the subject of this notice, the fifth child of 
the family, was fourteen years old, no regular school 
being established nearer till he was eighteen years old. 
But the father being a man of sense and intelligence, 
and the mother an uncommonly bright, capable 
woman, they not only made the utmost exertion to 
give their children the full benefit of the meagre 
chances of the district school, but also systematically 
supplemented these opportunities with regular study 
and teaching in the long winter evenings at home. 
The father, a good mathematician, managed the flock 
in arithmetic, and the mother handled them in other 
branches. At the age of seventeen Daniel was at 
the academy in Canaan, several miles from home, 
during the winter, and subsequently continued to 
work on the farm iu the summers and study at the 
academy in the winters till he became of age. 

During this time he was anxiously endeavoring to 
secure the advantages of a college education, and 
with this end in view, pursued his preparatory studies 
at the Canaan and Boscawen Academies, and at the 
Normal Institute at Reed's Ferry, under the tuition 
of Professor William Russell, teaching during the 

Wheu he arrived at man's estate he took his stand 
with the Free-Soil Democrats, and was elected to rep- 
resent the town of Orange in the popular branch of 
the Legislature in the years 1848, '49, '50 and '51. 

Mr. Barnard was well known in the House from his 
first appearance iu that body, not merely because so 
youthful in appearance, but because, also, of the un- 
common capacity, the sincerity and sagacity with 
which, in unassuming, almost diffident ways, he met 
all his duties ; and in the latter sessions of the four 
years' service he became a leader of the Independent 
party in the House, an influential member of that 
body. At home during the same period he was sleep- 
less in his vigilance contriving by sagacious manage- 
ment to hold the little band of Free-Soil Democrats 
in a solid column, and annually to carry the town till 
he left, in the autumn of 1851. 

His legislative experience causing him to materially 
change his plans for the future, he decided to enter 
at once upon the study of law, and at the close of the 



32 



HSTORY OF MKRRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



legislative session of 1851 lie entered the law-office of 
Nesmith & Pike, in Franklin. 

In 1854, on admission to the bar, he became at once 
the junior partner with Mr. Pike in the office in 
which he had read his profession, Mr. Nesmith at 
that time retiring from the office and extensive busi- 
ness which he had so honorably founded and built 
into its large proportions. In 18()3, Mr. Barnard 
withdrew from the firm and established himself alone 
in his profession in the same village, rapidly rising 
into the very large, wide and lucrative business which 
for more than fifteen years has allowed him not so 
much as a week or scarcely a day of vacation in the 
year. During this period he has had as many stu- 
dents in his office constantly as the circumstances of 
his office would admit, and has nearly all the time 
had a partner in a temporary way. His partner now 
is his eldest son, who was graduated at Dartmouth 
College, with superior rank, in 1876, at the age of 
twenty years, studied his profession in his father's 
office and at the Boston Law School, and was admitted 
to the bar and into partnership with his father in 1879. 
In relation to tite business of the office, it is perfectly 
safe to add that there has been no time within the 
last ten years in which there has not been a formida- 
ble amount of business piled up awaiting attention, 
notwithstanding the most sleepless, indefatigable in- 
dustry which Mr. Barnard has brought to his duties. 
For many years he has not only regularly attended 
all the courts in the counties of Merrimack, Belknap, 
and the Plymouth sessions of Grafton, but has con- 
stantly attended the United States Circuit Courts, 
practicing in bankrupt, patent and revenue cases. 
The reports of the courts fully support the statements 
here made on this subject. 

The esteem in which Mr. Barnard is held by the 
immediate community in which he lives has been 
casually mentioned. Though never seeking office, 
he has been often chosen to places of responsibility 
by his townsmen. In 1860 and 1862 he represented 
the town in the Legislature, and in all political con- 
tests in the town in which he has been candidate for 
the suffrages of his townsmen he has always run 
much ahead of the party ticket. In 1865 and 1866 
he was a member of the State Senate, jiresiding over 
that body in the latter-named year ; in 1870 and 1871 
he was a member of the Governor's Council, and in 
1872 was a member of the National Republican Con- 
vention at Philadelphia. He was solicitor of Merri- 
mack County from 1867 till 1872, when he declined a 
reappointment, again declining the position in 1877. 
He was a firm, earnest supporter of the homestead- 
exemption law of 1850, which was opposed by most of 
the legal profession in the Legislature, and introduced 
the resolution in the House which first gave the 
members a daily paper. As a member of the Senate 
in 1867 he took a profound interest in the amendment 
of the Federal Constitution prohibiting slavery, 
making an able and effective argument, which was 



published at the time, in its support in that body. 
In the cause of education he has always been a 
foremost friend in Franklin and throughout tlu- 
State. His own early struggles have doubtless con- 
tributed to make him peculiarly a friend of the com- 
mon school, and his experience as a teacher in his 
early years gives him practical wisdojn in the cause. 
While studying his profession in Franklin he was, 
from year to year employed in the teachers' institutes, 
which did a large work in awakening higher ideas of 
the mission of the common school in New Hampshire 
during that period, and in that business he was in 
nearly every county of the State. Sensible of his own 
personal misfortune in having so little early chance for 
schooling, his voice and his open hand are always on 
the side which aims to give enlargement to the edu- 
cation of the masses of the people, and in his own 
family is seen his appreciation of the higher grades 
of education. In 1867 the honorary degree of Master 
of Arts was conferred upon him by Dartmouth Col- 
lege. 

Mr. Barnard has been prominently identified with 
all the leading industries which have been established 
in Franklin, and which have so remarkably built up 
the town within the last twenty years. He procured 
the charters and helped organize all the large cor- 
porations; has been a continuous trustee of the 
Franklin Library Association since its establishment, 
more than fifteen years ago, and a trustee of the 
Franklin Saviugs-Bank since its establishment, in 
1865; legal counsel of the Franklin Falls Company 
from its organization, in 1864, and for many years 
its local agent, and is, and has been from the 
first, a director and vice-president of the Franklin 
National Bank, organized in that town in 1880. 

As a lawyer Mr. Barnard ranks very high in the 
profession, his advice being eagerly sought by all clas- 
ses, but no person, however poor, with a meritorious 
cause was ever turned away from his office to make 
room for a richer or more powerful client. His 
client's cause becomes his, and his whole energy is 
directed to winning for him what he believes he 
should have. His terse and logical arguments are 
especially powerful before a jury, and his eloquent 
voice has often been heard in legislative halls, leading 
and guiding the law-making assemblies, and in po- 
litical meetings sustaining the motives and policy of 
his party 

In the social, humane and religious work of the 
community he has always been active and efficient, 
generous almost to a fault in every good enterprise, 
and in these spheres of duty he has ever had the 
efficient co-operation of a cultivated and, it is not too 
much to add, a model Christian wife, — Amelia, only 
child of Rev. William Morse, a Unitarian clergyman, 
of Chelmsford, Mass., at the time of the marriage, — 
to whom he was married November 8, 1854. Mr. 
Morse, now deceased, was one of the pioneer clergy- 
men of the Unitarian faith in this country, was many 



BENCH AND BAR. 



33 



years pastor of the Callowhill Street Church, Phila- 
delphia, and an able and excellent minister. His 
wife was Sophrouia, daughter of Abner Kneeland, of 
Boston, an able and upright man, whose trial on the 
technical charge of blasphemy, but really for the 
publication of heretical religious doctrines, was a 
most noted episode in New England forty years ago. 
Mrs. Morse was a noble woman. Mr. Morse and his 
wife resided during the last years of their pleasant 
lives in Franklin, near their daughter, who watched 
with singular tenderness over the closing years of the 
parents to whom she is indebted for superior train- 
ings, as well as superior ability. 

Their union has been blessed with seven children, 
six of whom — four sons and two daughters — are now 
living. 

William Morse, the eldest son, has been mentioned. 
James Ellery, the second son, entered Dartmouth 
College, but left at the end of his sophomore year, 
and is in business in Boston. 

Charles Daniel and Frank Eugene are both at 
school, the former being a student at Phillips Exeter 
Academy. 

Emma Sophronia, the elder of the two daughters, 
is married to Captain Samuel Pray, of Portsmouth, 
N. H. 

Mary Amelia was graduated at Smith College in 
1881, and lives at home. 

Joseph B. Walker is the son of Captain 
Joseph Walker, and the great-grandson of Eev. 
Timothy Walker, the first minister of Concord. He 
was born on the paternal farm June 12, 1822. He 
was fitted for college largely at Exeter, and graduated 
at Yale in 1844. He studied law in the office of Hon. 
Charles H. Peaslee, of Concord, and at the Harvard 
Law School, and was admitted to the New Hampshire 
l)ar in March, 1847. 

A year or two after liis admission to the bar he re- 
linquished his profession, and has since been devoted 
to general business. 

He inherited the family farm, one of the largest in 
Concord, which he has greatly imjjroved by working, 
draining, fertilizing, etc., thereby trebling its produc- 
tiveness. 

From 1845 to 1866, when its third charter expired, 
Jlr. Walker was a director of the Merrimack County 
Bank. This was a State institution, and its managers 
not caring to continue it as a national bank, its exis- 
tence ceased with its third charter, after a successful 
career of sixty years. In 1865 he was elected presi- 
dent of the New Hampshire Savings-Bank, in Concord, 
one of the oldest institutions for savings in New 
Hampshire, and remained at its head until 1874. 
Upon its organization in 1880 he was elected one of 
the directors of the Mechanics' National Bank, and 
is still a member of that board. . 

About 1847 he was elected clerk of the board of 
directors of the Northern Railroad and, a few years 
later, a director, which two offices he held for several 



years. Some twelve or fifteen years ago he became a 
director of the Concord and Portsmouth Railroad, a 
position which he still holds. 

Mr. Walker took an early interest in the New 
Hampshire Asylum for the Insane, and became one 
of its trustees in 1847 and its secretary in 1848. 
These positions he still occupies, having held them 
for nearly forty years. Being a resident trustee, he 
has had much active service in connection with the 
outside business of that institution. Since his con- 
nection with it, its accommodations for patients have 
increased from those for ninety-six patients to ample 
ones for three hundred and fifty. 

He has ever taken an active interest in the New 
Hampshire Historical Society, of which he became a 
member in 1845 and has since served it in various 
ways, acting as its librarian from 1845 to 1850, its 
recording secretary from 1849 to 1853, its second 
vice-president from 1860 to 1861, its first vice-presi- 
dent from 1861 to 1866, and its president from 1866 
to 1868. He was also active in the successful efforts 
to procure for it a permanent habitation of its own 
and in fitting this to meet the wants of the institu- 
tion. 

He also took a deep interest in the founding of the 
New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Me- 
chanic Arts. He was chairman of the special com- 
mittee of the House of Representatives, in 1866 to 
whom this subject was committed, drew and reported 
the bill establishing it, which, with some modifica- 
tions, passed both branches of the Legislature, and 
after its organization was for a year or two one of its 
trustees. His name now stands upon its catalogue as 
lecturer to its students upon the subjects of drainage 
and irrigation. 

Mr. Walker has always felt a deep interest in the 
welfare of his native city. Twice — in 1866 and 1867 
— he has represented it in the Legislature, and for 
two years he was a member of its Board of Aldermen. 

The educational interests of the city have also 
received his earnest support. Up to about 1850 the 
schools of Concord had been as poor as those of any 
other large town in the State. The consolidation of 
the three districts in the central part of the city into 
one, since known as Union School District, was 
the first important step in their improvement. The 
second was the establishment of a Board of Education 
in this district. These two steps subsequently secured 
a new interest on the part of its people in the welfare 
of their schools. A systematic grading of the schools 
and a rebuilding of all its school-houses, with such 
additional buildings as the wants of the schools re- 
quired, were the third and fourth in this important 
work, which required large expenditures of money 
by the district and large expenditures of time, skill 
and patience on the part of the Board of Education. 
The result has been the elevation of the schools to a 
level with that of the good schools of New England, 
and the placing within the reach of all the children 



34 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



of this district tlie means of attaining a respectable 
English or classical education. 

Mr. Walker was one of the original members of 
this Board of Education, and by successive elections 
was continued such for thirteen years, at the expira- 
tion of which period he felt that he had contributed 
his share of work in this direction, and retired. 

Mr. Walker was one of the original members of 
the committee appointed by the city for the purchase 
of a new cemetery, and took an active part in laying 
out the grounds of Blossom Hill Cemeter)-, in 1860, 
and in securing a proper ordinance for the regulation 
of its aflairs. After a service of ten years he retired 
from this position, in 1870. 

. He has ever been a good deal interested in agricul- 
tural and liistorical subjects ; from time to time has 
written papers, and on various occasions has delivered 
addresses upon these. All the fourteen volumes of 
" Reports of the Secretary of the Board of Agricul- 
ture " contain one or more of these, with the excep- 
tion of the thirteenth. Before the New Hampshire 
Historical Society and the New England Historic 
Genealogical Society he has repeatedly read papere 
upon historical and biographical subjects ; many of 
these latter have been printed. 

Anson Southard Marshall' was born in Lyme, 
New Hampshire, December 3d, 1822, and died 
in Concord on the morning of July 5th, 1874. His 
father was a farmer, and young Anson's boyhood 
was passed on the farm, wbere his naturally delicate 
constitution became strong and vigorous and thus en- 
abled him, in the succeeding years of his busy life, to 
bear its fatigues and worriments without seriously 
afl'ecting his health. At an early age he inclined to- 
wards reading and study ; and, although he did not 
neglect the sports incident to his gleeful disposition, 
young Marshall found time to indulge iu a course of 
reading somewhat unusual for one of his years. With 
an ambition like this, it was but natural that he 
should turn his eyes towards that venerable seat of 
learning only a few miles distant from his father's 
homestead. 

Accordingly, he entered Dartmouth College at the 
age of twenty-one, having fitted himself in the space 
of eighteen months while at the academy at Thetford. 
Among his classmates were the Hon. James W. Pat- 
terson, now superintendent of State instruction, the 
Hon. Henry P. Rolfe, Albert H. Crosby, M.D., and 
many others since distinguished in their various 
walks of life. He was graduated in the class of 1848, 
and, like many a young graduate of that time, sought 
his immediate livelihood in the vocation of school- 
teacher. In this he was singularly fortunate. About 
the year 1849 the town of Fitchburg, Mass., estab- 
lished a High School, and the committee having the 
selection of teachers in charge chose Mr. Marshall 
from a large number of applicants. To the wisdom 



1 By Charles R. Corning. 



of this choice the old people testify to this day, ami 
his name is held in most affectionate regard by thosi 
who attended the school during his principalship. 
As a teacher, he was remarkably successful; his 
method of instruction was such as to interest tin 
scholar without the tediousness of an unchanging' 
routine. 

As an illustration of his originality as a teacher. In 
once dismissed his class and went with it to a circus, 
in order, as he said, that his scholars might see the 
exceeding suppleness and perfection of the human 
body as shown by the performers. As a practical 
lesson in anatomy, this deviation from the truly or- 
thodox regulation may have proved productive <'l 
much good. 

While in Fitchburg, Mr. Marshall entered hi- 
name in the law-ofiBce of Wood & Torrey, but Ui> 
school duties must have prevented any serious or 
deep researches in the literature of that professiim, 
to which he afterward dedicated his life. 

He often referred to the time he spent in Fitcli- 
burg as one of the pleasantest of his life, and when- 
ever, in after-years, business called him in its neigh- 
borhood, he was sure to visit the old scenes and to 
receive the hearty welcome of those of his old friends 
who yet remained. 

In 1851 he left Fitchburg and came to Concord, 
where he lived to the day of his death. Entering 
the law-office of President Pierce and Judge Josiah 
Miuot, he made good progress in his studies, and tlu' 
next year was admitted to the bar. 

A partnership was formed with his former cliuss- 
mate, Mr. Rolfe, which continued until 1859, and 
was then dissolved, Mr. Marshall remaining alone 
until 1863, when AVilliam M. Chase, Esq., became 
associated with him under the name of Marshall & 
Chase. 

There is, probably, no State in the Union where 
politics are more assiduously cultivated than in New 
Hampshire, and especially by the lawyers; so, when 
Mr. Marshall found himself again in his native 
State, his active mind inevitably turned to party 
questions. He came from a stanch Democratic 
family, and his later associations were of the same 
political faith. One of the eminent lawyers with 
whom he had studied was President of the United 
States, the other was one of the wisest counselors in 
the Democratic camp, and it is not surprising that 
the young man just entering into life should take an 
active part in the management and detail of the 
campaigns. 

He was elected assistant clerk of the House of 
Representatives, and, later, was appointed district 
attorney by President Buchanan, which office he 
held until the advent of the Lincoln administration. 
The fascination of politics never wore off, and he 
continued to render his party efficient service on the 
stump and in the council-room. 

In 1867 he was chairman of the Democratic State 




ifu/rrtJ // 



7r.A 



'A^C 



BENCH AND BAR. 



35 



Committee diirinji; one of the most exciting cani- 
paigns ever waged. Andrew Johnson had broken 
with the Republican party, and as New Hampshire 
then held its election in March, the great eye of the 
nation was fixed on the Granite State to see if she 
wavered in the fidelity to those principles which had 
so long guided her. 

The fight was bitter and hotly contested, but Mr. 
Marshall and his party were beaten. His genial 
nature, however, did not suffer from the defeat, his 
cheery ways were not lessened, and there lurked in 
hia generous mind no feeling of resentment or of 
revenge either toward his own party or his opponents. 

In the spirited contestbetweenthe Northern and the 
Concord Railroads Mr. Marshall was an active factor, 
and about 1870 was elected clerk of the latter corpo- 
ration, a jiosition which he held at the time of his 
death. 

But law was, most truly, Mr. Marshall's forte, and 
to it he devoted the best years of his life. 

He was not a learned, nor was he even an unusu- 
ally well-read lawyer, but few, indeed, excelled him in 
getting at the pith of the case or in applying the 
necessary legal principles. He possessed a confidence 
and courage that helped him to conquer difficulties 
which otherH might have deemed insurmountable, 
and, above all, a tact which never failed him. He 
was uniformly polite not only to the bench and to 
the bar, but to the witnesses arrayed against him. 
Nor was his manner of cross-examination severe 
except when he knew the truth was held back ; and 
even then he depended more on worrying the wit- 
ness than on vehement denunciation. 

His knowledge of human nature was large, and he 
knew almost by intuition which juryman needed his 
l)articular attention. 

But it was as an advocate that Mr. Marshall attracted 
the public notice, for he so invested his arguments 
with wit and humor that the court-room was sure to 
be filled whenever it became known that he was to 
address the jury. His manner of speech was quiet, 
but he never failed to indulge in invective and sar- 
casm if the cause demanded it, and with these 
weapons he was counted a most dangerous adversary. 

He rarely, if ever, wrote out and committed his 
speeches, either political or forensic ; but he care- 
fully thought them out as he walked the streets, and 
this, together with bis exceeding readiness, both of 
words and of apt illustrations, often misled his 
hearears as to the method of his preparation. 

One element that distinguished him was his habit 
of putting himself in his client's place ; he seemed 
to feel his cause and to make it his own. 

His law practice increased year by year, and at 
the time of his death had become one of the largest 
in the State. 

Mr. Marshall was one of those happily organized 
men who enjoyed life and its blessings to the utmost ; 
he could lock law cases in his office and go forth 



among society with a seeming forgetfulness of his 
morrow's labors, and it was in this way that he found 
that temporary recreation so indispensable to the 
brain-worker. 

He was exceedingly fond of nature and loved to 
roam round the beautiful drives of Concord, whose 
beauty he so keenly appreciated. Indeed, it was the 
love of such outings that led him to his terrible death. 

He was one of the most charming conversational- 
ists that ever lived, for his vast reading had made 
him a full man, and there was no subject upon which 
he could not entertain his hearers. His quick wit 
and readiness at repartee gave his conversation a 
sparkle and lustre that never failed to delight even 
those whose opinions were at variance with his own. 

But one of his most beautiful traits was his liking 
for boys and young men. They were attracted to 
him by his politeness, for Mr. Marshall made it his 
habit to bow to everybody, no matter how humble, 
and aside from this, he often paused in his walks to 
inquire of them about their studies or their pas- 
times. He took much pleasure in recommending 
courses of reading to the young, and willingly lent 
his own books to encourage them. 

His taste in reading was excellent, and his library 
contained the works of the great writers and poets. 

It may not be out of place to say that his favorite 
author was Scott, and his favorite poem " Gray's 
Elegy." 

He had a strong memory, and oftentimes, while 
in his company, I have heard him quote long passages 
from Shakespeare, Milton and others, and so accu- 
rately that he seldom halted for a word. 

In religion Mr. Marshall entertained very liberal 
views of man's duty and man's reward, although for 
the last years of his life he was an attendant at the 
South Congregational Church, and his funeral ser- 
vices were conducted by its minister. 

He retained the respect of his fellow-citizens, for 
he was active and full of public spirit, and it was 
with heaNy hearts that those with whom he had lived 
so long learned of his tragic death. 

On the bright morning of July 4, 1874, he drove 
with his wife and young son to the grove at the head 
of Lake Penacook, where he intended to lunch. A 
militia company, encamped on the grounds not many 
rods away, suddenly began firing at a target. Mr. 
Marshall heard the bullets whistle near and called 
out to the men to be careful. He then rose to his feet 
and was instantly shot in the abdomen. The wound 
was mortal, and death ended his agonies a few hours 
later. 

His funeral was largely attended by all classes of 
society ; the bench and the bar and the State gov- 
ernment were all represented. 

He lies in Blossom Hill Cemetery, on the ridge 
facing the north, and near him lie his friends Ira 
Perley, Charles C. Lund, George G. Fogg, John Y. 
Mugridge and Asa Fowler. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



At the next term of the Supreme Court after his 
death the following resolutions were entered upon 
the records : 

" Itaolved, That in the recent sudden and untimely death of Anson S. 
Marehali, Esq., a prominent membev of tliis bar, struck down in the 
vigor of life and the full possession of all his powers, tliroiigh the culpable, 
if not criminal, carelessness of others, we regret the loss of a frank and 
courteous gentleman, a kind and genial associate and companion, a gen- 
erous and public-spirited citizen and an active, zealous and able lawyer, 
always untiring in his devotion to the interesta of his clients and ever 
laborious and patient in the practice of his chosen profession. 

" Baolved, That we tender to the family of our deceased brother our 
sincerest sympathy in the afflictive dispensation which has deprived 
them of an aifectionate husband and indulgent father. 

" Resolved, That these resolutions be presented to the Court, with a re- 
quest that they be entered upon the records, and their clerk instructed 
to transmit a copy of them to the family of the deceased." 

Mr. Marshall was married to Mary Jane Corning 
April 9, 1861. Anson Southard Marshall, Jr., was 
born March 29, 1863, and is now studying law in the 
office of Chase & Streeter. 

Hon. George Washington Nesmith, LL.D.'— 
One of the most aftable and genial gentlemen of the 
old school is Judge Nesmith, of Franklin, or, more 
widely, of New Hampshire. His years sit lightly 
upon him. An honorable man,a just judge, a kindly 
neighbor, a good citizen and a ripe scholar, he can 
calmly sit in his well-appointed library, surrounded 
by his well-loved books and mementoes of the past, 
and review a well-spent life, crowned with honors. 
He is of pure Scotch-Irish descent. In him are 
united the families of the old Covenanters, the de- 
fenders of Londonderry, the hardy pioneers of New 
England, the heroes of Bunker Hill and the strict 
Presbyterians ; the Nesmiths, the McKeans, the Dins- 
mores and the Dickeys. He comes of a brave and 
cultured race. 

(lnmd(i<iii? — 1. James Nesmith was born in county 
Antrim, Ireland, in the valley of the Bann, in the 
year 1692, about two yeare after his parents, coming 
from Scotland, had settled there. In 1714 he married 
Elizabeth, daughter of James and Janet (Cochran) 
McKean, who was his companion for nearly half a 
century. James Nesmith was one of the signers of 
the memorial to Governor Shute, March 26, 1718, one 
of the proprietors of Londonderry and one of the 
original sixteen who made the first settlement of that 
town, April 22, 1719. James Nesmith was a strong 
man, respected and honored by his associates, and an 
elder in the church. He died in 1767. 

2. James Nesmith, Jr., son of James and Elizabeth 
(McKean) Nesmith, was born in Ireland in 1718, 
shortly before the embarkation of his parents for 
America. He married Mary Dinsmore, and settled 
in Londonderry. Although beyond the military age, 
he took an active part in the struggle for indepen- 
dence, and was present at the battle of Bunker Hill, 



unt is taken from the "History' 



at the siege of Boston and at Bennington. He died 
at home, July 15, 1793. 

3. Jonathan Nesmith, son of James and Mary 
(Dinsmore) Nesmith, was born in Londonderry in 
August, 1759. At the age of sixteen he commenced 
to clear a lot in Antrim, and permanently settled 
there in 1778. He was one of the leading spirits of 
the town, an elder of the Presbyterian Church from 
its formation, a selectman for eleven years and a rep- 
resentative four yeare, commencing with 1796. For 
fifty years he missed but one communion. He was 
genial, jolly, good-natured and enjoyed a joke ; was 
very hospitable and benevolent ; anxious for the pub- 
lic welfare ; stoutly in earnest to maintain the faith 
of his fathers. He was a man of strong ability, good 
judgment, irreproachable character and an honor to 
the town he helped to establish. He married Elea- 
nor, daughter of Adam and Jane (Strahan) Dickey, of 
Londonderry, and granddaughter of John and Mar- 
garet Dickey, of Londonderry, Ireland. She was 
born January 1, 1761, and died September 17, 1818. 
He died at the age of eighty-six, October 15, 1845. 

4. George Washington Nesmith, son of Jonathan 
and Eleanor (Dickey) Nesmith, was born in Antrim, 
October 23, 1800. 

Life. — His father's residence in Antrim was situate 
a mile from the district school-house, and the dis- 
tance and his lameness interfered with his early 
attendance. Miss Katherine Miller, a sister of Gene- 
ral James Miller, later wife of John Caldwell, of 
Antrim, led him through the rudiments as found 
in Noah Webster's spelling-book. She was an ami- 
able and kind woman, well calculated to gain the 
affections of children. The other teachers who helped 
to mould his character were Miss Lucinda Lawrence, 
of Ashby, Mass.; Miss Fanny Baldwin, afterwards 
wife of Dr. Israel Burnham ; and Miss Anstress Wood- 
bury, a sister of Hon. Levi Woodbury, who in later 
years married Hon. Nehemiah Eastman, and who 
became the early friend and patron of Henry Wilson 
in his boyhood. In the winter of 1810 he received 
instruction from J. Miltimore, of West Newbury, 
Mass.; in 1811, from Joshua Holt, of Greenfield, 
N. H.; and in 1812, '13 and '14, from Daniel M. 
Christie, of Antrim, afterwards of Dover, N. H. In 
early life, in the school-room, Mr. Christie gave evi- 
dence of superior ability as an instructor, and ranked 
as a model schoolmaster. He was an able mathe- 
matician, and could lead a class through the intrica- 
cies of figures with consummate tact. 

In May, 1814, the boy was sent from home and 
placed at Jaff'rey, under the instruction of Henry 
Cummings. His companions were Luke Woodbury 
and Samuel Dakin, of Utica, N. Y., the former for 
many years judge of Probate, while the latter lived 
to see his five sons take degrees from his own alma 
mater, Hamilton College. To Rev. John M. Whiton, 
minister at Antrim, was he chiefly indebted for his 
progress in the classics and his early preparation to 




^co.Wr JfcJyrru/Pfo, 



BENCH AND BAR. 



37 



enter Dartmouth College. His course of four years 
embraced the stormy, threatening period when the 
Legislature of the State attempted to establish the 
Dartmouth University, and deprive the trustees of 
the college of their jurisdiction. 

In the class of 1820, with Judge Nesmith, were 
graduated Hon. Nathan Crosby, of Lowell, Hon. 
George P. Marsh, Judges Uphara and Woodbury, 
Hon. H. Williams and James W. Parker, and Rev. 
David Goodwillie, D.D., now of Trumbull County, 
Ohio, who yet survives. 

After graduation he taught school at " the north 
end of Concord Street" four months, and at the 
academy at Bradford, Vt., eighteen months 

He commenced the study of the law with Parker 
Noyes, Esq. (then of Salisbury, N. H.), August 14, 
1822. Parker Noyes was the brother-in-law of Hon. 
Thomas W. Thompson, and his law-partner from a.d. 
1801, continuing to 1807, when the firm was dis- 
solved, and Mr. Noyes succeeded to the whole busi- 
ness of the late firm. 

He commenced the study of the law under the de- 
pressing influence of poor health, but by adopting a 
rigid system of out-door exercise and manual labor, 
and strictly adhering to it for nearly two years, he 
regained his accustomed strength and vigor. The 
law business of Mr. Noyes was quite extensive, and 
required more than the ability and strength of one 
man to attend to it, so that the hearty co-operation of 
the young law student was duly appreciated and 
handsomely recompensed. Mr. Nesmith was ad- 
mitted to the bar in August, 1825, and immediately 
formed an equal partnership with Mr. Noyes, which 
continued until the end of one year, when the senior 
member of the firm withdrew from professional labor, 
on account of sickness, and surrendered the whole 
business to Mr. Nesmith. The kindness and liber- 
ality of Mr. Noyes to the young lawyer, on the 
threshold of his business life, has ever been rightly 
appreciated by the recipient. 

The old law-office stood in the lower village of 
Franklin (then Salisbury, now known as the Webster 
Place). It was originally built and occupied about 
1790, by Thomas W. Thompson. Its situation, near 
the point where four of the five great counties of the 
State then cornered, was well .selected for legal busi- 
ness. Mr. Thompson was a good lawyer, but not a 
great advocate. His students acquired good, indus- 
trious habits and correct principles. They were 
Moses Eastman, Daniel Webster, Ezekiel Webster, 
Daniel Abbot, Jeremiah H. Woodman, Jacob Mc- 
Gaw and Parker Noyes. Ichabod Bartlett, D. C. 
Atkinson, John A. Harper, Josiah Houghton, Pea- 
body Rogers and William C. Thompson studied with 
Mr. Noyes. To the last- named, Mr. Nesmith owed his 
invitation to leave his school in Bradford, Vt., and 
enter the office consecrated to legal lore as a student. 

In April, 1829, Mr. Nesmith gave up the office at 
the lower village and removed to the upper village. 



where he has ever since resided. The old office is 
still in existence, reduced i'rom its lofty station, and 
now doing duty as a neglected back kitchen, the law- 
tomes being replaced by the more humble pans and 
kettles. 

Mr. Nesmith at once took an active part in the 
affairs of his adopted home, and entered eagerly into 
the scheme to incorporate the territory from the four 
towns of Northfield, Sanbornton, Andover and Salis- 
bury into a township, when there would be a com- 
munity of interest, — the town of Franklin. The first 
petition was presented in 1824. The following year 
a viewing committee, consisting of William Plumer, 
Jr., Caleb Keith and Abel Merrill, examined the ter- 
ritory, and reported favorably in 1826. The Legisla- 
ture of that year rejected the application on the 
ground that a majority of the inhabitants within the 
territory in question were not in favor of the new 
town. In June, 1828, there was more union and con- 
sequently more strength, and the petition was pre- 
sented under more favorable auspices. Although 
opposed by the strenuous efforts and influence of 
three towns, the charter was granted in December, 
1828. Judge Nesmith wrote the charter and gave 
the town its name. The three opposing towns, at the 
June session, 1829, asked that the several tracts of 
territory taken from them should be restored. An 
order of notice was obtained for a hearing of this 
subject, returnable at June session, 1830. To the 
Legislature of that year Mr. Nesmith was elected to 
represent the young town, and advocate the inviola- 
bility of its territory. The struggle came on in June. 
The first hearing was before the committee on- towns 
and parishes, of which Hon. Franklin Pierce was 
chairman. The committee, by a majority of one, re- 
ported adversely to the towns ; but their report, after 
a long and well-contested debate, was rejected by the 
House by two majority. The teri-itory taken from 
Northfield was restored to her on a final vote, the 
matter being settled by the casting vote of the 
Speaker. Twenty-six years afterwards this disputed 
territory, with more added, was quietly ceded to 
Franklin. His first legislative experience was ardu- 
ous and repulsive to Mr. Nesmith, and by the division 
of the town he saw his majority fade away. How- 
ever, he entered into the canvass of 1831 with vigor, 
and had the satisfaction of being re-elected by a ma- 
jority of fifty — an increased majority over that of the 
previous election. Judge Nesmith also represented 
Franklin in the Legislature in 1832, 1834, 1835, 1836, 
1838, 1839, 1844, 1845, 1846, 1847, 1854, 1871 and 
1872, and was a member of the Constitutional Con- 
vention in 18.50 and 1851. 

From the first he took advanced grounds on the 
subject of extending the .system of railroads through 
the State and in granting to them the right of way, 
which was for a long time bitterly contested. From 
its organization, in 1845, he has been actively inter- 
ested in the Northern Railroad, having been a director 



HISTOlli' OF MEIIKIMACK COUiNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



on every board and for eight years president of the 
corporation. In 1852 and 1853 he became interested 
in manufacturing in the village of Franklin, and wa.s 
an owner and director in the woolen-factory, de- 
stroyed by fire in 1858. 

December 31, 1859, he was appointed one of the 
judges of the Supreme Judicial Court, which respon- 
sible trust he exercised until October, 1870, when, 
having reached the age of seventy years, the consti- 
tution of the State relieved him from farther duty. 
The last term of court over which he presided he 
brought to a close on the day before his seventieth 
birth-day. 

In the cause of education, and especially in Dart- 
mouth College, his alma mater, in all its departments, 
he has ever been deeply interested. Since 1858 he 
has been a trustee of that venerable institution ; since 

1870 a trustee of the New Hampshire Agricultural 
College; since 1877 its president. 

For the last fifty years of his life Judge Nesmith 
has owned and occupied real estate that has required 
cultivation. He has therefore taken a deep interest 
in the measures adopted to improve the condition of 
the agriculture of our State. He has been enrolled 
among the practical farmere of the State. He lent 
his aid in organizing our New Hampshire State 
Agricultural Society in 1850-51, and acted as its 
president during those years. 

In 1871 Dartmouth College conferred upon him 
the degree of LL.D. The incorporation and estab- 
lishment of the New Hampshire Orphans' Home, in 

1871 (of which institution he has been president since 
its organization), and its maintenance since, has oc- 
cupied much of Judge Nesmith's attention of late 
years, and he tak&s a paternal interest in every little 
orphan received there. He has attended to the pur- 
chase of the property and its daily support since, to 
the employment of the labor necessary for carrying 
on the farm and the other departments of the insti- 
tution, disbursing all the money from the treasury. 

In politics Judge Nesmithv was a Whig, and has 
been a Kepublican from the organization of the party. 
For many years he has been a member of the Con- 
gregational Church of Franklin, and is a consistent, 
if not an active, member. As a lawyer, he has the 
reputation of closing many lawsuits and .stopping 
much litigation. His clients have always reposed 
the utmost confidence in his judgment. During his 
connection with the bar of Merrimack County he 
has been engaged in many heavy lawsuits. Among 
the students who have studied with him are Hon. 
Asa P. Cate, Hon. Stephen G. Nash, Hon. Austin 
F. Pike, Hon. Daniel Barnard, John Bell Bouton, 
Daniel A. Clark, Walter P. Flanders and Frederick 
Bartlett. One of the most pleasant reminiscences of 
his life is his friendship aud intimacy with the 
" Great Expounder," Daniel Webster. 

Friendly relations witli Mr. Webster had existed 
for a number of years. As one of the Whig dele- 



gates from this State, elected for the purpose of 
nominating a President in 1848, when Zachary Tay- 
lor was finally nominated. Judge Nesmith gave his 
vote for Mr. Webster. He also supported him at tlic 
Whig National Convention at Baltimore, in June, 
1852, as his favorite candidate for the same office, 
having cast for him, at the several (fifty) ballotings 
there made, his vote. About one week's time was con- 
sumed in making a choice at this memorable contest, 
when General Scott was nominated, and without 
much chance of an election. 

September 26, 1826, he was joined in marriage to 
Mary M., daughter of Samuel and Annie (Bedel) 
Brooks, granddaughter of General Timothy Bedel, of 
Eevolutionary fame. Mrs. Nesmith was born in 
Haverhill, July 8, 1799, and died, much lamented. 
May 31, 1885. Of their children, but one survives. 
George Brooks Nesmith, born February 13, 1831, 
died October 26, 1852, while a member of the junior 
class of Dartmouth College. Arthur Sidney Nesmith, 
born March 30, 1833, served the State during the War 
of the Rebellion in the quartermaster's department, 
holding the rank of captain ; married Mary E. 
Moulder, of Washington, D. C; served as represent- 
ative in the Legislature for the town of Franklin for 
the years 1868 and 1869, and died, deeply lamented, 
August 18, 1877, from the result of disease contracted 
in the army, leaving two daughters, who still survive, 
aged, respectively, fifteen and twelve years. Annie 
Nesmith, born July 24, 1841, resides with her father. 

In closing this imperfect sketch of Judge Nes- 
mith's life, I will quote the summing up of his 
character in Rev. W. E. Cochrane's "History of An- 
trim:" "He is a man of noble principles and hon- 
ored life, enjoying, in his old age, the highest confi- 
dence and esteem of men;" a lawyer of sound 
judgment, of good sense, a safe counselor and an 
honest man. 

As a sequel to the words of Mr. McClintock, we 
would add that Judge Nesmith has now arrived to a 
green old age, having nearly reached the age of 
eighty-five years. 

From the experience and lessons of his early life 
he was taught the benefits of active out-door exercise. 

By the observance of the general rules laid down 
for preserving good health, and under the power of 
a kind Providence, he has realized much enjoy- 
ment in his latter days. Though Cicero did not die 
at a very advanced age, yet, in his treatise on ol<l 
age, he knew how to prescribe correct rules for the 
aged (page 157), — 



" You see, that old age not only should not be slug- 
gish and inactive, but also industrious, and always 
doing something." No doubt the steady, active em- 
ployment of all our faculties tends to pndong our 
lives and give a zest to old age. 

Amid the enjoymentsof the protracted life of .ludge 



BENCH AND BAR. 



39 



Ncsiuith, still there have been mingled in his cup 
many of the trials and sorrows incident to the death 
of many intimate friends. The loss of these friends 
and the certain termination allotted to all earthly 
life now serve as faithful monitors that but a few 
days at best remain for the accomplishment of life's 
worlc here, and that much diligence is required to 
perfect it. 

Hon. Is.\ac N. Blodgett wiis born in the town of 
Canaan, November 6, 1838. His father was the late 
Hon. Caleb Blodgett, a prominent citizen of Grafton 
County, who served many years in the Legislature, 
and was also a member of the Senate and of the 
Executive Council. Hon. Jeremiah Blodgett, of 
Wentworth, is his uncle. He received a thorough 
education at the Canaan Academy, read law with 
Hon. William P. Weeks and Anson S. Marshall, and 
commenced the practice of his profession at Canaan 
in December, 1862. In 1867 he removed to Franklin, 
and was a partner of Hon. Austin F. Pike until March, 
1879. 

He was four years a meml)er of the House of 
Representatives from Franklin, taking a leading 
position upon the Democratic side, and was an active 
member of the Constitutional Convention of 1876. He 
has taken strong interest in political afl'airs, and was 
chairman of the Democratic State Committee in 1876 
and 1877. 

He was appointed an associate justice of the Su- 
preme Court, November 30, 1880, a position which 
he still occupies. 

In June, 1860, he was united in marriage to Sarah 
A., daughter of Kev. M. Gerould. They have one 
child, a daughter, now a member of Wellesley Female 
C'lUege. 

E. B. S. Sanborn was born in Canterbury, N. H., 
August 11, 1833. He graduated at Dartmouth Col- 
lege in 1855 and read law with Nesmith & Pike, and 
w;is admitted to the bar in 1857. He settled in 
Franklin in 1868, where he has since resided. He 
has represented the town several terms in the Legis- 
lature and is at present one of the railroad commis- 
sioners of the State. 

Aarox Whittemore, Jr., son of Hon. Aaron 
Whittemore, was born at Pembroke in 1849. He was 
educated at Pembroke Academy and Harvard Law 
S.hool, read law with Hon. John M. Shirley, of An- 
dover, admitted to the bar in 1870, at the age of twenty- 
one, and commenced practice in Pittsiield, where he 
continued until his death, May 4, 1885. He was a mem- 
ber of the last State Senate and judge-advocate on the 
staff" of Brigadier-General White, commanding New 
Hampshire National Guard, and was also captain of 
Weston Guards, of the Third Regiment. He was iden- 



tified with the best interests of Pilt-sliiM, and was a 
worthy and highly-respected citizen and lawyer. 

John M. Shirley was born in what is now East 
Tilton November 16, 1831. He was admitted to the 
bar in 1854, and soon after commenced practice in 
Andover, where he has since resided. He has asso- 
ciated with him in Andover Mr. George W. Stone, 
under the firm name of Shirley & Stone ; he has also 
an oflice in Concord, in partnership with Colonel John 
H. George, under the firm name of George & Shirley. 
Mr. Shirley is also deeply interested in historical 
matters. He is a Democrat in politics. 

Hon. Ira A. Eastman was born at Gilmanton, 
N. H., January 1, 1809. He was the sou of Captain 
Stephen and Hannah Eastman. He was graduated 
at Dartmouth College in 1829, at the early age of 
twenty. He immediately commenced the study of 
law with the late Judge John Willard, of Troy, N. Y., 
in which city he commenced the practice of his pro- 
fessi<m in 1832. His love for his native State and 
town, however, induced him to return to Gilmanton 
in 1834, where he continued his practice. He was 
clerk of the New Hampshire Senate in 1835. As 
evidence of the esteem and confidence his townsmen 
reposed in him, they sent him to the Legislature in 
the years 1836, 1837, 1838, over which body he was 
the presiding oflicer the two last years. From 1839 
to 1843 he was representative in Congress. He was 
one of the circuit judges of the Court of Common 
Pleas from 1844 to 1849, and a judge of the Supreme 
Judicial Court from 1855 to December 1, 1859, at 
which time he resigned the office. He had also been 
one of the justices of the Superior Court of Judica- 
ture from 1849 to 1855. 

Judge Eastman was a thorough and industrious 
student, and by his diligence became learned in the 
law. His attention to his profession always gave him 
plenty of clients, and he never lacked business while 
he was in active practice. He was an eminent jurist, 
as his opinions in many volumes of the New Hamp- 
shire Reports abundantly testify. Judge Eastman 
was trustee of Dartmouth College at the time of his 
death, and that institution conferred the degree of 
LL.D. upon him in 1858. He died at Manchester 
in March, 1881. 

Austin F. Pike, of Franklin, N. IL, was born 
October 16, 1819; received an academic education; 
studied law and was admitted to the bar of Merrimack 
County in July, 1845, and has been in active practice 
since ; was a member of the New Hampshire House 
of Representatives in 1850, '51, '52, '65 and '66, and 
Speaker of the House the last two years ; was a mem- 
ber of the New Hampshire Senate in 1857 and '58, 
and President of the Senate the last year ; was chair- 



40 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



man of the Republican State Committee in 1858, '59 
and '60; was delegateto tlie Pliiladelpliia Convention 
which nominated General Fremont in 1856; was 
elected a Representative to the Forty-third Congress, 
serving from December 1, 1873, to March 3, 1875, and 
was elected to the United States Senate as a Repub- 
lican, to succeed E. H. Rollins, Republican, and took 
his seat December 3, 1883. Mr. Pike is in practice 
in Franklin in company with F. N. Parsons. 

Frank N. Parsons, was born September 3, 
1854; graduated at Dartmouth College in 1874; read 
law with Hon. D. Barnard, of Franklin, and G. C. 
Bartlett, of Derry, N. H., and was admitted to the 
bar March, 1875. The firm is Pike & Parsons. 

Hon. Edgar H. Woodman, the present (1885) 
mayor of the city of Concord, dates his ancestry in this 
country to Edward Woodman, who arrived at New- 
bury, Mass., from Malvern, England, in 1635, and from 
that time to the present the Woodman name has 
been honorably and prominently identified with the 
professional and business interests of New England. 

Hon. E. H. Woodman, son of John Kimball 
Woodman and Mary Jane (Drew) Woodman, was 
born in Gilmanton, N. H., May 6, 1847. He was 
educated at the Gilmanton and Boscawen Academies, 
fitting for college at the latter. He finally decided, 
however, not to enter for a collegiate course, but 
went to Poughkeepsie and attended Eastman's 
Business College, the representative institution of 
its kind in this country. After receiving the degree 
of Master of Accounts he came to Concord, and in 
February, 1866, entered the employ of Colonel C. C. 
Webster as book-keeper, with whom he remained 
until July, 1868, when he accepted a position in 
the adjutant-general's office, tendered him by Gov- 
ernor Nathaniel Head, then adjutant-general of the 
State. October 27, 1868, while gunning in Gilman- 
ton, he received an accidental gun-shot wound which 
resulted in the loss of his right arm. He had gone 
to his native town to cast his first vote, and was tak- 
ing a vacation for a few days when the accident 
occurred. Possessed of a good constitution, his arm 
healed rapidly, and in the following December he 
returned to this city and spent the winter learning to 
write with his left hand at the Commercial School in 
Manchester. In April, 1869, as assistant superin- 
tendent of construction and paymaster, he entered 
upon the work of building the Suncook Valjey Rail- 
road, and continued therein until the road was com- 
pleted, in December of the same year. 

January 1, 1870, Mr. Woodman commenced his 
legal studies in the office of Minot, Tappan & Mu- 
gridge, where he remained until 1872, when the 
treasurer's office of the Northern Railroad was re- 



moved to Boston, and Judge Minot appointed him 
assistant treasurer of the Boston office. While dis- 
charging his duties here he attended law lectures at 
the Boston University, and, in 1873, was admitted to 
the New Hampshire bar. He, however, remained in 
charge of the Boston office of the railroad until its 
removal to this city, April 1, 1876, and continued 
therein until April 1, 1878, when the office was again 
transferred to Boston. He then resigned his position 
in the treasurer's office, and at once entered upon the 
practice of his profession in this city, opening an 
office in the Board of Trade buildings. July 1, 1879, 
he removed to his present office in the Governor 
Hill block, which is the same office in which he 
commenced the study of law. He brought to the 
practice of his profession a good knowledge of law, 
sound judgment, quick perception and an indomita- 
ble will, which have borne legitimate fruit in the 
securing of a good practice, which is constantly 
increasing. 

The citizens of C(mcord, recognizing his ability 
and integrity, in 1882, tendered him the nomination 
for mayor, an honor which came to him unsought 
and while he was absent from the city. He was 
elected by a large majority, and re-elected in 1884, 
and is the present mayor. 

Mayor Woodman is a prominent member of the 
Masonic fraternity; has been recorder of Mount 
Horeb Commandery since 1877, and was also secre- 
tary of Eureka Lodge and Trinity Chapter; secretary 
of Concord Masonic Association, and is the present 
treasurer. He is treasurer of the Peterborough and 
Hillsborough Railroad, and of Saint Paul's Episcopal 
parish. He is also a director in the First National 
Bank and president of the Webster Club. May 6, 
1878, he married Georgiana Hodges, of Boston, 
Mass., and they had one child, George Edgar, who 
died in infency. Mrs. Woodman died January 8, 
1879. 

Genial and courteous by nature, he has won hosts 
of friends; he is an able and ready speaker, and an 
executive officer of marked ability. 

Lyman Dewey Stevens, a leading member of the 
Merrimack bar, was born in Piermont, N. H., Sep- 
tember 20, 1821. His father, Caleb Stevens, was 
born in Hampstead, N. H., November 27, 1782, and 
died March 29, 1870; his mother, Sally Dewey, was 
born in Piermont, .January 2, 1793, and died Janu;\ry 
9, 1879. 

Mr. Stevens pursued his preparatory studies at 
Haverhill (N. H.) Academy. He graduated at Dart- 
mouth College in 1843. He then became principal 
of the Stanstead (C. E.) Academy, where he remained 
two years, and later assisted Jonathan Tenney, for a 




7fe^^-'^(rV<C 




<2^i^^^XJu^ 



UvcJ 



BENCH AND BAR. 



40a 



short time, as principal of the academy at Pembroke, 
N. H. While in Stanstead, he decided upon the 
legal profession as his life-work, and began his studies 
in the office of E. C. Johnson, Esq., of Derby, Vt. 
He subsequently continued his studies with Hon. Ira 
Perley in Concord, N. H., and was admitted to the 
bar in October, 1847. He at once opened an office 
in Concord, where he has remained to the present 
time in the successful practice of his profession. 

Mr. Stevens has ever manifested a lively interest in 
his adopted city, and all measures tending to advance 
its welfare have found in him an able and fearless 
advocate. He was elected mayor of Concord in 186f> 
and re-elected in 1869. During his mayoralty he 
instituted various reforms and improvements, the 
most notable being the adoption of the present sys- 
tem of sewage. This was almost the first real and 
substantial improvement that the people had been 
called upon to make, and it is not surprising that he 
met with determined opposition in this needless out- 
lay of expenditure, as many deemed the movement. 
He paused not, however, to listen to the words of 
opposition, which, in many instances, were exceed- 
ingly severe, but proceeded fearlessly to carry on the 
improvements which the health and beauty of the 
city demanded. The wisdom of his course soon be- 
came apparent, even to the most strenuous opponent. 
He is now, and has been for a long series of years, 
identified with various leading interests of the city. 
He has been a director in the National State Capital 
Bank since 186S, and president of the Merrimack 
County Savings-Bank since its organization. He is 
also president of the Board of Trade, and a director in 
the Page Belting Company. 

He was appointed by Governor Gilmore to adjust 
the suspended war-claims of New Hampshire against 
the United States accruing prior to May, 1863, and 
also to attend the dedication of the National Ceme- 
tery at Gettysburg, November 19, 1863, as commis- 
sioner from New Hampshire. 

His interest in charitable objects has led to his 
appointment as vice-president and treasurer of the 
New Hampshire Home Missionary Society. He was 
also a trustee in the Kimball Union Academy and 
Boscawen Academy. He has served on the school 
committee, and been a member of the city Board of 
Education. 

Politically, Mr. Stevens is a Republican, and has 
been since the organization of that party. He has 
been called to various positions within the gift of his 
townsmen and fellow-citizens. He was city solicitor 
in 1855 and 1856; a member of the House of Repre- 
sentatives in 1860, '61, '66 and '67, and was elected 
Senator in 1884. He was one of the Presidential 



electors in 1872, and was also a member of Governor 
Bell's Council. 

Mr. Stevens is a member of the South Congrega- 
tional Church and one of its most active and ener- 
getic supporters. 

August 21, 1850, he united in marriage with Ach- 
sah Pollard, daughter of Captain Theodore French, 
of Concord, by whom he had two children, — Margaret 
French and Henry Webster. Mrs. Stevens died July 
2, 1863. January 20, 1875, he married Frances Child 
Brownell, of New Bedford, Mass., and they have two 
children, — Fanny Brownell, born January 10, 1876, 
and William Lyman, born April 5, 1880. 

The present members of the Merrimack bar are as 
follows : 

John H. Albin. 

Benjamin E. Badger. 

Bingham & Mitchell (Harry Bingham, John M. 
Mitchell). 

Chase & Streeter (William M. Chase, Frank S. 
Streeter). 

Warren Clark. 

C. E. Clifford. 

Charles R. Corning. 

Sylvester Dana. 

Daniel B. Donavan. 

Samuel C. Eastman. 

George M. Fletcher. 

"William L. Foster. 

John H. George. 

John P. George. 

Fred. H. Gould. 

S. G. Lane. 

Leach & Stevens {E. G. Leach, Henry W. Stevens). 

Wells H. Johnson. 

Nathaniel E. Martin. 

Luther S. Morrill. 

A. F. L. Norris. 

Henry Robinson. 

Henry P. Rolfe. 

Charles P. Sanborn. 

Harry G. Sargent. 

Everett J. Sargent. 

Arthur W. Silsby. 

Lyman D. Stevens. 

Reuben E. Walker. 

Edgar H. Woodman. 

Willis G. Buxton. 

David F. Dudley. 

C. E. Carr. 

Shirley & Stone. 
M. W. Tappan. 
A. F. Pike. 
Isaac N. 



IILSTOIIY OF iMKKRIJIACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Daniel Banianl. 

E. G. Leach. 
G. W. Nesmith. 
G. R. Stone. 
W. M. Barnard. 

F. N. Parsons. 
J. B. Hazclton. 
George S. Blanchard. 
A. F. Burbank. 

T. H. Thonuiike. 
A. W. Bartlett. 
E. A. Lane. 
Samuel Davis. 
A. P. Davis. 
S. K. Paige. 
W. W. Flanders. 
Walter C. Harrinum. 



CHAPTER IIL 

THE NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE-HOUSE. 
liY IS.\.VC W. HAMMONn. 



Thr first session of the Legislature that was held in 
Concord convened in March, 1782. Prior to that time, 
and subsequent to the commencement of the Revolu- 
tionary War, legislative sessions, with two exceptions, 
•were held in Exeter ; those two exceptions being the 
September session of 1777 and the October session of 
1 780, which were held in Portsmouth. 

From 1782 to 1808 the Legislature was a movable 
institution, and held its sessions in Concord, Exeter, 
Portsmouth, Charlestown, Dover, Hanover, Hop- 
kinton and Amherst, — -at whichever town the 
members of the next preceding Legislature voted 
to have it held. The matter of deciding at what 
place the next Legislature should sit came up 
at every session, and often occasioned consider- 
able strife among the members. A vote in favor 
of one town was occasionally reconsidered and 
another town finally decided upon, in consequence, 
probably, of some of the members having been " seen " 
and persuaded that a change would be for the best in- 
terest of the State. 

Since 1808 all legislative sessions have been held in 
Concord, although not permanently located here un- 
til the completion of the State-House, in 1819. In 
1814 the matter of having a permanent habitation 
came up in the Legislature, and the members wisely 
•concluded that the wandering life theretofore led by 
the honorable body and the exposure of its records 
to loss in consequence of frequent removals, as well ;us 
to dcstrurtion by fire for want of ]iroper vaults, was 



not conducive to the best interests of the State, and 
accordingly, on the 6th day of June of that year, 
a committee was appointed by the Legislature " to 
take into consideration the expediency of building a 
State-House, and report where, and the time when, 
it will be expedient to commence the building," etc. 
Said committee reported that, so far as they could 
learn, all of the States in the Union, except New 
Hampshire, had provided themselves with a State- 
House and located a "seat of government ;" and also, 
" That it is justly considered derogatory to a respect- 
able and independent State to sutler the officers of its 
government to sit and transact the business of the 
State in a building mean in its appearance and desti- 
tute of suitable accommodations. That your commit- 
tee are deeply impressed with a sense of the propriety, 
expediency and even necessity of providing fire- 
proofrooms for the safe keeping of the public rec- 
ords," etc. The committee further reported that a 
State-House might be built upon reasonable terras, 
and advised the appointment of a committee of three 
persons to sit during the recess of the Legislature, 
designate a location, prepare plans, ascertain the 
probable exjieuse and receive proposals for erecting 
the building, and report to the next Legislature. The 
report was accepted, and a committee, consisting of 
Hon. John Harris, of Hopkinton, Benjamin Kimball, 
Jr., of Concord, and Andrew Bowers, of Salisbury, 
was appointed. 

On the 13th of June, 1815, said committee re- 
ported that they had prepared a plan and ascertained 
that the probable expense would be about thirty 
thousand dollars if built of stone; that Stuart J. 
Park had made a proposal to complete the building 
for thirty -two thousand dollars ; that a majority of the 
committee had designated a location in Concord west 
of the court-house ; and also reported that the inhabit- 
ants of Salisbury had otfered to contribute seven 
thousand dollars if the Legislature would locate the 
building in that town. 

The report was accepted, and another committee 
was appointed to inquire whether any donations 
would be made by the town of Concord or its citi- 
zens if the building was located in the place desig- 
nated by the committee. The citizens of Concord 
were agreed as to the propriety of having it in their 
town, but were not agreed as to the lot upon which 
to locate it. Subscription papers were circulated by 
each faction ; the people at the north end favored 
the site of the present court-house, and tho.se resid- 
ing at the south end ftivored the " Green lot," which 
was the one finally selected. A sufficient amount of 
money was pledged by each party to meet the re- 
quirements of the legislative committee; but the disa- 



THE STATE-llOUSE. 



greement as to location and the lack of funds, par- 
tially in consequence of the then late war with 
Great Britain, carried the matter over to the next 
June session. 

On the 21st day of June, 1816, the matter came up 
in the House of Representatives, and the following 
resolution was passed : 

** Resolved, That a State-Houae, agreeably to the plan communicated by 
Stuart J. Park at the last June session, be erected in the town of Con- 
coi-d and county of Rockingham ; the spot of ground to be selected, and 
the place on which to erect said State-House to be located by his excel- 
lency, the Governor, and the Honorable the Council." 

That board was also authorized to appoint a com- 
mittee to make the necessary contracts and superin- 
tend its erection ; and said committee was to be in- 
structed to commence, as soon as practicable, and to 
employ the convicts in the State Prison in preparing 
the stone. By the same resolution, the sum of three 
thousand dollars was appropriated to commence the 
work, and it also contained a provision by which it 
was not to take eflect unless the town of Concord, or 
its inhabitants, would donate the land, level and 
prepare it to the acceptance of the committee, give 
all the stone needed for its construction and convey 
the same to the lot free of charge. 

The inhabitants residing at the north end were 
ready to give a bond to comply with these require- 
ments, providing the Stickney lot (site of the present 
court-house) was selected ; and those residing at the 
south end would do the same, providing the Green 
lot (site of the present State-House) was decided 
upon. The advocates of the north end location 
claimed that the Stickney lot was elevated and dry, 
and had been selected by the committee of the Legis- 
lature as being the more eligible of the two; that the 
Green lot was low and wet, and that it would cost a 
large sum to put in a substantial foundation. The 
other side urged that the Green lot was more central, 
and for that reason the most eligible. 

William Plumer, of Epping, was Governor, and 
Benjamin Pierce, of Hillsborough, Levi Jackson, of 
Chesterfield, Samuel Quarles, of Ossipee, Elijah Hall 
and Enoch Colby composed the Council. Messrs. 
Pierce, Jackson and Quarles fevored the Stickney 
lot ; the Governor, with Messrs. Hall and Colby, 
favored the Green lot. Consequently, with all pres- 
ent acting in the capacity of a committee of the 
Legislature, as some of them subsequently claimed 
they did, the result would have been a tie. On the 
2d day of July, Colonel Quarles asked leave of 
absence until the 4th, to attend to some matters of 
his own, and went away, as he afterward stated, with 
the understanding that the matter of locating the 
State-House should not be decided until his return. 
On the following day, July 3d, at a meeting of the 
Governor and four members of the Council, the mat- 
ter was brought up, and they proceeded to examine 
the two locations, and then returned to the Council 
chamber. The Governor then asked the councillors, 
severally, if they were "ready to proceed in selecting 



a plot of ground for said house." Mr. Colby an- 
swered that he was ready, but asked whether it 
would not be best to wait until the return of Colonel 
Quarles. 

According to the statement of Mr. Colby, no one 
else expressed any desire for postponement, and a 
ballot was taken, which stood three in favor of the 
Green lot and two in favor of the Stickney lot, the 
Governor voting with the Council. Had all of the 
councilors been present, and acting in the capacity 
of an executive board, as I think was the intention 
of the Legislature, the vote would have stood three in 
favor of the Stickney lot and two in favor of the 
present location, in which case the Governor could 
have used his privilege of negativing the vote of the 
majority of the Council, thus leaving the matter un- 
decided. It was, therefore, fortune for the friends of 
the Green lot location that Colonel Quarles was 
called away at that time. 

On July 4th, Colonel Quarles having returned, 
the Governor and Council held a meeting, the 
proceedings of which were recorded in the Coun- 
cil records in the same manner as were those of 
the 3d, or any other meeting of that board, the 
caption of the record being as follows: "At a 
meeting of His Excellency, the Governor, and 
the Hon'. Council, July 4, 1816, The whole board 
present," etc. At that meeting some one moved 
a reconsideration of " the vote of yesterday, select- 
ing a lot of land whereon to erect a State-House." 
The question being put, the vote stood three for re- 
consideration — Messrs. Quarles, Pierce and Jackson, 
— and three against, the Governor voting with the 
Council, as before, and claiming subsequently, in 
vindication of his action in so doing, that they were 
acting in the capacity of a committee of the Legisla- 
ture. If that was the case, and so understood at the 
time, it is not quite clear why they convened as "a 
meeting of His Excellency, the Governor and the 
Hon'. Council," or why their proceedings in that 
matter were recorded in the Council records, with 
other acts done at the same meeting, which could not 
have been legally done by any body of men except 
the Governor and Council iu executive session. 

On July 5th the Governor and Council met and ap- 
pointed Albe Cady, William Low and Jeremiah 
Pecker, all of Concord, as a committee to superintend 
the erection of the State-House. Messrs. Hall, Colby 
and Jackson acted with the Governor in making the 
appointment, a record of which was made by the 
Secretary of State in the same book and manner as 
the record of any executive appointment. The board 
then adjourned and did not meet again until Septem- 
ber 18th. 

The Legislature adjourned on the 29th of June, to 
meet on the third Wednesday of November following. 
During the recess the work of construction progressedi 
as also did the strife between the " north-enders" and 
the " south-enders." Charges of unfairness, on the 



42 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



part of the Governor and Council, were made by the 
defeated north-enders, the principal charges being 
that the matter was acted upon in the absence of 
Colonel Quarlcs, contrary to an agreement to delay it 
until his return, and that the Governor voted with j 
the Council, as he had no right to do, if they were 
acting in their official capacity as an Executive ! 
Council. j 

The Legislature assembled on the twentieth of No- | 
vember, 1816, and the State-House matter was taken I 
up on the ninth of December, at which time a com- 
mittee waa appointed to "request such information | 
of the Governor as he possesses relative to the location 
of the State-House," and report to the House of Rep- 
resentatives. Said committee called on the Governor, 
made the request verbally and on the following day 
he communicated in writing a statement of the action 
of the board in making the selection of a lot, etc. 
This not proving satisfactory to the House of Repre- 
sentatives, the committee called again on the evening 
of the thirteenth, and requested copies of " all the 
votes and proceedings of the Governor and Council" 
relating to the matter, which request he complied 
with by furnishing attested copies from the Council 
records, covering said proceedings, and suggested, in 
his letter of transmittal, that if either branch of the 
government considered it necessary to make any 
inquiries of the other, whether it " would not bet- 
ter comport with the dignity of both that the inqui- 
ries and answers should be in writing." Whereupon 
the House of Representatives formulated several 
questions, and sent a copy to the Governor, and one 
to each of the councillors. The substance of the 
Governor's answers was : That on the third day of 
July, 1816, Charles Walker, Esq., presented a bond 
to furnish a lot ; and the required amount of stone, 
provided the building was located on the Stickney lot ; 
that William A. Kent and Isaac Hill, Esqrs., pre- 
sented a bond to do the same, provided it was located 
on the Green lot ; that in the afternoon of that day, 
he and four of the councilors examined all lots that 
any one requested them to see, and then returned to 
the Senate chamber and made the selection, as here- 
inbefore stated. The Governor also stated, that lie 
did not understand that any agreement had been 
made to wait until the return of Colonel Quarles 
before making the selection. Mr. Pierce, Mr. Jack- 
son and Mr. Quarles stated that there loas such an 
agreement. The Governor further stated that, in 
making said selection, they acted as a committee 
appointed by a resolve of the Legislature, and not in 
their executive capacity ; and in this his answer was 
sustained by a majority of the Council. But no 
attempt was made to explain why their transactions 
as a committee were acted upon in a meeting of 
" His Excellency, the Governor and the Honorable 
Council," at which meeting executive appointments 
were made, and the proceedings of which were embod- 
ied in one record, by the Secretary of State, in the 



same manner as was the record of any meeting of the 
Governor and Council. 

December 20th the investigating committee re- 
ported in full, from which report I extract the follow- 
ing: " Your committee would further report that, in 
their opinion, the general location of the lot whereon 
to erect the State-House never was made agreeably 
to the true meaning and provisions of the resolve 
aforesaid, inasmuch as that they have never seen any 
evidence that a majority of that Honorable board ever 
did agree to such location." 

December 25th the investigating committee re- 
ported a resolution repealing the resolution of June 
22, 1816, which placed the appointment of a commit- 
tee to superintend the erection of the State-House in the 
hands of the Governor and Council, which failed of a 
passage. On the same day a resolution appropriating 
four thousand dollars toward the erection of the 
building passed, ninety-one to seventy. 

December 27th the investigating committee re- 
ported a resolution providing that the committee to 
superintend the building should consist of one man, 
instead of three, and that Albe Cady should be that 
man. As no complaint had been made by the com- 
mittee against any of the men composing the build- 
ing committee, the presumption is that the resolution 
was introduced for the purpose of taking the matter 
from the control of the Governor and Council, by 
making the building committee an appointee direct 
of the Legislature. The resolution passed the House, 
but was defeated in the Senate. 

At the June session, 1817, the sum of thirty thou- 
sand dollars was appropriated to continue the work, 
in accordance with a report and recommendation of 
the building committee, who stated that they desired 
to complete the outside that season. 
I In 1818 an appropriation was made for necessary 
furniture, and the building was first occupied by the 
Legislature at the June session of 1819, but the build- 
ing committee was not discharged until June, 1820. 

The building as completed was one hundred and 
twenty-six feet in length, including the wings, and 
forty-nine feet in width, with a projection of four feet 
in the centre of each front, and cost as follows, in- 
cluding fencing and furniture : Amount appropriated 
from the State treasury, $67,372.44; stone-work done 
at the State Prison by convicts, $10,455.16 ; lot and 
materials given by citizens of Concord, $4,000, — 
total, $81,827.60. The building, as thus erected, was 
occupied without any material change until remod- 
eled, in 1864-66. 

In 1854, Governor N. B. Baker, in his address to the 
Legislature, at the June session, called the attention 
of that body to the insecure manner in which the pro- 
vincial and State records. Revolutionary War rolls 
and other valuable documents belonging to the State, 
were kept, stating that they were liable to destruction 
by fire at any moment and advi.sing the construction 
of fire-proof rooms in the State-House, or of a separate 



THE STATE-HOUSE. 



fire-proof building for their safe keeping. A com- 
mittee of the Legislature, appointed to investigate the 
matter, reported a resolution providing that the 
( iovernor be requested to employ some suitable per- 
son to estimate the expense and make necessary 
phins for erecting a fire-proof building of sufficient 
capacity to accommodate the Secretary of State, State 
treasurer, State Library and the standard weights and 
measures. 

The resolution passed, as also did another calling 
for a plan and an estimate of the cost of enlarging the 
Representatives' Hall, and, iu accordance therewith, a 
report was made to the Legislature of 1855, plans pre- 
sented and the expense estimated at $37,000 for en- 
larging the State-House and hall, and $17,500 for a 
separate fire-proof building. That report not being 
acceptable to the Legislature, the matter was post- 
poned to the next session, and no material progress 
was made until 1863. At the June session of the last- 
named year the Legislature passed a resolution setting 
forth the fact that the largely increased business of 
the State government imperatively required an en- 
largement of the State-House ; that the city of Con- 
cord derived considerable benefit from the location 
and should contribute materially to the expense of en- 
larging the capital. The resolution authorized the 
Governor and Council to cause new plans and esti- 
mates to be made, receive propositions from the city 
of Concord or any other city or town having necessary 
railroad facilities and " desirous of having the State- 
House established therein." In other words, the lo- 
cation of the capital was again for sale to the highest 
bidder, regardless of the fact that it had once been 
sold, paid for and delivered. Bids were to be made to 
the Governor and to be by him presented to the Legis- 
lature of 1864. The city of Manchester submitted a 
proposition to erect and complete a building without 
expense to the State, providing it should be located 
in that city. 

Concord, by action of the City Councils on the 23d 
day of May, 1864, voted to raise and appropriate 
$100,000 to the work of enlarging the building then 
in use, and subsequently raised $50,000 more in the 
precinct. These propositions were transmitted to the 
Legislature by the Governor, June 6th, and referred to 
a select committee of one from each county. A sharp 
contest between the two cities ensued ; the citizens of 
Manchester used every means in their power to obtain 
the prize, and the citizens of Concord as earnestly strug- 
gled to retain it, believing that, as they had once pur- 
chased the location, it ought not to be taken from 
them without cause ; and believing also that no cause 
existed to warrant its removal, as Concord was nearer 
the centre of the State than Manchester, and had 
equal railroad facilities. A majority of the Legisla- 
ture decided in favor of Concord, and the location of 



1816 was confirmed by an act approved July 16, 1864, 
the act requiring Concord to bear the entire expense 
of the work, which amounted to nearly $200,000. 

A contest of this kind between neighboring muni- 
cipalities is much to be regretted; the placing of 
citizens in hostility to each other creates enmities 
which time alone can allay; and in this case, the 
twenty years that have elapsed have failed to oblit- 
erate the scars caused by that menKjrable contest. 
The proposition made by the Legislature of 1863 was 
wrong in principle, and should never be repeated. 
When a public building is needed for the use of the 
State, let the Legislature decide upon its location at 
such place as in their opinion will best accommodate 
the majority of the people, and then cause the same 
to be erected, and paid for from the State treasury. 

A new steam-heating apparatus was placed in the 
building in 1879, and valuable improvements were 
made in the basement in 1883, and the State-House, 
as it now stands, is an artistic and substantial edifice. 
The halls and offices are well lighted and roomy, with 
the exception of the room used for the library, and, 
as a whole, the structure is a credit to the State. 

The porch on the east front is two stories in height, 
each story being supported by eight granite columns 
of massive proportions, which present a fine appear- 
ance as viewed from Main Street. The Council-room 
contains the portraits of all the Governors of the 
State, except the first, of whom no likeness is known 
to exist. Portraits of many presidents of the Senate 
are hung in the Senate chamber, and the Represent- 
atives' hall contains portraits of Revolutionary offi- 
cers and other eminent New Hampshire men. Doric 
Hall contains the battle-scarred flags of the regiments 
from this State who participated in the late war, some 
portraits, a bust of Hon. Amos Tuck, and a raised 
map of the State. In (he Secretary's office are 
portraits of two Provincial and two State Secre- 
taries. In 1876 a fountain was placed in the front 
walk of the park, but proving to be a nuisance 
there, it was removed, in 1879, by order of the 
Legislature, to the southeast quarter of the grounds. 

A statue, in bronze, of New Hampshire's most 
gifted son, Daniel Webster, presented to the State by 
Benjamin P. Cheney, is soon to be placed in the park, 
on the side adjoining Main Street. It will be seven- 
teen feet in height, including the pedestal, which will 
be of granite. Mr. Cheney was a native, and for 
many years a resident, of this State, and the gift 
which he is able to make from the abundant accumu- 
lations of an honest, sagacious and industrious life is 
a credit to himself, an honor to his native State and 
the renowned Webster, whose reputation as a states- 
man is second to that of no other man, and whose 
name will be familiar to future generations, when 
this statue shall have crumbled to dust. 



IIISTOIIY 01' MEllRIMAl'K COUiNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



COLONEL SOLON A. CARTER. 

Solon Augustus Carter (7) was born in Leominster, 
Mass., June 22, 1837 ; seventh generation from Rev. 
Thomas Carter (1), who was born a.d. 1610, graduated 
at St. John's College, Cambridge, England, in 1629, 
and came from St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England, 
in the " Planter," embarking April 2, 1635. On his 
arrival in this country he was admitted an inhabitant 
of Dedham, Mass. ; thence he removed to Watertown, 
Mass. 

He was ordained the first minister of the church in 
Woburn, Mass., November 22, 1642, which office he 
filled to the acceptance of his people until his death, 
which occurred September 5, 1684. Johnson, in his 
" Wonder- Working Providence," says, "He was a 
reverend, godly man, apt to teach the sound and 
wholesome truths of Christ." 

Tlu' subject of this sketch traces his descent from 
Eev. Thomas (1), born 1610; Rev. Samuel (2), born 
1640; Samuel (3), born 1677-78; Josiah (4), born 
1726-27; James Carter (6), born 1768; Solon Carter 
(6), born 1801 ; Solon A. Carter (7), born 1837. 

Josiah (4), his great-grandfather, married, at the age 
of eighteen, Tabitha Howe, aged sixteen, and settled 
in Leominster, Mass., clearing the homestead where 
the three succeeding generations were born and 
reared. He served in the Revolutionary War, attain- 
ing to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He was with 
the army under General Washington in the disas- 
trous campaign in New Jersey, previous to the retreat 
across the Delaware. He died at the ripe age of 
eighty-four, on the farm his own hands had cleared, 
and in the house his own hands had reared. At the 
time of his death he had living more grandchildren 
than he was years old, several of the fourth degree 
and one or two of the fifth, so that he could without 
fiction say, " Arise, son, go to thy son, for thy son's 
son has born unto him a son." 

James Carter (5) reared and educated a family of 
eleven children. James G. (6), the eldest son, gradu- 
ated from Harvard in 1820, and was engaged in educa- 
tional enterprises, being contemporary with Horace 
Mann and a co-worker with him in educational 
matters, notably the establishment of the system of 
Normal Schools in Massachusetts. 

Solon (6), the second son, succeeded to the home- 
stead farm, which he cultivated successftiUy until his 
death, in 1879. He was an active participant in the 
social, religious and civil affairs of his town, being 
called upon at different times to fill the various town 
offices within the gift of his fellow-citizens. 

Solon Augustus Carter (7), the eldest son of Solon 
(I)) and Lucretia (Joslin) Carter, was born upon the 
farm cleared by his great-grandfather, educated in the 
l)ublic .schools of his native town, completiui;- his 



education in the High School at the age of seventeen, 
working upon the homestead farm hetween terms, and 
also during term-time. The winter succeeding his 
seventeenth birthday he taught a district school in 
Leominster. The superintending committee, in his 
report of the school, said of the teacher, " It is evident 
he does not need to learn to teach — it is in him." The 
next winter he taught in the neighboring town of 
Lancaster. The summer of 1857 he spent in Chicago, 
in the employ of an uncle engaged in the lumber 
trade ; but the panic of that year had such a depress- 
ing effect upon business in general that a commercial 
life had few attractions for him and he returned to 
the farm, teaching during the winter months. 

He entered the employ of the Keene Gas-Light 
Company as its superintendent in December, 1859, 
and has since that time considered Keene his resi- 
dence. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Fourteenth 
Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, and was com- 
missioned captain of Company G, serving with his 
command until July, 1863, when he was ordered upon 
recruiting service at Concord, where he was assigned 
to duty as acting assistant adjutant-general upon the 
staff of Brigadier-General Edw. W. Hinks. In the 
spring of 1864, General Hinks was assigned to the 
command of a division of colored troops near Fortress 
Monroe, and Captain Carter was, at General Hinks' 
request, by a special order from the War Department, 
directed to report to him for assignment to duty. 
Captain Carter was announced in General Orders as 
acting assistant adjutant-general of the Third Colored 
Division, Eighteenth Army Corps, and remained on 
duty with that organization until the close of the war, 
having received a commission from the President as 
assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, with the 
rank of captain (July 25, 1864). He participated with 
his command in all the skirmishes and battles in 
which it was engaged before Petersburg, on the nortli 
of the James, at Deep Bottom, Newmarket Heights 
and Fort Harrison, and in both expeditions to Fort 
Fisher and the subsequent campaign to Raleigh. Ht 
was subsequently breveted major and lieutenant- 
colonel for gallant and meritorious services during the 
war. 

Brevet Major-General Charles J. Paine, in recom- 
mending him for brevet commissions, wrote, — 

" Captain Solon A. Carter, late assistant ailjutant-general United States 
Volunteers, served as assistant atyutant-general of the division which I 
commanded for about a year, from the beginning of August, 1864. 

"First, in front of Petersburg, under constant fire day and night; then 
across the James, in front of Richmond, taking part in a very severe and 
succejssful assault by the division on the enemy's lines on the Newmarket 
road, September 29, 1864, and in other engagements ; later, in both Tort 
Fisher expeditions. At the taking of Wilmington and in the march in 
pursuit of General Johnston's command, never for a moment away from 
his post, and never neglecting his duties, which often were quite as 
severe as those of any officer of the division. 

" He was a brave and faithful offirer of great merit, and I always ex- 
ceedingly regretted that he was not promoted. There is not, within my 
knowledge, an instance of equal desert without greater reward." 

I After his discharge i'rnm the service he returned to 



.J^ 




//-rc^ 




.(j/^/'M. 



TlIK STATE-HOUSE. 



45 



Kecne and engaged in tlie furniture trade. He was a 
member of the House of Representatives from Keene 
in 1869 and 1870. . 

In June, 1872, he was elected State treasurer, 
which office he has held since that time, with the 
exception of oneyear (1874-75), receiving the nomina- 
tion by acclamation, and without opposition, in nine j 
successive re-elections, and also the commendation of 
successive auditing committees for the satisfactory 
manner in which the duties of the office have been 
performed. He is an active member of the Unitarian 
organization, having been for several years president 
of the State association, and is also identified with the 
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United 
States and the Grand Army of the Republic. 

He has taken an active part in Masonic organiza- 
tions, having passed the chairs of the Blue Lodge, 
Royal Arch Chapter and Commandery, and also the 
chairs of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, serving 
as Most Worshipful Grand Master for two years 
(1878-79), and as Right Eminent Grand Commander 
of the Grand Commandery in 1875. 

He was married, December 13, ISfiO, to Emily A. 
Oonant, of Leominster, Mass. 

HOX. OLIVER PILLSBUEY.' 

William Pillsbury, from whom most and probably 
all of the Pillsburys of this country have descended, 
emigrated from Dorchester, England, in 1631, and 
settled in old Newbury (now Newburyport), Mass., in 
the year 1641. 

It will be seen that the family belonged to that 
brave old Puritan stock that had been ground and 
sifted in the mills of God for generations, and had 
been prepared to go forth in the fulness of time and 
take possession of a continent in the name of liberty 
and truth. In such mysterious ways the progress of 
government, church and society is evolved from the 
seed of the dead ages, and we move upward by the 
providence of Him who " works within us to will and 
to do of His own good pleasure." The families that 
planted our nation were not the sport of fortune, 
drifted by an accident of history to these shores, but 
were preordained and guided to their destiny. 

Oliver Pillsbury, the subject of this sketch, sprung 
from this line. He was born in Henniker, N. H., 
February 16, 1817. His parents, Deacon Oliver 
Pillsbury and Anna Smith Pillsbury, were both per- 
sons of unusual physical and mental strength. The 
writer recalls distinctly, after a lapse of more than 
thirty years, the amiable expression and serene dig- 
nity of Mrs. Pillsbury, and the masculine thought 
and deep, solemn voice of the deacon, as he led the 
devotions of the religious assemblies of the people. 
He was one of the strong men of the town and a 
pillar in the church. Others might veer and drift, 
but we all knew that the deacon was anchored within 



' By Hon. J. W. Patterson. 



the vail, and was as sure to outride the storm as the 
hill upon which he had fi.\ed his home. He was a 
mau of strong powers, a stern will and constant de- 
votion to the great ends of life as he saw them. The 
qualities of both parents were transmitted in large 
mciisure to their children. Our State has produced 
but few men who were the peers in intellectual 
strength and moral courage to their first-born, Parker 
Pillsbury. Not many men in our country, indeed, 
in the years that preceded the Civil War, struck 
heavier blows for, or clung with a more courageous, 
self-sacrificing devotion to, liberty than he. Those 
of us who knew him could hear the deep undertone 
of the deacon's voice in his, and knew he would 
conquer or die. In the roll-call of the imperishables 
in the great struggle for liberty his name will be 
heard among the first. 

The subject of this sketch, during the first seven- 
teen years of his life, experienced the usual fortune 
of the sons of New England farmers, — a maximum 
of hard work and a minimum of schooling ; but at 
that time, having been overtaken by a lameness 
which threatened to be permanent, he was sent to 
the academy that he might prepare for duties suited 
to his prospective infirmity. He entirely recovered, 
but this circumstance gave a new drift to his life. 
For nearly five years he pursued his studies with 
unabated interest and industry, giving thoroughness 
and a practical character to his acquisitions by teach- 
ing during the winter months. Mr. Pillsbury had 
few equals and no superiors among those who taught 
at that time in our public schools. He was master 
both of his school and his studies, and had the 
faculty of inspiring his pupils with his own spirit. 
Many who have since done good work in life look 
back with gratitude to those years of pupilage. 
j In 1839, Mr. Pillsbury left New England and went 
to New Jersey, where he opened a tuition school, 
j there being no free schools in the State at that time. 
There, though an entire stranger, he gained the con- 
fidence of the community and held it during eight 
years of successful work. During the last six years 
of this time he taught the academy at Bound Brook, 
Somerset County. While there he married Matilda 
Nevius, who died in 1847, leaving a young daughter, 
an only child. The position which Mr. Pillsbury 
acquired among the educators of New Jersey may 
be learned from the fact that he was prominent among 
the few gentlemen who held the first school conven- 
tion at the capital, over which he presided, and which 
was followed by similar conventions in other cities. 
The movement thus begun resulted in the establish- 
ment of pul)lic instruction in that State. 

At the end of this time, Mr. Pillsbury's health 
having become impaired, he returned to his native 
place, where he purchased the paternal homestead 
and entered again upon the work of his boyhood. 
For seventeen years he followed the life of a farmer, 
but did not move in iu old empirical ruts. He ap- 



46 



HISTOKY OF MJ]11RIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



plied the knowledge and improved methods which 
modern investigation has given to agriculture, and 
in a little time doubled the productive power of his 
farm. The successl'ul factor in every industry is 
brains, and in this case even New Hampshire farm- 
ing proved no exception to the rule. 

Mr. Pillsbury contracted a second marriage, in 
1850, with Miss Sarah Wilkins, of Henniker. 

Though assiduous in the pursuits of agriculture, 
his benevolent instincts led him to take an active 
interest in the causes of temperance, anti-slavery 
and whatever else the public welfare seemed to de- 
mand. His efibrts in this direction, in co-operation 
with those of others, produced a change in the poli- 
tics of the town, which resulted in his introduction 
to public life. He was elected to various town offices 
and to the Legislature three times. As a legislator, 
he did not seem anxious merely to shine, but to be 
useful and to advance the interests of the State. 
Such qualities and service commended him to public 
favor, and in 1862 he was elected a councilor for the 
last year of Governor Berry's administration, and 
re-elected to the Council of Governor Gilmore. This, 
it will be remembered, was while the hardships and 
horrors of the Civil War were upon us, and when 
questions that could not be settled by precedent, 
and that tested the authority and resources of the 
State, were brought daily before the Governor and 
his Council for decision. The exigencies of the gov- 
ernment would not sutler delay. Not only great 
permanent interests, but the very life of the nation 
was in peril, and large and frequent demands were 
made upon the States for supplies of men and money, 
when every resource seemed exhausted. In such 
times means must be invented and resources created. 
Criticism becomes silent, and waits for the return of 
peace to awaken into unreasoning activity. Under 
the pressure of such events, weak men are likely to 
be paralyzed, avaricious men corrupt and bold men 
to abuse power. 

The qualities which Mr. Pillsbury developed in 
these trying circumstances ought to make his name 
historic. The writer has received communications 
from two gentlemen who were associated with him in 
the Council, and whose services to the State are uni- 
versally acknowledged, and, jis they express more 
forcibly than any words of mine can do the part 
which the subject of this sketch took in that event- 
ful period, I take the responsibility to publish such 
portions of their respective letters as bear specially 
upon the subject of this paper. The known char- 
acter of the writers will give additional weight to 
their strong language of encomium. 

Hon. John W. Sanborn, of Waketield, writes as 
follows : 

" Learning that you are to prepare a biographicivl sketch of Hon. 
Oliver Pillsbury, I take pleasure in saying that I formed acquaintance 
with him in 1803, being then associateil with him in Governor Gilmore's 
Council. His great executive ability, patriotism, honesty and integrity 
won the respect and admiration of all his associates. At that time the 



country was engaged in that terrible war for the support of the govern- 
ment and its own salvation, and grave questions came before us relative 
to the prosecution of the same. Although an ardent Eepublican, lie 
never let partisan feeling warp his judgment in his official acts, lie had 
strong convictions of riglit, but was always ready to discuss aU questions 
witli frankness and fairness, and ho fully appreciated the opinions of 
his opponents. I had the honor to serve with him on the military com- 
mittee of the Council, which had important matters to consider, — ques- 
tions involving tho rights and interests of the soldiers, their families, 
and the State. The duties of this committee were arduous and often 
diflicult, but 1 can attest to the fidelity and untiring energy with which 
he performed his part. He took great interest in the welfare of the sol- 
diers, particularly the sick and wounded, and was ever ready to min- 
ister to their wants. In a word, he a 
in which he served, and the future hi 



L model councilor for the t 



Hon. John W. Noyes, of Chester, who was also in 
official association with Mr. Pillsbury, says : 

" I was with him a very considerable portion of the time for two years, 
while we were members of Governor Gilmore's Council during the war. 
He was the most important member of the Council, on account of his ex- 
perience and familiarity with the duties of the situation ; in fact, his in- 
formation and good judgment were exceedingly valuable to the Governor 
and all the other members of the Council. 

"I regard Mr. Pillsbury as one of the best informed and most compe- 
tent business men in this State. I hardly think there is another man in 
the State that could fill his present position as well as he does. I said to 
Governor Stearns, before he made the appointment, that, if he knew Mr. 
Pillsbury as well as I did, he would not need recommendations, but wuiild 
urge his acceptance of the place.*' 

It would be idle to add anything to such commen- 
dations. 

In 186!», Mr. Pillsbury was appointed insurance com- 
missioner by Governor Stearns, for a period of three 
years, and has been reappointed, from time to time, 
to the office which he still holds. Soon after his 
appointment he drafted and secured the enactment of 
the present law of the State relative to insurance 
companies of other States and other countries. This 
law cstrililisliiil I he department of insurance, and has 
given iM ilu |iii.|ile a degree of protection against the 
frauds ;iri.l impositions of unreliable companies never 
before enjoyed in this State, and has brought into its 
treasury, by tax on insurance premiums, nearly 
one hundred and thirty-eight thousand dollars, in 
addition to the compensation of the commissioner. 

During the whole term of his office Mr. Pillsbury 
has worked quietly, but a.ssiduously, to eliminate un- 
reliable companies from our borders, and has care- 
fully avoided the admission of all such as are not 
regarded as perfectly trustworthy. It is universally 
affirmed, by men familiar with the insurance busi- 
ness, that the commissioner of this State has admin- 
istered his office with unusual skill and success, and 
his reports are much sought for and often quoted and 
referred to as authority in other States, The State may 
well congratulate itself on having had the continued 
services, for sixteen years, of one so able and experi- 
enced in an office so intimately connected with the 
material interests of the people. 

In 1871, Mr. Pillsbury moved to Concord, and the 
estimation in which he is held in the community is 
attested by the fact that, during the fourteen years of 
his residence at the capital, he has twice been elected 



THE insanh: asylum. 



47 



to represent one of its wards in the Legislature, and 
has been a member of its Board of Education for 
seven years, and was president of the board at the 
time he tendered his resignation. When a member 
of the LegisUiture, Mr. Pillsbury was eminently 
practical, and whenever he spoke, was listened to with 
marked attention, for he only addressed the House on 
subjects that he had thoroughly considered, and it 
was understood that his remarks were likely to aid 
the members in reaching wise and just conclusions. 

As one of the supervisors of the educational inter- 
ests of Concord Mr. Pillsbury was exceptionally 
intelligent, conscientious and pains-taking. His 
views on the general subject were comprehensive, 
and he kept himself informed as to all real improve- 
ments in methods of instruction. He discountenanced 
shams and superfluities, and labored faithfully to 
make the schools sources of knowledge, of discipline 
and of virtue. To the other public trusts so honor- 
ably held by the subject of this sketch we may add 
that of president of the board of trustees of the 
State Industrial School. He has had a deep and 
abiding interest in this institution since its found- 
ing, and has given to it an active and efficient sup- 
port. 

We can only realize how pure and unselfish his 
labors of this character have been when we reflect 
that Mr. Pillsbury has no children of his own to 
kindle and feed his sympathies, but that they spring 
from a general benevolence toward all children, of 
whatever condition in life. His only child was a 
daughter of rare mental activity and attainments, and 
of unusual sweetness of temper. She married Mr. J. 
S. Eveleth, of Beverly, Mass., where, after a residence 
of nearly two years, she died of consumption, in the 
flower and promise of early womanhood, leaving two 
homes stricken and desolate. 

In this brief sketch we have unconsciously drawn 
a model citizen, — a man in all the relations of life 
faithful to the claims of duty ; in the family, society 
and the State, blameless; benevolent without osten- 
tation, patriotic without the claim of reward and 
true to every trust. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE NEW HAMPSHIRE ASYLUM FOR THE INSANE. 



About the year 1830 the condition of the insane of 
New Hampshire began to awaken a deep interest in 
the hearts of philanthropic persons in all sections of 
the State. The feeling rapidly increased that some- 
thing should be done for their benefit, and that, too, 
upon a scale commensurate with the magnitude of 
their numbers. 



But what, by whom and in what way? This was 
a question of difficult solution. As the public inter- 
est in the subject deepened, a settled conviction was 
formed in leading minds that the State should take 
the initiative in whatever measures might be adopted. 
Influenced in part, perhaps, by this general senti- 
ment, but feeling deeply the importance of the 
enterprise. Governor Dinsmore, in his message to the 
Legislature, in June, 1832, thus called attention to 
the condition of the insane, — 

"I feci no apology need bo mi:.^1. in .n,., li liiisuished forits pub- 
lic and private charities, for rail. > ■ I I I'd to a subject which 
has so much reason and huiii;iiiii i-asure for the secur- 
ity ami recovery of the lunatit "i n,- 111. I,r-irtlature of the state 

has never yet recognized these iinlL>rtnu;tt.- li.-iiit,^s as entitled to any 
special favor from government." 

After alluding to the belief once entertained of 
the incurableness of insanity, he contrasts the en- 
lightened and humane treatment afforded by well- 
regulated hospitals with that in use throughout the 
State. He then asserts the curableness of the 
malady, in a large percentage of cases, under proper 
and timely treatment, and cites, in proof thereof, 
statistics gathered from the reports of some of the 
best-managed institutions in England and the United 
States, thereby showing the importance " of having, 
in some convenient part of the State, a place where 
patients of this description can be received with as 
little delay as possible after the commencement of 
the disease and before improper management shall 
have aggravated its character and lessened the 
chances of cure." He also recommended, as a pre- 
paratory step, the institution of an inquiry "to 
ascertain, with as much exactness as practicable, the 
whole number of insane within the State, distin- 
guishing paupers from others, the number which have 
been committed to jail within a given time by 
authority of court or by their friends or others with- 
out the order or sanction of judicial proceedings, and 
the length of their respective terms of confinement ; 
and to ascertain, in like manner, the actual or proba- 
ble amount of costs of court and jailer's fees and 
expenses of their support and maintenance in cases 
of confinement." 

In accordance with this recommendation, the Gov- 
ernor was directed, by a resolution introduced by Mr. 
Hugh Miller, of Peterborough, and passed on the 
22d day of June of that year, "to take proper means 
to ascertain the number of insane persons in the 
State." 

In his message at the opening of the winter session, 
in November following. Governor Dinsmore further 
said, — 

" I addressed letters of inquiry, containing copies of the resolution, to 
the selectmen of the several towns in the State, requesting them to fur- 
nish me seasonably with the information desired. In one hundred and 
forty-one towns, being all from which returns have been received, the 
whole number of insane is one hundred and eighty-nine,— ninety males 
and ninety-nine females,— one hundred and three of whom are paupers. 
The whole of those now in confinement is scventy-si;!, of whom twenty- 
five are in private houses, thirty-four in poor-houses, seven in cells and 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



cages, six in chains and irons and four in jails. Of those not now in 
confinement, many were stated to have been at times secured in private 
houses, some have been handcuffed, others have been confined in cells 
and some in chains and jails." 

In pureuance of the Governor's recommendation, a 
bill was introduced into the House of Representa- 
tives by Mr. Samuel C. Webster, of Plymouth, on 
the 26tli day of December, providing " for the es- 
tablishment "of the New Hampshire Asylum for the 
Insane." This was read twice, laid upon the table, 
and on the 28th of December, on motion of Mr. 
Samuel E. Cones, of Portsmouth, indefinitely post- 
poned by a vote of one hundred and thirty-nine to 
.seventy-eight. 

Upon the assembling of the next Legislature, in 
1833, Governor Dinsraore again alluded to the sub- 
ject in his message, and said, in relation to the es- 
tablishment of an asylum for the insane, — 

" Although your predecessors did not feel prepared to sanction the 
measures recommended, I have never lost the hope of seeing at an early 
period a zealous co-operation of the several branches of the government 
with the friends of suffering humanity, in promoting a charity so phiinly 
recommended by the principles of our religion and by every considera- 
tion of justice and philanthropy." 

On the 20th day of June of this year a resolution 
was introduced into the House of Representatives by 
Mr. Arthur Livermore, of Campton, authorizing the 
appointment of an agent to examine and inspect 
sundry asylums for the insane and "report a plan 
for an asylum in this State." The resolution passed 
to its third reading, when, on the 2.5th day of June, 
its indefinite postponement being moved by Mr. 
John L. Hadley, of Weare, the yeas and nays were 
required by Mr. Hadley, and its postponement was 
lost by a vote of fifty-four yeas and one hundred 
and five nays. The resolution was then passed and 
sent to the Senate, where, a few days afterwards, 
July 1, 1833, on motion of Mr. Cyrus Barton, its 
further consideration was postponed to the next 
session of the Legislature. A resolution was also 
passed by the House " That each member of this 
Legislature instruct their respective towns to report 
by their members at the next session the number of 
insane, and their wishes in relation to the State 
building an hospital for the use of the insane; " but, 
on the 4th day of July, this, on motion of Mr. War- 
ren Lovell, of Meredith, was also indefinitely post- 
poned by the Senate. On the 26th of June still 
another resolution was introduced to the House by 
Mr. Charles H. Peaslee, of Concord, appropriating 
ten thousand dollars " for the erection of an insane 
hospital," the further consideration of which was, on 
the 3d day of July, on motion of Mr. Zenas Clement, 
of Claremont, postponed to the next session of the 
Legislature by a vote of one hundred and eight yeas 
to eighty-seven nays. 

The use of the Representatives' Hall was granted 
to Dr. William Perry, of Exeter; on the evening of 
the 20th of June, for the delivery of a lecture upon 
the subject of the insane. 



Upon the opening of the session of 1834, Governor 
Badger warmly urged in his message the importance 
of taking some measures for alleviating the existing 
condition of the insane, and on the 11th of June 
so much of the Governor's message as related to the 
deaf, dumb and insane was referred to a special com- 
mittee of the House, consisting of Messrs. Charles 
H. Peaslee, of Concord; John L. Perley, of Mere- 
dith; Hugh Bartley, of Londonderry; John Sulli- 
van, of Exeter; William Gordon, of Charlestown ; 
Otis Amidon, of Chesterfield; and Gideon L. Tirrell, 
of Shelburne. 

On the 24th, Mr. Peaslee, for the committee, pre- 
sented to the House an able report, accompanied by 
a resolution for an appropriation, by the State, of the 
sum of twelve thousand five hundred dollars for the 
erection of an asylum for the insane, which, on the 
30th of the same month, on motion of Mr. John 
Rogers, of Exeter, was postponed to the next session 
of the Legislature. The resolution "authorizing 
the appointment of an agent for the inspection of 
certain asylums for the insane," which was postponed 
in 1833 to the next session of the Legislature, was 
reported, on the 18th day of June, to the Senate 
from the committee on unfinished business, and the 
same day, on motion of Mr. Austin Corbin, of New- 
port, was indefinitely postponed. Twelve days after- 
ward, however, a resolution, introduced to the House 
by Mr. Jacob Taylor, of Stoddard, was passed, which 
required the selectmen of the several towns to make 
return to the Secretary of State of the number and 
condition of the insane in their respective towns 
and districts. Further evidence of the activity of 
the friends of the insane is found in the fact that the 
House granted the use of their hall a second time to 
Dr. William Perry for the delivery of a lecture upon 
the condition and wants of the insane of the State. 

On the 29th of June the next year (1835) a resolu- 
tion was introduced in the House by Mr. Charles H. 
Peaslee, of Concord, " appropriiiting twenty-five 
bank shares for an asylum for the insane," which 
subsequently, on the 2oth of June, on motion of Mr. 
John Woodbury, of Salem, was postponed to the 
next session of the Legislature. The next day, 
however, the House passed a resolution, introduced 
by Mr. George W. Kittredge, of New Market, provid- 
ing for the appointment of a commission, to consist 
of one from each county, to ascertain the number 
and condition of the insane in the several counties of 
the State and make report to the next Legislature. 

At the next session of the Legislature (1836) the 
subject of an asylum for the insane was again brought 
forward by Governor Hill in his message, and on the 
7th day of June a select committee of ten was 
appointed "on so much of the Governor's message as 
relates to insane persons in this State, the memorials 
and petitions praying for the establishment of an 
insane asylum and the statistical returns from the 
towu.s of the number :md condition of the iusane." 



THE INSANE ASYLUM. 



49 



This committee consisted of Messrs. Charles H. 
Peaslee, of Concord ; Luther V. Bell, of Derry ; 
Thatcher Bradford, of Hancock ; Augustus Jenkins, 
of Portsmouth; Benjamin F. Folsoni, of Guilford; 
Benjamin Pettingill, of Salisbury ; Cyrus Frost, of 
Marlborough; James Breck, of Newport; Henry 
H. Lang, of Bath ; and Aaron Potter, of Milan. 

To this committee were referred the petitions of 
sundry inhabitants of the towns of Richmond, Fitz- 
william. Nelson, Winchester, Gilsum, Keene, Exeter, 
Sullivan, Dover, Roxbury, Portsmouth and Clare- 
niont, besides others of individuals whose residences 
are not mentioned. At the autumn session other 
petitions of like purport to the foregoing were in- 
troduced and similarly referred. On the loth, Dr. 
Luther V. Bell, for the committee, made to the House 
of Representatives an able report, whereupon the 
House postponed the further consideration of the sub- 
ject to the next session of the Legislature. Immedi- 
ately after, on motion of Mr. Joel Eastman, of 
Conway, the clerk was ordered to procure one thou- 
sand printed copies of this report for the use of that 
body. 

Early in the June session Samuel E. Cones, of 
Portsmouth, was granted the use of Representatives' 
Hall for the delivery of a lecture upon insanity and 
the insane. A few days later, on the 15th, a resolu- 
tion of the previous Legislature appropriating twenty- 
live bank shares belonging to the State for the erec- 
tion of an asylum for the insane was referred to the 
select committee above mentioned. Upon the same 
day Mr. John L. Hadley, of Weare, introduced to the 
House a joint resolution, which soon afterwards 
passed both branches of the Legislature, that the 
Governor be requested to issue his precepts to the 
selectmen of the several towns, to take the sense of 
the qualified voters upon the question, "Is it ex- 
pedient for the State to grant an appropriation to 
build an insane hospital ?" 

At the opening of the November session Governor 
Hill, in his message to the Legislature, remarks, in 
relation to the returns made in conformity to this 
resolution, that " less than one-half of the legal 
voters of the State have expressed any opinion, and 
the official returns, so far as received, would indicate 
that the vote had been nearly equal for and against 
the proposition." 

In 1837 neither the message of the Governor nor the 
proceedings of the Legislature contain any allusion 
to the subject of an asylum for the insane. Great 
financial depression, extending throughout all parts 
of the country, may possibly have discouraged efforts 
in this direction, which, under other circumstances, 
would have been active. 

The friends of the enterprise, however, were not 
disheartened, nor were their efforts abandoned, as 
they cherished a belief that these efforts must ere long 
be crowned with success. And in this anticipation 
they were not disappointed. On the 21st day of 



June, 1838, a bill was reported to the House from the 
select committee, to whom had been referred so much 
of the Governor's message as related to insane persons 
in this State, and petitions praying for the establish- 
ment of an insane asylum. This passed to a third 
reading, when a motion was made by Mr. Reuben 
Wyman, of Albany, to iJostpone it to the next session 
of the Legislature, and " that the Secretary of State 
be required to notify the selectmen of the several 
towns in this State to insert an article in their war- 
rants for holding the annual March meetings, to take 
the sense of the qualified voters upon the subject of 
granting an appropriation for building an asylum." 
Upon the yeas and nays being called for by Mr. 
Warren Lovell, of Meredith, it was found that the 
motion did not prevail, the yeas being eighty-five and 
the nays one hundred and forty-four. The bill was 
then passed, and in a few days its passage was con- 
curred in by the Senate. 

Thus, after a severe struggle of six years, during 
which period they encountered a most obstinate op- 
position, its advocates at length succeeded in obtain- 
ing for the asylum a charter. We would be glad to 
recount the names of these early and devoted friends 
to whose protracted and unwearied efforts the insti- 
tution owes its existence, but our limits forbid. But 
for their efforts in its behalf in the Legislature, the 
pulpit, the lecture-room, by the way and wherever 
an opportunity offered, it might not have been erected 
to this day. In its success they afterwards had proof 
of the correctness of their early foresight of its im- 
portance, and in its usefulness, their reward. 

By its charter the New Hampshire Asylum for the 
Insane was constituted a corporation, with power to 
hold real and personal property in any amount neces- 
sary for its maintenance and support, " provided that 
its annual income from real and personal estate should 
not exceed thirty thousand dollars." The institution 
was placed under the management of a board of twelve 
trustees, the offices of three of whom should become 
vacant annually, eight to be chosen by the corpora- 
tion and four by a board of visitors, consisting of the 
Governor and Council, the President of the Senate 
and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for 
the time being. It also provided that when the sum 
of fifteen thousand dollars should be secured to the 
asylum by individuals, then the State should make 
over to it, in aid of its benevolent aims, thirty shares 
of New Hampshire bank stock, worth at that time 
about eighteen thousand dollars. 

Some six months after the passage of this act a 
controversy arose between the corporation represent- 
ing the subscribers to the voluntary fund and the 
board of visitors representing the State, relative to 
certain powers of control assumed by the former, and 
different interpretations of the act were urged. The 
questions involved were settled not long after by an 
act of the Legislature, " in amendment to and ex- 
planatory of the incorporating act," which provided 



50 



HISTOKY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



that " the direction, management and control of all 
the property and concerns " of the asylum should be 
vestnl in llif trustees, without power of interference 
l>y till' (■<.i|..ii;iiiiHi. And it was ere long thought best 
tliat tlic irisliiiition should be placed entirely under 
tlic control of tlie State, which, in accordance with an 
act passed l)y the Legislature in 1840, assumed its 
sole management through a board of twelve trustees, 
to be appointed by the Governor and Council. An- 
other act, jiassed the same year, pro\'ided that all 
contributions by private individuals, previously made, 
should be refunded to them if claimed within a speci- 
fied time. 

The location of the asylum at some point in the 
town of Concord was left to the trustees, who, on the 
21st day of January, 1841, selected that which it now 
occupies, the town of Concord having previously 
voted to give to the asylum the sum of nine thousand 
five hundred dollars, provided it should be located 
within its limits ; private citizens of the town having 
jjreviously pledged a considerable amount in addition 
upon the same condition. 

A building committee, previously appointed, now 
entered upon the discharge of their duties and pro- 
cured the completion, in October, 1842, of the front 
portion of the present centre building and the adjoin- 
ing north and south wings, which afforded accommo- 
dations for ninety-six patients. From the trustees' 
report of 1844 it appears " that the whole amount ex- 
pended in the erection of the hospital, barn and out- 
buildings, for the farm, consisting of one hundred and 
twenty-one acres, supply of water, furniture, farming 
tools, stock and other property was $35,266.70 ; " and 
that of this sum, nineteen thousand dollars only had 
licen ijaid by the State, the balance having been re- 
ceived from contributions by the town and citizens of 
( 'uncord, the Society of Shakers and other benevolent 
individuals or realized from the board of patients. 

A few years later an additional building was 
erected in the rear of the main structure, for the use 
of excited patients, which, upon the completion of 
the original Peaslee building, in 18o-5, was converted 
into a laundry. 

The asylum was opened for the reception of patients 
on the 29th day of October, 1842, under the superin- 
tendence of Dr. George Chandler, who, in June follow- 
ing, reported to the trustees the admission of seventy- 
six patients during the previous seven months. Dr. 
Chandler remained at the head of the institution for 
about three years, and to him it is largely indebted 
for the initiation of a wise routine of management. 
He was succeeded in 1845 by Dr. Andrew McFarland, 
afterwards superintendent of the Illinois Asylum for 
the Insane, who discharged the duties of superintend- 
ent for about seven years, and resigned in the summer 
of 1852. In 1849, three years before he retired from 
his office, the Chandler wing was built. 

He was succeeded by Dr. John E. Tyler, who helil 
the office for a period of about four years and a hali'. 



During his superintendency the first portion of the 
Peaslee building was erected in 1854, steam fixtures 
for warming the, halls and other parts of the house 
were introduced in 1855, and, in consequence of in- 
creasing applications tor admission, the Rumford wing 
was erected the same year, thereby increasing the 
limit of accommodations to two hundred and twenty- 
five patients. 

In consequence of impaired health. Dr. Tyler re- 
signed in 1857, and was succeeded by Dr. Je.sse P. Ban- 
croft. His period of service was a long one, extending 
from 1857 to 1883. It was also an active one, during 
which no less than seven important buildings were 
added to those previously in use. 

The first of these, in the order of construction, was 
the Kent building, erected in 1867. This is the cor- 
responding building, on the female side of the asylum, 
to the Peaslee building, on the male side. It embod- 
ies most of the advanced ideas pertaining to the cus- 
tody of highly-excited patients prevailing at the time 
of its erection, and is still well abreast of the present 
period in this respect. 

The very greatly-enlarged number of patients in 
1868 rendered necessary a new kitchen, bakery, 
cellar, dining-room for employes, sewing-room and 
chapel. These wants were aU supplied in the present 
chapel building, which was built this year and de- 
signed to meet them. 

The ventilation of the old buildings proved more 
and more defective as time elapsed and numbers in- 
creased. In 1869, Dr. Bancroft devised a new system 
for the halls and rooms in these, and from time to 
time, as fast as practicable, it has been introduced 
with gratifying success. 

The enlargement of the asylum structure on the 
south brought into very objectionable contiguity the 
barn and stable of the institution. The necessity for 
larger structures of this character, better planned and 
more remotely located, was met, in 1871, by their 
removal and reconstruction upon the sites which they 
now occupy. 

In 1874 the Peaslee building, originally occupying 
a foremost rank among buildings of this description, 
was found to have become of insufficient capacity 
and wanting in some important conveniences, which 
the experience of the period following its erection 
had suggested. Its accommodations having become 
insufficient rather than unsuitable, it was enlarged to 
double its size and furnished with such additional 
conveniences as the most advanced treatment of 
highly excited patients required. 

Three years later it became apparent that the asylum 
had outgrown its boiler-house and repair-shops, and 
that a new structure to meet these wants had become 
imperative. After a careful consideration of these 
and of the most desirable way of providing for them, 
the present boiler-house and work-shops were con- 
structed in 1877. 

Twice since its erection has the central building of 



THE INSANE ASYLUM. 



51 



the asylum been enlarged. Its accommodations were 
lirst increased, in 1860, by an addition of some thirty- 
six feet upon the west. The greatly-enlarged num- 
ber of employes calling ere long for still more room, 
an additional story was put upon it in 1879. These 
additions have doubled its original capacity. 

The last addition made to the asylum structure 
was that of the Bancroft building. This was sug- 
gested partly by the need of additional room on the 
female side of the asylum, and partly by a desire, on 
the part of the friends of a somewhat limited class of 
patients in the State, for more ample accommoda- 
tions and a more private life than is usually found 
practicable at institutions for the insane. To meet 
this want the comely structure designated as above 
was erected in 1882. 

Such has been the growth of the asylum structure 
up to the present time (1885). Its accommodations 
have been increased from those at first provided for 
ninety-six patients to those which can now more 
amply accommodate three hundred and fifty. 

The whole amount expended upon this structure, 
from first to last, by the State has been but two hun- 
dred and fourteen thousand dollars, or, considering 
the character of the accommodations afforded, the 
very low sum of six hundred and eleven dollars per 
patient. Whatever the asylum has cost beyond this 
amount has come from sources other than the State 
treasury. 

It is located in the very heart of the city of Con- 
cord, upon a tract of ground, highly improved, of about 
one hundred and twenty-five acres. Some twenty- 
five acres of this are occupied by the various build- 
ings and airing courts; the remainder by the pond, 
farming areas, groves, avenues and paths. In addi- 
tion to the ground about the house, the asylum owns 
a pasture, about a half a mile distant, of fifty acres. 

One of the greatest boons enjoyed by the institution 
is that of an unlimited supply of purest water. This 
comes from a well sunk by Dr. Bancroft upon the 
premises in 1880, which has a diameter of fifty feet 
and a depth of fifteen. It is drawn upon daily for 
about fifty thousand gallons, and is capable of yield- 
ing a much larger supply. Never since its construc- 
tion has it shown the slightest indications of failure, 
even during the severest droughts. 

In 1855, as before stated, the furnaces, which had 
been previously employed, were discarded, and ap- 
pliances for warming the buildings by steam were 
introduced. Up to 1870 wood was the fuel used. 
But this growing more and more dear in price and 
its supply more and more uncertain, it gave way to 
coal, and for the last fifteen years the steam for heat- 
ing, washing, cooking, etc., has been made by this. 

After an active service of twenty-five years. Dr. 
Bancroft resigned the superintendency in 1882, and 
has been succeeded by his son. Dr. Charles P. Ban- 
croft. Familiar with all the traditions of the insti- 
tution and thoroughly equipped by education and 



experience for the high responsibilities of his post, 
he is maintaining its usefulness and continuing it in 
the front rank of American asylums for the insane. 
Its success thus far hils been due very largely to the 
entire absence of partisanship in its boards of visi- 
tors and of trustees, to the patient and devoted 
efforts of able superintendents, to the liberal benefac- 
tions of earnest friends of the insane, to timely aid 
from time to time rendered by the State and to the 
full reports made annually to the public of its con- 
.dition and operations. 

It is an interesting fact in its history that devoted 
friends of the insane have ever watched the i>rogress 
of the asylum, and made, from time to time, liberal 
contributions to its funds. It has been deemed just 
and proper to put on record here the names of these 
generous patrons. 

"Before its opening, even, in 1837, Miss Catharine 
Fisk, of Keene, a lady of high culture and benevolent 
impulses, bequeathed to it alegacy of nearly six thou- 
sand dollars, charged with certain temporary an- 
nuities, since terminated. By the terms of her will, 
this bequest was not to be paid to the asylum until 
the expiration of fifty years from the time of her 
decease, and, consequently, no part of this has yet 
been received. At present, held by the State as 
trustee, it is increasing by the annual addition of the 
accruing interest, and now (1885) amounts to twenty- 
three thousand four hundred and seventy-six dollars 
and seventy-one cents. It will become payable to the 
asylum in'the year 1887. 

In 1846, and at subsequent times, the State, as 
trustee for the Jisylum, received, in partial payments 
from the estate of Jacob Kimball, of Hampstead, a 
legacy amounting to six thousand seven hundred and 
forty-three dollars and forty-nine cents, the interest 
of which is annually paid by the State treasurer to 
the asylum. 

Again, in 1847, the Hon. Samuel Bell, of Chester, 
made to the asylum generous donations of money, to 
be expended in the purchase of books for the use of 
such patients as might be benefited by the perusal 
of them. With this some two hundred and fifty 
volumes of standard works, well suited to the purpose 
intended, were procured. These formed the nucleus 
about which the present asylum library has grown 
up. The important additions since made have re- 
sulted from numerous smaller and later gifts. This 
collection of books, now containing about eighteen 
hundred volumes, is of great value as a curative 
agency in the treatment of large numbers of con- 
valescent and mildly affected patients. 

Two years afterwards, in 1849, the institution re- 
ceived, as a contribution to its fund, the sum of two 
hundred dollars from John Williams, Esq., of 
Hanover. 

Abiel Chandler, &q., of Walpole, the founder of 
the Chandler Scientific School at Hanover, who died 
in 1851, bequeathed to the asylum two legacies, one 



52 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUxNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



of six hundred dollars, charged with the life-estate of 
a niece, and another of one thousand dollars, at the 
same time making the institution his residuary lega- 
tee. The several sums paid "to its treasurer and 
financial agent, from time to time, by bis executors 
amount to twenty-seven thousand six hundred and 
thirty-one dollars and fifteen cents. The ultimate 
amount of this fund, which bears the name of its 
donor, has been fixed by the trustees at thirty thou- 
sand dollars, and already, increased by the addition to 
it of interest, stands upon the books of the institu- 
tion at twenty-nine thousand eight hundred dollars. 

The Countess of Kumford, who died at Concord in 
December, 1852, was also a benefactress of the asylum. 
Feeling a deep interest in this and other benevolent 
institutions in her native State and elsewhere, at her 
decease she left to such a very large proportion of 
her estate. To her kindness the asylum is indebted 
for a legacy of fifteen thousand dollars, which was 
paid to its treasurer in 1853. 

Mrs. Mary Danforth, of Boscawen, who also died 
in 1852, after making other specific bequests, left to 
the asylum the residuum of her estate. From this 
the sum of three hundred and forty-seven dollars and 
ninety cents was realized by the institution. 

One of the early trustees of the asylum was Mr. 
William Plumer, of Londonderry, who ever mani- 
fested a deep concern for its welfare. It was found, 
after his decease, that, retaining this interest to the 
last, he had left to it a legacy of five hundred dollars, 
which was paid to its treasurer in 18G3. 

Still another benefactress of the asylum was Mrs. 
Peggy Fuller, of Francestown, from whose estate it 
received, in 1862-63, the sum of eighteen hundred and 
fourteen dollars and forty-two cents. 

In 1862 the institution received from the executors 
of the will of Mrs. Fanny S. Sherman, of Exeter, a 
lady of great excellence of character, a legacy of five 
thousand dollars, the annual income of which is, by 
her direction, given to indigent patients, to assist 
them in paying the necessary expenses of their sup- 
port, and is the first bequest ever received by the 
asylum to which any particular direction has been 
attached by the donor. Some five years later the 
sum of two hundred and two dollars and ten cents 
was paid to the asylum, by his executors, as a legacy 
of Mr. Horace Hall, of Charlestown. 

The largest bequest ever made to the asylum was 
the munificent one of Mr. Moody Kent, who died in 
1866. Having watched its progress with great interest 
for a long series of years, he left to it, at his decease, 
the residue of his property, after the payment of 
numerous legacies to relatives and friends. From his 
estate the institution received one hundred and forty- 
nine thousand four hundred and fourteen dollars, which 
sum, increased by a small addition derived from ac- 
crued interest, now constitutes the present Kent 
fund of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 

The Rev. Dr. Charles Burroughs, of Portsmouth, 



who, for about thirteen years, had held the office of 
president of the board of trustees, left at his decease, 
in March, 1868, as an evidence of his deep interest in 
the asylum, a bequest of one thousand dollars, to be 
paid to the institution at the close of the life of Mrs. 
Burroughs. 

Isaac Adams, of Sandwich, after having served the 
institution for several years with signal ability as 
one of its trustees, upon retiring from the board, in 
1868, accompanied his resignation with the liberal gift 
of one thousand dollars, requesting that the interest 
might be expended in aflx)rding means of in-door 
recreation to male patients so situated as to be de- 
prived of it in the open air. This fund, which has 
been accumulating, will be used at an early day as 
the foundation of active measures to secure the im- 
portant result suggested by its donor. 

In 1872, John Conant, of Jaffrey, the constructing 
agent of the first asylum building, for many years a 
member of its board of trustees, and for six years its 
president, gave expression to a deep interest long en- 
tertained for the institution by a generous donation 
of six thousand dollars, as an addition to its per- 
manent funds. 

The third on the list of female patrons of the insti- 
tution stands the name of Miss Arabella Rice, of 
Portsmouth, who died in 1872 and left to it a legacy 
of twenty thousand dollars as a proof of her deep 
interest in the welfare of the asylum and of the un- 
fortunate class to whom it ministers. 

Hon. Isaac Spalding, of Nashua, for many years a 
member of the board of its trustees and from 1868 to 
1875 its president, died the latter year, leaving to the 
asylum a legacy of ten thousand dollars as his con- 
tribution to its permanent funds. 

In 1883 the asylum received a legacy of one 
thousand dollars from the estate of Miss H. Louise 
Penhallow, of Portsmouth, being the last whii'h li:is 
come into its treasury. 

The whole amount of the asylum's permanent 
funds on the 1st day of June, 1885, was two hundred 
and seventy thousand three hundred and eighty-four 
dollars and five cents. 

The settled purpose of the trustees as to each of 
these, and to every other fund which may hereafter 
be given to the asylum amounting to one thousand 
dollars or over, unless otherwise ordered by the 
donor, is to maintain the principal thereof intact, 
and so to expend the income, from time to time 
accruing, as the greatest good of the patients and of 
the asylum shall suggest. The following votes of the 
trustees, regulating their action in this regard, will 
present more in detail the rules by which they are 
governed : 

"Toted, That the several fundR that have been, or may hereafter be, 
given to the New Hampshire Asylum for the Insane, unless otherwise 
ordered by the donors, be entered upon the books of the aaylum as per- 
manent funds, be set apart with the names of said donors attached to 
each, to be forever kept intact, and that the income thereof be expended 
In accordance with the conditions upon which they are given, or, in the 



THE INSANK ASYLUM. 



53 



.bseuce of 8uch, in auch manner as the trustees shall deem most for the 
ntereat of the asylum and its patients. 

"Voted, That if, at any time, the principal of any fnnd be impaired, 
he income thereof shall be at once devoted to its restoration and continue 
be thus appropriated until the said fund shall attain its original 



From the foregoing sketch of the rise and progress 
of the New Hampshire Asylum it appears that, from 
the first, there have been successive demands for ad- 
ditional buildings and other facilities for the care 
and treatment of the insane. This demand has 
arisen, in part, from the constant increase in the 
number of persons requiring hospital care ; but this 
has not been the sole cause of the demand. There 
has been, as the result of experience, an advancing 
idea of the requisites for the proper treatment of in- 
sanity, and, as a result, there has been, from time to 
time, demands not only for new buildings, but for 
radical changes of old ones. Experience has been 
constantly bringing to light the insutficiency and de- 
fects of the earlier ideas and usages, and calling for 
facilities for utilizing the fruits of that experience,— a 
common fact in all fields of progress. The history of 
the asylum has been one of progressive develop- 
ment, which has found uo resting-place. 

It germinated in sympathy for the insane, the 
depth of which was shown in the patience and per- 
sistency with which the first movers in the enterprise 
resisted the obstacles thrown in their way, and re- 
newed their determined efforts from year to year. 
The results of their efforts have been an emphatic 
vindication of the soundness of their judgment as 
well as of the benevolence of their sentiments. It 
would be impossible to form a just estimate of the 
benefits which have followed, unless by a comparison 
of the condition of the insane prior to the founding 
of the institution and that at the present time. A 
few words in regard to the old notions of insanity 
may be allowable here in contrast with present 
views, as illustrating the amount of good accom- 
plished. Before the opening of this century the in- 
sane were regarded and treated as outcasts, looked 
upon with horror, as culprits or possessed with evil 
spirits. Execution or imprisonment was their por- 
tion. Those who escaped these were subjected to 
measures for the expulsion of demoniac possession, 
incantations or vile compounds supposed to possess 
virtue against demons. Holy water, to which salt 
was added, was a famous prescription for this pur- 
pose, on the theory that the devil abhorred salt. 
Binding the subject to a cross was another remedy 
supposed to possess great efficiency. 

An old medical writer records this as the treatment 
of a case of active mania, which he witnessed: A 
priest entered the room of the person and said, 
"Thou devil of devils! I adjure thee by the potential 
power of the Father and the Son, our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and by the virtue of the Holy Ghost that 
thou do show me for what cause thou dost 
this woman." 



Recovery was the result reported. Prior to the 
year 1797 almost no rational and scientific provision 
for the insane had been attempted. The few institu- 
tions then existing differed little from prisons. Pinel, 
with an insight deeper than others, saw that disease, 
and not the devil, wjis the cause of insanity ; and his 
logical inference was that treatment of it as of other 
diseases was the remedy, rather than binding to a 
holy cross or the expulsion of the devil. 

After much effort, and against violent opposition, 
he obtained the reluctant permission of the authori- 
ties to try the experiment of treating insanity as dis- 
ease, but only on condition that he be held personally 
responsible for any harm which might ensue to the 
public from this supposed hazardous measure. He 
removed the insane from dark and foul prisons into 
hospital care, much to their relief and joy. This was 
the first step in rational and scientific treatment. 
Out of this germ has grown the grand results of the 
present period. But the hospital of to-day was not 
the immediate product of this radical change of 
theory. For a long time after this there was no in- 
stitution seen which could compare favorably with 
the hospital of the present. Even Pinel himself had 
little conception of the possibilities lying in the di- 
rection of liberal usages in the care of the insane. 
The best practice of that day would now be regarded 
as crude and insufficient, affording little worth copy- 
ing. 

The way out of the strange vagaries in opinion 
and practice, so long entertained, was not short or 
sudden, but, of necessity, through a long series of 
cautious observations and careful practical trials. 
Old traditions and hereditary prejudices, however 
absurd and unreasonable, are never quickly eradi- 
cated. But one great advantage was immediately 
realized: insanity at once begun to be studied and 
dealt with from a new poiat of departure. Pinel had 
transferred it from demonology and crime into the 
category of disease, to be henceforth investigated as 
other bodily affections. This was an immense gain. 
Henceforward the sciences tributary to general medi- 
cine were to contribute in explanation of the intri- 
cate mental phenomena dependent on cerebral le- 
sions. Physiology and pathology came at once to be 
consulted, rather than the changes of the moon. In 
the light of these, careful observation of the phenom- 
ena of insanity as disease has been the increasing 
practice. 

From this point progress has been uninterrupted, 
but especially rapid during the last half-century. 
The breaking away from old traditions and prejudices 
has been much more apparent in this period, as 
shown in changing hospital architecture and the 
adoption of a vastly more liberal type of organiza- 
tion. If the progress seems, at first thought, slow, 
it is to be considered that, in the nature of the case, 
the full extent to which it is now found that liberal 
and common-sense methods can be safely applied in 



54 



IIISTOUV OK .MKKIU.MACK COUNTV, NKW 11 A. Ml 



priictico with the insane could be only gradually 
apprehended. It wns only by cautiously conducted 
trials, even at some supposed risks, that the now 
genornlly accepted conviction became established 
that the insane, as a class, could be intrusted with 
a larger liberty and controlled more by moral influ- 
ences than had, in earlier times, been deemed safe. 

These resnlt.s of experience explain the great dif- 
ference apparent between the architectural features 
of the old and the later structures of the New 
Hampshire Asylum. These latter show that much 
more self-control ia expected on the part of the 
patient than wns supposed possible when the former 
were constructed ; and also provide a larger latitude 
for the exercise of independent volition and the free 
exercise of personal tastes. A careful examination of 
the features of the series of buildings, in the order of 
the time of their erection since the first, will attord a 
very correct illustration of the gradual evolution 
of ideas and methods of practice with the insane. 
This evolution is most gratifying to philanthropy, 
and, by the most intelligent alienists, is not believed 
to have yet reached its limit. They look confidently 
forward to that hapiiy adjustment of residences and 
other auxiliary inlluenccs which shall reduce to a 
minimum the real sacrifices inviilvc<l .in hospital 
treatment, as also the dread with xvbicli so many 
liave regarded its necessity. 

The New Hampshire Asylum has, from its organ- 
ization, been in fullest sympathy with others in this 
progressive work, and has never been satisfied with 
an inferior rank. Each new move, whether in build- 
ing or in administration, has embodied the gleanings 
of the past, both in the literature of the subject and 
of experience, whether its own or that of othei-s. 
.So tiir as its resources would allow, it has ever fol- 
lowed the most progressive ideas, regulated by a 
rigid, but not suiciiliil, economy. Its trustees and 
physicians have always regarded buildings and sur- 
roundings as important co-factors in successful treat- 
ment, and have therefore siiared no pains to embody 
in these i\s much of remedial force sis possilile. It 
was not the first in the field. Enough had been done 
iu England and in this country to afford solid hope 
and promise to our sagacious and whole-hearted 
people, by whose unwearied ctl'orls the first organiza- 
tion was secured. 

The i.ractical work ;ucomplislu'd l>y the asylum 
could not be fairly appreciated vvilhoul taking into 
account the condition of the insane in the Stalcwhcn 
it commenced operations, a conditicm which it is dif- 
ficult to realize at this day. It cannot be described 
more briefly or better than by Dr. Hell, in his report 
made to the Ijogislature in .lune, 1830, to which refer 
once has already been n\ade. He says, — 

" Tlio conimiltoo fwl tlint iioltlior Iho tiino nor llio ocowlon iwiniro 
tliom to ulUulo to iuiitniu'ivi of tho tiggmvHtpil aud aliiioat iiicixhI bio 
»uiroliligs of tlio lne<uii> iwor wlilcli Imvo conic to tlvcir kno\vlc<l(si>; tllcy 
ui-c convinced tltnt the LoglttlHturu require no 
(lie vari»tlona of hitouse mloery to which the | 



oxtomling fVoni the time of his incurcoration iu tho cold, narrow, sunlesij, 
lireleta coll of tho almshouse to the scarcely moro human dl«iK»nl ol 
hini by ■ soiling at auction,' as it is called, by which ho fell Into the 
tender niorciiw of tho moot abjoct and worthless of society, who alone 
could bo excited by cupidity to such a revolting charge, Sultlce it to 
miy, on this point, that your comudttoo are Batisllod that the horrors of 
the present condition of tho inMino in New Hamiwhiro aro far from 
Imving been exiiggeratcd. Tliey have found that public officers auil 
eitixens of towns have naturally twon unwilling that tho extent and 
particulars uf wluit many of thoin doubtless sincoix-ly believe a noceesary. 
or at leju»t, .ni hum i I il t. . v.iify, should be blazoned forth to the 

public; tiK'-. 1.1^1 . I t iiiKjxne fViends have been found often 

unwilling <'\ri. 1 I II ! :i> uuiliulies, still less to speak of the treat- 
ment and coiiiiiti ill wln.li ili.> ronscieutiously think nmvvoidable in 
their circumstnn.es . . . In view of this immense mass of unmitigated 
and nndilutod misery, tho (|ueation will spontaneously occur, what can 
be done for its alleviation and prevention ? " 

The enacting of the law founding the asylum was 
the manner in which the Legislature answered this 
grave question of their committee. The same com- 
mittee thus set forth the results to be secured by this 
legislation, — 



That these objects have been secured, in an emi- 
nent degree, can hardly be questioned at this day by 
any one who has intelligently watched the progress 
of the institution from its foundation. But the full 
measure of relief from suffering which it has secured 
to the objects of its care, as well as the amount of 
misery it has saved by its preventive measures, can 
be known only to those who have been personally 
conversant with, or interested in, its personiil 
histories. 

A brief review nf the histi.iical rcccrd of its work. 
as derived tnun its statistics, will be gcrniaiii to the 
objects of this article. From the time of the adnii.s- 
sion of the first patient, October 29, 1842, to March 
31, 1885, a period of forty-two years, five months and 
two days, four thousand seven hundred and fifty-two 
persons were admitted to the asylum and received its 
care. Of this number, seventeen hundred and thirty- 
four went forth restored to reason, prepared to resume 
their places and trusts in society. This fact alone 
has much significance when taken in connection with 
the statement of the committee already quoted from, 
that " We found no more than an occasional instaiui 
of amendment under the common treatment." 

It further appeai-s that eleven hundred and se\ en 
pel-sons, under care and treatment, but who did not 
fully recover mental health, lelt the institution so 
much improved as to render life among friends prac- 
ticable, safe, and generally more or less useful. Of 
this class, a considerable number were convalescent 
on leaving, and fully recovered afterwards. The rec- 
ords show only eight hundred and thirty-eight dis- 
charged whose diseases were not either removed or 
mitigated. But even with those whose maladies ilid 



THE INSANE ASYLUM. 



not admit of relief, tlie ministrations of the institu- 
tiim were by no means of little value. This will be 
li 111 11(1 emphatically true when the hospital life of 
siuli persons, with its systematic regulation of things 
ami its sanitary provisions, is compared with any pos- 
sible life without a hospital. The incurable insane, 
whose lives, to a great extent, could otherwise be only 
misery, are here brought within the reach of every 
domestic comfort, and even convenience, and the 
moderating and steadying influences existing secure 



andthrn iii;ill\ II ii impn .\ c.l, I h. re « .1 .■ I Ii..m- who 

(lied. Of Ibis chiss, from the oi.ening of the asylum 
to April, 1, ISS"), iliere were seven hundred and forty- 
eight. The attentions diie and rendered to these have 
not been among the least of the benefits accruing to 
these .sutlerers. Kind ministrations to the hopeless 
and the helpless are ever held among the highest and 
best of human acts. They exalt and dignify human 
nature. We think only with a shudder of the hope- 
less victims of disease dying in lonesome neglect. It is 
a bright feature of Christian civilization that it tenderly 
cares for tiiose who fall in the race ; it is the trait of 
the savage to abandon to their fate those who can no 
longer do service in the ranks. To bring to the bed 
of the dying all suitable tokens of respect, and to 
make the last days of these as far as possible from 
solitude or neglect, has ever been the studious effort 
of the management of the institution. 

What these ministrations may have been worth 
to the immediate objects of them, and to the sorrow- 
ing homes to which they belonged, it is not the 
province of words to show, — their full bearings can- 
not be made written history. 

This glance at the statistical records of the work of 
the asylum from its foundation is only a naked out- 
line. To bring the extent and value of this work to 
the full apprehension of the reader would be to re- 
view, in detail, the busy, laborious and oftiii painful 
hours of forty-two years. 

Through these years all plans and all work have 
aimed at one object, and that, to make the treatment 
of mental disorders rational, thoroughly human and 
free of all superstition and all needless interference 
with the rights and privileges of the patient. Fol- 
lowing, in the adoption of plans, this principle, the 
history of tiie institution has been one of evolution. 
Out of what, at first, bore great resemblances to im- 
prisonment there have been evolved conditions of life 
for the insane lacking none of the necessaries and 
comforts, and few of the privileges and even the 
amenities, of ordinary domestic life. 

Tlie space allowed for this article will not admit of 
remark upon the medical treatment of insanity, fur- 
ther than to say that mental derangement, in some 
instances, is the reflex effect of disorder in some 
bodily organ other than the brain, and that in such 
cases treatment is directed to that organ. What re- 



mains to be said must have reference to the general, 
or so-called moral, treatment, having reference 
largely to those influences which address themselves 
to the mind, and involve such a regulation of hos|)i- 
tal life and activities as best to antagonize morbid 
processes, restore normal habits of thought or to 
yield the largest benefits where restoration is impos- 
sible. The same general system of measures contrili- 
utes to both these ends. In other words, expcricnci- 
has shown that, in adjusting surroundings and shaping 
domestic and social influences for the average of the 
insane, the usages and methods most agreeable to the 
sane are most conducive to the recovery of the cur- 
able, and most congenial to the iiiiiids of those who 
cannot recover. This is eqiiivah m [,, >:is m^; that in- 
sanity introduces no new ami spiiial ilcincnts of its 
own requiring the suspension of ordinary customs. 
Tastes, personal proclivities and the conditions of 
pleasure and pain remain unchanged in kind, even 
when modified in action by disease; and are respon- 
sive to the same stimuli. The recognition of this fact 
has been a modern achievement, and is in agreeable 
contrast with older ideas and practice. The latter made 
the insane some unreal being, endowed with exception- 
al traits not amenable to ordinary influences, and 
hence to be treated as an exception. This error led 
to every absurdity and wrong in ])ractice, the most 
conspicuous of which were inactivity, repression and 
confinement, shutting out most of the health-giving 
remedial stimuli. Comparatively speaking, this was 
the practice at the opening of the asylum, when hospi- 
tal life, as compared with that of the present, was a 
gloomy monotony, embracing little calculated to arrest 
the morbid currents of thought and feeling, and invite 
them into healthy channels. The institution, during 
its forty years of activity, has been steadily illustrating 
the incorrectness of those ohlcr iioiions, ami making 
its cautious way towards thooppn-iic iImoiv and prac- 
tice. This later method is cspei i.illy rharac-lerized by 
varied activities and the least practicalde departure 
in the same from the style of social intercourse, and 
the usages and rules of ordinary life. 

The study and effort, in the direction of affairs, has 
ever been and is, to make the institution in the smallest 
degree possible a peculiar place, but, on the other 
hand, to give it the aspects of home-life, and to fur- 
nish it with attractive and pleasant activities, calcu- 
lated to arrest the attention and draw the thoughts 
from self and morbid themes. This end has been 
steadily kept in view in all the movements of the 
management, whether in building new or reconstruct- 
ing old, in furnishings or equipments, or in invent- 
ing the various methods of occupying time and atten- 
tion. All have sought this one object till scarcely 
any resemblance could be traced between the original 
and the later institution life. Attractive surround- 
ings, associations and occupations have come to take 
the place of the gloomy and depressing monotony, in 
the ways of living, which characterized the first stages 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



of the enterprise. The application, in detail, of the 
underlying principle could not be the work of a day 
or a year, but the result of long-continued study of 
the symptoms, tastes and wants of many individual 
cases, and of the effects of these agencies upon them. 

This has shown that, next to a natural and attrac- 
tive domestic adjustment, occupation is the great de- 
.sideratum of successful treatment. This applies both 
to body and mind, and should be varied almost with- 
out limit to adapt it to individual capacities and tastes. 

To provide such occupation in sufficient variety is 
at once the foremost and the most difficult of the 
duties of the administration. It lays under contri- 
bution every practicable agency within reach, — the 
farm, the shop, the laundry, the kitchen, the sewing- 
room, the carriage-drive and the walk in the coun- 
try ; and in-doors, the library and various public ex- 
ercises of instruction or entertainment. All these 
are drawn upon with increasing diligence, to the ex- 
tent of available resources, so that none, except the 
few who, from bodily weakness, require absolute rest, 
are left without an external stimulus designed to an- 
tagonize the morbid introversion ever present in men- 
tal disease. It requires no argument to show the rea- 
sonableness of this practice, even if ample experience 
had not faithfiilly demonstrated it ; and it may be af- 
firmed that, aside from strictly medical treatment, 
the value of hospital residence is now largely meas- 
ured by the ability of the institution to provide these 
agencies. With a view to multiply and vary these, a 
large shop is now being fitted up, to be supplied with 
facilities for introducing many forms of light, safe, and 
attractive mechanical work. These forms will be so 
chosen as to meet the largest practicable variety of 
tastes and qualifications for work on the part of the 
patients, with a view, at the same time, to being as 
easily conducted and as inexpensive as possible. 
The income of the Adams liind is available for the 
.support of this department. Our limits will not allow 
us to extend remarks on this subject. 

Another, and the last we shall notice, of the pro- 
gressive steps taken to render the treatment of the in- 
sane as liberal and complete as possible was the erec- 
tion of the Bancroft building in 1882-83. In its 
plan of construction, this was an advance on all the 



others ; and not simply to increase accommodations, 
but also to occupy new ground in treatment. Previ- 
ously, the more agitated and irresponsible classes had 
been amply provided for in the older buildings, but 
not so amply the convalescent and those not needing 
restraints. The partially self-sustaining patients have 
hitherto been associated with more or less incompat- 
ible classes for lack of sufficient variety in apart- 
ments. So, also, persons with ample means, and need- 
ing no other than moral restraints, have not found, in 
the older buildings, sufficiently liberal accommoda- 
tions to satisfy their habits and tastes. Both these 
classes have been provided for in the construction of 
this building. 

The trustees, seeing no reason why tte tastes of the 
insane should not be recognized in their treatment, 
have here prepared to do so by furnishing the facili- 
ties for individualizing attentions Without incon- 
venience to others, a patient can have one, two or three 
rooms, and such private attendance and service as 
may be desired, with all the privacy and independence 
of private residence. At the same time those not able 
to provide so liberal an outfit, or not desiring it, can 
have single rooms, with the general attendance, and 
secure all the benefits of the retired and quiet situa- 
tion without burdensome expense. The practical 
working of this detached and retired building has 
already been most gratifying, and has done much to 
remove any real objection to hospital residence, 
since it has done away with almost the last vestige 
of departure from the forms and usages of private 
life, at the same time that it has retained all the sus- 
taining and remedial influences of hospital organiza- 
tion. 

Sufficient has been said to give the reader an idea 
of the tendencies and most prominent characteristics 
of the hospital care and treatment of the insane at 
the present time. When this method is compared 
with the confinement, the inactivity and monotony 
which characterized the earliest usages, it is not diffi- 
cult to form some adequate estimate of the influence 
the New Hampshire Asylum has had upon the con- 
dition of the insane, or to see how far it has realized 
the hopes of its early advocates ; and proved a suc- 
cess and an inestimable blessing to the State. 



HISTORY OF CONCORD. 



CHAPTER I. 

Geographical — iDdian Occuiiation — The Penacooks —Original Grant, 
1725— First Meeting of Proprietors— The Pioneers— Enrly TJvilcs and 
Regulations — Grant of Bow — The Controversy — Tli. T\i I ^. tdrrnnitf; 
— List of Proprietors and Settlers — Tncorporatimi l: : i i- 

poration of Concord Parish — The Firat Parish M ■ i :- 

ted— Indian Troubles— Garrisons in 17i6—Th.- il . i i In l.i"l- 
ley Monument. 

CoscouD, the county-seat of Merrimack County, 
and capital of the State of New Hampshire, lies in 
the soutliern part of the county, and is bounded as 
follows : 

North by Webster, Boscawen, Canterbury and Lou- 
don ; East by Loudon, Chichester and Pembroke ; 
South by Pembroke and Bow ; West by Dunbarton, 
Hopkinton, Webster, Boscawen and Canterbury. 

This territory was originally occupied by the Pena- 
cooks, a powerful tribe of Indians, who, when first 
known by the English, had their headquarters here, 
and numbered four or five hundred men. Their chief 
was named Passaconaway, " the child and the bear," 
and was regarded with the highest veneration by the 
Indians, filling the office of chief, priest and physi- 
cian, and, as they believed, having direct communi- 
cation with the Great Spirit. 

The township was granted January 17, 1725. The 
petition for the grant was as follows : 

'' To the Hont*'" Wm. Dnmmer, Esq'., Lieut. Governor, and Commander 
in Chief in and over His Majesties province of y« Massachusetts Bay, 
in New England, to the HonWe His Majesties Council and House of 
Representatives in Gen. Court or Assembly convened at Boston, June 
lY"", 1726. 
" The petition of Beiy'. Stephens, Andrew Mitchel, David Kimball, 
Ebenezer Eastman, John Osgood and Moses Day, a Committee ap- 
pointed by and in behalf or the petitioners formally for a Tract of 
Land at a place called Pennycook, — 

" Humbly Sheweth, That whereas y petioners have at two sev«i 
times petitioned the Great and Geu«i Court for a grant of the aforesaid 
tract of Land at Pennycook, with resolutions fully inclined to make a 
speedy settlement there, wb they conceive, under the divine protection, 
they are able to go on and through with ; and the Hon^'e House of Rep- 
resentatives having been pleased twice so far to take their petition under 
consideration as to grant the prayer under such conditions as by y<= vote 
of the s"* HonWe House may more fully appeitr, which conditions, though 
they be expensive, yet y petitioners have well weighed the same, and 
would willingly have undertaken the settlement, if it had been the pleas- 
ure of the HonWo Board to have concurred in the aforesaid vote. But as y 
petitioners are informed it did not meet with a concurrence ; Wherefore, 
y petitioners are emboldened, with great submission, to renew their pet» 
to y Honour, and this Great and Gen' Court, that you would please to 
take the premises again into y wise and serious consideration ; and as the 
building a Fort there will undoubtedly be a great security within and on 



Merrimack River, and y' your petitioners are still willing to build and 
maintain it as afore proposed, at their own cost, yt they may have the 
countenance and authority of this Court therefor, and that they woud 
pledge to make them a grant of it accordingly. 

"Yf petit" wou'd also suggest to y Honnours, that many applications 
have been made to the Government of New Hampshire for a grant of the 
s"i Land, which, though it be the undoubted right and property of this 
Province, yet it is highly probable that a parcel of Irish people will ob- 
tain a grant from New Hampshire for it, unless some speedy care be 
taken by this great and HonWe Court to prevent it. If that Government 
should once make y^ a grant, tho' the pot" conceive it wou'd be without 
right, as in the case of Nutflcld, yett it wou'd be a thing attended with 
too much difficulty to pretend to root y™ out, if they shou'd once gett 
foot bold there. Tour petitioners therefore pray that the vote passed by 
the HonWe House may be revived, or that they may have a grant of the 
Land on such other terms and conditions as to the wisdom of this Court 
shall seem best. And for y Hon^*, as in duty bound, y petitioners shall 
ever pray, etc. 

" Henja. Stephens. 

".\NnREW Mitchell. 

"David Kimbel. 

"Ebenr. Eastman. 

"John Osgood. 

"Moses Day. 
" In the House of Representatives, June 17"", 1725. 
"Read, and the question was put whether the House wou'd revive 
their vote above refer'd to, — 
"Resolved in the affirniiitive. 

"Copy examined per 

"J. WiLLARD, Sec' I/. 

The first meeting of the proprietors was held at the 
house of Ebenezer Eastman, in Haverhill, for the pur- 
pose of admitting settlers. 

At a meeting of the proprietors, held at Andover 
February 7 and 8, 172G, the following settlers drew 
lots: 

Enoch Coffin, John Peabody, Richard Trann, Andrew Mitchell, Mr. 
Samuel Phillips, Samuel Ayer, John Grainger, Henry Holfe, John San- 
ders, Jr., Thomas Page, William Barker, Isaac Walker, Joseph Davis, 
John Coggin, Benjamin Parker, Edward Claike, Stephen Osgood, Benja- 
min Gage, Moses Day, David Kimball, Benjamin Stevens, John Chand- 
ler, Ebenezer Virgin, John Pecker, Moses Hazzen, William Gutterson, 
Joseph Hale, Ephraim Davis, John Wright, Jacob Eames, Jacob Abbott, 
Christopher Carlton, Nathaniel Page, Samuel Kimball, Nathan Simonds, 
David Dodge. Robert Pcaslee, Richard Coolidge, right drawn by Samuel 
Jones, Thomas Wicomb, Robert Kimball, John Saunders, Nathaniel 
Clement, Ebenezer Lovejoy, John Osgood, Zerobbabel Snow, Ebenezer 
Eastman, .Tonathan Shipley, John Austin, Edward Winn, Ebenezer 
Stevens, Joseph Page, Samuel Davis, Ephraim Hildreth, James Parker, 
Nathan Lovejoy, Samuel Reynolds, John Foster, James Simonds, Joseph 
Parker, Nathan Fisk's right drawn by Zech. Chandler, Zebediah Bar- 
ker's right drawn by Edward Abbott, John Bayley's right drawn by 
Samuel While, William Whittier, .Tosbua Bayley, Ammi Bhuhamah, 
William White, Nathaniel Peaslee, Thomas Colman, John Jaques, Oba- 
diah Ayer, Abraham Foster John Mattis, John Merrill, Thomas Pearley 
for Nathaniel Cogswell, David Wood, Nathaniel Abbott, John Ayer, Na- 
than Blodgett, Benjamin Carlton, Jonathan Ujibbard for Daniel Davis, 
Ephraim Farnum, Stephen Emerson, Timothy Johnson, Nathaniel Bar- 

57 



HISTORY OF MERUBLYCK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



ker'6 right drawn by Solomon Martin, Nebemiah Heath, Nathaniel 
Sandere, Nathaniel Jonps, Samuel Grainger, Thomas Blancbard, Nicholas 
White, Jonathan Pulscpbcr, Kichard Hazzcn, Jr., Samuel Toppan, Moses 
Itordman, Bezaliel Toppan, Tbouias Learned, Joseph Hall, Nohemiah 
Carlton, Benjamin Niccols, Minister's lot. Ministerial lot. School lot, N. 

At this meeting it was also, — 

• Agreed niui Foferf, That a Wock-Iiouse of tueutj-live feet in breadth 
and forty feet in length be built at Penny Cook, for the security of the 

■' Argeeil and Voted, That John Chandler, Moses Hazzeu, Nehemiah 
Carlton, Nathan Simonds and Ebenezer Stevens be a committee, and they 
are hereby empowered to build, either by themselves, or to agree with 
workmen to build, a block-house of twenty-five feet in breadth, and 
forty feet in length, as in their judgment shall be most for the security 



"Agreed and Voted, That Beniamin Stevens, Esq., bo treasurer for the 

" Agreed and Voted, That Timothy Johnson, John Osgood and Moses 
Day be chosen, appointed and empowered to examine the charges that 
shall arise in building a block-house at the place called Penny Cook, or 
any other charges that shall arise in the bringing forward the settlement 
and to allow, as in their judgment shall be just and equal, and also to 
draw money out of the treasury for the defraj-ing of said charges. 

"Agreed and Voted, That the sum of one hundred pounds be raised and 
paid by thesettlers into the hands of Benjamin Stevens, Esqr., treasurer, 
for defi-aying the charges that are past, or that shall necessarily arise in 
bringing forward the intended settlement, to be paid in to said Beiijamin 
Stevens, Esqr., by the first day of March next, in equal proportion. 

" Enoch Coffin dissented. 

"Agreed and Voted, That a committee of five pei-sous on oath, three 
whereof to be a quorum, be chosen out of the number of the intended 
settlers, to lay out the remaining part of the interval at the place called 
Penny Cook, that is not yet laid out, so that the whole of the interval 
already laid out, or to be laid out to the settlers, shall be equal in quan- 
tity and quality. 

"Agreed and Voted, That John Chandler, Heniy Kolfe, William White, 
Richard Hazzen, Jnnr., and John Osgood be a committee, chosen and 
empowered to lay out the interval at the place called Penny Cook, that 
is not yet laid out, so that the whole of the interval already laid out or 
to be laid out to the settlers shall be equally divided among them as 
to quantity and quality. 

** Agreed, That Jonathan Hubbard be admitted a settler in place of 
Daniel Davis, who was admitted a settler of Penny Cook by the Honora- 
ble General Court's Committee, appointed to admit pei-sons to settle 
Penny Cook. 

" Agreed and Voted, That three pence per tail for every rattlesnake's 
tail, the rattlesnake being killed within the bounds of the township 
granted at Penny Cook, be paid by the intended settlers ; the money 
to be paid by the settlers' treasurer, uponsight of the tail. 

While thi' proprietors were thus arraDging the 
aftairs of the new plantation. May 20, 1727, the 
government of New Hampshire made a grant of 
the town.ship of Bow, which covered a large por- 
tion of the Penacook grant, and these conflicting 
grants led to a length)- and expensive controversy, 
which was carried to the Court of St. James by the 
Hon. Timothy Walker, as agent for the Rumford 
proprietors, and decided in their favor by the King 
in Council, December 27, 1762. 

Rev. Timothy Walker.' — More than any other 
person, Rev. Timothy Walker is entitled to the ap- 
pellation of Father of Concord. He was the son of 
Deacon Samuel Walker, of AVoburn, Mass., was born 
July 27, 1705, and graduated at Harvard College in 
the class of 1725, of which the Rev. Mather Byles 

1 This sketch of the life of Hcv. Timothy Walker was prepared by Mr. 
.1. B. Walker, though derived largely from the sketch of Mr. Walker by 
Bev. Dr. Bouton, in his " History of Concord." 



was the most eccentric and perhaps the most distin- 
guished member. After his settlement, in 1730, he 
first lived in a log house which stood on the brow of 
Horse-shoe Pond Hill, but in 1733-34 built the two- 
storied gambrel-roof house in which he afterwards 
resided until his death. The house, with some modern 
improvements, overshadowed by the stately elm-trees 
which Mr. Walker set out in 1764, is well represented 
by the fine engraving in this volume. 

Mr. Walker was of full middling stature and size, 
not corpulent, but portly in form and of dignified 
manners. He had blue eyes and a light comple.xion. 
Naturally, his temper was quick, but well restrained 
and governed. If, at any time, he wa.s betrayed into 
hasty expressions or acts, he was prompt to acknowl- 
edge the fault and ask the forgiveness of any one 
injured. He was exact and precise in all his domestic 
arrangements and business transactions, keeping a 
diary in a little book done up in the form of an al- 
manac. Though not talkative, he was agreeable in 
social intercourse and occasionally facetious. Accord- 
ing to the custom of the times, he wore a large pow- 
dered wig and a three-cornered cocked hat, short 
clothes and shoes with large buckles. He was held 
in high regard by all his parishioners. After service 
on the Sabbath, both morning and afternoon, the whole 
congregation stood until Mr. Walker went out, he 
respectfully bowing to those on each side as he 
passed down the broad aisle. 

Mr. Walker served the town as a wise counselor in 
relation to every matter of public interest, and, in 
connection with Benjamin Rolfe, Esq., who married 
his eldest daughter, drew up the first petition for help 
against the Indians addressed to the governments of 
both Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and also 
many of the papers in the long controversy with the 
proprietors of Bow. As fully related in Dr. Bouton's 
" History of Concord," he thrice visited England as 
agent of the town in that vexatious litigation, and 
through his judicious and persevering eftbrts and his 
personal influence with his counsel, Mr. William 
Murray (afterwards Chief Justice Mansfield), secured 
forever the rights of the proprietors of Rumford (now 
Concord). 

As a preacher, Mr. Walker was instructive and 
practical, dwelling more on the duties than on the 
doctrines of religion. He was calm and moderate in 
his delivery ; his sermons, of which a few still exist, 
were written out in full on sheets of paper, folded in 
the 18mo form, and would occupy about thirty 
minutes each in their delivery. His style was good, 
perspicuous and didactic, with but few illustrations, 
but well supported w^ith quotations from Scripture. 

In his theological views Mr. Walker was orthodox, 
according to existing standards. He received the 
Westminster Assembly's Catechism, which was then 
also used in the families and schools of the town. In 
distinction, however, from the preachers who, in his 
day, were called " new lights," he was accused of 



being an Arminian, but called himself a Moderate 
Oalvinist. He was highly conservative as regarded 
innovations and new measures. Hence, in the period 
of the great reformation, under the preaching of 
Rev. George Whitefield and others, Mr. Walker was 
among those ministers who did not favor the excite- 
ment which was generally awakened. In January, 
1743, he preached and published a sermon to his 
people entitled, " The Way to fri/ all Pretended Apostles," 
from the text Rev. ii. 2. In this sermon he dwelt 
at length on the evils produced by itinerant preach- 
ers, especially the divisions they caused in established 
churches and societies. Hence, he warned his people 
not to go after them or hear them preach. " Nothing," 
he says, " I am well satisfied, has so much contributed 
to the evils that do so cloud the present day and look 
\vith such a direful aspect upon us as the indulging 
an unmortified itch after Novelties, and having the 
Persons of Strangers, whom we know nothing of, in 
Admiration, and setting them up above the Place of 
Instruments. If, therefore, you would not become 
accessory to the guilt of those who are endeavoring 
the subversion of our religious constitution, keep out 
of the way of temptation as much as may be ; ponder 
well the first step that leads to a comjiliance with 
these errors." 

At this time all of Mr. Walker's hearers were of one 
way of thinking in religious matters, and his object 
was to keep them together and make them steadfast 
in the " religion and church order which was very 
dear to our forefathers." Conscious of the power he 
had over his people, he not only charged them not to 
go after or to hear these pretended apostles preach, 
"but," said he, "if any of you think yourselves un- 
able to manage a controversy with them, invite them 
to accompany you to my house, and I will gladly 
undertake this, or any other service I am capable of, 
for the benefit of your souls." 

In 1771, Mr. Walker felt called on to give his 
people another warning against innovations and what 
he called disturbers of the peace and order of the 
churches. .V Baptist elder, Hezekiah Smith, had 
preached in the vicinity, and awakened much interest 
in his peculiar views. To counteract this influence, Mr. 
Walker preached a discourse, May 12, 1771, entitled, 
"Those who have the form of godliness, but deny 
the power thereof, described and cautioned against." 
The text was 2 Timothy iii. 5. The sermon was 
" published at the desire of many of the hearers." It 
is dedicated " to the church and congregation under 
the author's pastoral care, having been composed and j 
delivered solely for your benefit, without the most : 
distant view of its farther publication, is now respect- 
ftiUy inscribed by him who esteems it his highest 
honor and greatest happiness to serve your best in- 
terest. 

"Timothy Walker." 

During his ministry of fifty-two years there is no 
regular record of church proceedings after 1736 ; but 



in his memoranda there a 
who owned the covenant, 
j munion, baptized, married and died, togeth 
notices of private affairs, the weather, jc 



e entries made of those 

were admitted to com- 

ther with 

journeys, 

From the memoranda kept by Mr. Walker, 

it appears that his interest in his people did not cease 

I upon their removal from Concord. About 1764-65, 
considerable numbers of them became first settlers of 
Conway and Fryeburg, in the Pigwacket country, on 
Saco River. These he was in the habit of visiting 
until they had established religious teachers, preach- 
ing to them, giving them pastoral counsel and bap- 

i tizing their children. Many of them were members 

j of his church, many of them he had married, many of 
them he had known from infancy. His big heart 
yearned after them, and he considered them a portion 
ofhis own home-flock until he had seen them securely 
established in the care of another shepherd. 

Mr. Walker was largely dependent for the support 

' of himself and family upon the farm given him by 
the proprietors of the township as an " encouragement 

I to his settlement with them in the wilderness of Pena- 
cook. His salary as pastor was at one hundred pounds 
per annum, to " rise forty shillings per annum until it 

i comes to one hundred and twenty pounds, and that to 
be the stated sum annually for his salary. Mr. Walker 

j was twenty -five years old at the time (November 18, 
1730) of his settlement, and the prudence and fore- 
sight of his people is clearly seen in the farther pro- 
vision relative to his salary, that " anything to the 
contrary above mentioned notwithstanding, that if 
Mr. Walker, by extreme old age, shall be disenabled 
from carrying on the whole work of the ministry, 

i that he shall abate so much of his salary as shall be 
rational." 

Mr. Walker was an ardent patriot as well as a de- 
voted Christian minister. Upon the breaking out of 
the Revolution it was a great grief to him that 
circumstances be3'ond the control of either compelled 
his son-in-law. Major Benjamin Thompson, after- 
wards Count Rumford, to join the royal cause, in 
October, 1775, and retire within the British lines at 

I Boston. But it was at the same time an exalted 
gratification that his only son, Timothy, afterwards 
Judge Timotliy Walker, was intensely earnest in his 
devotion to American interests. His family, like 
many others of that period, was represented in the 
ranks of the patriots and royalists both. But this 
fact never abated in the least degree his own patriotic 
zeal and activity. And it is a fact, of which all his 
descendants feel proud, that in all contests from that 
time to the present in which their country has been a 
party, they have ranged themselves instinctively and 
deliberately on the side of its friends. 

The news of the battle of Lexington reached Con- 
cord in the evening and spread like wild-fire through- 
out the town. The next morning, before daylight, 
his neighbor, Esq. John Bradley, seeing a bright light 
in the pastor's study, went at once to learn the occa- 



60 



IIISTOKV OF MKKUIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



sion of it. As he approached the house, through the 
uncurtained windows he saw his venerable pastor 
striding back and forth across the room, apparently 
absorbed in deepest mental anxiety. As he entered 
the room he was immediately accosted with the re- 
mark, " There is no other course left us but to fight, 
.lohn. Yes, John, we must fight, we must fight." It 
is unnecessary to say that the good parson voiced the 
spontaneous sentiment of the province, which did 
fight, losing more soldiers in the Revolution than it 
had male cliildren born while it lasted. 

One Sunday in .July, 1777, when in church and in 
the midst of his afternoon sermon, his quick eye ob- 
served the unexpected entrance of Colonel Gordon 
Hutchins, Concord's representative in the General 
Court, which had just adjourned at Exeter. Pausing 
abruptly in his discourse, he turned to him and said, 
"Are you the bearer of tidings. Colonel Hutchins?" 
Upon learning that forces were wanted immediately 
to check the progress of Burgoyue and his army, he 
remarked at once to his congregation, "Those of 
you who can go had best retire and get ready to 
march to-morrow morning;" upon which a portion 
of the audience went out, while with the remainder 
the service went on to its conclusion. The following 
night was a busy one in Concord, and in the early 
morning of the next day their aged minister invoked 
God's blessing upon a well-equipped band of brave 
men, and dismissed them to Bennington and to vic- 



Jlr. Walker possessed a quiet humor, accompanied 
by a strong common sense, which manifested itself 
on not infrequent occasions, -some of which have 
been remembered. As an instance of these, tradition 
says, that, going out to work one day, with John 
Evans, his hired man, and with an ox-team and cart, 
they had to pass a very wet and muddy place. In 
passing it John sat on the cart-tongue while Mr. 
Walker sat on the rear end of the cart. When about 
midway of the slough, John slily pulled out the pin 
which held down the front end of the cart and 
dropped it, to make his employer think it worked out 
accidentally ; up went the cart and out went the 
worthy minister into the mud and water. Getting on 
to dry land, he said to his man, " John, this is a 
bad accident; but never mind, drive on and I will go 
back." A few days after, he went, late one afternoon, 
into the field where John was at work. When it be- 
came time to go home, he told John that he would 
drive the team home. Upon coming to the slough, 
he quietly seated himself upon the cart-tongue while 
the unsuspecting John took to the seat formerly oc- 
cupied by the minister. Upon reaching the spot 
where the mud and water was deepest, Mr. Walker 
pulled out the before-mentioned pin, up went the 
cart and John was suddenly unloaded. When he had 
struggled through to hard ground, his master, hold- 
ing up the pin, quietly said to him, "John, John, 
here is the pin ; I didn't throw it away a.s you did." 



Tradition furnishes another instance of the display 
of mild humor and sagacity on his part. A worthy 
young couple, who were members of his church and 
whom he had recently married, happened to be 
blessed with an increase of family at an earlier day 
after that solemnity than was deemed decorous. 
Some worthy church brethren, whose sense of duty 
surpassed their charity, immediately reported the 
fact to the pastor, in painful anxiety as to what 
means should be taken to protect the fair fame of the 
church ; at the same time inquiring "what was to be 
done about it ?" The pastor, seeing atonce the situation 
of afiairs, and knowing well the previous good char- 
acter of the parties, quietly replied to his zealous 
brethren, " This fault of our young friends gives me 
great pain ; but, as we all know, it is their first 
oflense. I think, therefore, we should forgive them 
this time. Should it be repeated, I should advise 
their summary expulsion from the church." The 
tradition is that it never was. 

As another specimen of his prudence and good 
sense, it is related that the Rev. Elijah Fletcher, of 
Hopkinton, once requested an exchange with him on 
the Sabbath, and that he would preach upon the 
subject of witchcraft, which at the time was making 
trouble with some of Mr. Fletcher's parishioners. 
Mr. Walker accordingly prepared a sermon for the 
occasion and preached. He told the people, "that 
the most they had to fear from witches was from talt- 
ing about them ; that if they would cease to talk 
about them, and let them alone, they would disap- 
pear." The hint had the desired efiect. 

But, underneath all this bonhomie, was a quiet so- 
lemnity of purpose.which was never absent, and always 
apparent. His dignified deportment and manners 
were such as to command universal respect. Ephraim 
Colby, Concord's noted fighter and champion of that 
time, who worked much for him upon his farm, used 
to say that "Parson Walker was the only man the 
Almighty ever made that he was afraid of." 

During the intervals of peace between the French 
and Indian Wars Indians frequently called at his 
house and were hospitably entertained. On one oc- 
casion a number of the warriors encamped near by, and 
were to have a powwow the night succeeding. Mr. 
Walker being absent, Mrs. Walker was under great 
apprehensions of injury. Upon learning this the 
Indians remarked, " Minister's wife afraid," at the 
same time delivering into her possession all their 
guns, as an assurance of her safety. They called for 
them the next day, having kept in fidelity the promise 
made to her. From first to last, he seems to have been 
highly respected by his wild neighbors of the woods, 
and in no instance to have received personal injury 
at their hands. 

During his long ministry , of more than half a century, 
Mr. Walker enjoyed remarkable health. Tradition 
says that he was able to preach every Sabbath except 
the one i)revi(ius to his death. This, there is reason 



CONCORD. 



61 



to believe, is not quite correct, but is doubtless true 
in the main. For convenience, in his old age, he 
.slept in the north, lower front room of his house, 
:iiid his hired man, Philip Abbot, was near by, to 
assist him when necessary. On Sunday morning, 
September 1, 1782, he woke early and asked that his 
fire be built, for he was tired of lying and wished to 
get up. Shortly after he arose, and having partly 
dressed himself, sat down in a chair. Mr. Abbot, 
seeing him slide forward in bis seat, went immedi- 
ately to assist him and found him dead. Just as the 
morning sun began to mount the heavens his spirit 
rose to the presence of Jehovah, whom he had served 
long and faithfully. If a long and successful dis- 
charge of the duties pertaining to the station in which 
one is placed entitles him to the commendation of 
his contemporaries and of his posterity, Mr. Walker, 
by his protracted service, clearly earned it. 

The first settlements were made in 1727 by Eben- 
e/.er Eastman and others. 

"The spring of 1728" (says Br, Bouton in his "History of Concord,") 
■ opened upon the new plantation with most favorable auspices. Eager 
to fulfill the conditions of their grant, and to become settled in their 
■ hosen home, a large number of the proprietors were early engaged in 
Ijuilding houses, clearing, fencing and plowing their lands. The block, 
111 meeting-house, was finished; canoes constructed for navigating the 
river; the new way to Pennycook from Haverhill was improved, and 
tlui First Division of interval ordered to be completely fenced by the last 
. if May. Messrs. Joseph Hale and John Pecker were chosen a commit- 
ti.'f* to agree with a minister to preach at Pennycook, — to begin the 15th 
, ,f May, — biit they were not to ' assure the gentleman more than after 
the rate of one hundred pounds per annum for his service.' 

"In answer to a petition presented by John Osgood, in behalf of the 
^•'ttlers, — praying that an allowance might be made them for the five 
hundred acres formerly laid out to the right of Goveror Endicott,— the 
(iimeral Court, on the 6th of August, this year, authorized them 'to ex- 
tend the south bounds of the township one hundred rods, the full 
lireadth of their town,' and the same was confirmed to them as an 
' equivalent for the aforesaid five hundred acres.' 

" Arrangements were also made for building a saw-mill within six 
months, a grist-mill within one year, and to establish a ferry at the most 
convenient place. The first ffrist-mill stood at or near the bark-mill now 
owned by Robinson & Morrill, in the East Village, and the saw-mill, on 
the same stream, about half a mile above. The mill-crank was brought 
upon a horse from Haverhill. Soon after commencing operations the 
crank was broken. How to remedy the evil they knew not, as there 
was no blacksmith nearer than Haverhill. One of the men, who had 
once been in a blacksmith's shop and seen them work, undertook to 
mend it. Collecting together a quantity of pitch-pine knots for a fire, 
they fastened the crank with beetle rings and wedges, and then welded 
tlie disjointed parts. The crank was afterwards used many years. For 
the grist-mill fifty pounds were allowed, and fifty acres of land granted 
to Nathan Symonds, as near to the mill as was convenient." 

The following is a list of the proprietors and early 
settlers : 

Nathaniel Abbot was about thirty years of age 
when he came to Penacook. His house lot was 
where the North Congregational Church now stands. 
He was the first constable of Penacook (1732-33),— 
an efficient, enterprising, useful citizen, and member 
of the church. At the commencement of the French 
War (1744) he entered the service, and joined the 
rangers under Major Robert Rogers. He held a 
lieutenant's commission in 1755, in Captain Joseph 
Eastman's company, in the expedition against Crown 
Point, and was a lieutenant in Captain Richard 



Rogers' company of rangers, in Fort William Henry, 
at the time of the massacre, 1757. In 1746 he had 
command of a company in defense of the town against 
the Indians. He died in 1770, aged seventy-four. 

Edward Abbot, cousin of Captain Nathaniel, was 
one of the first selectmen of Rumford. In 174(3 his 
house was a garrison. Edward, his son, was the first 
male child born in Penacook (7th of January, 1731), 
and Dorcas the first female child. 

Jacob Abbot, cousin of Nathaniel and Edward, 
died in the French War, 17GU. 

John Austin, probably a descendant of Thomas 
Austin, from Andover, where was Samuel Austin 
(1714), who died 1753, aged eighty-three. 

Obadiah, Samuel and John Ayers, or Ayer, were 
from Haverhill. Obadiah was a graduate of Harvard 
College, 1710 ; was employed to "examine the General 
Court's records, to see if there be any former grant" 
of the township ; was one of the principal inhabitants 
of Haverhill. Samuel and John were of the same 
family, and were among the most active and enter- 
prising settlers. 

Thomas Blanchard, the proprietor of Penacook, 
died in 1759, aged eighty-five. 

William, Nathan and Zebediah Barker came from 
Andover. 

Captain Joshua Bayley is named in the proprietors' 
records as " one of the principal inhabitants of Haver- 
hill." 

Moses Boardman — unknown. 

Nathan Blodgett was probably from Woburn. 

Nathaniel Clement was from Haverhill. 

John Chandler was a leading and influential man ; 
was a powerful, athletic man, of great muscular 
strength and cool, indomitable courage. 

The Carltons^Benjamin, Nehemiah and Christo- 
pher — were relatives, probably from Andover and 
Haverhill. 

Richard Coolidge. 

John Coggin is believed to have been of Woburn. 

Edward Clark was from Haverhill. 

Rev. Enoch Coffin accompanied the honorable 
committee of the court and surveyors when they came 
to Penacook to lay out the land, in May, 1726, and 
preached twice on the Sabbath after their arrival, in 
a tent on Sugar Ball Plain. The first settlers of the 
name in Concord, after the death of Rev. Enoch, were 
William and Peter, sons of John, of Newbury. Peter 
afterwards settled in Boscawen, from whom those of 
that name there have descended. 

Thomas Coleman was of Newbury, probably a 
descendant of Thomas Coleman. Coleman forfeited 
his lot, by not paying, to Henry Rolfe, Esq. 

Nathaniel Cogswell's right was drawn and carried 
on by Thomas Perley. 

Moses Day was trom Bradford. One of the same 
name was deacon of the church in the west parish of 
Bradford 1730 and also 1750. Probably one of them 
was the proprietor in Penacook. 



62 



HISTORY OF MEllKIMACK COUNTY, XKW HAMl'SllIRE. 



Ephraira, Joseph aud Samuel Davis were from 
Haverhill. Ephraim was the only one who finally 
settled in Concord. 

David Dodge— not known from whence he came. 

Captain Ebenezer Eastman was from Haverhill; 
one of the most enterprising and useful of the pro- 
prietors. He settled on the east side of the river. 
His house was a garrison in 1746. 

Jacob Eames was from Andover. 

Stephen Emerson was from Haverhill. 

John and Abraham Foster were from Andover. 

Ephraim Farnum, from Andover, was son of Eph- 
raim, son of Ralph Farnum, who married Elizabeth 
Holt in 1658. He died in 1775, aged about eighty. 

John and Samuel Granger were brothers from 
Andover. 

Benjamin Gage was from Bradford. 

William Gutterson Wiis from Andover. 

Nehemiah Heath was from Haverhill. 

Ephraim Hildreth was probably from Chelmsford. 

Joseph Hale was troni Newbury. 

Moses and Richard Hazzen, Jr., were from Haver- 
hill. 

Deacon Joseph Hall, from Bradford. He was 
deacon of the church in Concord more than forty 
years, a benefactor to the poor and an example of 
Christian virtues. During the hostilities of the 
Indians his house was a garrison. He died April 8, 
1784, aged seventy-seven. 

Timothy Johnson, of Haverhill. 

John Jaques is believed to have been iiom Brad- 
ford. 

Nathaniel Jones — unknown. 

Robert, Samuel and David Kimball were from 
Bradford. Probably the latter only finally settled in 
Concord. He wsis the father of Captain Reuben 
Kimball. He died November 20, 1745. 

Nathaniel and Ebenezer Lovejoy were brothers, 
and sons of John Lovejoy, of Andover. 

Thomas Learned was probably from Woburn. 

John Jlerrill, deacon, is believed to have come 
from Haverhill. 

John Mattis. His origin is not known. 

Andrew Mitchell was from Newbury. 

Benjamin Nichols. His origin is not certainly 
known. 

John and Stephen Osgood were cousins, from 
Andover. 

Benjamin, .James and Nathan I'arker were brothers, 
from Andover. 

Nathaniel Page was from Haverhill, and, probably, 
Thomas and Joseph also. 

Nathaniel and Robert Peaslee were from Haverhill. 

Rev. Samuel Phillips was minister of the South 
Parish Church in Atidover. His right in Penacook 
was carried on by William Peters. 

Jonathan Pulsipher's origin is not known. 

John Pecker is believed to have come from Haver- 
hill. He was a leading and useful man in town. 



John Peabody was probably from Salisbury, Mass. 

Samuel Reynolds— unknown. 

Henry Rolle, Esq., was from Newbury ; was one of 
the commission appointed by Massachusetts in 1737, 
on the question of the boundary line between Massa- 
chusetts and New Hampshire. 

John Sanders, John Sanders, Jr., and Jonathan 
Sanders — the two former, father and son, were from 
Haverhill ; probably also Nathaniel Sanders. John 
Sanders was one of " the Committee of the Great and 
General Court " for the settlement of Penacook. 

Benjamin and Ebenezer Stevens were brothers, 
from Andover. 

James and Nathan Simonds were probably from 
Woburn. 

Zerobbabel Snow. From whence he came is un- 
known. 

Jonathan Shipley. Whence from not known. 

Bezaleel and Samuel Toppan were from Newbury. 
Rev. Bezaleel Toppan was born March 7, 1705. 
Bezaleel preached a while at Penacook. 

Richard Urann, it is believed, was from Newbury. 

Ebenezer Virgin, probably from Salisbury. 

.John Wright. 

Nicholas and William White were from Haver- 
hill. 

Ruhamah Wise. 

Isaac Walker was from Woburn — a relative of Rev. 
Timothy Walker, from the same place. Isaac 
Walker was father of Isaac, Jr., grandfather of Abiel, 
lately deceased, who lived on the spot where his 
grandfather built bis log house. Isaac Walker, Jr., 
died on the same day that Rev. Timothy Walker 
died. In 1746 the house of Timothy Walker, Jr., 
was a garrison. He was a son of Isaac Walker, Sr. 

David Wood. This is a Newbury name. 

William Whittier was from Haverhill. 

Thomas Wicomb. 

Edward Winn, from Woburn. 

Abraham Bradley was not an original proprietor, 
but came to Penacook as early as 1729. 

Stephen Farrington, not an original proprietor, Mu 
an early settler, from Andover. 

Jacob Sbute came to Penacook with Captain Eben- 
ezer Eastman. 

Jeremiah Stickney came from Bradford about 1731 
—not an original proprietor, but became a valuablt- 
citizen. 

Rumford Incorporated. — The town was incor- 
porated by Massachusetts February 27, 1733, under 
the name of Rumford, and was a "new town within 
the county of Essex, at a plantation called Penny 
Cook." This civil organization continued until June 
7, 1765, when it was incorporate! as a parish with 
town privileges, by the name of Concord, probably 
with a hope that thereafter the inhabitants might 
live in peace and concord with their neighbors in Bow. 

The following is the petition for the incorporation 
of the town : 



CONCORD. 



'■ To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq"" Capt» Geutsral Governor 

ind Commander in Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of New 

Hampshire, The Honble His Majesty's Council and House of Repre- 

sHntatives in General Assembly Convened. 

April 11th 1764 

"The humble Petition of Timothy Walker on behalf of himself and 
the Inhabitants of Kumford (so Called) in said Province She\velh» That 
the Affairs of the said Inhabitants (so far as relates to Town matters), 
have been in great Confusion Ever since the Year 1749, for want of the 
Power which tliey had 'till .then Enjoyed ever since the year 17-11 by the 
District Act (so called) which this Honble Court say in July 174(1 when it 
was received had been found 'Convenient both for the Government of 
•his Province in General, and also the Inhabitants incorporated thereby 
u particular.' 

" That altho* it has been pretended that they might still have Enjoyed 
tlie same priviledges (as Inhabitants of Bow) yet they never understood 
Mattel's in that Light ; And for this their Opinion and Practice conse- 
quential thereupon, they humbly conceive they could give reasons which 
wo-i be satisfactory to this Court, were they permitted. — But to pass over 
uU this— This Power or the Exercise of it has been lost to them (if Ever 
(hey had it) Ever since March 1756, for want of a first Meeting — 

•' That by the Year 1760 they were so heai'tily tired of such an unsetr 
tied State that they would have been glad to have acted Even under the 
[ ncorporation of Bow, if they could (altho' highly inconvenient for 
■ lum as it blended part of three Towns together whose Interests had al- 
■s.iyn been separate, and would Consequently be apt to create Strife and 

■ That this Court was apprized of their utter Incapacity of doing any 
' 'ipurate Act (Even as Bow) by a Letter signed 'Jeremiah Stickney,on 
'Imlf of himself and others,' now on File, together with their dutiful & 
• i.iy disposition to Comply with every motion of this Court to the ut- 
N.»t of their Powers. 

• That thesaid Inhabitants conceive themselves greatly aggrieved by a 
itt- Act of this Government, imposing a heavy Tax on the Inhabitants 
i Bow as Arrears &c — a Tax which Nobody has Power to assess and 
ll'-ctatyf Time when y^ s^ arrears became due and which if now done, 
MKst be laid in many Instances on wrong Pei-sons. 
- That what they suffered for want of the Powers they had Enjoyed by 
the first mentioned District Act, was unspeakably more to their Damage, 
than to have paid their Proportion of the Province Expence. 

" That the Incapacity complained of all along, still continues and yet 
the people are subjected to pay their part of the Current Charge but no- 
body has power to assess or Collect it. 

"* They therefore most humbly Pray That your Excellency and Hon- 
ours will take the Matters complained of under Consideration, and either 
revive the said District Act so far as relates to Kumford, or (which wo<i be 
much more satisfactory to the said Inhabitants) Incorporate them by 
a :itanding Act, and by their former known Boundaries That the said In- 
habitants may Be abated at least one half part of said Arrearages, And 
that with respect to their part of the Current Charge of the Province, 
they may be subjected to pay no more than their just proportion with 
the other Towns in this Province, or grant them such other Relief as in 
your great Wisdom and Goodness you shall see meet. 

" And your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall Ever Pmy &c 

"TiJiOTHY Walker" 

The first parish meeting was held January 21, 176t), 
when the following ofiicers were chosen : Moderator, 
Lieutenant Richard Hasseltine; Clerk, Peter Coffin ; 
Selectmen, Joseph Faruum, Lot Colby, John Chand- 
ler, Jr.; Constable, Benjamin Emery; Tithingmen, 
Lieutenant Richard Hasseltine, Amos Abbot; Sur- 
veyors of Highways, Jonathan Chase, Robert Davis 
-and Nathaniel Eastman; Sealer of Leather, Deacon 
George Abbot ; Sealer of Weights and Measures, 
Lieutenant Nathaniel Abbot. 

Indian Troubles-— The little settlement rapidly 
incrensed in populaTion and importance, and no dan- 
ger from Indian incursions was apprehended by the 
enterprising pioneers until 1739. In that year, how- 
ever, the town voted "that a garrison should be built 
round the house of Rev. Mr. "Walker, and that five 



pounds should be granted to Barachias Faruum, to 
enable him to build a flanker, in order to defend his 
mills on Turkey River." 

The following account of the Indian troubles is from 
Dr. Bouton's ** History of Concord," and is a faithful 
narrative of this trying period: 

" About the year 1742, according to tradition, the wife of Mr. Jona- 
than Eastman— who resided ou the Hopkinton road, opposite the house 
of Mr. Aaron Shute~was taken by a party of Indians and carried tv 
Canada. She was, however, soon redeemed by her husband, and restored 

" The opening of the French war, in 1744, greatly increased the alarm 
and anxiety which pervaded the colonies ; and, particularly, the frontier 
towns which were most exposed. As one means of removing or allaying 
these fears, the expedition against Louisburg, on Cape Breton— which 
was the stronghold of the French— was projected, and triumphantly ex- 
ecuted by the daiing enterprise of the New England coloniee. In this 
expedition Capt. Ebenezer Eastman wafi commander of a company raised 
in these parts, and was engaged in the assault made on that stronghold 
the following year. Before he set out he signed a petition, with sixty- 
two others, to the General Assembly of New Hampshire, for assistance 
against the French and Indians. This petition was drawn up by Rev. 
Mr. Walker. 

"In the company which Capt, EuBtman commanded were Nathaniel 
Abbot, Isaac Abbot, Obadiah Peters, one Chandler, and probably others 
whose names are not known. The late aged Joseph Abbott said he 'al- 
ways understood that his uncle Isaac was killed at Cape Breton, and that 
one Mr. Chandler from this town also died there.' Capt. Eastman 
went to Cape Breton twice. He first set out from Rumford, March 1, 
1744-45, and returned November 10th, the same year. The next year 
he went again, and returned home July 9, 1740. 

"The reduction of the fortress at Louisburg only changed the scene of 
war. The Indians, the more instigated by the French, poured forth 
from Canada upon the frontier towns, and, with horrible barbarity, car- 
ried on the work of destruction. The inhabitants of Rumford felt the 
general shock, and sought for means of defense and safety. At each 
parish meeting, from 1744 to 1747, they chose some person to represent 
to the government, either of New Hampshire or Massachusetts, or both, 
' the deplorable circumstances they were in, on account of their being 
exposed to imminent danger, both from the French and Inilian enemy.' 
The language which they instruct their agents to use is—' We request 
of them such aid, both with respect to men and military stores, as tu 
their great wisdom may seem meet, and which may be sufficient to en- 
able us, with the Divine blessing, vigorously to rejtel all attempts of our 



" In answer to these petitions, early in 1745 two s 
scouts were raised by authority of Gov. Wentworth, under the direction 
of Col. Benjamin Kolfe, of which Capt. John Chandler, of Rumford, 
had command ot one, consisting of ten men, and Capt. Jeremiah Clough, 
of Canterbury, of the other, consisting of five men. The Massachusetts 
government also sent a small detachment of men from Andover, and an- 
other from Billerica, who were stationed here in 1745. In 174G precau- 
tionary measures were taken by the proprietors for the preservation of 
their records. Under authority of Gov. Wentworth, garrisons were es- 
tablished at different points in the town, and men, with their families, 
assigned to them, as was most convenient. 

*' The garrisons, or forts, were built of hewed logs, which lay fiat uj)- 
on each other ; the ends, being fitted for the purpose, were inserted in 
grooves cut in large posts erected at each corner. They enclosed an area 
of several square rods ; were raised to the height of the roof of a com- 
mon dwelhng-house, and at two or more of the corners were placed 
boxes where sentinels kept watch. In some cases several small buildings 
— erected for the temporary acconunodation of families — were within 
the enclosure. Houses not connected with garrisons were all deserted 
by their owners, and the furniture removed. In the day-time men went 
forth to their labor in companies, always carrying their gims with them, 
and one or more of the number placed on guard. If the enemy wen* 
discovered approaching, alarm guns were fired, and the report answered 
from fort to fort. On the Sabbath the men all went armed to the house 
of worship, stacked their guns around a post near the middle, and sat 
down, with powder-horn and bullet-pouch slung across their shoulders, 
while their revered pastor— who is said to havo had the best gun in the 
parish— prayed and preached with his good gun standing in the pulpit." 



64 



HISTORY OK MKKRIMACK COUNTY, NEW 



HABIPSHIRE. 



The following document presents an exact view of 
the state of the settlement in the summer of 174G: 

"GARUISONS IS 1746. PKOVIKCE OF NEW HASIPb. 

"We, Uio sutacribcni, beiug appoinlcd a Coinminee of Militia fur 
KRIing tho CaiTiKon! in the fronUer Town* and PlaDtaUons in tlio sixlli 
It£giiuenl of Militia In lliU Province, by lii« Excellency, Bonning Went- 
worth, Esq., Governor, Ac., having viewed tho situation and enquired 
into the circuuuitancca of tho District of Kumford, do hereby appoint 
and state the following Garrisons, viz. : 

" Tho GarriBOn round tho house of tho Reverend Timothy Walker to 
be one of the Garrisons in s^ Rumford, and that the following inlmbi- 
lanls, with their faniilys, viz.: Capt-John Chandler, Abraban. Bradley, 
Samuel Bradley, John Webster, Nathaniel Rolfe, Joseph Pudney, Isaac 
Walker, jun., 01«diah Foster, be, and hereby are, ordered and stated at 
'hat Garrison. 

"Also, the Garrison roun.l the House of Capt. Ebenczer Eastman, on 
the east side of the river, to be one Garrison, and that the following in- 
habitants, with their familys, viz. : Ebcnezcr Virgin, Eben' Eastman, 
jun., Philip Eastman, Jeremiah Eastman, Timothy Bradley, Jeremiah 
I)re««r, Philip KiniUll, Nathan Slovens, Judah Trumble, Joseph East- 
man, jr., Nathaniel Smith, Daniel Annis, William Curey, be, and hereby 
are, ordered and staled at said Gairison. 

"Alio, thai the Garriiion round the house of Jlr. Henij- Lovigoy, in 
West Concord, bo one Garrison, and that the following inhabitants, 
with their fanulys, viz. : Henry Lovejoy, James .^blwt, James Abbot, 
jun., Keuben Abbot, Amos Abbot, Ephraim Faruum, Zebediah Far- 
num, Joseph Farnura, Abiel Chandler, James Peters, be, and hereby 
are, stated at said Garriiion. 

" Also the Garrison round tho house of 3Ir. Jonathan Eastman, at 
Millvillo (on lands owned by St. Paul's School), be one Garrison, and that 
Ihe following inhabitanls, with their familys, viz. : Jonathan Eiustman, 
Amos Eastman, Jeremiah Bradley, Seaborn Peters, Abner Hoit, Jacob 
Hoit, Timothy Burbauks, Isaac Citizen, be, and hereby are, ordered and 
Slated at said Garrison. 

" Also that the Garrison round the house of Lieut. Jeremiah Stickney 
(on premises now owned by J. H. Stickney), bo one Garrison, and that 
the following inhabitants, with their familys, viz. : Jeremiah Stickney, 
Nathaniel Abbot, Ephi-aim Carter, Ezral'arter, Joseph Eastman, .Samuel 
iiistman, Joseph Eastman (3d), William Stickney, Thomas Stickney, Na- 
thaniel Abbot, jun,, Joseph Carter, Edward Abbot, Aaron Stevens, 
George Hull, Edward West, Sampson Colby, James Osgood, Timothy 
Clemens, Jacob Pillsbury, Stephen Uoit, be, and hereby are, ordered and 
slated at that Garrison. 

" Also, that the Garrison round Joseph Hall's house, at South End, 
l>e ono Garrison, and that Ihe following inhabitants, with their familys, 
viz. : Col. Benjamin Rolfe, Joseph Hall, Elienezer Hall, David Foster, 
Isaac Waldron, Patrick Garvin, Joseph Pudney, William Pudney, Henry 
Pudney, John Morrill, Thomas Merrill, John Merrill, jun., Moses 
Merrill, Lot Colby, Jacob Potter, be, and hereby are, ordered and stated 



"Also, that the Garrison round Timothy Walker, jun. 's, house, be 
one Garrison, and that the following persons, with their familys, viz. : 
Timolhy Walker, jun., David Evans, Samuel Pudney, John Pudney, jun., 
Matthew Stanly, Isaac Walker, Abraham Colby, Jacob Shute, Daniel 
C'huse, Daniel Chase, jun., Abraham Kinil)atl, Richard Hazelton, George 
Abbot, Nathaniel Uix, Boiyamin .A.bbot, Stephen Farrington, Nathaniel 
West, William Walker, Aaron Kimball, Samuel Gray, James Kodgers, 
Samuel Rodgcrs, 1)0, and hereby are, stated at that GaiTison. 

"And, inasmuch as the inhabitants who resido in the Garrison round 
tho house of Mr. George Abbot, tho Garrison round the house of Mr. 
Edward Abbot, and the Garrison round the house of Mr. James Osgood, 
have, as yet, made no provision for house-room and conveniences iu the 
respective Garrisons where they are placed, for themselves and familys, 
and the season of tho year so much demanding their labor for their neces- 
sary support that rendere it dilticult to move immediately— Therefore 
that they, for the pres*'nt, and until January next, or until further or- 
der, have leave, and bo continued in the several Garrisons in which they 
now are, and so long as there stated to attend the ueccessary duty of 
watching, warding, ic, equally, as if tho same had been determined 



"Rumford, May l'.th, 1740." 

Such w:u« the state of the settlement 



of 1746. Indians were now in the vicinity, and an 
attack was daily feared. At the earnest solicitation 
of the inhabitants, a company of soldiers, under com- 
mand of Cai)tain Daniel Ladd and Lieutenant Jona- 
than Bradley, had been sent by the Governor, from 
Exeter, for the defense of Rumford and the adjacent 
towns. This company had been ranging in the 
woods and scouting in the vicinity about three weeks 
previous, and a part of them were in Eumfordon the 
Sabbath, August 10th. On that day it appears that 
the Indians had meditated an attack upon the inhab- 
itants while engaged in worship, and the night pre- 
vious had secreted themselves in the bushes adjacent 
vo the meeting-house, to await the favorable moment. 
One party of them was concealed in a thicket of 
alders back of the house where Dr. Samuel Morril 
now lives; another was hid in the bushes, northwest, 
between the meeting-house and where Ebenezer S. 
Tovvle, Esq., now lives. Some few of the Indians, 
it is said, were seen in the time of worship by a 
little girl, — Abigail Carter, sister of the first Dr. 
Ezra Carter, — but she did not make known the dis- 
covery until the meeting closed, when the people 
marched out in a body with their guns. The pres- 
ence of Captain Ladd's company, it is believed, pre- 
vented the Indians from making the designed attack. 
Thus thwarted in their bloody purpose, they retired 
and lay in ambush till next morning, in a deep 
thicket, about a mile and a half southwest of the 
main village, in the valley, a few rods beyond where 
the Bradley monument now stands. 

The Massacre, August 11, 1746.— For the par- 
ticulars of the tragic scene which now follows we 
are indebted to the journal of Abner Clough, clerk 
of Captain Ladd's company, which is published in 
full in the fourth volume of the " Collections of the 
New Hampshire Historical Society," and to the story 
related by the aged Reuben Abbot, five years before 
his death, which was taken down in writing by Hon. 
Samuel A. Bradley and Richard Bradley, Esq., grand- 
sons of Samuel Bradley, who was one of the killed. 
The manuscript is now in the hands of Richard 
Bradley. It was taken August 29, 1817, when Mr. 
Abbot was in the ninety-fifth year of his age. 

FROM ABNER CLOUGH'S JOURNAL. 



when they had gone .ibuut a mile and a half, they were shot upon by 
thirty or forty Indians, if not more, as it was supposed, and killed down 
dead Lieut. Jonathan Bradley and Samuel Bradley, John Luf kin and 
John Bean [and] this Obadiah Peters. These five men were killed down 
dead on the spot, and the most of them were stripped. Two were strip- 
ped stark naked, and were very much cut, and stabbed, and disfigured ; 
and Sergeant Alexander Roberts and William Stickney were taken cap- 
tive. ... It was supposed there was an Indian killed whore they 
had the fight ; for this Daniel Oilman, who made his escape, saith that 
ho was about sixty rods before these meni when they were shot upon,' 

to shoot a hawk, and th e 



nnd, he says, the Indians shot three guns first. He says he thought our 
men shot tit a deer ; he says that he run back about forty roils upon a 
hill, so that he could see over upon the other hill, where the Indians lie, 
and shot upon the men ; and, he says, as ever ho came upon the hill 
so as to see over upon the other hill, he heard Lieut. Jonathan 
Bradley speak and say, ' Lord, have mercy on me :^Figltt ? ' In a 
moment his gun went off, and three more guns of our men's were shot, 
and then the Indians rose up and shot a volley, and run out into the 
path, and making all sort of howling and yelling, and ho did not stay 
long to see it, he saith. It was supposed that John Luf kin was upon the 
front, and Obadiah Peters on the rear : and they shot down this Luf kin 
and Peters the first shot, as they were in the path, about twelve or four- 
teen rods apart ; and they shot Samuel Bradley, as he was about twelve 
feet before where this Obadiah Peters lay, and wounded [liim] so that the 
blood started every sti'p lu- tonk. He went about five rods right in the 
path, and tliey ^1 1 I impi luljr ili .ii_-li his powder horn, as it hung by 
his side, and .-^u til, ,i, i luii there lay these three men, lying 

in thepath— ;.Ti I I I uii out of the path, about two rods, 

rightin amoiii.'>i 111. Id-iMn 1 1, was shot through his wrist. It was 
supposed he killed tlit' Indian ; it was supposed that he fought (as he 
stood there in the spot where he was killed) till the Indians cut his 
head almost all to pieces ; and John Bean run about six rods out of the 
path, on the other side of the way, and then was shot right through his 
body ; — so that there were none of these men that went one or two steps 
after they were shot, excepting this Samuel Bradley that was shot as 
above said. And there seemed to be aa much blood where the Indian 
was shot as there was where any one of the men were killed. It was 
supposed the men laid there about two hours after they were killed, be- 
fore any body came there. We did not go till there came a post down 
from the fort, three quarters of a mile beyond where the men lie and 
were killed. The reason we did not go sooner, was because we did not 
hear the gtins. I suppose the reason that we did not hear the guns, was 
because the wind wa'nt fair to hear. We went up to the men, and ranged 
the woods awhile, after these captives, and then brought the dead down 
to town in a cart, and buried the dead men this day. These men, when 
they went away in the morning, said they intended to be at home 
about twelve o'clock, in order to go to Cauterbuiy in the afternoon, or, 
at least, to get fit to go. It was supposed that these men, some of them, 
rid double on horses when they were killed. On the twelfth day, early 
in the morning, went up and took the blood of the Indian, and followed 
along by the drag and blood of the Indian about a mile, very plain, till 
we came within about fifteen rods of a small river, and then we could 
see no more sign ot the Indian ; but we ti-acked the Indians along the 
river, about twenty or thirty rods, and there were falls where they went 
over. ... It was supposed there could not be less than fifty or sixty 
Indians." 

The initials of those massacred were inscribed on a 
large tree standing near the spot, which remained a 
number of years. August 22, 1836, a monument was 
erected on the site of the massacre, bearing the fol- 
lowing inscription : 



Ob.idiah PETEns, 

John Be.\n .vnh 

John Lufkin, 

Who wtre massacred .\ug. 11, 1V4 

by the Indians. 

Erected, 18.i", by Richard Bradley, 

of the Hon. John Bradley, and 



grandson of Samuel ] 



adley. 



CHAPTER TI. 

CONCORD— ( Cmitinuet/]. 
ECCLESIASTICAL niSTORY. 

First Congregational Church— ^South Conprefiatinnal church— Congrega- 
tional Church, East Coiirm-.l rn„.-n :-,ifi, Tiril I'l,.;;, 1,, West Concord 

—Congregational Ohurrli, !■ i ,i, - ..i h-St. Paul's 

Church— Universalist I'lm^ n l.i i ^i ,,! Iji .,|,al Church- 

Baker Memorial Method!- 1 I |.i- [ d < ii m I, ^l. :m ii^i rburch, Peu- 
acook— First Baptist Chur.li— Pl.;u«aMt St reel liaptist Church— Free- 
Will Baptist Church- Baptist Church, Penaconk— St. John the Evan- 
gelist Roman Catholic Church— Catholic Church, Penacook. 

First Congregational Church.'— The history <>l' 
the First Congregational Church in Concord runs 
parallel with that of the town. At a meeting in 
Andover, Mass., February 8, 1726, the proprietors of 
the town voted to build a block-house, which should 
serve the double purpose of a fort and a meeting- 
house. The first public assembly in the township 
was one for public worship, held May 15, 1726, and 
composed of a committee of the General Court, sur- 
veyors and some of the proprietors who had arrived 
two days before. Eev. Enoch Coffin led the service 
in their camp. Early in 1727 the first family moved 
into town and Rev. Bezaleel Toppan was employed to 
preach one year. 

Rev. Messrs. Toppan and Coffin, both proprietors 
of the town, were employed to preach till October 14, 
1730, when it was resolved to establish a permanent 
ministry. Eev. Timothy Walker was at once called 
to be the minister of the town. A council met No- 
vember 18, 1730, in a small log building "in this 
remote part of the wilderness," and organized a 
church of nine members, and Rev. Timothy Walker 
was installed its pastor. 

The church was orthodox and stable in its faith, 
and during the ministry of Mr. Walker — fifty-two 
years — it was united and prosperous. Strong in the 
confidence and aflection of the people, the pastor 
actively opposed anything that threatened division 
in the church or the town. It is not possible to state 
accurately the growth of the church during this 
period, a.s the records are incomjilete. No continuous 
record is found after 1736, and the names of those 
who owned the covenant are gathered, only in part, 
from entries made in his diary.' The names of only 
one hundred and twenty-seven who united with the 
church are known, though many more must have 
been received, for at the pastor's death one hundred 
and twenty members were living. 

Rev. Timothy Walker was a native of AVoburn, 
Mass., and was graduated at Harvard College in the 
class of 1725. His salary at settlement was one 
hundred pounds, to increase forty shillings per annum 
till it reached one hundred and twenty pounds; also 
the use of parsonage. He died suddenly, Sunday 
morning, September 1, 1782, aged seventy-seven 
vears. 



HISTORY OF MKURIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The deep impress of this early ministry has never 
been efl'aced, and the influence of Mr. Walker, to a 
large degree, decided the moral tone and habits of 
tlie town. For more than half a century his clear 
convictions and hold utterances directed the thought 
of the early settlers. He served the town as well as 
the church. His wise counsel and judicious action 
in relation to every matter of public interest were of 
great benefit to the people and made him their 
leader. Three times he visited England as agent for 
the town to confirm its endangered rights, and was 
enabled to make secure forever the claims and privi- 
leges of the settlers. 

Nearly seven years now passed without a stated 
ministry. Rev. Israel Evans was called by both the 
church and the town to settle as minister September 
1, 1788, and wiis installed pastor July 1, 1789. His 
ministry continued eight years. No records of the 
church for this period can be found. There were one 
hundred and twenty-four members of the church at 
the close of this ministry. 

Mr. Evans was a native of Pennsylvania, and was 
graduated at Princeton College, 1772. He was or- 
dained chaplain in the United States army at Phila- 
delphia in 177t>. He resigned his pastorate July 1, 
1797, but resided in town till his death, at the age of 
sixty years, March 9, 1807. 

The church, without delay, chose to the pastorate 
Rev. Asa McFarland, and the town concurring in the 
choice, he was installed March 7, 1798. 

The growth of the church was, from this time, 
rapid and steady. Seasons of deep religious interest 
blessed it, and four hundred and twenty-nine were 
added to the membershiji. His ministry continued 
twenty-seven years and closed March 23, 1825. 

Rev. Asa McFarland, D.D., was born in Worcester, 
Mass., April 19, 1769. He was graduated at Dart- 
mouth College in 1793. He died, by paralysis, Sun- 
day morning, February 18, 1827, in the fifty-eighth 
year of his age. He possessed a vigorous mind, was 
sound in judgment and diligent in action. His perso- 
nal character and position secured to him a wide influ- 
ence in the State, and eighteen discourses, delivered 
by him on public occasions, were published. 

The council which di-smissed Dr. McFarland, 
March 23, 1825, installed as his successor Rev. 
Nathaniel Boutou. Bible classes and Sunday-schools 
were organized in diflereut parts of the town, and the 
a.ssembly of the people in the single place of worship 
was large and united in spirit. 

In connection with the meeting of the General 
Association of New Hampshire in 1831, a deep work 
of grace began. Soon the whole people felt its power 
and more than a hundred were added to the church. 
In the following years "protracted meetings" were 
frequently held and always useful. Large accessions 
were received in 1834, 1836, 1842 and 1843. During 
the forty-two years of Dr. Bouton's ministry seven 
hundred and seventy-two were added to the church. 



For years the church grew with the town, but in 
1833 it was called to a new experience. The very 
prosperity and growth of the town, the religious 
habits of the people, the great spiritual harvests that 
had been gathered made necessary the provision of 
new and other accommodations for worship. 

The residents of the West Parish, living on an 
average nearly five miles from the meeting-house, 
decided that they ought to seek greater conveniences 
for worship and build a house unto the Lord. A 
house was built and eighty-eight members of this 
church were dismissed and organized into the West 
Parish Church, April 22, 1833. 

The old house was soon full again and the church 
membership five hundred and thirty-nine. The vil- 
lage growing towards the south, the brethren thus 
located erected a church edifice and sixty-seven 
members were dismissed. Bearing with them letters 
and the love and prayer of the mother-church, these 
were organized into the South Church February 1, 
1837. 

March 30, 1842, forty-four n\embers having been 
dismissed, were organized into the East Church. 

All these were dismissed and the churches organ- 
ized, prompted by love to Christ and His cause, and 
the mother-church gave many of her devoted and 
useful members with regret at the parting, but every 
one with her blessing. True were the words of the 
pastor, that "the church history of New England 
does not furnish a parallel to this experience of three 
churches going out from a single church within ten 
years without so much as a ripple of discord." 

Besides these losses, a large number was dismissed 
to the churches of other denominations which were 
organized here, and thus began to be realized the 
change that had come over the community, as from 
one great congregation, gathered weekly at the same 
place from all parts of the town, there were now 
different congregations, and the people were no longer 
one assembly in the delightful service of worship. 
All this had aftected the strength and relations of the 
church, but in harmony and under the favor of God 
it went on prospering and continued to be a positive 
and aggressive power for good. 

Rev. Dr. Bouton resigned his pastorate at his forty- 
second anniversary, March 23, 1867. He did this 
under the conviction that the changes in the people 
and in all about the church might be met best by a 
change in its ministry, and that he might accept 
another oflice. His love to the people, as their love 
to him, was unabated. Few men have been permitted 
to fill a pastorate so happy and useful as was this; 
few have transmitted one to a successor under such a 
wealth of affection as, from this whole city, had been 
won by the years of faithful Christian labor. 

Rev. Nathaniel Bouton, a native of Norwalk, 
Conn., was graduated at Yale College in 1821. Not 
only was he a faitliliil minister, but a citizen of 
valued infliieuci', wlio Imre for more than a genera- 



CONCORD. 



6? 



tion an active part in all that advanced the weal of 
tlie people, both at home and abroad. 

He was a friend of learning and its institutions, and 
performed an amount of intellectual work that alone 
would have marked his long life as busy. Thirty-four 
of his sermons and addresses were published, and 
many articles written for periodicals. In 1856 he 
published the " History of Concord." Five other vol- 
umes are from his pen. He was appointed to the 
office of State historian in 1866. To the duties of 
this office he devoted himself with fidelity and zeal 
for eleven years, and compiled ten volumes of the 
Provincial and State Papers. 

In the ecclesiastical bodies of the State and the 
benevolent organizations of the land he bore an 
active part. Industry, fidelity, system were his. 
With the completion of his historical work his labor 
seemed done. He attended church service on the 
fifty-third anniversary of his settlement, but was una- 
ble to preach, as had been his annual custom. He died 
June 6, 1878, aged seventy-nine years. 

Soon after the resignation of Dr. Bouton a call to 
this pastorate was extended to Rev. Franklin D. 
Ayer, a native of St. Johnsbury, Vt., a graduate of 
Dartmouth College, 1856, and of Andover Theological 
Seminary, 1859. He was installed pastor by the 
council that dismissed Rev. N. Bouton, D.D., Sep- 
tember 12, 18G7. 

The church, so long used to the ways of the vener- 
able pastor, welcomed the new one, and have labored 
unitedly with him. The church has been blessed 
with seasons of revival, and during the present pas- 
torate two hundred have been added to the church, 
making the total number uniting to the present time, 
one thousand six hundred and fifty-three. 

The one hundred and fiftieth anniversary was 
observed November 18, 1880. Historical Discourse, 
by Rev. F. D. Ayer ; History and Description of our 
Four Meeting-Houses, by Hon. Joseph B. Walker ; 
History of the Sunday-School, by John C. Thorn ; 
History of Music, by William G. Carter, M.D. 

This church has taken a positive and decided part 
in all the great moral reforms of the past years. It 
has lived in peace at home, in hearty fellowship and 
co-operation with churches of other denominations, 
and has exerted, both in this community and the 
State, a controlling influence. From its location, its 
pastors and its efficient membership have had much 
to do with the ecclesiastical gatherings and the benev- 
olent societies of the State and the land. It has 
borne its full share in the great benevolent enter- 
prises of the day, and its contributions have been 
constant and generous. 

It has given to benevolent objects during the past 
fifty years $48,000, for the support of worship not less 
than $85,000, and more than $80,000 for houses of 
worship and parsonage. 

The Sunday-school was organized in 1818, and has 
always been well attended. 



The houses of worship demand a separate notice. 
The first meeting-hou.se was built of logs in 1727, and 
was occupied twenty-seven years. The second was that 
so long known as the "Old North." The main body 
of the house was built in 1751. In 1783 it was com- 
pleted with porches and spire, and in 1802 enlarged 
so as to furnish sittings for twelve hundred people, 
and a bell was placed in the tower. Central in its 
location, it was for a long time the only place for 
public worship in town, and was used by this church 
for ninety years. It served the State also. In this 
house the Convention of 1778 met " to form a perma- 
nent plan of government for the State." The first 
time the Legislature met in Concord, March 13, 1782, 
it assembled in this house, and not less than fifteen 
sessions of the General Court was held here. Here, 
with religious services, in 1784, the new State Consti- 
tution was first introduced ; and here, too, in June, 
1788, the Federal Constitution was adopted, by which 
New Hampshire became one of the States of the 
Union. This being the ninth State to adopt the Con- 
stitution, that vote made it binding upon the United 
States. Many of the political gatherings, historic in 
the State, were held in this house. After another 
church was built, 1842, this was used by the Method- 
ist Biblical Institute till 1866. When it was de- 
stroyed by fire, on the night of November 28, 1870, 
there passed from sight the church building which 
had associated with it more of marked and precious 
history than with any other in the State. 

As the church was about leaving the " Old North " 
as a house of worship, it was voted to invite all the 
churches formed from this to unite in a special 
religious service. These farewell services were held 
Thursday and Friday, October 27 and 28, 1842. On 
Friday afternoon, after a sermon by the pastor, about 
five hundred and fifty communicants of the four 
churches sat down at the table of the Lord. " It was 
a season of tender and affectionate interest. Many 
wept at the thought of separation from the place 
where they and their fathers had worshiped." 

So happy was the effect of this meeting that the 
next year one of like character was held in the New 
North Church on November 18th. Since that time an 
annual meeting of the Congregational Churches in 
Concord has been held, and the meetings have been 
precious seasons of Christian union and fellowship. 

The third house of worship, situated on the corner 
of Main and Washington Streets, was dedicated No- 
vember 23, 1842. It was enlarged in 1848, and de- 
stroyed by fire June 29, 1873. A chapel was erected 
in 1858, and enlarged in 1868. 

The fourth and present house of worship was erected 
on the site of the third, and dedicated March 1, 1876. 
It was paid for as built, and is a beautiful and com- 
modious church building. The total cost of it was 
$50,883.36. A new chapel, connecting with the 
church, was completed and opened with appropriate 
services January 20, 1884. 



68 



IILSTOUY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



In grateful memory of the relation of his parents 
and family to this church, William Abbott, Esq., gave 
two thousaiiil five hundred dollars towards the erec- 
tion of this building, which is called "Abbott Me- 
morial Chapel," and the people promptly added to 
this fum five thousand dollars more, which com- 
pleted it. 

The present otlicers of the church are : Pastor, Rev. 
Franklin D. Ayer, installed September 12, 1867; 
Deacons, John Ballard, Edward A. Moulton, Andrew 
S. Smith, Robert G. Morrison. 

The things to be noted in this history of more than 
one hundred and fifty years are : 1. That there have 
been but five pastors, and that all but the surviving 
one have died and been buried among this people. 
The church has not been without a pastor for an hour 
since 1798. 2. The church has lived in peace and 
grown. It has never had a serious misunderstanding 
or called for the advice of council on account of diffi- 
culty. It has called but one council for sixty years. 
3. It has paid its bills as it went on, and kept free 
from debt. 4. "The Lord hath been mindful of us." 

South Congregational Church.— The first meeting 
of individuals iVir ilic purpose of forming a religious 
society was held at the house of Mr. Asaph Evans, 
May 9, 1835. Samuel Fletcher was chairman and 
Amos Wood secretary. At this meeting a committee 
was appointed, who purchased a lot of land at the 
corner of Main and Pleasant Streets, for twelve hundred 
dollars, as the site for a meeting-house. At an ad- 
journed meeting it was voted to form a religious body, 
to be known as the "South Congregational Society." 
Also a constitution and by-laws had been prepared, 
and a committee of seven had been procured, who 
were to build the church edifice. On the l.st day of 
August, 183.5, the constitution and by-laws were 
adopted, and thirty names were signed thereto as 
members of the new society. 

In the summer of 1836 a new church builiiiiifj; was 
erected on the lot purchased for that i)urpose by the 
committee of seven. It was of wood, seventy-seven 
by sixty- four feet, with two stores and a vestry on 
the first floor, with the church edifice on the second 
floor, and cost, with the land, about ten thou.sand 
dollars. The house was dedicated on the 1st day of 
February, 1837, in the afternoon. The pews were 
sold in the afternoon. In the evening of the 1st day 
of February, 1837, the South Congregational Church 
was organized with sixty-seven members, all from the 
First Congregational Church in Concord, as follows : 

Thomiw Chailbourne, Cliiriesa [Green] Cliadboi.i-iio (Thon.iu)), John B. 
Chandler, Sarah Chandler (Timothy) Ilnth [Wilson] Chickcring (El- 
liott), Abigail Clement (Joshua), Esther W. Cnrrier (Ira U.), M. A. H. 
Eatal.rook (Wm. W.), Asaph Evans, Almira B. Evans (Asaph), Samnel 
Evans, Sarah C. Evans (Samuel), Samuel Evans, Jr., Henry Farley, 
Mary T. [Farley] Colburn, Martha 0. Farrand, William Fisk, Margaret 
0. risk (William), Samuel Fletcher, Nancy B. Fletcher (Samuel) Ituth 
W. Fletcher, Eliza M.Fletcher (Daniel H.), Lydia French (Theodure), 
Hannah Gould (Xalhan), Oecrgo Hutchins, Sarah B. [Tucker] Hutchins 
(George), Bets)' Holt (William), Charlotte M. [Hurd] Davidson. Georse 
Kent, Lueia A. Kent (George), David Kimball, Elizabeth E. Kimball 



(David), Marj' Ann Kimball, Fanny A. Low (Joseph), Grace O. Low 
(William), Clarissa J. [Chase] McFarland (Asa), Mary Mills (Charles), 
Emily Moore (.r. W.), Asa Morrill, John Nilcs, Olive Niles (John), Betsy 
[Kobinson] Osgood (David), Caleb Parker, Abigail D. Parker (Caleb), 
Lucy Robinson (Josiah), Mercy G. Robinson, Benjamin Kolfe, Sarah H. 
[Sargent] Pill6bui7 (Parker), Samuel Shute, M. H. Tenney (David), 
Roswell W. Turner, Elyah Tuttle, Hannah S. Tuttle (Elijah), Zurviah 
Tuttio (Jesse C), Mary J. [Tuttle] Tarlton (John), Sarah S. Tnttle, 
Niitbaniel G. fpham, Eliza W. [Burnham] I'pham (Nathaniel i;.), Ilati- 
nah Upham (Ephraim), Philip Watson, Mary W. Watson (Philij,), Snw.u 
Weeks (John), James Weeks, Mary L. Weeks (James), Sarah S. Wil»uu 
(Thomas), Amos Wood, Louisa W. Wood (Amos). 

In March, 1837, the church and society extended a 
call to Rev. Daniel J. Noyes, then tutor in Dartmouth 
College, to become pastor. This invitation was ac- 
cepted, and Mr. Noyes, a graduate of Dartmouth and 
of Andover Theological Seminary, was ordained and 
installed May 3, 1837, — sermou by Rev. Dr. Bouton, 
of the North Church. Mr. Noyes had a very 
successful pastorate of twelve and a half years, to 
November, 1849, when he resigned to accept a profes- 
sorship in Dartmouth College. 

Rev. Henry E. Parker, of Keene, who was then 
preaching at Eastport, Me., commenced his pastorate 
in April, 1850, but was not installed until May 14, 
1851,— sermon by Rev. Nathan Lord, D.D., president 
of Dartmouth College. In 1857 the meeting-house 
was repaired and improved, but in 1859 (June 12th) it 
was totally consumed by fire, with no insurance. 
Public services were held in PhcEuix Hall uutil No- 
vember, 1860. After much discussion, the society 
purchased the property on Pleasant Street, many 
years occupied by the Hon. William A. Kent, as the 
site for their new house of worship. A building com- 
mittee was appointed, and work was commenced on 
the foundations in the fall of 1859. The corner-stone 
was laid, with appropriate exercises. May 3, 1860, 
and the house was completed and dedicated Novem- 
ber 27, 1860. The house, land, furnaces, stoves and 
bell cost twenty-four thousand five hundred and 
forty-five dollars. Mr. Parker's pastorate of nearly 
sixteen years was attended by the most salutary 
results. He had leave of absence on two occasions, — 
from June, 1861, to August, 1862, when he was 
chaplain of the Second New Hampshire Volunteers, 
and from September, 1865, to February, 1866, when 
he went on a European excursion. He resigned 
while abroad, and a council held in March, 1866, 
after his return, dissolved his relation with the church 
and society. 

There was no installed pastor of the. church from 
March, 1866, to January, 1869. Rev. William F. Y. 
Bartlett, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was called, and accepted 
conditionally ; but his health failing, he was not in- 
stalled, though he preached for more than a year, up 
to May, 1867. In 1868 an invitation was extended 
to Rev. Mr. Hamilton, of North Andover, Mass., and 
a little later to Rev. John V. Hilton, of North Bridge- 
water, Mass., both of whom declined. 

But the society was not inactive in the mean time. 
The house of worship, as first constructed, had noJ 



< 



In 1867 all the slips were occupied, andj 



CONCORD. 



there seemed to be a call for more room. To provide 
this additional space, the plan of erecting galleries 
was suggested. The consent of the society being ob- 
tained, galleries containing forty slips were built by 
twenty-five gentlemen, members of the society known 
as the Gallery Association. There was no organ 
in the church until 1868, but in the summer of that 
year the society purchased the one now used, at an 
expense of four thousand dollars. About twelve 
hundred dollars more was expended in repairs and 
iniljrovements on the house and chapel. 

In December, 1868, the church and society ex- 
tended a call to Rev. Silas L. Blake, of Pepperell, 
Mass., to become pastor. This call was accepted, 
and the services of the pastor-elect commenced the 
first Sabbath of January, 1869. He was installed on 
the 27th of the same month, the sermon being de- 
livered by the Rev. Professor Park, of Audover Theo- 
logical Seminary. Mr. Blake's pastorate of nearly 
nine years proved very successful. Sunday, February 
4, 1877, was observed as the fortieth anniversary of 
the formation of the church. In the morning the 
pastor preached a sermon giving an historical sketch 
of the material growth and prosperity of the church 
and society, and in the afternoon he gave a history 
of the spiritual growth and progress of the church 
during these forty years. In the morning he was as- 
sisted by Rev. Dr. Noyes, of Hanover, the first pastor, 
and Rev. Dr. Bouton, of Concord ; and in the after- 
noon Rev. Mr. Ayer, of the North Church, Concord, 
was also present, and assisted. In the evening Dr. 
Noyes and Dr. Bouton occupied the time in most in- 
teresting and profitable personal reminiscences. The 
house was crowded, and the occasion was one of great 
interest. In the fall of 1877 Mr. Blake, having re- 
ceived a call to become pastor of a church in Cleve- 
land, Ohio, resigned, and he was dismissed by 
council October 14, 1877. 

Rev. Dr. Wallace, of Manchester, was employed to 
preach regularly in the church for some six months 
after Mr. Blake's departure, and continued until 
another pastor was called. At the close of his 
services the church jiassed resolutions expressive of 
their deep appreciation of his faithful services, and of 
their affectionate personal regard. 

In the spring of 1878 the church and society in- 
vited the Rev. Charles E. Harrington, of Lancaster, 
N. H., to become their pastor, which call was ac- 
cepted. He began bis labors in March, and was in- 
stalled by council April 18, 1878, Professor William 
M. Barbour, D.D.. of Yale College, preaching the 
sermon . 

April 19, 1882. Brother Franklin Evans gave the 
church two hundred dollars " as a nucleus for a 
fund" to aid the needy members of the church and 
congregation. This was in memory of his late wife, 
Mrs. Sarah E. Evans. The church took action on 
this subject, and the result was that a society was 
formed of the members of the church, known as the 



South Church Relief Society, for the purpose of 
accumulating a fund, the income of which should be 
applied to the aforesaid charitable object. 

Mr. Harrington's pastorate, although short, was a 
profitable one. He resigned his charge as pastor, 
and was dismissed by council August 31, 1882. 

Rev. William H. Hubbard, of Merrimack, Mass., 
was called to be pastor in the spring of 1883, which 
call was accepted, and he was installed June 4, 1883, 
Rev. William J. Tucker, D.D., of Andover Theologi- 
cal Seminary, preaching the sermon. His resignation 
has been accepted to take effect September 30, 1885. 

In October, 1883, the National Council of Congre- 
gational Churches for the United States was holden 
in the South Congregational Church in Concord, the 
North Church uniting in making the arrangements 
and in entertaining the delegates. The council con- 
tinued nearly a week. The meetings, day and even- 
ing, were well attended, and were very interesting 
and profitable. 

The interest of the Gallery Association has now 
been purchased by the society, so that now the 
society owns all those pews, and many others in the 
body of the house. 

For nearly twenty years past the pew-holders have 
voted to assess a tax upon the pews to defray the 
larger part of the expense of supporting the gospel, 
but at their annual meeting in January, 1885, they 
refused to assess any tax upon the pews, so that 
hereafter all moneys for the support of the gospel 
must be raised by subscription until some better way 
can be devised. 

Present membership of church, three hundred and 
eighty-four. 

DE.\CONS. 
Samuel Fletcher, elected May 25, 1837. 
John Nilea, elected May 26, 1837. 
Aiuos Wood elected August 16, 1830. 
David Kimball, elected March 3, 1842. 
Epps Burnham, elected August 31, 1843. 
Nathaniel Evans, elected August 31, 1843. 
Asa McFarland, elected August 31, 1843. 
Caleb Parker, elected August 31, 1843. 
Joseph French, elected July 18, 1850. 
George B. Chandler, elected November 4, 1852. 
Greenough McQuesten, elected October 29, 1857. 
Levi Lisconi, elected December 31, 18.57. 
Hazen Pickering, elected December 3(1, 18G3. 
George G. Sanborn, elected December 30, 1863. 
William H. Allison, elected July 5, 1872. 
Charles W. Harvey, elected July 6, 1872. 
Charles Kimball, elected January 28, 1875. 
Albert S. Hammond, elected May 5, 1876. 
Frank Coffln, elected January 31, 1879. 
Henry A. Mann, elected January 25, 1884. 
William A Stone, elected February 8, 1884. 

The South Congregational Church, Concord, has 
sustained a Mission Sunday-school near Richardson's 
Mills, about five miles east of the city, since 1870, a 
period of fifteen years, contributing some one hun- 
dred dollars per year, besides supplying them with 
teachers and a superintendent. It is called the Me- 
morial Sabbath-School. This .school is in a prosper- 



70 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



0U9 condition, having an average of about one 
hundred members. There is a Union Church con- 
nected with this Sabbatli-school, wliicli was formed 
some ten or twelve years ago. The cliurch has always 
been small, and numbers only about from twelve to 
fifteen monibers. 

Congregational Church, East Concord.— Thi.s 
church WHS organized March SO, 1842, with forty-two 
members. Its history is thus related by Dr. Bouton : 

In the year 1841 a new house for public worship 
was erected on the east side of the Merrimack River, 
principally by members of the First Congregational 
Church and Society there residing. In March, 1842, 
a request was presented to the First Church, signed 
by forty-four members residing in that part of the 
town, requesting letters of dismission and recommen- 
dation, for the ])urpose of being organized into a new 
church, which request was granted. The East Con- 
gregational Church was organized by a council of 
neighboring churches on the 30th of March, 1842, 
and Rev. Timothy Morgan, from the Theological 
Seminary at Gilmanton, was engaged to supply the 
pulpit. Mr. Morgan continued his labors about a 
year. Rev. Hiram Freeman was next invited to 
settle, and was ordained September 27, 1843, and was 
dismissed in .lune, 1845. March 24, 1847, Rev. Win- 
throp Fifield was installed pastor. Mr. Fifield con- 
tinued his services about three years. June 25, 1851 
Rev. Henry A. Kendall was installed pastor, who 
continued until May 1, 1858. His succe.'-sors as pas- 
tors and acting pastors have been as follows : Revs. 
E. O. Jones, A. 0. Baker, Norton Smith, George 
Smith, H. R. Hawes, A. Burnham, W. G. Schoppe, 
C. L. Tappan, A. F. Dunnels and James T. Pyke. 
The lattiT wa.s installed [.nstor Ortcher Iti, 1874. " 

Congregational Church, West Concord.— The first 
church editice was coinidctiMl ami dedicated January 
15, 1833. The building was of wood, sixty-three by 
forty-three feet, with a projection of three feet in 
front, and cost two thousand dollars. 

The formal organization of the church occurred 
April 22, 1833. with eighty-nine members dismissed 
from the North Congregational Church for the pur- 
pose. On the same day Rev. Asa P. Tenney was 
installed pastor and so continued until his death, 
March 1, 18G7, a term of thirty-three years and eight 
months. During his pastorate three hundred and 
eleven were added to the church. His salary ever 
remained at four hundred and fifty dollars per year. 
After the death of Mr. Tenney the jmlpit was supplied 
for one year by Rev. Dr. Bouton. 

Mr. Hiram B. Putnam supplied the puli>it from 
August 9, 1868; was installed October 28, 18(i8; re- 
signed and dismissed December 15, 1873. 

Rev. Irving D. Adkinson supplied the pulpit from 
March 1, 1874; was installed May 6, 1874, and con- 
tinued until his death, February 25, 1875. 

Mr. John W. Colwell supplied the pulpit from 
June, 1875; was ordained September 22, 1875; iii- 



' stalled February 28, 1877; dismissed April, 1879, and 
I during his pastorate fifty-seven were added to the 
[ church. 

Rev. Cyrus M. Perry supplied the pulpit as acting 
pastor from July, 1879, to July, 1882. 
I Mr. Charles B. Strong was ordained as pastor Sep- 
I tember 6, 1882; resigned July 13, 1884, and dismissed 
March 30, 1885. 

The church is at present (April, 1885) supplied by 
C. H. Roper, of Andover Theological Seminary. 

Deacons.— Abiel Rolfe, from 1833 until his death, 
in 1840 ; held the same office in North Church pre- 
viously, from 1811 to 1833. Ira Rowell, from 1833 to 
1875; resigned on account of extreme feebleness; died 
1876; held same office in North Church previously, 
from 1829 to 1833. H. Runnels, from 1840 until 
his death, in 1859. From 1859 until 1875, Deacon 
Rowell was the only deacon. Stephen Carleton, from 
1876 until his death, in 1884. Edward S. Barrett, 
from 1876 to present time. Cyrus Runnels, from 1876 
to present time. 

This first church was burned September 21, 1879, 
after having been thoroughly repaired, at a cost of 
fiteen hundred dollars. A new church was imme- 
diately commenced, built of granite and cost fifteen 
thousand dollars, and was dedicated June 14, 1871. 

Penacook Congregational Church. — The Con- 
gregational Church in Penacook was organized No- 
vember 6, 1850. Rev. Mr. Knight and other ministers 
were employed as preachers till 1857, when Rev. Albert 
William Fiske was installed pastor May 20th, and re- 
mained in that relation till October 16th, 1836. 

The second pastor, Rev. William R. Jewett, was 
installed September 16, 1863, and dismissed Septem- 
ber 10, 1874. 

The third pastor. Rev. Marvin D. Bisbce, was 
installed September 10, 1874; dismissed April 10, 
1877. 

Rev. John H. Larry was installed December 21, 
1882; dismissed May 15, 1883. 

In 1876, Hon. John Kimball and Benjamin A. 
Kimball presented a bell to this church, which bears 
the following inscription : 

" MEMORIAL BELL : 

PRESENTED TO 

THE CONUREG.\TIONAL SOCIETY 
July 4th, 1876, 

BV 

John anb Benjamin Ames Kimball, 

THE LATE BENJAMIN KIMBALL 

Let him that Jieayelh my, Come." 

Benjamin Kimball, whose name is inscribed thereon, 
was a native of Canterbury, born December 27, 1794, 
and remaining most of the time on the old home- 
stead, with his father, until he was about twenty-five 
years old. He resided for a time in Nortlifield, 
whence, in the spring of 1824, he removed with his 
family to Boscawen, and settled on High Street. 



71 



Being inclined to mechanical rather than agri- 
cultural pursuits, and having made the acquaintance 
of Mr. John Clark — sometimes called "Boston 
.Tohn " — while at work on the new State-House in 
Concord, and other places, resolved to abandon his 
t'arni, and devote more of his time to mechanical 
labor. In 1824 he was employed by the late Nathaniel 
Roll'c to build a saw-mill on the site now occupied by 
Mr. Blanchard's Excelsior Factory, which was the 
only saw-mill ever erected on that spot. 

It was here that he became acquainted with, and 
saw the advantages of, the great water-power on the 
Contoocook River. His means were small, but after 
the failure of Mr. Varuey, who had commenced to 
improve the water-power here by building the upper 
dam, he sold his farm, and in the winter of 1829-30 
bought of Hon. Jeremiah Mason, agent for the United 
States Bank, the property owned by Mr. Varney, 
which comprised all the water-power formerly and 
now owned by the Contoocook Company, the farm of 
Captain John Sawyer and the dwelling-house and 
lands now owned by the heirs of the hite Ephraim 
Plummer and others. 

He removed here with his family in November, 
1830, and commenced immediately to make further 
improvement of the water-power by erecting a dam 
and building a grist-mill, which was successfully ac- 
complished at the close of the next year. He was a 
member of the Congregational Church at Boseawen 
Plain, and always took an active part in all that was 
essential to the general and religious welfare of the 
town. He died July 21, 1834, aged thirty-nine. 

Unitarian Church.'— Early in the year 1827 
several citizens of the town, who were dissatisfied 
with the Calvinistic doctrine preached in the churches 
of the place, met together, and, after consultation 
with each other, on the 4th day of April of that year, 
associated themselves together, agreeably to the laws 
of the State, under the name and title of the Second 
Congregational Society in Concord. 

The formal organization took place, as we learn 
from the records, on the 8th day of August, 1827, at 
which time Richard Bartlett, INIoses Eastman, Wil- 
liam Kent, Sampson Bullard, Stephen Brown, John 
Leach, Woodbury Brown, William M. Virgin, Elijah 
Mansur, Joseph Manahan, Washington Williams, 
James Wilcomb, Joseph C. West, Timothy Chandler, 
Benjamin Grover and William Francis met at the 
court-room in the old town-house, and organized by 
the election of Major Timothy Chandler as chairman, 
and William Kent clerk. Moses Eastman, Richard 
Bartlett and Jacob B. Moore were chosen a com- 
mittee to prepare by-laws and regulations for the 
society, and report at some subsequent meeting. 

" Vofed unanimously, That this society assume the 
powers and privileges of a corporation, under and 



from an able historical ; 



prepared by Daniel F. 



pursuant to an act of the Legislature passed July 3^ 
1827, entitled 'An act empowering religious associa- 
tions to assume and exercise corporate powers.'" 

The clerk was directed to give public notice of the 
formation of the society, in the usual form. At an 
adjourned meeting, held August 25, 1827, a code of 
by-laws was reported by the committee chosen to pre- 
pare them, and accepted. At an adjourned meeting; 
held September 4, 1827, Moses Eastman, William 
Kent and Stephen Brown were elected a prudential 
committee, and Captain Jeremiah Pritchard treasurer. 
Thus the organization of the society was conipUlcd. 

It being deemed desirable to secure preaching of 
the liberal faith so far as the means of the society 
would allow. Colonel William Kent visited Ports- 
mouth, and arranged with Rev. Dr. Parker, of that 
place, to come to Concord and preach two Sundays 
during the session of the Legislature in June. The 
use of the Representatives' Hall was secured for the 
services, and there, on the 17th day of June, 1827, 
■was preached the first professedly Unitarian sermon 
ever delivered in Concord. The services (says Colonel 
Kent) were highly appreciated, and the audience was 
highly respectable in numbers. Dr. Parker preached 
at the same place on the following Sabbath. 

A wish being expressed to hear more of the liberal 
preaching. Colonel Kent visited Boston, and secured 
the services of several pastors of Unitarian Churches 
in that city and the adjacent towns for a Sunday each, 
the court-room being secured as a place of meeting. 
Rev. Dr. Barrett, of Boston, commenced under this 
arrangement July 8, 1827, and was followed by Rev. 
Messrs. Gannett, Pierpont, Tuckerman, Whitman and 
Ware. Messrs. Christopher T. Thayer, Ralph Waldo 
Emerson and Moses G. Thomas then preached with 
reference to settlement. 

April 3, 1828, the society voted to raise three hun- 
dred dollars, by tax on the members, for the support 
of preaching the ensuing year. Rev. Moses G. 
Thomas was ordained pastor February 25, 1829. On 
the same day, previous to the ordination, a church 
consisting of eight members was formed. 

A minister having been secured, the want of a 
permanent place of worship was felt. To encourage 
the effort to erect a church, Hon. William A. Kent 
proposed, if a sum of money sufficient for its erection 
could be raised, to donate a piece of land to the 
society on which to build it. 

After a thorough canvass, three thousand dollars, 
just one-half of the amount needed, was secured, — a 
liberal subscription for those times in a society few 
in numbers and of limited pecuniary means. In this 
emergency, Colonel William Kent was dispatched to 
Boston to solicit aid from the wealthy friends of the 
cause in that place. Spending a fortnight in the 
work, he succeeded, to his great satisfaction, in raising 
the amount required. This being done, measures 
were at once adopted to secure the accomplishment 
of the object so much desired. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, XEW HAMPSHIRE. 



John Leach, Esq., a member of the society, was 
employed as master-builder, and under his direction 
the work went rapidly forward. The corner-stone 
wiiB laid May 2, 1829, with appropriate services, and 
on the 11th of November followinj? the church was 
dedicated " to the worship of the one living and true 
God." On this occasion the introductory prayer was 
offered by Rev. Ralph Waldo Emerson, the dedi- 
catory prayer by Rev. Mr. Parknian, and a discourse 
was delivered by the pastor, Rev. Moses G. Thomsis. 

The house thus dedicated stood on the spot occu- 
pied by the present ediiice. After doing service as a 
place of religious worship for the space of nearly 
twenty-five years, it was destroyed by fire on the 
evening of November 2, 1854. 

Measures were at once taken to replace the church 
edifice. Plans having been procured, the services of 
Henry M. Moore, as builder, were secured. The 
foundation was laid under the direction of Luther 
Roby, Esq., and the work went forward. In eighteen 
months, lacking one day, from the time of the fire,' 
the new house was completed and dedicated. 

January 14, 1834, " Voted, That the sum of seven 



societv for 



chosen 



hundred dollars annually be raised 
the next five years." 

April 1, 1834, Jeflerson Nov. 
brarian. 

April 4, 1837, Simon Brown, since Lieutenant- 
Governor of Massachusetts, was elected clerk of the 
society, in place of Colonel William Kent, who had 
filled the office from its first organization. Mr. Brown 
left town shortly after, and at the annual meeting, 
held in April, 1838, Colonel Kent was again elected, 
serving until April 1.5, 1841. At the same meeting, 
" Voted, That R. H. Sherburne be requested to take a 
.seat in the gallery a few Sundays, and apply a 
corrective to the boys." " Voted, That Mr. Thomas be 
released from his duties to the society for the term of 
four Sabbaths for the year 1837, at such time as he 
may desire, and that the society supply the desk 
during said term." 

yir. Thomiis resigned January 28, 1844, 

May 15, 1844.— At a special meeting held this day, 
" Voted, That the society are .so well pleased with Rev. 
:Mr. Tilden, of Norton, Mass., as a preacher, as to en- 
gage him to supply the desk for three or six months;" 
and the standing committee were directed to visit 
him and secure his services for the coming month of 
June. 

April 1, 1845, an article having appeared in the 
CoDrjregational Journal, entitled " Parkerism in Con- 
cord," reflecting somewhat severely on the opinions 
held and preached by Mr. Tilden, a series of resolu- 
tions expressing the confidence of the society in him 
as a preacher was introduced by Lewis Downing, Esq., 
and i>assed by a unanimous vote. 

April 25, 1845, the prudential committee were 
authorized to procure the services of Rev. Mr. Tilden 
I year from the 1st of Julv next. 



for „i 



April 7, 1846, Mr. Tilden having expressed a wish 
to terminate his connection with the society at the 
end of his present engagement, the society, believing 
that a misapprehension existed on his part in regard 
to the true state of feeling existing towards him. 
Voted unanimously, that it is their earnest desire that 
his resignation be withdrawn, and that he continue 
with them for the coming year." 

Rev. Mr. Tilden's services as pastor, which com- 
menced in 1844, of the society closed July 1, 1847. 
He was never formally installed. 

From this time forward, for more than two years, 
the desk was filled by various clergymen. Rev. Mr. 
Putnam officiating for several months, by temporary 
engagements. 

Mr. Augustus Woodbury was ordained August 1, 
1849. 

July 27, 1851, " Voted, That an alteration be made 
in the gallery," and a committee was appointed to raise 
the money necessary to defray the expense of the 
same. At the same time, " Voted, That Mr. Wood- 
bury's salary be increased to eight hundred dollars 
per annum." Mr. Woodbury's connection with the 
society closed August 1, 1853. 

Rev. Artemas B. Muzzey was installed ^lart'h 29, 
1854 The pastorate of Mr. Muzzey occurred during 
a time of trial to the society, — the destruction of the 
church edifice in the month of November following 
his settlement, and the building of the present one 
taxing their resources severely. But in all their 
efforts they met with the cheerful and hearty co-oper- 
ation of the pastor and the members of his family, 
whose services deserve a lasting and grateful remem- 
brance. 

October 18, 1857, the prudential committee were 
authorized to invite Mr. Silas Farrington to preach to 
the society for one year ; and the invitation being 
accepted, he was ordained early in the month of 
December following. 

October 3, 1858, Mr. Farrington was requested to 
continue his services another year. 

October 5, 1858, a legacy left the society by the 
late Timothy Walker, Esq., of twenty-one shares of 
stock in the Northern Railroad corporation, was 
accepted, and Benjamin Grover was appointed agent 
to receive and manage the same. 

April 25, 1859, the society voted that the treas- 
urer be directed to sell and convey the railroad stock 
left the society by the late Timothy Walker, Esq., 
and invest the proceeds in the purchase of pews num- 
bered 21, 23, 30, 56, 63, 65, 67, 69, 71 and 73, in the 
church, the same to be owned by the society, and the 
rents received therefor tn be approijriated annually to 
the support of preaching, agreeably to the provisions 
of the will of Mr. Walker. 

December 25, 1859, Sir. Farrington was requested 
to continue as pastor another year. 

November 25, 1860, Mr. Farrington resigned the 
office of pastor, the resignation to take efiect January 



CONCORD. 



73 



1, 1861, and his resignation was accepted by the soci- 
ety at a meeting held December 2, 1800. 

For some time after the withdrawal of Mr. Farring- 
ton the desk was filled by such supplies as could be 
obtained, Rev. Liberty Billings among the number, 
who, without formal installation, officiated as minister 
for about two years, until, having received an appoint- 
ment as chaplain in the Fourth Regiment New Hamp- 
shire Volunteers, he resigned, and the desk was again 
left to be supplied by candidates. 

December 27, 1863, Rev. T. J. Mumford received 
an invitation to take the pastoral charge, which he 
declined. 

February 7, 1864, Rev. Junius L. Hatch was in- 
vited to become the minister of the society, which invi- 
tation was accepted, and he was installed in the 
month of June following. 

June 24, 1865, difficulties having arisen between 
Mr. Hatch and the society, it was voted that the rela- 
tion existing between them be at once terminated, 
and the committee were directed to notify the minister 
of this action of the society. 

January 23, 1866, the society voted that Rev. J. 
F. Lovering be invited to become their pastor, which- 
invitation he accepted. The formal services of instal- 
lation took place February 27, 1866. 

Mr. Lovering's labors with the society closed April 
1, 1875, after having continued nine years. At that 
time the society voted him the use of the parsonage 
for the term of three months, free of rent. The resig- 
nation of Mr. Lovering opened the way for the 
employment of temporary supplies and candidates 
for a long time. 

January 24, 1876, " Voted, That the committee be 
instructed to extend an invitation to Rev. W. G. Todd 
to become the pastor for one year." The call was 
accepted, and Mr. Todd entered upon the duties of 
his office without any formal introduction. During 
this season the church was repainted, and some neces- 
sary repairs were made. 

March 1, 1877, Mr. Todd retired. 

November 24, 1877, an invitation was extended 
to Rev. Samuel C. Beane, of Salem, Mass., to assume 
the pastoral care of the society. The invitation was 
accepted, and the services of installation took place 
January 9, 1878, and he is the ])resent pastor. 

The church organized February 25, 1829, and re- 
ceived gradual accessions to the number of its mem- 
bers, from the first of whom. Miss Ellen Louisa 
Tucker, afterwards Mrs. Ralph Waldo Emerson, it 
received a present of a set of vessels for the commun- 
ion service. 

On the 19tli day of July, 1829, the first communion 
service was observed, prior to which, as we learn from 
the records. Brother William Kent was elected dea- 
con, and accepted the oflSce. Although his resignation 
was once offered, its acceptance was refused by the 
church, and he remains to this day its senior deacon. 
His services in the formation of the socictv and 



church entitle him to the grateful regard of the pres- 
ent members. 

A Sunday-school connected with the society was 
organized by Colonel William Kent and others prior to 
the building of the first church edifice. Colonel Kent 
was for a long time its superintendent. 

The Concord Female Benevolent Association was 
formed by ladies of the society, January 5, 1835, 
for the purjjose of doing something towards relieving 
the wants and multiplying the comforts of the indi- 
gent and suffering members of the community. 

Of the good done by these organizations, those who 
have been taught, and those whose wants have been 
relieved by them, can bear witness. Of the ladies who 
planned them, and by whose exertions they have been 
sustained, it may be truly said, their works praise 
them. 

By the will of Lewis Downing, Esq., dated Decem- 
ber 27, 1872, the society after his death became, after 
deducting some small legacies, the recipient of one- 
sixth of the income of his estate annually, the same 
to be appropriated to the support of the preaching of 
the Christian religion as taught by the late Dr. Chan- 
ning, — the amount of the legacy being increased from 
time to time as the deaths of his children should 
occur, until at last the society should receive the . 
income of two-thirds of the estate ; the balance, over 
two thousand dollars annually, to be devoted to the 
support of a minister-at-large of the Channing-Unita- 
rian f\iith, and in aiding and strengthening feeble 
societies of that faith in the State of New Hampshire. 

St. Paul's Church.' — The first meeting of individ- 
uals friendly to the organization of the Protestant 
Episcopal Society was held at the house of Albe Cady, 
on the 5th of January, 1817. At this meeting the 
basis of an organization was presented by a commit- 
tee appointed for the purpose, which was subscribed 
by thirteen gentlemen, among whom were the Hon. 
Samuel Green, Albe Cady, the Hon. Isaac Hill and 
John West, Jr. They gave the organization the 
name of St. Thomas' Chapel. On the 24th of March, 
1818, Rev. Charles Burroughs was chosen rector. It 
does not appear whether or not Mr. Borroughs ac- 
cepted the rectorship. He, however, frequently offi- 
ciated here, giving to the new parish whatever of 
service he could bestow in connection with his minis- 
trations in St. John's Church, Portsmouth, of which 
he was rector, and in many ways, by advice and in- 
fluence, contributed greatly to encourage and sustain 
the infant parish in Concord. 

During 1817 and the three succeeding years the 
Rev. Messrs. Andrews, Searle, Herbert and Marshall 
held occasional services here, but the greater part of 
the time the services were conducted by lay readers. 
In April, 1821, the Rev. John L. Blake was cho- 
sen rector, and for more than two years officiated 



historical sketch prepared 



HISTORY OK MEKRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



here, at the same time serving St. Andrew's Church, 
Hopkinton. 

For a part of the first year after the formation of 
the parisli the services were held in Masonic Hall, over 
the Conrord Bank, the present location of the First 
National Bank. Subsequently the town hall wa.s oc- 
cupied by the parish as a place of worship for about 
two years. Afterwards the services were held in a 
commodious hall, fitted up by Hon. Isaac Hill, in the 
upper part of a store occupying the present site of 
the opera-house. 

This hall was used during the week by the Rev. Mr. 
Blake as a school-room. 

Several ineftectual attempts were made during 
these years to build a church. As far back as 1819 a 
subscription was commenced for this purpose. The 
cost of the edifice was not to exceed six thousand 
dollars, and one-half of this sum was subscribed by 
twelve individuals. In the spring of 1823 the Rev. 
Mr. Blake resigned the rectorship and removed from 
town, and for about twelve years services of our 
church were only occasionally held in Concord, Rev. 
Moses B. Chase, of Hopkinton, now and then sup- 
plying a single service. 

It appears that divine worshi]) according to the 
forms and rites of the Protestant Kpiscopal Church 
was conducted here, almost without interruption, 
from the beginning of 1817 to the spring of 1823, a 
lay reader being employed when the ministrations of 
a clergyman could not be procured. 

In 1819 a committee on the state of the church in 
the Diocese of New Hampshire, appointed by the 
Diocesan Convention, reported thirteen families and 
ten communicants in this parish. During its con- 
tinuance as St. Thomas' Chapel the rite of con- 
firmation w;is administered to seven persons, and there 
were about twenty bajjtisms. 

On the 13lh of July, 1835, St. Paul's parish was or- 
ganized, and the Rev. Moses B. Chase was chosen 
rector. Mr. Chase held services once each month in 
this parish, from May, 18.35, to March, 1836, and each 
Sunday evening during July and August of the latter 
year. He resided in Hopkinton, and was rector of St. 
Andrew's Church. 

Rev. Petrus S. Ten Broeck became rector in Novem- 
ber, 1836. The services at this time were held in the 
court-hou.se, which occupied the site of the present 
city hall. At this time there were ten communi- 
cants. 

In the summer of 1S36, John West, a gentleman 
devotedly attached to the church, set himself about 
obtaining, by subscriptions and donations, funds to 
build a church, but had hardly more than made a be- 
ginning when sudden death brought his earthly 
labors to a close, and one of the first offices which 
the new rector was called upon to discharge in the 
parish was the sad duty of consigning to the dust the 
mortal remains of this warm and active friend of 
the church. 



The first church edifice ^ was completed near the 
close of the year 1839, and on the 1st of January, 
1840, it was consecrated to the worship of Almighty 
God by the venerable and beloved Bishop Griswold, 
bishop of the Eastern Diocese, of which New Hamp- 
shire was a part. Bishop Griswold also, on the fol- 
lowing day, instituted the Rev. Mr. Ten Broeck rector 
of the parish. 

July 16, 1843, Albe Cady, for many years senior 
warden of the parish, deceased. Mr. Cady was among 
the first to move for establishing the church here and 
labored earnestly and faithfully for its success. 

In October, 1844, Rev. Mr. Ten Broeck, on account 
of failing health, resigned his charge of the parisli 
and removed to Danvers, Mass., where he resided till 
his decease, in 1849. He was a faithful minister. The 
number of communicants at the close of his labors in 
the parish was about forty, as against ten at its com- 
mencement. 

Rev. Darius R. Brewer succeeded Mr. Ten Broeik, 
having been elected the 25th of November, 1844. Mr. 
Brewer reported to the convention, the following 
June, forty-five communicants, thirty families, and 
the number of persons attending public worship from 
one hundred to one hundred and fifty. After two 
years of faithful and devoted service, he resigned to 
take charge of Trinity parish, Newport, R. I. He 
has since died. 

Mr. Brewer was succeeded immediately by the Rev. 
Thomas Leaver, from the Diocese of Rhode Island. 
Mr. Leaver's ministry in the parish was very brief. 
He commenced his labors here on the first Sunday in 
December, 1846, and conducted his last service on 
the first Sunday in December, 1847. After a severe 
illness of a few days, he died on the 23d of 
the same month. Daring the brief period of his 
ministry Mr. Leaver proved himself a faithful shep- 
herd, and his death was a deep afHiction to the 
parish. 

On the 27th of February, 1848, the Rev. Newton E. 
Marble, of the Diocese of Massachusetts, was 
elected to the rectt)rship, and soon after entered upon 
its duties. At this date the number of communicants 
was forty- four, the number of families thirty. During 
Mr. Marble's ministry, of a little more than nine 
yeai-s, the parish had a steady growth in numbers 
and a correspondingly widening influence in the com- 
munity. 

Mr. Marble resigned the rectorship of the parish 
April 1, 1857, and soon after moved to Newtown, Dio- 
cese of Connecticut, to assume charge of Trinity par- 
ish, which relation he sustained during the remainder 
of his life. He died about three years since, much 
beloved by the people of his charge and by every one 
who knew him. 

From Easter, 1857, to Easter, 1858, the parish was 

' The buiWing rommittee consisted of Albe CaJy, L. C. Virgil nnd 



CONCORD. 



without a rector. For the first two months or more of 
this time the Rev. Dr. Henry A. Coit, either by him- 
self or by the Rev. Francis Chase, his assistant at St. 
Paul's School, kindly supplied oneserviceonSundays. 
For the balance of the year the Rev. Edward Ballard, 
then residing at Hopkinton, filled the position of 
minister of the parish, accepting therefor, without 
stipulation, such compensation as the parish could of- 
fer. The ministrations of these clergymen, as well 
as their helpfulness in many ways, is gratefully re- 
membered by the church people of those days. 

Rev. James H. Eames, D.D., entered upon his 
duties as rector on Easter Day, 1858, and continued 
until his death, which occurred December 10, 1877. 
The parish had granted Dr. Eames leave of absence for 
the winter, and, December 7th, in company with Mrs. 
Eames, he started from New York for the Bermudas, 
and died on the 10th of the same month, just as the 
vessel dropped anchor in the harbor of Hamilton. 

Very soon after Dr. Eames began his work here 
signs of a new and deepening interest in the church's 
work were visible, and soon it became evident that the 
little church would not long accommodate the congre- 
gation. The following appears on the parish records : 

" At a meeting duly notified, and held in the church, May 24, 1858, a 
committee was appointed, consisting of Rev. J. H. Karnes, David Davis, 
E. Symmes, A, V. Pierce, John M. Hill, William L. Foster and Charles 
P. Gage, to take into consideration the expediency of enlarging the old 
church or building a new one, to report at an adjourned meeting to be 
held in one week." 

It was finally decided to build a new church, and 
the following were appointed a building committee: 
Ebenezer Symmes, Augustine C. Pierce, George 
Minot, John M. Hill and Abel Hutchins. Of these 
gentlemen, John M. Hill survives. 

On Wedne,sday, the 2oth day of May, 1859, Ihe cor- 
ner-stone of the new church was laid. Two excellent 
addresses were delivered on the occasion, — one by the 
Rev. Dr. Burroughs, of Portsmouth, the other by Hon. 
Josiah Minot. Under the watchful supervision of the 
building committee the new church went on to com- 
pletion, and on the loth day of December, 1859, was 
consecrated to the worship of Almighty God by the 
Rt. Rev. Bishop Carlton Chase, of this diocese, the 
Rt. Rev. Bishop Clark, of the Diocese of Rhode 
Island, preaching the consecration sermon. 

The cost of the church and furnishing was about 
seventeen thousand dollars. 

A chime of nine bells was placed in the tower of 
the church in 1868, through the liberality of members 
of the parish. Three of these bells were given by the 
ladies of the parish ; the others were personal gifts 
from John H. Pearson, Mrs. Eliza C. Davis, Edward 
L. Knowlton, Edward A. Abbott and Mrs. William 
Butterfield. They werefirst rung on Easter morning, 
April 12, 1868. 

In the summer of 1877 extensive repairs of the 
church were made. While these repairs were going 
on services were held in Rumford Hall, kindly offered 
bv Jlr. Franklin Low, junior warden. 



It had been arranged, by vote of the parish, ])re- 
vious to the departure of Dr. Eames, that the bishop 
of the diocese should have charge of the matter of 
supplying the services during his absence. This ar- 
rangement continued till the 24th of the following 
April, when, at the annual parish meeting, it was 

" Vuletl, That the Kt. Kev. the Bishop of the Dioccsu be invited to ac- 
cept the rectorship of St. Paul's parish.'' 

At a subsequent meeting the bishop nominated the 
Rev. Daniel C. Roberts, of Brandon, Diocese of Ver- 
mont, to be vice-rector, and the clerk was directed to 
notify the bishop that the wardens and vestry ap- 
prove of the nomination, and that he is desired to 
communicate with the Rev. Mr. Roberts accordingly. 
The Rev. Mr. Roberts, having accepted the vice-rec- 
torship, entered upon its duties in .lime of the same 
year. 

On the 2d day of December, 1879, the ceremony of 
unveiling the beautiful window to the memory of the 
Rev. Dr. Eames, which had been procured by the 
parish and placed in the front end of the church, was 
held. John M. Hill, in behalf of the committee ap- 
pointed to procure the memorial, made an appropri- 
ate address and unveiled the w'indow, after which 
Bishop Niles and the Rev. Mr. Roberts also made 
addresses. 

At a meeting of the wardens aud vestry, held No- 
vember 14, 1882, the subject of a chapel, which had 
been discussed at the previous annual meeting of the 
parish, was further considered, and the Hon. Josiah 
Minot made a proposition that, with money then in 
the savings-bank belonging to the ladies of the parish, 
and designed originally for a like purpose, amounting 
to about $1000, he would agree that a chapel should 
be built, the cost not to exceed $3000. The wardens 
voted to accept the offer of Mr. Minot, and the follow- 
ing summer the chapel was completed at a cost of 
$3,926.86, Mr. Minot contributing $2,233.75 ; Mr. 
James R. Hill, for land, $300; Mr. John H. Pearson, 
for steam-heating, $.300 ; Mr. John M. Hill, for gas- 
fixtures, etc., $147.50 ; ladies' fund in savings-bank, 
$945.61. Other individuals have contributed for set- 
tees for the chapel, and recently Mr. and Mrs. H. W. 
Stevens have contributed a beautiful lecturn. 

During all these years the parish has had, without 
stint, the services of members of the congregation in 
the important department of music. We have avoided, 
as far as possible, mentioning names, particularly 
those now living, who have contributed in their 
several ivays to the church's work and worship, and 
that restraint is upon us now. But they are gratefully 
remembered by those who have witnessed their faith- 
fulness and profited by their unselfish devotion. 

In the latter part of the summer of 1883 a choir of 
boys was organized, under the direction of Mr. Frank 
E. Brown. The cost of the necessary changes in the 
chancel was defrayed by special gifts from generous 
friends, notably that of Mr. Henri G. Blaisdell, who 
gave the avails of an entertainment given by him with 



76 



HLSTOIU- UF MEKKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



his orchestra, assisted by ladies and gentlemen and 
children of the parish. On the Eighteenth Sunday 
after Trinity, September 23, 1S83, the choir of three 
men and twelve boys, vested in cassocks and surplices, 
came into church at morning prayer, singing the 
232d hvmn,— 



'Onward, Chrial 



The choir was formally presented by the vice-rector, 
and received by the bishop of the diocese, the same 
being also rector of the parish, with a short service of 
benediction. From that date to the present time they 
have continued the good work with augmented num- 
bers, increasing interest and zeal on their part, and 
growing favor on the part of the congregation. This 
service is rendered without salary, and has been given 
with enthusiiism and constancy. 

During the last twenty-five years there have been 
three hundred and ninety-five baptisms, — two hundred 
and sixty-six infants and one hundred and twenty- 
nine adults. Three hundred and six persons have 
been confirmed. Present number of communicants 
in the parish, two hundred and sixty. 

The contributions of the people for missions, 
through the offertory and otherwise, have been 
$.5054.07, distributed as follows: Diocesan, S3851.61; 
domestic, $848.60 ; foreign, $353.86. There has also 
been given within the twenty-five years, for other 
objects, about $50,000. 

Of the latter sum, probably about seven thousand 
dollars was devoted to objects within our own parish, 
such as the chime of bells and church repairs ; the bal- 
ance has been given to church and charitable work, for 
educational purposes. Orphans' Home and sufferers 
l)y fire and flood, etc. This sum includes very little, 
if anything, for the maintenance of public worship 
here during these years. 

Hon. Horace A. Brown, the senior warden of the 
church, was born in the town of Cornish, X. H., near 
Windsor, Vt., October 3, 182,3, and is consequently fifty- 
four years of age. When but a few months old, his 
parents moved to Windsor (now West Windsor), Vt., 
where he lived till he was nine years old. At this 
early age he started out in life, working on a farm for 
his board and clothes for several years. Undoubtedly 
becoming imbued with the idea that agricultural pur- 
suits were not adapted to his tastes and a desire to 
learn a trade, he first entered the office of the Demn- 
crnlic Statesman, at Windsor, in January, 1837, as 
chore-boy. Peing of an industrious turn of mind, he 
also learned the art of type-setting, and acquired such 
other information about the business as the facilities 
of the office presented. In September, 1838, he be- 
came a " printer's devil " in the office of the National 
Euijk, published at Claremont, X. H., by Weber & 
Warland, where he served an apprenticeship of four 
years, remaining two yejirs longer as a journeyman in 
the same offi.-e. In September, 1844, we find him in 
the employ of the Claremont Manufacturing Company 
as compositor, and occ:tsionally running power-presses. ■ 



It was in this office that he first gained an insight in 
the most important branch of the " art preservative," 
press-work, which subsequently became his constant 
emploj-ment. In November. 1847, he commenced, in 
connection with Joseph Weber, Esq., the publication 
of the Northern Intelligencer, but remained only a feu 
months in that cai)acity. The following year he lit- 
came foreman, for a short time, of the Granite Stat- 
^nig, after which he printed for the proprietor the 
Philharmonic Journal, a semi-monthly musical quarto. 
In September of the same year he became employed 
in the office of the National Eagle, where he remained 
three years. During the winter of 1851-52 he engaged 
himself as pressman for the Claremont Manufacturing 
Company, running an Adams press. In June, 1852. 
he entered the employ of McFarland & Jenks, former 
proprietors of the New Hampshire Statesman, and in 
August of the same year was appointed foreman of 
the press department, in which capacity he has been 
constantly employed up to the present time, a period 
of more than a quarter o/ a century. 

Mr. Brown long ago acquired the reputation of 
being one of the best pressmen in the State, and at 
the completion of twenty-five years' service receive*! 
many flattering notices from the press of New Eng- 
land. A conscientious workman, of noble aspiration? 
and character, he has won the confidence and esteem 
of all with whom he is intimately associated. Hi- 
hasbeen a prominent member of the Protestant Epis- 
copal Church for many years, and was elected secre- 
tary of the Diocesan Convention in 1857, which office 
he has since held. An Odd-Fellow and Mason, high in 
the respective orders, he has done much to elevate 
and promote the interests of these organizations. 

Mr. Brown is well-known to the public as a high- 
minded citizen ; they have shown their appreciation 
of his many accomplishments by electing him, from 
time to time, to many positions of trust and honor 
in the city government. He was elected mayor in 
1878 and re-elected in 1879, and discharged his duties 
with eminent ability. He long acted as secretary of 
the Republican City Committee, and was elected to 
the State Legislature in 1875-76. By strict economy 
in business relations, combined with untiring industrj-, 
he has acquired a reasonable competence, which will 
smooth the downward path of life, and afford rest and 
comfort in his declining years. 

There is an Episcopal Church Mission, which wor- 
ships in Merrimack Hall, on East Penacook Street. 
Rev. Mr. Roberts is rector in charge, and Colonel J. 
S. Pecker, warden. 

TJniversalist Church. '—The Universalist society 
was organized January 5, 1842, although there wiis 
occasional preaching by clergymen of this denomina- 
tion, the services being held in the old court-house 
room, the building then standing near the site of the 
present city hall. Among the earliest of the preachers 



'ByBev. A. P. SeiD. 



CONCORD. 



were Eev. J. G. Adams, now residing in Melrose, 
Mass., Rev. Thos. J. Whitemore, late editor of the 
Trumpet, one of the earliest religious papers of the 
New England Universalists ; Eev. Hosea Ballon, Rev. 
Messrs. N. R. Wight, G. W. Anderson and William 
Bell. 

In 1841 a vigorous attempt was made to sustain 
regular preaching services all the time, a thing then 
not easy to do, as there at this time were not many 
professed Universalists in Concord. Success, how- 
ever, attended the effort, and Rev. N. R. Wight and 
Rev. G. W. Anderson supplied the society for one 
year. 

In June, the first Sunday, Rev. Dr. Ryder, now of 
Chicago, 111., then a student at the Gymnasium 
Academy, in Pembroke, preached for the society. 
Subsequently, and because of the impression then 
made, Mr. Ryder was settled as permanent pastor. 
The following article may be regarded as the basis of 
the society : 

" Article 2. The object of this Societj- shall be the promotion of truth 
and nioralitj' among its members, and also in the world at large ; and as 
the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is calculated above all truth to in- 
spire the heart with the emotions of benevolence and virtue, this Society 
shall deem it one of its main objects to support the preaching of the 
Gospel, according to the Society's abilitj-, and to aid in any other 
practicable manner in spreading a knowledge of it among men." 

Among the most active and efficient of the early 
lay members of the society were S. S. Sweet, who 
was the society's first moderator ; J. C. Danforth, the 
first clerk; A. B. Currier, Chase Hill, Aaron Carter, 
W. H. Wyman, J. Fox, Nathaniel White and others. 
The wives of these gentlemen were equally active 
and efficient in every good word and work. 

December 28, 1843, under the ministry of Rev. Mr. 
Ryder, the church organization was formed, with 
about thirty members. 

Rev. Ezekiel Dow, for a short time prior to Mr. 
Ryder's regular pastorate, served the society as a sup- 
ply. Simultaneously with the organization of the 
society was a movement to secure the erection of a 
meeting-house. The first meeting-house was erected 
on the site of the present church edifice, and com- 
pleted and dedicated in October, 1842, the dedica- 
tory services occurring October 6th, Rev. Otis A. 
Skinner, of Boston, preaching the sermon. The new 
meeting-house cost four thousand dollars. Later, the 
society outgrowing its church-home, the building was 
sold to the Free-Will Baptist society, a new brick edi- 
fice taking the place of the frame one sold, at a cost of 
thirty thousand dollars. The clergymen who served 
the society as supplies and as pastors were Rev. 
Messrs. N. R. Wight, G. W. Anderson, E. Dow, J. F. 
Whitherell, Rev. W. H. Ryder (1843, the first 
pastor), Thompson Barron (1846), John Moore (1850), 
familiarly known as Father Moore. He was suc- 
ceeded, in 1855, by his son, J. Hawly Moore, whose 
pastorate continued for eight years. In order, Rev. 
A. J. Canfield, 1862 ; Rev. Rowland Connor, in 1865 ; 
Rev. F. E. Kittridge, 1867 ; Rev. E. R. Sanborn, 1869; 



Rev. E. L. Conger, 1873; Rev. A. P. Rein, the present 
pastor, who began his settlement January, 1881. 

In 1841, Mr. and Mrs. Joel C. Danforth organized 
a Sabbath-school with but six members. The school 
now has grown to be oue of the most efficient in the 
city. 

In 1869, at the lime of holding the annual meeting, 
an important departure was made in the management 
and membership of the society, ladies then, for the 
first time, being allowed to become eligible to mem- 
bership in the parish and society organizations, Mrs. 
Armenia S. White, wife of Nathaniel White, be- 
coming the first lady member of the prudential 
committee. 

The Universalist society has always been an active 
and influential factor in the life of Concord, and its 
pastors, or the most of them, had many friends out- 
side of their immediate parish and church associates. 
Rev. John Moore, who suddenly died in the street, 
of heart-disease, was a man highly respected and 
dearly beloved, and when his funeral w;is held, the 
trustees of the Baptist society offered the use of their 
church edifice in which to hold the funeral services, 
the auditorium of this church being larger than that 
of the Universalist Church. . 

During the anti-slavery agitation, and during the 
progress of the Rebellion, the friends of this society 
were loyal friends of the North, and advocates of the 
rights and helpers of the enslaved and unfortunate. 
Rev. J. H. Moore took an active part in the work of 
advocating the rights of the enslaved. 

The Universalist society is at present in a most 
healthy and prosperous condition. The church edifice 
has just been remodeled at an expense of four thou- 
sand dollars, the improvements giving a chapel, a 
ladies' parlor, kitchen and dining-room and other 
necessary rooms, all of which have for some time been 
needed to keep pace with the wants and activities of 
the society. The parish at present contains many 
who are active in the commercial and active pursuits 
of life. Its church and Sunday-school organizations, 
and its Ladies' Aid Society, incorporated early in 
the history of the society, as well as its minor bodies, 
are large, active and efficient. 

The First Methodist Episcopal Church.— The first 
Methodist services in this vicinity were held on the east 
side of the river as early as 1816. In 1822 the first 
class was formed on Stickney Hill by Jotham Horton 
and E. Stickney. March 12, 1825, the first Method- 
ist society in Concord was formed, and among its 
first members were Stephen Webster, A. Webster, 
Philbrick Bradley, Timothy Bradley, B. H. Weeks, 
John Sherburne, James Goodwin, Richard Flanders, 
John Johnson, John Clough, David Culver and J. 
Abbott. Meetings were held only occasionally, how- 
ever, until 1830, when S. Kelley was appointed 
pastor, who was the first Conference preacher sta- 
tioned here. He was chaplain of the prison, and 
received for his services one dollar per week. 



HISTORY OF .MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



In 1831 the first church edifice was erected on 
the site occupied by the present building. It was 
dedicated December 1, 1831, and was about tbrty-two 
by fifty-lour feet in size, with sixty pews. The 
church has .several times been repaired and improved. 

The following is a list of the pastors from its or- 
ganization to the present time : Revs. Samuel Kelley, 
1830-31 (D. C. Robinson, 1831, supply) ; John G. 
Dow, 1832; George Storrs, 1833-34; S. Hoyt, 1835; 
J. W. Mowry, 1836 ; J. M. Fuller, 1837-38 ; W. H- 
Hatch, 1839-40; John Jones, 1841-42; C. L. Mc- 
Curdy, 1843; E. Smith, 1844; C. C. Burr, 1845; E. 
Peaslee, 1846-47; Charles Adams, 1848-49; F. A. 
Hews, 1850-51; W. F. Evans, 1852-53; S. Kelley, 
J854-55 (Professor S. M. Vail, supply, 1855); S. 
Beedle, 1856-57; Elisha Adams, 1858-59; O.H.Jasper, 
1860; J.H. McCarty, 1861-62; D. P. Leavitt, 1863-65; 
S. Holman, 1866; E. Adams, 1867-68; E. A.Titus. 
1869-70; A. E. Drew, 1871-73 ; M. W. Prince, 1874' 
Leon C. Field, 1875-76 ; O. W. Scott, 1877-78 ; E. 
C. Bass, 1879-80 ; L. C. Field, 1881 ; J. H. Haines, 
1882-84, present (Febraary 26, 1885) incumbent. 
The present membership is about two hundred and 
fifty. 

Baker Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church.'— 
The organization of a Christian Church in any com- 
munity is an event worthy of note. The good in- 
fluences it may exert in the formation of the charac- 
ter of the people in the place where it is located, the 
elevating power of the pulpit, together with the 
teachings of a Sunday-school in the giving of correct 
tone and purpose to the young, will be found salutary 
in every part of the world; truly radical in its op- 
position to vice, immorality and sins against the life 
and property of the individual, and strongly con- 
servative in all things pertaining to faith and doc- 
trine, such a church will materially assist in giving 
permanence, stability and peace to all. 

For several years previous to the organization of 
Baker Memorial Church it had been manifest to all 
that something must be done to give additional church 
facilities to the increasing Methodist element in this 
city ; the old church was small, the vestrj- accommo- 
dations bad and insufficient and the location of the 
church was loo far from the centre to accommodate 
the Methodist families iti the south part of the city. 
Several attempts were made by some of the zealous 
friends of Methodism to have repairs made, — enlarge- 
ment of the old house, or a new church built in a 
more central part of the city. To this end the Rev. 
Alfred E. Drew, then preacher in charge, by a strenu- 
ous effort, obtiiined a subscription of thirty thousand 
dollars for a new church, and many felt that relief 
was at hand. But some of those who opposed the 
measure sought to show that the subscription was 
faulty in many particulars, and so earnest and per- 
sistent was the opposition on the part of the minority. 



■ Lutlier P. Durgin. 



that the whole scheme failed, and all other efforts in 
every direction met a like fate. But early in the 
autumn of 1874 the following agreement was drawn 
up and circulated among the people : 

" We, the umlcrstgned, incmbfra of the Methodist Kpiecopal Churcli 
in the (it}- of Concord, believing that the cause of Christ and Ihe liesi 
interests of Methodism in our cit}-, as well us the pointinjis uf I'rovi- 
donee, demand that a new Methodist Society he established in i V.ijciir.l, 
and in order to test the feelings of our people in some tangible fonu, k« 
agree that when one hundred or more of the membership of the churcli 
now existing, twenty-live of whom shall be adult male members, shall 
sign this agreement, we will ask for letters of dismission from the 
first Methodist Episcopal Church for the purpose of forming a new 

The requisite one hundred was obtained, and on 
the evening of October 30, 1874, they met in Rumford 
Hall for the purpose of being organized. At this 
meeting. Rev. Theodore L. Flood, presiding eider of 
Concord District, officiated, making some appropriate 
remarks, setting forth the wishes of Bishop Janets, 
after which the people assembled, by a vote, accepted 
the conditions, and the church organization com- 
menced by the appointment of Maurice W. Prince as 
preacher in charge, and he appointed Luther P. 
Durgin class-leader. 

Immediately the first Quarterly Conference was 
held, — Present, Theodore L. Flood, presiding elder; 
M. W. Prince, preacher in charge; Rev. John W. 
Merrill, D.D., a superannuated Methodist preacher ; 
and Luther P. Durgin, class-leader. L. P. Durgin 
was chosen secretary, when the following board of 
stewards was nominated and confirmed : Rensselaer 
0. Wright, George W. Marden, Robert Ramsdell, 
Jacob B. Gage, Henry C. Sanborn, Luther W. Durgin, 
A. C. Nash, Charles T. Wason, Hinman C. Bailey. 
The following board of trustees were also nominated 
and confirmed : Jacob B. Rand, George L. Reed, 
Daniel Widmer, Osmore R. Farrar, Charles H. Rus- 
sell, Daniel E. Howard, Peter W. Myers, William E. 
Hood, Timothy R. Elwell. Additional class-leaders, 
Frederick Ruggles, William S. Davis, Alexander 
Lane ; treasurer and district steward, Henry C. 
Sanborn ; recording steward, George W. Marden 
and the usual church committees. 

At this first meeting it was voted unanimously to 
take the name of " The Baker Memorial Methodist 
Episcopal Church," in commemoration of the la- 
mented Bishop Osmon C. Baker. We think it not 
only proper but important to this history to speak 
briefly of the life of Bi.shop Baker. Osmon Oleander 
Baker was born in Marlow, N. H., July 30, 1812. 
His father, Isaac Baker, M.D., was eminent in his 
jtrofession. The bishop entered the academy at Wil- 
braham at the age of fifteen ; Middletown in 1830 ; 
was principal of Newbury Seminary ; entered the 
ministry; preached at Rochester and Manchester, 
and, after one year's service as pre.siding elder, was 
made professor at the institute in Concord, N. H. 
In 1852 he was elected bishop at the session of the 
General Conference, held in Boston, being the 
youngest of the Board of Bishops. For nineteen 



CONCORD. 



79 



years he filled the office of superiutendent in the 
church. Great in head, good in heart, pure in life, 
liigh in position, but humble in spirit, wise in counsel, 
yet modest and childlike, not given to show or ego- 
tism, he was dearly beloved most where he was best 
known — ^at home. On Wednesday, December 20, 
1871, he quietly fell asleep in Him whom lie fully 
trusted. 

And it seemed just, appropriate and timely that a 
Methodist Church, organized so soon after his decease, 
in the city where so many years of his life had been 
spent, — the home of his now bereaved family, — should 
have the privilege of perpetuating his memory by a 
memorial church, which, it is hoped, will endure 
longer than monuments of brass or marble to bless 
and gladden the world. 

It was voted to organize a Ladies' Benevolent 
Society. 

The first public service was held in Phoenix Hall 
on the Sunday following the organization (November 
1st), at 10.30 A.M., and at the close of the morning 
service all persons desirous of forming a Sunday- 
school were invited to remain. Rev. M. W. Prince 
took the chair, and the following pei-sons were elected 
officers of the school : President, Maurice \V. Prince ; 
Superintendent, Luther P. Durgin ; Assistant Super- 
intendent and Chorister, Robert Ramsdell ; Secretary, 
Ezra B. Crapo ; Treasurer, Rensselaer O. Wright; 
Librarian, Timothy R. Elwell. The persons present 
were organized into classes and the work of a Sunday- 
school begun. 

November 30, 1874, a committee was appointed to 
secure a lot, looking to the building of a church. On 
the 28th of December of the same year it was voted 
to secure the lot on the corner of State and Warren 
Streets, — the same that is now occupied by the chapel 
and parsonage. 

In January, 1876, the church received the offer of 
the free use of the chapel on Green Street, the prop- 
erty of Theodore H. Ford, Esq., and immediately 
transferred its place of worship to that house. This 
was the first of very many helps, counsels and finan- 
cial assistance received from the same Christian gen- 
tleman. 

In the spring of 1876 the board of trustees chose 
a building committee, and proceeded to erect a chapel 
on the lot on the corner of State and Warren Streets, 
and on December 21, 1S76, the house was dedicated 
by suitable services, the Rev. Bradford K. Pierce, of 
Boston, preaching the dedication sermon; and the 
dedicatory prayer was offered by the venerable Rev. 
John W. Merrill, D.D., of this city. 

Some incidents of encouragement are worthy of 
mention in connection with the history of this 
church : 

As the stated occasion for the celebration of the 
Lord's Supper came for the first time, the church 
was without a communion service, and the Unitarian 
society, through one of their officers, kindly volun- 



teered the use of theirs ; and at the service persons 
from nearly all tlie Christian Churches in the city 
were present, making it truly the Lord's table, to 
which all that love him were invited. Subsequently 
J. B. Stanley, Esq., a member of the Unitarian 
Church of Concord, volunteered and did present to 
the church a valuable communion service as a memo- 
rial of his mother, who was of the Methodist faith. 
A fine pulpit Bible and hymn-book were the gift of 
Mrs. Jacob B. Rand. The pulpit was made by John 
B. Watson, Esq., and presented to the church. The 
altar-chairs were the gift of the children of the Sun- 
day-school. 

The money to meet the various obligati(ms of the 
church have all been voluntary offerings. In the 
dark days when financial difficulties arose, when 
doubt and uncertainty met the church officials 
on every hand, friends were raised up, the needed 
funds provided and the good hand of the Lord was 
plainly visible. 

Among the valuable contributions in aid to the 
work was the gift of the frescoing of the chapel, by 
Rev. M. W. Prince, the preacher in charge. 

At the close of the Conference year, in 1877, came 
one of those occurrences usual to a Methodist Church, 
a change of the pastorate. The relations between 
Rev. M. W. Prince and this people were very tender, 
and it was with feelings of deepest regret that they 
surrendered to the inevitable rule, and bade good-bye 
to one that had labored with and watched over this 
little branch of God's church very zealously and effi- 
ciently, and left it growing and prosperous, with a 
membership of one hundred and sixty-one, in full, 
and fifteen probationers. 

At the beginning of the Conference year the society 
welcomed its new pastor. Rev. William Eakins, who 
for two years filled the pastorate very acceptably. 
During his labors a very profitable revival occurred, 
and a goodly number were added to the membership 
of the church. 

In April, 1879, the church was fortunate in secu- 
ring the appointment of Rev. Charles E. Hall as their 
pastor. 

During the two years of his work on the charge the 
Sunday-school was reorganized, and a reduction of 
two thousand dollars on the church debt was secured. 

At the close of the Conference year, in the spring 
of 1881, Rev. C. E. Hall gave notice of his intention 
to make a change in his relations to this church, 
much to the regret of a large portion of the church 
and congregation. 

Through the effort of Presiding Elder John W. 
Adams, Rev. Charles Parkhurst, of the Vermont 
Conference, was transferred and stationed with this 
church. Mr. Parkhurst brought many excellent 
qualities of head and heart to bear upon the work. 
The congregation was enlarged, the Sunday-school 
increased, two thousand five hundred dollars of the 
church debt canceled and a good spiritual inter- 



so 



HISTORY OF MEKKLMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



est manifested. But the sickness of his esteemed 
companion caused a breaking up of the pleasant 
relations that were then existing, and in August, 
1882, Mr. Parichurst removed to Washington, D. C, 
for the benefit of his wife's health. For twelve 
weeks the church was without a regular preacher. 
In the latter part of October the Rev. W. M. 
Sterling, of Minneapolis, was appointed to sujiply 
the remainder of the Conference year, and did re- 
markably good work for the time given him. But 
feeling called to return to his old Conference (Maine), 
Mr. Sterling declined a very decided vote to remain 
another year. On the first Sunday in May, 1883, the 
Rev. George W. Norris commenced his labors with 
this people. He came with an excellent reputation 
as a preacher and man of God, and during his two 
years' stay here hisprevious reputation was more than 
realized in building up the spiritual life and power 
of the church. In the spring of 1885 he was called 
to the office of presiding elder, and Rev. David E. 
Miller was transferred from the Vermont Conference, 
and is now preacher in charge. 

The present condition of the church is as follows : 
Church property appraised at sixteen thousand dol- 
lars, upon which there is an indebtedness of five 
thousand dollars ; church membership, one hundred 
and eighty-five in full, nine probationers; a Sunday- 
school of two hundred members, with a good and 
increasing congregation. 

The location of the church property is good, its 
field for usefulness large, and with God's blessing it 
will fulfill its mission. 

The system of voluntary contributions by the peo- 
ple, for current expenses of the church, was among 
the earliest measures adopted, and hiis been main- 
tained to this day, making it as truly a free church 
as any can well be. 

A building fund association was organized Fel)ru- 
ary 26, 1884, to aid in the erection of a prospective 
church edifice. 

During the entire history of Methodism woman 
has held a prominent place in points of privilege and 
duty in her churches, materially assisting in the car- 
rying on of all her great enterprises and endeavors to 
Christianize the world. 

In the department of missions this church has not 
been behind her sister churches. October 16, 1877, 
the women of Baker Memorial Church united in 
forming an auxiliary to the Women's Foreign Mission 
Society, which luis been increasing in numbers and 
efficiency until now. 

Mrs. Rachel O. Badger has filled the responsible 
position of teacher of the juvenile class in the Sun- 
day-school for nearly eleven years. Mrs. Emily H. 
Merrill filled the place of class-leader for a long time. 

The Ladies' Benevolent Society has been an im- 
portant factor in the various financial enterprises of 
the church, and in the promotion of tlie social ele- 
ment in the society. 



Women have been very efficient as collectors of 
funds in times of emergency, and foremost in the 
various enterprises for spiritual growth and seasons 
of revival. 

The First Methodist Episcopal Church in Pena- 
cook, N. H., was organized October 28, 1847, under 
Rev. Silas Quimby as presiding elder and Rev.Eben- 
ezer Peaslee preacher in charge, he being the first 
regularly appointed Methodist preacher in the place. 
For several years after the church was supplied by 
students from the Concord Theological Seminary, 
after which the following persons have received ap- 
pointments to this charge: Revs. Ebenezer Peaslee, 
John McLaughlin, Mr. Knapp, H. Loud, W. D. Cass, 
Mr. Sanborn, D. J. Smith, James Pike, J. C. Emer- 
son, D. C. Babcock, Samuel Roy,N. P. Philbrook,N. 
Culver, S. P. Heath, W. H. Jones, L. E. Gordon, L. 
P. Cushman, H. Woodard, E. R. Wilkins, C. W. Tay- 
lor. Of its early members, many have passed away. 
They were earnest, faithful men and women, who 
dared stand for the truth as they believed it. Its 
present membership is about one hundred and sixty. 
With a full board "f stewards and trustees and a good 
church property, they are considered a prosperous 
organization, with future years of usefulness. Pastor, 
1885, Rev. C. W. Taylor. 

First Baptist Church.' — On the 20th of May. 
1818, a number of persons residing in Concord, and 
belonging to different churches, met at the house of 
Richard Swain, iu said town, for the purpose of ascer- 
taining what degree of fellowship existed among them 
in the faith of the gospel, and also to consider what 
the prospects were of forming a church agreeable to 
the principles and practices of the Apostles of our 
Lord. 

After a free and full consideration of the first object 
before them, the following persons gave to each other 
an expression of their Christian fellowship, viz. : 
James Willey, John Holt, Sarah Bradley, Deborah 
Elliot, Sally Swain and Nancy Whitney. 

Soon after others joined them in fellowship and by 
the advice of brethren from the church in Bow, they 
being present by invitation, and having well con- 
sidered the subject, unanimously recommended the 
small band of disciples, fourteen in all, to embody 
and organize. 

Accordingly, an ecclesiastical council, composed oi 
members from neighboring churches, assembled at the 
house of Rev. William Taylor and there effected the 
organization. 

The council was composed of the following : Pas- 
tors, — Ottis Robinson, of Salisbury; John B. Gibson, 
of Weare ; Henry Vesey, of Bow. Deacons, — Gate 
and Severance, of Salisbury ; Wood and Barnard, of 
Weare; Bryant, of Bow. Brethren, — Kensington and 
F'ifield, of Salisbury ; Samuel Gale, of Weare; Cains 
and Gile, of Bow. 



J A. J. Preiicc.tt. 



CONCORD. 



81 



Prayer was offered, and the articles of faith adopted 
by the brethren seeking recognition, being read and 
considered, were approved by the council, and the 
body was unanimously declared to be a Church of 
Christ duly formed. 

The public services were as follows: Sermon, by 
Rider John B. Gibson ; hand of fellowship, by Elder 
Otis Robinson ; prayer, by Elder Henry Vesey. 

The church has settled seven pastors. Rev. Win. 
Taylor served for seven years, to 1825, during which 
he received thirty into fellowship. The records prove 
him to have been a good minister, "a self-sacrificing 
man, the very kind needed to lay broadly and strongly 
the foundation of a new enterprise." Rev. Nath. W. 
Williams followed and served the church five and a 
half years, taking in the goodly number of fifty-four. 
It was said and recorded "He was a man of God, dis- 
creet, humble and spiritual." Rev. E. E. Cummings 
followed in 1832 and continued for eighteen years, 
during which nearly five hundred came into member- 
ship. The long continuance and abundant fruits ol' 
this pastorate must be regarded as especially favored, 
as one revival followed another through the very 
faithful efforts of all, with God's blessing, and the 
community around rejoiced indeed. As many enter- 
prises of the church were carried forward under the 
leadership of Dr. Cummings, it must be a great pleas- 
ure to him, still living in his chosen home in Concord, 
at the age of eighty-four, to recall the past and con- 
teni|ilutc llie prisinl |>r(>s|MTily of his long-time charge. 

]\r\, ( '. W. I'liiinl. 1^ -IK (1. .Ir.l !is fourth to minister 
to the chiiich |irnii;inriitly in 1 S")(), remaining sixteen 
years, and for the most j)art they proved to be years 
of the right hand of the Lord in our Zion. Revivals 
were enjoyed by the church at intervals not distant 
and souls saved through his faithful appeals from the 
pulpit, and in his pastoral ministrations, tender and 
timely, many will rise up in the sanctuary above and 
call the dear, good man blessed, while there remain 
others here below who yet cherish his memory with 
true and deep affection as their spiritual father, their 
ready and tender comforter in affliction. 

The fifth. Rev. D. W. Faunce, D.D., present pastor 
of the E Street Baptist Church, Washington, D. C, 
and the sixth, Rev. W. V. Garner, retiring in July, 
1884, had each of them about nine years of efficient 
service with this church, and are regarded by their 
brethren as among the abler preachers in our Baptist 
ranks to-day. Rev. Garner has good reports from 
his present field of labor at Bridgeport, Conn. 

At the present time this church are listening with 
attention to the instructions and rejoicing in the min- 
istrations of Rev. C. R. Cram, D.D., late of the First 
Baptist Church, Boston, with every token of favor 
and success in a happy and useful pastorate. The 
church has buried eight good and faithful deacons: 
Willey, Gault, Crockett, Damon, J. O. Gault, Pres- 
cott, Winkley and Elwell, the first in 1853, the last in 
1872. The five living and serving during the last 
6 



five to thirty years are Brethren Flanders, Norris, 
Humphrey, Prescott and Fairbanks. 

Number of members reported at last association, 
three hundred and two, September, 1884. Whole 
number received in sixty-six years, eleven hundred 
and ninety. 

In conchision, we sliould state the fact that the 
Pleasant Street Church was formed in 1853, embracing 
thirty members dismissed from the parent church, 
and if a fair and full report should be made of all that 
has been sacrificed and accomplished through the 
Divine aid in sixty-seven years, we should have fresh 
courage and patience in laboring according to the 
plan set forth in Christ's Sermon on the Mount, 
(Matt. V. 16) : " Let your light so shine before men 
that they may see your good works and glorify your 
Father who is in heaven." 

Pleasant Street Baptist Church.'— This church 
began its career in the spring of 1853. The original 
members had formerly been identified with the First 
Baptist Church, of which Rev. E. E. Cummings had, 
for years, been the successful and beloved pastor. 
These brethren, from various causes, feeling that the 
time had come for the formation of a new Baptist 
interest within the city proper, undertook the arduous 
task of erecting a new house of worship. This work, 
begun and carried on in the midst of peculiar diffi- 
culties, was at length completed in January, 1854. 

Rev. E. E. Cummings was, at this time, preaching 
in Pittsfield. So successful had his labors proved, 
and so strong a hold had he secured upon the hearts 
of the people in Concord, that they very naturally 
and unanimously turned toward him as the man who 
should be invited to the pastoral charge of the new 
church. Accordingly, an invitation was extended 
and accepted, the new house opened, and Mr. Cum- 
mings publicly installed January 11, 1854, at which 
time the church, consisting of thirty members, was 
publicly recognized. Great prosperity followed the 
church under the leadership of Dr. Cummings. For 
thirteen years he labored with untiring energy in 
this, his second pastorate in the city of Concord. His 
wise counsel, his faithfiil preaching and his devotion 
to the people whom he served marked this second 
chapter in his history as a minister of the gospel in 
New Hampshire as most eventful. Dr. Cummings 
resigned October 6, 1867 ; but the resignation was not 
accepted until April 12, 1868. 

On the 18th of May following. Rev. H. G. Safford, 
of Amesbury, Mass., received from the church an 
invitation to become pastor in the field lately occu- 
pied by Dr. Cummings. Mr. Safford's pastorate be- 
gan June 7th, and continued seven years and six 
months. During his labors, which were highly effi- 
cient, the church increased considerably both in 
numbers and influence. Sound and logical as a 
preacher, thoughtful and sympathetic as a pastor, 



By Rpv. Jame, 



82 



HISTORY OF MKRRIMACK COUNTY, NEW IIAMI'SIIIUM. 



Mr. Safford made for himself a host of friends not 
only in his own society, but throughout the entire 
community. His piistorate ended October 31, 1875. 

Following his resignation was an interim of eight 
months, when, in March, 1876, a call was extended 
to Rev. E. C. Spinney, of the Newton Theological 
Institution. Having accepted this call, Mr. Spinney 
entered upon his labors in June following. His pas- 
torate continued four years, and was eminently suc- 
cessful, (.'ailed to the church when the membership 
numbered one hundred and fifty-five, he succeeded 
in greatly augmenting its numerical strength, and 
left it, at the close of hLs pastorate, numbering two 
hundred and fifty-eight. Mr. Spinney labored ar- 
duously during his four years' residence with this 
people, and greatly endeared himself to a large circle 
of friends. During his pastorate the house of worship 
wjis thoroughly renovatc^d and beautified, and ren- 
dered more attractive and comfortable. 

Mr. Spinney resigned April 31, 1880, to take effect 
on June 1st following. 

On the 11th of July, of the same year. Rev. L. G. 
Barrett received and accepted a call to the pastorate. 
Mr. Barrett, who had previously preached in Massa- 
chusetts and New York, entered upon his labors Sep- 
tember 1, 1880, and, after a pastorate of four years, 
resigned July 12, 1884, to take effect September 1st 
following. Mr. Barrett was an able preacher and an 
ardent advocate of temperance reform. He left a 
membership of two hundred and seventy-five, the 
church having been built up and enlarged in its 
efliciency during his term of service. 

The present pastor. Rev. James K. Ewer, entered 
upon Ills labors in tliis field January 1, 1885. 

Free-Will Baptist Church.— (See appendix). 

Baptist Church, Penacook.^iSce appendix). 

St. John the Evangelist (Eoman Catholic). — It is 
impossible to give the exact date when Mass was first 
said in this city, but it was probably in about the 
year 1845. It was visited occiisionally by various 
l)riests, among whom were Rev. Father McDonald, of 
Manchester, and Rev. Father O'Donnell, of Nashua. 
Very Rev. Father J. E. Barry, V. G., the first resi- 
dent priest, came to Concord in September, 18G5, and 
has remained to the present time. Services were first 
held in Ph(enix Hall. Father Barry at once started 
the movement for the erection of a church building, 
which was rapidly pushed forward, and March 13, 
1868, the present large and substantial brick struc- 
ture was dedicated. The church now numbers about 
two thousand souls. 

Very Rev. J. E. Barry, V. G., was born in East- 
port, Me., in August, 1836. He wiis educated at Holy 
Cross College, Worcester, Mass., and spent nine years 
at Sulpician College and Seminary, at Montreal. The 
first year of his service in the priesthood he was as- 
sistant at the Cathedral in Portland, Me., under Rt. 
Rev. D. W. Bacon, D.D., bishop of Portland. Upon 
the death of Dr. Bacon, Father Barry became the ad- 



ministrator of the diocese. June 10, 1875, he was 
appointed vicar-general by Rt. Rev. J. A. Healey, 
bishop of Portland. At the time of Father Barry's set- 
tlement here there were no Catholic Churches in New 
Hampshire north of Manchester, and his labors prac- 
tically extended over the entire northern portion of 
the State. Father Barry is untiring in his church- 
work, and his sterling qualities and genial, courteous 
bearing have won for him hosts of friends, and he is 
one of Concord's most honcjred citizens. He has a 
commodious and pleasant residence, adjoining the 
church, which is tastefully furnisiu'd and lepktc 
with all the conveniences of the age. 

St. John the Evangelist Church (Catholic), at 
Penacook, was organized in 1S.)4, and the present 
church was dedicated in 1868. 



CHAPTER III. 

CONCORD— (Co>,(/«i,e</). 
TUE PRESS.' 

Tlie Concord Herald and New Hampshire Infelli- 
grencer, commenced by George Hough, January 6, 1790, 
was the first paper printed in Merrimack County. It 
was on paper of bluish cast, twenty by fourteen 
inches. It was in a year or two enlarged, and ap- 
peared as the Courier of New Hampshire. It was dis- 
continued October 30, 1805. Mr. Hough was one of 
the most accurate printers who ever lived in New- 
Hampshire. He died February 8, 1830, aged seventy- 
three. 

The Mirrour, by Elijah Russell, was commenced 
October 29, 1792. Moses Davis was soon after asso- 
ciated with Russell in its publication. No. 130, now 
before the writer, is styled The Federal Mirror. May 

13, 1799, the paper appeared as The Mirror, the word 
Federal being discarded. It was soon after discon- 
tinued. 

The Republican Gazetteer, by Moses Davis, made its 
appearance November 29, 1796. Its dimensions were 
seventeen and a half by twenty-three inches. March 

14, 1797, it appeared as Russell & Davis's Republicun 
Gazetteer. It probably continued but a short time. 
The New Star, neither a large nor brilliant luminary, 
was issued a short time by the same publishers, in 
the year 1797. It was published only from April 14 
to October 3, 1797. 

The Republican Gazette, by Elijah Russell, made its 
appearance February 5, 1801. Tlie name was after- 
wards changed to the American Republican Gazette. 
It was the first paper in Concord to advocate the 
views of the Jefl'ersonian Republicans. Mr. Davis, 
who was associated with Russell in publishing the 
Gazette, was at the same time publisher of the Bart- 

> TliB ortitof acknowledges his iudcbtedness in the preparation of this 
chapter to the late Asa McFai-land, also to D. F. Secomb, P. B. fugs- 
well, H. H. Metcalf and George E, Jenks. 



mouth Gazette, ill IImmumt. mm.I csiiouscmI tlir l-'rderal 
>iilo, Russell stvliiii;- l>avis iIh' " rll»iw-cliiiir 
editor." 

T/ir Conrrn;! (Inzelle, by Hoit & Tiittle, was com- 
moneefl July \i, 1806, and discontinued with the 
thirty -seventh number. Mr. Hoit resided in Concord 
many years, but finally died in Pembroke, December 
24, 1854, aged seventy-one. His body was brought to 
t'oMcord, and buried in the Old tVmotory, where a 

o|- this city. 

.luiic 11, I.SIJT, Jesse C. Tuttle rcsuiijcd thr imblica- 
tion (if the Concord Gazette, omA continued Ihr |i.i|iri 
until alter the close of the war with iMmland, in IslTj, 
when it passed into the hands of VV. S. Spear, and 
thence to Spear & Thayer, who continued it until 
1S19, when it ceased to be published. Mr. Tuttle 
died in Concord, December 10, 1834, aged fifty -five. 

After leaving the Gazette, Mr. Hoit commenced the 
American Patriot, October 18, 1808, which he pub- 
lished until Aprill8,1809, when Isaac Hill, who, twelve 
days before, had completed a seven years' apprentice 
ship in the office of The Farmers' Cabinet, at Amherst, 
became its proprietor, and changed the name to Nev 
Hampshire Patriot. Walter R. Hill and Jacob B. 
Moore, brother and brother-in-law of Mr. Hill, were 
at times associated with him, but Mr. Hill was at all 
times its controlling spirit. He was a vigorous writer, 
an earnest Democrat, an honest man, who stamped 
his character upon the columns of the paper, and 
made it a power in the State as an exponent of the 
principles of Jeffersonian Democracy. Its patronage 
increased and its influence extended until it excelled 
all other papers in the State, and was recognized 
throughout the country as one of the ablest advocates 
of Democratic Republican doctrines. 

In March, 1829, he received an appointment in the 
Treasury Department at Washington, and the paper 
passed to Horatio Hill & Co., and April 27th, that year, 
their names appeared as publishers, Dudley S. Pal- 
mer being editor. July 6, 1829, Cyrus Barton, of 
Newport, became a member of the firm, and finally 
the editor. October 6, 1834, Horatio Hill retired, 
and Colonel Barton became sole proprietor. Novem- 
ber 21, 1840, Henry H. Carroll became associated 
with Colonel Barton in the ownership and manage 
ment of the Patriot. December 9, 1841, Colonel 
Barton retired from the establishment, having sold 
his interest to Nathaniel B. Baker, who, with Mr. 
Carroll, conducted the paper until November 6, 1845, 
when Mr. Baker retired, and his associate continued 
alone in the paper till his death, August 4, 184(3. 
December 3d, same year, William Butterfield became 
proprietor of the establishment. May 27, 1847, HiWs 
New Hampshire Patriot was united with the New 
HampMre Patriot, and William Butterfield and John 
M. Hill became the proprietors. May 18, 1853, Mr. 
Hill retired, leaving Mr. Butterfield as the owner 
until September 2, 1857, at which time Joseph W. 



Merriam became associated with him. This arrange- 
ment continued until August 17, 1859, when Mr. 
Merriam retired, and Mr. Butterfield was alone until 
May 6, 1868, when Mr. Hill re-entered the firm, and 
the firm-name was Butterfield & Hill until February 
20, 1873, when Edwin C. Bailey purchased the estab- 
lishment and continued as proprietor until October, 
1878, when it was purchased by the proprietors of 
The People, and the two papers were united under the 
name of the Peop/e and Patriot. 

In March, 1888, upon the death of Charles C. 
Pearson, who had been the active manager of the 
eslal.lislnaent, the paper passed to the proprietorship 
and control of John H. Pearson and Lewis C. Pattee, 
by whom it was conducted nnlil April l(i, 1885, tlu^ 
direct management being in the bands of Mr. Pear- 
It then passed into the hands of the New Hamp- 
shire Democratic Press Company, by whom it is now 
published. 

The People, mentioned above, was establislied here 
June 10, 1868, by John H. and Charles C. Pearson, 
under the firm-name of Charles C. Pearson & Co. 

The New HampMre Magazine, probably the first 
magazine published in this State, was commenced 
June, 1793, in Concord, and discontinued the follow- 
ing November. It was a small octavo, each number 
containing sixty-four pages. Rev. Martin Ruter, 
then a resident of Canterbury, is said to have been 
the editor. 

Hill's New Hampshire Patriot was commenced 
August 14, 1840, and conducted with the zeal and 
ability so obvious in the New Hampshire Patriot 
during the entire period that journal was in charge 
of its founder, Hon. Isaac Hill. In May, 1847, Hill's 
New Hampshire Patriot was united with the New 
Hampshire Patriot. 

The Farmers' Monthly Visitor, commenced by Isaac 
Hill, January 15, 1839, and conducted by that gentle- 
man several years, was an interesting and usefid pub- 
lication, in pamphlet form. Its publication in Con- 
cord ceased with the number for December, 1849, 
when it was transferred to Manchester. 

The New Hampshire Courier was commenced by 
Palmer & Odlin, December 14, 1832,— Dudley S. 
Palmer, editor. August 8, 1834, it appeared as the 
Courier and Inquirer, printed and published by Odlin 
& Chadwick, — D. S. Palmer, editor. This paper was 
continued under various proprietors until May, 1842, 
when it was discontinued; but was revived October 
4, 1844, by Augustus C. Blodgett, who had been for a 
time one of the proprietors of the New Hampshire 
Statesman. January 9, 1846, the Courier was united 
with the Concord Gazette, a journal then recently 
commenced by Charles F. Low. The connection of 
Mr. Low with the paper ceased October 21, 1846, and 
thenceforth, until its union with the Independent 
Democrat, May 6, 1847, Mr. Blodgett managed the 
paper. 



84 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The New Hampshire Observer was commenced in 
Concord, January 4, 1819, by George Hough, and 
was then entitled Concord Observer. March 25, 1822, 
it passed into the hands of John W. Shepard, who [ 
changed its name to Kew Hampshire Repository. Rev. 
John M. Putnam succeeded Mr. Shepard, changing 
the name of the paper to New Hampshire Observer. 
July 12, 1827, Mr. Putnam sold out to Tobias H. 
Miller, of Portsmouth, and the paper was transferred 
to that town. It was printed there and at Portland, 
Me., under several publishers and editors, until May, 
1831, when Edmund S. Chiidwick purchased a half- 
interest in the paper and returned it to its birth-place. 
June 11, 1831, ex-Governor David L. Morrill became 
half-owner. August 4, 1833, Charles H. Little pur- 
chased the interest of Governor Morrill, and the 
Observer was published by Chadwick & Little until 
February 6, 1835, when, Mr. Little having died, Rev. 
David Kimball became a.ssociated with Mr. Chad- 
wick, who retired March 25, 1836. January 4, 1839, 
the name was changed to Christian Panoply. Jan- 
uary 1, 1841, the paper became the property of 
David Kimball and Henry Wood, Congregational 
clergymen, and the name was changed to Congrega- 
tional Journal. After several changes, during which 
Rev. Benjamin P. Stone and Benning W. Sanborn 
were pro])rietors, December 25, 1862, its subscribers 
were transferred to The Omgregationalist and Boston 
Recorder. Mr. Stone afterwards issued a small 
monthly publication, and continued it two years, 
with the title Christian Reporter. 

The first number of the Abolitionist, published by 
D. D. Fisk and E. G. Eastman, appeared January 24, 
1835. After four numbers it was published by Albe 
Cady, George Storrs, George Kent and Amos Wood, 
and issued as the Herald of Freedom, the first number 
being dated March 7, 1835. Joseph Horace Kimball 
became editor and Elbridge G. Chase printer. The 
connection of Mr. Kimball with the Herald continued 
until disease forbade his longer continuance. His 
valedictory appeared March 24, 1838, and he died on 
the 11th of the following April. N. P. Rogers then 
assumed the editorial management, and remained in 
that position until, in 1844, a misunderstanding arose 
between him and the managers of the New Hamp- 
shire Anti-Slavery Society, in regard to the property 
in the concern, which resulted in the appointment ol' 
Parker Pillsbury as editor and Jacob H. Ela publish- 
ing agent. Their first paper appeared December 20, 
1844, and this arrangement continued about one year. 
In the mean time Mr. Rogers started another herald 
of freedom, with a prefix, — The Herald of Freedom. 
In this sheet he su.stained his side of the controver.sy. 
This paper he continued until near the time of his 
death, which took place October 16, 1846. 

August 13, 1841, the first number of the People's 
Advocate made its appearance, — Alanson St. Clair, 
publishing agent; G. J. L. Colby and A. St. Clair, 
editors. This was the organ of the political anti- 



slavery party in New Hampshire, and in those years 
met small encouragement. It seems to have been 
printed some time in Hanover, by J. E. Hood ; for in 
the report of the Liberty Party State Convention, 
held June 5, 1844, it was stated that Mr. Hood had 
received no compen.sation, and was liable for debts 
contracted by former publishers to the amount of 
three hundred dollars. Nearly two hundred dollars 
was contributed at that meeting to discharge this 
liability. I'he paper was probably discontinued in 
January, 1844. A little sheet — the Family Visitor— 
was commenced at Hanover by Mr. Hood, February 
7, 1844, and continued a short time in its place. Mr. 
Hood also started the Granite Freeman, a political 
anti-slavery paper, June 20, 1844, and continued the 
same until May 1, 1847, when it was united with the 
Independent Democrat. 

Ihe New Hampshire Stalesmnn ' was founded 
by Luther Roby, who moved from Amherst, N. H., 
to Concord, and became its printer and publisher. 
Amos A. Parker, in practice of law at Epping, was 
engaged to conduct it. The first number bears date 
Concord, January 6, 1823. Mr. Roby published the 
paper until June, 1823, when his connection with it 
ceased. He continued many years in the business of 
book-printing, until he abandoned it and engaged in 
developing the granite quarrying interest in Concord, 
in which he was the pioneer. In the later years of 
his life he engaged in the manufacture of glasswares 
in Lyndeborough, N. H. He returned to Concord, 
where he died February 22, 1883. He was born 
January 8, 1801. 

June 1, 1823, the Statesman became th'> property of 
Amos A. Parker, its conductor during the five months 
of its infancy. 

June 1, 1824, George Hough commenced and pub- 
lished the Concord Register, which was edited by 
George Kimball. Mr. Parker, October 17, 1825, 
tranferred the Statesman property to George Kimball, 
to which he united the "list" of the Register, and 
continued the publication of a paper under the united 
name of the New Hampshire Statesman and Concord 
Register, the first publication bearing date October 
22, 1825. Mr. Parker still lives, and resides in Glas- 
tonbury, Conn., at the age of eighty-nine. 

December 3, 1825, Thomas G. Wells, publisher of 
the Amherst Herald, purchased an interest in the 
Statesman and Register, to which he united the sub- 
scription list of the Herald, and the paper was [lub- 
lished by Kimball & Wells. February 11, 182(3, Mr. 
Wells sold his interest in the paper to Asa JIc Far- 
land and Moses G. Atwood, and the publishers were 
Kimball, McFarland & Atwood. July 29, 1826, Mr. 
Kimball disposed of his newspaper property to George 
Kent, and the publishers were Kent, McFarland & 
Atwood. July 28, 1827, Mr. Atwood conveyed his 
interest in the paper to Kent & McFarland, who con- 



By George E. Jenks. 



tinued its publication until May 21, 1S31, on which 
date a paper called the Xew Hampshire Journal, 
established September 11, 1.S26, by Henry E. & 
Jacob B. Moore, was consolidated with the Statesmmt 
and Register. These papers, united, assumed the 
title of The New Hampshire Statesman and State Jour- 
nal, and became the property of Asa McFarland and 
George W. Ela, who were its publishers until Janu- 
ary 1, 1834. The paper bore this title for twenty 
years. George Kent died at New Bedford, Mass., 
November 8, 1884, in the eighty-ninth year of his age. 

January 1, 1834, Mr. McFarland sold his interest 
in the Statesman and Journal to George W. Ela, who 
became sole proprietor and publisher from said date 
to May 0, 1888. Mr. Ela then entered into a part- 
nership with John W. Flanders, which existed until 
July 11, 1840, when Mr. Ela again became sole pub- 
lisher to August 14, 1841. From August 14, 1841, to 
May 1, 1842, the Statesman and Journal was published 
by George W. & Jacob Hart Ela. From May (J to 
June 25, 1842, the names of George W. Ela and 
Augustus C. Blodgett appeared as its publishers. 
From July 1, 1842, to April 14, 1843, the names of 
George W. Ela, Augustus C. Blodgett and John P. 
Osgood appeared upon the paper as its publishers. 
From the last date, for three numbers, no names ap- 
peared on the paper as publishers. From May 5, 1843, 
to February 23, 1844, the names of John P. Osgood 
and Frank S. West appeared as publishers and A. C. 
Blodgett as editor. From March 1 to July 18, 1844, 
the firm-name of Blodgett & Osgood appeared as 
publishers. Mr. Ela is understood to have retained 
an interest in the paper from April, 1843, to July 19, 
1844, when it was by him conveyed to George W. 
Odlin & Co. Mr. Ela, now at the age of seventy-seven, 
is an active business man, and holds a residence in 
Concord. 

The firm of George O. Odlin & Co. (John C. Wil- 
son and John R. Osgood being the company) began 
the publication of the Statesman July 26, 1844, and 
continued it until July 4, 1851. Mr. Osgood remained 
one of the firm about three years. Asa McFarland 
was its political editor to July, 1850, and corresjiond- 
ent, while making a five months' trip in Europe, to 
January, 1851. 

In July, 1851, Asa McFarland and George E. 
Jenks (firm of McFarland & Jenks, book and job 
printers) purchased the Statesman and assumed its 
publication under the title as above, — Asa McFar- 
land, editor. The first publication under said pro- 
prietors bears date of July 12, 1851. January 1, 
1858, Henry McFarland became associated with the 
said firm. January 1, 1868, Asa McFarland retired 
from the editorship of the paper, and January, 1869, 
the name was changed to The Republican Statesman. 
January 1, 1870, Rossiter Johnson purchased Asa 
McFarland's interest in the establishment, and the 
paper continued to be published under the firm-name 
of McFarland «& Jenks, to October 1, 1871. 



The paper was then purchased by a corporation 
known as the "Republican Press Association," who 
consolidated with it the weekly Independent Demo- 
crat; the same purchase included the Concord Daily 
Monitor. The weekly issue of the paper from the 
press of this corporation has, since October 1, 1871, 
borne the title of the Independent Statesman. Rossiter 
Johnson, P. B. Cogswell, George G. Fogg, William 
E. Stevens, Allan M. Jenks and Edward N. Pearson 
have been members of its editorial corps since Octo- 
ber, 1871, and Edward A. Jenks has been its business 
manager. 

Of those the longest idenlilied with [he Slulesmnn, 
Asa McFarland was the veteran. His iHiblication ol' 
the paper dates from February 11, 1S26, to January 
1, 1834, and from July, 1851, to January 1, 1868,— 
about twenty-five years. To this term of service may 
be added six years as political editor and correspon- 
dent while the paper was published by George O. 
Odlin & Co. After retiring from active service, he 
was a frequent contributor to the columns of the 
Statesman to the time of his death, December 13, 
1879, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. 

George E. Jenks was for more than twenty years a 
publisher of the Statesman, and Henry McFarland 
fourteen years. George W. Ela was a proprietor of 
the Statesman thirteen years, and George O. Odlin 
and John C. Wilson each seven years. 

Of the men who have, at various times, been en- 
gaged in the earlier publication of the Statesman, 
there are living, a.d. 1885, Amos A. Parker, now of 
Glastonbury, Conn., aged about eighty-nine; George 
W. Ela, Concord, seventy-seven ; and George O. Od- 
lin, Union Grove, 111. 

The Statesman came into existence after the decease 
of the Federal party, and espoused the cause of Levi 
Woodbury as an independent candidate for Governor 
against Samuel Dinsmoor. Mr. Woodbury was suc- 
cessful against his rival. Subsequently it supported 
the Whig party, -and became the leading exponent of 
its principles; and later, an effective supporter of the 
Republican party, when it came into existence in 
1856 from the wreck of the old Whig and Free-Soil 
parties, and since. 

The Independent Democrat was commenced at Man- 
chester, May 8, 1845, by Robert 0. Wetmore. Subse- 
quently it was transferred to Concord, where George 
G. Fogg, State Secretary, engaged in its editorial 
management, and May 6, 1847, the New Hampshire 
Courier, published by A. C. Blodgett, and the Granite 
Freeman, published by J. E. Hood, with their sub- 
scription lists, were merged with the Independent 
Democrat, and Mr. Hood became one of the editors 
and publishers of the consolidated journal, under the 
name of Tlie Independent Democrat and Freeman. 
July 29, 1847, Mr. Wetmore retired therefrom, and 
the paper was published by J. E. Hood & Co. Feb- 
ruary 22, 1849, Mr. Hood retired from the paper, and 
James J. Wiggin became a partner, when the paper 



UISTOllV OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NKW HAMPSHIRE. 



again assumed the name of The IndependeHl Democrat, ' 
and appeared ]>ul)lislied by Fogg & Wiggin. 

January 1, 1S;')2, Cyrus Barton, a former publisher ] 
of the New JliimpMre Pntrivt, commenced tlie publi- \ 
cation of a semi-weekly paper, called the State Cap- 
ital Itepnrler. Jlay 20, 1853, Amos Hadley became 
associated with Colonel Barton. A weekly edition of 
the Reporter WAS commenced July 10, 1S.')3, and the j 
semi-weekly Reporter was discontinued September 5, ' 
1854. Colonel Barton died February 17, 18.55, and j 
Mr. Hadley conducted the establishment until Jan- j 
nary 8, 1857, when the paper was merged in The 
Indepenilrnt Democrat, which Wiis thereafter jiublished 
and edited by (reorge G. Fogg and Amos Hadley. 

May •;:{, 1864, Parsons B. (Cogswell and (Jcorge H. 
Sturtevant commenced to publish the Concord Daily 
Monitor. October 14th a weekly edition of the Monitor 
W1U5 published, and continued until Jaiiuiiry 5, 1867; 
but January 20, 1867, The Independent Democrat and 
the Monitor establishments were united, and the Con- 
cord Daihi Monitor and The Independent Democrat 
were published by the Indejiendent Press Associa- 
tion until October, 1871, when The Independent Dem- ' 
ocrat and Repnhllcnn iStatesman establishments were 
consolidated. The combined weekly paper ajipeared 
under tlie name of the Independent Statesman, and the 
daily issue continued under the name of the Concord 
Daili/ Monitor. The new business combination was 
incorporated under the style and title of the "Re- 
publican Press Association." 

Such have been the changes and affiliations of half 
a century, through which the Independent Statesman 
came into existence October 6, 1871. From this date 
there has been no change. 

As connected with The Independent Democrat, Inde- 
pendent Statesman and Daili/ Monitor, (reorge G. Fogg 
held a service of twenty-seven years. He died October 
5, 1881. P. B. Cogswell's service with these papers has 
been continuous since May, 1864. Amos Hadley had a 
ten years' connection with the liepoi'fer a.nd Democrat. 

The Independent Democrat was established to pro- 
mulgate the i)rinciples of the Free-Soil party. Sub- 
sequently, from the consolidation of the o])ponents ol 
the Democratic organization into the Republican 
party, in 1856, it gave firm supjiort to the new organ- 
ization, which embraced the principles of the Free- 
Soil party. These two leading papers, the Slatemian 
and the Democrat, having accomplished their separate 
work, are now consolidated in one, to represent the 
great principles for which the two .so long battled, 
side by side, in the city of Concord. T.,ong may its 
name be a synonym for the rights of all mankind ! 

January 5, 1832, the Olive Branch, a small quarto, 
issued once a week, made its appearance. It bore 
the name of Jacob Perkins, but was discontinued on 
the 21st of the following June. 

November 21, 1832, Hill & Barton, proprietors of 
the yein HamjJshire Patriot, commenced issuing that 
paper in semi-weekly form, which, after trial of a 



year and a half, ceased to appear as a semi-weekly 
sheet. 

The Star in the East and New Hampshire UniversalM 
was first issued on April 12, 1832, by Kimball & 
Adams. It was conducted by Rev. John G. Adams 
until August 5, 1837, when it was merged in The 
Trumpet, a Universalist paper, published in Boston, 
by Rev. Thomas Whittemore; Rev. Moses Ballon, of 
Portsmouth, was assistant editor. 

The Balm of Qilead and Practical I'liifrmilixt \v:is 
commenced July, 1842, and continued two years or 
more, — J. F. Witherell, publisher; C. Philbrick, 
printer. It was a small weekly quarto paper, and 
advocated the principles of ibc nligicius denomina- 
tion whose name it bore. 

On March 1, 1831, Henry 1".. and John W. Moore 
commenced the Concord Adrrrliser, but the pa])er 
was soon abandoned, and J. W. Moore, May 10, is;{4, 
commenced a semi-monthly called The Chameleon, 
but that also was short-lived. 

Moses Eastman and Albert G. Chadwick, June 16, 
1833, commenced, and published more tluui a year, a 
paper styled The Spirit of Enqmrii. 

The New Hampshire Baptist Reijisfer, Rev. Edmund 
Worth, editor; Eastman, Webster & Co., publishers, 
was issued here several years before and after the year 
1834. 

Priestcraft Exposed, a semi-monthly publication, 
was issued here in 1833, 1834 and 1835 by Hayes & 
Kimball, a part of which time it was published in an 
enlarged form as The Expositor. 

The Literary Gazette, published weekly by D. D. 
Fisk, Asa Fowler and Moody Currier, was commenced 
August 1, 1834, and published about two years. 
Cyrus P. Bradley was also associated fur a liiiic with 
the paper. 

Temperance Herald was the name of a paper pub- 
lished by the New Hampshire Temperance Society, 
at Concord, and furnished free one year to every 
family in the State in 1834 or 1835. E. S. Cha.hviek 
continued the publication of the paper one year after 
the State society relinquished it. Mr. Chadwick also 
published the White Mountain Torrent, a triii|.ii;nice 
.sheet, about three years prior to July l'o, IS4i;, when 
it was united with the Massachusetts J'n/ij'rrmirr S/.md- 
ard, and published in Boston. 

The Loco-Motive, a small semi-weekly papi r, was 
commenced May 20, 1842,— John K. I''r( iieh, pul)- 
lishcr; George Kent, editor. Only ;iIhiiiI Iwciily 
numbers were issued. 

The Crusader of Reform, commenee.I .hnuiary, 1S52, 
was published al)0ut two years by Rev. Daniel Lan- 
caster. 

Rev. Daniel Lancaster and Charles L. Wheeler com- 
menced, early in 1853, and published a few numbers 
of a paper bearing the name Northern Indicator. 

The Undercurrent, a monthly paper, was commenced 
November 1, 1848, by Lewis Tower, but was soon 
discontinued. 



CONCORD. 



87 



The Democratic Standard was comnienced .Time, 
1856, by John B. Palmer, and continued until August, 
1861, when, on account of its alleged disloyalty, the 
(itfioc was assailed by a mob, and the printing material 
destroyed. Its publication was not resumed. Ed- 
mund Burke, of Newport, was understood to have 
been a frequent writer for tlie Standard. 

The Mnnifar, the organ of the Unitarian dc liiia- 

tion in New Hampshire, eommeneed at Duvrr in 
1881, was removed to Concord Blay 7, 1834. It was 
conducted until May 6, 1835, by a committee of the 
I'nitarian Ministerial Association. Rev. Moses G. 
Thomas occupied the editorial chair at that tiiuc, ami 
conducted the paper until it was discontiniud, jirnli- 
ably with the close of Vol. 5, May 20, 1886. 

The Xew Hampshire Phwnix, a temperance sheet, 
conducted by D. & J. Lancaster, was commenced 
January 7, 1854. February 10, 1855, E. H. Cheney 
appeared as editor and proprietor. It was finally 
united with the Weekly Chronicle, at Portsmouth, and 
published there by Miller & Gray. 

Campaign Papers. — These have been issued by 
several concerns, especially previous to the establish- 
ment of daily papers in Concord. These sheets had 
various titles, of which the following are specimens: 
Spirit of the JiepiMican Press, from the office of the 
Patriot, in 1829, D. S. Palmer, editor; The Concord 
Patriot, by S. O. Dickey, 1835; The Tramcript, 1835; 
The Adfocdie of Democracy, from the office of Hill's 
JS'ew Hiiiiipxliii-r I'idriot, 1843, Joseph Kidder, editor; 
The True WIti.j. 1). S. Palmer, editor, 1847; The Wil- 
inot Vrof !■•:<•. IMS, Frank Barr, publisher; the Rvuyh 
and Readji. i ir H fiih' Osgood, publisher; the 
Concord 7' , i i, i, , |„ Wheeler, publisher ; the 

Voice of th' \' ■,',.-', , l.y E. E. Sturtovant, 1855; 
and the T„n,,k ,u,d Slmdy, to match tlie l,'n,n/h and 
Ready. 

October 6, 1828, Moore & Patch commenced, but 
iniblished only a few weeks, a paper entitled Time's 
Mirror. Mr. Moore afterwards published a paper at 
Meredith Bridge (now known as Laconia). He died 
in Amherst, his native place, February 13, 1837, aged 
twenty-eight. 

The Keiv Hampshire Workman, devoted to Labor 
and Political Reform, was commenced at Concord, 
March, 1870, and continued a short time. No names 
appeared as publishers. 

S. G. Noyes publishes a weekly paper in Fisher- 
ville, entitled Rays of Liyht. 

The Veterans' Advocate was established January 1, 
1884, and is devoted to the interests of the Grand 
Army of the Republic. H. F. W. Little and Ira C. 
Evans, editors ; Ira C. Evans, publisher. 

Amateur's Monthly Magazine, 16 pages. Edited and 
published by Frank A. Knight; commenced January, 
1873, ceased April, 1S74. 

The Daily Press of Concord.'— The history of tlie 



1 By P. B. Cogswell. 



daily press of Concord must necessarily include llic 
papers which have been published during the sessions 
of the Legislature, and in political campaigns, cover- 
ing short periods of time usually. Files of most of 
these are preserved in the newspaper oilices of the 
city, and an examination of them will well re])ayany 
person inlcreslcil in the progress of typography and 

lIiM.'s Daily Patimot.— The first prospectus f„r 
a daily paper in Concord was issued by William P. & 
John M. Hill, publishers of Hill's Mew Hampshire 
Patriot, May 12, 1841. It provided for the publica- 
tion of a paper during the session of the Legislature. 
six days in a week, to contain the i)roceedings of the 
Legislature as reported by Governor Hill, assisted by 
the publishers, and also the proceedings of Congress, 
then in session, having been called together in con- 
sequence of the death of President Harrison. Its 
terms were two cents a copy, delivered by stage- 
drivers and mail-carriers. The first number was 
issued June 3d, with a printed page measuring eleven 
by seven and a half inches, and presented a neat 
typographical appearance. It was continued until 
the close of the session, July 3d, making a volume of 
twenty-eight numbers. Vol. 2 wa.s published in 
1842, beginning January 1st and ending June 24th, 
the day of the close of the session, making twejity- 
one numbers. 

The Daily Patriot was first issued ,)une 2. 1841, by 
Barton & Carroll, and was continued through the ses- 
sion of the Legislature every morning, except Friday 
and Sunday. It was a small folio, the jniges twelve by 
eight and one-half inches, with three columns of mat- 
ter, and the subscription price was twenty-five cents for 
the session. The volume closed July 3d with the 24th 
number. The volume for 1842 is missing, but it was of 
the same size as Vol. 1, and published by Carroll & 
Baker. There were two sessions of the Legislature 
that year, the first beginning June 1st aud ending June 
24th, and the second beginning November 2d and end- 
ing December 23d. Vol. 4 (probably a mistake) begau 
June 8, 1843, and ended July 1st, with the 21st num- 
ber— Carroll &Baker, publishers. The volume for 1844, 
by the same publishers, is numbered Vol. 4, and 
covers two sessions of the Legislature, the first be- 
ginning June 6th and ending June 19th, with the 12th 
number, and the second beginning November 21st and 
ending December 28th, with Nund)er 33. Vol. 5, by 
the same publishers, beginning Jnne 5, 1845, and 
ending July 3d, contains twenty-five numbers. 

Vol. 6, beginning June4, 1846, aud ending July 10th, 
contains thirty-one numbers, and was published by 
H. H. Carroll. Vol. 7 appeared in an enlarged form, 
four columns to a page, and the pages sixteen by 
twelve and one-half inches. It began June 3, 1847, 
and ended July 5th, with the 27th number— Buttertield 
& Hill, publishers. In 1848 there were two sessions 
of tlie Legislature and two volumes of the paper, — 
Vol. 8, beginning June 8th and ending June 24th, con- 



HISTORY OK MKKKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMl'SHTRE. 



taining fifteen numbers, and Vol. 9, beginning No- 
vember 23d and ending January 5, 1849, containing 
thirty-two numbers— HutterHeld iS: Hill, publishers. 

In 1849 the paper took the name ut" Let/istative He- 
porter, and was published by N. H. Baker, as Vol. 1, 
beginning June 7tli and ending .July 7tli, willi the 
2.')th number. 

Vol. 10 of Th,! Dai/;/ I'alrwt began .fuiie tJ, 1S''0, 
and ended July 13tli, containing thirty-one numbers, 
and was publishe.l by IJutterlield & Hill. During 
this year the Consiitulional Convention was held, and 
the <iaily is numbered Vol. 12, beginning November 
7, 1850, and ending .January 4, 18.51, with the SCtli 
number. This volume appears in enlarged form, the 
pages mciisuring nineteen and one-fourth by thirteen 
inches, and five columns to a page. 

Vol. 13 began June 5, 18.51, and ended July 5th, with 
the 24th number, with no change in publishers. 
Vol. 14 began June 3, 1852, and ended June 19th, with 
the 13th number. This w:is a Presidential election 
year, and the nomination of Franklin Pierce for tlie 
Presidency necessitated better facilities than a weekly 
paper afforded for conducting tlie campaign at his 
home, and, therefore, Messrs. Butterfield & Hill de- 
cided to i.ssue a daily through tlie campaign for one 
dollar, and Vol. 15 began July 12th and ended Novem- 
ber 3d, the day after the election, making ninety-seven 
nunibers. It was the first pai)er printed six days in 
a week, in this city,e.Kcept during legislative sessions. 
A second ses.sion of the Legislature was held the same 
year, and Vol. 1(5 began November 18th and ended 
January 10, 185.'?, making thirty-seven luimbei-s. 

Vol. 17, beginning June 2, 1853, and ending .July 
2d, with the 24th numlier, was published by William 
Butterfield, as were the seven succeeding volumes, 
— viz.. Vol. 18 began June 8, 1854, and ended July 
5th, comprising twenty-five numbers. Vol. 19, a cam- 
l)aign paper, published si.x times a week, began 
November 9, 1854, and ended March 10, 1855, com- 
prising eighly-si.v numbers. Vol. 20 began June 7, 
1855, and ended July 14th, with the 27th number. 
Vol. 21, published as a campaign paper, began 
January 9, 185f), and ended March 8th, comprising 
forty-three numbers. Vol. 22 began June 5, 1856, 
and ended July 12th, with the 24th number. Vol. 23 
was published as a Presidential campaign paper from 
September 11, 1856, to November 1st, of the same year, 
making thirty-three numbers. Vol. 24 began June 
4, 1857, and ended June 27th, making only sixteen 
numbers. 

Vol. 25, beginning June .3, 1858, and ending .liuie 
26th, comprising seventeen numbers, was published by 
Butterfield & Merriam, as also was Vol. 27, beginning 
June 2, 1859, and ending June 28th, with seventeen 
numbers. We find no file of Vol. 26, and presume 
there was an error in numbering Vol. 27. 

Vol. 28, beginning June 7, 1860, and ending July 
.5th, comprising twenty numbei-s, was published by 
William Butterfield, as also was Vol. 29, beginning 



June 6, 1861, and ending July 4th, comprising twenty 
numbers. 

The publication of Tlie Daily Patriot regularly 
through the year was begun January 3, 1868, by But- 
terfield & Hill, the volume being numbered 30, and 
was continued by them to February 1, 1873, when 
E. C. Bailey became its proprietor and publisher, and 
continued its publication to November 1, 1877, when 
it was stopped. During the legislative session of 
1878 the paper was published by F. P. Kellom, with 
William P. Bailey, editor, beginning June 5th and 
ending August 19th, making si.\ty-four numbers. 

Duritig the legislative session of 1879 the People 
<md Patriot, Vol. 1, was published by C. C. Pearson, 
beginning June 5th and ending July 21st comprising 
forty numbers. December 1, 1879, the publication of 
the paper, under the same title, six issues a week, was 
resumed by C. C. Pearson, and continued until Sep- 
tember 3, 1881, when it was discontinued. The 
People and Patriot was re-established by the Demo- 
cratic Press Association, 1885. 

Daily People. — Another legislative paper was 
the Daily People, published by Charles C Pearson 
& Co., a folio sheet, with pages twenty-one by four- 
teen inches. Nine volumes were issued, as follows : 
Vol. 1, from June 1, 1870, to July 1st, comprising 
twenty -three numbers. Vol. 2 from June 7, 1871, to 
July 18th, twenty-seven numbers. Vol. 3, from June 
6, 1872, to July 9th, seventeen numbers. Vol. 4, from 
June 5, 1873, to July 3d, seventeen numbers. Vol. 5, 
from June 3, 1874, to July 10th, twenty-six numbers. 
Vol. 6, from June 2, 1875, to July 3d, twenty-three 
numbers. Vol. 7, from June 8, 1876, to July 21st, 
thirty-two numbers. Vol. 8, from June 7, 1877, to 
.luly 21st, thirty-two numbers, and Vol. 9, began June 
6, 1878, ending August 20th, with fifty-three numbers. 

Daily De.mocrat and Frkeman. — During the 
legislative session of 1847 a daily was published by 
Wetmore & Hood, called the Daily Demnn-at and 
Freeman. It vva-s a small sheet, eleven by fifteen and 
one-half inches, four columns to a page. The first 
number was dated June 3, 1847, and the last number 
July 5th, and twenty -six numbers were issued. 

Daily Independent Democrat. — Dailies were 
issued from the Independent Demoa-at office dur- 
ing the sessions of the Legislature, as follows ; Vol. 

3 began June 7, 1855, and closed July 14th, with prob- 
ably twenty-seven numbers. We do not know that a 
file of it is in existence, but the files of the weekly 
edition contain the proceedings of the Legislature 
quite fully, which were taken from the daily. Vol. 

4 began .lune 4, 1857, and ended June 27th, comprising 
seventeen numbers. It was published by Fogg & 
Hadley. Vol. 5 began June 3, 1858, and ended June 
26th, comprising seventeen number.s. Vol. 6 began 
June 2, 1859, and ended June 29th, comprising seven- 
teen numbers. Vol. 7 began June 7, 1860, and 
ended July 5th, comprising twenty numbers. The 
size of the pages was twelve and three-fourths by 




<^^^-. 



Tiiiii'teni :incl ono-half inches. Vol. 8 began June 6th, 
isdl, ami oiiiliil .luly 5th, comprising twenty numbers. 

Daii.v Statesman. — Vol. 1 of the Daily States- 
nidii was begun by McFarlaud & Jenks, June 2, 1852, 
and ended June 19th, comprising only fit'teen nuni- 
Imts, the session being a short one. Vol. 2 began 
.lune 8, 1854, and ended July 15th, comprising twenty- 
si X numbers. Vol. 3 began June 7, 1855, and ended July 
14th, comprising twenty -seven numbers. Vol. 4 began 
.lune 5, 1856, and ended July 12th, comprising twenty- 
lour numbers. Vol. 5 began June 4, 1857, and 
ended June 26th, comprising sixteen numbers. Vol. 
6 began June 3, 1858, and ended June 26th, comprising 
seventeen numbers. Vol. 7 began June 2, 1859, and 
ended June 28th, comprising seventeen numbers. Vol. 
8 began June 6, 1860, and ended July 5th, comprising 
twenty numbers. Vol. 9 began June 6, 1861, and 
ended July 5th, comprising twenty numbers. 

IjEGISLATive Reporter. — In 1862 a joint arrange- 
ment was made by William Butterfield, of the Patriot, 
McFarland & Jenks, of the Statesman, and Fogg & 
Hadley, of the Independent Democrat, for the publica- 
tion of one daily during the session of the Legis- 
lature, under the title of Legislative Reporter. Vol. 
1 began June 5, 1862, and ended July 10th, comprising 
twenty-five numbers. Vol. 2 began June 4, 18C3, 
and ended July 1st, comprising twenty-four numbers. 
Vol. 3 began June 3, 1864, and ended July 16th. Vol. 
4 began June 8, 1865, and ended July 3d, comprising 
seventeen numbers. Vol. 5 began June 7, 1866, and 
ended July 9th, comprising twenty-one numbers. This 
was the last volume issued, the Daily Monitor and 
Daily Patriot being published regularly, rendering it 
unnecessary for the weekly papers to continue the 
publication of a daily solely for the purpose of giv- 
ing the legislative proceedings. 

There may have been other legislative dailies pub- 
lished, but no files of them are in existence to our 
knowledge. In 1846 the Granite Freeman and New 
Hampshire Courier announced that dailies would be 
issued by their publishers for the session, but whether 
the promise was fulfilled is more than we know. 

Concord Daily Monitor. — Early in the spring 
of 1864 several gentlemen of this city, who felt the 
need of a permanent daily paper at the capital of 
the State, took steps looking to the securing of that 
object. Estimates of expense for an evening paper 
were obtained, and a guaranty fund of three thousand 
dollars was subscribed by some forty or more gentle- 
men interested in the movement, chiefly through the 
solicitation of the late Governor Joseph A. Gilmore. 
A contract was made with P. B. Cogswell and George 
H. Sturtevant, book and job printers, under the firm- 
name of Cogswell & Sturtevant, to print and publish 
an evening daily, for a fixed compensation, for a 
specified number of copies, they to have no editorial 
responsibility. On May 23, 1864, the Concord Daily 
Monitor made its appearance from the office of Cogs- 
well & Sturtevant, and bearing their names as pub- 



lishers. The services of the late William S. Robinson, 
then clerk of the Massachusetts House of Repre- 
sentatives, were secured for a few weeks as editor, 
and J. M. W. Yerrinton as legislative reporter. The 
paper published full telegraphic reports, and made a 
special point of giving news from the New Ilamj)- 
shire soldiers in the field, which helped to increase 
its circulation. 

It is perhaps needless to say that all the verbal 
conditions of the contract for publishing the pai)er 
were broken almost from the start, and the promised 
written contract was never furnished. The local 
editorial work fell at once upon the senior publisher, 
and at the end of six or seven weeks Mr. Robinson 
returned to his home, and J. Henry Gilmore, the 
private secretary of his father. Governor Gilmore, 
assumed the editorial work in part, and continued his 
connection with the paper about one year. Of the 
subscribed guaranty, only about one-half was ever 
collected, and not a dollar of it was ever received by 
the publishers. Near the end of August, 1865, the 
paper and its accounts were turned over to Cogswell 
& Sturtevant, in part payment of their claim for 
printing, and they assumed its editorial and busiuess 
management, which they continued until January 2, 
1867. During the falls of 1865 and 1866, George A. 
Harden, now of the Lowell Courier, and Speaker of 
the Massachusetts House of Representatives, was 
employed in editorial work on the Monitor, and Wil- 
liam B. Smart, now of the Boston Post, for a short 
time in the fall of 1864 had charge of the local work. 
On January 2, 1867, the Monitor and Independent 
Democrat offices were merged under the name of 
"The Independent Press Association" for the term 
of five years. The association was composed of 
George G. Fogg, Amos Hadley, P. B. Cogswell and 
George H. Sturtevant, and they continued the publi- 
cation of the Monitor and the Independent Democrat, 
the Weekly Monitor, which had been published for 
fifteen months, being united with the latter paper- 
Mr. Hadley retired from the paper after a few 
months, and part of his interest was taken by S. C. 
Eastman. On January 1, 1868, the Monitor was 
enlarged, to accommodate the increasing advertising 
patronage. In 1870, IMr. Sturtevant sold part of his 
interest to John W. Odlin, and the association con- 
tinued without further change until October 1, 1871, 
when the Republican Press Association was formed. 

Parsons Brainard Cogswell was born in Hen- 
niker, N. H., January 22, 1828. His parents were 
David and Hannah (Haskell) Cogswell, who removed 
from Gloucester, Mass., to Henniker early in 1815, 
and he was the eighth in a family of twelve children. 
He was also of the eighth generation of descendants 
of John Cogswell, ancestor of the Cogswell family, 
who settled in Old Ipswich, Mass., in that portion 
now known as Essex, in 1635. His early life was 
spent in farming principally, occasionally helping in 
his lather's blacksmith-shop. His education was ob- 



IIISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW IIAMl'SHIRE. 



taincd in the common school and an occasional term 
of a few weeks in the academy, until nearly nineteen 
years old, when he attended Clinton Grove School 
eight months, under the instruction of Moses A. 
Cartland, a noted teacher and cousin of John G. 
Whittier. In the fall of 1847 an opi)ortunity occurred 
for hiiu to gratify a long-felt desire to learn the 
printer's trade, and November 29th he entered the 
Independent Democrat office, then owned by Hon. 
George G. Fogg (afterwards minister to Switzerland 
and United States Senator) and Joseph E. Hood (after- 
wards on the editorial stafl' of the Springfield Repub- 
lican for many years). In the spring of 1849 he was 
employed in the New Hampshire Palriol office, and 
continued there for three years, with the exception of 
six weeks in the Gloucester Telegraph office at the 
close of 1849. In 1852 he entered the employ of 
Tripp & Osgood lus a book comi)ositor, and so con- 
tinued for two years. Later, in March, 1854, in com- 
pany with A. G. Jones, he purchased the printing- 
office of Tripp & Osgood, and the partnership con- 
tinued for some four and one-half years, when he 
conducted the business alone for several years. May 
23, 1864, in company with George U. Slurtevant, he 
started the Concord Daily Monitor, which was the 
first permanent daily i)aper published in Concord, 
and has been connected with it ever since, as local, 
associate and managing editor, holding the latter 
position at the present time. The weekly issue is the 
Independent Statesman, and the papers are owned and 
published by the Rei)ublican Press Association, he 
being the second largest owner in the stock of the 
same. He wiis elected a member of the superintend- 
ing school committee of Union School District, 
which embraces the compact part of the city of 
Concord, known as the State-House Precinct, in 
March, 1858, and when the Board of Education of 
the district was created, in August, 1859, he was cho- 
sen for a two-years' term, and has been successively 
re-elected since for nine terms of three years each. 
For eighteen years lie served as financial agent of 
the board, and is president of it at the present time, 
it being his fourth year of service in that capacity. 
He was elected a Representative to the Legislature 
from Ward Four in 1872 and 1873, and State printer 
in 1881 and 1883, and served as one of the State audi- 
tors of printers' accounts and trustee of State Library 
for several years. He has been a member of the New 
Hampshire Historical Society for many years, four of 
which he wiis its secretary ; is a member of the New 
Hampshire Antiquarian Society; was president of 
the New Hampshire Press Association in 1872, '73, 
'74, '75, and recording secretary of the same since 



1876; and is a charter member of the Appalachian 
Mountain Club, Boston. He spent nearly a year in 
the Old World in 1878-79, and his letters to his 
papers were published in an octavo volume of four 
hundred and fifty-five pages, under the title of 
" Glints from Over the Water." 

The Repi-blican Phess Associ.\tiok which wa> 
formed Oct. 1, 1871, bought the papers and business ul 
the Independent Press Association and of the Repub- 
lican Statesman proprietors, and consolidated tlie 
two offices. The publication of the Concord Daili; 
Monitor has ever since been continued by the Repulj- 
lican Press Association, and its circulation has yearl\ 
increased, and bids fair to continue to do .so in tlu- 
future. 

At the time of the consolidation of the papers, 
George G. Fogg was chosen political editor, Rossiter 
Johnson managing editor and P. B. Cogswell local 
editor, with Edward A. Jenks business manager. 
Early in 1872, Mr. Fogg retired from editorial labor 
and from the association, and in October 1st of the 
same year Mr. Johnson also retired. No one was 
selected to fill his place for a few months, Asa 
Fowler, then president of the association, perform- 
ing considerable editorial work. In January, 1873, 
William E. Stevens became managing editor, and so 
continued until the middle of August, 1882, when he 
retired to accept the United States consulship at 
Smyrna. Allan M. Jenks was local editor during 
the absence of Mr. Cogswell in 1878-79, a period of 
more than a year. At the present time the editors 
are P. B. Cogswell, who has been connected with the 
paper from the first number, and Edward N. Pearson. 
The Monitor was enlarged for the second time March 
28, 1882, and a third time March 15, 1884, when it 
commenced a morning edition, also, which was con- 
tinued till November 15, the same year. 

Of the struggles of the paper during its early 
years it is not necessary to speak in detail. Com- 
menced, as it was, when war prices ruled in every- 
thing, — white paper costing from twenty-seven to 
thirty cents a pound, and composition by the piece 
reaching a higher price than ever before or since, — 
nothing but hard work and a great deal of it carried 
it through successfully, and made it the first perma- 
nent daily paper in Concord. 

Concord Dah,y Blade was started by the Blade 
Publishing Company September 1, 1880, and discon- 
tinued December 7, 1880. Subsequently, the Weekly 
Blade was published by»E. P. Gerould, lor some time, 
when it was suspended, and afterwards resuscitated as 
the Concord Tribune, since which it has been pub- 
lished in Canaan and Concord. 



CONCORD. 



91 



CHAPTER 



CONCORV~(C<mt!,u,e,t). 



BA> 



ET(,'. 



The C',> 



State 



HiiTik— The Jleehanics' Niitional Bank— Nal 
Capital Hank— Fii-st National Bank — The New Hampahire Savings- 
Barik— The iMerriniaek (Vmnly Savings-Bank- Loan and Trust Sav- 
ings-Bank— Penaeuok Savings-Bjink— Count Runifurd — Countess of 
EumtoiJ— The Uc.lfe and Kunifold Asylum- The New Hampshire 
Bihlc S.tcicly— Physicians — City Hospitjil— Fire Department — Water 
Works— r.Miacuok— Concord Horse Rjiilroad— Centenarians- Slavery 
in t'onconl— Manufacturing Interests — Misceltaneons. 

The first banking institution in this town was the 
Concord Bank, which was incorporated June 18, 1806. 
"Timotliy Walker, Caleb Stark, John Bradley, John 
Mills, Robert Harris, Ebenezer Peasley, Richard 
Ayer, William Whittle, William A. Kent, Jo.shua 
Darling, Thomas W. Thompson, Aquila Davis, John 
Chandler, Baruch Chase, Joseph Towne and Joseph 
Clough and their associates" were incorporated "by 
the name of the President, Directors and Company 
of the Concord Bank." 

In proceeding to organize for the transaction of 
business under their charter, special difficulties were 
encountered, growing chiefly, it is said, out of ques- 
tions of location and management. Already there was 
a "north end" and a "south end" interest. In the 
former was Hon. Timothy Walker, and in the latter 
Colonel William A. Kent, with' whom, respectively, 
others took sides, according to their own ideas of 
interest. The result, however, was, two banks went 
into operation under the same charter, one called the 
Upper Bank and the other the Lower Bank, each 
claiming exclusively to be the Concord Bank. 01 
the Upper Bank, Timothy Walker was first president 
and Samuel Sparhawk, from Portsmouth, cashier. 01 
the Lower Bank, Joseph Towne, of Hopkinton, was 
pr&sident, and William A. Kent cashier. For several 
years a disagreeable competition existed between 
them. On the part of the Upper Bank a run was 
made upon the Lower, for the payment in specie of 
their bills. By the Lower Bank, or by persons inter- 
ested therein, suits were commenced against the other 
for issuing bills contrary to law ; and hence a litiga- 
tion as to which was the lawful Concord Bank was 
continued for a considerable time. In 1808 one 
Nehemiah Jones commenced a suit against Timothy 
Walker, containing more than a hundred counts, 
which embraced all the questions at issue. In these 
suits the late Jeremiah Mason was employed as 
Jones' counsel. Tradition says that, after a while, 
Ma-son, perceiving the difficulties of the subject, and 
disposed to adjust the matter between the parties, 
signified to his client "that as he had got into gentle- 
men's company he must expect to pay a gentleman's 
price." Soon after, the rival banks came to an 
agreement, at least so far as to cease from vexing one 
another; both obtained credit with the public, and 
continued to do business under one charter till the 



expiration of twenty years; then the Upper Bank 
obtained a new charter and took the name of Merri- 
mack County Bank. 

The Lower Bank obtained a modification and exten- 
sion of its charter in 1826, and continued to do busi- 
ness till 1840, when it failed. 

The Mechanics' Bank was incorporated July Ti, 
1834, and charter extended June 22, 1853. Incor- 
porators: Peter Renton, Abner B. Kelley, Horatio 
Hill, Joseph M. Harper, Nathaniel G. Uphara, Abel 
Baker, Benjamin Evans, William Low, Joseph Low, 
Cyrus Barton, Ralph Metcalf, Nathaniel Curtis, 
James Minot, Arnold Carroll, Moody Kent, Ezra 
Carter, William Richardson, Isaac F. Williams. 

Original officers: Nathaniel G. Upham, president; 
George Minot, cashier. Original directors: N. G. 
Upham, Peter Renton, Horatio Hill, J. M. Harper, 
N. Curtis, A. B. Kelley. Original capital, .$100,000. 

Closed its affiiirs, 1865. Last officers: Josiah Mi- 
not, president; Charles Minot, cashier. 

Minot & Co., bankers (Josiah and Charles Minot) 
commenced business .January, 1866. 

Reorganized as Mechanics' National Bank January 
3, 1880. Capital, $100,000. Officers: Josiah Minot, 
president; B. A. Kimball, vice-president; James 
Minot, cashier. Directors: Josiah Minot, Benjamin 

A. Kimball, Joseph B. Walker, Edward H. Rollins, 
Chas. H. Amsden, John M. Hill, Sargent C.Whitaker. 

Officers, 1885: B. A. Kimball, president; Joseph 

B. Walker, vice-president; James Minot, cashier. 
Directors: B. A. Kimball, Joseph B. Walker, Josiah 
Minot, Charles H. Amsden, Edward H. Rollins, John 
Kimball, John M. Hill. 

National State Capital Bank wa.s originally or- 
ganized as State Capital Bank January 26, 1853. 
The first directors were Samuel Butterfield, Abram 
Bean, R. N. Corning, Hall Roberts, Ebenezer Symmes, 
Asa Fowler, Enos Blake. Hon. Samuel Butterfield, 
president; Edson Hill, cashier. Capital stock, $100,- 
000 ; increased to $150,000 August 28, 1854. 

Presidents.— QanvxeX Butterfield, to 1860; Hall Rob- 
erts, from 1860 to 1862; John V. Barron, from 1862 
to 1865. 

C'«4-/jiVri-.— Edson Hill, to 1858; Jonas D. Sleeper, 
from 1858 to 1859 ; P. S. Smith, from 1859 to 1865. 

January 1, 1862, the capital stock wiis reduced to 
$120,000 ; January 1, 1863, to $100,000. 

The bank was reorganized as National State Capi- 
tal Bank January 2, 1865, with the following direc- 
tors : John V. Barron, Robert N. Corning, James 
Peverly, Jonas D. Sleeper and James S. Norris. 
President, John V. Barron ; Cashier, Preston S. 
Smith. Capital stock, $100,000; increased to $150,- 
000 April 17, 1865; to $200,000 May 31, 1872, by 
purchase of bonds and right of circulation of Carroll 
County National Bank, at Sandwich, N. H. 

John V. Barron, president to 1878; Lewis Down- 
ing, Jr., from 1878 to present time. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



P. S. Smith, cashier to 1872 ; Henry J. Crippen, 
from 1872 to 1882; Josiah E. Fernald, from 1882 to 
present time. 

The present directors are as follows: Lewis Dow- 
ning, Jr., James S. Norris, Lyman D. Stevens, J. 
Everett Sargent, John H. Pearson, John Jones, 
Henry J. Crippen. 

The First National Bank of Concord was or- 
ganized in March, 18G4, with Asa Fowler, Enos 
Blake, Edw. H. Rollins, William Walker, Benning 
W. Sanborn, (ieorge A. Pillsbury and Moses Hum- 
jdirey as directors. 

The first president wjjs Asa Fowler, who continued 
in office until 1867, when George A. Pillsbury was 
elected as his successor. 

In March, 1878, Mr. Pillsbury being about to leave 
the State for a permanent residence at the West, 
resigned his office and A. C. Pierce was elected to fill 
the vacancy, which position he occupied until Decem- 
ber, 1882, when, at the advanced age of eighty-two 
years, he resigned, and William M. Chase was elected 
and held the office until January, 188.'), when William 
F. Thayer was chosen his successor. 

Woodbridge Odlin, the first cashier, held his posi- 
tion but one month when he resigned to accept the 
appointment of assessor of internal revenue. William 
W. Storrs was elected to the office, and filled the 
position until January, 1874, when he was succeeded 
by William F. Thayer. 

The present board of directors are Thomas Stuarl, 
William M. Chase, Solon A. Carter, Charles H. 
Roberts, AVilliam F. Thayer, William 1'. Fiske and 
E. H. Woodman. 

The bank has a capital stock of one hundred and 
fifty thousand dollars, and a surplus of nearly the 
same amount after having paid dividends of over 
three hundred and twenty thousand dollars. The 
report of the comptroUor of the currency shows this 
bank to have the highest per cent, surplus of any 
bank in the State. 

William F. Thayer, one of the leading financiers 
of New Hamjishire, wiis born in Kingston, N. H., 
March l.S, 1846. His grandfather, the Rev. Elihu 
Thayer, D.D., was pjistor of the church in Kingston 
for a period of more than thirty years, and was a 
leading and influential citizen of that portion of 
Rockingham County. The parents of William F., 
Calvin and Sarah Wheeler (Fiske) Thayer, removed 
to Meridan, N. H., in about ISSf). William F. re- 
ceived his education at Kimball Union Academy, and 
in 186.5 came to Concord and accepted a position as 
clerk in the post-office, Robert N. Corning being at 
that time ])ostmaster. He soon became chief clerk, 
and remained in that position four years. He then 
spent a few months in the West, and upon his return 
to Concord entered the counting-room of the Elwell 
Furniture Company, where he continued about eight 
months. He then became a clerk in the First 
National Hank in this city, ami his strict integrity. 



conservatism and financial ability won for him rapid 
promotion in this institution. He was appointed 
assistant cashier in 1873, and cashier in 1874. He 
remained in this position until January, 1885, when 
he was chosen president. 

Mr. Thayer is clerk and director in the Contoocook 
Valley Paper Company ; director, clerk and treasurer 
of the Concord Cattle Company; director in the 
Lombard Investment Company ; treasurer of the city 
of Concord since 1879; and treasurer of the Concord 
Shoe-Factory and of the Hospital Association. He 
is a Republican in politics, and a member of the South 
Congregational Church. Mr. Thayer is a member of 
the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Blazing Star 
Lodge and Mount Horeb Commandery. 

October 20, 1874, Mr. Thayer united in marriage 
with Sarah Clarke Wentworth, daughter of Colonel 
Joseph Wentworth, brother of Hon. John Wentworth 
of Chicago, and their family consists of two children, 
— Margaret and William Wentworth. 

Mr. Thayer's career as an officer and manager of 
the leading discount bank in the city and State (the 
First National) has been remarkable and highly cred- 
itable to his ability as a financier. Entering the in- 
stitution in 1871, in the subordinate position of clerk, 
his faithful and efficient service led to his promotion 
to assistant cashier, in 1873, and to the responsible 
position of cashier the following year. 

His industry, good judgment and pleasing address 
won for him the favor of his employers and the patrons 
of the bank, and under his management, as its execu- 
tive officer, the institution soon attained a leading 
position among the national banks of the State. 

After ten years' service as cashier he was, in Janu- 
ary, 1885, elected to the presidency of the bank, in 
recognition of his great ability and eminent fitness 
for the position. 

There is probably no other instance in the history 
of similar institutions in New Hampshire where so 
young a man as is Mr. Thayer has won such a position 
as he occupies at present, solely upon his merits, 
which are universally acknowledged by his associates 
and thei-oinnmiiity where he luis made his reputation. 
The New Hampshire Savings-Bank was organ- 
ized in July, l,s;iO, the iiieorporalors being Samuel 
Green, Timothy Chandler, Joseph Low, Nathan Bal- 
lard, Jr., Samuel Morrill, Nathaniel .Miliott, William 
Low, Jonathan Eastman, Jr., Nathaniel liouton, 
Moses G. Thomas and David L. Morril. 

At a meeting held the 21st day of July, 1830, the 
bank organized with Hon. Samuel Green as presi- 
dent, and Samuel Morrill clerk, with a board of 
eighteen trustees, viz. : Timothy Chandler, Nathan 
Ballard, Jr., Samuel Fletcher, Francis N. Fisk, 
Samuel A. Kimball, Jonathan Eastman, Jr., Nath- 
aniel G. Upham, Isaac Hill, Richard Bradley, Wil- 
liam Low, Robert Ambrose, Ezekiel Morrill, Hall 
Burgin, William Gault, Stephen Brown, David 
George, William Kent and Richard Bartlett. 





r 



CONCORD. 



The bank has had six presidents — Samuel Green, 
Joseph Low, Francis N. Fisk, Samuel Coffin, Joseph 
B. Walker and Samuel S. Kimball — and four treasu- 
rers, — Samuel Morrill, James Moulton, Jr., Charles 
W. Sargent and William P. Fiske. 

The present organization is as follows: President, 
Samuel S. Kimball; Treasurer, William P. Fiske; 
Trustees: Samuel S. Kimball, Joseph B. Walker, 
Jesse P. Bancroft, Francis A. Fiske, Seth Eastman, 
Enoch Gerrish, Sylvester Dana, Moses H. Bradley, 
John Abbott, John H. George, Mark R. Holt, Charles 
T. Page, John H. Stewart. George H. Marston, Par- 
sons B. Cogswell, Oliver l*illslmi-y, William G. Car- 
ter, John C. Thorn. 

The deposits of the bank amount to $2,350,000, with 
six thousand one hundred and twenty de})ositors ; a 
guaranty fund of $125,000, and an undivided surplus 
of $118,000. The bank has paid its depositors, during 
tlie fifty-five years of its existence, $1,343,09.'). 30 in 
dividends, and $156,321.32 in extra dividends, the 
rati' of interest being .it four and five per centum per 

The Merrimack County Savings-Bank was in- 
corporated .luly 2, 1867, and organized May 3, 1870. 
The first oflicers were as follows: President, Lyman 
D. Stevens ; Vice-President, David A. Warde ; Sec- 
retary and Treasurer, John Kimball ; Trustees: John 
M. Hill, Abel B. Holt, Woodbridge Odlin, George A. 
Cummings, Calvin Howe, Moses T. Willard, E. W. 
Woodward, William M. Chase, Henry McFarland, 
George W. Crockett, Daniel Holden, Isaac A. Hill, 
Benjamin A. Kimball. Lyman D. Stevens is the 
only president, and John Kimball the only treasurer, 
from the organization to the present time. 

The first deposit was made June 1, 1870, by Isaac 
Andrew Hill, of Concord. The amount of deposits, 
June 1, 1885, was $797,6(55.17; the amount of sur- 
plus, June 1, 1885, was $60,000. 

The present board of trustees are Lyman D. Ste- 
vens, William M. Chase, John Kimball, John M. 
Hill, Woodbridge Odlin, George A. Cummings, James 
L. Mason, George W. Crockett, Daniel Holden, Isaac 
A. Hill, Leland A. Smith, Lysander H. Carroll, Ben- 
jamin A. Kimball, Henry W. Stevens, Charles H. 
Amsden. 

The present offieers are : President, Lyman D. 
Stevens ; Vice-President, William M. Chase ; Secre- 
tary and Trea-surer, John Kimball ; Teller, Frank P. 
Andrews. 

Loan and Trust Savings-Bank was incorporated 
at the June srssion nf 1^72, witli the following incor- 
porators: J. Kverett Sargent, As:i. Fowler, George G. 
Fogg, William Butterfield, John V. Barron, James 
Peverly, Nathaniel White, James 3. Norris, Calvin 
Howe and others. 

Hon. J. Everett Sargent was elected president at 
the first meeting of the bank, and has held the 
office ever since. John V. Barron was first treasurer, 
holding the office till 1878. 



CJeorge A. Fernald treasurer from 1878 to present 
time. 

The present trustees are J. liverett Sargent, James 
S. Norris, Lewis Downing, Jr., John F. Jones, Silas 
Curtis, Howard A. Dodge, John H. Barron, George 
A. Fernald, Leander W. Cogswell, William K. Mc-. 
Farland, Paul R. Holden and Howard L. Porter. 

Committee of investment, — Sargent, Norris, Down- 
ing, Jones and Dodge. 

The amount of deposits May 2, 1885, wiis $1,564,- 
828.17. 

The amount of assets, same date, was $1,689,758.25. 

The Penacook Savings-Bank was incorporated 
in ISl!'.). The original incoriiorators were Isaac K. 
tiage, Henry H. Brown, Calvin Gage, Henry H. Ams- 
den, John S. Brown, Nehemiah Butler, William H. 
Allen, John C. Gage, David A. Brown, Ezra S. 
Harris, John Sawyer, Austin G. Kimball, Moses H. 
Bean, John S. Moore, John A. Holmes, Healy Morse, 
Samuel F. Brown, George Hepler and David Putnam 
and associates. 

The following were the first board of trustees : 
Nehemiah Butler, Henry H. Amsden, Henry H. 
Brown, Isaac K. Gage, John C. Gage, John A. 
Holmes, John Sawyer, John S. Moore, Ezra S. Harris, 
W. H. Allen, Enoch (i. Wood, John C. Linehan, 
David Abbott, Moses II. Bean, John S. Brown. 

The first meeting to organize was held August 14, 
1869. Henry H. Brown was chosen president, and 
held the office until his death, in September, 1873. 
Isaac K. Gage was chosen president October 13, 1873, 
and is the present incumbent. 

Samuel F. Brown was chosen treasurer and secre- 
tary at the organization of the bank, and has con- 
tinued in that capacity to the present time. 

The present board of trustees are Isaac K. Gage, 
John S. Brown, Charles H. Amsden, Charles E. 
Foote, Thaddeus O. Wilson, John A. Coburu, Rufus 
D. Scales, Charles H. Sanders, William H. Allen, 
John C. Linehan, Nathaniel S. Gale, Charles M. 
Rolfe, John E. Rines, Abial W. Rolfe. 

In December, 1878, on account of losses by a 
failure in the place, also a law-suit pending, the court 
ordered a scale down of deposits of thirty per cent. 
In July, 1881, fifteen per cent, of scale down was re- 
stored to the depositors. 

Depositors continued still to withdraw their 
deposits, so that in April, 1884, the bank commis- 
sioners petitioned the court to appoint an assignee to 
close up the bank. The court appointed E. H. Wood- 
man and S. F. Brown assignees. 

After the scale down of the old account in 
1878, a "new account" was opened to those who 
wished to deposit, which is operated by the officers 
of the bank at the present time ; this new account 
has never been large, never exceeding thirty-five 
thousand dollars, and is gradually being withdrawn, 
the depositors receiving their principal and interest 
in full. 



94 



HISTOllV (IF MHllRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Count Komford, — A history of this town would not 
be complete with the name of Major Benjamin 
Thompson (afterwards Count Rumford) omitted. 
In 177') the spirit of liberty ran high, and Major 
Thomp.son seems to have fallen under suspicion ol' 
Toryism, which finally resulted in his flight from the 
town. He was a native of Woburn, and in 177;") had 
been in Concord about three years engaged in teach- 
ing school. He married Sarah, widow of Colonel 
Benjamin Rolfe,' and daughter of Rev. Timothy 
Walker. In 1774 he received a commission as major 
in the New Hampshire militia from Governor 
John Wentworth ; but as Governor Wentworth was 
known t<i favor the cause of the crown, the people 
became suspicious of Major Thompson because lie 
held a commission under him. Other slight causes 
increased the feeling against him in the minds of his 
fellow-townsmen, and he finally left Concord and 
placed himself under the protection of General Gage, 
in Boston. 

His subsequent fortunes (says Dr. Bouton, in speak- 
ing of this remarkable personage) are the most 
remarkable that ever attended any person whose name 
is recorded in our history. Driven by unreasonable 
suspicions from his home, his wife and infant child, 
forsaking his native country for a foreign service, he 
became the associate of princes, the honored favorite 
of kings and the commander of armies. As the 
promoter and founder of public institutions of learn- 
ing and beneficence, his genius shone resplendent 
among the Hternli and philosophers of Europe. His 
name, invested with honors which royalty alone can 
confer, is transmitted to posterity as that of the friend 
of mankind. 

In January, 1776, he was entrusted by General 
Gage with dispatches to Lord Germaine, in England, 
then Secretary of State for the department of the 
colonies. In 1780 he was appointed under-secretary 
in that department. Toward tlie close of the Revo- 
lutionary War he obtained the commission of lieuten- 
ant-colonel, and was sent to New York in command 
of a regiment. In 1784 the King conferred on him 
the honor of knighthood. Subsequently he went to 
Germany, and atStrausbourg was introduced to Prince 
Maximilian, and then to Hia Serene Highne.ss, 
the Elector Palatine, reigning Duke of Bavaria. 
From the Elector he received all the honors that 
could be conferred, and, among others, that of Coimt 
"of the holy Roman Empire," to which Mr. Thompson 
added the title, Rumford, in remembrance of his for- 



• Colonel BuiOamin Rolfo wub one of the most opiiletit and influential 
of Concord's earliest citizons. Ho wa« born in Xewbury, Ma«8., in 1710, 
and WU8 gnuliiatfid at Harvard College in 1727. Ho camo to Concord 
soon after itn Bettlement, and from 1731 to 1770 was clerk of tbo proprie- 
tary. In 17:n be waa made clerk of tbo Massachusetts and Now Uauip- 
shire l>ouudar.v cumniisaion, appointed to detormine the line between the 
two provinces. Ue was also for many yeara town clerk, a colonel of the 
provincial nlililia and a representative in the General Assembly. He 
I larpo business capacity, and was over active nut only in bis own 
those of his town and proviuce as well. 



iner residence. Under the patronage of the Elector. 
Charles Theodore, he introduced great improvements 
in the condition and discipline of the army. At 
Munich, in 1790, he suppressed the system of men- 
dicity which widely prevailed, and provided houses 
of public industry, in which beggars were supported 
and required to labor. Two thousand and six hun- 
dred of this class were put in in a single week, and 
the industrial establishment for them, which at first 
was supported by voluntary contributions, camo to 
yield to the State a net income of one hundred thou- 
sand florins. In grateful remembrance of his ser- 
vices and benefactions, a monument is erected in 
.Munich to his honor. Inscribed beneath his bust is 
the following : 

"To him 

Who rooted ,itil (1,.- -1. al,..sl „f public evils, 



On the other front is inscribed, — 

"Stay, Wanderer ! 

At the creative fiat of Charles Theodore, 

UUMFORD, the Friend of Mankinrl, 

By Genius, Taste and Love inspired, 

Changed this once desert place 

Into what thou now liehoUIest." 

He became almost the object of idolatrous regard 
by the poor. At one time, when dangerously ill, they 
formed processions, and went to the church to pray 
for his recovery. When sick at Naples they devoted 
an hour each evening to join in supplications for his 
restoration to health. About 1794' he sent to this 
country for his daughter, who met him in England, 
accompanied him to Munich, and for several years 
afterwards shared his fortunes. For his services in 
Bavaria the Elector settled on him a pension for life 
of nearly two thousand dollars, one-half of which 
descended to his daughter, as Countess of Rumford, 
during her life. Returning to England, he assisted 
in putting in operation the .society known as the 
Royal Institution, in London, about 1799. He after- 
wards located himself at Paris,- married the widow of 
the celebrated chemist, Lavoisier, and with her resided 
at Auteuil, on the estate of bci' Ibriner husband, 
where he died of fever, Augu.st 'll. 1814, in the sixty- 
second year of his age. 

He bequeathed the annual sum of one thousand 
dollars to Harvard College, with other reversions, to 
found the Rumford professorship. To the American 
Academy he also made a liberal bequest. 

Sarah, Countess of Rumford, was born in Con- 
cord, October 18, 1774. A portion of her early life 
was spent with her paternal grandmother, at Wo- 
burn. After the death of her mother, in 1792, she 



• Perhaps as early aa 1792. 



CONCORD. 



went to Europe, at her father's invitation, and was 
introduced into the polite and fashionable circles of 
I5avaria, of Paris and of London. Between the death 
of her father and her own decease she visited this 
country two or three times ; but her principal resi- 
dence was at Bromptou, near London, in a house 
which she inherited from her father. A portion of 
her time she spent in Paris, where she had funds 
invested. In 184;") she returned to the spot where she 
was born, to live and — to die. Occasionally the 
countess attended public worship at the North 
Church, and visited her family relatives and friends, 
liut spent most of her time in adorning the grounds 
uliout her house. By her habits of strict economy 
the |iin|ierty she inherited, together with her pension 
of al>nut "lie thdUsaiKl d"ll;ii>, had accumulated to a 
very cdiisidcriiMe sum at the lime of her decease, all 
which she disposed of by will, partly to family con- 
nections, but mostly for charitable objects, as follows: 
To the Rolfe and Rumforil Asylum, in Concord, 
wliicli slie foinidrd, s:,oO0 ; with all her real estate, 
appraisr.l :il s.'.oiio; i,, the New Hami)shire A.sylum 
for till' liisaiii , sl.'i.iKMi ; to the Concord Female Char- 
it al.lr S.M i, ly s2(iOO ; to the Boston Children's Friend 
S..ii.i\, si^ ; for the Fatherless and Widows' So- 

. i.t\, I'.ostol,, SL>()IJO. 

Several rare paintings, which she inherited from 
her father, were given to Josejdi B. Walker, Esq., of 
this city. 

The Rolfe and Rumford Asylum was opened for 
the reception of beneficiaries January 15, 1880. Its 
benefits are confined to native female children of 
Concord. 

The (germinal idea of this institution may probaldy 
be found in a circumstance which occurred more 
than eighty years ago at Munich, in Bavaria, where 
Count Rumford, then in the service of the reigning 
Elector, was living with his daughter. 

One of the most important enterprises which the 
count had originated, and carried to full success in 
that country, was the establishment of an institution 
known as the House of Industry. Through its 
agency large numbers of idle beggars had been con- 
verted to respectable and self-supporting citizens. It 
became very popular, and excited much interest in 
all Europe. 

To pay her respects to her father, on his forty- 
fourth birth-day, the countess called upon him on the 
26th of March, 1797, accompanied by a dozen boys 
and girls from the House of Industry. The count 
was so much affected by this incident that he re- 
solved that it should not be forgotten. He made the 
countess a present of two thousand dollars in three 
per cent, stock of the United States, the income to 
be appropriated to clothe, annually, October 23d, for- 
ever, twelve poor and industrious children. The 
count and countess decided that the place for the 
bestowal of this charity should be the town of Con- 
cord. 



Some correspondence took place with the selectmen 
of Concord in relation to the subject, but nothing 
further was done during the life-time of the count. 
His daughter cherished through life the purpose 
of ultimately carrying into ctl'ect the original design 
of her father, or of establisliing some er|uivalent 
substitute for it. 

By her will, she gave to it all lu-r real estate ajid a 
cash endowment of fifteen thousand dollars. The 
latter, deemed inadequate for the support of the in- 
stitution contemplated, has been carefully cared tor, 
and now forms a fund affording an income sufiieient 
for its support. 

The building thus far used was tormerly the man- 
sion-house of the Rolfe and Rumtbrd families. In 
it the founder was born, October 18, 1774. In it, 
after a long and varied life in this country and in 
Europe, she died, December, 1852. 

About 1764, Colonel Benjamin Rolfe erected on 
the west bank of the Merrimack, at the Eleven Lots, 
the house now occupied by this institution. For that 
time and this locality it was an elegant nnmsion, and 
the best, doubtless, in this section of New Hampshire. 
Soon after its completion, wearied of his bachelor 
life, he married Sarah, eldest daughter of the town 
minister, Rev. Timothy Walker, and set up therein 
his household gods. At the time of their marriage 
he was some sixty years of age, and his wife about 
thirty. They had lived together but two or three 
years when Colonel Rolfe died, leaving to his widow 
and their only son, Paul, the largest landed estate in 
Concord. 

The asylum was incorporated as the Rolfe and 
Rumford Asylum, July 3, 1872, the following per- 
sons being named a body corporate: Joseph B. 
Walker, Ebenezer S. Towle, Enoch Gerish, Jesse P. 
Bancroft and Francis A. Fisk. 

New Hampshire Bible Society.'— The suggestion 
to form a Bible Society for the State of New Hamp- 
shire was first made at the meeting of the General 
Association of Congregational Ministers, at Exeter, 
in 1810. 

The next year, at the meeting of the same body, at 
Dunbarton, it was decided to form such a society. A 
committee was appointed to prepare an address to 
Christians of all denominations, inviting them to 
unite in such an organization, to draw up a constitu- 
tion and to call the first meeting of the society. 
This meeting was held in Concord, June 3, 1812. 
The constitution reported was adopted, and the fol- 
lowing officers were chosen: Hon. John Langdon, 
president; Rev. Seth Payson, D.D., vice-president; 
Rev. John H. Church, secretary ; Jonathan Wilkins, 
Esq., treasurer; Daniel Emerson, Esq., Rev. Joseph 
Smith, Major John Mills, Rev. Reed Page, directors. 
The object of the society was "to promote the 
more extensive distribution of the Holy Bible." This 



' By Rev. F. D. Ayer. 



96 



IlISTOKY OF MKiailMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



was to be pursued by distributing, gratuitously, 
among tlie destitute and needy, and by selling at re- 
duced price to all, Bibles and Tcstiinients. 

The ineth()<l of work adopted, wiis to carry copies 
of the Bible to every liome in the State, and offer, 
by sale or gift, these to every family. 

The conviction from which the work stsirted has 
continued it, viz., that every individual, every family, 
needed the Bible, and, in some way, should have it. 

The feeling was that the home and the State could 
be safe only jis the people were familiar with, and 
obedient to, the truths of fiod's word. 

This widespread feeling gave the society at once 
the hearty support of the different denominations, 
and of the great body of the peojile. In four years 
from its formation, four thousand six hundred Bibles 
and one thousand five hundred Testaments had been 
placed in the homes of the State. This was more 
than it now seems, for the greater part of the State 
was new and books expensive. 

In ISir) a young man in New Ipswich printed an 
edition of the New Testament, five thousand coi)ies, 
and the society purchased one thousand copies, which 
cost, when bound, fifty cents a copy. 

This year Hon. Timothy Farrer received a com- 
munication from the president of the New Jersey 
Society, proposing a union of the Bible Societies of 
the country. There were then one hundred and 
thirty local societies. 

According to this suggestion, the Aiuciicaii liiblc 
Society was organized May 8, 1816, in New York. 

Of this society Hiblcs were purchased, and to it 
surplus funds donated by the State Society. 

Rev. Nathan hord, in the report of this society in 
1824, suggested that Ladies' Bible Societies should be 
organized, and in a few years there were more than 
one hundred in the State, the contributions from 
which were not far from (me thousand dollars a year. 
County Bible Societies were formed as early as 1828. 
The American Bible Society voted, in 1829, to 
furnish every destitute family in the United States 
with a copy of the Hible within two years. This 
society heartily joined in that work, and pledged 
twelve thousand dollars to aid it. In 183G it was re- 
ported that this society, in the twenty years since the 
organization of the American Bible Society, ha<l paid 
into its treasury 5<16,i)22.18 ;is donations, and $1,S,- 
949.(J6 for books. 

In 1845, Rev. Henry W. Adams was appointed 
agent of the American Bible Society for New Hamp- 
shire and Maine. 

In 18r)0, Rev. Isaac Willey was chosen secretary, 
with instructions to watch over the interests of the 
society, and to present its claims at the various pub- 
lic meetings of the different denominations in the 
State. Rev. .Joseph Lane, the secretary for ten years 
preceding, had, by great fidelity and industry, pre- 
pared the way for the work which Mr. Willey took 
up with devotion and energy. 



The annual meetings were held in connection with 
the General Association of Congregational and Pres- 
byterian Churches without dissent till 1852, when it 
was propo.sed to hold them, as mass-meetings, at 



iroposii 



not adopted till ten 



;aii his work iis agent 
i agent and superin- 



Concord. The 
years later. 

Deacon William (1. lirow 
for the society in 1852, an 
tendent has continued in it 

Rev. Isaac Willey accepted an appointment as 
agent of the American Bible Society for New Hamp- 
shire, and began work April, 1853. 

This society entered heartily into the second gen- 
eral canvass of the whole country, by the American 
Society in 1856, and entered vigorously into the sup- 
ply of the Slate, and contributed to the general fund. 

This year it was proposed to form county societies 
where none existed, and reform such as were ineffi- 
cient. Rev. Isaac Willey entered earnestly into this 
work, presenting it to the people and arranging for 
organization. The plan was to unite all denomina- 
tions, organize the work, report methods and the 
work done, awaken interest by discourse and discus- 
sion and thus give efficiency to the work, and raise 
money to carry it on. Fifteen of these societies were 
organized, and they continue to be of great aid in 
the work, aud the meetings are now, often, gather- 
ings of great spiritual blessing and power. 

The work of supplying the State by visiting every 
tkniily in it is steadily pursued. About one-third of 
the State is visited yearly, and all the destitute who 
will, by purchase or gift, accept a Bible are supplied. 
Each canvass of the entire State reports about seven 
hundred Protestant families destitute. This work is 
now under the charge of the efficient superintendent. 
Deacon William Brown, who has had ftiU care of it 
since the resignation of Rev. I. Willey as agent in 
1873. The faithful labor of Mr. Willey for so many 
years in all parts of the State is still fruitful of good, 
and the work for years to come will be largely upon 
foundations which he laid. He died at Pembroke, 
October 25, 1883, aged ninety years. The report of 
1871 records the death of Rev. Benjamin P. Stone, 
D.D., who was treasurer and depositary of the 
society for sixteen years. 

The third general canvass of the country, in 1866, 
aud the one began in 1882, were accepted, as were 
the preceding, and this society not ouly eared for the 
State, but generously aided in the general sup})ly. 

In this last canvass of this State, just completed, 
the superintendent reports: 246 towns visited; 76,760 
families called upon ; 704 Protestant families found 
without a Bible; 4143 copies given away; 18,356 
copies sold. 

At the seventy-third annual meeting, held in Con- 
cord June, 1884, it was reported that the receipts of 
the society since its organization amounted to 1310,- 
()67.I3. It has distributed about five hundred and 
twenty-five thousand copies in this State. 



CONCORD. 



97 



The ])reseut officers are : President, Hon. Edwiircl 
Spalflin<i;, Nashua; Vice-Presidents, Hon. J. E. Sar- 
pMit, Rev. Sihis Curtis, Rev. Sullivan Holman ; 
l>i rectors, Rev. G. W. Norris, John C. Thorn, Moses 
H. Smith, A. J. Prescott; Secretary, Rev. F. D. 
Aver; Treasurer and Depositary, Hon. John Kim- 
hall; Superintendent, Deacon W.G.Brown; Andit- 
.irs, W,K,(lliridge Odlin, Hon. L. T>. Stevens. 

Physicians. — The iirst physician in what is now 
Concord was Dr. Ezra Carter, who settled here in 
about 1740. In 1742 he married Ruth, only daughter 
of (■aptain Ebenezer Eastman, who, at the time of 
her marriage, was but thirteen years of age. Accord- 
ing to family tradition, their first child was born 
before she was fourteen years old. After marriage 
Ruth retained her love for childish sports; and, on 
one occasion, the doctor, on returning home, found 
his wife playing with other children on the hay-mow. 

A Dr. Emery resided here a short time, and 
moved to Fryeburg, Me. 

Dr. Ebenezer Hander Goss, of Holton, Mass., 
settled in Concord about 1770, and married a daugh- 
ter of Rev. Timothy Walker. He lived at the north 
end of Main Street, where Mr. Charles Smart resides; 
set out the elm-trees before the house ; held important 
offices in town; was surgeon in the army under Gen- 
eral Stark; a man of eccentric habits; tall, and of 
strongly-marked features. He moved to Brunswick, 
Me., where he died at an advanced age. 

Dr. Philip MacCarrigain, of Scotch descent, 
born in the city of New York, 174(5 ; studied medi- 
cine in Haverhill, Mass.; came to Concord, 1768; 
died August, 1806. He married a daughter of the 
late Thomas Clough, Esq., of Canterbury. Dr. 
Carrigain had an extensive practice, and was famous 
for surgical skill. 

Dr. Peter Green came to Concord in 1772. 

Dr. Samuel Adams, from Lincoln, Mass., was a 
resident in Concord about 1796. 

Dr. G. Gridley was in Concord about 1798; mar- 
ried a daughter of David George, Esq. 

Dr. Zauok Howe, from Franklin, Mass., wiis in 
practice in Concord about twelve years prior to 1814, 
when he relinquished his business to his partner, Dr. 
Thomas Chadbourne, and moved to Boston. He was 
distinguished for scientific skill. 

Dr. Thomas Chadbourne, son of the late Dr. 
William Chadbourne, of Conway, came to Concord, 
1814; married a daughter of Dr. Peter Green. 

Dr. Benjamin ParIvER, from Bradford, Mass., 
was in Concord a short time — not far from 1818. He 
lived in a house on Pleasant Street, afterwards owned 
by Samuel Fletcher, Esq., where the Baptist Church 
stands. 

Dr. Alexander Ramsey, a native of Scotland, 
delivered lectures on anatomy and physiology in 
Concord and other places in New Hampshire from 
1808 to 1823. He died at Parsonsfield, Me., 1824. 

Dr. Moses Loxc, a native of Hopkinton, N. H., 



commenced practice in Concord Riist village, in 
181.3. He moved from Concord, 1824. 

Dr. Henry Bond was a native of Livcrmore, 
Me.; graduated at Dartmouth College, 1818; was 
tutor, 1815; received his medical degree in 1817. 
He practiced in Concord from 1816 until 1820, when 
he removed to Philadelphia. 

Dr. Moses Chandler, a native of Fryeburg, 
Me., commenced practice in Concord, 1816 ; wiis a 
surgeon on board of a privateer that sailed out of 
Portsmouth in 1813. He was a tall, stout, athletic 
man, and devoted to his profession. He died Sep- 
tember 2, 1825. 

Dr. Peter Renton came (Vom Sculhiml ami set- 
tled in Concord, 1822. His practice soon liecarae 
very extensive, both in Concord and neighboring 
towns. He removed to Boston in 1843 or 1844, 
where he has an extensive and lucrative practice. 

Dr. Samuel Morrill, a brother of Hon. David 
L. Morrill, came to Concord, 1819, from Epsom, 
where he had practiced nineteen years, and held 
important offices. In 1826 he received the honorary 
degree of M.D. from Dartmouth College; was ap- 
pointed justice of the Court of Sessions for the 
county of Rockingham, 1821 ; register of deeds for 
the county of Merrimack, 1823, which he held till 
1828, when he was elected State treasurer. In 1829 
he was chosen treasurer of the New Hampshire 
Branch Education Society; in 1830, treasurer of the 
New Hampshire Savings-Bank. He was a deacon of 
the First Congregational Church. 

Dr. Richard Russell resided in Concord about 
three years previous to 1824, but spent most of his 
life in practice in Wakefield and Somersworth, at 
which latter place he died. May 22, 1855, aged about 
seventy. 

Dr. Eli.tah Colby, son of Isaac Colby, of Hop- 
kinton, N. H., born June 18, 1798; graduated at the 
Medical College in Hanover, 1823, and the same 
year commenced practice in the East village of Con- 
cord. In April, 1838, he moved to New Bedford, Mass. 

Dr. Ezra Carter received the medical degree of 
M.D. at Bowdoin College in 1824; commenced prac- 
tice in 1825, in his native town; next year he 
removed to Loudon; returned to Concord in 1828, 
where he has remained in large practice till the 
present time. Representative in 1836 and 1837. 
He was commissioned justice of the peace in 1837 ; 
in 1844 and 1845 was president of the Centre District 
Medical Society, and in 1852 president of the New 
Hampshire Medical Society. He was father of Dr. 
William G. Carter. 

Dr. Edward B. Moore, of Lancaster, practiced 
in Concord about six months, in 1828. 

Dr. Joseph Reynolds came to Concord in 1828. 

Dr. Nathaniel Wheat came from Candia to 
Concord in 1834, and remained till 1837. 

Dr. Josiah Kittredge came to Concord in 1837, 
remaining a year or two. 



HISTORY OF MERRIiMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Dr. Rohekt Lane, of Sutton, csime to Concord 
about 1837, hut remiiined only a short time. His 
daughter married (ieorge W. Eia, Esq. 

Dr. Tho.mas Brown was in practice in Concord 
from 1S:51 till 1837. 

Dr. Timothy Hayses, a native of Alexandria, 
X. H., horn September 5, 1810; took his medical 
degree at the Jeflcrson Medical College, in Philadel- 
phia, 1836, and immediately after commenced the 
practice of medicine and surgery in Concord, where 
he resided until his death, a short time since. 

Dr. Chaki-es Pixckney Gaue, born in Hopkin- 
ton April 5, 1811; took his degree at the Medical 
College in Cincinnati, Ohio, 1837, and remained in 
that city a year, when he came U> Concord, where he 
still resides in active practice, and is the oldest physi- 
cian in the city. 

Dr. Henry 0. Stone, from Salem, Mass., had an 
office in Concord in 184.'), a!id remained f(mr or five 
years. 

Dr. Damki. .1. lliiVT studied mclirinc with Dr. 
Peter Reiitoii, and n.niiiiciucd pructi<'C in Concord 
in 1840; next year he removed to Maiuhcster, where 
he died July 13, 1847. 

Dr. Isaac Coi.uy came to Concorcl in the fall of 
1839, and remained about one year and a half. In 
18.54 he returned to Concord. 

Dr. Mose.>< Carter came to Concord, in iioor 
health, 1842. He had a large experience in small- 
pox, and was usually emph)yed as town physician for 
persons in that disease. He resided in Concord till 
lSo4, when he moved to Sanbornton Bridge. 

Dr. Jonathan C. Prescott came to Concord in 
1843. He died, after a most distressing sickness, of 
disease of the kidneys, February 13, 1844, in the 
forty-ninth year of his age. 

Dr. Ekesezer (i. Moore, a native of Dorchester. 
N. IL, came to Concord in 1S44, where he resided 
until his death. 

Dr. George Ciiamh.ek came to Concord, from 
Worcester, Mass., in October, 1842, jis the first super- 
intendent of the New^ Hampshire .\sylum for the In- 
sane, and continued in charge of that institution 
until 1845, when he was appointed superintendent of 
the State Lunatic Hospital of Massachusetts. 

Dr. Ben.tamin H. Thii-p came to C -ord in 1843. 

He left in 184!). 

Dr. William Phescott, born in Sanbornton 
December 29, 1788. He came to Concord in 1845. 

Dr. Moore Russell Fletcher opened an office 
in Concord in 1845. Here he remained two years. 

Dr. Andrew McFarland was appointed superin- 
tendent and physician of theNew Hampshire Asylum 
for the Insane in August, 1845. In 1850 he made a 
tour in Europe, and after his return published an 
entertaining volume, called "The Escape." Dr. Mc- 
Farland resigned his office at the a.sylum in 1852, 
and in 18.54 was appointed superintendent of the 
State Lunatic Hospital of Illinois, at Jacksonville. 



Dr. James F. Sargent, born in Warner July 4, 
1810 ; came to Concord 1847. 

Dr. ErHHAiM F. Wilson came to Concord East 
village, 1849. In 1854 he removed to Rockville, 
Conn. 

Dr. Willia.m H. S.mart was born in Hopkintcjii 
April 8, 1810 ; came to Concord 1849. 

Dr. Edward H. Parker, son of Isaac l':nkcr, 
I'^q., of Boston, opened an ollice in Conconi IS.M); 
removed to New York. 

Dr. Alpheus Morrill, a native of Canterbury, 
came to Concord 1849. He was the father of Drs. 
Shadrack and Ezekiel Morrill. 

Dr. Benjamin S. Warren, a native of Peacham, 
Vt. ; graduated at the Medical College in Cincinnati, 
Ohio ; came to Concord in 1849, and is still in prac- 
tice. 

Dr. John Eugene Tyler was superintendent of the 
New Hampshire Asylum for the Insane, at Concord ; 
was born in Boston December 9, 1819. 

William H. Hosmer graduated from Dartmouth 
College in 1838; has practiced in Fisherville thirty- 
seven years. 

C. A. LOCKERBY, Dartmoiitli Medical College, set- 
tled here in 1864. 

J. P. Bancroft graduated lioni Dartmouth ^Medi- 
cal College in 1845 ; wassupciinicndciit of the State 
Insane Asylum for years. 

C. C. ToPLlFF, Fisherville, since IS'is. 

H. G. McIntire graduated from ILirvard .Medical 
College ; settled here in 1860. 

J. H. Gallinger graduated from Ohio .McdicMl 
College in 1858 ; settled here in 1862. 

S. C. Morrill graduated from Harvard Medical 
College in 1862, and ha.s practiced here since. 

G. P. Conn graduated from Medical College in 
1855 ; settled in 1863. 

A. H. Robin.son graduated from Yale Medical 
College in 1863 ; practiced here since. 

A. H. Crosby graduated from Dartmouth Medical 
College in 1857 ; settled here in 1864. 

H. B. Tebbets, Harvard Medical Cidlege in 1835 ; 
not in practice. 

J.C. W. Moore graduated from Bowdoin Jledicnl 
College in 1865, and has practiced here since. 

R. W. Abbott has been here about twenty years. 

Moses W. Russell graduated from Dartmouth 
Medical College in 1863 ; settled here in 1867. 

J. W. Varney graduated from University of N'cr- 
mont in 1841 ; settled here in 1869. 

William G. Carter graduated from llaivard 
Medical College in 1869, and has practiced here 
since. 

E. H. Foster graduated from Bowdoin Jlcdiial 
College in IsilC, : settled here in 1872. 

F. A. SrtiiiM.- -r;eliiated from Dartmouth Medi- 
cal College ill 1N7II; located here in 1872. 

E. Morrill graduated from Castleton (Vt.) Medi- 
cal College in 1857 ; settled here in 1874. 



COxXOOIlD. 



(iEOK(iE Cook graduated from Dartmouth Medical 
Collegf in 18()8 ; located in Concord in 1875. 

B. R. Ben.neu graduated iroiii College of Physi- 
cians and Surgeons, New ■^'orlc, in lX7."i; was assistant 
pliysieian at Insane Asylum. 

.\. H. I)K,M;n(il!X graduated IVom It,, wdoin Medi- 
cal College; settled here in lS7i;. 

C.R.Walker graduated from llarvanl Mediial 
College in 1877, and settled here soon alter. 

D. E. Harriman graduated from Dartmouth .Medi- 
cal College in 1877. 

Charles I. Lane graduated from Hahnemann 
Medical College, Philadelpliia, in 1878. 

E. O. Piersons graduated from Dartmouth Medi- 
cal College in 1878 ; was assistant physician at asy- 

A. E. Emery graduated fr,,m Ihiiv,Tsily ,,f \'er- 
mont in 180.5; located in Fisherville in ISTlt, where 
he is still in practice. 

Henry M. French graduated rr,,m I)arlm,,utli 
Medical College in 1878; settled in (•,,n,-,,rd in 1882. 

The following is a complete list ,,! the present 
physicians : 

E. W. .Abbott, Anson C. Ale.\ander, Jesse P. Bancroft, William G. Car- 
tel, Joseph Chase, Jr., A. P. Che.sley, G. P. Conn, George Cook, A. H. 
Crosby, Herbert C. Cummings, Alfie.l E. Kmery. K,hv„r,l JK F.«tL-r, 
Ileni-y M. French, C. P. ''^.■•^. . ■<■'■.'! II '. ■ < i Im i: <.i,t,i,,-y, 

E. E. Graves, Mrs. Lncinil:, - II nl i: i i II. I: i \ II W II. 
Hosnier, S. U. Marden, H;ii \ ■ ■ ' M hir i i > w \| . I -l^i.'l 
Morrill, S. C. Morrill, N. C. \hii,i,, M.i.H, ;. l.m Wal- 
lace Russell, M.ises W. Rosscll, F. .\. Stillilins, lli,a„i 11. 'I'.liheta, 
Charles R. Walker, Benjamin S. Warren, Irving A. Watson. 

City Hospital. — The first meeting of the citizens 
of Concord interested in the establishment of a hos- 
pital was called July 3, 1884. At a subsequent 
meeting the Hospital Association was organized, a 
board of officers elected and a committee appointed 
to find a suitable location or house for a hospital. 
The house situated on the corner of Allison and 
Turnpike Streets was eventually leased for that pur- 
pose, for a term of two years from October 1, 1884, 
with the privilege, during that time or at the expira- 
tion of it, of buying the house and land for six thou- 
sand dollars. 

Early in October work began upon the premises, 
and changes and improvements have been made 
since, from time to time, as the necessities of the 
hospital required. 

The hospital opened October 20th, and nine pa- 
tient.s have been treated since that time. 

The present oflicers are as follows: Oliver Pills- 
bury, president; Francis L. Abbot, clerk; William 

F. Thayer, treasurer. Trustees r For the term ending 
January, 1886, Henry J. Crippin, P. B. Cogswell, 
Mrs. Elizabeth P. Schiitz; for the term ending Jan- 
uary, 1887, John A. White, Joseph C. A. Hill, Mrs. 
F. C. Stevens; for the term ending January, 1888, 
Samuel C. Eastman, Mrs. Mary Stearns, Mrs. Lydia 
P. Lund. 

Fire Department— In about the year 1825 the Fire 



Department was managed by what were called "fire 
wards," appointed by the town, who, on occasions of 
fire, bore aloft the distinguishing badge of tliciroliice, 
a staff' five feet long, painted red and headeil with a 
bright spire six inches long, with a blue ril,l„,n 
streaming from the apex. In 1825, and lor s,,iii,> 
years later, there were only tw,, siikiII lir,-engines in 
the main village, one of them ,all,',l tli,' " Literary," 
which was worked by a brake, six men on each side, 
with a hose from twenty to thirty feet in length, 
without any suction hose. Among the engine-men of 
1827 were Francis N. Fisk, John George, John 
Nast, Dr. Moses Chandler, Jeremiah Pecker, Orlando 
Brown, Richard Bradley, Robert Davis, Samuel Collin, 
Charles Herbert, Richard Herbert, Ltitlier Boby 
(chief engineer, 1827), James Busliiu'll am! ,S. A. 
Kimball. 

The present Fire Department is one of the most 
efficient in the State. It is under the management of 
the Hon. John M. Hill, than whom there is no more 
capable or eflScient fire officer in New Hampshire. 

The force of the department is as follows: In the 
precinct, at the Central Station, two second-class 
Amoskeag steamers, — "Kearsarge," with "Kearsargc 
Hose" (sixteen men), and "Governor Hill," relief 
.steamer, with "Eagle Hose" (thirteen men). The 
hose-carriages are both of Amoskeag manufiictnre, 
first-class, and drawn by horses. Hook-and-ladder 
carriage, "City of Concord" (twenty men). All the 
men in these companies are call men. The perma- 
nent employes are steward, assistant steward and 
three drivers. There are six horses, besides the 
steward's horse, always held within reasonable dis- 
tance to respond to an alarm. 

The "Alert Hose" (twelve men), at the north end, 
and the "Good- Will Hose" (twelve" men), at thesouth 
end, are each provided with a horse, kept constantly 
at a hack-stable adjoining the hose-houses. The 
"Alert" uses a modern department wagon, and the 
"Good- Will" a second-class Amoskeag four-wheel 
carriage. Each has the swinging harness. The men 
are all call men. 

The "Pioneer" steamer, at Penacook (thirty men), 
is a fourth-class Silsby, with a second-class Amoskeag 
hose-carriage. The steamer can be drawn by horses 
or by hand, as necessity may require. Horses are 
held available. 

The "Old Fort," at East Concord, and the "Cata- 
ract," at West Concord, are baud-engines, with jump- 
ers for hose. Their complement of men is thi rty each . 

The board of engineers consists of chief and three 
assistants in the precinct, and one assistant each at 
Penacook, East C!oncord and West Concord. The 
entire force numbers one hundred and seventy-five 
men. 

The following is the list of officers of the depart- 
ment for 1885 : 

Chief Engineer, John JL Hill. Assistant Engineeis : l',vci,„t, Jc- 
seph S. Slerrill, Baniel B. Newhall, Benjamin F. Tnck.-r ; Ward 1, 



HISTOKY OF iMKIUUiMACK COUNTY, NKW HAMPSHIRE. 



WiUium W. AUon ; WnnI 2, John K. Kryo ; Wiird :l, Hurrisuii I'artridgo ; 
D. B. KewbuU, clork of boord : Kbon F. ItichanUon, steward Central 
Fire Station and 9ii|jerintendent Sro alarm ; George I,. Osgood, oaslstaiit 
at Ceutnil Station. 

Keursarge Steam KIro-Engine and Hose ComiJiiiiy, Ko. i.— Jolin J. 
McNulty, foreman ; diaries 0. lllanchani, ossUUiiit forcnmn ; William 
C. Green, clork; Jamoe II. Sandora, engineer and treoanrer. Steamer 
"Kearaarge" i» a sccond-claas Amoskeag, drawn by double liorsca 
Boae.carHoge in a four-wheel flr«t-cla«8 Amoskeag, drawn by single 

Eagle HoM Comiiuny, No. 1.— Relief steamer "Governor Hill," No. 1, 
is assigned to this company, Charles H. Sanders, engineer. John II. 
Toof, forenun ; George W. Johnson, acsietant foreman ; James Hoit, 
clerk and treasurer. Steamer *' Governor Hill " is a second-class Amos- 
keag, drawn by double hoisos. Hose-carriage is a four-wheel flrst-cliuis 
Amoskeag, drawn by a single horse. 

Alert Hoeo Company, No. 2.— Charles A. Davis, foreman ; Henry 
Tucker, assistant foreman ; Fred. Leighton, clerk ; Fred. S. Johnson, 
frcasurer; Fred. Earl, steward. Ilosowagon is a modern department 
wagim of Concord monufacturc,— W. S. Davis & Son. It is drawn by 

Good-Will Hose Comiany, No. ;t. — William A. Bean, foreman ; John 
0. Mills, ossistant foreman ; Frank II. Blanchard, clerk ; Samuel D. 
McOloughlin, treasurer. Hose-carriage is a four-wheel second-class 
Amoskeag, drawn by a single horse. 

City ot Concord Hook-and-Laddi-r r,,N; 1 ,1 in N i vmImuI i.au.-, 

foreiuan; Napoleon B. Burleigh, us^-i i , i I I m. , 

clerk ; Frank T. Bean, treasurer, II : i nl 

manufacture,— Abbett-Bowning Coiiiiui li i. Iium, li ,l,,iil.l.. 

Pioneer, Steam Fire-Engine Company, No. 3, Penacook. — John II. 
Rolfe, foreman ; D. Warren Fox, assistant foreman ; John B. Dodge, 
clerk and treasurer ; John \\\ Powell, foreman of hose ; George S. 
Locke, engineer ; Enoch E. Kolfe, steward. Steamer "Pioneer" is a 
fourth-class Silsby ; hose-carriage is a four-wheel Amoskeag; both drawn 
by hand or horse. 

Old Fort Engine Company, No. 2, East Concnnl T -, |,1, V rl,, ,.r, 

foreman; Harrison H. Carpenter, assistant for. lu . .i : I I ;>.!.- 

inson, clerk; John C. Hutchins, treasurer; ( hi , ' mi. -l.■\^. 
ard. Huunemann five-inch cylinder hand-en^'iin v\itli Imm nnuini ; 

Cataract Engine Company, No. :i, West Concord. — James M. Grossman, 
foreman ; .Simeon Partridge, assistant foreman ; John E. Gay, clork 
and treasurer ; Williau) A. Martin, foreman of hose ; Abial C. Abbott, 
steward, llunnenmnn six-inch cylinder hand-engini-, with hose Jiimiicr ; 
drawn by band. 

SUMMARY OF MEMBERS. 

Engineers 4 

Steamer an 
Hose meml 

Hook-and-loilder members 20 

Steward, assistjint steward and regular drivei-s (:i) . .'i 

— 82 

Engineers :i 

Members at Penacook ;i(i 

Mcmbera at East Concord ;;o 

Members at West Concord ;10 

— ;i;! 

Total 17.', 

Fisherville (or Penacook, as it is now calleil) is a 
thriving village, about six miles from the eity, and is 
named in lionor of tlie Fishers, who erected the first 
mill at this point. It was on an island near here 
where Mrs. Hannah Dustin, in 1G97, killed and 
scalped ten Indians. The following account of this 
daring exploit is tlius related by Dr. Pouton : 

Mrs. Hannah, wife of Mr. Tliomas Dustin, was 
confined to her bed with an infant child, seven days 
<ild, and attended by a nurse, Mary Ntlf. Hearing 



Mr. Dustin ran from the field, where he was at work, 
to his house, and ordered his children — scmm in 
number — to flee; while he .seized his gun, and finding 
it impossible to remove his wife and infant, indunti d 
his horse and rode after his children— defending tluni 
against the savages, who were in pursuit. Supposing 
it impossible to save them all, liis first thought was 
to catch up one of them — even the one that he k)ved 
the most — and save that; but he was unable to maki> 
a choice, and, keeping in their rear, he retreated and 
fired, sometimes with ftital effect, till the Indians gave 
over their pursuit. 

In the mean time a small party of Indians entered 
the house, took Mrs. Dustin and nurse prisoners and 
set the house on fire. The babe was snatched from 
the hands of the nurse, and its brains dashed out 
against an apple-tree. Feeble, and with but one shoe 
on, Mrs. Dustin was compelled to travel through the 
wilderness, in this inclement season, till they reached 
the home of her Indian captors, on the island above 
named. The Indians on the island were twelve in 
number, — two men, three women and seven children, 
— and with them an English boy, named Samuel Lan- 
nardson, who was taken prisoner about a year befori' 
at VV^orcester. 

After a few days the women were informed by the 
Indians that they would soon .start for a distant settle- 
ment, and when they arrived there would be obliged 
(o submit to Indian customs, of which one was to 
run the gauntlet, naked, between two files of Indians. 
On learning this, Mrs. Dustin formed her deadly plan. 
She told the boy Lannardson to ask his master where 
he would strike a man if he wished to kill him in- 
stantly, and how he would take off a scalp. The 
Indian laid his finger on his temple. "Strike 'em 
there," said he, and then instructed the boy how to 
scalp. Engaging the nurse and the boy in her plot, 
Ihey waited the midnight hour for executing it. 
With tomahawks in hand, they struck the fatal blows 
on the heads of the Indians as they lay fast aaleeij. 
Ten were killed at once. Mrs. Dustin killed her 
master, and Samuel Lannardson dispatched the very 
Indian who told him where to strike and how to take 
off a scalp. A favorite Indian boy wits spared, and 
one of the squaws whom they left for dead jumped 
up and ran into the thicket. Mrs. Dustin, gathering 
up what provisions there were in the wigwam, taking 
the gun of her dead master and the tomahawk witli 
which she killed him, and, to prevent pursuit, scutt- 
ling the Indian canoes, except one, she embarked in 
that, with the nurse and boy Lannardson, on the 
waters of the Merrimack, to seek their way to Haver- 
hill. They had not proceeded far, however, when 
Mrs Dustin, perceiving that they had neglected to 
take the scalps, and fearing lest her neighbors — 
should she ever arrive at her home — would not credit 
her story, hastened back with her companions to the 
scciic of death, took off the scalps of the slain, put 
tlicin " into a bag, and, with these bloody witnesses 




a^o-e^ 




CONCORD. 



lUl 



of their feat, hastened again on their downward 
course to Haverhill. There they safely arrived." 
On the 21st of April following, Mrs. Dustin and her 
two attendants went to Boston, carrying, as proofs of 
their exploit, the gun, tomahawk and ten scalps, and 
received, as a reward from the General Court, fifty 
pounds, besides many valuable presents from others. 

The Dustin Memorial. — On the island at the 
mouth of the Contoocook River stands the granite 
memorial erected to commemorate this achievement. 
The statue was erected mainly through the eftbrts ol' 
Robert B. Caverly, of Lowell, and E. S. Nutter, of 
Concord. The first step to that end was the convey- 
ance, by Messrs. John C. and Calvin Gage, to 
Rev. Nathaniel Ronton, E. K. Nutter and R. B. 
Caverly, in trust, all of the land lying east of the 
Northern Railroad, upon the island, for the purpose 
of establishing a memorial. Funds to the amount of 
six thousand dollars were raised by subscription. The 
statue and pedestal are of Concord granite, after a 
design by William Andrews, of Lowell. The sculptors 
were Andrew Orsolini, James Murray and Charles H. 
Andrews ; the builder. Porter E. Blanchard. 

The monument was unveiled June 17, 1874, with 
appropriate ceremonies. There was a large gathering 
of people. Addresses were made by Rev. N. Bouton, 
of Concord; R. B. Caverly, Esq., of Lowell; Hon. G. 
W. Nesmith, of Franklin ; Major-General S. G. Griffin, 
of Keene ; D. O. Allen, of Lowell ; Hon. B. F. Pres- 
cott, of Eppiug ; Colonel J. H. George, of Concord ; 
Rev. Ellas Nason, of Billerica ; Charles C. Coffin, of 
Boston ; Rev. W.T. Savage, of Franklin ; ex-Governor 
Onslow Stearns, of Concord, and others. Governor 
James A. Weston accepted the deed, in trust, IWr tlic 
State. 

The Concord Horse Railroad.— This road was or- 
ganized in 1880, and was running in April, 1881. The 
road was started with five cars, and now has ten. In 
1885 the company added to their stock two steam 
motors, which are designed to supersede the use of 
horses. The line extends from South Main Street, or 
the " South End," as this part of the town is called, 
through West Concord to Penacook. Hon. Moses 
Humphrey is president and superintendent. 

Hon. Moses Humphrey, ex-mayor and one of Con- 
cord's leading citizens, was born in Hingham, Mass., 
October 20, 1807; son of Moses Leavitt and Sarah 
(Lincoln) Humphrey, who were descendants of the 
first settlers of that ancient town. He attended the 
common schools of his native town until 1821, when 
he commenced following the sea, at that time a lead- 
ing branch of industry of Southeastern Massachusetts. 
He continued in this occupation twelve years, seven 
of which he was master of the schooners " Ann " and 
" Climax," of Hingham, and other vessels. He then, 
in company with his brother, engaged in commerce, — 
owning a number of vessels, — the mercantile business 
and cooperage on an extensive scale, and the |)racti- 
cal management of the business devolved upnu Mr. 



Humphrey. He was the originator of the manufac- 
ture of "kits" by machinery, and upon his removal 
to Croydon, N. H., in 1843, commenced their manufac- 
ture, which was continued there until 1851, when he 
removed the business to Concord, where he hits con- 
ducted it to the 'present time, and from that time to 
the present htvs been prominently identified with the 
progress of the city. He was a member of the first 
City Council in 1853, and in 1854 was elected presi- 
dent of the Council; in 1855 was elected to the 
Board of Alderman, and during Mayor Clnncnt's 
sickness for several months, Mr. Humphrey was 
chairman of the board and acting-mayor. He was 
re-elected in 1856. In 1857 was a memljcr of the 
House of Representatives, and chairman of the com- 
mittee on towns and parishes. In 1860 was elected 
|)resident of the Merrimack County Agricultural 
Society, and held the position several years. He 
was chosen a director in the First National Bank in 
1864. 

In March, 1861, Mr. Humphrey was elected mayor, 
and, in March following, upon the eve of the break- 
ing out of the Rebellion, was sworn into office. Presi- 
dent Lincoln's first call for troops occurred soon 
after, and Mayor Humphrey at once suggested to 
Captain Sturdevant, a jirominent police officer, that 
he recruit a company for immediate service, which 
was done, and mustered into the United States ser- 
vice as Company A of the First Regiment of New 
Hampshire Volunteers. Concord subsequently be- 
came the headquarters of the army for the State, 
and was also the general recruiting station. Here were 
rendezvoused the First, Third, Fifth, Ninth, Elev- 
enth, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth and 
Sixteenth Regiments. This brought together different 
elements of society, and devolved great responsibility 
ujjon the head of the city government. The June 
session of the Legislature in 1861 passed an act 
authorizing cities and towns to pay State aid to vol- 
unteers. The cities generally appointed agents to 
disburse this fund, but in this city the duties were 
assumed by Mayor Humphrey, who paid out the 
sum of $23,330.29. He discharged the duties of this 
trying period with courage and to the welfare and honor 
of his adopted city. In addition to the duties which 
the war devolved upon him, he was also overseer of 
the poor, superintendent of highways and bridges, 
etc. He was, also, the city's authorized agent for 
filling the quotas in 1861, '62 and '65, and, at the 
close of his administration in 1862, he had eighty- 
two men credited to the city above the quotas. He 
was also chairman, in 1S63, of the High School 
building committee. He was re-elected iimyor in 
1865. 

He was foremost in the movement which resulted 
in the rebuilding of the State-House in 1865, and 
in the following year he was appointed by Governor 
Smyth one of a committee to build the State-House 
fence, beautify the grounds, etc. The labor of this 



102 



HISTORY OK MERlilMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMI'SHIRE. 



committee, however, chiefly devolved upon Mayor 
Humphrey. He was a member of Governor Stearns' 
Council in 18()!», and was an earnest advocate of the 
movement for building the new State Prison, and 
also for changing the method of appointment of the 
warden, transferring the power from the Legislature 
to the Governor and Council. He has also repre- 
sented Ward Five in the Legislature, and has been 
chairman of the Board of Agriculture since 1870. 
Mayor Humphrey is the present president and super- 
intendent of the Concord Horse Railroad, and the 
succe-ss of this enterprise is largely due to his untir- 
ing elforts. Although beyond the scriptural age of 
three-score and ten, he still retains the vigor and 
elasticity of youth. He is a Republican in politics, 
and a member of the Universalist Church. 

In 1831, Mayor Humphrey united in marriage 
with Lydia Humphrey, and they had one daughter, 
who died in 1850. Mayor and Mrs. Humphrey cele- 
brated tluir "golden wedding" in 1881. 

Centenarians.' — The following is a list of centen- 
arians who have died in Concord: 

Elizabeth (Abbott) Haieltine, died February 25, 
1834; daughter of Nathaniel Abbott, one of the 
original proprietors of Concord (then Penacook), 
where she was born July 1, llii'i. 

Mrs. Willey died in Concord April 14, 1847, aged 
one hundred yeare, three months and seventeen days. 

Theodosia Smith died in (Vnudrd, IS.lii, aged one 
hundred and one years. 

Lydia (Goodwin) Elliott died .fuMc 24, 1856, aged 
one hundred and three years, four months and twenty- 
five days ; born in Newton, Miuss., January 30, 1753. 
One of her brothers died at the age of ninety-seven ; 
one sister at ninety-nine years and eight months, and 
one at ninety-.seven ; another wiis living in Janu- 
ary, 1853, at the age of ninety-six ; four of her chil- 
dren, seventy grandchildren, one hundred great- 
grandchildren, and at least eight great-great-grand- 
children were living at her centennial. 

JIargaret (Sargent) Evans died March 28, 1877, 
aged one hundred anil one years, eight months and 
twenty-one days. She was born in Chester July 7, 
1775 ; of her eight children, four survived her, two 
of the number being over seventy years of age. She 
bad lucn a resident of ('oncord nearly eighty years. 

Slavery in Concord.— In the early days slavery was 
not unknriwn in this section, as the following docu- 



•Ilncoheiluf AnJiow McMil 



" CoNcORu, March 4, 17G7. 
lie wuin of forty-sevon poundy ten 
iileratton for my Negro Boy slave 
■s, wliicli Xegro Hoy I liave tliij^ 
omtHo to warrant ami ilefeiid thi' 
tliu said McMillan, and hig heire 
^ t.f any other person or jjersons 



'* In witne»Ft whereof 1 iiave heren 
and date atwve meiitione<I. 
,.,.... (Pail BiimiKRN, 



' Kiioic all Men bij Ihae PraeiiU, 
"That I, Patrick c;ault, of ( 



II i» Mujfi 



atlon of the Burn I I i.'i.i' i ■ n i , l.iv^ini \ i m ii.nnl 

before the delivrl ^ ' " ■' '"'^ l ni l'^ \i|.|(.^^ \|.Ml[l;ll(, 

of Concord, in lli'' I'l-^n Imi.-dI, 1 • ^ , iIh- 1...1111 \,i,,i.Mi 1 do 

hereby acknowledge, Imve luirgaiiied and sold, and by tliese ^M■e(^eJlt^ 
do bargain and sell unto hint, the said Andrew McMillan, my Hegi" 
Oarl, named Ditiali, aged about eight years, to have and to hold th.- 
said Negro Garl Dinah, by these presents, to him,- the said Andrew 
McMillan, his heit», adniinistratora and assigns ; and 1, the said I'lil 
rick Gault, for myself, my heirs and administrators, shall and will 
warrant, and forever defend her, the said Negro Garl, unto him, th.- 
said Andrew McMillan, his heirs, administrators and assigns, agaiusc 
all the claims and demands of any person or persons \\li.>iii'i-r\.r , 
and have put her, the said Negro Garl, into his, the said Andr. u 
McMillan's, possession, by delivering her unto him, the said >I,-Mil 
Ian, at the time of sealing hereof. In witness whereof I have her.- 
unto set my haiid and seal, this 24th day of May, and in the eighth 
year of His Majesty's reign, A.D. one thousand seven hundred and 
sixty-eight. 



"BII.I.F.K1C-A, May 2, 1761. 
" Know ,tlt Mm l>y time. I'resetils, That I, Hannah Bowers, of Bil- 
lerica, widow, have sold unto Lot Colby, of Uumford, in the Province 
of New-Hanii>shire, a mulatto Negro Boy, named HoJem, and have 
received forty-five shillings sterling, in full consideration for the said 
boy, as witness my hand. 

"Hannah B.iweks. 



The "Negro Garl Dinah" lived to an advanced 
age, and was known as " Mother Osgood." 

The "Boy Ctesar" died in 1847 or 1848, in the 
ninety-second year of his age. 

Aaron Stevens had a negro man who was the town 
" dog-whipper," it being his office to scourge dogs 
out of the meeting-house on the Sabbath, for which 
he received a few pennies from such as were dispose<l 
to pay him. The faithful discharge of his office 
affi:>rded fine ainuseiiiciit for tlie children during Sab- 
bath hours. 

Captain John Roach also owned a negro woman. 

Deacon Joseph Hall, Sr., had a slave womau who 
had two children, one named Lois and the other John 
Brown. John was given to Deacon Jonathan Wil- 
kins, who married a granddaughter of Deacon Hall. 
John was tion compos, and gave the deacon so much 
trouble that at last he threw him on the town for 
support. 

At one time John was put to hoeing potatoes 
alone; but it was found he skipped over every other 
hill. Being asked what he did it tor, he said, "So as to 
keep up." He was once sent to turn out calves from 
the stall, but, not succeeding in unfa.stening their 
yokes, the deacon's hired man turned the calves out 
and yoked John up. 

Of other slaves in Concord about this time, tradi- 
tion has preserved some interesting reminiscences. 
Ephraim Farnum, grandfather of Moses H. Farnum, 
and living on the same spot, owned a black boy . 
named Cwsar. ] 



CONCORD. 



Abraham Bradley had a negro slave named Pompey 
— commonly called " Pomp " — for whom he paid 
tliirty bushels of corn. "Pomp" was quite a favorite 
ill the family. He was the attendant and sort of life- 
fiuard of John Bradley in his boyhood. In his last 
will Mr. Bradley gave Pomp to his grandson, John, 
and ordered his executor " to take especial care that 
my said negro be not wronged by my aforesaid grand- 
son in any ways, and if he should wrong him, I give 
him power to do him justice." Mr. Bradley also gave 
Pomp " the use and improvement of one-lialf acre of 
l;inil," near his dwelling-house, during his natural 

( 'olonel Benjamin Rolfe owned a negro, who, in 
1772, wlieu the inventory of Colonel Rolfe's property 
was taken, was valued at fifty-five pounds, lawful 

William Coffin, the grandfather of Samuel Coflin, 
Esq., owned a negro woman named "Lucy." "Samp- 
son," a negro belonging to Archelaus Moore, of 
Canterbury, wanted her for his wife, and there was an 
agreement that Sampson should work one year for 
Mr. Coflin to pay for her. A man's wages at that 
time were about forty dollars a year, or the price of a 
yoke of oxen. Sampson was a famous fiddler, and 
for many years afforded fine fun for frolicsome fellows 
in Concord with his fiddle on election days. 

Rev. Timothy Walker had three .slaves, — a man 
called Prince and two women. Luce and Violet. 

Lieutenant Richard Herbert had a slave named 
Nancy, who was said to have been born in Boston 
about 176G, and when nine days old was given to a 
man resident in Bow, who, wishing to remove from 
the vicinity, brought her to Rumford, and, in 1768, 
sold her to Lieutenant Herbert for about five dollars. 

Manufacturing Interests. — The Page Belting 
Company is a representative establishment. The 
goods manufactured by this company have taken 
high rank in the commercial world, and branches 
for the sale of the goods are now established in 
Boston, St. Louis, New York and Chicago. This 
company was incorporated in 1872, and has a 
capital of two hundred thousand dollars. The offi- 
cers are as follows: George F. Page, president; 
Charles T. Page, treasurer; George F. Page, Charles 
T. Page, Theodore H. Ford, Lyman D. Stevens, John 
Abbott, Benjamin A. Kimball, E. G. Wallace, direc- 
tors ; Daniel Barnard, clerk of corporation ; L. D. 
Stevens, clerk of the directors. 

Porter Blanchard's Sons make the celebrated 
" Blanchard Chuck," which has been manufactured 
since about the year 1855. The business of chuck- 
making, however, has been carried on by the Blan- 
chards, fiither and sons, since 1818. 

Ja.mes R. Hill, a man who, entirely by his own ef- 
forts, rose from the humbler rank of an apprentice 
to affluence and social position, and through all the 
changing events of an active business life preserved 
his integrity unimpeached, well deserves the pen of 



the biographci-. The lilc <il the late James R. 
Hill is a wcll-roin.dcd c.NampI,. of such a career. 
Without the advantages of inherited aid, he worked 
the problem of his own fortune and lived to enjoy 
the fruition of a successful business career. 

Mr. Hill was born in Stratham, N. H., December 
17, 1821. He remained in his native town until 
1836, when he came with liia parents to ('oncord. He 
.soon after entered the employ of Abbot & Downing, 
and later served an apprenticeship with Greeley 
& Morrill, harness-makers. In 1842, in company 
with Oliver Greeley, he commenced the harness busi- 
ness under the firm-name of Greeley & Hill. A few 
years later he purchased Mr. (ireeley's interest, and 
continued the business as sole proprietor until 1865. 
Several times during this period his establishment 
was destroyed by fire, but with characteristic energy 
the buildings were immediately rebuilt. In the 
mean time Mr. Hill had become interested in variou.-i 
enterprises in the city, which necessarily demanded a 
large share of his time, and he was forced to relin- 
quish the active management of the harne.ss business, 
whereupon the firm of James R. Hill & Co. was 
organized, in 1865, consisting of Mr. Hill, George H. 
Emery and Josiah E. Dwiglit ; and the fame of the 
" Concord harness," through Mr. Hill's wise finesight 
and characteristic energy, became almost a household 
word throughout the civilized world, Mr. Hill speml- 
ing a large portion of his time daily in the ni:inul':ic- 
tory, giving his personal ;itt('iiti<iii lo tlic Imsincss un- 
til his decease. 

In 1849 he made the first shipment of liaiiios to 
California from the East, and in 1853 he made a ship- 
ment to Chili. 

But it was not solely as a manufacturer that Mr. 
Hill made his influence so largely felt in this city. 
He amassed a fortune, which was expended almost en- 
tirely in the building up of the city, thereby adding 
largely to its past, present and prospective growth and 
advancement. To him, more than to any other man, 
the city is probably indebted for its substantial busi- 
ness blocks. Among the blocks erected by him were 
the State, Columbian and Centennial Blocks, etc., and 
he purchased the Phoenix Hotel property in 1866, and 
at the time of his death owned more real estate in this 
city than any other person who has ever lived in Con- 
cord. For several years previous to his death Mr. 
Hill was proprietor of the Phoenix Hotel, and the 
present reputation for excellence of this popular hos- 
telry is largely due to his judicious management. 
Although a Democrat in polities and actively inter- 
ested in the success of his party, he was not a politician 
and never sought oflicial recognition at the hands of 
his fellow-citizens. He was emphatically a business 
man, and his life was one of steady and active ilcvotiori 
to business, and his success was the natural resull of 
his ability to examine and readily comprelund any 
subject presented to him, power to decide promptly 
and courage to act with vigor and persistency in ac- 



104 



HISTORY OF MKHRTMA('K COUNTY, NEW HAMrSHIRE. 



cordance with his conviitioiis. At tlie time of his 
death he was a member of the Hoard of Water Com- 
missioners and of Bliizing Star Lodge of Masons. 

Mr. Hill w!i.s twiee married, hissecoiid marriage being 
to Mis.s Sopiiia L. Pickering, in ISo-i, who survives 
liim. Also live children survived him,— Mrs. .Josiah K. 
Dwight, by his first wife, and the following by hissee- 
oud wife, viz. : Eds(m .1., manager of the I'ho-ni.x 
Hotel, Solon P., .Iose])h C. and Cora,— all residents 
of this city. The death of Mr. Hill was a peculiarly 
sad one. September 2, 1884, he was thrown from 
a carriage in Main Street, Concord, receiving injurie.s 
which, ten weeks later (November 10th), resulted in 
death. 

The business men of Concord subsdHicntly luld a 
meeting, to express their respect for the memory ol 
Mr. Hill, and Mayor Woodman was chosen to pre- 
side. Upon taking the chair he spoke as follows : 

" Fellow-Citizens,— The occanion wllicb drawn us togetlicr is one of 
exireroo Mdniwi. Our cilj- mourns llic lo» of one of licr foremost citi- 
zens, and one wliose place cannot well bo tilled. It is fitting tliat at 
uucli a time we should withdraw from the ordinary routine of business, 
and give a few words in perpetuation of the memory of one to whom 
our city and our citizens are so much indebted, and whose death is :> 

"The comparative suddenness of tlic d.'iitli of Jaiii.s li. Hill iinik.-- il 

impo«aihle for us fully to realize tb.- iTii|. I !,. :l. j iiin uli ' 

he occupied in this community. Itis'ii^ ' ' ■'" ' > ' ""' 

us, attending to his customary avociitiMi. n;,,! . i_> i ; ,i . 
ness for which he was particularly n..t, a i .l,.^ I- -i,.|,-ii,, .l,.| il h 

" His life was no exception to the rule that nothing comes without 
olforl, and to his persistout labor and indomitable will we may largely 
accredit his IniKincss |.r..spiTitv. lln was. in truth, a scll-inade man, 

and his success Im- i-ll.-l tui.f.i i.iiu ri tip- -!>.uii, .ui.i -.I'i hjmii ..( 

onrcity. Th.- v..n-.i 1..i-h,, -- n... k, « l,„ IMi.a . !.•.., 1 _-l, 



The resolutions were seconded by several gentle- 
men, the first of whom was Hon. J. E. Sargent, who 
spoke as follows: 

"Mr. Chainnau,-! reccive.l an invitati.Mi from yuur .ommittee to be 
present this evening, and have gladly accepted the invitation. We meet 
for the purpose of expressing our respect for the memory of the late 
.lames B. Hill, who died on the lOtli day of November instant, at his 
home in this city. With the circumslances of |ieculiar sadness to his 
family and to the public, whirli nitrfirlr,] hi^ -t'-Mth. we are all familiar. 
We have seen and read a lui' i ' . i i i' ' ' '"■" in the daily papers, 

which I am informed is buIim i > li ' . v. ,pt that when he was 

asiuall b"v, liis fiitlier ;in<I filing in ^. I In I A.I. -r, N. H., where they 

lived sum. .i. . II ^• .1 i i n I "'1 ""I" there to Concord in 

1830"! IT ,! ' I \' I .11 i\i.-.'n yeara old. He has lived in 
ConcoKl I ^ I III I ' ' 11 Ii;i*. been doue here. Ue learned 



that he was not at I 
self useful. 

"One additional 
Hill has had six childrec 
The one not n]entioned 



firet wife, 



shop, looking after the business and I 



his first wife and four by the second, 
iiper was one of the daughters by the 
lincp, the wife of Mr. H. J. Eaton, of 



ished by all who take an interest in our city. 

" When we consider how few of our rx«idents are likely to continue so 
largely a local investment of tli.ir capital, in the direction followed by 

our lamented townsman, w -.■.■ I'.-i' .in I .-- i- .ilniost irreparable. But 

it is not alone for his actual 1. 1 n i lii i.nl.li.- that he is mourned 

by those who know hiiu .i- . ■ ' i Jii...i and a friend. They 

appreciate his many virtiii.- :ni.l ;iii-. in- north as a man of strung 

convictions, earnest purposes and ..yoll.-iit .judgment. Ho was quiet 

demanded his full attention, he did not seek office, but he had the iiuali- 
tie« which would have made him a valuable assistant in the adniiuistra. 
tion of i>ublic affairs. His keen perceptions, unyielding courage, busi- 
ness sagacity ami untiring energy fitted him for any duty which be 



James B. Hill." 

John M. Hill, Esq., odered the following resolu- 
tions : 

"Bok^erf, That we arc deeply sensible uf th.- luss l,> this cum lity 

of our late associate, Mr. .Tanies H, Hill, wl.us.. .unii., ii,.ii with the busi- 
ness interests of Conconi lui .. ].. ii...i ..t m.. t. ili,.ii i..ii\ y.-iiiv, has been 
marked with great iudusti>. i.i ilnv m. I ni. i |.i i . ..ni \\li.i, struggling 
unaided through the advn^ili. . .1 ,iil> hi., li\ l..i.. and energy of 
character, initiated and ilevvluptnl a lai^<: luiiuuraclutin^ business of 
wtdespr<!ad reputation, bringing to himself a fortune which ho e\- 
liended almost entirely in the building ui> ()f our city, thereby adding 
largely to its jMLSt, present and prosiiective growth and advancement. 

"/fciwtrcd. That the chairman anil secretary of this meeting he di- 
> the family of the deceased with the 
ympathy and regard." 



owes him for her substantial busin 
Is main business street, and too m 
I those particulare. But I do not p 



"One suhjecl I think is particularly worthy of mention, and Ihal 
the relations that Mr. Hill always maintained with his help in Ilu- sin 
He knew what good work was, and when he found a man that ...'iiM 
good work and undeintood bis business, he kept him. lie «as willi 
to pay him siudi a price that he could alTord to stay, and his re;^iilai in 
became attached to him and ho always treated them with great kiiidii. 
and respect. There were no strikes among his men. A man lliat i 
not suit him ho discharged at once, but if a man suiteil him, he was » i 
ing to make it for his interest to stay with him. 1 am told that I 
relations between him and his workmen have always been of the m. 
friendly ami iulimate kind, and this accounts for the fact that such m 



the last fifteen years, since 1 . am. 1. 1 .m .n I l. In .■ '1. n \...u- n-.. I I 

to occupy an oflice in his t.l... i,. n ml , ..niu in- j.iui. \ i.. 

years, was hiscounsel in 8ev,.|.il imi .uu -m]- .lu.l li.iv. . \. i • 

on terms of intimacy witli lum. W i- iu-m-i e.\clian;;cil an iini-U 
woi-d. I always found him prompt and ready to do everything 
agreed, and nothing would make him more angry than to have h 
whom ho had trusted deceive him and forfeit his word and his h 
Mr. Hill had his faults, otherwise he would have been more 

"The young men and youth of to.day nuiy profit by his exam 
this, that any calling or trade is honorable if it is honest and useful, 
cA er laboiions, and whother mechanical or agricultural. II is m 
trade or occupation that makes the man honorable, l.ur IIh- iiianii 
which ho follows his occupation. 



ande 



" When Mr. Hill entered the shop as an apprentice to learn his trad, 
how iminy of the boys and young men of his ago here in Concord w(nil 
have been willing to have done the same ? They look for sometbin 
that they call highei-, because it was less laborious, forsooth. But ho 




^^.^^^ /I, M:^ 



CONCORD. 



105 



II >ii lohn Kinihil! | I I ili i jiti m »Iii Ii 
I Iml htlil with Mi Jlili isliiuiuL)li lUichoiil 
III \V iiiei Cijiiiuiissiuucis, Kir Heveiai years. He was a 
valuable member, taking active and earnest interest 
ill the business of the board. When it wjis found 
necessary to increase the water-works of the city, lie 
was among the first to give his support to the en- 
largement. Mr. Hill's aim was to build up the city 
rather than break it dowu. He was in favor of the 
liest thing to be had at a fair and reasonable expense. 
Jle had strong ability to make business, even from 
small beginnings, to overcome difficulties and win 
sui-iess where many other men with the same oppor- 
tuiiities would fail. He had a love for construction 
of luiililiiisjs and of making improvements, and in 
giatityiiiir this love he did not remove good buildings, 
liut built up waste places with new blocks. We are 
indebted to his ability, industry and strength of char- 
acter for many of the beautiful buildings that adorn 
our .Alain -Street. 

Mr. Lewis Downing, .Ir., said, — 
".Ml*. Chairman,— I cull ;iild only a w.inl tu wliat h.os .alreatly beonsaiii, 



ami from which the city ot < i Ih i- ^h 1 1\. .1 -.. miii li hcuefit. The 

business in which I have Iicn >jii-,i,-. <1 lui i1k j.i^l lurly-.^cven years has 
liccn more or less connected \\ itli .llr. Hills, and pcrhaiw it may not be 
unjust to say, that in all probability, but for the success of the one, the 
other would never have dovelnpeil itself as it has, as the interests of 
both were iiiiitii:il. Tli.' fiiiii.l, i ; ,.f tli. ,r< ., i,f \M .iMlowuiuE Com- 
pany «.tv, !,.,„,,,, ,,l„- [,:.,,„ .,:1.- . ■ -M.- Where car- 



iie cxprciw our appnriiitioii ol, and grati- 
nferred on us by our lioparled friend, .Fames 
ily join in jiassing the resolutions offered 



William M. Chase, Esq., spoke of his relations with 
Ml-. Hill for a period of nearly twenty-one years, 
liming which time he had occupied his present law- 
iillice, as Mr. Hill's tenant. He had seen a good deal 
of the man, and he desired to call attention to one 
important trait of his character, and that was that 
while he was attentive to the greater interests of 
business, he was also attentive to the little things. 



eiiU mom to nijit. Kvcrything received it.s due 
ittLiition Irom him. lie has bciidited this city not 
only b\ buildin^' up line busimss blocks, but even 
more by cstiblishing and continuing the firm of J. K. 
Hill iV. Co thus bringing men to our city and giving 
Ihmi unpl.nnunt whereby the city was the gainer. 

\\[iiiv\[ 1' I OHD & Co., iron founders, manu- 
luturt stovts 1 mges and agricultural implements, etc. 

J OKP iV IviMi Vi.L, bniss and iron foundei-s, are 
doing a Luge business. This establishment was 
founded in 1865. The firm consists of Theodore H. 
Ford and Henjamin A. Kimball. 

Concord Machine-Wobks, Colonel .John \. 
White, proprietor, were established in 1S77. .Manu- 
facture wood-working machinery. 

Other iron founders are Clapp & Co., Concord 
A.xle Company, Hobbs, Cxordon & Co., N.P. Stevens. 

Thk Prescott Orcjan Company was incorporated 
in .January, 1880, with a capital of thirty thousand 
dollars. This business is one of the oldest established 
of its kind in the United States. It originated in 
1836, although the founder had made musical instru- 
ments as early as 1814. The present officers of the 
company are A. J. Prescott, president ; George D. B. 
Prescott, treasurer ; D. B. Corser, superintendent. 

The Concord Axle Company, located at Pena- 
cook, was organized in 1880 with a capital of 
fifty thousand dollars. Its oflicers are as follows : 
C. H. Amsdeu, president ; D. Arthur Brown, treas- 
urer ; Edmund H. Brown, clerk ; Charles H. 
Am.sden, D. Arthur Brown, E. H. Brown, John 
Whittaker, J. C. Pearson, directors. This company 
iiianiirai'tures (he nriuiiiial Concord axle. 

(■|i\ii.i:i. Ci.AMii: i,M \i:ries.— The quarries of 
the eeleliiaieil (_'i me. in 1 granite are located on Rattle- 
snake Hill, which is literally one vast bed of granite. 
The superior value of this granite is due to its free- 
dom from all mineral impurities, which so often mar 
the beauty of this stone. ' 

Among those engaged in this business are Concord 
Granite Company, Patrick Crowley, Crowley & 
Quiun, Donogan & Davis, Fuller & Co., Asa L. Gay, 
Granite Railway Company, Abijah Hollis, M. H. 
Johnson, Lyman Knowles, Putney & Nutting, Sargent 
& Sullivan. 

The Concord MANUi'ACTURiNG Company, of 
West Concord, was incorporated in 1873. Capital, 
one hundred thousand dollars. Manufacture all- 
wool flannels and heavy twilled goods. Cajtacity, 
eighteen thousand five hundred yards per week. A. 
W. Sawyer is president; G. F. Blake, clerk; Daniel 
Holden, treasurer and agent; P. R. Holden, superin- 
tendent. 

The Contoocook Manufacturing and Me- 
chanic Company is located in Penacook ; manufac- 
turers of print cloths. Cotton used annually, ;{il(),- 
000 pounds; numberof yards of cloth made, 1,<)0I),0I)(( ; 
number of looms, 163 ; number of spindles, 0200 ; 
number of bands employed, about 100. 



106 



HLSTOIU- Ul' MEIUIDIACK COUNTY, xNEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The Penacook Mill is located in East Canal 
Street, Penacook ; John S. Brown, proprietor; manu- 
factures print cloths. Number of pounds of cotton 
used per year, 525,000 ; number of yards of cloth 
made per year, 3,000,000; number of looms, 330; 
number of spindles, 13,064 ; number of hands em- 
ployed, 190. 

WiLi.i.xM B. DCRGIN, manufacturer of solid silver- 
ware, commenced this business in 1854, and it has 
grown from small proportions to rank among the 
representative establishments of the city. 

The Concoud Shoe-Factoky has a capital of 
twenty-five thousand dollars. Its officei-s are George 
.\. Cummings. president; W. F. Thayer, treasurer ; 
N. E. Martin, clerk ; Oscar V. Pitman, W. G. Shaw, 
L. D. Brown, Edward Dow, directors. 

The Co.vfoui) Cattle Com i-axy was incorporated 
in February, 1883. 

The Concord Gas-Liciit Comtaxy was incor- 
porated in 1854. Capital, one hundred thousand 
dollars. John Kimball, president; Sylvester Dana, 
clerk; John M. Hill, treasurer and agent; William 
Badger, superintendent; Seth Eastman, John Kim- 
ball, John H. George, Josiah Minot, Edward H. 
Rollins, Sylvester Dana, Josiah B. Sanborn, directors. 

The company has laid more than seventeen miles 
of main-pipe. There are about eleven hundred con- 
sumers and one hundred and ninety street lights. 

Town Accounts.— The following are extracts from 

aeeuunts from 1771 to March, 1775: 

£ .. <l. 
" To AbiL-l CliuTuller, fur keeping school iiiul suivi'.viug for 

the iKirish 55 14 ilii 

To Jo. Eiiier.v, for keeping school )1 10 C. 

Patrick Guinlon, for keeping school 31 17 (> 

John Blancluu-d's order for boarding a school mistress . 7 fi 
Kobert Hogg, for keeping scliool two years at £30 . . . 60 II 

Daniel Abbot, for a woirs head 10 

l)r. E. H. Goes, for taking caro of Jacob Pilsbury and 

wife ... '2 7 S 

Rev. Sir. Timo. Walker, for procuring the incorporation 

of Concord 5 5 10 

Joseph Eastman, jr., for a wolf 8 head 4 o 

Timo. Walker, jr., for a set of measures, 53 crows' heads, 
articles supplied Pilebury, and his service as select- 
man and clerk 7 1 fj 

Abiel Chandler, for surveying G 

BciU' Emery's order for carrying out a lame man, and bis 

services as selectman 2 8 

1772. To the Rev'd Mr. Timo. Walker, for preaching 

from 2Cth day of Jan'y, 1772, to 2Cth Jan'y, 1773 .47 1 () 
To John Kimball, for making 5 staves for the tything 

To sundry articles supplied Elizabeth Buss and Samuel 

Walker 1 7 3 

To Noah Parker, for one now weight, and scaling the 

To Gilman West, for making nails for the meeting-house 5 5'" 
Fbom 1774 TO 1775. 
" To .\liiel Chandler, for sun-eying riMile and taking th** 

numtK'r of the people 3 10 r> 

John Kimball, for mending the meeting-house, and for 

nails for do 13 

,\ndrcw Mc:Millan, Esq., for petitioning the General 

Court, and assisting in settling Sir. Walker's salary. 6 
John Kimball, for a cofliu for the body of Samuel 



Timothy Walker, jr., for his bill against the parish the £ 



year past 



Do. for journey to Exeter, to alteud the Congress, 5 days 

at 5«., travail 13». 4rf 1 1» 

To cash paid John Giddinge, for the support of the dele- 
gates at the Continental Congress, as per rec't . . . G 4 

Rev'd. Mr. Walker, for three journeys to Exeter, to attend 

the Congress ^ IG 

To cash paid John Giddinge, for the support of the dele- 



gale 



To a hoi-sti the above four journeys, at G« 1 4 

To cash paid Mr. John Eowle, for taking care of Dr. 

Carrigin, when sick of the small pox, as per rec't . 3 

To 711 feet of plank for bridges 'i I n 

Abated Nath'l Chandler .\bbot -' « ' 

In 1762 the principal merchant in the new town 
(then Rumford) was Andrew McMillan, whose store 
was located on the corner of Main and Pleasant 
Streets. Illustrative of the price of various com- 
modities at that date, the following charge-s from his 
ledger are subjoined : 

"-Ben. Mr. Timolhji Walker, jtiiim;' [>r. 



To 1 lb. of Coffey 

" 1 scain of silk 

" % yd. of bear-skin, at 8s. 
" % gall, of wine, at Os. . . 
" H gall- "f W. I. rum . . 

" 1 lb. of coffee, by John Co 



•■ I [iHii -I iMiilv, li_\ .lohu Colby, 2- 
" I .^ a y\. nf lous Uiwn, by Judith . 
" 1 baiiilkcrchief, by Judith .... 

" I pint W. I. rum 

■■ 1 gall. W. I. rum, by John Colby 
•• 1., m. i.r ptpwihT, by John Colby . 
" llmaiH Farimm, I>r. 

'I'o Sundries brought from olil ledger, p. 
" 14 gall, and pint of N. E. rum . . 
" 1 lb. of colToy, at 26s 






04 



" 1 glass o 
" Iqt. ofwiue,af25« 
' }4 gall, of brandy . 
" 1 pint of brandy . . 

' 1 glass of brandy 03 

" 2 lbs. of brown sugar, at 14b 1 08 

" 1 gliiss of brandy 04 

" li.^gall. of brandy, at lis 4 10 

" 14 n>. of raisons 1 00 

* 5 pare of men's gloves, at 50b 12 10 

' 2 pare of woman's black do., at 50*. . . . 5 (to 

' 1 pare of woman's white do 2 13 

' 3 yds. of hat crape, at 50b " 10 

Itumford, January 15, 1703. Cr. 

f sundries brought from old ledger ... 150 08 8 



ralker, Jr., was licensed to preach, September 1 
Concord, and wa.'iawhilc in company with .\udre 



CONCORD. 



107 



Jan. 22. *■ )^ gall, of brandy . 4 in 

" its. " i^gall. of brandy 4 iii 

" 27. '* 14 "*•'• "f brandy 4 HI 

" 28. " J,^ gall, of brandy 4 10 

" 20. '* y^ gull, of brandy 4 U) 

" 31. " 1^ gall, of brandy (for medicine ?) . ... 4 10 

" 5 lbs. of sugar 2 Ifi 

Feb. 4. " ^gall. of brandy .... • 4 lo 

" S. " 5 nots of thread, at 3s n l.-i 

" •• " C, slu-i-ts of |a|»M-, at 1«. lirf 09 

" II- ■ ' _ - "I -I " t nnn 3 00 

" ■■ ■ ': .-ll '< ' I •■■• "-'I'T 3 15 

•'John ClmmlUr. br. 

.lunil?,. To4 buttons 1 mo 

" ^ bowl of tody o OT 

Jlar 11. " II4 yds. of blue broail cloth, ITs 2.i 10 

" 2 doz. buttons, at 30ii 3 00 

" 8 jacket do lo 

" V/i yds. of blue camblet C (mi 

" 1 qt. of rura, at 24s., and 2 bowls of tody , 2 12 

July 22. " Igall. of W. I. mm, 6» (1 00 

"Rev. Timothy Walker, Dr. 

1703. £. ,. 

Dec. 9. To the balance of your account 26 15 

" 3 yds. of red shoe-binding, by Judith . . 09 

Dec. 8. " 1(4 lb. of chalk, at 40s 2 10 

" " " 2 qts. rum 3 00 

Jan'y 2. *• J<^ lb. of pepper, 18s IS 

Feb'y2. " 1 c|uart of W. I. rum, .•»« 1 l.'i 

" *' *' \i °^ buckram 12 

" 10. " 1 gall, of W. I. mm, by Mr. Tim. . . . IKI 

June 2. " % yd. of cambrick, by Judith, at 11<. . 1 OS 

*' *' *' 1 punch bowl, at 158 15 

" " " V^ yd. of gauze, and to 34 skeiu of silk. 1 04 

.\ug. 9. " sundries paid Mr. Paul Burbeen. . . .50 Ou 



Concord Railroad, — The first passenger depot of 
the Concord Railroad was erected in 1849. The pre- 
sent depot building was completed in 1885, and is a 
large and commodious brick structure, and is supplied 
with all the modern improvements. 

The Penacook Academy was established in ISOG. 
Hon. William H. ttage generously contributed a 
large lot of land, and the .school was opened No- 
vember 6, 186(5, the same year. The first board of 
instruction consisted of M. Weed, A.M., Mrs. Mary 
A. Weed and Miss Eliza T. Moore. 

The New Hampshire Historical Society' was 
formed at Portsmouth, May 20, 1S23. The number 
of original members was thirty-one, of which George 
Kent, Esq., the last survivor, died at New Bedford, 
Mass., in the winter of 1884-85. 

An act of incorporation was passed by the Legis- 
lature June 13, 1823, and the first meeting of the 
members under its provisions was held in the council 
chamber in the State-House on the evening of the 
same day, when a constitution was adopted. A code 
of by-laws was adopted at a meeting held at Exeter 
September 17, 1823. 

The object of the society is to discover, procure 



and preserve whatever relates to the natural, civil, 
literary and ecclesiastical history of the United 
States in general and the State of New Hampshire 
in particular. 

John Farmer, Esq., the noted antiquarian, historian 
and genealogist, was one of its original members, 
and to his exertions as its corresponding secretary 
much of its early success is due. 

Hon. William Plumer was its first president; his 
successors have been Levi Woodbury, in 1825; Icha- 
bod Bartlett,1826; Salma Hale, 1830; Matthew Har- 
vey, 1832; Charles H. Atherton, 1834; Joel Parker, 
1838; Nathaniel Boutou, 1842 ; Nathaniel G. Uphani, 
1844; Samuel D. Bell, 1847; Charles Burroughs, 
1849; Levi Chamberlain, 1852; William Phimer, Jr., 
1854 ; Chandler E. Potter, 1855 ; Edwin D. Sanborn, 
1857; Joseph Dow, 1860; William H. Y. Hackett! 
1861 ; Joseph B. Walker, 1866; Charles H. Bell, 1868. 

The semi-centennial of the society was celebrated 
May 22, 1873, at which time the society's building — 
then recently purchased and fitted up— was dedicated 
to its use. A dedicatory address was delivered by 
Joseph B. Walker, Esq. Addresses were also made 
by other honorary and resident members, and an ode 
written by George Kent, Esq., of Washington City, 
was sung. 

The semi-centennial address was delivered by the 
president of the society, Hon. Charles H. Bell, and a 
poem written by Edna Dean Proctor was read. 

Eight volumes of valuable historical matter have 
been published by the society, and a ninth is in 
course of publication. 

The library now contains about eight thousand 
volumes, twelve thousand pamphlets, one hundred 
thousand newspapers, a valuable collection of manu- 
scripts and a large number of ancient and curious 
articles, which are kept at its rooms, 212 and 214 
North Main Street. 

The present number of resident members is about 
one hundred and fiftv. 



CHAPTER V. 

CONCORD— (Ponfiniicrf). 
uited States Court-ITouse and Post-Ofhce— School 



1 By D. F. 



State Prison. — The old State's Prison, on Main 
Street, was erected in 1811 or 1812 on land given by 
Joshua Abbot. The location was thought to be se- 
cluded, quite out of the way of business and of popula- 
tion. It was erected under the supervision of Stuart 
J. Park, and was built entirely of granite, quarried 
from Rattlesnake Hill. It contained originally thirty- 
six cells. Its cost was about thirty-seven thousand 
dollars. It was subsequently greatly enlarged and 
improved. 

> See appendix. 



niSTOKY OK MKIUUMACK COUNTY, NEW I1A3IPSIIIKE. 



The present prison is locatwl about two miles 
north of the State-House, on the road to Penaeook, 
and was eonipleted in 1878 at a cost of al)out two 
hundred and thirty tliousand dolhirs. It is a mas- 
sive and imijosiiig structure. It was erected under 
the supervision of Prison Commissioners John Kim- 
ball. Albert M. Shaw and Alpha .1. Pillsbury. 

The whole number of convicts in i)rison is 127, 
—116 white and 11 black, ISO males and 1 female. 
Only 35 persons were committed to the prison during 
the past year, being the smallest luiiulicr for twelve 
years. 

The earnings of the institution for the year were 
J!18,7.'')4.24, and the e-xpenses have been $20,34i).2r), 
leaving a balance against the prison of $],i>9!>.0l. 

The number of prisoners discharged during the 
year was 48,-7 being pardoned, 36 released on ac- 
count of the expiration of their terms of sentence 
and 5 died. 

Of the 127 inmates, April .^0, 1885, 43 were jnar- 
ried and 84 single ; 33 claimed to be temperate, and 
the remainder admitted themselves to be intemper- 
ate; 12 were under 20 year^i of age when committed, 
()(') between 20 and 30, 31 between 30 and 40, 8 be- 
tween 40 and 50, and 10 over 50 ; 109 can read and 
write, 11 can read only and the remainder are unable 
to do either ; 23 were convicted in Rockingham 
County, 10 in Stratford, 5 in Belknap, (5 in Carroll, 4 
in Merrimack, 33 in Hillsborough, 7 in Cheshire, !• 
in Sullivan, 7 in Grafton, 5 in Coos and 18 in the 
United States Courts; 4 are serving time for murder 
in the second degree, 4 for numslaughter, 5 for at- 
tempt to kill, 2 for rape, 3 for arson, 1 for liighway 
robbery, 29 for burglary, 11 for horse-stealing, 3 for 
stealing cattle, 3 for forgery, 4 for breaking and 
stealing, 9 for breaking and entering, 28 for stealing, 

1 for stealing from jierson, 1 for obtaining goods by 
false iiretences, 1 for poisoning cow, 7 for robbery, 
3 for attempt to rape, 1 for assaulting officer, 1 for 
robbing iiosl-oflice, 3 for being tramj)s, 1 for false 
entry in bank ledger, 1 for false affidavit to obtain 
money and 1 for falsely personating another to ob- 
tain money. 

Ninety-eight are nativ.'s oC the I'liilc.! States, 11 
of Ireland, 4 of England, 1 of Scotland, li of Canada, 

2 of Nova Scotia, 2 of Sweden and 3 of Germany. 
Four were sentenced for 30 years, 1 for 25, 4 for 20, 
1 for 15, 1 for 13, 5 for 10, 1 for 9, 4 for 8, 7 for 7, 1 
for 6, 15 for 5, 2 for 4.5, 13 for 4, 35 for 3, 3 for 2i, 20 
for 2, 1 for U, 1 for 1] and 7 for 1 year and a day. 

The smallest number committed during any twelve- 
month was 1 in 1812, and the largest 'li, in 1878. 
Tiie total commitments aggregate 230(i, of whom 1211 
were discharged, (533 pardoned, 14!) removed to the 
asylum for the insane, 189 died and 20 escaped. The 
last escape was in 1870. 

The financial statement is as follows: Earnings, — 
labor of convicts from May 1, 1884, to May 1, 1885, 
$17,456.75; visitors' fees, $302.10 ; rent, $202; board. 



United States prisoners, $392.31 ; gain in inventory, 
$401.08. Total, $18,764.24. 

E.xpcnses, — deputy warden's salary, $1000; jdiy- 
sician, $500; overseers, $9764.17 ; clothing, $1 ri:!ii.23 ; 
di.scharged convicts, $126; furniture, $154.(i:; ; miK- 
sistence, $39(Ki.36 ; light, fuel and water, ¥11 .'Ml-' : 
hospital supplies, $261.09; funeral expensi >, s.;s ; 
repairs, $867.87 ; incidentals, $(J90.88. Total, $20,- 
349.25 ; excess of expenses over earnings, $1595.01. 

The officers of the prison are as follows: Warden, 
Frank S. Dodge; deputy warden, Thomas A. Pills- 
bury ; physicians, H. M. French, M.D., C. R. 
Walker, M.D. ; chaplain. Rev. E. R. Wilkins ; over- 
seer of cook-room and hall, V. L. Robinson ; over- 
seers of shops, F. J. Sanborn, David Sanborn, M. B. 
Smart, J. B. Greaton, W. H. Stevenson, Fred. Peas- 
lee; guards, S. N. Allen, Fred. L. Sabin, J. E. Mor- 
rison, J. A. Pillsbury, Joseph Martin, George M. 
Colby ; night watchman, J. L. Jones, N. W. Mi- 
Murphy. ' 

United States Court House and Post Office.— 
June loth, 1SS2, Congress made an appropriation of 
two hundred thousand dollars for an "United Stales 
court house and post office" at Concord, N. H. 
Owing to vexatious delays in securing a satisfactory 
site and acceptable plans, very little visible progress 
has been made at the present writing (August 27, 
1885). A lot satisfiictory to all the citizens of Con- 
cord was secured. It embraces an entire square, and 
is two hundred and twenty-three by two hundred 
and sixty-seven feet. It fronts on State Street, and 
is bounded on the north by Park Street, on the west 
by Green Street, and on the south by Ca|)itol Street. 
The building is designed to be Gothic in style ot 
architecture, with pitch roof and dormer windows. 
It will have a frontage of one hundred and seventeen 
feet. Giles Wheeler, of Concord, is the superinten- 
dent, and received his appointment from Secretary 
Manning. An excavation for the cellar has been 
made, and a ccmcrete floor laid. The contiaits Inr 
the building arc not yet awarded. 

Public Schools. — The history of the public schools 
of Concord for the first century of its existence as a 
town is not unlike that of other towns of its popula- 
tion and wealth. Up to 1805 there was no such or- 
ganization as a school district known to our statutes. 
The several towns, by their selectmen or by com- 
mittees, had been divided into sections for sclmnl 
purposes, as convenience required, and the school 
money raised by law was parceled (lilt to lluiii. In 
1805 an act was passed which authorized the division 
of towns into school districts, to be accurately defined 
and bounded, and empowered to hold meetings and 
raise money for the purchase, repair and erection of 
school-houses. 

The first school established in Concmil was in 17;ll, 
and its support was assumed by the town in 1733. it 
was taught by a master hired by the selectmen, and 
for many years was kept in four different sections of 



CONCORD. 



109 



Wrsl 



,1, llop- 

Iviiiloii i-oa.l uiiil :\l:iiii Slioct. Altor iniil uiiitw 
wliodls were suppoiti'd in each of tliose localities. 
The first school -liouse in Concord was built in 1742, 
and stood at a point near the northeast corner of the 
Slate-House park. There it remained until near the 
close of the last century, and at the beginning of the 
[irescnt century there were only about nine school- 
houses in Concord owned by the town. 

As early as 1800 an unsuccessful edort was made by 
the town to divide the territory of Concord into 
-cliool districts and to raise money for the building 
'it school-houses iu such districts. This ettort was 
successfully renewed in 1807. The town appointed a 
committee of twenty, with the selectmen, to divide 
the town into school districts, in accordance with the 
law passed two years before, and that committee re- 
ported sixteen districts definitely described. 

The first committee to visit schools, appointed by 
the town, was in 1818, and the report of such com- 
mittee was first ordered to be printed in 1827, for 
distribution among the inhabitants. 

In 1845 the Legislature passed a law for the estab- 
lishing of High Schools, and in 1848 the Somersmith 
Act. In the compact part of the town there were at 
that time three school districts, numbered nine, ten 
and eleven, and the school-house accommodations 
were very limited. An unsuccessful attempt was 
made, in 1847, to unite the tin. .■ .lisiri( is for the sup- 
port of a High School. In 1 sM'. I n-i 1 1, t No. 10, the 
central one, adopted the Sniiiiisiulth Ait, and estab- 
lished a High School in a brick building erected in 
1846, on the site of the present High School building, 
School Street, and which was taken down in 1863. 
In 1866 the eflbrt to consolidate the three district.s 
proved successful, and the result was the e-stablish- 
ment of 

Union School Districts, from which date there 
was rapid improvement in our schools and school build- 
ings. At that time the management ofthe schools was 
placed in the hands of a prudential and superintending 
school committee. In 1859 an act was passed by the 
Legislature authorizing the election, by the district, 
of a Board of Education, to consist of nine persons, 
the terms of office of three of whom should expire 
each year. The object of this was to secure more 
permanent management of the schools, and avoid 
.sudden change in teachers and methods of in- 
struction. The Board of Education ilisiliari;eil the 
duties of both prudential and suiiiiiiiliiiiliiiu coni- 
raittees, through a financial agent ami suli-cniiiiiiittee. 
Their duties becoming onerous with the increase of 
schools, two attempts were made to place a large 
share of the work' in the hands of a superintendent 
of schools. In the fall term of 1862 and winter term 
of 1863, Henry E. Sawyer, principal of the High 
School, was directed to spend part of his time in the 
lower grades of school, and did so, pertVirming efficient 
service in the grading of these schools. In the fall 



term of 1873, Amos Hadley, a nu-mber of the Board 
of Education, was elected as principal of the gram- 
mar schools, with power to supervise the schools of 
other grades, and continued in that position until 
March, 1874. In July, 1874, an act was passed au- 
thorizing the appointment of a superintendent of 
schools, and the office has been filled by Daniel (;. 
Allen and Warren Clark, respectively, to August 1st, 
this year, when Louis J. Rundlett entered upon tlic 
discharge of the duties of superintendent. 

The following gentlemen have served u|iiiii the 
Board of Education since its creation, the first nine 
named being elected September 10, 1859, and having 
their terms of oflice determined by lot: 

Henry E. Parker, David Patten, Josiah P. Nutting, 
Caleb Parker, John P. Bancroft, Peletiah Brown, P. 

B. Cogswell, Asa Fowler, Joseph B. Walker, Samuel 

C. Eastman, Hazen Pickering, John V. Barron, 
Lyman D. Stevens, Abraham J. Prescott, Amos 
Hadley, Elisha Adams, William M. Cha.se, Henry J. 
Crippen, Albert H. Crosby, Oliver Pillsbury, Charles 
P. Sanborn, Samuel B. Page, Daniel C. Allen, Warren 
Clark, J. C. A. Hill, A. B. Thompson, S. C. Whitcher, 
John H. George, Everett L. Conger, (xeorge W. 
Crockett, Daniel B. Donovan, John C. Thorn, Charles 
R. Corning. 

The present memluis of tin- Imard are P. B. Cogs- 
well, Henry J. CripiH-iL, Williaia j\I. Chase, George 
W. Crockett, Charles R. Corning, Daniel B. Donevan, 
J. C. A. Hill, A. B. Thompson and John C. Thorn. 
The oflicers are P. B. Cogswell, president, and Daniel 
B. Donevan, secretary. 

Since the creation of Union School District there 
has been almost a total revolution in the school- 
houses of the district. At the present time only 
three rooms are occupied which were in existence 
previous to 1856, — two on Union Street and one on 
Spring Street. In 1858 the Merrimack and Rumford 
Grammar School-houses were erected ; in 1863-64 the 
High School building and the Bow Brook house; in 
18t>5 the Franklin Street house; in 1870-71 the 
Penacook house; in 1873 the Plains and Fair-Ground 
house; in 1873-74 the Walker house; in 1878 the 
Chandler house. The cost of these houses has been 
about one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, all of 
which has been raised and paid by the district, so 
that it is free of debt. 

There were 32 schools in (he district the |iast year, 
viz. : 1 High, with 4 teachers ; lu grammar, 9 inter- 
mediate, 11 primary and one mixed, with one 
teacher each. There was also also employed 1 teacher 
of drawing and 1 of music. The High School has 
three courses of study, — English of three years, and 
academic and clerical of four years each. The number 
of pupils in the several grades the past year were, — 
High, 199; grammar, 495; intermediate, 447; pri- 
mary, 675; mixed, 26,— total, 1842, which is about 
nine-elevenths ofthe whole number of pupils attend- 
ing the public schools in the city. The graduates of 



no 



I11SH)UV OF MKKKl.MACK COHNTV, NEW IIAMl'SHIRK. 



the 1 1 ifrli Schools take ami liold guod lead in the 
colleges and other institutions of learning which they 
enter, and the school is steadily increasing in rei>uta- 
tion for thoroughness of instruction. Nearly two- 
thirdaofthe teachei-s now employed in the district 
are graduates of the High School. The average 
expenditure for the stdiools, exclusive of free text- 
books, is about twenty-five thousand six hundred dol- 
lars a year, of whieli sum the district raises one-fourth 
or more by extra tax l>eyond what (lie law requires. 
It also furnishes text-books free to th.' [.uiiils of liir 
school. 

Out.side of Union School Di.strict tluTc arc llircc 
dislri<ts, with Boards of Education and graded 
scliciuls, viz.: No. 3, at West Concord, with primary, 
inlerMifdiate and grammar schools; No. 12, at East 
Concord, with primary and grammar schools ; No. 
20, at Penacook, with primary, intermediate and 
grammar schools. There are also fourteen outlying 
districts, with from one to three terms of school a year, 
and with from three to twenty -seven pupils each. 
The appropriation of the city for schools is twenty- 
two thousand two hundred and twenty-five dollars 
yearly, to which is added extra tax raised in three 
districts, literary fund, etc., making altogether about 
thirty-one thousand six hundred dollars. 

St. Paiti.'s Sniiooi, ' is one of the best known of 
all church classical schools, as distinguished from 
colleges like Trinity, Hobart and Racine. It was 
founded and partially endowed by a distinguished lay- 
man of Boston, Mass., George CheyneShattuck, M.D., 
who has so generously used his wealth for the benefit 
of the church, not only in New England, but also in 
Maryland, Minnesota and other dioceses. 

St. Paul's, whose buildings are now about twenty 
in number, — presenting, as one approaches, quite the 
appearance of a little village, — is situated in a charm- 
ing and salubrious region about two miles from the 
centre of the city. There, in a lovely, picturesque 
valley, by the borders of a pretty little lake, sur- 
rounded by lofty hills, Dr. Shattuck founded his in- 
stitution. From small and modest beginnings it has 
grown in less than thirty years not only to take iti 
place in the front among church schools, but also, as 
the honor lists in our leading colleges and univei-siti&s 
show, it sends out, year by year, pupils who rank uot 
below those who come from Exeter, Andover or any 
of the oldest and most famous academics of the 
country. 

Dr. Shalluck wms uliriii believer in Ihe ehiiicli as 
an educator; to liiiii eiiiieation meant charuclcr, and 
included something far beyond mere book-learning. 
His desire was that the spirit of the Book of Common 
Prayer should be the foundation of the work to be 
done, and that the sort of tone which we understand 
by the word gentleman, in its best and highest sense, 
should pervade the establishment and insensibly 



' By Rev. HaU Harrison, M. A., i 



mould all wlio came under its influence. In short, a 
public school of the same general character as Eton, 
Harrow, Rugby and Winchester was in his mind, 
though he was too wise to have any idea of extem- 
porizing any of those growths of centuries under such 
totally different social and political circumstances. 
His purpose was admirably expressed by the follow- 
ing words in the deed of gift: 

"The founder is desirous uf endowing h school of the hif^hest cln^s 
for hoys, in wiiich they may obtain an education which slmU fit tlicni 

for coIl.-;;i. ,.r l>u«inr-ss, including thorough inlrll.ri„.il 1v-ii.iin_- in llic- 

U) |.r.-s.-rv.- hi-iillli HM.lslMMi^'th 111.' pli.VKirnl o.ii.lii .1 u 1 11 , iil- 

This brief statement is itself worth a passing no- 
tice lor its modesty and reticence. There are not a 
few occasions when " the unsaid is better than the 
said." There are here no grandiloquent promises (so 
easy to make on paper) of the great results that are 
going to be accomplished; no baits thrown out to en- 
tice parents and pupils. The church (which was to 
be the corner-stone of all) is not only not thru.st 
prominently forward, it is not even mentioned. Only 
such matters are spoken of as all judicious parents 
would agree upon as desirable. In short, it is implied 
that deeds, not words, are the only lest, lor "every 
tree is knowna by his own fruit." 

With these general views. Dr. Shattuck, in the year 
1855, devoted what had previously been his country- 
seat to be the nucleus of the school which he con- 
templated. But it need hardly be said that no build- 
ings, however costly or commodious, can make a 
school. There can be no school without a master, 
and the master is useless unless boys coiue to be 
taught and trained. After several attempts to satisfy 
himself, the founder at length succeeded in securing, 
to preside over the first organization of the scheme, 
the Rev. Henry Augustus Coit, M.A., now Doctor in 
Divinity, by diploma from Columbia College, New 
York. This gentleman, the present head-master — or, 
as he is called, rect<jr — of St. Paul's School, a South- 
erner by birth, and educated by Dr. Muhlenberg at 
College Point, may, with strictest propriety of speech, 
be considered the second founder, and, in a true sense, 
the veritable creator of the institution which Jias be- 
come so celebrated. Though then only about twenty- 
six years of age, he was already a fine classical and 
belles-lettres scholar. He fully entered into the en- 
lightened views of Dr. Shattuck, and brought to the 
work even a more enlarged conception of what such a 
school, rightly and cautiously conducted, might event- 
ually become. This conception was, perhaps, in- 
creased or intensified by a visit to England made by 
Dr. Coit in 1868, during which some of the English 
public schools were inspected. St. Paul's opened in 
185G with some five or six boys, sons or relations, and 
friends of the founder. It was from the first an in- 
corporated institution, and the act of the Legislature 
of New Hampshire bears date June 29, 1855. No 



CONCORD. 



Ill 



advertisement setting forth tlir i-liiiins nr sii|p|iosed 
merits of the school ever uii|n.'ai'c'il. 'I'hi'ir was at the 
very beginning a simple statement in tlie cluireli 
papers of its title, its situation, and the names of the 
rector and members of the board of trustees. Among 
these there have always been some names well known 
among churchmen, such as Bishops Chase, Niles and 
\cely. Judge Redfield, E. N. Perkins, Esq., Dr. 
Samuel Eliot, Richard H. Dana, Esq., C. P. Gardner, 
Esq., John H. Swift, Esq., of New York, etc. The 
founder himself was not a member of the board, and, 
with his usual modesty, never aUowcd his name to lie 
prominent, though ever ready to j;ivc his advice and 
assistance. 

Among these trustees it will not be considered in- 
vidious to name specially Dr. Samuel Eliot, formerly 
president of Trinity College, Hartford, and more re- 
cently superintendent of public schools in the city 
of Boston, whose zeal for the cause of sound education 
is equaled only by his profound knowledge of the sub- 
ject and his practical acquaintance with the best 
methods to be pursued. His reports, as superintend- 
ent, are written in the choicest English, and will be 
found full of wise suggestions to parents and teachers. 
They are worth keeping for reference. 

The rector was aided at first by only one or two 
masters, and everything was necessarily on the small- 
est scale, while the first foundations were carefully 
laid. But the boys who left him showed so manifestly 
the good results of their education in the large sense 
of the term, as well as the soundness of their instruc- 
tion in the various branches of the curriculum, that 
the reputation of the school rapidly spread ; applica- 
tions for admission began to pour in, and these chiefly 
from families of culture and good standing in varitms 
sections of the country. These applications have 
kept up without break ever since, to a degree almost, 
if not quite, unprecedented. The writer has fre- 
quently heard of parents who woidd enter the names 
of sons only seven or eight years old, that they might 
be ready to secure expected vacancies five or six years 
later. There has never been the least occasion to so- 
licit scholars, the buildings, after the first two or three 
years, being always filled to their utmost capacity. 
There was a nameless something about the tone and 
manners of the pupils — a bracing influence about the 
moral atmosphere which the boys breathed — that was 
very taking with people of culture and refinement ; 
and the more the pupils were known, the more eager 
did the parents of others become to secure these same 
advantages for their sons. In a word, the boys them- 
selves became, unconsciously, the very best advertise- 
ment, and no other ever was needed. 

What special principles of management have pro- 
duced these happy results it would not be easy, and 
would certainly take too long to tell. When Dr. Ar- 
nold introduced his quiet, but still almost revolution- 
ary reforms, upon taking charge of Rugby in 1828, 
the boys used to say, "It is a downright shame to tell 



or one thing, 
boy is trusted 
! the grounds. 



Arnold a lie, for he believes it." 
it may be said that at St. Paul's 
from the moment that he sets loot upon the 
It is quietly assumed that he will conduct himself as 
might be expected of a gentleman's son, and there is 
everything in this assumption as a power in govern- 
ing. Saving the necessary mapping out of the day 
for study, and the requirement of strict punctuality, 
there are probably nut many lidincs wluai' lliirc are 
fewer arbitrary rules than siillirc Inr Ihc St. Paul's 
boys. 

The writer well rcnuaiilicis slamling amongagroup 
of visitors in 1865, on Ihr ..ccasidn of Dr. Muhlen- 
berg's first and only visit t(i St. Paul's. Dr. Kerlbot, 
then president of Trinity, and Dr. Coit were .slamling 
by. Dear old Dr. Muhlenberg (whose name can never 
be mentioned without reverence) called liimsilf the 
school-father of Di-s. Kerfool .and ('(.it, and surveyed 
St. Paul's with no little pride and .alUvtion. At last 
he broke out with this: "Henry, I have been walking 
all around, watching the boys, and talking with a 
good many of them, and I want you to explain some- 
thing. I have seen a good deal of boys at iild College 
Point, but I appeal to you ami Kerlbnt if we ever had 
anything like this. Why, 1 had some very hardcase^ 
there — really troublesome fellows; but your boys are 
all gentlemen. Now, how do you manage it? What's 
your secret?" The reply 1 have forgotten. It was 
probably a.-. mle sii,i^esiion that Ihe'.dd -enlleman, 
iu the kindri. -s ul' In,, li, :iii, was lakiu,;;: too tavoialile 
a view of what In' ^a\\ , noi uilhstamlinn lliat lie in- 
sisted that he knew how to look below the surface. 
Such, however, was the impression marie on Dr. 
Muhlenberg as he walked over the grounds and freely 
mingled, in his inimitable way, with the boys, walelied 
their sports and overheard their eanless talk with one 
another. 

On St. Peter's Day, 1858, the corner-.stone of a 
chapel was laid — the gift of the founder — and on St. 
Paul's Day, in the year 1859, the building was conse- 
crated by the bishops of New Hampshire and Con- 
necticut. This chapel has ever been the centre, .so to 
say, of the holy and peculiar influence of the jdace. 
The services have always been reverent and beautiful, 
the music (under the charge of Mr. James C. Knox, 
a graduate of the school), in which the boys naturally 
take great interest and delight, has been church-like 
and elevating, and the Sunday sermons of the rector 
(who, like the late Dr. De Koven, is a pre.aelicr of 
rare power) have been peculiarly ada| 'lid lo iiis|iire 
his hearers, older and younger, with a love of \ irtue 
and religion and an ardent desire to reach the highest 
excellence in all things. There never was any 
approach in the chapel services to excess in wdiat is 
now called "Ritualism," but there was always the 
truest reverence and dignity, and a hearty obedience 
to the spirit of the Prayer-Book. The Church Cate- 
chism was the basis of all the religious instruction. 
With a rare perception both of the desirable and the 



112 



HISTORY OF MERHIM.\(^K COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



attainable, the rector seems to liave felt that, while a 
large company of loyal anil iinprtssionable hoys could 
he very easily made " ritualistic," it was a harder and 
a far worthier task to try to make them moral and 
religions — manly and healthy in their piety. Nor 
will those who understand the character of hoys doubt 
for a moment that his instinct was an eminently wise 
one. The original chapel was intended to accommo- 
date about forty boys; it was enlarged to more than 
double its former capacity in 18(58, and being now 
(1884) wholly inadequate, preparations are making by 
the alumni to build an entirely new and e.xtremely 
beautiful structure at a cost of seventy-five thousand 
dollars. This amount is already raised, but the sum 
of twenty-five thousand dollars in aildllion is needed 
for the endowment of the chapel, to provide for heat- 
ing, lighting and repairs. 

In the year 18(v5, after the breaking up of St. James' 
College, in Maryland, Dr. Coit was happily joined by 
his brother, the Rev. .Foseph Howland Coit, M.A.^ 
who had been profe.«sor of mathenuitics and natural 
science in that institution. A teacher of the very 
first order, of wide and varied culture and of the 
same general educational views as his brother, he 
became vice-rector, taking charge of the scientific side 
of the school, and proving an invaluable addition to 
the corps of masters, as well as a judicious adviser on 
the board of trustees. At this period the school 
numbered between seventy and eighty ; in the chapel 
the boys had overflowed into the seats designed for 
the neighboring population, who loved to attend the 
services, while for additional dormitories various 
adjoining houses were gradually ijurchased and added 
to the school property. In 18(j9 the Upper School, a 
handsome three-story granite building, was erected, 
with kitchen, dining-room, matron's apartments, etc., 
in a separate house near by. To this were added the 
Lower School for the youngest boys, in 1870; the 
Rectory, in 1871 or 1872 ; the large school-house, with 
school-room and recitation-rooms, in 1873; the In- 
firmary or Sanatarium in 1877. The last large edifice, 
called "The School," in which the vice-rector resides 
with the main body of the boys, is pronounced by 
competent judges to be one of the most complete 
school buildings to be found anywhere in the country. 
This takes the place of the original house of Dr. Shat- 
tuck, which was destroyed by fire in 1878. 

The funds for these numerous and costly structures 
have been, to some considerable extent, given by the 
founder and other generous friends of St. Paul's, but 
they have also been in large mciisure derived from the 
income of the school itself, which the rector hits ex- 
pended, as far as possible, for the permanent improve- 
ment and growth of the institution. The salaries of 
the various masters, — several of whom are married, — 
and their rooms and houses, arc probably larger and 
more comfortable than in many other schools and 
colleges. But, obviously, St. Paul's could not have 
grown to such a size in so short a time without the 



wisest financial management ; for the fortune of the 
generous founder was not at all one of those colossal 
ones by means of which, in some few instances, a 
school or university has been launched into life with 
every material equipment, including a sufficient en- 
dowment to pay the salaries of professors and teachers. 
St. Paul's has been built up rapidly, indeed, but still 
gradually, by the wise economy and unceasing labor 
of the rector and his able assistant.s. 

The course of study includes six lorms, of wliiib 
the sixth is the highest, and a preparatory or "shell," 
thus covering in all seven years. The students are 
prepared to enter the freshman and sophomore classes 
in Harvard or in any American college. Not a i\\y. 
after completing the extended course, enter upon 
business without proceeding to college. There is also 
a fine gymnasium and all the usual athletic sports, 
especially the famous English exercises of cricket and 
rowing have been encouraged from the very start. 
A stranger is generally much struck with the hajjpy 
home-like life of the place, and the healthy, manly, 
ingenuous appearance of the boys as he sees them 
gathered in the chapel or engaged in sports upon llie 
spacious playgrounds. 

The daily routine is, generally speaking, an follows 
Rise at 6.30 (a little later in winter) ; breakfast at 7 : 
short morning prayers in the chapel for the whole 
school at 8 ; school-work until 12 ; 12 to 1, recreation ; 
I, dinner ; 2 to 4, recreation ; 4 to 6, school-work ; (!. 
supper, followed immediately by short evening prayers ; 
after which the boy is free to use his time as he 
pleases (except one hour of study) until bed-tinu- 
which is 9 o'clock for most, and 10 or 10.30 for the 
oldest pupils. Immediately before bed-time, at '.i 
o'clock, a short space of some ten or fifteen minutes, 
known as "Bible-hour," is invariably devoted to the 
silent reading of the Holy Scriptures — generally the 
appointed (lospel lesson of the day. This custom was 
probably inherited from Dr. Muhlenberg's school, at 
College Point, Long Island, where Dr. Coit received 
his earliest school education, from which i)lnie liishop 
Kerfoot also had previously transplanted the usage t<j 
the College of St. James, in Maryland. 

There are three separate refectories or dining-rooms : 
One at the Upper School, one — the largest — at "The 
School," and a third at the Lower School. This 
arrangement, while considerably increasing the ex- 
pense, contributes greatly to the comfort and home- 
like character of the daily life. The dormitories are 
admirably arranged, each "alcove" being practically 
a small private room, while the older boys in the sixth 
form have bed-rooms combined with their " studies " 
in the Upper School. The Anniversary Day, also 
called Founder's Day, is celebrated early in June 
every year. It is a great fete-day for the boys, their 
parents and their friends; there is a grand cricket- 
ntatch and feast, and a special sermon and service in 
the chapel. The "old boys" assemble in force, tlui> 
kcei>iug up their ow n love lor the " happy hills," 



113 



" Where once their careless childhood strayed 
A stranger yet to pain," 

and encouraging in the younger generation a proper j 
and pleasing pride in their Alma Mater, the ett'ect of 
which is every way beneficial. 

The present number of pupils is about 280, the 1 
number of masters 20, many of them graduates of 
the school. Among the masters now resident at St. 
Paul's, and who have for many years past been iden- i 
tified with its history and prosperity, may be men- 
tioned the Rev. Robert A. Benton, M.A., of Trinity, 
Hartford; the Rev. T. G. Valpey, M.A., of Yale; 
Mr. Charles S. Knox, M.A., of Columbia College, 
Xew York ; the Rev. Charles A. Morrill, M.A., of 
Harvard; the Rev. Thomas J. Drumm, M.A.; Mr. 
James C. Knox, M.A. ; the Rev. John Hargate, M.A. ; 
Mr. James Miluor Coit, Ph.D. ; the Rev. Edward M. 
Parker, M.A. (Keble College, Oxford) ; Mr. Augustus 
M. Swift, M.A. The last five of these are graduates 
of St. Paul's. The terms of admission were originally 
three hundred dollars per annum ; then four hundred ; 
they are now, and have been for some years, five hun- 
dred. There are a few scholarships (which the authori- 
ties are anxious to increase), the holders of which 
receive all the benefits of the school free of charge. 
The terms for board and tuition are not considered 
excessive by the families from whom the scholars are 
drawn, and, considering the comfortable s'.yle of living 
which is both expected and maintained, it is really 
moderate. The average cost of a boy's education at 
Eton may be safely put down as not less than one 
hundred and seventy-five pounds, or eight hundred 
and seventy -five dollars. At schools like Marlborough 
and Wellington (where there is a common hall for 
meals), the cost more nearly approaches, but still j 
somewhat exceeds, what has been mentioned as the \ 
charge at St. Paul's. ] 

It has been said that no school ought to be regarded 
as a well-established public institution until it has 
been tried long enough to see whether its own pupils, 
when they become fathers, retain their attachment 
and their belief in the methods pursued, so far as to 
send their own sons to the old place where they 
themselves were educated. This final test St. Paul's ! 
has already met. For some time past there have been ; 
on its roll pupils whose fathers were themselves old | 
St. Paul's boys twenty years ago and more, and the • 
number is certain to increase as each year goes by. \ 
The long list of its alumni, moreover, includes the \ 
names of not a few of the rising young lawyers, physi- 
cians, clergymen and business men in most of our 
great cities. 

Looking, then, at these various and really remarka- j 
ble results, and calmly weighing the excellencies of 
the system of St. Paul's, there is every reason to hope 1 
and believe that Dr. Shattuck and Dr. Coit have suc- 
ceeded in founding in the United States a distinctively 
church school, which gives every promise of enduring, 
and will prove, in time, worthy to be compared with i 



those famous English schools which enter so deeply 
into the very heart of the national life and character. 
The foundations have been so well laid that, under 
the protection of a good Providence, it seems that 
they cannot easily be overthrown. Xo doubt in this 
case, as in all similar undertakings, it may be truly 
said much must be due io the personal influence and 
magnetism of the present and first head master, which 
seems, in its way, to resemble that of the celebrated 
Dr. Arnold at Rugby. It is plain enough that lie 
must be a man -of peculiar gifts and powers, and not 
only such as impress and charm the young. To 
bring St. Paul's to its present high efficiency and 
celebrity, the rector must necessarily have been able 
to work harmoniously with a large corps of masters, 
themselves men of culture and acquirement, with the 
distinguished gentlemen who are the trustees of the 
school, and with the numerous parents of the pupils, 
not a few of whom are known among the most inllu- 
ential people of the land. But after making all due 
allowance for these personal ciualifications, which it 
might indeed be diflicult to replace, it is quite certain 
that if anything like the wise judgment and unselfish 
labor of the past quarter of a century shall mark the 
administration of Dr. Coit's successors, St. Paul's, 
Concord, will more and more take a leading rank 
among those noted places of education which, af er 
all, are the true glory of our country, because they are 
the best security that we have for the cultivation of 
those virtues which lie at the foundation of the safety, 
honor and welfare of our people. 

Concord Water-Works.' — The supply of water for 
Concord, previous to 1873, was obtained from springs 
near the base of " Sand Hill." As early as July 2, 
1829, William Low, Jacob B. Moore, Stephen Brown, 
Joseph Low and associates were constituted a corpo- 
ration, with a capital of two thousand dollars, called 
the " Concord Aqueduct Association," empowered to 
take water from the springs before mentioned and 
deliver it to takers on Main, State and other streets, 
and charge such price as they deemed expedient. It 
is not now known that the association ever did any 
business. 

Soon after, Mr. Amariah Pierce supplied water, 
through an aqueduct made of logs, to the distillery 
which was located near the iron-store of Walker & 
Co., and to other customers. Mr. Nathan Call suc- 
ceeded Mr. Pierce, and being desirous of extending 
his works, and needing more capital, he obtained a 
charter, July 7, 1849. incorporating himself, George 
Hutchins and others under the name of the "Torrent 
Aqueduct Association," with a capital of twenty thou- 
sand dollars. Mr. Call was made agent and treasurer 
of the company, and, being a man of great energy, he 
made the enterprise successful. After his death the 
affairs of the association were conducted by his son, 
Horace, until the stock, owned by his heirs was sold 

1 By John Kimball. 



114 



HISTOKY OF MERKIMAC-K COU-VTY, X£W HAMPSHIRE. 



to James R. Hill, who carried it on for several years, 
when he sold his interest to Xathaniel White. HenrTi- 
M. Robinson had commenced to supply water fium 
what is now " White's Park." After his decease. Mr. 
White purchased the rights of the heirs, and thus be- 
came the owner of nearly all the water property- in 
the city. Mr. While increased the capacity of the 
works by adding more springs, but the demand for 
water being more than he could supply, he sought to 
increase the amount by pumping from Merrimack 
River, but, on account of the expense, the plan was 
Dnsuccessful. 

After the great fire of ISol there was an increased 
anxiety among the people in regard to the limited 
supply of water, so much so that the City Council ap- 
pointed Joseph B. Walker, John .\bbott and Benjamin 
Grover a committee "to inquire as to the feasibUiiy 
and cost of abundantly supplying the compact part of 
the city with water for fire and other purposes.'' 

This committee made a report December 16, 1859, 
in which they say that they have endeavored to ascer- 
tain , 

"Flrit, The wants of this part of the city in respect 
to water. 

" Second, The best means of securing a fiill supply 
of it." 

Under the first head they say that " Our popnlarion 
is at present supplied in pan from wells, and in part 
by several aqueduct companies, the two principal of 
which are the ' Torrent Aqueduct Association ' and 
that of Xathaniel White. In addition to these, are 
several others of more limited capacities, each sup- 
plying from one or two to forty families." 

Under the second head they say : " Five different 
sources of supply have been examined and consider- 
ed, viz. : Merrimack River. Horse-Shoe Pond, Ash 
Brook, Little Pond and Long Pond, and they give the 
last the preference." 

■'■ Long Pond is distant three and one-half miles 
froai the State-House, has an area of two hundred 
and sixty-five acres, and is, in some places, seventy- 
five feet deep. Several small brooks enter it, but it 
is fed principally by springs. The land about it is of 
a granite formation, and rises pretty rapidly to a 
height of from three to four hundred feet, and is mostly 
cleared. The pond is surrounded by a water-shed of 
some three thousand acres in extent. Its bottom is 
of white sand, overstrewn with granite boulders, and 
is free from sediment and aquatic weeds. There are 
no boggy meadon-s on its shores. Its water is soft, 
pure, perfectly transparent and abundant in quantity." 
It is one hundred and twenty feet higher than Main 
Street in front of the State-House. 

They estimated the ccBt of the introduction and 
distribution at $172,475.35. and say " The most serious 
objection that presents itself to the immediate accom- 
plishment of this project is the cost of its execution." 

Eleven years passed. The War of the Rebellion 
had besiun and ended. The population and woilth 



of the city had increased. The people had become 
accustomed to a high rate of taxation, and the de- 
mand for an abundant supply of water was imperarive. 
July 30, 1870, the City Council appointed Lyman 
D. Stevens, Josiah Minot and fifteen others, known 
as the Committee of Seventeen, to report to the City 
Council "' the proper coarse to be taken to seciue the 
early introduction of an adequate supply of pure, 
fresh water fiDm the Long Pond." This action of the 
City Council was supplemented by a mass-meeting of 
citizens at I^le Hall. October 1, 1870, at which they 
''Eeioked that the safety, health, prosperity and growth 
of onr city absolutely demanded a greater and better 
supply of water than it now has." The report of the 
Committee of Seventeen bears date October 29, 1870. 
They recommended that measures be taken, on behalt 
of the city, to obtain the necessary legislation at the 
next session of the Legislature, and that in the mean- 
time plans and details be prepared ready for the work 
when the proper lime came for commencing it. 

Their recommendarion was referred to a special 
committee, consisting of Josiah Minot, Benjamin A. 
Kimball, John M. Hill and David A. Warde. 

August 10, 1871, the special committee repyoned that 
they had procured from the L^islature "• An Act to 
authorize the city of Concord to establish water- works 
in said city," approved June 30, 1871. The same 
committee submitted the form of an ordinance, which 
was adopted by the City Council December .30, 1871, 
providing that the management and direction of the 
water-works in the city shall be vested in a Board of 
Water Commissioners, consisting of six citizens and 
of the mayor for the time being. 

January, 1872, the mayor and aldermen appointed 
John M. Hill, Benjamin A. Kimball. Josiah Minot, 
David A. Warde. Benjamin S. Warren and Ed- 
ward L. Knowlton, commissioners. The board was 
organized by the elecrion of Josiah >Iinot president, 
and Edward L. Knowlton clerk. James A. Weston, 
of Manchester, was appointed chief engineer and 
Charles C. Ltind, of Concord, assistant engi- 
neer. The organization having been completed, 
necesary steps were taken, as required by the en- 
abling act, by virtue of which there was obtained 
from the owners of the water-power at West Concord 
the right to draw fix)m the pond one million gallons 
daily, for which the city paid sixty thousand dollars. 
Contracts were made with the " American Gas and 
Water-Pipe Company," of Jersey City, to construct, in 
all respects, complete for operation, the main Une from 
" Forge Pond " to the northerly end of State Street, 
and of all the pipes for the distribution of the water 
therefit)m throughout the city, together with the 
setting of gates, hydrants and other appendages. 
The amount paid was $143,882.74. The stock of the 
" Torrent Aqueduct Association " and all the water- 
rights owned by Xathaniel White were purchased 
by the city, October 1, 1873, for §20,0<:K); also the sum 
of §16,311.21 was paid tor other water-rights and for 



hmJ damages. The total cost of the works, Decem- 
ler 31, 1874, was $351,293.45. 

Mr. Vincent C. Hastings, who had been employed 
- an inspector during the construction of the works, 

.1- elected superintendent, and is still in office. 

Water was admitted into the pipes January 14, 
1 >7?>, being only eight months from the time the con- 
ii.iitors commenced work. The commissioners, in 
• eir report for 1875, say, — 

We are gratifled to state that the expectations of the Boaixl, as ex- 
•<^l in our last anQual report, hare be«D realized. The deiuand for 
. r supply has gradually iucreased, which gives assurance that the 
. is not far distant when the receipts will be sufigcient to pay the in- 
-- on the funded debt (S350,000) and the expense of maintenance.'' 

1 !i their report for 1877 they say, — 

Kive years have elai^ed since water was supplied through these 
k^, and the test of time has been exceedingly favorable to both the 
; and character of the work," 



the residence of Joseph 



I n their report for 1879 they say,- 



of the works ; that 



After an experience of eight years, it was found 

I that the demand for water had so increased that the 
f"urteen-inch main-pipe was not .sufficient to furnish 
; ontinuous supply of water to the higher points of 
■ Precinct. The board, after a thorough investiga- 
II and careful consideration of the subject, voted 
lay a second and larger main-pipe of eighteen 
, lies in diameter from the dam to State Street. 
I ontracts were immediately made, and the pipe 
:ii])leted, ready for use, during the summer of 1882, 
a cost of forty-seven thousand dollars. 
I >ther additions and improvements have been made 
I from time to time, and the water-works are nearly 
y complete, at a cost of about four hundred and twenty- 
live thousand dollare, supplving two thousand two 
r.dred and fifty families. 

-ince the settlement of the town no improvement 

-.hin its limits has been made that has brought to 

- itizens greater blessings than this. Pure water 

n Long Pond now flows in abundance to almost 

•c> cry dwelling, not only supplying their necessities, 

but fiirnishing the means of beautifying their sur- 

ri.undings. 

The following mayors have held the office of water 
commissioner: Abraham G. Jones, John Kimball, 
George A. Pillsbury, Horace A. Brown, George A. 
Cummings, Edgar H. Woodman. 

The following citizens have been appointed com- 
missioners by the mayor and aldermen : Josiah 
Minot, Benjamin A. Kimball, John M. Hill, David 
A. Warde, Edward L. Knowlton, Benjamin S.Warren, 
John Abbott, Abel B. Holt. John S. Kuss, Samuel 
t. Kimball, Luther P. Durgin, John Kimball, William 
M. Chase, James L. Mason, James R. Hill, Joseph H. 
Abbot and George A. Young. 

The following have been the officers of the Board : 
Jcsiah Minot (president), two years ; Benjamin A. 



■ Kimball, three years; John Kimball, nine years; Ed- 
' ward L. Knowlton (clerk), three years ; B. A. Kimball, 
I one year ; John M. Hill, two years ; William M. 
Chase, eight years; V. C. Hastings (superintendent), 
thirteen yeiirs. 

The Walker House, 
B. Walker. 

In the Concord Directory for 1850, Mr. David Wat- 
son says that this house is the oldest two-storied dwell- 
ing-house now standing in the Merrimack Valley 
between Haverhill, Mass., and Canada. It was erected 
by Rev. Timothy Walker, on the house-lot drawn to 
the first minister, in the year 1733-34, the town hav- 
ing generously voted him " fifty pounds for building 
a dwelling-house in Pennycook." Its dimensions 
were twenty by forty feet, two stories in height, with 
an ell adjoining on the east of one story, both parts 
being covered by a gambrel roof. The chimneys were 
very large. One of them, which remained as origin- 
ally built until 1847, was found, upon its removal, to 
be about five feet square and constructed of flat ledge 
stone.*, laid in clay mortar and plastered on the in- 
side with a composition of clay and chopped straw. 
Another, of brick, was still larger. 

Only the ell was entirely finished at first, and con- 
tained but three rooms on the first floor. The front 
part remained in an unfinished state until 1757, when, 
with the assistance of Lieutenant Webster, of Bradford, 
Mass., a joiner of higher repute in those days, it was 
also completed. Then arose, as appears from a letter 
dated September 9, 1757, addressed by Rev. Mr. 
Walker to his son Timothy, then teaching school at 
Bradford, a grave question as to the propriety "of 
painting ye outside." The decision arrived at is not 
now known, but either at that time or a few years sub- 
sequent, it was painted alight yellow, which continued 
to be its uniform color for at least seventy years. The 
interior was finished in a style similar to that found 
in the better class of dwelling-houses of that period. 
Most of the partitions were of wooden panel-work ; 
the front hall was dadoed with paneling, and the front 
stairs were in three short flights, conducting to broad 
landings, being guarded by a moulded rail supported 
upon curiously-wrought balusters. 

The rooms were painted in various colors, the north 
parlor and south parlor chamber being green, the 
south parlor blue, the north parlor chamber and the 
old people's bed-room white and the kitchen red. 
Thus constructed and finished, it remained without 
outside alteration, with the exception of an enlarge- 
ment of the ell, until 1848, when it was modified in 
some particulars, both outside and within, and thor- 
oughly repaired by its present proprietor. A few 
other alterations have been made at subsequent dates. 
With the exceptions above mentioned, it remains as 
originally built. 

The timbers of this ancient house, now one hun- 
dred and fifty -one years old, are mainly of white oak 
and pitch pine. The posts, sills and first-story floor- 



116 



HISTOKY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, xNEW HAMPSHIRE. 



timbers were dressed by the broad-axe. The oak floor- 
joists of the second story afford evidence of the exist- 
ence of good saw-mills in Pennycook at this early day. 
The outside was covered with wide, feather-edged 
white pine boards, such as our forests no longer sup- 
ply. The clapboards, riven from the logs and shaved, 
were laid about four inches to the weather and with 
scarfed joint.s at the ends. Both boards and clap- 
boards were held in place by wrought-iron nails, made, 
doubtless, by a local blacksmith of approved skill. The 
cracks between the boards of the roof were battened 
by strips of birch bark before it was shingled. These 
are still in position, and in ;i> jin.i.l . iin(Iitir,n. npp.ir- 
entlv. as when tir^t tnni h 



than the other. The lire-places, with one of which every 
important room was furnished, were of exceedingly 
generous proportions, and must have aided largely in 
the important work of reducing the forest area of the 
township. The old granite hearth-stone of the kitchen, 
still in constant use, is nine feet and nine inches long 
by two feet and six inches wide. 

In 1746 this house was " appointed " a garrison-house, 
and fortified " at the town's cost" by the erection about 
it of a wall of timbers lying in contact, one upon another, 
and held in position by tenoned ends let into perpen- 
[ dicularly grooved posts set in the ground. Smaller 
trmporarv dwellintrs were at the same time built with- 
in ,1,;- ;„"l,,-!i,.^ ri-I.I r:n, ,ilir-l,r>i,]r. ^Ir. Walk.-rs 




rl ij 



CONCORD, N. H. 



The panel-work of the niinierous partitions, doors 
and window-shutters of the interior was all made by 
hand, and represented the faithful labor of many men 
for many days. The door fastenings and hinges were 
all imported from the fatherland, where the dutiful 
colonists of George II. were expected to procurethem. 
If strength were the only standard of excellence re- 
quired, these were surely first-class. 

Stone quarrying was little understood in the Merri- 
mack Valley a century and a half ago,and the stones 
of the cellars of this house of the first minister were 
broken fragments of the upper sheets of the Rattle- 
snake ledges. They bear no marks of drill. The 
chimney bricks, so far as used, were thinner than the 
bricks of the present period, and thicker on one edge 



were assigned to this garrison, viz.: that of Cap- 
tain John Chandler, of Abraham Bradley, of Sam- 
uel Bradley, of John Webster, of Nathaniel Rolfe, 
of Joseph Pudney, of Isaac Walker, Jr., and of Oba- 
diah Foster. These occupied it more or less of the 
time until the close of the second French War. When, 
in 1782, the Legislature met in Concord for the first time 
and held its sessions in the hall over the store lielong- 
ing to Judge Walker, which was near by, the Pre.'sident 
of the State, with his Council, occupied the north par- 
lor of this house, while the south parlor served as a 
general committee room, and the room above it as the 
office of the Treasurer of State. 

Many prominent persons have, from time to time, 
enjoyed the hospitalities of this old mansion. In early 



days General John Stark and Major Robert Rogers 
were frequent visitors to its inmates. So was Benja- 
min Tliompson, afterwards known as Count Rumford, 
who married Rev. Mr. Walker's oldest daughter, Sarah ; 
as was also, at a later date, Professor S. B. F. Morse, 
of electric telegraph fame, who married his great- 
grimddaughter, Lucretia Pickering Morse. Passing 
clergymen and men in official life often stopped there; 
while to the humblest of its neighbors' occupants, 
its iloors were always open and a welcome awaited 
their approach. 

This plain house, now rendered venerable by past 
anil passing years, which presents a type of many of 
the better class of dwellings orf the middle colonial 
period, was occupied by the Rev. Mr. Walker until 
liis death, in 1782, — a period of forty-eight years. It 
was the home of his son. Judge Timothy Walker, 
during most of his life, and of his widow, who sur- 
vived him until 1828. During the next twenty years 
its tenants were parties not of the Walker family, but 
.'iince 1849 it has been in the occupancy of Joseph B. 
Walker, a great-grandson of its builder, and its pres- 
ent proprietor. For reasons obvious to the reader 
further mention is forborne of the condition of its in- 
terior, of its library, paintings and various historic me- 
morials. The round flat-stone, about eight feet in 
diameter, just seen within the yard, is the old " horse- 
block " of the First Congregational Society, which 
was used by the early fathers and mothers of Concord 
in alighting from and mounting their horses at the 
meeting-house, when the roads of the township were 
indifferent and carriages were rarely used. Tradition 
says that it was procured from subscriptions made by 
the good women of the parish of a pound of butter 
each. It was presented to its present owner by the 
society. 

The elms in front of the house were transplanted 
from the intervale by Rev. Mr. Walker, May 2, 1764, as 
appears by his diary of that year. The largest repre- 
sented in the cut herewith apjjended, measures sixteen 
feet and eight inches in circumference at three feet 
from the ground. It was sixteen feet in 1856, and 
has increased eight inches during this intervening 
period ofjwentynine years. It is still in good health, 
although, during the period just named, the circum- 
ference of its top, unlike that of its trunk, has some- 
what diminished. 

It is an interesting fact that the life of a single, un- 
pretending, wooden dwelling should span so important 
ajiart of our colonial and all of ourRevolutinnuiy and 
modern history. 

Odd-Fellowship— Grand Lodge I. 0. 0. F.— The 
following is a list of Grand blasters nf the (irand 
Lodge of Odd-Fellows : 

David Philbrick, ^ Granite Lodge, No. 1, Jfashua, seasion of 1844-45. 
Samuel 11. Parker, i Wecohamet, Xo. 3, Dover, session of 1845-4G. 
Nathaniel B. Baker, White Mountain, No. o, ronconi, session of 
1846-47. 



George W. Towlo, Piscata.iua, No. G, PoitamoiUli, Bosaion of 1847-48. 
John C. Lyford, Mechanics' No. 13, Manchester, session of 1848-l:i. 
TimotliyG. Sentcr, 1 Piscalaf|un, No. n, Poil»in.iiith,He.sHion..f ls.|'.i-5ii 

John T. Stevens, 1 Watnti. , X.. i i, \. ■ i; -m i,, ,, ,„„,i .i i> . i. 

John Peabody,^ Slonad I '• l: M. li ■,--;. i. i i- i ,j 

Stephen Bro<vn,i Whitf -M:.' \ i,. i. .i..:, ;:■ , ; 



Bei^Huii 



M. Pttik 



Nn ;.-., I,iiiirii«tcr,«i«Monof 1«.M-.W. 
^ ' -'s, Franklin, session of 18S5-56. 
^ . Manchester, session of 185G-.')7. 
MiK I, \u. ;i, Dover, session of 1857-58. 
No. I, N.ishna, session of 1858-r>U. 
"untain. No. 5, foncord, session of 1850-00. 
.is', No. l:!, Manchester, session of 1800-01. 
k, No. 28, Kranltlin, session of 18G1-G3. 
iNscataqua, No. G, Portsmouth session ot 



William P. Bucll, i Granite, No. 1, Nashua, session of 18g:)-04. 

Jolin S. McFarland, White Mountain, No. 6, Concord, session of 
18G4-0.1. 

Ira Doe, Motolinia, No. IS, Kocbester, session of 1805-66. 

John L. Spring, Custos Morum, No. 42, Milford, session of ISC0-G7. 

True Osgood, 1 Wliite Mountain, No. 5, Concord, session of 181.7-68. 

Charles H. Brown, Mechanics', No. l:i, Manchester, session of 1868-Git. 

Joseph U. Gardiner, New Hampshire, No. 17, Portsmouth, session of 
1869-70. 

Orlando P. Smart, Granite, No. 1, Nashua, session of 1870-71. 

Amos Jones,i Mascoma, No. '20, Lebanon, session of 1871-7'2. 

Thomas L. Tibbltts, i Wecohamet, No. 3, Dover, session of 187-2-73. 

Marvin T. Tottingham, Beaver Brook, No. 36, Keene, session of 187.3-74. 

Samuel J. Osgood, i Winnipiseogee, No. 7, Laconia, session of 1874-75. 

Hon. George A. Commings, White Mountain, No. 5, Concord, session 
of 1875-76. 

.•llonzo F. Craig, 1 Pifcataqua, No. C, Portsmouth, session of 1870-77. 

Henry A. Farrington, Wildey, N o, Ht, Manchester, session of 1877-78. 

Rev. Luther F. McKinney, Fraternity, No. 50, South Newmarket, 
session of 1878-70. 

John H. Albin, Crescent, No. 60, Henniker, session of 1879-80. 

George A. Robie, Friendship, No. 19, Hooksett, session of 1880-81. 

Frank A. Rawson, Sugar Hiver, No. 55, Newport, session of 1881-82. 

James W. Odlin, Sagamore, No. 9, Exeter, session of 188-2-83. 

Hon. Horace A. Brown, Eumford, No. 40. Concord, session of 1883-84. 

Kev. Lewis Malvern, Winnipiseogee, No. 7, Laconia, session of 1884-85. 

The following is a list of Grand Secretaries of 
Grand Lodge of Odd-F'ellows: 

George H. H. Silsby, -White Mountain Lodge, No. n, Concord, session 
of 1844-03. 
Joseph B. Smart, White 3I'iMit.-:ii, V ., - . i,. .i I, „ -.i .i: ,,• l - .| r.::. 
Mitcliell Gilmore, White II \ > i : : ,; 

Joel Taylor, > Hillsboroimli , '> M . l : : 

Joseph Kidder, Hillsborou_-l:. N J M n 'i -: ; i I :- •.. 

Penacook Encampment, Xu. 3, was instituted Xo- 
vember 26, 1844. 

White Mountain Lodge, Xo. 5, was instituted Feb- 
ruary 7, 1844. 

Tahanto Encampment, Xo. IS. 

Contoocook Lodge, No. 26, was instituted in 1846. 

Rumford Lodge, No. 46, was instituted December 
■2H, 1867. 

Merrimack County Odd-Fellows' Relief Asso- 
ciation. 

U. 0. of P. F.— John Carver Colony, No. 10, was 
organized February, ISSO. 

Knights of Pythias. — Concord Lodge, No. 8, was 
iii.stitutcd November 18, 1870. 

EndM-.vnicnt Rank, Section No. 11. 

Ancient Order of Hibernians.— Concord Lodge. 

A. 0. of U. W.— Equity Lodge. 



I Dvrejiseil. 



118 



HISTORY OF .MKllRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Knights of Honor. — Granite Lodge, No. 225, K. of 
H., was (irfrani/Aii Jliirch 2.3, 187G. 

Kearsage Lodge, No. 270, was organized May, 187-j. 

Grand Army of the Republic— E. E. Sturtevant 
Post, No. 2. 

William 1. Brown Post, No. 31, Penacook, was 
organized May, 1875. 

Davis Post, No. 44, Wost Cjncord, was organized 
July 3(1, 18711. 

Temperance. — Woman's Christian Temperance 
Union. 

State Capitol Lodge, I. 0. G. T., No. 42. 

West Coneord Temperance Reform Club. 

Crystal Fount Division, No. 16, 8. of T. 

Merrimack Division, No. 20, S, of T., was organ- 
ized April 22, 1872. 

Penacook Division, No. 58, S. of T., was organized 
September 8, 1878. 

Concord Commandery, No. 84, U. (). G. C, was 
instituted November 14, 1879. 

Dustin Island Lodge, I. O, of G. T. 

Penacook Lake Lodge, No. 10, I. (). of G. T. 

St. John's Catholic Total Abstinence Society. 

Other Societies.— Centre District Medical Society. 

Concord Female Charitable Society was estab- 
lished in 1812, and is the oldest benevolent associa- 
tion in Concord. The officers are elected for three 
years, with a board of twelve directors, four of which 
go out each year. 

Eastman Association. 

Concord Female Benevolent Association was or- 
ganized in 1835. 

Concord Y. M, C, Association. 

Fisherville Library Association was organized 
in August, 1865. 

Penacook Y. M. C. Association was organized in 
1875. 

Northern Mutual Belief Association 
rated in November, 1863. 

The Rolfe and Rumford Asylum was founded in 
1852 by the Countess of Rumford, and was opened' 
for the reception of inmates January, 1880, It is 
situated on Hall Street, near Water. This asylum is 
for destitute native female children of Concord. 
Joseph B. Walker, president; S, S, Kimball, treas- 
urer; Enoch Gerrish, secretary; Francis A. Fisk, 
Joseph B. Walker, Jesse P. Bancroft, Enoch Gerrish, 
Samuel S. Kimball, trustees. 

New Hampshire Dental Society was organized in 

New Hampshire Pharmaceutical Association. 

Provident Mutual Relief Association was incorpo- 
rated in July, 1878, 

New Hampshire Honireopathic Medical Society. 

New Hampshire Medical Society. 

Orphans' Home is situated on Dutibarton road near 
Millville. 

New Hampshire Centenai il Home for the Aged 
was incorporated in 187G. 



corpo- 



New Hampshire Home Missionary Society was 
instituted in 1801 and incorporated in 1807. 

Women's Auxiliary Society. 

New Hampshire Branch Concord Auxiliary of 
Women's Baptist Missions. 

Ministers' and Widows' Charitable Fund of New 
Hampshire wsis organized in 1813. 

St. Patrick's Benevolent Society was incorporated 
June, 1873. 

French Canadian 8ocietv. 



CHAPTER VI. 

CO^COB.r)— (Continued). 

flVIL HISTORY, 

The Firet Town-Hmise— City Hall— Jail— Plantation, Pni-ish and Town 
Clerks from 1732 to 1885— Representatives from 17T5 to 1885— Incor- 
poi-ation of the Cit.v— Fii-st Charter Election— Officers Chosen- dr- 
ganixation of City Government— Mayors, Aldermen and Memhevs of 
Common Council from 18.5a to 1885, 

Civil History, Etc. — The old town-house and 
court-house was built in 1792 and enlarged in 1823. 
A county building of brick was erected in 1844. 
These were occupied until the erection of the present 
city hall, in 1854 and 1855, for the joint use of the 
city and county. The north wing is used for the 
county and the south wing for the city. It is a large 
and commodious brick structure, located on the north 
side of Main Street. 

The present jail was erected in 1852 at a cost of 
about eleven thousand dollars. It is located near the 
junction of Pleasant and Washington Streets. Prior 
to this time the county used the Hopkinton jail, 
which, previous to the organization of Merrimack 
County, had been the county prison of Hillsborough 
County. 

The following is a list of plantation, parish and 
town clerks from 1732 to 1885: 

Banj. Kolfe, 1732 to 1747, and in 1766, '07 and '08. 

Ezra Carter, 1747-48.' 

Timothy Walker, Jr., 17G0, '70, '71, '72, '7:1, '74, '75, '76, '77. 

John Kimball, 1778 to 17S6. 

Caleb Chase, 1787 to 1795. 

John Odlin, 1790 lo 1819. 

Francis N. Fisk, 1819 to 1829. 

John West, 1829 to 1833. 

Samuel Coffin, 183:i to 1830. 

Jonathan E. Lang, 1836-37. 

Robert E. I'ecker, 1838-:J9. 

Jacob C. Carter, 1840, '41, '42. 

John P. Johnson, 1843, '44, '45, '40, '.10, '5.', -53. 

Geo. H. H. Silsby, 1848-49. 

Wm. D. Robinson, ISnl. 

The following is a list of Representatives from 
1775 10 1885: 

Timothy Walker, 1775, '76, '78, 'SI, '82, 'SA, '84. 
Colonel Thos. Stickney, 1777-79. 



1 About this time the rights and privileges guaranteed by the District 
Act ce««ed, and Rumford, already involved in controversy with the pro- 
prietors of Bnw, was destitute of government. There is a chasm iu the 



COiNCORD. 



liilgf l)iiiion<], Siihiu 
iiry S. Sliattiick, Duv 



Dan 



It, 17 



ISOI 



Jucob AblMt, 171IS, -'JIl, 18011. 

Samuel Greeu, Isoij, '07, '08. 

Steven Ambrose, IS.ll, '10, "U, '12, '13. 

Thoma."! W. Thompson, 1813-14. 

1815.— Itichai-d Ayer and George Hough. 

lsir>.— George Hough and John Odlin. 

1-^lT.— John Odlin and William A. Kint. 

IMS. — T. W. Thompson and William A. Kent. 

l^l'.i.— .\bial Walker and Nathan Ballard, .)i . 

l'-j<i,— St<-plien Ambrose and Nathaniel .\bl»ut. 

l^JI- — Stephen -Ambrose and Nathauiel .\bbot. 

l^L. — ^r, pluii Ambrose and Samuel Fletcher. 

1--I. - - - ill ; I i : li' 1 and Eichard Bradley. 

Is. 1: I : I; I . \ and lYancis N. Fisk. 

Isj. I . \ I .,. and Isaac Hill. 

Is.::. - J..:.jm;aU 1Vi,Uli-, Nathan Ballard, Jr., and George Kent. 

1S2S.— Jacob B. Moore, Richard Bradley and Samuel Herbert. 

ls:^0. — Richard Bradley, Samuel Herbert and Robert Ambr.ise. 

ls;in, -Robert .\mbrnse. Richard Bartlctt and Theodore French. 

1S3I T^il, ,i>! r.iiil. '1, Ti l.L Fi. in I, and David George. 

1> - I', . w . I . ■ : : ~ lu.nel A. Kimball. 

Is ;1 I !^'l— I! )■ ,^1 • , I. I . In; ii. 1. . !,. 1 and Joseph P. Stickney. 

1S3).— Cliarbs H. I't-aslef, .Icivniitili I'lrker and Isaac Emery. 

1S36.— Charles H. Peaslee, Ezra Carter, William Doiv and Ebeuezei 
Eastman. 

1837.— Ezra Carter, Ebenezer Eastman, William ro«- and Luthei 
Boby. 

1&38.— Joseph Low, George Kent, Cyrus Robinson and Abiel Rolfe. 

1839.— Abiel Rolfe, Cyrus Robinson, William Kent and Im Perley. 

1840.— Moses Shute, .\biel C. Carter and Jacob Hoit. 

1841. — Joseph Robinson, Moses Shute, .\biel C. Carter and Jacol 
Hoit. 

1842 



-No cho: 



1843.— No choice. 

1844.— No choice. 

1845.— Jacob Carti 
and William Page. 

1S4G.— Jacob Carti 

1847.— Edmund W 
Joel C. Danforth ant 



e, Asa Fowler, Cyr 



Charles ir. Herbert, Henry S. Shatti 
Lyman D. Stevens, Benjamin Green. 

1802.— John Whittaker, William Pecker, Ira Rowell, John Y. Mug- 
ridge, William L. Foster, Enos Blake, William E. Chandler, Charles !'. 
Sanborn, Heniy T. Chickering, Benjamin Green. 

1803.- Samuel Mcrriam, William Pecker, Hiram Farniim, John Y. 
Mngridge, William L. Foster, William E. Chamller, Henry P. Rolfe, 
Charles P. Sanl i II. nn T n,i,Uering, James Thompson. 

1S04.— Samuel M n : - I I 111. ichins, Hiram Karnum, Isaac El- 
well, Cyrus w. r I w h, I .handler, Henry P. Rolfe, Stephen 
Webster, Charl.s w |i,im.. lim ~ Thumpson. 

isfki.— John BatelieM.r. .Samuel Hutchius, Daniel Holden, Isaac El- 
well, Cyrus W. Paige, Henry C. Sherburne, ^alhaniel G. Upham, Charles 
W. Davin, Lewis Downing, Daniel Knowlton. 

1800.- John Batchelder, Sylvester Stevens, Daniel Holden, Joseph B. 
Walker, Ezra Ballard, Nathaniel G. Ujiham, David A. Warde, Lewis 
Downing, Lyman D. Stevens, Daniel Knowlton. 

1807.- John S. Brown, Sylvester Stevens, Stephen Carlton, Joseph B. 
Walker Ezra Ballard, David A. Warde, James E. Larkin, Lyman D. 
Stevens, George Hutchius, Robert Hall. 

18US.— ,Tohn S. Brown, Cliarles Smith, Stephen Carlton, John A. West, 
Benjamin E. Badger, James E. Larkin, Augustine C. Pierce, George 
Hntchins, Joseph W. Prescott, Robert Hall. 

18G!).— William B. Allen, Charles Smith, Henry Farnum, John A. 
West, Benjamin E. Badger, .\ugustine C. Pierce, Ephraim W. Wood- 
ward, Joseph W. Prescott, Calvin C. Webster, George F. Whittredge. 

1870. — William H. Allen, Harrison Bean, Henry Farnum, Ira Perley, 
James N. Lauder, Samuel M. Griffin, Ephraim W. Woodward, George 
A. CummingS; Calvin C. Webster, Bet^aiuin .\. Kimball, George F. 
Whittredge. 

1871.— Robert B. Hoit, Stephen C!ark, Benjamin F. Holden, James N. 
Lauder, Samuel M. Griffin, Benjamin S. Warren, George A. Cummings, 
George .\. Pillsbuiy. Asa Fowler, Sanmel B. Page, Lyman T. Flint. 

1872.— Robert B. Hoit, John A. Holmes, Albert Stevens, Benjamin F. 
Holden, Benjamin S. Warren, Jacob H. Gallinger, George W. Emerton, 
George A. Pillsbury, Parsons B. Cogswell, John H. Albin, Asa Fowler, 
Geolge E Todd, Charles P. Virgin, Lyman T. Flint. 

1873. — lohn A. Holmes, David A. Brown, Albert Stevens, Jacob H. 
Gallinger, George W. Emerton, Charles P. Blanchard, Pal-sons B. Cogs- 
well, John H. Albin, George E. Jenks, George E. Todd, Charles P. 
Virgin, Henry «'. Sturtevant, Daniel Wyman. 

IsTl \ ,11; ,11 I 1, ,11. II. ; «il.,.i,i H.Bell, Charles W. Blake, Augus- 

tii... . Ill . ,1.1. Luther P. Durgin, Ebenezer S. 

T.iul. ., !_ I I i. w. .. ids, Heui7 C. Sturtevant, Charles 



nth, AsaFoiv 



iRobii 



I Chase Hil 



1840.— Luther Eoby, Perley Cleaves, Cyrus Hill, Charles H. X..rt..ii 
and William Page. 

1850.— Perley Cleaves, Cyrus Hill, Charles H. Norton, John L. Tal- 
lant, George F. Sanborn, Nathaniel B. Baker and Ebenezer Symmes. 

1851.— Nathaniel B. Baker. 

1852.— Nathaniel White, Shadrach Seavey, Benjamin F. Gale, Nathan 
Chandler, Joseph Eastman and Caleb Parker. 

1853.— Jeremiah S. Soyes, John H. George, John Sawyer, William H. 
Page, James Frye, .lames Moore, Henry P. Rolfe and Benjamin F. Dow. 

1.H.".4.— .Jeremiah S. Hui'iiin. .lames Frye, Joseph Eastman, Shadrach 
Sea\' \ ' !. II . ^ . II I, l; i.il N , i,,i,i. I.avid M. Dearborn, Caleb 
Pari,. ; .. _ . I . - \ 

1- I . - |. . . . \ ;. 11.. George W. Brown, E.l- 

war.l 11 l: :!.| . ^^llll^,, l.,l!it.i l; i,i,\ <■. .ruing, Lucius B. Morrill, 
George Clougb, I'.-ter ^anb,,rn, James M. I His. 

1856.— Abiel Rolfe, .Abraham Bean, George W. Brown, Edward H. 
Rollins, W^illiam Ballard, Lucius B. Morrill, Henry A. Bellows, Peter 
Sanborn, Joseph L. Jackson, James M. Otis. 

1857.— Abiel Rolfe, Abraham Beart, Moses Humphrey, Edward H. 
Rollins, Charles Smart, Henry A. Bellows, James Sedgley, Joseph L. 
Jackson, Napoleon B. Bryant, William G. Whitney. 

1858. — Albert H. Drown, s,,,,,,; j i' T,,il.ii., Moses Humphrey, Asji 
MacFarland, Reuben G. W . , i , - l^Iey, John Kimball, Na- 
poleon B. Bryant, Geo. j;. r >» I J.Whitney. 

1859.— Albert H. Dnnvi., - I I; I . lui, Elbridge Dimonil. Asa 

MacFarland, Reuben G. Wvn.an. J..|.n Kimball, Gilbert Bull..ck. Xa- 
poleon B. Bryant, George B. Wallace, Charles E. Thompson. 



W |. 

F. .M... 



»•. Blake, Daniel 
Brown, Dutton 
V. Moore, Samuel 
.nnimin F. Gale. 

. I : , Charles P. 
. w . Jiickermau, 



1870.— David Putnam, William II. n :i 
Hollis, Horace A. Brown, John Hi.ll... . .! 
Sanborn, Moses Humphrey, Stillman ll,...! ;.;. , 
Joseph C. A. Hill, John C. Kilbun., l;ei..iai„iu t. t.alc, John H. 
Lamprey. 

1877.- Rufus Cass, Timothy C. Rolfe, Cyrus R. Kobinson, Wyman 
W. Holden, Oliver Pillsbury, George A. Young, WiUiani E. Stevens, 
Stillman Humphrey, Jonathan E. Sargent, Edward Dow, Moses W. 
Dickerman, Joseph C. A. Hid, John C. Kilbnrn, John H. Lamprey, An- 
drew S. Smith. 

1878.-TimothyC. Rolfe, William W. Allen, Henry F. Campbell, Wy- 
man W. Holden, George A. Young, William E. Stevens, Jonathan E. 
Sargent, E.iward Dow, Joseph Wentworth, Charles C. Lund, Jonathan 
L. Pickerin;;, Andrew S. Smith, Moses Critchett. 

187!l-80.— William W. Allen, Henry F. Campbell, John Thornton, 
William D. Ladd, Henry Robinson, Charles C. Danforth, Edgar H. 
Woodman, Charles C. Luud, George E. Lawrence, John B Flanders. 

1881-82. — Nathaniel S. Gale, Rufus Virgin, Henry Robinson, Enoch 
Gerrish, Howard A. Dodge, William E. Chandler, Walter Harriraan, 
Leland A. Smith, Jeremiah S. Abbott. 

1S83-84.— John P. Locke, Moses H. Farnum, Frank E. Brown, 
Siimuel C. Eastman, Charles U. Jones, Charles R. Corning, 
Wentw orth G. Shaw, John H. Carr, George Ckiok, Ebenezer B. Hutch- 



120 



HISTORY OF MKKKIiMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



TallsDI, Clmriea L. Ruwe, J. I'erry Kittrodge, 
Frank S. Strwter, Charles T. Huntoon, Lyman Jackman Prescott F- 
Stevens, George CTougli, Henry W. CSapp, Kobeit A. Kay, Leonidas H. 
Clougli. 

Concord was incorporated as a city July 6, 1849. 
but the ciiarter was not adopted until March 10,1853. 

The first charter election was held March 26, 1853, 
with three candidates for mayor in the field, — Richard 
Bradley, Asa Fowler and Joseph Low. The vote 
was as follows: Bradley, 644; Low, 749; Fowler, 126. 
Low not having a majority, a second election was 
held April 5th, when he was chosen by a majority of 
192, his opponent being Mr. Bradley. The following 
officers were chosen at the March election : 

.l'<feni.«.i.— Wai-d 1, JoUn liatcheldor ; Ward 2, John L. Tallant ; 
Ward 3, Joseph Eautnian ; Ward 4, Bohcrt Davis ; Ward 5, Edson Hill . 
Ward C, Matthew Harvey ; Ward 7, Josiab Stevens. 

(Vminoii CounciV.— Ward 1, Jcrcmiuh S. Durgin, Kben F. Elliot; 
Ward 2, hamuel B. Larkin, Henian .Sanborn; Ward 3, George W- 
Brown, Moses nnmplirey ; Ward 4, tzra Carter, George Minot; Ward 
6, William U. H. Bailey, Cyras Barton ; Ward C, Ebcnezer G. Moore, 
Thomas Bailey ; Ward 7, Moses Shute, Giles W. Ordway. 

AtKuort <md J)fo<i<T<itor».— Ward I, Nathan Chandler, assessor ; Jere- 
miah S. Durgin, moilerator. Ward 2, William Pecker, assessor; 
Timothy W. Emer}', moderator. Ward 3, John Abbot, assessor; Daniel 
Hulden, moderator. Ward 4, Jonathan E. Laug, assessor; John H. 
George, moderator. Ward 5, Nathan Call, assessor ; John L. Hadley, 
moderator. Ward 0, William M. Carter, assessor ; N. B. Baker, modera- 
tor. Ward 7, Jeremiah S. Noyes, assessor; Josiah Stevens, moderator. 

tVerU— Ward 1, James D Pago; Ward 2, John M. Dearborn; Ward 
3, Elhridge Dimond ; Ward 4, J. B. Smart ; Ward .■■), Mitchell Gilmore ; 
Ward G, John F. Brown ; Wanl 7, James M. Otis. 

Selectmen. -Ward 1, Albert H. Drown, Siinmiil V. Diowii, liiifiis D. 
Scales; Ward 2, Thos. D. Potter, Iwuir \ n _i ., /. i nl n -imi ii w n 1 ;>, 

Simeon .\bbot, Hiram Farnum, Jerfnn.i I - \ i " nA. 

W.ilker, Thos. A.Ambrose, Jas. H. 11^. ^' i , ■ _ „i, 

Benj. Coffin, Jr., George A, Pillsbur^ ; \v i mi - i I mi ,l .m|i1i 

H. Mace, Caleb Parker; Ward 7, Atkinson -WebstLi, Isajn- Abbott, 



School i?o(ir(l.— Ward 1, Edmund Worth ; Ward 2, Henry A. Kendall ; 
Ward 3, Asa V. Teiiney ; Ward 4, Eleazer Smith ; Ward 6, Chas. P. 
Cage; Ward 11, Jas. W. Sargent ; Ward 7, Josiah Stevens. 

The city government was organized April 6, 1853. 
The oath of office was administered to the mayor by 
]iou. Josiah Minot. Cyrus Barton was chosen presi- 
dent of the Common Council and W. H. H. Bailey 
clerk pro fern. At an adjourned meeting, held April 
9th, John F. Brown was elected city clerk, Wm. H. 
Bartlett city solicitor, and Amos Hadley clerk of the 
Common Council. 

The following is a list of mayors, aldermen and 
members of the Common Council, prepared expressly 
for this work by Deacon Daniel F. Secomb: 

MAYOBS. 
lga:i. — .loseph Low, died August 28, 18.')li, aged sixtj'-nine years. 
185.5.— Rufus Clement, died Januaiy 13, 1850, aged fifty years. 



18.iO.-.Iohn Abbott 

1859.-Moacs T. Willard, died May 30, 1883, aged e 

ISCI.— Moses Humphrey. 

1803. — Buiijamin F. Gale, died December, IH79, ay 

1865.- Moses Humphrey. 

I800.-John Abbott. 

1868.— Lyman D. Stevens. 

1871).— Abraham G. Jones. 

1872.— John Kimball. 

1870.— George A . Pillsbury. 

1878.— Horace A. Brown. 

18811.— Ceorce A. Cuniniings. 

IS82.-E.lgiii II. W.mdman. 



1799 ; died October 21), 



died December C, 



1853.— John Batchelder, bom September 
1870, aged seventy years. 
1854.— Henry H. Amsdei 

1855.— Albert H. D.own. 

1867.— David A. Brown. 

1859.- Jacob B. Band. 

1801.- Samuel Merriam. 

1803.- John A. Holmes. 

1807. — Jeremiah S. Durgin, died January, 18G8, aged fifty-seven yeai-s 

18G8. — David Putnam, died 1870. 

1809.— William H. Bell. 

1871.— John Whittaker. 

1872.— John S. Brown. 

1874. — Charles H. Amsden. 

1870.— John Whittaker. 

1877.— John C. Lineham. 

1878.— Franklin A. Abbott. 

1879.— Nathaniel S. Gale (resigned) and John H. Rolfe. 

1880.— John Carter. 

1882.— J. E. Marden. 

1884.- Henry F. Bnnvn. 

W.IED 2. 
1853.— John L. Tallant. - 

1855.— Samuel ClilTord, died Febniary 6, 1879, aged eighty-si.\ years. 
1856. — Ebenezer Eastman. 

1858.— Jacob A. Potter, died April 28, 1865, aged sixty-six years. 
1860. — Samuel Eastman. 
1862.— Thomas D. Potter, died March 2, 1873, aged seventy-sevei 

1804.— Timothy W. Emery, died May 29, 1875, aged sixty-one years. 

I860.— John P. Locke. 

1868.— Thompson Tenney. 

1870.-^o8eph T. Clough. 

1872.- George H. Curtis. 

1874.- John B. Curtis. 

1870.— John G. Tallant. 

1878.— John T. Tenney. 

1879.— Cyrus B. Robinson. 

1880.— Josiah S. Locke. 

1882.— Charles H. Clough. 

1884.-Charles H. Sanborn. 



1853. — Joseph Eostman. 

18.i4.-John Abbott (mayoi-, 1856). 

1855. — Moses Humphrey (mayor, 1861). 

1857.— Elhridge Dimond. 

1859. — Ira Rowell. died .Tuno 14, 1870, aged seventy-nine years. 

1861.— William D. Colby. 

1863.— Henry Martin. 

1865.- John V. Aldrich. 

1867.— George W. Flanders. 

1809.— William H. Brown. 

1871.— Alfred C. Abbott. 

1873.— Daniel Hnlden. 

1875.— Andrew J. Holmes. 

1877.-Jehiol D. Knight. 

1878.— Benjamin T. Putney. 



! — Robert Davis, died March 19, 1861, aged seventy-one yeai-s. 
I. — Samuel Coffin, died September 27, 1805, aged seventy-one yea 
>.— William Prescott, died October IS, 1875, aged eighty-six yeai 
r.— Moses T. Willard (mayor., 1859). 
).— Shadrach Seavey, died January 31, 1880, aged seventy-t 

!.— Ezra Ballard, died May 7, 1872, age.l sixty-nine years. 

I.— Joshua B. Merrill. 

).— Charles H. Heibert. 

S.— Horace A. Brown (mayor, 1878). 

;i.— Luther P. Durgin. 

^.— Joseph B. Walkei-. 



CONCOKD. 



121 



1874.— Aimer C. Holt. 

1876.— Samuel \V. Shattuck. 

1878.— Samuel M. Griffin. 

1880.— Emory N. Shepard. 

1882.— Oliver Pillsbury and John C. Thorn. 

1884.— Bichai-d M. Ordwayand Frank L. Sanders. 
Waeu o. 

1853.— Edson Hill. 

1S,-|4.— True Osgood, born January 21, 1814 ; died February 24, 1884, 
aged seventy yeai-s. 

1855. — John Brown, died March 4, 18G3, aged sixty-two yeai-s. 

1857. -Eno9 Blake. 

1859.— Hobert N. Corning, died June 13, 1866, aged forty-seven years. 

18C0.— Bradbury Gill, died December 13, 1881, aged seventy-five years. 

ISM.— Wcntworth G. Shaw. 

18i;:).— Nicholas Quimby, died August II, 1873, aged seventy-seven 
yeare. 

1,S65.— C"\U'tis White. 

1SC7.— Abraham G. Jones (mayor, 187()), 

1809.— Daniel F. Secomb. 

1S71.— Stillman Humphrey. 

1873.— George A. Pillsbury (mayor, 1876). 
. Cummiugs (uiayor, 1S8U). 
. Cochran. 

1879.— William H. Buntin. 

1880.— Edward Dow. 

1882.— Heury A. Mann. 

1884.- Albert B. Woodivorth and Irving S. Ring. 
Ward 6. 

1853.— Matthew Harvey, died .\pril 7, 1800, aged eighty-four yeai-s. 

1854.— George B. Chandler, died at St. Josephs, Mich., October 28, 
1878, aged seventy-five years. 

1856.- William Kent. 

1858.— Ebenezer G. Moore, died March 2, 1870, aged seventy-three 

1859.-Caleb Parker, died January 18, 1874, aged sixty-three years. 

1861.— Benjamin F. Gale (mayor, 1803). 

1803.— Abraham J. Prescott. 

1865.— Edward P. Prescott. 

1867.— Henry T. Chickering. 

1870.— John D. Teel. 

1871.— Enoch L. Childs. 

1873.— Albe J. Hall. 

1874. — James L. Mason. 

1876.— Byron G. Merrill. 

1878.— Henry W. Clapp. 

1880.— John T. Batchelder. 

1882.- Joseph H. Lane and Gardner B. Enimoiis. 

1884.— Loland A. Smith. 

Ward 7. 
1853.— Josiah Stevens, died April 17, 1869, aged ievcnty-four yeai-s. 
18.")4.— Moses Shute, died March 13, 1858, aged sixty-eight years. 
1855.— Samuel Pease. 
1857.- George F. Whittredge. 

1859.— Joseph Hazleton, died December 31, 1880, aged eighty-ono 
jeare. 
1861.— Josiah Cooper. 
1863.— William Walker, died November 22, 188i, aged seventy-two 

1865.— Daniel S. Webster. 

1867.— Isaac Clement, died May 30, 1875, aged seventy-one years. 
1869.— Nathan W. Gove, died August 8, 1871, aged fifty-four years. 
1871.— Andrews. Smith. 
1873.— Jacob E. Hutchius. 
1875.- Isaac X. Abbott. 

1877.— Henry Churchill, born in Brookficld, N. H., 
died March 18, 188."). 

1879. ^Charles E. Thompson. 
1880.— John H. Lamprey. 
1884.— Daniel B. Smith. 

CITY CLERKS. 
1853.- John F. Brown, died July 26, 1878, aged sixty-three years. 
18.54.— David Watson, died March 26, 1867, aged seventy-eight years. 
1862.— William A. Hodgdon. 

1865.— Charles F. Stewart, died October 14, 1869, aged sixty-four years, 
1879.— Joseph A. Cochran. 



^34, 



COMMON COUNCILMEN. 



Wa 



in 1867) aud Ebeu F. Elliott. 
.■I C. Elliott. 

Rand, 1856 (alderman 1859). 
niber7, 1884, aged sixty-six years) 
1 October 9, 1808, aged forty-four 



18.53.- Jeremiah S. l>uri; 

1854.— Rufu.s n s il.^ ,1 

18.55.- Robeil l; M II . 

18,57.— Timolliv I I, i 

Hud Jeremiah F. 1; u, 

years). 

1859.— Andrew P. Bennett and Cynis W. Lincoln. 

1861.— Alfred A.Eastman (died September 3, 1861, aged tweiit.v-ciKlit 
years) and Hiram Simpson (resigned) and Nathaniel Rolfe. 

1802.— George P. Meserve. 

1803.— Harvey Chase. 

1804.— Amos Holt (died February 3, 1876, aged seventy-six yea?-si anil 
Ilazen Knowlton. 

1806.- Edward Runnels and Hezekiah S. Durgin (alderman 1807). 

1867. — Hiram F. Simpson (died September 5, 1807, fifty-four yeai-s) and 
John Whittaker (alderman 1871). 

1868.— William A. Bell (alderman 1869) and Cyrus Runnels. 

1809.— Cephas A. Fowler. 

1870.— Job S. Davis. 

1871.— Franklin A. Abbott (alderman 1878) aud Daniel G. Holmes. 

1872.— John 0. Linehan (alderman 1877). 

1874.— Rufus Cass. 

1875.— Andrew P. Bennett. 

1876.— Frederick G. Chandler. 

1877.— Edward Runnels. 

1878.— John Carter. 

1879. — Jerome S. Runnels. 

1880.- Henry Rolfe and Sherwin P. Colby. 

1882.— John W. Powell. 

lS8i.-David F. Dudley. 



1863.— Samuel B. Larkin (died August 8, 1863, aged sixty-fi 
and Heman Sanborn. 
1855.— Charles Sanborn and Ephraim S. Colby. 
1856. — James Locke and William Pecker. 
1858.— Timothy W. Emery (alderman 1864) aud Isaac Virgil 
1860. - Zebulon Smith and William Abbott. 
1862.— Sylvester .Stevens and John B. Curtis (ald.-nnan 1874 



187: 



A. Ilea 



1873.— John G. Tallant (alderman 1876). 

1874.— Zebina C. Perkins. 

1875.— Elbridge Emery. 

1876.— John T. Tenney (alderman 1878). 

1877.— John T. Batchelde.-. 

1878.— John E. Frye. 

1879. — John B. Sanborn. 

1880.- Charles H. Sanborn and John N. Hil 

1S82.— Fales E. Virgin. 

1884.— Samuel L. French. 

Ward 3. 



uphrey (alderman 18.55). 



, aged sixty-eight 



1853.— George W. Brown and ] 

1855.— Moses M. Davis and Hiram Farnuni. 

1857.— Benjamin F. Holrten (died November 5 
■ears) and Henry Farnum. 

185!).— Stephen Carleton and William D. Colby (alderman 1861). 

1861.— Moses H. Farnum and Henry Martin (alderman 1863). 

1803.— George W. Flanders (alderman 1807) anil John V. Al 
alderman 1805). 

1805.— Henry Farnum. 

I860.— Harrison Partridge. 

1867.— Jacob N. Flanders. 

1868.— John Thornton. 

18o9.— Beiyumin Farnuni and Reuben K. Abbott. 

1870.— Charles H. Farnum. 

1871.— Franklin J. Emerson and Jehiel D. Knight (alderman 18" 

1872.— Charles H. Farnum and Daniel C. Tenney. 

1873.— Andrew S. Farnum. 

1874.— Lyman Sawyer. 

IgT.i.—Charles H. Merrill. 



U18T011V OK .Mi;iaa.\IA('K COLMV, new IIAMl'SHIRE. 



, ISOI, ngoil im.v- 



187n.— Ik>qjiunln T. Putney (aMornuui 1H78). 
1*77.— Sloplicn W. Kdlom and ImC. lMillll|w. 
1878.— An>crt Sallmareli, 1870, and AMiil C. Alil 
I8e«l.— J»niM Franc-Is iiml George B. Dinic.nd. 
1882.— Jcronilali Ijuinn. 



l8.Vt.-E2raCnrlornndGuurKoMinut (dUd .March 
four yoATB). 

1854.— Joseph P. Slickney (dieil April 1!), 1877, aged eighty jcard) un<l 
Joxpli French (Jd). 

ISM.— nnfiisMerrill. 

1857.— lllcharil Bradley (died Jnne 6, 18r.l>, uged seventy-nine years) 
and ("yniB W. Pago. 

IS-W.-John I'.BrigKS. 1859, dii-d .llay lin, ISCS, iigiKl forty-one yeors. 

1869.— John C. Pillsbnry. 

ISliC-Eura Ilallui-il (alderninn 18 -2). 

1801.— Moses A. Bradley. 

1802. -Jefferson Noycs, dieil April, 1877, ageil sevcnty-foin- yeiiin. 

isn.-).— Banlol A. Hill, died June 7, 187s, aged si.vty.iieven yeai-K, 

IBM — John A. West and John Ilallurd. 

186fi. — George \V. Euicrton. 

18c7.-Danlel Farnuni. 

I8(j«.— John Iloyt, dlo<l Angiist 24, ISnft, aged fifty eight yiura. 

ISUO.-Lulhor P. Dnrgin (uldennan 18711). 

1871).— Abner C. Holt (alderninn 1874) and Charles P. Blaruhard, 
horn March 4, 1812; died April 25, 1885, age<l soventy-thiee ycuin. 

187 J.— Daniel E. Howard, 1873, and Clmrli-s H. Critchett. 

187:i.— Richard JI. Ortlivay. 

1874.-Charle« W. Moore, 1875. 

1875.-GeorBO H. IIlll. 

1870.- John V. Thorn, 1877 (aldernjan l.ss.'i. 

1877.— Emory N. Sheimrd {aldennnn I8Sij). 

1878.— Nathaniel H. Shiittucli. 

1870.— Frank L. Sanders, 188;). 

1880.— Oscar V. Pitman. 

1882 — James F. Roouey, Klwilrd A. Moillton nii.l Hanisoii \ licil.y 

IS84.-\Villi„n, II. Keuney and James K. Kennclv. 

Wabd 6. 

1853.— William H. H. Bailey (died at Jancsville, Wis., March 18, 1872, 
aged flfty.nve years) and Cyrns Barton, 1853 (died at London, Fobmnry 
17, 1855, aged tlfty-eight years). 

IS.M.-Silas 0. Sylvester (died at Vlnoland, N. J., July 19, 188;i, aged 
seventy-onc years) ond Peter Dudley (died Angust 13, 1871, aged sixty- 
eight years). 

l.«5r.._Jnnie8 Sedgleyand John Kimball, 1857 (mayor 1872). 

l».'.7.-\,illin 1 n. Walker, 

1> >- III i.liun (.,11 .alderninn 1800). 

'^ Mi ■ , Mjuw, 1800 (alderman 18nl). 

'~' *' ' '•■■ " l'"iiiin,18Bl (alderman 1879). 

'"'I ^' 11 '- ;ii!iiiliy inldcnnan 1803). 

l.sr.J.-Al.niliiiiu G. Jones, 1803 (mayor 1870). 

ISOS.-CharlesT. Lane. 

I8fi4.-r,irti» White (nldermnn 1805). 

isilj _\„,\,,,nj,.| I Mnnde and Emery T. Staniels. 

'-' '■'''! ' ' ' ' '' ISOn, and Daniel F. Seconib (alderman 1809). 

'" ' ~ "iiiK-ys, 1870 (nldermnn 1871). 



1872, died September 17, 1.S82, ngod seveiity- 



187 i— Cyrus N. Corning. 

1873.— Joseph A. Cochran (alderman 1877). 

1874.— Moses B. Critchett. 

I87S.— George A. Foster. 

1870.- George F. Uuderhill. 

IS77.-A. B. Smith. 

1878.— Homy A. Mnnn (alderman 1882). 

1879.-rrank J. Batchelder. 

I88u.-Irvin S. Ring and Benjamin F. Caldwell. 

1882.-Franklin S. Abbott. 

I88-I.— Fa>eborn S. Abbott and Warren II. Coriiii 



I8.Vt.-KlK.nezer G. Moore (alderman 1858) and Thonins Dailey 
18,M.-Willl„m P. Hardy (di«l November 1, 1850, nged fifty-flie 



1865.— Nathan Farley (died May 16, 1809, aged eighty years) 
Dovid Winklcy (died June 29, 1870, aged sixty-tht«e years). 
ISilC— William Hart. 
1857.— Stephen Webster. 

1868.— Thomas II. Newhull, died Jnnuniy 21, 1800, aged flfly. 
yonni. 
1859.— Benjamin Rolfe. 
ISiiO.- Abraham G. Jones (mayor 1870 j. 

1801.— John D. Tcel, 1802 (alderman 1870), and I.oreuzu K. Pcaco. 
1803.— Charles P. Virgin and Thomas W. Stewart. 
1805.- Henry T. Cliickering, 1800 (alderman I8(i7) and Edward ] 
(alderman 1880). 
1807.— Lewis L. Slower, 1808, and Nathan H. Haskell. 
1809.- Cliarles H. Abbott. 
I870.-Proscott F. Stevens. 
187l.^IoshuaT. Kendall. 
; 1872 — John L. T. Brown and Moses B. Smifli, 1871. 

1874.— Alonzo Downing, died July 3, 1877, aged fifty-four veaix. 
1875.— Calvin C. Webster. 
1870. — Lewis B. Hoit. 

1877.— Timothy Colby, died December 19, I8811, aged 6i.vty-four vm 
1878.— Joseph C. A. Hill. 

1879.— Joseph 11. Lane and George H. l-:moiy. 1882. 
1882.- Horaces. Fairbanks, Leonard W. Hinii, Hiram ('. Marsh : 
Frank J. Batchelder. 

Ward 7. 
1853.— Moses Sliute (alderninn 18.54) and Giles W. Oidway, died Ma 
20, 1873, aged si.\ty-one ycara. 

1854.— Joseph S. Lund (died December i7, 1882, agedeiglity-twoy.-i 
and Isaac Abbott. 
iai5.- James Thompson and Charles A. Reed. 
1.8.'>7.-Jo8iah Cooper and Isaac Clement (alderman 1807). 
18.50.— John B. Flanders and Moses B. Abbott. 
1800.— Jedcdiah C. Abbott. 

1801.— Isaiah Robinson, died .lanuary 25, 1875, aged scventy-.i 
yenre. 



1807, died August 4, 1,S75, aged i- 



1809.- Andrews. Smith (alderman 1,'*71.) 

1870.-.lacob E. Hutchins. 

1871.- George W, Chesley. 

1872.— James B. Fellows. 

1873.- John Hazeltine. 

1874 — .lames Thompson. 

1875.- William Stevenson. 

1870.— Henry Churchill, 1870 (aldcnnan 1877). 

1877.- E. A. F. Hammond and James W. Lane. 

1879.— Charles H. Peacock and Jeremiah S. Abbott. 

188li.-Hcnry F. Evans (resigned) and Daniel B. Sm 

1884.-Ceargc H. Mills. 

CLERKS OF COMMON COUNCIL 
1853.-Amo8 Hadley. 
18119.— Lewis L. Mower. 

The present city govcinmciit 
lows : 



rgaiii 



iV/nyor.— Edgar H. Woodman. 

^Wermc.-Wanl 1, John E. Marden ; Ward 2, Charles H. dough ; 
Ward 3, Albert Saltmnrsh; Ward 4, Emory M. Shepard, Oliver Pillsbuiy 
and John C. Thorn ; Ward 6, Edward Dow and Henry A. Mann ; Ward 

6, John T. Batchelder, Joseph H. Lace and Gardner B. Emmons ; Ward 

7, John 11. Lamprey. 

CUg C(eit-.— Joseph A. Cochran. 

Ommon Coiuidf.— President, George H. Emery ; Ward 1, John W\ 
Powell ; Ward 2, Fales P. Virgin ; Ward 3, Jeremiah Qninn ; Ward 4, 
James F. Roonoy, Edward A. Moulton and Harrison A. Roby ; Ward 5, 
Irvin S, Ring and Freeborn S. Abbott ; Wardfl, George H. Emery, Hor- 
ace S. Fairbanks and Leonard W. Bean; WanI 7, Daniel B. Smith. 
' ncil, Lewis L. Mower. 



CONCORD. 



'.'Uij TretiMurer.- 
of. 



k'illiani F. Thayer. 



Ilritird »/ lylucitmi.—Vnion School Dtotrict : Jolin C. Thorn, term 
<xi.ire« Slarch, 1885; Parsons B. CogBwell, term enpirM March, 1885 ; 
Ilf nry J. Crippen, term expiree March, 1885 ; Ai B. Thomiison, term ex- 
] ires March, 1886 ; William .M. Chase, term expiree March, 1880 ; George 
W. Crockett, term expires March, 1886 ; Joecph C. A. Hill, term cx- 
|.ir.s March, 1887 ; Daniel B. Donovan, term expiree March, 1887 ; 
* hiirles K. Coming, term expires March, 1887. 

Superinleitdenl of &*oo/».— Warren Clark. 

SuperinUnding School (VymmiMeen.— Weet Concord, Sietrict No. 3 : Ella 
i;. llolden, term expires March, 1885; Frederick A. Eastman, teim ex- 
jiiff'H March, 1886; George R. Parmenter, term expires March, 1887. 

Kast Concord, District No. 12 : George H. Curtis, term expires March, 
1 '8.'. ; Elbridgc Emery, term expires March, 1880. 

I'enacook, District No. 2<) : William W. Allen, term expires March, 
1 ■-'. ; Alfred E. Emery, term expires March, 1886 ; Edmund H. Brown, 

.1, expires Mar;h, 1887. 

' >lher Districta : William W. Flint, Charles B. Str.ing,t Abial Rolfc,= 
' rge H.Curtis. 

Tritaat Offictri. — John Connell, James E. Rand, Charles H. .Tonee. 

POBUC LtEEAEV. 

TVujArCT.— Ward 1, Ahial Rolfe ; Ward 2, Joseph T. Clongh ; Ward 3, 
Paul R. Holden ; Ward 4, William L. Foster; Ward .5, Henry W. Stevens ; 
Ward 6, JamesS. Norris; Ward 7, Rev. Thomas G. Valpey > and William 
W. Flint.s 

Librarian. — Daniel F. Secomb. 

ASSE^SOBS. 

Ward 1, Abial Rolfe; Waul 2, John G. Tallant ; Wards, Harrison 

Partridge ; Ward 4, Gilbert H. Seavey ; Ward 5, Curtis White ; Ward 6, 

George S. Dennett ; Ward 7, Jonathan B. Weeks. Chainnan, Gilbert H. 

Seavey ; Clerk, Abial Rolfe. 

CiTT Water-Works. 



Charles C. Danfortli ; Ward 0, George O. Dickerman ; Wiu.l 7, Harry G. 
Sargent. 

S(!(ec/m«;i.— Ward I, William H. Jloody, Martin Solan, Ikuic I'. Kur. 
gin ; Ward 2, Isaac F. Potter, Edward J. Lyie, William P. Curtis ; Wnr.l 
3, George Trickey, George B. Little, Alvin C. Powell ; WnnI 4, Cliarl.- 
H. Jones, George F. Eelley, Nathaniel Bond; Ward ."<, Augustus II. 
Wiggin, Warren H. Corning, Charles T. Lane ; Ward 0, David I,. N.iil, 
George L. Theobald, George L. Reed ; Ward 7, Joaeph E. Hutchiiison , 
Alfred Clark, Charles H. Critchett. 

Ward Cfert..— Waul 1, Frederick M. Morse ; Ward 2, Frank P. Ciirti- ; 
Ward 3, Fred. A. Eastman ; Ward 4, Charles A. Davis ; Ward 5, George 
W. Lincoln ; Ward 6, Howard M. Cook ; Ward 7, George B. Whit 
trcdge. 

STATISTICAL. 

Population of the city (census ISSfJ) 1.1,84) 

Valuation of the dty S'J,877.S74.00 

Tax assessed for the year 8148,200.20 

Bate of taxation 81.15 per SlOO 

.11 per 811)0 additional for Union School District. 
.3U per 8100 additional for precinct tax. 



-Edgar H. Woodman, mayor, tr-officio ; Samuel 
S. Kimball, term expires March 31, 1885 ; Luther P. Dorgin, term ex- 
pires March 31, 1885 ; John Kimball, term expires March 31, 1886; Wil- 
liam M. Chase, term expires March 31, 1886 ; James L. Slaeon, term 
expires March 31, 1887 ; Joseph H. Abbott,2 term expires March 31, 1887. 
President, John Kimball ; Clerk, William M. Chase. 

Saperinlendad of Water-Worl!t.—\ . Charles Hastings. 
FiBB Department. 

Chief Bnj.nwr.— John M. Hill. 

AmsUuit Engineert.—ToT Precinct : Daniel B. Xewhall, Joseph S. Mer- 
rill, B. Frank Tucker. For Penacook : William H. Allen. For East 
Concord : John E. Frye. For West Concord : Harrison Partridge. 

Steaard Cenlral Fire SUiUon. —TSben F. Richardson. 

AuUianl Steward Central Fire StaCion — George L. Osgoo«I. 
of Fire Alarm.— Eben F. Bichardson. 



POllS, VALUATION, 



I on the real au'l jier^fjnal es- 



PoLicR Department. 
Police JuViM.— Sylvester Dana. 
Special Police Jvtlice. — Benjamin E. Badger. 
Cilg S.ficitor.— Robert A. Kay. 
CTeri of Police Court.— Rufus P. Staniels. 
City Jl/orjAa;.— John Connell. 
Ateittaid City iforsfcrf.— George W. Corey. 

Street Department. 
Commistioner of HiyAicaj*.— Edgar H. Woo.lnmn. 
Superintendent of Streets. — James H. Rowell. 

Overseers of the Pooh. 
For Ward 1 : J. Edwin Mardcn, Penacook. For Ward 2: <liark-8 H. 
Clongh, East Concord. For Wards 3, 4, 5, and 7 : Joseph A. Coihran. 
COj) Phynctan.—Vr. George Cook. 
Amiitanl City Phyncian.—Di. .\lfrcd E. Emerj-. 
Health Officfn.—iohn Connell, George C<xik, .ilfred E. Emcrj-. 

Ward Officers. 

3Io<fcra/»r».— Ward 1, James H. French ; Ward 2, John B. Curtis ; 

Ward 3, George R. Parmenter ; Ward 4. Benjamin E. BaJger ; Ward 5, 



Year. 


No. of Polls. 


Valuation. 


Tax. 






81,307,192 
4,423,936 




1801. . . 


. . . 2,407 


40,290.48 


1862. . . 


. . 2,354) 


4,308,568 


50,946.01 


1803. . . 


... 2,454 


3,77.5,m 


60,293.82 


18M. . . 


. . . 2,539 


3,832,800 


89,931.97 


1865 


. . . 2,405 


5,.549,002 


158,787.29 


1806. . . 


. . . 2,762 


4,934,082 


116,192.97 


1867. . . 


. . . 2,822 


5,000,774 


14.5,172.49 


1868. . . 


. . . 3,120 


5,378,365 


126,889.71 




. . . .3,2«.i 


5,581,459 


146,791.61 


I87ft . . 


. . . 3,187 


5,751,928 


13.3,05.3.94 


1871 . . . 


. . . 3,3.38 


5.891,993 
5,917.054 


137,844.70 


1872. . . 


. . . 3,767 


141,122.97 


1873. . . 


. . . 3,613 


9,012,650 


158,281.13 












. . . 3,941 


9,216,195 


175,234.68 


1876. . . 


. . . 3,911 


9,222,625 


163,708.29 


1877 . . . 


. . 4,015 


9,406,117 
9,241,485 
10,«H,465 


177,040.27 




3 869 


102,038.53 


1870. . . 


. . . 3,536 


1.55,961.99 


1880. . 


. . . .3,672 


10,1.W,686 


172,831.12 


1881. . . 


... 3,305 


10,062,894 


163,28.5.55 


1882. 


Polls. 


Valnation. 


Tax. 


Ward 1 . . 


... 402 


8816,5.52 


810,373.39 


Ward 2 . . 


... 210 


439,108 


4,811.94 


Ward 3 . . 


... 239 


439,868 


4,913.00 


Ward 4 . . 


. . . 907 


2,299,970 


35,356,97 


Ward 5 . . 


... 690 


3,206,2<K! 


49,3.50.47 


Ward 6 . . 


... 8-20 


2,462,667 


38,094.06 


Ward 7 . . 


. . . 393 


613,881 


7,715.17 



1883. 

Ward 1 . . . 

Ward 2 . . . 

Ward 3 . . . 

Ward 4 . . 

Ward 5 . . . 

Ward . . . 

AVard 7 . . . 
Non-reeident 



1884. 
Ward 1 . 
Ward 2 . 
Ward 3 . 
Ward 4 . 
Ward :, . 
Ward 6 . 
Ward 7 . 



8811,471 


811,279.32 


420,500 


5,.316.36 


442195 


5,803.32 


2,176,700 


38,845.05 


3,129,413 


3.5,244.56 


2,393,461 


. 42,509.03 


64!l.476 


8,899.85 




1,604.46 


SKl,fr2:{,216 


8169,498.95 


Valuation. 


Tax. 


8805,023 


810,338.78 


414,798 


4,568.81 


463,839 


6.009.11 


2,147,933 


33,742.35 


3,045,000 


47,839.59 


2,350,193 


36,624.04 


•151,088 


7,S(«.81 




1,362.77 



IIISTORV OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



'IPAL rUNDED UEBT. 
di p<iyabU at /olhtct 
> of int. l'«.vaLlc. 



Junuiir? 1, 18M. 
April l', 1S85. 
XoTember I, 188.'i 



Jaiiiuiry I, ISST. 
OctoUtT 1, 1887. 
January 1, 1S88. 
iPcloberl, I8«(. 
January 1, 188lt. 
October I, 18S'J. 
January 1, 1890.- 
October 1, 1800. 
January I, isai. 
October 1, 1891. 
November 1, 1891. 
October 1, 1892. 
KoToniber 1, 1892. 
October 1, 189.1. 
NoTeniber 1, 1893. 
October 1, 1894. 
Noremberl, 1894. 



annually. 


1,500 


Bomi-annually. 


10,000 


annually. 


1,000 




10,000 


annually. 


2,000 


semiannually. 


10,0(W 


annually. 


2,000 


Bomi-annually. 


8,500 


annually. 


1,000 


semi-annually. 


0,250 


semi-annually. 


6,000 


semi-annually. 


2,000 


semi-annually. 


10,(X10 


semi-annually. 


4,250 


semi-annually. 


8,000 



of park and Capitol 8 



Bond^ OTerdue, not pre8eDte<l S500.00 

Coupons overdue, not presented .... 397.50 

Interest accrued, not yet due 2,286.67 

Due school distiicia 2,244.41 

$5,428.58 

Funded <lel.t 135,0(«.1.00 

Total city debt S140,428..-)8 

Cash in treasury $23,923.35 

Collectible taxes, 1882 1,280.13 

Collectible taxes, 1883 12,998.93 

Collectible taxes, 1884 22,672.21 

Due from county of Merrimack . . . 2,173.43 

Balance on sale city farm, due 18f 5 . 2,500.00 

865,548.07 



Indebtedness al)Ove assets . 



74,880.5 



CUy precincl hou(U (SUite-Hovse) loan, payable ns follow 



When dn 




Rate of 


nt. In. payable. 


Amount. 


December 1 


1885. 


6 


semiannually. 


$1,500 


December I 


1886. 


6 


semi-annually. 


2,500 


December r 


1887. 


6 


semi-annually. 


3,000 


December 1 


1888. 


6 


semi-annually. 


3,500 


December 1 


1889. 


C 


semi-annually. 


2,000 


December 1 


1890. 


6 


semi-annually. 


3,000 


December 1 


18U1. 





somi-annually. 


2,000 


December 1 


1892. 


C 


semi-annually. 


2,000 


December 1 


1893. 


6 


somi-annually. 


2,0(10 




1894. 


6 


semi-annually. 


3,000 


December 1 


1895. 





aemi-annually. 


10,000 


December 1 


1896. 





8emi.annually. 


7,000 






Srtter Precinct Nolet. 






188.-,. 


6 


annually. 


88,000 



ll'ufer Precinct Bomb. 

April I, 1892 C semi-annually. $200,000 

April 1, 1894. 6 semi-annually. 130,000 

April 1, 1895. 6 semi-annually. 20,00(1 

October 1, 1912. 4 semi-annually. 45,(i(Xl 
S452,.iOU 
PEECINCT'S DEBTS NOT rUXDKD. 

Bonds overdue, but not presented 8100.00 

Coupons overdue, but not presented .... 523.(;0 

Interest accrued, but not yet due 224.17 

S»47,17 

Precinct's funded debts 452,600.0(1 

Precinct's debts S463,.147.17 

Less water-worltH bonds on hand 2,(100.00 

Net precinct debt* 8451,347.17 

BECAPITI-LATIOX. 

Not city debts above assets 874,880.51 

Net precinct's debts above assets 451,347.17 

Aggregate indebtedness of city and precinct over 

available assets 

$526,227.68 
Aggregate city and precinct indebtedness, January 

1, 1884 553,649.75 

Decrease for the ypdl- SJ7,422.07 



CHAPTER yil. 

CONCORD— (Conitnued; 
MILITAEY HISTORY. 

The Heroes of Four Wars— The French and 
Soldiers— War of the Revolution— The Associat 
of Peter Green —Concord Men at Cambridge- 
Soldiers— Bounties Paid— War of 1812— Soldiers' Names— War of the 
Rebellion— Concord a Recruiting Station and Military Rendezvous — 
First Company Raised— Captain E. E. Sturdevant— List of Soldiers. 

The French and Indian Wars,— In the struggle 
known as the French and Indian Wars this town 
contributed its full share of men and money. The 
following is a list of those who entered the service : 

John Chandler, Joseph Eastman, captains; Nathaniel Abbot, lieu- 
tenant ; David Copps, Moses Eastman, sergeants ; Nathaniel Morse, 
clerk ; David Evans, corporal ; Obadiali Maxfield, Phineas Virgin, Moses 
Eastman, Edward Abbot, Jai . i I' ;'-:, I.m] Kimball, John Hoyt, 
Jonatban Fifield, Thomas >! ' ' ! l;ix, Jonathan Chase, 

Ebenezer Copps, Asa KimlMll I i i \i^in, Ebenezer Simonds, 
James Farnum, Judah Trunil>l' 1-.^ n w Jk. i, John Webster, Reuben 
Simonds, Joseph Eastman, Josliua Aliln.t isunof Lieutenant Nathaniel 
Abbot), John Shute, Daniel Abbot, Benjamin Hannaford, Amos East- 
man, Nathaniel Eastman, Benjamin Bi-adley, Stephen Hoit, David 
Evans, Stilson Eastman and Philip Kimball, sentinels. 

War of the Revolution.— The record of Concord 
during the War of the Revolution is one in which 
her citizens may justly feel a patriotic pride. The 
news of the battle of Lexington had scarcely reached 
the town before Captain Abiel Chandler had raised a 
company of thirty-six men and marched to Cam- 
bridge. There were three companies from this town 
in the battle of Bunker Hill. These were commanded 
by Captains Gordon Hutchins, Joshua Abbot and 
Aaron Kinsman. 

At the meeting in March, 1776, "Philip Eastman, 
Colonel Thomas Stickney, Timothy Walker, Jr., 
Joseph Hall, Jr., and Richard Harbut were chosen 



CONCORD. 



125 



a committee of safety for the parish of Couconl for 
the year 1776." 

The foUowiug citizens of Concord signed the "As- 
sociation Test : " 

"We, the subscribere, do hereby soleiuDly engage aud promise, that 
we will, to the utmost of our power, at the ris<iue of our lives and for- 
tunes, with arms, oppose the hostile proceedings of the British fleets and 
aruiies against the United American Colonies. 

" Reuben Kimball, John Kimball, Thomas Stickney, Peter Green,' 
Timy Walker, jr., Benjamin Emery, John Bradley, Nathan Chandler, 
Aaron Stevens, James Walker, Robert Davis, Benj. Hanniford, Daniel 
Gale, David Hall, Simon Danforth, Nathaniel Abbot, Nathaniel Rolfc, 
Stephen Greenleaf, Samuel Thom)«on, John Gage, Moses Eastman, jr., 
Jacob Carter, John Fowle, Levi Ross (his X mark), Jeremiah Bradley, 
Peter Green, jr., Amos Abbot, Timothy Bradley, Ephraim Farnuni, 
Cornelius Johnson, Philip Eastman, Daniel Abbot, Richard Flandei-s 
Joseph Farnum, Richard Haseltine, Joseph Hall, jr., Beni;imin Fitield, 
Reuben Abbott, Lot Colby, Jonathan Eastnuiir I'n i : • l -, iMvid 
George, John Stevens, John Virgin, Phineas Si. .. . i \ r., n- 

jamiu Abbot, Ebenezcr Hall, Henry Martin, Tin: ' - N^uh.iia 

Fifield, Reuben Abbot, jr., Samuel Buttei-s, TiTiin Will,! I; i . jl.iiry 
Beck, Benjamin Rolfe, Oliver Hoit, Theodore Farnum, Ebemzer Far- 
num, Ephraim Farnum, John Steven (?), Moses Eastman, Chandler 
Lovejoy, Samuel Kinkson, Caleb Buswell, Richard Eastman, Solomon 
Gage, Ezekiel Dimond, jr., Amos Abbot, jr., William Coffin, Joseph 
Abbot, Jonathan Merrill, James Mitchell, Ezra Carter, Asa Kimball, 
Jonathan Emerson, Timothy Bradley, jr., Joseph Eastman, Phiueas 
Virgin, William Currier, Ebonez.T Simond, Dan Stickney, Josj^ Far- 
num, jr., Elisha Moody, 1' :,:.i ,:;: ri-iiuin. Jacob Green.-^eujamin 
Farnum, Ebenezer Vir::iii 1 r . Edward Abbott, Jonathan 

Stickney, Eph'm Farnuui, v. \ _iii, Obadiah Hall, George 

Abbot, Jusi.ib Farnum, .1- : I ; - ;,.ii Kiuil.all, Daniel Hall, 

Abim I!.: , I . N i! . \ \ : 1- ■ Alibot, Ephraim 

.\bli. I, -: ; , 1 '. - > - I ...111, Daniel Far- 

num. I'l ' i ' I, i . ' .li.seph Clough, 

Rich.ii , II, I i" ir^ I .!, jIu: !i:i,-. ,1 i; I ■ 1 1 i-. 1. 1 h. . w 1 Ilium Haseltine, 

Sinion Trumbi-1, John Chase, John Shiite, Jacob Sliute, Joseph Hall, 
John Trumble (his X mark), Joseph Colby, Ephraim Fisk, Kathaniel 
Green, Thomas Wilson, Isaac W^alker, Ezra Badger, Richard Flanders, 
Timothy Farnham, Ezekiel Dimond, Joseph Haseltine, Phineas Kimball, 
Robert Ambros, Benjamin Sweat, Abiel Blanchard, Benjamin Elliot, 
James Stevens, Joseph Eastman, jr., Richard Potter, Timothy Symonds, 
Philip Kimball, Timothy Kimball, John Farnum, Ezekiel Carter, 
Richard Hood, Henry Lovejoy, Lemuel Tucker, Jacob Goodwin, George 
Graham, Jeremiah Wheeler, Zephaniah Pettey, Zebediah Farnum, 
Samuel Gootlwin, Abuer Farnum, Thomas Eaton, — 156." 

Not a single name was returned as "disaffected;" 
still, as will appear from the proceedings next year, 
some were " suspected," and, whether justly or not, 
were severely dealt with on that account. 

Many of the soldiers in service at Bunker Hill 
enlisted for eight mouths, and marched this year to 
join the Continental army in New York. Captain 
Joshua Abbot and Captain Benjamin Emery had 
command of companies. Captain Gordon Hutchins 
was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in Colonel Na- 
hum Baldwin's regiment. On their march to New 
York many of his soldiers were taken sick, and no 
medicines being provided in the public stores, Col- 
onel Hutchins purchased a quantity for the use of 
his soldiers at his own expense, being moved, as he 
said afterward, in a petition to the General Assembly 
for remuneration, with " pity and humanity towards 
the unhappy sufferers, aud also actuated from zeal 
for the public service." 

March 4, 1777, Messrs. John Kimball, Thomas 
Stickney, Reuben Kimball, Benjamin Emery and 
Richard Harbut were appointed a "Committee of 



Safety." Colonel Gordon Hutchins was chosen rep- 
resentative, and a vote was passed "to reconsider tlie 
former vote of the parisli, passed March 7, 1775, for 
leasing the eighty-acre lot belonging to the school- 
right to Oliver Hoyt for nine hundred years, — lie 
paying the parish six dollars annually;" and it was 
voted, "that instead of said Hoyt paying six dollars 
^ITnually, the selectmen are directed to receive of 
him one hundred dollars, in full consideration for 
said lot;" and "that the selectmen be directed to 
lay out the one hundred dollars which they shall 
receive of Oliver Hoyt for the eighty-acre lot for a 
town stock of ammunition." 

About this time certain prominent individuals 
were suspected of disaffection to the American cause, 
notwithstanding they had signed the "Association 
Test." Hence the following votes were passed 
March 4th: 

" Toted, That this Parish will break off all dealings with Peter Green, 
Esq., Mr. John Stev.n~, Jlr. Xatljiinicl Gn-iii and Dr. I'liilip Caragaill, 
until theygive sail.] u iinn ,,: ii,, i-,,,,], t ,,■ ,i,,.,, ;,.,i . ..M.lm-t ; and that 

they be adverti^. ' I l ,i , i ,, ,;, i :,, I'nited States 

of .\inerica, uul. - • I i i : n i in thirty days 

from this date ; .mliii .• ri. ,i ■.. r, :- h- i, .i,-, 1 l.y the Committee 

of Safety until tliey give satisfactiou to the Public. 

" Voted, That the Committee be directed to instruct Col. Gordon 
Hutchins to apply to the Courts of Judicature of this State to dismiss 
Peter Green, Esq., from all Business henceforth and forever. 

*' Voted, That if any Persons have any Dealings with PeterGreen, Esq., 
Mr. John Stevens, Mr. Nathaniel Green and Dr. Philip Caragain, before 
they give satisfaction to the Public, that they be looked upon as Enemies 
to their Country by this Parish. 

'• VoUd, That the Committee of Safety be directed to instruct C'ul 
Gordon Hutchins to apply to Capt. Parker, the Sheriff for the County of 
Rockingham, to dismiss Mr. Jacob Green from the office of Deputy 
Sheriff. 

" A true copy — 

" Examined by Timothv Walker, Jr., Clerk " 

In accordance with the spirit of the above votes, 
some of the zealous liberty-men of the west part of the 
town meditated somethiugalittlemore^crso«a?. About 
nine o'clock one morning Colonel Timothy Walker 
had just mounted his horse to ride away on business, 
when he observed a considerable number of West 
Parish men walking with quick steps by the meeting- 
house, towards Main Street; and behind them, at 
some distance, John Bradley, Esq., with a more 
deliberate step, and apparently in deep thought. 
Meeting at the corner, by Mr. Hanniford's house. 
Colonel Walker said, " Good morning, Esq. Bradley ; 
what's going on ? " " I thought I would walk down 
and see," said Mr. Bradley. They followed on, and 
found the West Parish men at " Mdther Osgood's " 
tavern, in high excitement, threatening to go at once 
aud pull down Esq. Peter Green's house. On the 
arrival of Colonel Walker and Mr. Bradley, they 
entered into a discussion with the West Parish men 
on the merits of the case, and detained them from 
executing their purpose till near sun-down. Then, 
inviting them all into " Mother Osgood's " tavern, 
they called for bowls of punch, and treated the com- 
pany liberally. All being by this time in a better 
mood, Colonel Walker made a brief speech, which he 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



closed by saying, "Every man to his tent, O Israel ! " 
and they quietly dispersed without tearing down Esq. 
Green's house ! 

However, soon after this, Peter Green, Esq., John 
Stevens and others were arrested, carried to Exeter 
and confined in jail. Liberty was granted them to 
take the oath of allegiance, as a condition of release, 
which all did except John Stevens. He swore he was 
as good a friend to his country a.s any who had caused 
his arrest, and he never would take the oath required. 
He was finally discharged from jail, by special order 
of the Legislature, in 1778. The town also voted, 
March 4, 1783, to "consider the vote formerly passed 
tu break off all dealings with Mr. John Stevens, and 
that said vote be made null and void." 

Jlay 22d a committee was chosen to carry into exe- 
cution an "act for regulating prices of sundry 
articles." 

July olh, Lieutenant-Colonel Gerrish, of Boscawen, 
raised a company in Concord and adjacent towns 
for the relief of the garrison at Ticonderoga. News of 
the evacuation of the fort soon arrived, and the com- 
pany was disbanded. 

The year 1777 is memorable on account of the 
battle of Bennington, in which General John Stark, 
with his New Hampshire volunteers, defeated Colonel 
Baum, and thus ultimately led to the defeat and cap- 
ture of (Jencral Burgoyne. 

Belonging to Stark's brigade, at Bennington, were 
twenty-eight men from Concord. They did not, how- 
ever, all arrive in season for the fight, which i.ssued 
in so glorious a victory. Colonel Thomas Stickney, 
Lieutenant Richard Herbert, Jesse Abbot, John 
Abbot, Elias Abbot, Abner Flanders, Samuel Kink- 
son, John Peters and Timothy Johnson were in the bat- 
tle. Col. Stickney particularly distinguished himself. 
Colonel Gordon Hutchins, who raised a volunteer 
company of about thirty men in Concord, hastened 
as fast as possible towards Bennington, but did not 
arrive in time to share in the battle. The names of 
the volunteers in his company cannot be definitely as- 
certained. 

Captain Joshua Abbot had command of a company 
in Colonel Gerrish's regiment, " which company 
marched from Concord and towns adjacent to rein- 
force the Northern Continental army at Saratoga, 
September, 1777." 

On the 8th of September, this year, the selectmen, 
tngether with' Lieutenant Joseph ILall, Timothy 
Walker, Jr., and Ezekiel Dimond, were appointed a 
cdinmittee " to settle with all persons who have done 
service in the array." It was voted, " that the ex- 
pense of the Continental soldiers raised by the Parish 
of Concord shall be paid by the Parish," and that 
" the sum of four hundred and sixty pounds, lawful 
money, be raised upon the ratable polls and estate" 
of the inhabitants for Ihat purpose. 
The lollowing i< a list of Kevolulionary soldiers 



In Captain Joshua Abbot's company i 
1775,— 



Joshua Abbot, captain ; Abiel Chandler, Hecond lieutenant ; Jeremiali 
Abbot, .Samuel Davis, sergeants; Nathaniel C. Abbot, Stephen Abbot, 
Ecuben Abbot, Amos .\bbot, Jonathan Bradley, Ephraim Colby, Ezekiel 
Dimond, Moses Hall, Stephen Hall, William Mitchell, Richard Flood, 
William Straw, Peter Chandler. 



Hutchins' company at Bunker 



In Captain Gordo 
Hill,— 

Gordon Hutchins, captain ; Daniel I.iverniore, ensign ; Beiyamln 
Abbot, sergeant ; Suneon Danfoith, William Walker, corporals ; Robert 
Livingston, Isaac Johnson, Abraham Kimball, Thoniss Chandler, Joseph 
Grace, Peter Johnston, Samuel Straw, Levi Hutchins, flfer; Michael 
Klandors, drummer ; Ezra Badger. 



In Captfi 
Hill,— 



Aaron Kinsman's comoanv at Bunker 



lieutenant ; Samuel 



Note.— Most of Captain Kii 



Concord, February 26, 1776, — 

" A return of those men who were in the Continental army last year, 
and have engaged to tarry the present year," etc. Signed by Timothy 
Walker, Jr., and Benjamin Emery, selectmen , viz. : Jeremiah Abbot, 
Nathaniel C. Abbot, John Kinkson, \Villiam Straw, Andrew Stone. 
William Walker, Nathaniel Eastman, Jr., Moses Hall. 

In Captain Benjamin Sias' company (of Loudon), 
1776, of Colonel David Oilman's regiment, des- 
tined for New York, and mustered by Colonel 
Thomas Stickney, muster-master and paymaster of 
said company, were, — 

Philbrick Bradley, Peter lilanchard, Amos Abbot, Jr., Daniel Carter, 
Richard Flood and Stephen Suttou. The latter perhaps of Canterbury. 

In the Continental service, under Captain Joshua 
Abbott, 1776,— 

Abiel Chandler, lieutenant ; Ephraim Colby, ensign ; Timothy Hall, 
Jonathan Haseltine, Philip Page, Amos Barnes, Florence McColley, 
Beriah Abbot, Stephen Hall, Peter Chandler, John Merrill, Seth Spring, 
John Blanchai-d, Benjamin Powell, Hezekiah Colby, William Walker, 
Phineas Stevens, Jonathan Johnson, Samuel Worthen, Moses Abbot, 
Moses Hall, Peter Carey, Jonathan Bradley, Ephraim Fisk. 

In Captain Benjamin Emery's company (Colonel 
Nahum Baldwin's regiment, of which Gordon Hut- 
chins was lieutenant-colonel), to reinforce the Con- 
tinental army in New York, 1776, — 

Beiyamin Emery, captain ; Aaron Kinsman, ensign ; Israel Glines, 
Ezra Badger, John Carter, Jonathan Currier, Simeon Colby, Ephraim 
Kinsman, William Stickney, Ezekiel Stickney, Jacob Carter, Solomon 
Gage, Benjamin Elliot, Bruce Walker. 

The following men served in Colonel Timothy 
Bedel's regiment and Captain James Osgood's com- 
pany, and were at Fort Cedars, Canada East, May 
19, 1776, some of whom were taken prisoners, stripped 
of most of their clothing and all their equipments 
and utensils for the camp or field : 



Richard H. Osgood, Hubbard Carter, 
sergeants ; Joshua Dauforth, corporal ; Nathaniel C. Abbot, Nathaniel 
Walker, Joseph Lund, Joseph Giles, Ezra Abbot, Elias Abbot, Philip 
Abbot, Benjamin Fifield, Ezekiel Eastman, Nathan Kinsman, Benjamin 
Kenniston, Daniel Chandler, Samuel Danford, William Siinonds. 

In Captain Ebenezer Green's company, — 

I«rael Glinoe, Ebenezer Hall, Joseph Chandler. 



CONCORD. 



Amoug those who were taken prisoners at Fort 
( eilars were Elias Abbot, Ezra Abbot, Philip Abbot 
and Benjamin Fifield. 

In Captain Daniel Livermore's company, 1777, 
Third New Hampshire Regiment, who enlisted for 
three years, or during the war, — 

K..tMit Livingston, sergeant; Amos Floixi, corporal ; Abner Uogg, 
riiiij.M> M.\uu8, Daniel Chandler, Philip Rowell, Samuel Wortheu, 
AIiilI Mi.\cns, Solomon Fisk, Obailiah Kimball, Abner Farniim, Boriuli 
Al.liot, William Kastniau, Jacob Eastman, John Straw, Ebenezer Far- 
iium, Samuel Colby, who enlisted for one year. 

In Lieutenant-Colonel Gerrish's regiment, raised in 
tlio town of Concord, and towns adjacent, which 
'■ marched July 5, 1777, for the relief of the garrison 
at Ticonderoga, on the alarm, and marched seventy 
miles when the news of the evacuation of the fort" 
arrived, were from Concord, — 

l;-.li,u.l ll-!i.rTi, li. 111. ■! .n; , WiliiiiM -11.11,:, Tiiiiothy Bradley, 
I I ,1 II-. ,l:i 'III', I .- -. || I 1. 1. Abbot, Joseph 

I .-III, . I., I'. ;. I- I I II ■.III. I III. r N.I rlianiel Eastman, 

LL..:u.:z.:i r.ii niini. 1 ^.l 1 1 .1 1 ii i I i-K,.li , \1.|. I H.ill, I -.i.i.rhandler, Israel 
Gliues, John Eastmau, Phimra^i Stevens, Stilsuu Eastman, Ezekiel Di- 
mond, Benjamin Rolfe, Jacob Heath (?), Stephen Haines (?), John Cross (?) 
Peter Blanchard (?). 

This company marched July 5th ; were discharged 
the 12th. 

In General Stark's brigade, at Bennington, Colonel 
Thomas Stickney, 1777,— 

Richard Herbert, lieutenant; Jesse Abbot, John Abbot, Timothy 
Johnson, Ephraim Abbot, Ezra Abbot, Stephen Abbot, Benjamin Am- 
brose, Philbrick Bradley (was wounded), Simeon Danibrth, Reuben 
Dimond, Benjamin Elliot, Theodore Farnnm, Richard I^lood, Elias 
Abbot, Abner Flanders, Samuel Kinsman, John Peters, Ephraim Fisk, 
Ephraim Fisk, Jr , David George, Solomon Gage, Israel Glines, Abial 
Hall, Anthony Potter, Phineas Stevens, William Symonds, Simon Trum- 
bull, Gilman West. 

'■A return . if the man's Xaiiifs belonging to my Company, in Coll. 



■ i . ,1 .... .1 \\ I I .1 I vl ,,t, Kubeu Blanchard, Eph- 

enirii I 1-1., .1. liM li.w, ,l..-..|.!i r.l HI. h ii.l, K..\e3 Bradley, Josier Flanders, 
Eheuezer r;ray, Heii.ianiin lirailley, Eliaha Virgin, William Eastman. 
" Aaeon KiNSM.lN, Capt. 

Concord, July, 11, 17811." [Copied from the original.] 

"Concord, July 17, 1781. 

" We, the subscribers, do voluntarily Inlist ourselves as Soldiers in the 
service of New Hampshire for the Parish of Concord, for the term of 
three months after our arrival at the place of rendezvous, unless sooner 
discharged ; and we promise obedience to our officers, and to be subjects 
to the Rules of the Army during said term. As Witness, our hand,— 

"jEEEMIiH VlKGlN. 

"Jeeemiah Chandler. 
'* MosES Read. 
" Phineas Ayer. 
"Joseph Blanchard. 
"David Eastman. 
" MiLlEN Kimball." 

At Ticonderoga, 1777, Colonel Thomas Stickney's 
regiment. Captain Ebenezer Webster's company 
[Captain Webster was the father of Daniel Webster] : 

Richard Herbert, lieutenant; William Symonds, Timothy Bradley, 
Simeon Danforth , Isaac Abbott, Elias Abbott, John Abbott, Ezra Abbott, 
Phineas Stevens, Ezekiel Dimond, John Peters, Nathaniel Eastman, 
Ebenezer Farnnm, Ephraim Fisk, Jr., Abial Hall, Isaac Chandler, Israel 
Glines, John Eastman, Stilson Eastman, Beiyamiu Rolfe. 

In Captain Joshua Abbott's comininy of volunteers 



that marched to reinforce the norlherii army in Sep- 
tember, 1777, were, — 

Reuben Kimball, lieutenant; James Mitchell, Moses Abbot, sergeants ; 
Amos Abbott, corporal ; Jacob Carter, drummer ; John Farnum, Moses 
Eastman, Stilson Eastman, Jonathan Eastman, Ezekiel Dimond, Phineas 
Virgin, Joseph Eastman, Daniel Farnum, Chandler Lovejoy, Enoch 
Coffin, James Johnson, Reuben Abbot, Ezekiel Stickney, Philip Abbot, 
Timothy Ilall, John Peters, Michael Flanders, Isaac Dimond, John Sill- 
away, Benjamin Rolfe. 

In Colonel Stickney's regiment, raised for the de- 
fense of Rhode Island, 1779,— 



Peaslee Eastman, Jacob Flanders, Jtisiah Fl 
aised in 17.S0, and 



New ' 
months. 



1 Chaudlei 

about a 



■'"-III 1 1 '.I 1 1 I -ventoen; Thomas Carr, age twenty- three; Dan- 
iel >ti I I. . I I I .11 ; Aaron Eastman, age twenty ; John Peters, 
at' I ■ I I I I ■■ Wyman, ago twenty ; Benjamin Thompson, age 
ei^ht. . II , I 11 .III .11 M.iulton, age — ; Peaslee Eastman, age — . 

In Captain ^Yebster's company of Rangers, for the 
defense of the frontiers, 1782, — 

Abner Flanders, sergeant, engaged July 9th, dismiased November 
11th ; Henry Eastman, private, engaged July 9th, dismissed November 
8th. 

The following persons were ;tl-M in 111.- .service : 
David Davis, flfer ; Moses Cha-. I .1 -.dj.uel Walker, 

Thomas or Benja. Powell, Salem Cm] I., \ . . I i .. i i ii-nvell, Nathan 
Shead, Thomas Pitts, Jos. Hale, Eplu.um ll.jji, -N.uh.m Stevens, Timo- 
thy Abbot, David Blanchard, Jonathan Chase, Peter Manual, Joshua 
Abbot (of Hooksett), Beiyamin Chase, Enoch Badger, Moses Reed.i 

BOUNTIES PAID 10 SOLDIERS FROM CONCORD. 

Men. .\mount. 
Lexington, Capt. Abiel Chandler's com- 
pany, 1775 36 £:Vi 3 li 

Wingateaud Wyman's regiments, in 177G, 18 108 U 

Continental, 1777 29 442 14 C 

Stark's brigade, 1777 28 252 14 6 

Rangers, Coos, 1782 2 33 14 6 

Saratoga, 177.7 27 243 14 

New levies, 1780 '.I 159 U 

Nichols' regiment, 1780 12 264 10 

Frontiers, Co6s, 1780 2 46 12 

Reynold's regmient, 1781 7 73 10 

New levies. 1781 4 82 10 

Continental, 17S1 r, 101 18 

Continental, 1782 5 296 11 3 



244 



Deduct for depreciation ; 

Florence McCauley, paid Ja 
John Merrill, paid Dec. 7, 1 



The following are the names of soldiers 
cord who lost their lives: 

William Mitchell, killed at Bunker Hill, June 17, 1T7.'.. 
Lieutenant Abiel Chandler, died of small-pox at Ci..« n P. 

1776. 
Peter Chandler, died June 25, 1776. 
Abiel Stevens, died of wounds, October 20, 1777. 
Phineas Stevens, died .April 21, 1778. 
Obadiah Kimball, killed in battle, October 7, 1777. 
Solomon Fisk, died of yellow fever at Horaeneck, August 
Samuel Worthen, died November 10, 1778. 
Timothy Hall, died of fever and dysentery. 



128 



HISTORY OF MKKllIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Jeremiah Abbot was in the battle of Bunker Hill, 
a sergeant in the company of his brother Joshua, and 
lieutenant in the service at Ticonderoga and in the 
expedition against Canada. After the close of the 
war he married Elizabeth Stickney. She died Sep- 
tember 10, 1836, aged eighty-four years. He moved 
to Conway, N. H., about 1787, and there endured 
many hardships and privations by frost and flood. He 
kept a house of entertainment, where the few travel- 
ers who visited that part of the country found a home. 
They were industrious and energetic, beloved and 
respected by all who knew them and kind and hos- 
pitable to all who had claims on their benevolence. 
They were early supporters of religious worship and 
order. 

John, born June 23, 1756, died August 31, 1779. 
John Abbot was six feet seven inches without shoes, 
and said to be the stoutest young man ever raised in 
Concord, though not quite so tall as Samuel Baker, 
uncle of the Governor, Nathaniel Baker. He received 
a ball at the battle of Bennington, on his breast-bone, 
which fell harmless at his feet. He died aged twenty- 
two, weighing two hundred and thirty pounds. 

War of 1812.— In 1812 Concord was designated as 
a military rendezvous, and the number of soldiers 
here in 1812 and 1813 was about five hundred. At 
the town-meeting in 1813 a number of soldiers 
attempted to vote, contrary to the decision of Colonel 
William A. Kent, who was moderator. This proce- 
dure created some excitement at the time, and is thus 
referred to in the records: 

" VoUd, That the conduct of one McCoy, a volunteer in the service of 
the United States, and not belonging to this town, iu attempting, yoster- 
daj*. iu defiance of the moderator of the meeting, to vote for State and 
County officers, desePi-es severe censure ; but his act of coltarimj the 
moderator while in the exercise of his ofHcial duty- we consider an out- 
ntge of the most destructive character. 

" VoUd, That tlio thanks of this meeting be given to William A. Kent, 
Esq., the modenitor, for his temperate, resolute and judicious conduct 
upon that occasion." 



)f the soldiers who died of scarlet fever 
in 1813, as recorded by the late John 
were, — 



The names 
in this town 
Farmer, Esq., 

-March 6th. .T.isliiia Il.lknap ; :\r;ir(li Ictli, KcMidriiU M,.»glit..Ti ; Starch 
17th, John ('. r."_i f \|.nl nil, .i.-liii l,,j_iil .f lh!:-i. I. 'I..:!; \|,ril 

7th, Samuel H.i ' 1; . , ,:, M ■ \, :i ;■. N;,. 

than Stearns, <■• I ■ ■■■ :. \' mI iI' i ■ :. \' \^ ■ w.-... \ ,-|i,)\is, 

Bow ; April Iltli. -u' .1 -, \y-.\\ :.ih, \l.\.,.,i.i w til., i -[..,nii, 

Bridgewater; April ICilh, Isiuic Smitli. (insliiMi ; April ITlli, Williiiiu 
Gage, Wendell ; April 18th, Ebenozcr Woodbury, Dunbarton, Robert 

Crawford, Bridgewater, ; April 19th, Whitney, Henniker. 

David Patch, Sew Boston, David Hart, Goffslown. 

Of soldiers belonging to Concord who marched to 
the northern frontiers, the following were in Captain 
Flanders' company, P'orty- fifth Regiment, of which 
Marshall Baker, of Concord, was first lieutenant: 
Ebenezer Frye, James Emerson, John Uran, Daniel 
Arlin, Jonathan Uran, Jonathan B. Worth, Na- 
thaniel Parker, James Elliot, Samuel Emerson. 

In the Fourth Regiment were John Elliot, Jonathan 
Uran, John Dunlap, .lolm Virgin and .lames Duiilap 
who died. 



James Elliot re-enlisted in the Fourth Regiment 
Asa Hardy served in both the Forty-fifth and Fourth 
Jonathan Elliot was on the peace establishment, and 
died at Rock Island, in the Mississippi River, Illi- 
nois. Timothy Abbot, of Andover, was a Concord 
recruit. 

In 1814, August 29th, the selectmen were author- 
ized " to hire all soldiers which may be called for in 
lieu of drafting." In March, 1815, they were di- 
rected to pay four dollars per month to each soldier 
detached for the defense of Portsmouth in the service 
of the United States. As Portsmouth, the only sea- 
port in New Hampshire, was in peculiar danger from 
armed vessels of the enemy, public attention was 
particularly directed to that quarter. 

Captain Peter Robertson's volunteer company of 
artillery, that was in service twenty days, from Sep- 
tember 10th to 29th, marched from Concord on the 
Sabbath, passing the old North Church, over Fed- 
eral bridge, thence on the turnpike to Portsmouth. 

But the spirit of patriotism was not confined to the 
men who actually marched to the field of danger. 
Venerable, aged men, some of whom had served in 
the War of the Revolution who were exempted from 
active service, offered themselves for the defense of 
their country. 

Some time in September, 1814, at the instance of 
John T. Oilman, the then Governor of New Hamp- 
shire, a public call was made for volunteers of that 
class of citizens who were by law^ exempt from mili- 
tary duty, in the ranks of the militia, to form them- 
selves into companies for the purpose of home 
defense, in case of necessity from invasion. Some of 
the most respectable citizens of Concord immediately 
responded to the call, held a public meeting, and 
organized a company for that purpose, numbered the 
Sixth Company of volunteers. The officers chosen 
by the company were Stephen Ambrose, Esq., 
captain; Samuel Sparhawk, Esq., first lieutenant, 
then Secretary of State; Nathan Ballard, Esq., 
second lieutenant; Ezra Hutchins, ensign; Moses 
Long, first sergeant, orderly and clerk ; G. W. Rogers, 
ex-captain, second sergeant; William Davis, West 
Pari.sh, ex-captain, third sergeant; Samuel Runnels, 
fourth sergeant. Corporals not recollected. There 
were some over an hundred privates enrolled in the 
company, many of whom had held offices, both civil 
and military, as the secretary of the State and treas- 
urer, seven justices of the peace, one colonel, one 
lieutenant-colonel, one major and nineteen captains. 
Quite a majority of the company were made up of 
some of the most respectable citizens and yeomanry 
of the town, among whom were the elder Esquire 
Bradley, Esquire Charles Walker, William Stickney, 
inn-keeper. Captain Richard Ayer, Major Timothy 
Chandler, Captain Edmund Leavitt, Captain Charles 
Eastman, Captain Jacob Eastman, Jeremiah Pecker, 
Millen Kimball, Asa Kimball and Asa Graham. 

The meeting preliminary to forming the above 



CONCORD. 



company was held September lOtli, at Stickney's Hall 
— Colonel William A. Kent, chairman ; Seth Tucker, 
clerk. A committee, consisting of Colonel William 
.V. Kent, Stephen .\mbrose, Jonathan Eastman, Isaac 
Dow and John George, reported the following pre 
anihle and resolution, which were adopted : 

' ' ir/jcrctw. In defousti of uur altars aud firc-sidcs, uur property ami our 
r.iiiiitry, Americans can have but oue opinion, — 

"/u >../(■,./. That it is expedient to form a military assouiatiun iu the 
l.^Mi ,'t' I'-'imtrd, of such persons OS are not enrolled iu tho militia, to be 
111 iiaiiiiii^s. ;it a moment's warning, to act under the direction of the 
i;.iiiini;iii.I.T-iii-Chief, for the defense of the State." 

Captain Richard Ayer, Captain John Eastman, 
Hon. William A. Kent, Mr. Isaac Dow, Mr. Phil- 
l)rick Bradley, Mr. Daniel Clark, Ballard Hazeltine, 
Esq., Mr. John Garvin, Captain Samuel Runnels, 
Nathan Ballard, Jr., Timothy Carter, Esq., aud Cap- 
tain Pearl Kimball were appointed a committee to 
give information and form a plan, etc., for the as.so- 
ciation, which was duly organized. 

This company of venerable men, fully armed and 
equipped, paraded in town October 1st, and marched 
through Main Street. "Their appearance was ac- 
companied with the proud conviction that this nation 
can never be conquered when such defenders shoulder 
the musket." 

A squad, or small company, of volunteers was also 
formed in East Concord, in consequence of a rumor 
that the British intended to destroy the United 
States seventy-four gun ship " Washington," then on 
the stocks at Kittery, Me. This company was also 
under drill by Dr. Moses Long, and consisted of about 
twenty men, of whom General Isaac Eastman, Gen- 
eral Simeon Stevens and Colonel Robert Ambrose are 
recollected. 

Names of Soldiers. — In Captain Leonard's com- 
pany of artillery, 1812, who served from August 17th 
to November 30th, were, — 

KeyesB. Powell, sergeant; Samuel Powell, corporal; Solomon Maun, 
Ebenezer Tlanders, musicians ; Jonathan Stevens, coriwral ; James Fos- 
ter, Abiel Bradley, Jonathan E. Elliott, Jonathan Elliott, Jr., Benjamin 
C. Waldron, Ebenezer Frye, Francis K. Powell. * 

In Captain William Marshall's company, 1814, 
who were stationed at Portsmouth, and served from 
August 6th to November 11th, — 

Nathan Carter, Frederick Elliott, Ebenezer Flanders (sergeiiut), Jede- 
diah Frye, Samuel Kimball, Josiah Robertson, Thomas B. Sargent, John 
Stevens, Benjamin C. Waldron, John Whitney, William Shute (lieuten- 
ant from July 3Uth to November 10th). 

In Captain Nathaniel G. Bradley's company, 1814, 
who served from September loth to November 
12th,— 

Nathaniel G. Bradley, captain ; Amos .\bbot, Benjamin Bradley, 
Enoch E. Bradley, Hazen B. Elliott, Robert Hayncs, Joseph Hutchinson, 
Elijah Munsey, Keyes B. Powell (sergeant), Loammi Reed, Willey 
Tasker. 

In Captain Edward Fuller's company, 1814, who 
served from September 29th to November IStli, — 

Ephraim Abbot, John Blanchard, Ja«eph F. Dow, Baruaril C. Elliott, 
Joseph Glinoe, William Hoit, Jr., Jeremiah N. Howe, David Knowles, 
9 



llnzen Kimball, Reuben Osgood (corporal), Epiimlm Pottingill, Peter 
Powell, Isaac Runnels, Joseph Tusker, Jerry .\bbot, John Famham. 

In Captain Peter Robertson's company, artillery, 
volunteers, 1814, from September 10th to September 
29th, or twenty days. I'his company marched from 
Concord on the Sabbath, — 

Peter Robertson, captain ; Samuel Herbert, firet lieutenant ; Cliandler 
Eastmiin, second lieutenant : 'Walter R Hill. Jacnli ITdsiimn, John Rob- 



Samu.-I llliinclianl, Jun.li Carlc-r, JI.jbm lli.k.inian. J..bn Gould, Josiah 
Knowles, Robert Rogcre, John Stanyan, John Wheeler, Charles Wait, 
Charles Wniipple, Charles Herbert, privates. 

War of the Rebellion.— Immediately upon Presi- 
dent Lincoln's first call for troops, Moses Humphrey, 
at that time mayor of the city, after consultation with 
a number of citizens, suggested to Captain E. E. Stur- 
devant, a prominent police officer of the city, that he 
recruit a company for the service. His response was, 
"I am ready," and immediately commenced recruit- 
ing a company which was soon filled, and became 
Company A. of the First Regiment of three months' 
men. The second company was recruited by Captain 
Leonard Drown, of Fisherville, which was attached 
to the Second Regiment of three years' men. 

During the war Concord was not only the head- 
quarters of the volunteers from this State, but was 
also the general recruiting station. Here were en- 
camped on the fair-grounds the First, Third, Fifth, 
Ninth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, 
Fifteenth and Sixteenth Regiments, besides cavalry 
aud sharp-shooters. 

The following is a list of soldiers from this town, 
from August, 1862. There is no recorded list prior to 
that date: 

Oliver B. Abbott, Seventh Regiment ; mustered in August 21, 1862. 
George W. Abbott, Seventh Regiment ; mustered in August 2li, 1862. 
Michael Arnold, Seventh Regiment; mustered in September 15, 1862. 
Charles E. Austin, Sixteenth Regiment ; mustered in October 2o, 1862. 
.\lvah Atwood, Sixteenth Regiment; mustered in October 25, 1862. 
Levi C. Abbott, Sixteenth Regiment ; mustered in October 25, 1S62. 
James H. Anderson, Second Regiment ; mustered in September 10, 

.1863. 
John Adams, mustered in September 23, 186;i. 

.\ndrew .\nderson, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 21, 1863. 
John .\-.vman, mustered in September 28, 1863. 
Imri Arlin, Third Regiment ; mustered in January 19, 1864. 
Warren S. Abbott, Third Regiment ; mustered in March 27, 1864. 
Daniel Anderson, Second Regiment ; mustered in March 24, 1864. 
Fi-auk W. Alden, Second Regiment ; mustered in in 1864. 
John Allard, Fourteenth Regiment ; mustered in August .5, 18(>4. 
William Anderson, United States Cavalry ; mustered in .\uguBt 12, 

1864. 
James Anderson, United States Navy ; mastered in December 1, 1864. 
Charles S. Abbott, mustered in February 4, 1865. 
.Tames Allison, Post Band ; mustered in February 10, 1863. 
James Anderson, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in November 18, 1863. 
Charles Anderson, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 18, 1863. 
Henry Anderson, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 2.'i, 1863. 
Charles Adams, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in October 1, 1864. 
Abial 0. Abbott, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 7, 1864. 
.Mbert Aspinwall, mustered in September 23, 1864. 
Amos S. Abbott, Second Company Sharpshooters. 
Joseph M. Abbott, Eighth Regiment. 
Horace Ames, Fifth Regiment. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Louis C. Avory, Fourth Kegimcnt ; muetcred in May 18, 1804. 
E. C. Babb, Nintb BegiuieDt ; niuslored in August 16, 1802. 
cmiirlca H. Illaisdell, Nintli Begiinuiit ; mustered Id August 10, 1802. 
Thomas Boyd, Fifth Kegimont ; mniil«r«l in August 18, 1862. 
Sloeni W. Illanchard, Kinth Regiment; mustered in August 19, 1862. 
William II. Ilarllett, Tenth Regiment ; musteofd in August 21, 1802. 
John Breonahan, Fourth Regiment ; musterixl in September 16, 1862. 



Charles Duckloy, Tenth Regiment ; 
Sewall I), llniley, Ninth Regiment ; 
Alrin B. Ilatchelder, Sixth Reginii- 
Jusiah ftilchelder, Siith Rcgimiiii 
George Durus, Thirteenth Renhii-r 
George F. Butters, Thirteenth K. ; 
Heavy An 



a Septemlwr 16, 1862. 

1 .September 20, 1802. 
^t.r,-,l ill .September 23, 1802. 
M.I Ml -. ,....,iiI..t23, 1802. 

I ,: - |Miilier23, 1802. 
muM. ;■ 1 ill September 23, 
ipluiul..! 0, 1,^04. 
; mustered in Soptorabcr 26, 

mustered in September 26, 



Albert A. Baker, Fourteenth 

1862. 
William H. Baker, Fourteenth Regiment 

1862. 
George W. Brown, Fifteenth Regiment ; 
Jusi>ph R. Boucher, Sixteenth Reginiei 



Samuel N. Brown, Sixteenth Regiment ; mustered in October 25, 1802. 
Juflerson Barnes, Sixteenth Regiment ; mustered in October 2.% 1862. 
Reuben D. Buswell, Sixteenth Regiment ; mustered in November 1, 

George Brown, nmsteiei! in ^. |,(, miIh i I", l^i;.;. 

John BUset, mustered in ^ i ' ■ 

Henry Burnham, muet-r. - i l-, Isixt. 

John Benny, mustered iu .-■. (.uiui^^i . ■, 1-,,; 

Jnmos Butler, mustered in October j, ISG-i. 

Thomas Bush, mustered in October 6, 186:i. 

George W. Boyden, Ninth Regiment ; mustered in October 20, l«6;i. 

John Bresnahau, Jr., Tenth Regiment ; mustered in April 5, 1861. 

Tliuiniis I*. Bean, mustered in July IS, 1864. 

Jtdin Bnisson, Heavy .\rtillery ; mustered in .\ngust 17, 1863. 

George J. Barnes, United :: 

2.-I, 1863. 
John .1. Burke, Seventh Regimen 
Thomas B. or James It. Bary, Sixth Regit 



.liiiiii-ii liiinira. Nintli l:. - ;. i i. .1 m .\iij-u8tl8, ISG-l. 

.lumes Hell, i'irtli UetniiH iil i,,n,hi,.| ,,, September 1. 1S04. 

Robert A. Bnnvn, Seventh Kegiiii.nl ; niinitered in September, 180:). 

Orland C. Bryant, Eleventh Regiment Heavy Artillery ; mustered in 

August 11, 1864. 
Francis Burnes, United States Navy ; mustered in September 19, 1804. 
George F. Batcheldor, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in December 3, 

1864. 
William Barnes, mustered in December 3, 1804. 
George Brown, mustered in December 13, 1804. 

Samuel C. Bruce, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in January l.'i, 1865. 
Edwin 0. Brooks, United States Navy ; nnistered in February 1, 1865. 
Henry Boyle, Eighteenth Regiment; mustered in February 11, 1805. 
Stephen C. Bailey, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in February 9, 

1865. 
Leander C. Barnes, Ninth Regiment. 
Thomas A. Brickley, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in November 12, 

1803. 
Jobe Butler, Second Regiment ; mustered in Novemt>er 18, 1863. 
Joseph Bickford, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 20, 1863. 
William Burnett, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in November 21, 

1803. 
Thomas Baker, Third Regiment ; mustered in November 21, 1863. 
John Brown, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 23, 1863. 
John II. Brown, Second Regiment; mustered in November 23, 1803. 
John Brown (Ireland), Second Regiment ; mustered in November 23 

1863. 
Thomas Burke, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 24, 1803. 
James lioyham, or Bryhcn, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in November 

24, 1803. 
William Boyor, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 2.5, 1803. 
Lewis Bronson, Ninth Regiment ; mustered in August 6, 1804. 
James Burns, Cavalry ; mustered in August 6, 1864. 
John Bradford, Cavalry ; mustered in August 5, 1864. 
John Belmont, Cavalry ; mustered in August 9, 180-1. 



Elbridge Barr, Veteran Reserve Corps; mustered iu August 18, 1 04. 
Lucius D. Burunell. Fifth Invalid Cor])s ; mustered in September 5, 1864. 
Henry J. Brackett, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 7, 1864. 
Snmuel N. Brown, Sixteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 17, 

1864. 
Nathaniel E. Baker, Eighteenth Regiment; mustered in September i:i 

1804. 
William Bennett, Second Regiment; mustered in September, 1804. 
Samuel H. Ballon, Heavy Artillery; mustered in September 7. 1864. 
James C. Brown, Veti'niu Reserve Corja ; mustered in September i'., 

1804. 
Thomas Bailey, Heavy .Artillery ; mustered in September 27, 18C4. 
Enoch W. Bradley, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 27, 18l>4. 
George A. Brown, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 27, 1804. 
William Burt, or Burke, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in October 12, 

1804. 
George W. Batchelder, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in Septeml er 

28, 1864. 
John W. Bateman, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 28, 



Frank Balsch, 
Joseph y. Brui 
George W. Be. 
George F. Bet 

Sidney T, ILilr 



ISOl 



ber 3, 



■tober 17, 1804. 
September 7, 1804. 
nnistered in Augupt 1 



Darias K. Bean, Veteran Reserve Corps ; mustered in August 29, 1804 
Samuel F. Bl-uwn, Tost Band ; mustered in April 6, 1803. 
John Bickfonl, First Cavalry ; mustered iu February 15, 1804. 
Freeman D. Batchelder, Tenth Army Corps Brigade Band ; mustered 

in February 1(1, 180:i. 
.lames Bush, mustered iu October 5, 1803. 
.lohn Ureniner, mustered in November 21, 1803. 

.Iiilin liyne. 

Jaeub II. look. Fifth Regiment ; niiisteiea in .UiL'ii>t i:., 1S02. 

.Niilli'un l>. Colivereo, Se.Mu.l I:. .:nu. m , iMu. I in \u-iist 12, 1,S62. 

Henjaniiu I'uoU, Fifth Kr- ,.■ ,„„ i.,..l n, \nM,-i n, isi;;;. 

I'liiiiiesCui-tel-, Fifth i.-e^ ni -I, lin \.i..i.| !-, Im;2. 

Ilaniiltdll Cariienter, Nililli j:.^iiii.iir ^ nin-t-i.,! ni An-ljst 19, 18t'.2. 

Richard Culleu, mustered in .\ugut't 21, ISO'J. 

Lorenzo F. Comer, Seventh Regiment ; mustered in August 21, 1802. 

Charles H. Currier, Third Regiment ; mustered in August 21, 1802. 

Hiram P. Caldwell, mustered in August 21, 1862. 

William W. Critchett, Eleventh Regiment ; mustered in August 21, 1802. 

Samuel H. Chilsc, mustered in September 0, 1802. 

Thomas C. Cross, mustered in September 0, 1802. 

Jeremiah Callahan, Tenth Regiment; mustered in September 10, 1862. 

John Callahan, Tenth Regiment ; mustered in September 16, 1802. 

Horace D. Carter, Thirteenth Regiment ; mustered iu September 23, 



1802. 
LJideon CassavainI, Thirteenth Regii 



in 



1802 



Carter, Thirteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 23, 
Sejitember 23, 



Michael Cassavaiut, Thirteenth Reginu 

1802. 
Michael Callahan, Eiijhteenth Regiment; mustered in September 23, 

1802. 
John 0. Corner, hm.l.in.i in uirnlier 14, 1802. 
George W. Cru.iiin.ii, iinei. i,.l m iietoherio, 1802. 
Joel A. Cushon, .sivh, mli l;. unnenl ; mustered in l.tctober 25, 1802. 
George H. Cushon, .sixteenth Itegiment ; mustered in October 25, 1862. 
Frederick J. Carter, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 9, 

1863. 
John Clark, mustered in Sei.lenil.er 111, ISlB. 



CONCORD. 



IIS II. CIkiim:. :, - , III!, l:. _ :, -. , I ,, 1 . Ill iiiiryas, 1864. 

I Campl»;i;, Nii.Ui K. ^iiu. Ill , UMi,,l. i.,l II. .lull, .1, lf,r,i. 

les Clark. Cavalry ; luili^turud iu J uiie 2, 1804. 

Cross, First Qivalry ; mustered ia June 27, 18G4. 

k-aH. riiir.v, Eiglitli Ri-giincnt; mustered in January 4, 1804. 

H . ( l,,i\. I"..liili i:.-iMiPiit ; mustered in January 4, 18))4. 

,1 r . I I in ,liiK 1, 1864. 



Cliiiil. ■ I . ■ I I - ml i: .11 

E.hv,,r,| , Ink, I l;,.. , ,,i . 

Geurge Campliell, Secoiiil H.-n , 

John F. Cunimings, Fifth l:. ^ i , i i..I in January 1, 1864. 

Dennis Curran, Eighth Iti^iiiii 111 , nni-i.ii.liii November 12, 18l«. 
James M. Cross, Veteran Kesciie r.-ii-s , nmateied in August 9, 1864. 
Mark Chase, Heavy Artillery ; nuititered in September 7, 1864. 
Jackson Crosby, Heavy Artillery ; nnistered in September 7, 1864. 
Walter Crockett, T'liit.-.I stiil.s Xm v ; imisti.red in August 19, 1864. 
Daniel Cuttiii-. II. m \iiill n iihih. ,. .] in September 7, 1864. 
John Curran, Ii_ I, i' ■ i .1 in October S, 1864. 

James A ('ill.,. I 1. nn.lin October 1, 1864. 

Andrew J. Clall..\. Ii_iiih I; im m iiin.i..i..il iu October 1, 1864. 
William H. Collins, Il.nvy Artill.ry ; niust.-ml in September 27, 1S64. 
George E. Crumnictt, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 24, 1864. 
John H. Clark, Eighteenth Regiment; mustered in October 11, 1864. 
William Campbell, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in October 15, 18fi4. 
Michael Callahan, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 30, 

1.S64. 
John H. Caswell, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 7, 1864. 
George H. Chesley, United States Navy ; mustered in August 3(i, 1864. 
H. R. Clough, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September7, 1864 
William J. Cheney, United States Navy ; mustered in August :il, 1864. 
Cyme C. Currin, Second Brigade, Tenth Army Corps. 
Jame.s dishing, Sixth Regiment ; mustered in May 31, 1864. 
Albert P. Davis, Ninth Regiment ; uiustercd in August 19, 1862. 
William E. Dciw, Seventh Rigini.nt ; mustered in August 21, 1862. 
Albert H. Davis, Ninth l;..L-iin..|it ; mustered in August 22, 1862. 
(^harles A. liirw I, i.:l I; _ m. m , mustered in September 16,1862. 
Daniel Driscol 1 . I I: nnistered in September 16, 1862. 

Cornelius Dri-i ill I I: i ni ; mustered in September 16, 1862. 

William S. D;iM- I i m,, iit ; musteredinSeptember2.3, 1862. 

NathanM. D.i^^, I ml l: i . i 1 1 1 ; mustered in October 24,1862. 
Nathaniel W. Ill ,i , I . j i ment ; mustered in October 24, 1862 . 

Oilman H. Dii I, -im- I. .munt; mustered in October 25, 1862. 

James Durgin, mii»c.T..il iii is<-ptinitifr 8, 1863. 
John F. Delany, mustered in September 10, 1863. 
Lewis Dow, mustered in September 21, 1863. 



Henry Dale, mustered in September 25, 1863. 
James Dillon, mustered in September 26, 1863 
John Davis, muBleifd in Oituboi .V I.Mi;;i. 



Dani.-l li.m , I. .mill l:._ nt , 1 1 in M;,r<-hS 

George W. ll.iw. Heavy Aitilleiy ; miml.n-.l in .lunii 8 
William A. Dow, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in .Inly 1 
George W. Drew, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in July 
Charles Dubois, Eleventh IteL^imeiit ; iinist,.r..,l in .Inl, 
Samuel Dunn, Kill). Iti.nn.iit inni.T.,! m \i,..|' I I 

Rodney Dodge, Nimli l: 'ii ■ n i, i, ,i .n \.| ,, 

Roberts. Davis, 11. .i, . \iiiil. i > , - I m ^. , 

Freeman F. Day, Second Regiment ; mustered in Novi 

Frank Davis, nmstered in January 2, 186.'j. 

George S. Davis, mustered in Jaiiiiiirv l'!I, Isi',.'i. 

Arch. Douglass, mustered ill r. I. mil \ ;, i ^i , 

.Tames L. Downing, First I'.n.ii I ^ nii-i iiuM.utI 

Lewis W. Dorr, nmstered ill \|.iil I. I . . 

Charles A. IIi.iil'Iuss, First i i i i i. I m Ki-lir 



lary 20, 1865. 



I I n \.iveuibor20, 1863. 
1 III Noveiulior 20, 1863. 

liii ^ul ember 21, 1863. 
iiu.stured in November 25, 1863. 
mustered in October 16, 1863. 



1861. 



, 1864. 



u November 16, 1863. 


.1. Siott lliirgili, Eiglite.- 


November 12, 1863. 


Gilman 11. Dimoii, Heav 


n November 13, 1863. 


llaviill'. Ililiiliiii, Ileavv 


November 12, 1863. 


Pain.. I'nil.. . . 1I...I, . \i 




HeiiM II h M 1 


iu November 18, 1S63. 


.lai I'l 11. 1 . 


N.iveiiilier 24, 1863. 


Timi.llii iMw.. li. 1. 


■ii' . 1 Jl, 1.S63. 


Edwin F. Pe.vt.r, Eiglitl 


1 1 J... 1863. 


Frank P. Drew, Heavy A 


\ , n,l„.r2.5, 1863. 


Thomas Darnly. Cavalry 


\..|inil.r|. ■-,, 1S63. 


Cnrtev. lie Irish. IlenVV A 


II Nux ember 2,'., 1863. 


Nelsi.hi; |. I.I 1 III 



Hall F. KUuitt, Sixteenth Regiment; mustered in October 30, 18G2. 
.lohii H. Elliott, Sixteenth Regiment ; mustered in October 30, 1862. 

.Asa Kuii.iy, mustered in October .ill, 18112. 

Jam..- I I. H,-iM..iiii l:. .1 nt nin-l.i.il in November .3, 1862. 

I,.-«i- I. \ ■ ■ - I I, ! I ,1 ml ill Novembers, 1862. 

Keiili..n ,1 1 ,i.|in,Hi,r,lili K, _ ii .1 ! i n October 12, 1863. 

James W. Khvards, luiislered in i;i. t..l»r s, lsr,:>,. 

P. Chandler Ea.stman, Second Regiment ; mustered in March 29, 1864. 
Aaron G. Estabrook, First Cavalry ; mustered iu August 17, 1864. 
Robert L. Ela, Sixth Regiment; uinstere.l in No\eiiil,ir ;io, 1864. 

Edson .\. Eastman, Eighteenth Regiiin III -ii i im i, unary, 1865. 

Asa Enny, United States Navy ; must.. I. I I' I ii i ivn,-.. 

John Edwards, Second Regiment ; niii,-i '. , ...i i jii, 186.3. 

John Eipper, Eleventh Regiment ; niiislei..-,l m N-.i.-mii.-i 2ii, 1863, 
John Egin, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 23, 1863. 
John Ericson, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 24, 1863. 
Cliarles Edwards, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 25, 1863. 
Randall Eastman, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in October 20, 1864. 
Israel L. Emerson, United States Navy; mustered in August 19, 1864. 
Curtis W. Elkins, United States Navy ; mustered in .\ugust .30, 1864. 
Oren A. Edgerly. 

William H. Eaton, First Cavalry ; mii.-ti I I III Mh h I-. 1 sr,4. 
Asa Folsom, Fifth Regiment; must.-i .I i i i i i 

Freeman Ferren, Seventh Regiment ; im, i \ , i jl, 1862. 

John A. or Joseph Flanders, Seventh Ii. .^. m , ni-i ml in September 

15, 1862. 
Robert K. Flanders, Thirteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 23, 

1862. 
Rotheus E. Flanders, Fifteenth Regiment ; mustered in October 13, 



1862. 
Andrew S. Faruum, Sixteenth Regiment ; 



, 1862. 



HISTORY OF MKRKIMAOK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



n September 18, 1803. 
Henry or Thomafl Klynn, Eightta Regiment ; miistorcd in October 10, 

1803. 
Mark Floyd, HeaTj Artillery ; mustered in August 2.1, 1SC3. 
James S. French, Soveutli Regiment ; mustered in April 29, 1SG4. 
James Fnwer, mustered in May 23, 1864. 

John C. French, Eighth Regiment ; miwtered in January 4, 18C4. 
John Ferguson, Eighth Regiment; mustered in January 4, 1804. 
Patrick Fitzgerald, Fifth Regiment ; mustered in August 22, 18G4. 
John Forrest, United States Navy ; mnstorod in November 10, 1804. 
John Foster, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in December 0, 1864. 
Owen Fagan, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in February 18, 1805. 
Henry A. Flint, Oivalry ; mustered in Fobniary4, 1865. 
Thomas Flinn, mustered in November 12, 186.X 
Garrat Flen, Third Regiment ; mustered in November 20, 1803. 
William Fox, Second Regiment; mustered in November 20, 1863. 
Amos Fuller, Second Regiment ; muelcred in November 23, 1803. 
Richard E. Foster, mustered in August 2, 1804. 
John S. Farnum, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 0, 1804. 
A. C. Forren, United States Navy ; mustered in August 19, 1804. 
W. H. French, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 7, 1804. 
Cyrus F. Fletcher, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 7, 1861. 
Henry H. Farnum, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September?, 1804. 
Hiium B. Frost, Seventh Regiment ; mustered in October 1, 1S04. 
Sidney A. Foster, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in October 18, 1804. 
Patrick Finell, Eighth Regiment; mustered in October 1, 1864. 
James E. Ford, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in October 18, 1804. 
Charles W. Fifield, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered iu Soptomlier 23, 

1804. 
Edwin R. Farley, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 3(1, 

1804. ' 
Charles C. Fernald, mustered in September l.'i, 1804. 
J. L. French, Heavy Artillery; mustered in September 7, 1804. 
Edward W. Forrest, Second Regiment; mustered in February 19, 1801. 
Edwin C. Gilmore, Fifth Regiment ; mustered in August 5, 1802. 
George Gordon, Ninth Regiment ; mustered in August 18, 1802. 
Andrew Goodwin, Seventh Regiment; mustered in August 21, 1802. 
Edwin Green, Ninth Regiment ; mustered in August 21, 1862. 
Michael Gannon, Tenth Regiment ; mustered in September 10, 1802. 
James Gallagher, Thirteenth Regiment ; mustered iu September 23, 

1802. 
Charles F. Glover, Thirteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 23, 

1802. 
Augustus L. Gale, Fourteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 20, 

1802. 
John S. Griffin, Fifteenth Regiment ; mnstei-ed in September 22, 1802. 
Edward Gerald, Sixteenth Regiment; mustered in Novembers, 1802. 
William Gibson, niusl. r..! in September 10, 1803. 
William n.i:r:i> luu i.i.i ,-, -. i.tcinber 2.3, 1803. 
Luke Garv.-> , h I: ~. ptember 26, 1863. 

Edward Gill.-, m,, : , , , - i 1. i tl, 1802. 

William G. l^ovu, i.i„hil. i:. „.aiiiit; mustered in November 10, 1803. 
Flunk E. Gerald, Third Regiment; mustered in April 4, ISOi. 
Charles H. Gove, Third Regiment ; mustered in March 28, 1804. 
Charles Goo<lwin, Seventh Regiment ; mustered in March 2^i, 1804. 
Edward Green, First Artillery Corps; mustered in February 7, 1806. 
Charles H. Gray, United States Navy ; mustered in October 8, 1864. 
Jowepli A. Graves, mustered in October 8, 1864. 
Njitliaii >1. Ocvi-, r.ist Band ; mustered in February 10, 1863 ; re-enlisted 

ill; 1 : ' . ' ' ' . first Cavalry ; mustered in February 28, 186.'j. 
Kir 1 I !i Cavalry ; mustered in March 28, 1804. 

W I . ' - I, 1 K.giment; mnsleied iu November 17, 1803. 

n, , ' -'.,' , I ■ ::i l:. jitii. 1,1 , mil. 1.1. ■.! iuNovember 12,1863. 
I.. . ■ 1 I I 11. r.tlin November 11, 186 

n. . ... 1 - 1 1 . 1.1. il in November 2;j, 1803. 



William George, l^ocond Itegimeut ; mustered in November 24, 1803. 
George Guild, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in August 6, 1804. 
Richard K. Gatley, United States Navy : mustered in August 19, 1804. 
Albert G. Gardner, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 27, ISH. 
Edwanl H. Grimes, Eighteenth Regiment ; nuistored in September 3i 



Clinrlos Goodwin, mustered in October 17, 18(j4. 

Dennis GriiTm, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in October 17, 1 

Nathan W.Gove, Eighteenth Regiment; nniatered in ! 



John Hanson, Second Regiment ; mustered in August 12, 1862. 
Charles H. Hayes, Second Regiment ; mustered iu Augiurt 12, 1862. 
George H. Hill, Second Regiment ; mustered in August 12, 1862. 
Francis S. Hoyt, Second Regiment ; mustered in August 12, 1862. 
Rufus R. Haselton, Ninth Regiment ; mustered in August 18, 1862. 
Moses C. Heath, Fifth Regiment ; musterod in August 18, 1862. 
Daniel B. Hill, Ninth Regiment ; mu-tu.l in \112nct n, isiv.'. 
Francis Hall, Sixteenth Regiment ; lim " A.i 11 s] . l.'ic.-. 

Frank Harivell, Eighth Regiment: 111 - , 1 . 1 1. l.siij. 

Frank E. Haines, Eleventh Reginu-Jii ; 11-. i. I m >. |.li nil-ir 111, lsr,2. 
Byron C. Hill, Twelfth Regiment; musteroil iu .September 11, 1802. 
Thomas B. Heath, Seventh Regiment; mustered in September 15, 1862. 
James Haley, Tenth Regiment ; mustered in September 10, 1862. 
Ilufus H. Haselton, nine months; mustered in October 14, 1862. 
.r.din H. Heath, Fifteenth Regiment; mustered in October 20, 1802. 
Knink P. Hall, Seventh Regiment ; mustered in October 25, 1802 ; n- 

enlisted in Eighteenth Regiment. 
Charles J. Hall, Sixteenth Upsrim,-iit : mu»t,ie.l iu October 2.5, 1862. 

Samuel E. IIoIdon,Sixto.iiMi 1.. m 1 i.r.-.l in October 2.1, 180J. 

.lames Helsly, mustered in >. ; - i 1 . ; 

Frank Howard, mustered 11. - ji ...i.i ,1., 1,-1..;. 
.Alfred Halleday, mustered ii. .•mi.i.iuIhu :;i.. l,M,:i. 
.fohii Harrell, mustered in September 29, ISO^J. 
Charles Hall, mustered in October 8, 1863. 

Robert Hart, Third Kegiuieiit ; imistcrecl in O.tobc-r 11. 1SC3. 

William Hix, Third Regiiii. 1.1 , nm im \|.iil 1, I-.. I. 

Geo. H. Hoyt, Fourth KcMiii iiii: im,4. 

William Ii. Hook, Fifth lii- 1 1.1 ... \ ; 1 1; 1 1, l.si;4. 

Peter Hughes, Heavy Artill'i \ imi-ii. im \ii.ii.rt, isi,:;. 

William H. Horner, musteiid in .Iiiiii- 11, lisol. 

Joseph Harris, Sixth Regiment ; mustered in June 3, 1864. 

James Harland, Seventh Regiment; mustered in August 8, 1864. 

Austin W. Hadley, mustered in September 9, 1804. 

('buries F. Hosmer, Heavy Artillery ; mustered iu September 21, 1804. 

Henry L. Harris, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 24, 1864. 

Ralph Hayes, mustered in November 30, 1864. 

Carls Haaselyren, mustered in December 5, 1864. 

Peter Hon-o, mustered in December 5, 1864. 

Francis Hanrutty, Third Regiment ; mustered in December 10, 1804, 

George Harvey, Third Regiment; mustered in December 17, 1864. 

David Hardrick, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in December 2:), 18m. 

James R. Happenney, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in December 28. 
1864. 

Charles M.Hayden, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in January 20, 1805. 

Charles Hagan, Third Regiment ; mustered in Becember 15, 1804. 

Frank S. Hunt, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered iu February 21, 18(h5. 

Jiirikson liillou {or Hilton), Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered iu Itlarch 
7, 180,5. 

William Haines, mustered in April 1, 180.1. 

Clijirles Hiliker, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 17, 1803. 

Henry Holt, Second Regiment; mustered in November 17, 1863. 

Peter Iloyt, Sixth Regiment; mustered in November 17, 1803. 

Samuel Home, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in November II, 1803. 

.lull 11 Hendrich, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 19, 1803. 

.Vuios Holt, Second Regiment; mustered in November 18, 1803. 

.lames Howes, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 19, 1863. 

Charles Howard, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in August 8, 1864. 

William Hide, First Regiment Cavalry ; mustered in August 5, 1864. 

Charles Hanks, First Company Sharpshooter ; mustere<l in August 19, 
1864. 
jseph E, Ham, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in Atigust 19, 1804. 
ihu H. Hickman, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 27, 1864. 
athan P. Hancock, Eighteenth Regiment; mustered in October 22. 



Charles E. Hanscom, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in October 17, 1804, 
Frederick Hoffman, Post Band ; mustered in September 20, 1864. 
Solon M. Howe, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 7, 1804. 
K<lwin Hill, Heavy Artillery. 

John Howry, United States Navy ; mustered in October 8, 180-1. 
Joseph Hopkins, United State.'i Navy ; mustered in October 8. 1804. 
William Ireland, United Sfiit-Xivy; nin^t-rrdin Januarys, I8(;5. 

M. L. IngallB, Heavy Ail il: 1 1. 1 1 in s,.|,tember 7, 1804. 

G. W. Ingalls, Post Buni 1 1 I 1. I ) 1 muy 10, 1863. 

Thomius James, Fifth Uv^ 1 u. 1.1.1 m .\iigust 11, 1802. 

William Jordan, Ninth EeKiiiieul ; luuBteieil iu August 22, 1802. 
Lewis Jackson, mustered in October 7, 1803. 
Thomas Jones, mustered in October 8, 1863. 



CONCORD. 



Samuel P. James, Seveuth Regiment ; mustered Id May 3, 18G4. 
Henry Jones, Fifth Keglmeut; mustered in August 11, 1864. 
Abniliam Jnnes, United States Cavalry ; mustered in August 20, 1KG4. 
James Jones, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in January (i, ISU'i. 
Michael Judd, Second Regiment ; mustered in Novemher 17, I8ti;i. 
Charles H. Johnson, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in November 12, 18G3. 
Henry Johnson, Eighth Regiment; mustered in November 11, 1863. 



George L. Jennings, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in October 17, lS(i4. 



John KcUey, mustered in October 7, 1863. 

John Kelley, Seventh Regiment ; mustered in October 21), lsr>:j, 

Alb-n F K.-ni, K..ortli liegimeut ; mustered in .\pril 11, l,sii4. 

Jiini. II >: t:.-iment; mustered in Augusts, 1864. 

J, ,1,1, I , ,1, August 20, 1864. 

N;,lh.i,,, i ,, Ki ,1,, l.ighteeuth Regiment ; mustered in February IS, 

Henry A.-Klemier, Second Regiment ; mustered in November I'J, 1863. 
Martin Kelley, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in August 5, 1864. 
Peter Kenney, mustered in August 19, 1864. 
Willis G. C. Kimball, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in October 1, 

1864. 
John A. Kendall, United States Navy ; mustered in August 31, 1864. 
William H. Kenny, United States Navy ; mustered in August 30, 1S64. 

Charles Kerley, United States Navy ; mustered in in 1864. 

.\ndre\v C. Libbey, Thirteenth Regiment ; mustered in .luly 2il, 1863 ; 

rc-enlisled in Fourth Regiment. 
Charles F. Libbey, Fourth Regiment ; mnste)-ed in July 2il, 1863. 
George A. Lear, Third Regiment ; mustered in August 11, 1863. 
Gilman Leavitt, Ninth Regiment; mustered in August 19, 1863. 
Rob.rt K. I.ungci\ Ninth Regiment ; mustered in August 2,S, 1863. 
Blaini -^ I,:,i,,|iii ^, 'r.Mitli Regiment; mnstered in September 4, 1863. 



1 Septendier 23, 1863. 



Regiment ; 



•nibcr 16, 1803. 
II November 11, I86;i. 
Novemlter 1"2, 186:1. 
umber 19, 1863. 
■ •■inber 18, 180:). 
uvend)cr 24, I86:i. 
11 November 24, 1863. 



Andri l.eng.iin, Kightb l;< .,,.,, 
John Lang, Second Regin,, , 
Alfred Lee, Second Rcgiii,, 1,1 
John Lynch, Second Rc^mti, , : , ,,,, 

William Laeltey, Second K, . , ,i 

Joseph Loalhers, nmstered ii. .\.,>. ml 

Simeon N. Lascombo, Kighteunth Iteginient ; mustered in (ictober 2! 

1864. 
John Lindscy, mufctercd in October 19, 1864. 
Rob.rt l,I,,y,l, II, ,t\ \ \rlillery; mustered in October 17, 1864. 
Anius s 1.,,, k, , 1 i,i,, ,1 siutes Navy ; mustered in September 15, 1864. 
•lonall,-,!, I I ,11,, l..,,,,l ; mustered in September 2;t, 1864. 
l)i,zu 11 1,111. ,, 111, ll.,,vj .\rtillcry ; mustered in September 8, 1,S(U. 
E. S. Liiuoln, liriivy .Vrtillery; mustered in September 7, 1864. 
John Leary, Heavy .\rtillery. 
.\ndrew L. Lane, Second Brigade Rand, Tenth Army Cor])s ; mustere 

in February 10, 186:i. 
Addison S. Martin, Second Regiment ; nioslcred in August II, 1862. 
Nathan Mansm-, Fifth Uegilnerit; mustered in August 11, 1862. 
Charles T. Mucli, Soron.i licKiniciil ; mustered in August 12, 1862. 

Alfred L. Miinlin, ~^. ■ 1 li. ,-iin.iit ; mustered in August 12, 1862. 

William E. 51,1 . ~ ' i: it ; mustered in August 12, 1862. 

Daniel S. Marin,, -, , i l: , ,,i . mustered in August 12, 1862. 
Peter L Morri,,,n \,i.,i, i; ,, i,i , mnstered in August 16, 1862. 

Charles A. Ml, in;: -. ,i,l; t ; mustered in August 21, 1862. 

Asa A. McKii,-i, 1, ,,,ii.4 23, 1862. 

Charles Malm-, ,, 1 , i. ,i ; mustered in September II. 1862. 

Michael Moran, I, i,i1, ];, ,,„ ,,, ; mustered in September 13, 1862. 

.Fohn Murphy, Tenth Higiin.iit ; mustered in September 15, 1862. 

Patrick Mctjuade, mustered in September 1.5, 1862. 

Henry W. McSIichael, Thirteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 'Z 



Mistered in Februarj' 25, 



John McMa 

Augustus Marx, mustered 

John Main, must.'nd in ?^ 



^1 ptember 12, 186:1 



William H. Libbey, Thirteenth Regimen 



Charles W. Lang, Sixteenth Regiment ; mustered in October 24, 1863. 
Mateland C. Lamprey, Sixteenth Regiment ; mustered in October 25, 

180:i. 
Edward Lnseay, mustered in Seiit.-inlier 17, 1.S63. 
Lndwig Lucht, mustere, t in >, pi. i,,),, , j,,, l>r,:i. 
William D. Locke, mu.st. i, i - ; ( ,, ; : ,. i,m3. 
E. A. Larkin, mustered in - i i - -, ;, 

John Lewis, mustered in s, ii, i,,i„ i :<\ 1-,,,'., 
William Lotter, mustered in O.tulier 7, 1Sg:i. 
Walter E. Lougee, Second Regiment of Sbarjishooteiy ; mustered in 

April 1.5, 1864. 
John L. Lear, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in April 22, 1864. 
George M. Leavitt, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in October 15, 1863. 
Stephen Lamprey, Sixth Regiment; mustered in in 1864. 
John Laughton, United States Navy ; mustered in November 16, 1864. 
John Landress, mustered in Novendjer 18, 1864. 
Henry Leaman, or Leonard, Seventh Regiment ; mnstered in November 

17, 1864. 
Charles Leroy, Seventh Regiment ; mustered in November 19, 1864. 
Charles Louis, mustered in December 2, 1864. 
Clarence S. Lamprey, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in Decemher 28, 



Jonathan D. Leavitt, mustered in January 23, ] 
Thomas M. Lear, Eighteenth Regiment ; nmst 
Joseph W. Lowell, Eighteenth Regiment ; m 



, l,,,il, - • P ip„ ,:,,, ,,i,,-t, :, ,l ,1, -.1,1, inl.,.| -J,-,, 1863. 
Jubii J. Mondl, llcavv Aililliiy mn.stered in September 17, 1863. 
Francis Martin, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in November 19, 1863. 
John E. Mitchell, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in November 10, 18ti3. 
George H. Mills, Third Regiment ; mustered in April 4, 18fi4. 
George A. Mitchell, Heavy Artillery; nmstered in May 4, 18f»4. 
IJeorge E. Sloore, Sixth Regiment ; mustered in May 23, 1864. 
John T. ~M. Main, II, miistere.l in July 20, 1801. 

J, .1,11 Ar, G,,i,, , Pirn, t:, _i i , nn.-i, ,, ,i i,, .Vngust 8, 1864. 



20, 1864. 



ncs Mu 






mustered in November 17, 1864. 

Josi-ph Jlarrh, mustered in II. ti.bi-r 20, 1804. 

John JIcDonnell, .Seventh Itegiiiient ; mustered in November 18, 1864. 

.lohn Melville, Seventh Regiment ; mustered in November 29. 1864. 

James McKeeue, or McKeever, Twelfth Regiment ; mustered in No- 
vember 25, 1864. 

.lohn Macarion, mustered in Decembers, 1864. 

David Mardin, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in December 26, 1804. 

Thorana Martin, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in December 31, 1804. 

William McEwen, Fourth Regiment; mustered in January 5,1865. 

TliomafiBIc.\loon, Eighteenth Regiment; mustered in February 13, 186.5. 

Thomas McGee, mustered in March 22, 1805. 

James McDonnell, Fourth Regiment; mnstered in January 7, 1865. 

Riiel G. Morrill, United States Navy ; mustered in February 9, 1865. 

William H. Moody, First Regiment Artillery ; mustered in February 28, 
1865. 



HISTORY OF iMERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Jacob C. Slaiiio, Rigbtecntli Regiment; mustered in Febniarj' 7, 1S05. 

Suiiuel McC»ir»e, Ninth Rcgimont ; niuBlcred in Moy 20, 1804. 

J.«.|iiin Martin, United States Nary ; miutered in October, 18«4. 

Tiiiiolliy c;. M.«<<'9, Second Regiment; mustered in August D, l»i;2; re- 
•Milialt-d in Kighteontli Regiment February 24, ISCJ. 

DaTi I ('., or K., Mareton, mustered in February 24, 1804. 

.lanie« O. Mally, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 13, 18K). 

Owen, iirOrvlllo, McDonougb, Second Regiment; mustered in Novem- 
ber 17, I8«:t. 

Paul SIcNeil, Second Regiment ; nmstered in Noveinber 17, 180.'). 

Niles Minimis, mustered in NovemlKr 17, WH. 

Thomas Martin, Fourth Regiment ; mustered in November 11, 18(a. 

Aurolius McGuire, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in Novemlwr n , 1863. 

Daniel B. McKinnon, Second Regiment; mustered in November 21, ISC!. 

Adallwrt 3Ior»)ricy, mustered in November 19, 18C3. 

John McLean, Eiglith Regiment ; ninstered in November24, 18«). 

Peter Mullen, Second Regiment; mustered in November 23, 1803. 

Abraham Myers, .Second Regiment ; mustered in November 24, 1863. 

William Slarks, Second Regiment; mustered in November 24, 1804. 

Andren P. Jlerrill, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in November 25, 1803. 

George Blareh, or March, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in Septemlwr 7, 

Charles H. Merrill, Cavalry ; mustered in August 9, 1804. 

Guy, or George, McAlister, United States Nary ; mustered in October2a, 

1804. 
John Slarshall, mustered in August 10, 1804. 
Peter McCoy, Eighth Regiment ; mustered iji August 16, 1804. 
Wilson E.Morton, Eighteenth Regiment; mustered in September 24, 



John 11. Murphy, Eighteenth Regin 



mustered 



September ; 



L September 2!l, 1864. 



I in October 18, 1804. 
William C. Mahuran, Heavy Artillery ; mustered 
J. P. JIv«»r, mustered in September 16, 1804. 
IVt.r W. Jlyers, Eighteenth Regiment; mustered in October 4, 1804. 
Henry C. Minot, mustered In October 4, 1864. 
James E. Mosher, Heavy Artillei-y ; mustered in September 27, laot. 
Thomas Murphy, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 7, 1804. 
Joseph F. Merrill, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 7, 1804. 
Frank Mitchell, Heavy Artillerj' ; mustered in September 7, 1864. 
William D. Moores, mustered in August .30, 1804. 
John H. Nichols, Second Regiment ; mustered in August 12, 1802. 
Henry B. Nealy, Thirteenth Regiment ; mustered in September23, 1802 
George Noycs, Sixteenth Regiment ; mustered in October 25, 1862. 
IIoTiry Ni.rlnn, ii.iiBl.'ivd in Su|il.-mlK!r 22, 1803. 

W. ii.-iiry NViil. KiHirtcrntli K<-j:iinent ; mustered in October 27, 18G;i. 
Williiiiii K. Xorloii, F-iurtli Itefiiinent ; mustered in April 0, 1804. 
.leinmy Nudd, Si.xth Itegimcnt ; mustered in June 3, 1804. 
Daniel B, Newhall, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in January 4, 1S64. 
Daniel E. Nichols, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in January 4, 1804. 
Thomas Nathans, Seventh Regiment ; mustered in November 30, 1864. 
Lewis Naffiewus, mustered in November 12, 1803. 
.\ndrew Neil, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in November 11, 1803. 
William Nash, Third Regiment ; mustered in November 2P, 1803. 
Frank Norton, mustered in November 19, 1803. 

Charles Newman, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 24, 18011. 
Charles Nash, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 24, 1803. 
William H. Orne, Si.xteenth Regiment ; mustered in October 25, 1802. 
Thomas O'Nalley, mustered in N.>veml)<r 17, 1H03. 
Patrick Owens, Eighteenth i;. , ,, m hn, i, i.d in September 21, 1863. 
Alverton B. Osborne, EIl-Ii i nu^tered in October 3,1804. 

Peter Olsen, Ninth Hegini. i. i ■ > i i i , inly 14, 1804. 
.lames Price, Fifth Regiiii.nl , i , •. i ]„, \ n^ust 11, 1802. 
Simeon Partridge, Second K.giiii.-nl ; muslcivd in August 12, 1802. 
James Prindebell, Ninth Regiment ; mustered in August 16, 1802. 
Daniel Pottcngill, Seventh Regiment ; mustered in August 21, 1802 
Alfred D. Powell, Tenth Regiment ; mustered in September 10, 1802. 
John C. Palmer, Thirteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 21, 1802. 
Jerould Perkins, Sixteenth Regiment ; mustered in October 25, 1862. 
Oliver C. Powell, Sixteenth Regiment ; nmstered in October 25, 1862. 
Sylvester H. Powell, Sixteenth Regiment; mustered in October 25, 1802. 
Benjamin Pevier, Jr., mustered in September 12, 1803. 
Benjamin F. iviors, mustered in Septemlwr 14, 1863. 
John Paul, mustered in September 30, 1863. 
l->lgar V. Parsons, mustered in October 8, 1863. 
Charles B. Prentis, Cavalry ; mustered in April 11, 1804. 
Robert H. Potter, Sixth Regimout ; mustersd in December 19, 186;!. 



William Philli|i8, Eleventh Regiment ; mustered in July 19, 18G4. 

John Proronchor, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in January 4, 1804. 

Joseph P. B. Pope, Sixth Regiment ; mustered in in 1864. 

Bourdeau Pierre, Eleventh Regiment ; mustered in July 23, 1804. 

Alfred W. Parker, United States Navy ; mustered in August 31, 1804. 

George Price, Second Regiment; mustered in December 2, 1804. 

Charles Perry, United States Navy ; mustered in October 1 , 1864. 

Thomas F. Powers, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in January 6, 1865. 

Severe Pelren, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in January 3, 1805. 

Charles Porter, mustered in February 7, 1805. 

Henry Pearson, Cavalry ; mustered in February 25, 1805. 

George Perkins, Second Regiment; mustered in November 23, 1863. 

Joseph Pierce, SecoudRegimcnt ; mustered in November 24, 186:). 

George Parker, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 24, 1803. 

John Powell, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 25, 1803. 

Leonard L. Perry, Veteran Reserve Corps ; mustered in August 8, 1804. 

Walter Perry, mustered in August 11, 1864. 

James H. Parks, mustered in September 8, 1804. 

.\lvah K. Potter, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 20, 

1864. 
.Foeepli Pidgeon, mustered in .\ugust 19, 1864. 
Charles W. Piper, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 30, 

1804. 
Charles Pace, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 22, 1804. 
Robert A. Packard, United States Navy ; mustered in August 31, 1864. 
Charles H. Peiffer, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 7, 1804. 
Felix Proroncher, Heavy .\rtillery ; mustered in February 15, 18r,5. 
John Parker, Sixth Regiment; mustered in May 23, 1805. 
Walter Perley, Cavalrj- ; mustered in March 1, 1865. 
Ransom S. Quimliy, Tenth Regiment ; mustered in September 1, 1802. 
Moses M. Quimby, Tenth Regiment; ninstered in September 16, 1802. 
P. D. Quimby, Heavy .\rtillery ; mustered in September 7, 1804. 
Peter (Juinn, Fifth Regiment ; mustered in September 26, 1803. 
Hiram M. Uuimby, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in August 25, 1863. 
Jeremiah Quinn, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in Septembers, 1864. 
Elisha L. QuiiTiby, Veteran Reserve Corps ; mustered in August 8, 1864. 
Parkhurst Quiniliv. ~^;m , ifi i; Jin.-iit: mustered in October 2.% 1602. 
Horace Rolfe, Xiiiil I i ,l.n-d in August 10, 1862. 

Charles D. Row . 1 1 l. i , mustered in August 21, 1862. 

George A. Bunisrv I I mli I: j iiifiit : mustered in August 21, 1802. 
.foseph Ray, mustored in Se|.tenil.i-r 111, 1803. 
.lames Reid, mustered in September 10, 1863. 
Tliomas Ratray, Third Regiment ; mustered in April, 1864. 
<iiarlesE. Robinson, Fourth Regiment; mustered in April 2, 1804. 
ilscarF. Kankin, Cavalry; mustered in April 0, 1804. 
George H. Robinson, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in January 4, 1804. 
Charles Bunnells, Ninth Regiment ; mustered in July 8, 1864. 
Charles .\. Robbins, Eighth Regiment; mustered in January 4, 1804. 
.fohn Ryne, Fifth Regiment; mustered in August IS, 1804. 
Henry M. Robinson, Veteran Reserve Corps ; mustered in September 23, 

1804. 
William Robinson, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in November 20, 

1864. 
John Russell, Seventh Regiment ; mustered in November 30, 1804. 
John F. Rankon, mustered in Dec-ember 13, 1864. 
Joht) N. (or M.) Reed, Third Regiment ; mustered in December 13, 



Alfred Rushlow, Heavy .\rtillery ; muiitered in February 23, 1805. 
Charles F. Roby, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in January 7, 1865. 
.loseph Randall, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 17, 1803. 
John Risley, Eighth Regiment; mustered in November 12, 1863. 
Charles Robinson, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in November 11, 1803. 
George Russell, mustered in November 20, 1863. 
.lohn Rutter, mustered in November 21, 1863. 
George Ring, mustered in November 21, 1803. 
Thomas Riley, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 21, 1803. 
Joseph F. Rc.w, S.veiith Regiment ; mustered in November 24, 1803. 

1 !:> u'iment ; mustered in November 24, 1803. 
1 : I in.nt ; mustered in November 25, 1803. 
1 .^.ll^y: mustered in Novemtier 14, 1863. 

II, >. , ,,nd Regiment ; mustered in November 18, 



James Riley, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in August 6, 1804. 
James Ryan, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in August 10, 1804. 



Patri.l, i; 



CONCORD. 



135 



Tlioiiias Kyaii, Eighth Regiment; niuslorod in Auguat 10, 18G4. 
David B. Rowe, Votemn Reserve Corps; niugtered in Augiiiit 31, 1864. 
William H. Rubintjun, Kighteenth Regiment ; mustered in Soptoniher 2, 

1.SG4. 
.lames Robinson, Eighteenth Regiment; mustered in September 28, 18U4. 
Curtis B. Kobyi-tson, Eighteenth lEegimont; 



Chail' > I : l:utuient ; mustered in August 2, 1862. 

Frank \^ - 1 i:'.'imeut; mustered in August 12, 1862. 

■Willuuii .-l> V, i.., n, .-, Mii.l Regiment ; mustered in August 12, 1862. 
Do Witt V. Sanburu, Second Regiment ; mustered in August 12, 1802. 
Carroll Simborn, Ninth Regiment ; mustered in Atigust 19, 1862. 
George P. Sylvcstrr, Ninth Ht-simi-nf : miistorr-d in August 20, 1862. 

Edwin Sanborn, Tliin. . nil, K, ,i, I , nni-t-r. •! in ^. ]t,-mher23, 1862. 

Edward Shank-, T-: .1; . ., ii- i i nii.er 23, 1862. 

FrankSargenI, 111 I i. I; - m ;-,,-■, : - , i mlifr 23, 1862. 

LeroySniith, l-L l: . i :ini...i .-I m -M'M"l»-r 2.% 1862. 

Cliail.- I - i \ i> . unist(;red irKAtol.er 24, 1802. 

All" 11 11 -: I - I . lit ; mustered in October 25, 1802. 

n October 25, 1862. 
n October 25, 1862 ; 
n-. iihsi.-.l II.LH V ArtilliMj ; Septembers, 18C|. 
David \V, Sarmnt, sixteeuth Regiment ; mustered in October 26, 1862. 
Joseph E. Sargent, Fifteenth Regiment ; mustered in October 27, 1862. 
David Stevens, Sixteenth Regiment ; mustered in November 4, 1862. 
Hiram Stevens, Sixteenth Regiment ; mustered in November 5, 1862. 
John Smith, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 9, 1803. 
Thomas Smith, mustered in September 9, 1803. 
Victor Stunan, mustered in September 10, 18(a. 
John W. Swair, mtistered in September 14, 1863. 
John Stevens, mustered in September 21, 1863. 
Peter Spellman, mustered iu Septeuiljer --, 1.SG3. 
CharlesSmith, mustered ill .^. I iinit. ! j. I^i ; 
NortouStoddard, nmsterril 111 - ; i l-^l. 

Peter Smith, mustered iu >■ i i i ' , 
James Scott, mustered iu .^.I'hMilM I j i, l-. : 

Charles Stevens, Seventh Regiment ; niiistcrej in September 26, 1803. 
Daniel J. Sanders, Fifth Regiment ; mustered in October 2, 1803. 
John Snow, mustered in October 7, 1803. 
Thomaa Smith, mustered in October 8, 1863. 

Andrew Saltniarsh, Fifth Regiment ; mustered in September 30, 1863. 
(Charles Smith, mustered in October 7, 1863. 
Abel H. Stone, Fifth Regiment ; mustered In October 3, 1863. 
John W. Shepard, Cavalry ; mustered in March 30, 1864. 
Matthew Storin, Third Regiment; mustered in April 4, 1864. 
John Scott, Heavy Artillery ; mustered iu July 2, 1863. 
Morris Sullivan, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in October 17, 186.3. 
Leonard speed, mustered in December 2,5, 1863. 
William F, Speed, mustered in March 22, 1864. 

Charles Stevens, Seventh Regiment ; mustered in February 28, 1864. 
John Shejiard. Sixth Regiment ; mustered in June 9, 1864. 
John H. Sexton, Eighth Regiment; mustered in January 4, 1864. 
Medad Strong, Fifth Regiment ; mustered in in 1804. 
Frederick D. Sprague, Eleventh Regiment ; mustered in July 27, 1804. 
Robert J. Smith, Fifth Regiment ; mustered in August 13, 1864. 
Edward P. Smith, Fifth Regiment ; mustered in August 8, 1864. 
Henry Sweet, United States Navy ; mustered in September 19, 1804. 
James Smith, Seveutli Rep imeut : mustered in December 2, 1804. 



Join. >1 



Cliiiil' 1 - I '111 I.' ,:i[iient ; mustered in January 6, 1865. 

Jo~i.l, i -I I I.I. iitli Regiment ; mustered in January 7, 180.5. 

Willi., - I l:_-iment; mustered in Februarys, 1805. 

Geoij. 1 - ...iistered in February 13, 1805. 

Ralpli ~li nil. -, I ,_M . iith Regiment; mustered in March 20, 1865. 
William Smith, Second Regiment ; mtistered in November 20, 1803. 
Prudent St. Pierre, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 24, 186;i. 
George W. Small, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 24, 1863. 
William Sullivan, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 23, 1863. 
Joseph Simpson, Second Regiment ; nmstered in November 24, 1863. 
Charles Seymour, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 24 1863. 



Th-M.i I 1 - . I -nth Regiment; nmstered in September 28, 

Jului Miiiili li^hili I,. ,;Hiieut; mustered in August 5, 1804. 
John Sniitli, Heavy Ariillci^ ; mustered in .September 7, 1864. 
Daniel E. Smith, Eighteenth Regiiuent ; mustered inSepU-mbor 30, 1804. 
.\lbert W. Smith, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 30, 

1804. 
Benjamin Severance, Thirteenth Regiment ; mustered in July 18, 1804. 
Leroy A. Sweatt, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 7, 1864. 
Frank Stevens, Eighteenth Regiment ; luustered iu September 17. 1804. 
James M. Shepard, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 27, 

1804. 
Edward Sanders, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 29, 1864. 
James H. Stevens, Heavy Artillery; mustered in September 7, 1804. 
Joseph I. Shallis, mustered in September 7, 1861. 
Charles T. Summers, Sixteenth Regiment ; mustered in September 10. 

1864. 
J. .Sidney Sargent, Heavy Artillery ; nmstered in September 7, 1864. 
A. L. Sanborn, Heavy Artillery ; nmstered in September 7, 1864. 
Benjamin Severance, Veteran Reserve Corps. 
William Sanborn, mustered in September IU, 1864. 
George Stearns, mustered in October 8, 1864. 

Franklin L. Tandy, Fourth Regiment ; mustered in August 12, 1862. 
Josiah Tandy, Fourth Regiment ; mustered in August 1.5, 1862. 
.losiah Teel, Ninth Regiment; mustered iu September 23, 1862. 
George W.Tucker, Fourteenth Regiment; mustered in September 24, 

1862. 
George S. Tufts, mustered in September 14, 1803, 
Robert Trimble, unister.jd in Se])tei.il..T :■:;, LSO!, 



John 



.lohii 



I October 23, 1803, 
in April ,5, 1804, 
d in July 26, 1864. 



I Decembel 
. Thompson, mustered 



Thoiij.i^ 1... I . I I ■! ,1 - \., I. I i . I 111 November 16, 1864. 

Heini 1' - I. - I ".. ill November 26, 1864. 

William l.il..i, l.i„hr,...ulii ll.-„iui' "l , 111'.-'. "•I in Decembers, 1804. 

Thomas Ta 

W illiam H 

Joseph Thompson, United States Cavalry ; mustered in .January 3, 1865. 

Elisha Thomas, Navy ; mustered in November 14, 1803. 

Edward Trayuor, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 19, 1863, 

Edward Tobin, Second Regiment ; nmstered in November 17, 1863. 

Francis Turner, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 17, 186:1. 

James Tryou, Second Regiment ; mustered in November 13, 181^1. 

Joseph P. Thompson, United States Navy ; mustered in August l;i, 1804, 

Charles Thompson, mustered in October 19, 1804. 

Charles H. Tallant, mustered in September 2, 1864. 

William S. Thurstou, Cavalry ; mustered in December 21, 1803. 

William Tilton, Heavy Artillery ; nmstered in October 2,5, 1803. 

James Thomas, Fifth Regiment ; mustered in August 11, 1802. 

Charles W. Underbill, Niuth Regiment ; mustered in August 16, 1862. 

William W. Virgin, Thirteenth Regimcut ; mustered in September 23, 

1862. 
John S. Vogler, United States Navy ; mustered in September 3, 1864. 
John White, Fifth Regiment ; mustered in August .5, 1862. 
William D. Wallace, Fifth Regiment; mustered in August 11, 1862. 
William Woods, Ffth Regiment ; mustered iu August 12, 1862. 
William B. Wadleigh, Seventh Regiment; mustered in August 21, 1862. 
George W. Worthen, Eleventh Regiment ; mustered in August 21, 1802. 
James H. Walker, mustered in August 23, 1862. 
Harrison Webber, Eighth Regiment ; mustered in September 5, 1862. 
George H. Weeks, Thirteenth Regiment ; mustered iu September 23, 

1862. 
George A. Wilder, Thirteenth Regiment ; mustered in Septcnibor 2:1, 

1802. 
William Williamson, Thirteenth Regiment ; mustered in Septcmlier 23, 

1862. 
Charles W. W'ilson, Sixteentli Regiment ; mustered in Octulicr 25, 1S02. 



HSTORY OF MKKKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



OorliM Wheeler, Fifth RegiDlont ; mustcn-d in October 1, 1863. 

Charlea E. Wmiam^ mustered in Septemlier 23, ISKi. 

Jolin B. White, mustered in ScptonilKT 10, 18(a. 

Samuel Wiitson, mustered in October 7, 1803. 

George E. Watson, Third K.^gliiiont ; niusterod in February 11, isnl. 

Thomas C. Weeks, Fourth Uegimcut ; musteie.! in April 8, I8IH. 

Cliarles B. Wallace, Seventh Regiment ; mustered in April 30, ISM. 

John Ward, Ninth Regiment; niustcreil in .June '.», lSO-1. 

Thomas E. Wilder, Sixth Regiment ; mu tercd in in 1801. 

James While, Cavalry ; mustered in October 0, 1802. 

George Winston, United .States Cavalry ; mustered iu August 18, 1804. 

Jeremiah Williams, niiiBlered in September, 1804. 

Rensellaer Wright, Heavy Artillery ; mustered in September 15, 1804. 

Henrj- .\. Walsh, Cuviilry ; mustered in November 11, 1804. 

Alfred Wells, Seventh Regiment ; mustered iu November 2.'., 1804. 

Robert Williams, Navy ; niuslercd in Deieniber 0, 1804. 

Thuiu;i> NNiird, mustered in Ilecetnlwr 9, 1804. 

\\il]i;uh \Mlm)n, Thinl Regiment; mustered in December 14, 1864. 

K.hcir.l U ilker. Heavy Artillery ; mustered in December 24, 1804. 

William li. Webb, Kiglitli Regiment; mustered iu January 2, 1865. 

Frank Warren, Third Regiment ; mustered iu in ISM. 

Walter A. Webster, Tnited Stales Navy ; mustered in January 3, ISO... 

Ilenrj- Wilson, Fourth Regiment ; mustered in January 5, 1805. 

John or Joseph Walch, Eighteenth Regiment ; mustered in February : 

ISCi. 

Peter Woods, Eleventh Regiment ; mustered in March 1, 1S0,'>. 
John Wilson, Fifth Regiment; mustered in Fehrniiry 7, ISiI.'i. 
William F. Wallace, Eighteenth Kegimont ; mu ii i 1 in Mm li i. isr,: 
Ceirrpj A. Whitlier, Tenth Regiment ; musleiv. I i -, ;,( ,,i,. iv isi,' 
Cliark-s Wood, Second Regiment ; mustered ill N .!■ I : i ' ; 



Nelson Whitney, Fourth Resiment ; mustei.<l n \ : : , ; l-i,;. 
George Wallace, Kiglilh Rejrinient ; riiustereii in \ i,' l_ 1 - ,. 

Charles W. Woods, Sernn.l U.-iiii.-iil ; «l.-i.,l ,,, \„.i.-i j, Im.i. 

John W. Wilson, Heav.v.\:i-llM> : 1,1,1.1., .-I ,„ -, ii.:„l„L, IfiiA. 
Clarion F. Whittier, Eij;l,l, , ,,il, 1; - l , 1, ,,1 n, n,-loI,er 1, ISO- 
William F, Winn, Heavv Aii,li.,> . -1- 1..I 1,, .,, i.u.r 17, 1804. 

Richard K. Welsh, Heavy Arlill.-iy ; niiislen^.i in .Si.|,teiiiber 24, 1864 
George H. Wilkins, Heavy Artillery ; mustered iu September 7, ISC4, 
Horace G. Wyman, United States Navy ; mustered in August 24, 18M. 
Frederick J. WUloughby, Cavalry ; mustered in October 0, 1803. 
Frank Walker, Fourth Regiment ; mustered in January 2, ISO."). 
Thomas Young, Seventh Regiment ; mustered in November 2.3, 1864. 
3Iichael York, Second Regiment; mustered in November 17, 1803. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



Niithaiiiel White, oldest eliild of S;iimiol and 
Sarah (Kreemau) White, was born in Liineaster, Feb- 
ruary 7, 1811. His childhood was passed under a 
tender mother's care, and to her striet religious train- 
ing was Nathaniel White indebted for his noble 
character, which led him untainted amid the tempta- 
tions of youth, and unspotted through a long career 
of usefulness. At home were those i)rinciplcs of 
integrity, honesty, temperance, philanthroi)y and 
generosity inculcated which led to a long life rounded 
by Christian virtues, adorned by humanitarian graces 
and free from vices. 



At the age of fourteen years he went into the employ 
of a merchant in Lunenburg, Vt., with whom he 
remained about one year, when he accepted employ- 
ment with General John Wilson, of Ijanca.ster, who 
was just entering upon his duties as landlord of the 
Columbian Hotel, in Concord. His parents the more 
readily consented to his taking this step on account of 
the many noble qualities of Mrs. Wilson. To her 
CHre he was entrusted by his solicitous mother. In 
the employ of General Wilson, Nathaniel White com- 
menced life in Concord at the foot of the ladder. He 
arrived in Concord, August 25, 1826, with one shilling 
in his pocket. For five years, or until he came of 
age, he continued at the Columbian, rendering a 
strict account of his wages to his father, and saving 
the dimes and quarters which came as perquisites, 
until by his twenty-first birthday he had a fund of 
two hundred and fifty dollars. 

This may be understood from the fact that he com- 
menced life with certain virtues and with no vices. 
He was prudeitt, economical, temperate. He never 
used intoxicating drinks as a beverage, nor tobacco 
in any form ; nor did he gamble or bet with dice or 
cards. Business success he preferred to pleasure, 
and to his work he carried enterprise, energy and 
will. 

In 1832 he made his first business venture, negoti- 
ating the first and last business loan of h's life, and 
purchased a part interest in the stage-route between 
Concord and Hanover, occupying the "box " himself 
for a few years. In one year he was free from debt. 
Soon after, he bought into the stage-route between 
Concord and Lowell. In 1838, in company with 
Captain William Walker, he initiated the express 
business, making three trips weekly to Boston, and 
personally attending to the delivery of packages, 
goods or money, and other business entrusted to him. 
He was ever punctual : he never forgot. In 1842, 
upon the opening of the Concord Railroad, he was 
one of the original partners of the express company 
which was then organized to deliver goods throughout 
New Hampshire and Canada. The company, under 
various names, has continued in successful operation 
to the present day, and to Nathaniel White's busi- 
ness capacity has it been greatly indebted for its 
remarkable financial success. 

In 1846, Mr. White purchased his farm, and has 
cultivated it since that date. It lies in the s<iuth- 
western section of the city, two miles from the State- 
House, and embraces over four hundred acres of 
land. 

For his adopted home he ever felt and evinced a 
strong attachment, and to him Concord owes much 
of her material prosperity and outward adornment. 
Beautiful structures have been raised through bis 
instrumentality, which render the capitol and the 
State-House park such attractive features of the city. 

In 1852 he made his first step in political life, being 
chosen by the Whigs and Free-Soilers to represent 



^^1 



Wkm 



CONCORD. 



137, 



Concord in the State Legislature. He was an Aboli- 
tionist from tlie start, a member of the .Vnti-Slavery 
Society from its inception. His hospitable home was 
the refuge of many a hunted slave, a veritable station 
(in the Underground Railroad, where welcome, cure, 
food and money were freely bestowed, and the refu- 
gees were sent on their way rejoicing, The attic of 
his house and the hay-mows in his stable were the 
havens of rest for the persecuted black men. 

In all works of charity and philanthropy Mr. White 
was foremost or prominent. He was deeply interested 
in the establishment of the New Hampshire Asylum 
for the Insane and the State Reform School ; in the 
Orphans' Home, at Franklin, which he liberally 
endowed ; and the Home for the Aged, in Concord, 
which was his special care. 

The Reform Club of Concord, though not an elee- 
mosynary institution, received substantial benefits 
from his generosity, and to him, in a great measure, 
it owed its very existence, during the reaction which 
followed the first enthusiasm. 

Besides his extensive interest in the express com- 
pany, his farm — which is one of the most highly 
cultivated in the State — his charming summer retreat 
on the borders of Lake Sunapee and his real estate in 
Concord, he wa.s interested in real estate in Chicago, 
in hotel property in the mountain districts, in rail- 
road corporations, in banks, in manufacturing estab- 
lishments and in shipping. He was a director in the 
Manchester and Lawrence, the Franconia and Profile 
House and the Mount Washington Railroads, and in 
the National State Capital Bank ; a trustee of the 
l,(nin and Trust Savings-Bank of Concord; also of 
the Reform School, Home for the Aged and Orphans' 
Home, and of other private and public trusts. 

In 1875, Nathaniel White was the candidate for 
(lovernor of the Prohibition party, and he had a vast 
number of friends in the Republican party, with 
which he was most closely identified, who wished to 
sicure his nomination for the highest honor within 
the gift of a State by the Republican party. In 
1S76 he was sent as a delegate to the Cincinnati Con- 
vention, which nominated Mr. Hayes for President, 
and cast every ballot for the gentleman of his choice. 
During the summer of 1880 he was placed by his 
party at the head of the list of candidates for Presi- 
dential electors. 

With all these honors thrust upon him, Nathaniel 
White was not a politician, although firm in his own 
political convictions. The ofiice sought the man, not 
the man the office. 

Nathaniel White was blessed in his marriage rela- 
tions. His history is incomplete without a narration 
of the perfect union, complete confidence and mutual 
trust and assistance between him and his wife during 
a married life of nearly half a century. November 1, 
1836, he was married, by Rev. Robert Bartlett, of 
Laeonia, to Armenia S., daughter of John Aldrich, of 
Boscawen, who survives him. Mrs. Armenia S. White 



is of good old Quaker stock, descending in the sixth 
generation from Moses Aldrich, a Quaker preacher 
who emigrated to this country in the seventeenth 
century, and settled in Rhode Island; and on the 
maternal side, from Edward Doty, a Pilgrim who 
landed in the " Mayflower." She was born Novem- 
ber 1, 1817, in Mendon, Mass., her parents removing 
from Rhode Island at the time of their marriage. In 
1830 she went with her parents to Boscawen, where 
she lived until her marriage. Mrs. White has been 
her husband's companion and abettor in every good 
work. 

Their children are John A. White ; Armenia E., 
wife of Horatio Hobbs; Lizzie H., wife of C. H. New- 
hall, of Lynn ; Nathaniel White, Jr. ; Benjamin C. 
White, who survive. They lost two children — Annie 
Frances and Seldon F. — and adopted one, Hattie S., 
wife of Dr. D. P. Dearborn, of Brattleborough, Vt. 

In early life Mr. White joined the Independent 
Order of Odd-Fellows, but his interest was soon gone. 
For several years he continued his connection with 
the society by paying his dues, without actual attend- 
ance, until at last he dropped from their ranks. He 
belonged to no other secret socieey. Anti-slavery 
societies, temperance societies, charitable and benev- 
olent societies, woman sufl'rage and equal rights 
societies, and the Universalist society, — in all of 
these both husband and wife were deeply and equally 
interested. Hand-in-hand they have been in every 
good work, save where the charities of one were 
unknown to the other. During the first four years of 
their married life, on account of Mr. White's occupa- 
tion, they boarded ; for eight years they lived on 
Warren Street ; since 1848, until the death of Mr. 
White, in their residence on School Street. Here 
they have meted out generous and refined hospitality 
to the humble slave, the unfortunate and to the most 
illustrious guests who have honored Concord by their 
visits. 

Nathaniel White died Saturday, October 2, 1880, 
having nearly completed the allotted span of three- 
score years and ten. He was stricken down suddenly, 
although, with his usual business foresight, he seems 
to have been prepared for the change. The family 
in their bereavement had the sympathy of the com- 
munity and State. The sense of a great loss pervaded 
the city. The funeral was held in the church which 
owes so much to his fostering care, and was the occa- 
sion when a great multitude bore witness to the depth 
of their sorrow. His remains lie in the lot in Blossom 
Hill Cemetery which his filial love prepared as the 
resting-place for his parents. 

What were the traits that so endeared Nathaniel 
White to all who knew him, or could appreciate him ? 
He was thoroughly good : he had a great heart. Of 
active sympathies, of warm feelings, he was ever 
ready to listen to the call of suffering, and answer it. 
His heart and purse were always open for worthy 
objects. His assistance was freely given for the 



138 



HISTORY OF MKRIUMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



furtherance of good enterprises. lie was an ardent 
and persevering worker for reform. He was a con- 
sistent temperance advocate. He was a modest man 
withal, not fluent as a speaker, but listened to as an 
oracle. Deeds, not words, made up his life. He was 
blessed with good judgment and common sense. He 
was practical and successful. To him a man was a 
brother, a woman a sister. He loved his fellow-men. 

Mr. White embodied and e.xemplified in his life 
those qualities of mind and heart which distinguish 
what we love to call our self-made men. He Wius 
essentially progressive, courageous and a moving 
force among his associates. Life was to him full of 
opportunities, which he had the nerve to seize and 
the capacity to improve ; and then force of character, 
guided by high moral instinct and sterling honesty, 
made him a power in the business and social com- 
muuity, and won for him his high position. And it 
was no covetous hand that gathered up this harvest 
of wealth and influence and strength of resource. He 
gathered it and disi)ensed it with equal munificence. 
It went to help the poor, tn encourage enterprise, to 
promote all good works and to make the community 
better and happier. He made his impress on the 
world about him, not by what he gained from it, but 
by what he gave it ; and his works live after him, 
and si)eak continually of a life that was a rich bless- 
ing, and is still a treasure to the community to which 
it peculiarly belongs. 

The Builij Monitor, under date of October 2, 1880, 
said, — 

"In the death of Nalhanifl While this community eiustains an iiTep- 
arable !o«8. Large-hearteii, humane, liberal and 
toevery good work, local and gciK'nil, liir; earnest, iitist 
Devoted to the welfare of Concord, li ill :> I In «.ii 
hancement of its prosiwrity. His iml : ; I il 

and he wti« foremost in cnto^^^^is^-^ t : i - ii > 

A good man has gone to his rewar.l. ml it ..m I. (nil 
world is better for the jmrt he bore in it." 

Mr. White's marital relations were ula n 
character, and Mr. H. P. Rolfe truly said,- 

•* In alt liis aspinitiona to make himself an honorable ni 
good to his kindred, his friends, his country and his race, Mr. "WTiite 
was mo.st fortunate and happy in that ho had the early suggestion, the 
prompt encouragement, the ready co-operation and the ardent sympathy 
of her who, for nearly half a century, kept his homo constantly blooming 
with the sweet-scented flowers of affection." 



HON. ONSLOW STEARN.S. 

A large pro|>ortion of the men who have been elected 
to the chief magistracy of our State were, to a greater 
or less e.\tent, engaged in political life during a con- 
siderable period of their existence. The men of essen- 
tially business tastes and occupation, who have been 
called to the gubernatorial chair, have been excep- 
tions to the general rule. Nor is our State different 
from others in this regard. Everywhere, as a rule, 
the public otlices which the people have at their 
disposal are conferred upon men who have devoted 
their time and attention to poliliis and partisan 



management. Among the more conspicuous excep- 
tions to this rule in this State is the case of the late 
ex-Governor Stearns, who, although a man of de- 
cided political convictions, was, in no sense of the 
word, a politician, and was never in any degree 
concerned in party management. Mr. Stearns was 
a business man in the full sense of the term; and, 
thoroughly identified as he was with the railroad 
interest of the State from its inception till the day of 
his death, he was unquestionably, from first to last, 
the mo.st conspicuous representative of that interest 
in New Hampshire. 

Onslow Stearns was born in Billerica, Mass., 
August 30, 1810. The farm upon which he was 
reared, and which still remains in the family, being 
now owned by an older brother, Franklin Stearns, 
was the property and homestead of his grandfather, 
Hon. Isaac Stearns, a prominent and influential 
citizen of Middlesex County, and a soldier in the 
old French War, who was, at one time, a member of 
the Executive Council of the State, and held other 
honorable and responsible offices. His father, Jtdin 
Stearns, w'ho was also a farmer, and succeeded in 
pos.session of the homestead, was killed in the prime 
of life by a railroad accident at Woburn. William 
Stearns, a brother of John and uncle of Onslow, was 
a soldier in the Kevolution, and fought at the battle 
of Lexington. Onslow Stearns remained at home, 
laboring upon the farm, and availing himself of 
such educational privileges as the public schools 
aflorded, until seventeen years of age, when he went 
to Boston and engaged as a clerk in the house of 
Howe & Holbrook, afterward J. C. Howe & Co., 
where he remained about three years, and then left 
to join his brother, John O. Stearns, since famous 
as a railroad contractor and builder, who, then in 
Virginia, was engaged in the construction of the 
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Subsequently he be- 
came interested with his brother in contracts for the 
construction of various railroads in Pennsylvania, 
New York and New Jersey, upon which he was 
engaged until the summer of 1837, when he returned 
to Massachusetts and engaged in contracts upon the 
Charlestown Branch and Wilmington and Haverhill 
Railroads, now, respectively, portions of the Fitch- 
burg and Boston and Maine roads. Soon after, he 
engiiged in the work of completing the Nashua ami 
Lowell Railroad, then in process of constructi(]ii 
from Lowell to Nashua. This road was completed 
in the fall of 1838, when Mr. Stearns was made its 
superintendent, holding the position until July, 
1846, when he resigned to become agent of the 
Northern Railroad Company of New Hampshire, 
for the purpose of constructing its road from Concord 
to White River Junction. His first efforts in the 
interest of this road were directed toward obtaining 
the necessary legislation for securing a right of way 
for the road over the land where it was to pass, tlii> 
law of 1840 having reudered it impossible. This 



/St* ^^^i. 




cy--^.-^-^,£^*-^^'iLZ-^-jai^,.^^^^ 



13!> 



k'jiishitidii was secured in 1844, by which the State 
wus ciniiowered to talce the hind of the owners, 
making them compensation for damages, and leiusing 
the same to raih-oad corporations, tliey repaying to 
the State the amount paid for damages. 

Under the personal supervision of Mr. Stearns, 
the roa<l was hieated, and the work of construction 
vigorously carried forward and completed, the 
Bristol Branch included. After its completion he 
became manager of the road, which position he held 
till May, 1852, when he was chosen president of the 
Northern Railroad Company, continuing in that 
ollice until the time of his death. He was also gen- 
eral superintendent of the Vermont Central Railroad 
from 18.')2 till 1855, a director in the Ogdensburgh 
Railroad for some time, and for nearly twenty years, 
up to 1875, a director in the Nashua and Lowell 
Raili-oad corporation. 

While president of the Northern Railroad Com- 
pany, Mr. Stearns was also president of the Sullivan, 
the ( 'iiiitiincddk Yulley and the Concord and Clare- 
iiiiiiii Kailr.i.iii Cniiipanies, which were connected in 
iiitriist uilii tlif Northern Railroad, and, under his 
direction, the Concord and Claremont Railroad was 
exten(le<l from Bradford to Claremont, being com- 
pleted in 1872. The success of Mr. Stearns in the 
management of these various railroad enterprises 
caused his services to be sought by those interested 
in otlier railroads, and he was frequently solicited to 
take charge of railroad interests in Massachusetts 
and other States. These offers he uniformly declined 
till July, 1866, when he was induced to take the 
presidency of the Old Colony and Newport Railway 
Company, in Massachusetts, which position he held 
till November, 1877, when he resigned on account of 
failing health. During this time the Old Colony and 
Newport Railway Company and the Cape Cod Rail- 
road Company were consolidated under the name of 
the Old Colony Railroad Company, and the South 
Shore and Du.Kbury and Cohasset Railroads, with 
others, were added to it. The Old Colony Steamboat 
Company was also formed, and purchased the boats 
of the Nairagansett Steamship Company, thus form- 
ing, with the Old Colony Railroad, the present Fall 
River Line between Boston and New York. In 
1874, Mr. Stearns was elected president of the Con- 
cord Railroad, and continued to manage the atfairs 
of this corporation till his death. 

The eleven years during which Mr. Stearns was 
president of the Old Colony Railroad were years of 
the most intense and constant labor on liis part. 
For two years of the time he was Governor of New 
Hampshire. He was president of the Northern 
Railroad and the other roads connected with it dur- 
ing all that time ; and for -three years he was also 
president of the Concord Railroad and of the Old 
Colony Steamboat Company, besides being a director 
and interested in the management of various other 
corporations. Mr. Stearns gave an active, personal 



supervision to all the corporate interests under his 
charge, embracing not only their general relations 
with other corporations and interests, but extending 
to the most minute details of their management. 
He was never idle. No man was ever more pains- 
taking and faithful in the discharge of his duties. 
His papers and figures were carried with him, and 
studied as he journeyed between his home in Con- 
cord and the railroad offices in Boston ; and when in 
Boston his labors almost always extended far into 
the hours of night. He lived in labor, and thought 
no plan complete till, by execution, it had psisscd 
beyond his power to labor upon it. His knowledge 
of the practical management of railroads was com- 
plete and perfect to the smallest details; and this, 
together with his unwearied industry, sound business 
judgment and foresight and his knowledge and 
control of men, contributed to a success such as few 
railroad managers have attained. At his death he 
was the oldest railroad president in continuous 
service in New England, having been president of 
the Northern Railroad for twenty-seven years. 

Although in no sense a politician, as has been 
stated, Mr. Stearns was a man of fixed political con- 
victions, acting heartily with the Whig party from 
early life until the dissolution of the party, when he 
became a Republican. In 1862 he accepted the 
nomination of his party as candidate for State Sen- 
ator in the Concord District, and was elected, serving 
upon the committees upon railroads, elections, and 
military affairs. He was re-elected the following 
year, and was chosen president of the Senate, faith- 
fully and acceptably discharging the duties of his 
responsible position. In legislation, as in business 
life, he was eminently a practical man. During his 
term of legislative service the War of the Rebellion 
was in progress, and his efforts iis a legislator, as well 
as a citizen, were freely and fully exerted in behalf 
of the Union cause. He was one of the prime 
movers in the formation of the New Hampshire 
Soldiers' Aid Society, an organization which con- 
tributed largely to the encouragement of enlistments 
and the assistance of the needy families ol' soldiers 
in the field. 

In 1864, Mr. Strains was a .Ich'galr-at-lai-v Ironi 
New Hampshire in the UcpiiMican National Con- 
vention, and was one of the vice-presidents of that 
body. Many prominent Republicans and personal 
friends had, for some time, urged his candidacy for the 
Republican nomination for Governor of the State, and 
in 1867 he received a large vote in the convention 
which nominated General Harriman for that office. 
Soon after the convention he was besought by a num- 
ber of his friends and political associates, who were 
dissatisfied with the action of the convention, to 
allow the use of his name as an independent candi- 
date, but declined to accede to their wishes. 

In the Republican State Convention of 1867 no 
name but that of Mr. Stearns was presented lor the 



140 



HISTORY OF iMHRllIMACK COUNTY, NKW llAMl'SIIIRE. 



gubernatorial nomination, which was conferred upon 
him by acclamation, a circumstance of rare occur- 
rence in a case of a first nomination. He was 
elected by a decided majority, over General John 
Bedel, the Democratic candidate, and was renomi- 
nated the following year. He sent a letter to the 
convention declining the renomination, on account 
of the state of his health and the pressure of busi- 
ness cares; but the convention refused to accept the 
declination, and a committee was appointed to wait 
upon him and urge its withdrawal, wliicli was finally 
successful in its efforts. His re-election followed, 
and for another year he devoted no small share of 
his attention to the interests of the State, notwith- 
standing the varied demands of the extensive cor- 
porate interests under his management. To the 
financial affairs of the State his care was especially 
directed, and during his administration the State 
debt was reduced nearly one-third, while the State 
tax was also reduced in still greater proportion. He 
also took a lively interest in the management of the 
State Prison, and was instrumental in effecting great 
changes therein, securing more thorough discipline 
and putting the institution upon a paying basis, 
whereas it had long been run at a pecuniary loss to 
the State. 

In the discharge of ;ill his imlilii- ihitics :\lr. 
Stearns always sought to treat the matter in hand in 
a thoroughly practical and business-like manner, 
exercising the same judgment and discrimination as 
in the management of his private and business 
affairs. Although firmly attached to his party, he 
was less a partisan in the exercise of his official 
functions than many of his predecessors had been, 
and was the first Republican Governor of New 
Hampshire to nominate a Democrat to a position 
upon the Supreme Bench, which he did in 1870, 
when Hon. Wm. S. Ladd, of Lancaster, was made an 
a.H.sociate justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, to 
fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Judge 
Nesmith. This action, although denounced by 
many of his Republican friends, is now regarded by 
all as having been wise and judicious, inasmuch as 
the ultimate outcome has been a thoroughly non- 
partisan judiciary in our State and a universal desire 
and determination to maintain the same. 

The cause of education found in Mr. Stearns a 
warm friend, and in the welfare of Dartmouth Col- 
lege, which institution, in 1857, conferred upon him 
the honorary degree of Master of Arts, he took 
special interest. His first ])ublic address after 
assuming the gubernatorial office was upon the 
occasion of the college centennial, wherein he took 
decided ground in favor of such liberal aid from the 
State as might be necessary to make the institution 
permanently effective for the public good. 

In religious sympatlues and convictions Mr. 
Stearns was a Unitarian, and was an active and 
influential member of tlic Unitarian Society of 



Concord during his long residence in the city, con- 
tributing liberally for the support of public worship, 
upon which he was a constant attendant, and for all 
its auxiliary purposes and objects. Thoroughly 
public-spirited, he never failed to give material sup- 
port to all measures which seemed to him calculated 
to advance the interests of his adopted city, as well 
as the State at large, nor were his social duties in the 
lea-st neglected, notwithstanding the |)ressing cares 
of public and business life. 

The long and arduous labor of his life was not 
without its substantial reward, and he became the 
possessor of an ample fortune, enabling him to dis- 
pense a liberal hospitality. Among the many dis- 
tinguished per.sons entertained in his elegant mansion 
were two incumbent.s of the chief magistracy of the 
United States, General Grant and Mr. Hayes, each 
of whom became his guest when visiting our State 
capital. 

Mr. Stearns was united in uuirriage, June 2(), 184.'i, 
with Miss Mary A. Holbrook, daughter of Hon. 
Adin Holbrook, of Lowell, Ma.ss., and with her 
established a home in Concord the following year, in 
the location where he continued to resid<!, making 
numerous improvements from time to time through- 
out his life. Five children — a son and four daugh- 
ters — are the fruit of this union. The son, Charles U. 
Stearns, is engaged in railroad business in Boston. 
The eldest daughter, Mary, is the wife of Brevet 
Brigadier-General John R. Brooke, of the United 
States army; the second daughter, Margaret, is now 
Mrs. Ingalls, of North Adams, Mass. ; the other 
daughters, Sarah and Grace, remain with their 
mother at the family residence in Concord, where 
the husband and father, after a brief illness of a few 
days, quietly departed this life, December 29, 1878. 



LEWIS DOWNING. 

Samuel, father of Lewis, was of English extraction, 
born in 1757, and moved to Lexington, Mass., in 
1777. He married, fir.st, Susanna, daughter of Ben- 
jamin and Sarah (Reed) Brown, of Lexington. The 
children of this marriage were Polly, born Octo- 
ber 21, 1783; Oliver, born March 10, 1785; Samuel, 
born October 30, 1787 ; Susanna, born November 20, 
1788; Sally, born November 23, 1790; Lewis, born 
June 23, 1792; William, born September 20, 1790. 
The latter was a soldier in tlic \V:ir »( 1812, and wms 
mortally wounded at thi' liallK' i\\' Linidv's Lane, 
,Iuly 25, 1814. 

Samuel married, second, Eunice Bridge, of Lex- 
ington, and the children from this union were Emily, 
born January 24, 1801 ; Charles, born July 9, 1802 ; 
George W., born February 22, 1804; Andrew J., 
born October 81, 1815, and Fanny, who died in in- 
fancy. Samuel was a carriage-maker by trade, and 
taught the same to his son Samuel, who, in turn, 
taught it to his brother Lewis, and the shop where 




c^.Z^^^T'.^; /'JJ^ ^jy / v^ > 



CONCORD. 



they all worked still stuniis as then, in tlif town of 
Lexington and just below the celeluatcd " Miinroe 
Tavern." 

lu the year 1800 Samuel removed from Lexington, 
Mass., to Newburgh, N. Y., and thence to Montgom- 
ery, intending to continue his occupation as a car- 
riage-maker at that place. Owing to the bad state of 
his health at Montgomery he returned to Newburgli, 
where he established, on the corner of Broad and 
Liberty Streets, about the commencement of the 
]>resent century, a shop for the manufacture of 
wagons and carriages. WMiile yet in the early stages 
of this undertaking failing health led him to engage 
in the more healthful business of market gardening 
and the cultivation of a nursery, which he planted 
on the property adjoining his shop. As early as 
1810, he offered for sale, trees grafted or inoculated of 
apples, pears, peaches, apricots and cherries, and 
was the first to conduct the business with such suc- 
cess as to secure its continuance. He led an indus- 
trious and sober life, and died in Newburgh November 
1, 1822. Of the children by his second marriage, 
Charles and Andrew J. were very celebrated for 
their knowledge of horticulture and landscape gard- 
ening, having published various works, among 
which are " Downing's Fruits and Fruit-Trees o( 
America," "Downing's Country Houses," and also 
" Landscape Gardening." 

Andrew J. Downing, as an architect, has no su- 
perior. His creations were always appropriate to, 
and compatible with, their surroundings. So much 
so, that one was often fain to wonder whether the scen- 
ery was made to fit the edifice, or the edifice to crown 
and ennoble the scenery. As a horticulturist, flori- 
culturist add pomologist he had no equal ; his knowl- 
edge in each of these departments was profound and 
exhaustive, and his taste both exquisite and unerring. 
As an author, he was prolific, genial and attractive; 
always at his ease, and always a perfect master of his 
subject and the English language. He was for many 
years editor of the HoHiculturist, a monthly magazine 
of large circulation. It is very rarely th.at a man of 
such varied talents, each so perfect in its kind and 
all capable of combination to a certain and practi- 
cable end, appears in this world of ours. He laid 
out the grounds of the Smithsonian Institute, in 
Washington in 1851, and a monument was afterwards 
erected on them to his memory. He perished in the 
burning of the steamer " Henry Clay," on the Hudson 
River, July 28, 1852, while on his way to superintend 
the erection of some villas at Newport, R. I. 

Charles Downing was always in complete sympathy 
with his gifted brother, Andrew J., and had many 
qualities in common with him. He devoted his life 
to his favorite pursuits of horticulture and pomology, 
and re-edited Andrew's Work on " Fruits and Fruit- 
Trees of America," adding much new matter, the 
results of his own observation and experiments, finally 
completing a work which is considered the highest 



authority on this subject both in England ami 
America. He died at Newburgh, N. Y., .Jannary IS, 
1885, at the age of eighty-two years. On the nia- 
ternal side they are of the same lineage as the late 
President Garfield, the common ancestor being .lohn 
Bridge, the Puritan, one of the earliest settlers of 
Cambridge, whose statue in lnon/.e stands on Cam- 
bridge Common. 

Lewis, the subject of this sketch, son of Samuel 
and Susanna (Brown) Downing, was born in Lexing- 
ton, Mass., June 23, 1792 ; married Lucy Wheelock, 
only child of Jonathan and Lucy (Beaman) Wheelock, 
at Concord, Mass., May 25, 181 5. Jonathan Wheelock 
was a soldier in the Revolution, doing service for his 
country, from Bunker Hill to Yorktown, especially 
sharing in the sufferings of the American army at 
Valley Forge. He was for many years a noted stage- 
driver between Boston and Concord, Mass., spending 
the last years of his life with his daughter, dying at 
her home, September 5, 1 845, at the age of eighty- 
six years. 

The children of Lewis and Lucy (Wheelock) 
Downing, all born in Concord, were, Lucy Maria, 
born September 19, 1818; Lewis Downing, Jr., born 
December C, 1820 ; Alonzo, born December 28, 1822; 
Mary Ann, born January 25, 1826 ; Emily and Ellen, 
born July 28, 1828. Lewis moved from Lexington, 
Mass., to Concord, N. H., in May, 1813, and com- 
menced the carriage business, first at the north end of 
Main Street, but in 1816 purchased the "Duncan Es- 
tate," at the south end, and moved his shops there, 
where they remain at the present time. For the first 
few years he only made the " Concord Wagon," w^th 
some freight-wagons, used at that time for freighting 
goods from Boston to towns in New Hampshire and 
Vermont, and the two-wheel chaise, used extensively 
then instead of the four-wheel buggy, as at the pres- 
ent time. The first wagon made was in November, 
1813, and the first chaise he made w.is .=old to the 
Rev. Dr. Bouton, and was used by him a great many 
years. In the year 1826, Mr. Downing, foreseeing 
that there must eventually be a great demand for 
stage-coaches, concluded to commence the manufacture 
of them, and with that in view, he went to Salem, Mass. 
and arranged with J. Stephens Abbot to come to 
Concord and build three coach-bodies. Mr. Abbot 
was then at work for Mr. Frothingham, a celebrated 
coach-maker in Salem, but left and arrived in Con- 
cord on Christmas eve, and made the first coach- 
bodies ever built in New Hampshire during the 
spring of 1827. The first coach was completed, and 
went out of the shop in July, 1827, and was sold to 
John Shepherd. From that time on, the demand for 
coaches increased, and before the advent of the rail- 
roads they could be found in all parts of the world. 

In 1828, Mr. Downing took Mr. Abbot in with him 
as a partner, and the firm-name was Downing & 
Abbot until September, 1847, when it was dissolved, 
and Mr. Downing and his two sons built new shops 



H:: 



HISTOHV () 



[KIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



oil -Miiiii Street, opposite the I'lienix Hotel, con- 
tinuing business under the nanie of L. Downing & 
Sons, wliile Sir. Abbot and his son Edward A. carried 
on the same at the old shops. January 1, I860, Mr. 
Downing, Sr., retired from the business, and a new 
firm was formed under the name of Abbot, Downing 
& Co., consisting of J. Stephens, Edward A. and 
Joseph 11. Abbot, Lewis Downing, Jr., and Alonzo 
Downing, and the works at the soutli end greatly en- 
larged for the i)Urposo. January 1, 1873, they pur- 
chased the works of Harvey, Morgan & Co., and 
reorganized under the general laws of New Hamp- 
shire asthe Abbot-Downing Company, and so continue 
at the present time, with a cajjital of four hundred 
thousand dollars, a force of two hundred and seventy- 
five men, their shops occupying about six acres of 
ground and their carriages sent in all directions. In 
this connection it may not be improper to say that it 
is a very remarkable circumstance, probably without 
a parallel, that from the time Samuel Downing com- 
iiiciKiil li-arning his trade, in 1772, until the present 
time, 1.S8.'), it will be one hundred and thirteen con- 
secutive years of service in the same business by the 
father, son and grandson, and a total of one hundred 
and forty-four yeai-s' active service by the same per- 
sons, viz.: Samuel Downing from 1772 until 1810, 
thirty-eight years; Lewis Downing from 1807 until 
1865, fifty-eight years; and Lewis Downing, Jr., from 
1837 until 1885, forty-eight years. The latter is still 
in active business and president of the Abbot-Downing 
Company. The original shops, established by Lewis 
Downing seventy-two years ago, occupy the same 
ground they have occupied the past sixty-nine years. 
Mr. Downing visited California twice in connection 
with his business, and wiis well-known on the Pacific 
coast, where he had a large market for his carriages, 
so celebrated the world over. He earned and main- 
tained a high reputation for skill, sagacity and in- 
tegrity, probably doing sis much as any other man for 
the prosperity and growth of Concord. The Concord 
Daily Monitor, in an interesting sketch of his career, 
January, 1865, says: " Mr. Downing, Sr., retires from 
business, after active participation in it for nearly 
fifty-eight years, and we think we express the general 
sentiment of the community when we say that during 
that time, his integrity having never been questioned, 
he is entitled to be called Concord's best benefactor." 
Mr. Downing, though not an active politician, was 
a thorough-going Republican, and represented Ward 
6 in the State Legislature in 1865-66. He not only 
sought to build up a business for his own advantage, 
but he was keenly alive to whatever afl'ected the pub- 
lic welfare. So far as his influence could avail any- 
thing, he endeavored to have the business afl'airs of 
the community and State conducted on principles of 
strict justice to all concerned. Po.sitive and self-re- 
liant in his own convictions, he opposed, with blunt 
sincerity, whatever seemed to him ill-considered and 
blamable. No one had a more thoughtful concern 



for whatever tended to strengthen public character 
and elevate public life, and his personal integrity in 
business gave character to the whole community and 
made the city of Concord famous. His coaches being 
known the world over, are regarded as fair represen- 
tatives of the average moral worth of her citizens. 
In religion, so far as any creed is concerned, he was 
a strong Unitarian, being one of the founders of that 
society in the city of Concord, and in his will gives 
his entire estate, at the decease of his children, to 
that society, the income of which is to be expended 
by them annually for the spread of liberal Chris- 
tianity, as represented in the writings of William 
Ellery Channing. After a long and severe illness \u- 
died, March 10, 1873, in the eighty-first year of his 
age. His life was faithful, just and true; his death 
peaceful, serene, full of faith and longings for the 
" beyond." 



J. STEPHENS ABBOT. 

In the beautiful town of Andover, Mass., situated 
on the bank of the Merrimack River, is the cemetery 
in which may be seen a cenotaph bearing the follow- 
ing inscription : 

"GEORGE ABBOT, 

boru in England, 

was one of the firet settlere 



Thus it appears that the ancestors of th* subject of 
this sketch were of that sturdy and valiant race of 
pioneers who laid the foundation of this great .'Vnglo- 
Saxon nation. 

J. StephiMis Abbot was b(.ni in Albany, Me., on 
the 22d of February, 1804. While yet an infant he 
was deprived of both his parents, and his uncle, 
General Abbot, took him to old Salem to his aunt, 
Mrs. Cliasf, liy wlinin lir w:is ;i(liipted, and for whom 
he alwiivs rhcrishiW I he iimsi alli-ctionate regard. 

At Salc-iii Ik' i-iijiiycd siii;b I'lliirational advantages 
as generally fell to the lot of boys destined to earn 
their own living in a new country at that eai'ly period 
of the present century. His school-days over, he was 
apprenticed to Frothingham & Loring, of Salem, who 
were then celebrated chaise-builders, and some years 
afterward he was induced by Mr. Lewis Downing, Sr., 
to accompany him to Concord, N. H., to aid in the 
introduction and manufacture of the now famous 
Concord stage-coach. It was here that he built the 
first eoaeh-bodies which were ever constructi-d in the 
State of New Hampshire. 

In 1828 he became associated with Mr. Downing as 
a partner in the firm of Downing & Abbot. Together 
they planted, with skillful hands, that tree which has 



"-K. 



fS^ifS. 




^^^^m^9^ 



143 



taken such deep root in thesoil that, to-day, hundreds 
of industrious families find sustenance and shelter 
under its vigorous branches. 

Many an old man in New England and the Canadas 
I an well remember the first yellow, oval-shaped, Cou- 
(iird stage-coach which came rattling into his native 
village, creating more excitement than the train of 
railroad cars does now, rushing into the depot with 
its ponderous engine. A description of the running 
jiart of the Concord stage-coach would he supertluous, 
because the saying has become proverbial that " the 
Concord running parts do their own talking." The 
superiority in the running parts was a peculiarity in 
tlie Concord staije-eoach that called for the exercise 
of the utnicis^i iiitclliiiriHe, combined with no small 
degree of inai iir;il ami scieutilic knowledge. The 
same ailmiralilr .lualitiiations were displayed by Mr. 
.\hbot in the construction of those old-fashioned om- 
nibuses then in vogue. 

For several years the business continued to enlarge 
and prosper, until, in 1847, Mr. Downing retired from 
the firm, leaving Mr. Abbot to carry on the business 
in his own name, and in lSo2 he took his son, E. A., 
into partnei-ship, under the firm-name of J. S. & E. 
\. Abbot, who brought out the justly-celebrated 
American ambulances, which rendered such priceless 
service in our Civil War and also in the conflict be- 
tween France and Prussia. So greatly were they 
appreciated by the French nation that the provisional 
government decorated with the Cross of the Legion 
of Honor three enterprising Americans who intro- 
duced these humane accompaniments of war into 
France. 

It is thus that at all times, especially when great 
emergencies arise, the genius of New England in the 
mechanic arts finds so vast a field of usefulness at 
home and abroad. 

In I860 the firm-name was changed to that of 
Abbot, Downing & Co., by the introduction of Lewis 
Downing, Jr., the sou of Jlr. Abbot's old partner. 
The new firm turned their attention to the manufac- 
ture of the celebrated Concord wagons, which manu- 
facture soon became remarkably successful. There 
are very few on this continent who do not know what 
is meant by the expression "a Concord express- 
wagon." Besides the various specialties of their 
own invention here manufactured, they built lor the 
New York Transfer Company fifty of Dodd's "Patent 
Crystals " for use in New York City. 

riie whole establishment is so admirably arranged 
iliat the extensive business at Concord contributes 
simultaneously to the prosperity of the firm and the 
i;eneral comfort and happiness of the employes and 
their families. Indeed, Mr. Abbot was remarkably 
successful, not only in commanding their respect, but 
in gaining their affectionate good-will. Possessing a 
fine figure, a noble j)resence and a countenance at 
once beautiful and beaming with goodness and benev- 
olence, they regarded him as a friend a benefactor, 



rather than as an employer, in the ordinary accepta- 
tion of the word. 

If proof of this were called for, wc have it in the 
fact that no such thing as a strike was ever liearcf of 
in the factory at Concord, and whenever dilliculties 
occurred among tlie workmen his word and look were 
suflieient to remove them, while his friendly counsel 
rarely, if ever, failed to effect the object for which it 
was given. He was, es.sentially, " a master-workman," 
being thoroughly conversant with every branch of 
the manufacture and every detail of the business. 

Often have the hands been astonished to note with 
what judgment and skill he could walk into the forest, 
and at a glance, as if indued with intuitive perception, 
select and blaze the trees which were best adapted for 
his purpose. 

In all the relations of life the deceased was con- 
fided in and beloved, while a word of praise from his 
lips exercised the same magic power in his Imnn' 
circle as in the work-shop. 

He attended the Episcopalian Church and adorned 
its doctrines in all things, and was more a Christian, 
and less a sectarian, than many who make a louder 
profession of religion. In politics he was "an Old- 
Line Whig," one of the Daniel Webster school. He 
enjoyed the intimate friendship of some of the best 
and foremost statesmen in his adopted State; was a 
warm, personal friend of the late ex-President 
Franklin Pierce, and a member of the old Salem 
Cadets, at whose reunion, in 1870, he was present 
contributing to the general enjoyment on that happy 
occasion. With the ample means at his disposal, he 
was never backward in promoting, as fitting occasion 
presented, the welfare of his relatives and friends. 
He had never known sickness until the illness over- 
took him which, in three short weeks, terminated his 
earthly career, March 16, 1871, in the sixty-eighth 
year of his useful and honorable life. 

It is pleasing to know that he bore his sufl'erings 
with Christian patience and with manly fortitude. 

When the spirit left its tenement of clay to return 
to the God who gave it, the clock had just struck the 
hour of six, and as the signal of work was sounded 
for others he received the summons to rest forever 
from his labors. But no sooner had the tidings of his 
departure reached the factory than the implements of 
labor fell from every hand, every arm was relaxed, 
every heart was saddened and every eye was dimmed, 
H hile the widowed wife and mother, with her sorrow- 
ing children, relatives and friends, felt that a cloud 
had overshadowed their happiness. The cloud, how- 
ever, was not without its silver lining, for was there 
not something of the chastened "joy of grief" in 
the thought that the loss thus mourned by the living 
was the great and eternal gain of the dead ? How 
truly doth the good Book say : " The memory of the 
just is blessed! " 

December 15, 1829, Jlr. Abbot married tTrace, 
daughter of Sherburne and Margaret (Sargent) 



111.^ 



)I!V OF MKIiKIMACK COTTNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Wiggiii, who was born October 6, 1806, and still sur- j 
vives. Their family consisted of five children, viz. : 
Edward Augustus, Margaret .Vnn, .Io,se|>h Henry, ■ 
Francis Lewis and Mary. ! 



•lUll.X KIMHAl.L.' 

An honorable ancestry is a source of gratification, 
if not of merit, and from it noble traits of character 
are undoubtedly often inherited. It is therefore to 
be noted in considering biography. 

1. Richard and Ursula Kimball, with seven chil- 
dren, came from Ipswich, England, April 10, 1634 
(0. S.), and settled in Watertown, but in 1637 moved 
to Ipswich, Mass. He died June 22, 1675, having 
had eleven children. From this Puritan family have 
sprung most of the Kimballs of New England. 

2. Their son, Richard, was born in England in 
1623 ; settled in Wenliam, Mass., as early as 1656 ; 
married Mary Gott, had eight children, and died May 
26, 1676. 

3. His son, Caleb, was born in Wen ham April 9, 
1665. He was of E-teter, N. H., having moved there 

from Wenham. He married Sarah , had eight 

children, and died in Wenham January 20, 1731-32. 

4. His son, John, was born in Wenliam December 
20, 1699; settled in E.\eter, and married Abigail 
Lyford, February 14, 1722-23, who was the mother of 
si.x children, and died in Exeter February 12, 
1737-38. He married Sarah Wilson, of Exeter, Sep- 
tember 18, 1740, who had nine children. 

5. His son by his first marriage, Joseph, was born 
in Exeter January 29, 1730-31. After an early mar- 
riage, the wife and two children of which died, he 
married Sarah Smith, who gave birth to nine children, 
and died March 1, 1808, and he died November 6, 
1814. He had moved to Canterbury as early as 1788, 
and settled on a farm just north of the Shakers. He 
had the misfortune to lose his eyesight before he left 
Exeter ; consequently he never looked on the town of 
Canterbury, where he resided twenty-six years, and 
six of his children were born after he became blind. 

6. His son, John, was born in Exeter November 20, 
1767; married Sarah, daughter of Benjamin Moulton, 
of Kensington, November 21, 1793 ; moved to Canter- 
bury February 14, 1794, and settled on their home- 
stead, north of Shaker village, where they resided 
nearly sixty years, having nine children, the wife 
dying April 30, 1853, and he February 26, 1861, at 
the age of ninety-three years, three months and six 
days. To farming he added the business of a wheel- 
wright and manufacturer of agricultuiMl iiiiplcnu'iits, 
and occasionally that of a builder. 

7. His son, Benjamin, was born in Ciuitcrlmry De- 
cember 27, 1794; married Ruth, daughter of David 
Ames, February 1, 1820. After continuing two years 
with his father on the farm, and two vears on a farm 



IBy WiUiam E. Clinmlloi 



in Northfield, he settled in Boscawen in the spring of 
1824, on the farm known as the Frost place, on High 
Street; but in November, 1830, having pureha.sed of 
Hon. Jeremiah Mason, of Portsmouth, attorney for 
the United States Bank, its land and water-power at 
the south part of the town (now Penacook), he moved 
there, and resided in the house he had bought, situ- 
ated next eiist of the hotel, where he died July 21, 
1834. Although dying at the age of forty, he had 
become an active and influential business man. In 
1831 he erected the dam across the Contoocook River, 
and the brick grist-mill standing near the stone fac- 
tory. He also engaged in manufacturing lumber. 
He took ati active part in all that was essential to 
the general and religious welfare of the town, and 
was elected to the Legislature in the March preceding 
his death. 

Ruth Ames was the ninth of the ten children of 
David Ames and Phebe, daughter of Thomas Hoyt, who 
died in 1777, in the War of the Revolution. David, 
born May 27, 1749, was one of four children of 
Samuel Ames, one of the first settlers of Canterbury, 
who was born February 13, 1723-24, and died January 
16, 1803. Ruth Ames was born in Canterbury July 
29, 1797, and died in Concord October 22, 1874. She 
was a fine type of the strong but liberal New England 
woman. 

John Kimball, son of Benjamin Kimball and Ruth 
Ames, was born in Canterbury April 13, 1821. \Vhen 
he was thirteen years of age his father died, leaving, 
also, a daughter (Elizabeth) nine years old, and an- 
other son (Benjamin A.) less than a year old. The 
widowed mother had already buried two children in 
infancy, and six years later lost the daughter; but 
she lived forty years longer, and enjoyed the highest 
felicity of a mother, seeing her two stalwart sons grow 
prosperously to man's estate, achieving riches and 
honors, unblemished in life and character. The 
early home duties and experiences of the elder son 
naturally aroused in him tender devotion to a mother 
and brother so dejjendent upon him, animated him to 
earnest and persistent effort, developed in him strong 
self-reliiuice, and laid broad and deep the fbundatinns 
of those qualities of heart and mind which now dis- 
tinguish him. 

He attended the town schools of Boscawen, and 
during the year 1837 the Concord Academy. In 1838 
he was apprenticed as a machinist to William Moody 
Kimball, his father's cousin, then engaged in con- 
structing mills and machinery at Boscawen, and in 
four years he mastered his trade. His first work after 
coming of iige was, in 1S42, to rebuild the grist-mills 
in the valley near the north end of Boscawen Plain, 
which are still in use, and he worked at his trade in 
Suncook, Manchester, Lowell and Lawrence. 

In 1848 he took charge of the new machine and 
car-shops of the Concord Railroad, then building at 
Concord, and in 1850 became master mechanic ol' that 
corporation, continuing in the position until 1858. 





^i 



'aAi>Mpfn^^/tJ. 



CONCORD. 



145 



Twenty years of unreinitting work in mechanical 
construction had hrought him to tlic summit of his 
vocation, possessing thorough, practical skill, having 
ac(|uired an unusual share of common sense in human 
affairs, and with habits of industry, temperance and 
self- reliance, sure to give him a fair measure of suc- 
cess in any new calling which he might choose. 
Henceforth his life's work was to be in different 
liclds. His neighbors and friends had discovered his 
inirgrity anil caiiuc-ity, and they commenced to utilize 
lliciii in [Uililic employment. 

In 185(j, Jlr. Kimball had been elected a member of 
the Common Council of the city of Concord, and re- 
elected in 1857, and chosen president of the Council. 
In Is.'iK he wa.s elected to the State Legislature, was 
rr-clcotcd in 1859, and served as chairman of the 
committee on the State Prison. In 1859 he relin- 
([uished other employment to serve as city marshal of 
Concord and collector of taxes, from which olKce he 
was, in 1862, appointed by President Lincoln to the 
post of collector of internal revenue for the Second 
District of New Hampshire, consisting of the counties 
of Merrimack and Hillsborough, and served until he 
resigned, in 1869. His collections, wdiich included 
the ta.x on manufactures from the mills of Man- 
chester, were very heavy for a country district, and 
amounted in the seven years to nearly seven millions 
of dollars. No revenue district in the country estab- 
lished a better reputation. His methods of collection, 
wiiilv lliorough, were quiet, and gave no offense, and 
his administration was in all respects faultless. In 
the office of the commissioner of internal revenue, at 
Washington, his record has always been referred to 
as one of the very highest. 

In 1870, Mr. Kimball was elected treasurer of the 
Merrimack County Savings-Bank, then first organized. 
He has held the office ever since, and now conducts 
its business, for which he has been largely respon- 
sible, the bank being a profitable and successful in- 
stitution. 

Mr. Kimball was elected mayor of the city of Con- 
cord in 1872, and re-elected in 1873, 1874 and 1875. 
The duties of this honorable, responsible, but per- 
plexing office he discharged with zeal and firmness, 
and to the satisfaction of the citizens. It fell to his 
lot to construct an unusual number of public works, 
which will long endure to testify to his capacity and 
fidelity. A freshet having carried away or rendered 
impassable five of the seven wooden bridges spanning 
the Merrimack and Coutoocook Rivers, the work of 
rebuilding devolved on him as the superintendent of 
roads and bridges. The new structures are of the 
most substantial character, — two, the Federal Bridge 
and that at Penacook, being of iron, of modern de- 
sign. The central fire station, built by him, is also 
an edifice attractive as well as commodious and con- 
venient. Complaints of the cost of Mr. Kimball's 
con.structions as mayor have long since ceased, in 
view of the universally admitted integrity of all ex- 
10 



penditurcs upon thera, and their solidity and per- 
manency, as well as of the credit which they have 
brought to our beautiful city. During his adminis- 
tration the Long Pond water-works were constructed, 
bringing to the centre of Concord a copious supply of 
the purest water, at a cost of four hundred and 
twenty-five thousand dollars, economically and skill- 
fully expended. He became cx-officio one of the water 
commissioners, and in 1878 president of the board, in 
which position he has ever since been kept. Blossom 
Hill Cemetery was doubled in size, the streets of the 
city were improved in accordance with modern re- 
quirements, the system of sewerage was enlarged, new 
and attractive school-houses were constructed, and, 
without any discredit to other mayors, it may be 
claimed that it happened to him to render more im- 
portant and lasting service than any other official 
from the adoption of the city charter, in 1853, to the 
present time. For his success he must have been 
largely indebted to the skill acquired during his long 
and laborious experience in the practical business of 
his youth and early manhood. 

In 1877, unexpectedly, and without solicitation or 
suggestion from any one. Governor Benjamin F. 
Prescott and his Council appointed Mr. Kimball as 
chairman of the board of commissioners to build 
the new State Prison at Concord, with Messrs. Albert 
M. Shaw and Alpha J. Pillsbury as his associates. 
In 1880 the edifice was completed within the limits 
of the moderate appropriation of two hundred and 
thirty-five thousand dollars, a model in its design and 
construction, remarkable for the honesty and cheap- 
ness which had characterized the establishment of a 
penitentiary superior, all things considered, to any 
prison of other States. No more than just praise was 
uttered concerning the chairman of the commission, 
on the ceremony at the opening of the prison, by the 
speaker of the occasion, one of Concord's most de- 
voted and public-spirited sons, Colonel John H. 
George, who said, — 

"It is a matter of further and wami congratulation that its erection 
lias been intnisted to a competent commiK<ian ; that good judgment 



cessful pcrforiiiaiirf ut" the thiti's ■»! Iiis ullit 
mechauical skill, and large expriencc in the 

Repeated nominations and elections of any citi- 
zen by his friends and neighbors to local offices, not 
in any way improperly procured, but conferred solely 
from popular esteem and desire, must be taken to 
indicate ability and true excellence. Mr. Kimball 
not only held the elective offices already mentioned, 
but was, by the most intelligent local constituency in 
the State, that of Ward 5, Concord, for eleven suc- 
cessive years, from 1861, elected moderator of their 
meetings, and wa.s elected a member of the Consti- 
tutional Convention of 1876, in which he was chair- 



140 



HISTOKV OF -MKKUIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



man of the committee on finance. He was, in | 
November, 1880, chosen State Senator by the larger 
constituency comprised within the princi])al wards in 
Concord ; and at the meeting of the Legishiture, in ^ 
June, 1881, he wjis, by general consent of his party 
associates, selected for president of the Senate, in 
rank the second officer in the State. The duties of 
this high position he jterformed creditably, with coiir- 
tesy and dignity, and to the satisfaction of his 
feliow-members, as indicated by their unanimous 
resolution and their speeches of approval of the 18th 
of .\ugust, which were accompanied by an appropri- 
ate testimonial of their good-will. 

Additional trusts reposed in him have been the 
presidency of the Concord Gas-Light Company ; his 
appointment, by Mr. Chief Justice Doe, as one of 
the trustees of the Manchester and Keene ^ilroad ; 
the treasurerships of the New Hampshire Bible So- 
ciety and the Orphans' Home ; the settlement and 
management of many estates of persons deceased, and 
of beneficiaries of all kinds, the amounts now in his 
care reaching several hundred thousand dollars. The 
trusted citizen, banker and friend, to whom is so 
freely committed the property of widows and orphans, 
can possess no higher evidence of integrity' and worth. 

In person, Mr. Kimball is tall, erect and of com- 
manding presence, well preserved at the age of six- 
ty-four, in perfect health, and with good prospects for 
longevity. His modes of life are regular, and he is 
a total abstainer, through conviction and habit. 
While firm and decided in his views, he is genial 
and courteous in personal intercourse. His mind has 
been well cultivated. He is a careful reader, with an 
inclination for genealogical and historical research, 
and he writes and speaks with precision and effect. 
He is faithful in every relation of life, public and 
domestic, and is valued and beloved by his neighbors 
and friends. 

In 1843 he joined the Congregational Church in 
Boscawen, has continued his connection with that de- 
nomination and is now^ a member of the South 
Congregational Church in Concord. He is free from 
bigotry, pretense and intolerance, is a just and good 
man, serving his God faithfully according to the light 
he possesses, performing his every duty and bearing 
his every burden without complaint. 

In politics, Mr. Kimball has had no violent changes 
to make. .\c(iufring Whig principles from his 
father and grandfather, the latter being a great ad- 
mirer of Governor John Taylor Gilman, he became 
a Republican in 1856, and has always been an active, 
trusted and honored member of his party, serving 
since 1863, twenty years, as treasurer of the Repub- 
lican State Committee. 

May 27, 1846, at the age of twenty-five, Mr. Kim- 
ball married Maria H. Phillips, of Rupert, Vt. Their 
only child, Clara Maria, born March 20, 1848, mar- 
ried, June 4, 1873, Mr. Augustine R. Ayers, a suc- 
cessful merchant in Concord. Six children — Ruth 



Ames, John Kimball, Helen McGregor, Joseph Sher- 
burne, Josiah Philips and Augustine Haines — have 
been born to them. All are now living except 
Joseph Sherburne and Josiah Phillips. 

Mr. Kimball has lived during an eventful period 
in the history of his country and the world, and has 
seen wonderful changes in human affairs. Commenc- 
ing life during the first quarter of the century, he has 
already almost reached the middle of the hist quarter 
and may hope to survive to its end. He began in 
the poor and primitive days of the republic; he now 
sees it abounding in wealth and the means of luxuri- 
ous living. Marvelous progress has been made 
under his eyes in all forms of human knowledge 
and in all departments of human endeavor. When, 
in 1834, he and his widowed mother took counsel 
together how to meet the necessities of life for them- 
selves and the dependent sister and brother, they 
saw no telegraphs, railroads, steamships nor power 
printing-presses. Before that mother died, in 1874, 
these four wonderful inventions alone had revo- 
lutionized all civilized life. Progress in human- 
ity has been no less striking. As late, even, as 1852 
the public conscience was proved to be dead concern- 
ing American chattel slavery, which was a most foul 
Stain. on, the nation's honor, whose extinction almost 
no man dared predict or hope for ; but another decade 
saw slavery annihilated, and freedom universal in 
America. Fortunately, Mr. Kimball has had nothing 
to unlearn or retract of opinions on .slavery. He has 
witnessed and participated in the whole anti-slavery 
struggle, and now, in the fulness of his manhood, 
rejoices that he can enjoy the worldly prosperity 
with which he has been blessed, as the citizen of a 
nation exalted by righteousness and sustained and 
guided by the highest national honor. 



BEX.IAMIX A. KIMBALL 

The subject of this sketch received his preparatory 
education at the High School in Concord, and sub- 
sequently at a school in Derry under the special in- 
structions of Prof. Hildreth (who at that time was 
regarded as one of the ablest teachers in the State). 
He entered the Chandler Scientific Department of 
Dartmouth College at the opening of that department 
of the college, in 1851, to fit himself for his chosen 
profession of mechanical engineer. He accjuitted 
himself with credit in all the branches prescribed in 
the course of study, and was especially excellent in 
mathematics and draughting. His class was small, 
but it was composed of men who entered college with 
the purpose of making the most of themselves, and 
they worked with a will. He graduated with honor, 
July 27, 1854, receiving the degree of Bachelor of 
Science. 

An incident, known to but few now living, occurred 
at the time of his graduation which revealed the 
spirit and purpose of his clas--. 



N 



I 














'/ ll^d^^>^^'^'^ 



147 



Considering the smallness of the number that was 
to graduate, the trustees thought the department 
could not well afford to have a steel plate engraved 
for the diploma at that time. From this decision the 
class appealed tlirough its principal instructor, — then, 
as always, a firm friend of tlie doinirtment, — John S. 
Woodman, to the board of visitors, John A. Dixwell 
and Francis B. Hayes. The visitors saw at once that 
the class, having completed the prescribed course, 
could demand all they claimed, and that to withhold 
it might injure the department, and tiiey said to Prof. 
Woodman : " This department shall not be behind 
other departments of the college in honoring its 
graduates." 

The diplomas were conseiiuently ordered and ex- 
ecuted with a pen on parchment by N. D. Gould, of 
Harvard College, and were fine specimens of artistic 
penmanship and faithful testimonials of the justice 
then secured and since maintained for the Chandler 
Department by the board of visitors. 

August 1, 1854, Mr. Kimball entered the employ of 
the Concord Railroad as draughtsman and machinist, 
and was promoted, April 1, 1856, to be foreman of 
the locomotive department. January 1, 1858, he suc- 
coedid his brother as master-mechanic at the age of 
twenty-six yeare. A suggestion was made to the 
directors as to the propriety of appointing him, on 
account of his age and limited practical experience, 
to an office involving responsibilities so important, 
but from their knowledge of him in his previous em- 
ployment by the company they did not hesitate to 
make it, and by his untiring energy and application 
he soon proved his fitness for the position and con- 
tinued successfully to occupy it until April 1, 1865, 
when he resigned. At this time he became a member 
of the firm of Ford & Kimball, manufacturers of car- 
wheels, etc., which business is still successfully car- 
ried (m by them. In 1870 he was elected a member 
of the House of Representatives from Ward (!, Con- 
cord, but declined a re-election in 1871. 

He was a member of a special committee appointed 
by the City Council of Concord, in 1871, to procure 
plans and specifications for an aqueduct to bring a 
supply of water from Long Pond, and, in January 
following, was appointed a member of the Board of 
Water Commissioners to construct the works sub- 
stantially upon the plan and under the ordinance 
submitted by said committee. He continued an ac- 
tive member of the board for six years and was its 
Iiresident for three years. In 1876 he was elected a 
member of the Constitutional Convention to revise 
the Constitution of the State, and proved an eflicient 
and valuable member of that assembly. 

He has been connected with the banking interests ot 
the city for many years. He was trustee and president 
of the Concord Savings-Bank until comiiellcd to 
resign by ill health, and is a trustee of the Merrimack 
County Savings-Rank at this time. He has been a 
director in the Mechanics' Xational P.:ink from its 



organization, and is now its president. January 11, 
1879, he was elected to fill the vacancy in the board 
of directors of the Concord Railroad caused by the 
death of Hon. Onslow Stearns, and has since been 
closely connected with it,s system of roads. In No- 
vember, 1884, he was chosen councilor for the Second 
District and accepted the office June 4, 1885. 

This is the brief, but honorable record of one whose 
life has been devoted to industries and enterprises 
which are the source of general prosperity. He has 
not coveted official stations, but, quietly mastering 
the principles and details of his business, has ad- 
vanced by the force of personal merit to stations of 
large public responsibility, and has always proved 
equal to the demands which have been made u)ion 
him. His mind naturally and easily grasps the 
reasons of things, and hence he is thoroughly practical 
in his work and affairs. He is a good example of 
that honorable and valuable cla-ss of our citizens 
whose natural abilities, cultivated and imjiroved by 
study and practical experience, make them successful 
in business for themselves and influential and useful 
members of society in the communities in which they 
live. 

In an age distinguished for mechanical skill and 
the application of force to the development of material 
resources, men of the quality of Mr. Kimball are 
indispensable and appreciated. Metaphysicians and 
theorists are relegated to seclusion, and practical 
thinkers and doers are advanced to leadership. The 
right of the subject of this sketch to a foremost place 
in this class has been clearly recognized and his place 
assigned at the front in the line of social progress. 
The people have learned that he is not one 

" To cozen fortune, 
And be honorable without the st.inip of merit." 



HON. GEORGE A. I'lLLSBlR Y.' 

The prosperity of the great West, a subject almost 
too vast for comprehension, certainly too extensive 
to be treated of in these pages, is one in which all 
sections of the country must, necessarily, be deeply 
concerned. Particularly is the proposition true as re- 
gards New England, for there are binding ties of 
relationship and identities of interest that render 
separation or indifference upon the part of the latter 
impossible. New England has claimed, justly, it is 
conceded, to have contributed very largely in men and 
money to build up the West to its present flourishing 
condition, but certainly no State h.is done more, pro- 
portionately, towards accomplishing this end than 
New Hampshire. National or sectional prosperity is 
as much due to the energy and enterprise of men as 
to capital, and to-day, there is not a State in the wide 
West that does not show the fruits of the )>luck and 



iny sn.w n. 



118 



HISTORY OF MHIirvIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



perseverance of New Hampshire men. A glorious 
inheritance was the energy, industry and self-reli- 
ance which seem to have been transmitted from the 
settlers of the Granite State to their descendants; 
for it is to these traits of character that the State 
owes tlie credit reflected upon her by the success of 
her sons. Well may the State regard with pride the 
roll of names that have achieved distinction abroad, 
for it is as bright as a constellation, and, iis a New 
Hampshire statesman and scholar recently said, " as 
long as the milky way." Not alone in literature, 
the professions and politics, but in industrial pursuits, 
and, in fact, all the walks in life, have they become 
distinguished. Hardly a village in the common- 
wealth but boasts of some representative abroad who 
has won honor and distinction. High in the list of 
honored names, in this and other States, is that of 
Pillsbury, and in the subjoined it is attempted to 
sketch, briefly, the life of a member of this family, 
who recently left New Hampshire to make hi.s home 
in Miiuiesota. Brief and unsatisfactory, in point of 
detail, as it is rendered by limited space, the writer 
feels assured that the facts will be read with interest 
by the many friends of the gentleman mentioned. 

The branch of the family to which this sketch 
directly relates has been traced back to William 
Pillsbury (sometimes spelled Pillsberry and Pills- 
borough), who was born in the county of Essex, 
in England, in 1615. He came to Dorchester, 
in the colony of Massachusetts Bay, in 1640, where 
he married Dorothy Crosby. In 1651 he settled on a 
farm in Newbury, Mass. (now a part of Newburyport). 
The same property has remained in possession of the 
Pillsbury family from 1651 to the present time. In 
England the coat-of-arms of the Pillsbury family 
is described in heraldic terms thus : "Per Jesse sable 
and azure on an eagle displayed argent : three griffins' 
heads erased of the second." Crest, an esquire's hel- 
met; motto: "Labor Omnia Vineit." William Pills- 
bury died at Newbury, June 19, 1686, leaving ten 
children, — seven soils and three daughters. Moses 
Pillsbury, second son of William and Dorothy (Crosby) 
Pillsbury, was born in Dorchester, Mass., and in 1668 
married Mrs. Susanna Whipple, of Newbury. To 
them was born six children. Caleb, second .son of 
Moses and Susanna, was born in Newbury in 1681, 
and married Sarah (Moras), in 1703. Caleb, son of 
Caleb and Sarah (Morss) Pillsbury, was born in New- 
bury, January 26, 1717; he married Sarah Kimball, 
of Amesbury, Mass., July, 1742 ; to them were born 
seven children. Caleb Pillsbury, Jr., was, for several 
years, and at the time of his death, a member of the 
Massachusetts General Court. Micajah, fourth son 
of Caleb, Jr., and Sarah Kimball, was born in Ames- 
bury, Mass., May 22, 1761, and in 1781 married 
Sarah Sargent, of Amesbury. Sarah Sargent was 
born in 1763. To them were born eight children, — 
four sons and four daughters. MicHi;ili Pillsbury and 
family moved from Amesbury, Mass., tu Sul Ion, N . 1! ., I 



in February, 1795, where he remained until his death, 
in 1802, occupying various offices of town trust. His 
wife survived him several years. Stephen, the oldest 
son, Wiis a Baptist clergyman ; the other brolluis, in- 
cluding John, the father of thesubjcct of this sketch, 
were all magistrates of the town of Sutton, N. H. 

John Pillsbury, who died in Sutton in 1856, aged 
sixty-seven years, was a {prominent man in that town, 
having held the office of representative and select- 
man, and filled other positions, always acceptably. 
He held a captain's commission in the militia, ami 
was known as Captain Pillsbury. On the 2d of Apri 1, 
1811, he married Susan, youngest daughter of Ben- 
jamin Wadleigh, of Sutton, who settled in that town 
in 1771. She was born March 23, 1793, and died in 
1877, at the age of eighty-four years. She was a de- 
scendant of Captain Thomas Wadleigh, of Exeter, a 
son of Robert Wadleigh, of the same place, who was a 
member of the Provincial Legislature of Massachu- 
setts. 

The maternal grandmother of the Pillsburys was 
a daughter of Ebenezer Kezar, whose father hid the 
girl he afterwards married under a pile of boards at the 
time of Mrs. Duston's capture in Haverhill, Mass., in 
1697. Ebenezar Kezar, the great-grandfather, lived 
in Eowley, Mass., in 1752, where he was a black- 
smith, .shoemaker, tavern-keeper, wig-maker and 
dealer in earthenware and other merchandise. The 
old wig-box and implements, which have been in 
disuse for more than a century, are now in the town. 
Ebenezer is said to have been a relative of " Cobler 
Keyser," referred to in one of Whittier's poems as 
possessing the " magic stone." He was of German 
origin, probably. InHarriman's "History of Warner," 
Mr. Kezar is spoken of as being moderator of a 
meeting held in that town, in 1778, for the choice of 
representatives from the classed towns of Fishers- 
field, Perrystown, New Britain and Warner. He 
called the first meeting of Sutton, after its incorpora- 
tion, in 1784, and presided over it. He went to Sut- 
ton in 1772, and worked as blacksmith, shoemaker, 
farmer and trapper. The first bridge in Sutton f)f 
which there is any record was built by him. His 
descendants, who are numerous there and elsewhere, 
own most of the pond in the town mentioned, which 
bears his name, and nearly a thousand acres of land 
in its vicinity, extending to and embracing the upper 
falls and mills above Mill village. 

Both John and Sarah Pillsbury were professors of 
religion, and lived exemplary lives. They had four 
sons and one daughter, — viz. : Simon Wadleigh Pills- 
bury, born at Sutton, June 22, 1812 ; George Alfred, 
born at Sutton, August 29, 1816 ; Dolly W., born at 
Sutton, September 6, 1818 ; John Sargent, born at 
Sutton, July 29, 1827; Benjamin Franklin, born at 
Sutton, March 29, 1831. 

All the brothers had a good common-school educa- 
tion. Simon W., the oldest, was a remarkable young 
man, both phy.siciilly and mentally. He was a supe- 






rior scholar, being considered one of tlie best matlie- 
niatitians in tlie State at the time of liis deatli, whicli 
occurred in January, 183(5, and wliicii was superin- 
(Uiced by dose application to study. When attacked 
by the sickness that caused his death, lie was pre- 
[lared to enter college two years in advance. He 
i;nve the first public lecture on temperance in an old 
Mhool-house in Sutton, it being considered, fifty 
yiiirs ago, sacrilegious to use the ineeting-house for 
such a purpose. His success was most marked, for 
nearly every sober man was ready to sign the pledge. 

At the age of sixteen, John Sargent Pillsbury went 
to Warner as a clerk for his brother, George Alfred, 
who was then engaged iu business in that place. He 
remained there till about the year 1848, when he en- 
tired into a business partnership with Hon. Walter 
llarriman in the same town. He was subsequently 
ill trade at East Andover and Concord. In the year 
1 854 he visited the West, spending nearly a year in 
Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. He 
finally established his home at the Falls of St. An- 
thony, and at once went into the hardware trade, and 
by his energy and honorable dealing he succeeded 
in building-up the largest hardware trade in the 
State. He took an active interest in the prosperity 
of the then Territory of Minnesota and the city 
of his adoption. From 1863 to 1875 he served as 
Senator from his district, notwithstanding the fact 
that the politics of a majority of the district did not 
accord with his. In 1875 he was elected Governor 
of the State, was re-elected in 1877 and again in 1879. 

The elections in Minnesota occur biennially, and 
this is the only instance in which a person has been 
elected to the office of Governor for a third term. 

Dolly W. Pillsbury married Enoch P. Cummings, 
and their son, Charles P. Cummings, was recently 
sergeant-at-arms of the New Hampshire House of 
Representatives. 

Benjamin F. Pillsbury remained in his native town 
till 1878, when he removed to Granite Falls, Minn., 
where he is conducting an extensive business in build- 
ing and dealing in real estate and lumber. 

During his residence in Sutton he filled many 
offices of trust and responsibility. He was select- 
man and town treasurer quite frequently, and in 1877- 
78 he was a Representative to the General Court. 
He has always been an active business man, and is 
a highly- respected citizen in his adopted home. 

The subject of this sketch, George Alfred Pills- 
bury, a son of John and Susan (Wadleigh) Pillsbury, 
was born in Sutton, Merrimack County, N. H., on 
the 29th of August, 1816. He received a thorough 
common-school education in his native town, and be- 
ing of an active temperament, manifested a desire to 
enter business at an early age. Accordingly, at the 
age of eighteen years, he went to Boston and ob- 
tained employment as a clerk with Job Davis, who 
was doing business at that time as a grocer and fruit- 
dealer under the Bovlston Market. He remained 



149 



in Boston but little more than a year, when he re- 
turned to Sutton, and engaged in the manufacture of 
stoves and sheet-ironware in company with his cousin, 
John C. Pillsbury. He continued there lor a few 
years, doing an extensive business. 

On the 1st of February, 1840, Mr. Pillsbury went 
to Warner as a clerk in the store of John H. Pear- 
son, in which capacity he served till July of the same 
year, when he purchased the business ; and from that 
time, through nearly eight years, he was actively en- 
gaged, eitheronhisownaccountor in partnership with 
others. His partners during this time were Henry 
Woodman and H. D. Robertson. 

In the spring of 1848 he went into a wholesale 
dry-goods house in Boston, and in 1849, having leased 
the store of Ira Harvey, iu Warner, and bought his 
stock of goods, he returned to that town and engaged 
in business, where he remained till the spring of 
1851, when he sold back his interest to Mr. Harvey, 
and went out of mercantile business entirely. 

In 1844 he was appointed jiostmaster at Warner, 
and held the office till 1849, there being at that time 
but one office in the town. In 1847 he served the 
town as selectman, in 1849 as selectman and town 
treasurer, and in the years 1850 and 1851 he was 
elected Representative to the General Court. 

During the session of 1851 Merrimack County de- 
cided to build a new jail at Concord, the old one at 
Hopkinton having become dilapidated and unfit for 
use. The convention appointed Mr. Pillsbury chair- 
man of a committee with full authority to purchase 
lands, perfect plans and erect the building. The 
site selected by the committee was that occupied by 
the jail in present use. This lot contained ten acres. 
The general superintendence is given to Mr. Pills- 
bury by the other members of the commitee, and he 
devoted his whole time to the work, which was not 
completed till the spring of 1852. At the time of 
its erection it was considered one of the best build- 
ings of the kind in the State, and the thoroughness 
of its construction is shown by the fact that now, 
after twenty-eight years of service, it will compare 
very favorably with other like institutions. 

In November, 1851, Mr. Pillsbury received from 
the Concord Railroad corporation an appointment as 
purchasing agent for the road, and entered upon the 
duties of the position in December of the same year, 
having, meantime, moved his family to Concord. 
He occupied this position continuously until July, 
1875, a period of nearly twenty-four yeai-s. During 
his administration of the office, which wiis always 
most satisfactory, his purchases amounted to more 
than three millionsof dollars, and hesettled more cases 
of claims against the road for personal injury, result- 
ing from accident and fire, than all other officers 
combined. In all his long term of office his relations 
with the oflicers of the road were of the most agree- 
able character ; no fault was ever foutid or com- 
plaint made of his transactions by the management. 



150 



HISTORY OF MKRRIMACK COUNTY, NEW IIAMI'SIIIRE. 



During a residenccof nearly twenty-seven years in 
Concord Mr. Pillsbury was called upon to fill many 
important positions of honor and trust, and he did 
much toward building up and beautifying the city. 
He was one of the committee appointed by Union 
School District to build the High School buildingand 
several other school buildings that now stand monu- 
ments of credit to the enterprise of our people. He 
was interested in the erection of several of the hand- 
some business blocks upon Main Street, and several 
fine residences in the city were built by him. 

In 1864, Mr. Pillsbury, with others, organized and 
put iuto operation the First National Bank of Con- 
cord. He W!is elected a member of the first board 
of directors, and in 186() became its president, and 
continued in that oflice until his departure from the 
State. He was also instrumental, more than any 
other person, in securing the charter and getting 
into operation the National Savings-Bank, in 
1867. He wa.s the first president of this institution and 
held the position till 1874, when he resigned. Dur- 
ing his connection with the First National Bank that 
institution became, in proportion to its capital stock, 
the strongest of any bank in the State, and its stand- 
ing is equally good to-day. Up to December, 1873, 
when the treasurer was ilisd.s.nMl t.i I ir a defaulter 
to a large amount, the \;itioMil Suvinii^-liank was 
one of the most prosperous iiistilutimis of its kind 
in the State; but the defalcation, coupled with a 
general crash in business, necessitated its closing up. 
During the first year of its existence it received on 
deposit nearly seven hundred thousand dollars, and 
at the time of the defalcation of its treasurer it had 
nearly one million six hundred thousand dollars 
on deposit; its total deposits during the first five 
years of its existence, up to the time mentioned, 
amounted to more than three millions of dollars. 
The bank eventually paid a large percentage of its 
indebtedness. 

While a resident of Concord, Mr. Pillsbury was 
identified with most of the benevolent and charitable 
institutions of the day, and he was always ready to 
assist, by his advice and contributions, all organiza- 
tions that had for their object the relief of the unfor- 
tunate and suffering. He was ever a liberal supporter 
of all moral and religious enterprises. 

To his generosity is the city of Concord indebted 
for the fine bell which hangs in the tower of the 
Board of Trade building, and for this donation he 
was the recipient of a vote of thanks from the City 
Council. 

The large, handsome organ in the First Baptist 
Church was a gift from Mr. Pillsbury and his son, 
Charles A., both gentlemen being at the time mem- 
bers of that church. 

He was actively engaged in instituting the Cen- 
tennial Home for the Aged, in Concord, made large 
contributions to aid in putting it into operation and 
was a n\ember of the board of its trustees. He also 



contributed largely to the Orphans' Home, in Frank- 
lin, and was one of its trustees from the time of its 
establishment till he left the State. Mr. Pillsbury 
was, for several years, a member of the City Council 
of Concord; was elected mayor in 1876, and re- 
elected the following year. During the years 1871- 
72 he represented Ward Five in the Legislature, and in 
the latter year was made chairman of the speci:il 
committee on the apportionment of public faxe.s. 

In 1876 the Concord City Council appointed hijii 
chairman of a committee of three, to appraise all ol 
the real estate in the city for the purposes of taxation, 
and in the discharge of the duties thus devolving 
upon him he personally visited every residence with- 
in the limits of the city. The position is a very 
responsible one, requiring 'the exercise of sound 
judgment and great patience, and the report of the 
committee gave very general satisfivction. 

In the spring of 1878 he determined to leave Con- 
cord and take up his residence in Minneapolis, 
Minn., where, with his two sons and brother, he was 
extensively engaged in the manufacture of flour. 
Probably no person ever left the city who received 
.so many expressions of regret as Mr. Pillsbury. 
Complimentary resolutions were unanimously pa.ssed 
by both branches of the city government and by the 
First National Bank, the latter testifying strongly to 
his integrity, honesty and superior business qualities. 
Resolutions passed by the First Baptist Church and 
Society were ordered to be entered upon the record.i 
of each organization. The W^ebster Club, composed 
of fifty prominent business men of Concord, passed a 
series of resolutions regretting his departure from 
the State. A similar testimonial was also presented 
to Mr. Pillsbury, which was subscribed to by more 
than three hundred of the leading professional and 
business men of the city, among whom were all the ex- 
mayors then living, all the clergymen, all the members 
of both branches of the city government, all of the 
bank presidents and officers, twenty-six lawyers, 
twenty physicians and nearly all the business men in 
the city. On the eve of their departure Mr. and 
Mrs. Pillsbury were presented with an elegant bronze 
statuette of Mozart. Such tributes, however worthily 
bestowed, could but afford great gratification to the 
recipient, showing as they did the great esteem in 
which he was held by his fellow-citizens. 

Mr. Pillsbury is now very pleasantly located in the 
beautiful city of Minneapolis, having built one of 
the most elegant residences in the city, and during 
the short time that he has been there he has fre- 
quently been called upcjri to fill places of honor and 
trust. 

Mr. Pillsbury is a nicnihcr of the firm of Charles 
A. Pillsbury & Co., of Minneapolis, Minn., the largest 
flour manufacturing firm in the world. This firm 
have in operation three mills, with a capacity 
of nine thousand barrels of fiour per day. One of 
these mills has a daily cai>acity of six tbcjusand 






f 





S^./h/T^' 



CONCORD. 



151 



barrels, and manufactures more flour each clay than 
any other two mills on the globe. The three mills 
grind each day forty-four thousand bushels of wheat, 
which is equal to the production of about three 
thousand acres of land. The annual consumption 
(if these mills is eleven million bushels of wheat, 
which is equal to the production of one million 
acres of land. It requires about two hundred cars 
each day to take wheat into, and flour and oflal out of 
these mills. The firm has a world-wide reputation 
as honorable and fair-dealing men, and their brands 
of flour are well known in all the markets of the 
world. 

The following extract, taken Ironi the January, 
ISSo, number of The Northicest, a popular monthly 
magazine published at St. Paul, Minn., will perhaps 
best show the estimation in which the subject of this 
article and the Pillsbury family are held in Min- 
neapolis and in the State of Minnesota : 

"The Mayor of the City. — Slore than a year ago, the writer said in 
the columos of The Northwest, that if any man in Minneapolis wasasliecl 
to whom the city chieliy owed its prosparity, there wonld be no hepita- 
tion in his answer— 'the I'lllsburys.' Since then the people of Minne- 
apolis have had no cauae to change their opinions, while last spring they 
gave a somewhat emphatic utterance to them by electing one of the 
members of this remarkable family— the Hon. George Alfred Pillsbury— 
to the mayoralty of the city by an overwhelming vote. A liking for hard 
work and a belief in its virtues seem to have been early rooted in the 
Pillsbury family, for, in England, more than two centuries and a hall 
!Lgo, they bore for their motto the words * Labor Omnia VincU,' But in 
all the generatiniis lit rillsl.iir.vs fiinf tlu-u wli,. have lived and 
worked from Kn-h-h I -. x i- \l i-i, Ih,-, u^ N,,^ 1 1 unpstiire and Min- 
nesota, it uia.\ I- ■ I ' i' • > .1 r ,- li.-tter deserved 

to bear the iiinii. ; ' : M i, |. n- It was Lord 

Brougham « lii. \\ ,i ^l\ i ■ .! i^ i i n. ni i iIhk I -.If, if possible, to 

the work of live ordinary men;' lint his tuil-lovinj^ lordship himself 
might have been envious of the amount of downright hard work which 
Mr. Pillsbury has got through in his life. Setting his early life aside 
for the present, the mayor has only been in Minneapolis six years as yet. 
Puring that time he has been president of the Minneapolis Board of 
Trade, of the City Council, of the Homoeopathic Hospital and the Minne- 
ai>olis Free Dispensary ; and is still president of the Chamber of Com- 
merce, of the Pillsbury & Hulhert Elevator Company, of the Board of 
Water- Works, of the St. Paul and Minneapolis Baptist Union and the Min- 
nesota Baptist State Convention ; vice-president of the Minnesota Loan 
and Trust Company ; member of the Board of Park Commissioners ; di- 
rector of the Northwestern National Bank, the Manufacturers' National 
Bank, the Minneapolis ElevatorConipany and a trustee of institutions 
innumerable. AW Ilii.-J besides mayor of the city ! 'Here's a small triRe 
of work ! Eleven trusteeships and nine presidencies is a simple coming- 
in fur one man.' Ami in spite of the diversity of his duties, there bae 
not been one jiost among all those wliicli hf has filled wherein he has 

brought into connection witli him. The niuie ditticult kinds of work he 
has to do, the more he appears to be able to give his umlivided attention 

"Mr. Pillsbury has shown a cupat-ify, almost a genius, for hard and 

honest work almost incnmii . h^ ii-!l I. t ~l men. This alone would 

compel the respect of tii- i ! v m tar, by his generosity, his 

warm-heartedness aud i m[\, he has also won theii 

affection. No stranger can i li I hi- inlli -id without atlmiring the 

man who could live such a life ; Imt it is a sIi.m- ' i ii Mii. i !ii--iiar- 
acter that no acquaintance can see the details Mt i. i fhunt 

his admiration growing to something warnn r ^^ i > ; i.\rt 

only sixty-eight years of age, and it is safe to pi- li i (Kh m .i)".lis 

will yet be grateful to him for much good work t! fui Ini ami many 

benefits received at his hands." 

Mr. Pillsbury married Margaret S. Carleton, May 
9, 1841. To them were born three children,— Charles 



, .Vpril ; 
.2. Mil 



A., born October 3, 1842 ; Mary Adda, Ix 
1848; Frederick C, born August 27, 
Adda died May 11, 1849. 

Both sons are now associated with him in busi- 
ness, and are excellent business men. Charles, 
the elder son, graduated at Dartmouth College in 
the class of 1863, and basliecii it member of the Min- 
nesota State Senate. 

George A. Pillsburj is a gentleman of great per- 
sonal maguetism, genial and all'able in manner and 
possessed of entertaining and attractive conversa- 
tional powers. Warm-hearted and generous, he was 
ever ready to respond to calls of distre,ss, not only 
with good counsel, but with more substantial aids, as 
many an unpublished charity in Concord will attest. 
All who approached him were sure of a kindly greet- 
ing, and any petition for favors received a patient 
consideration and a courteous reply. With tiie young 
he was very companionable, and with his conserva- 
tive and liberal views of life, he was able to impart 
much valuable advice and information. His mind 
was well disciplined and evenly balanced, and his 
habits very systematic. He was possessed of sound, 
practical judgment and great executive ability, (^uick 
to grasp a point he seldom erred in action, and by a 
faculty of reading character, he seemed always ready 
to meet any emergency that might arise. In early 
life he received a thorough business training, and in his 
dealings with men he was straightforward and lib- 
eral. In his enterprises he looked beyond the present, 
and results seldom disappointed him. In public 
life his administration of affairs was most satisfac- 
tory aud able, and won for him the esteem of all with 
whom he came in contact. 



ELIPHALET SIMKS Nl'TTER. 

Eliphalet Simes Nutter was born in Bariisteail, 
N. H., November 26, 1819, being the second son of 
Eliphalet and Lovey (Locke) Nutter. His grand- 
father, John Nutter, settled in Barnstead in 1767, 
and served in the Eevolution as major of Colonel 
George Beid's regiment. Major John Nutter's son 
Eliphalet — father of the subject of this sketch — 
was a farmer, living in the southeast part of the town, 
and owning a large amount of real estate. Like his 
father, he was an influential citizen, prominent in 
town aftiiirs, and held various oflices conferred by the 
confidence of his townsmen. He was, in his time, 
the principal trial justice at Barnstead, and, with 
clear head, pious heart and upright intention, adjusted 
the controversies of his neighborhood. In 1807 he 
married Lovey, daughter of James Locke, one of tlie 
first settlers of Barnstead. The worthy pair left, at 
decease, a large family. 

Their son, Elijjhalet S., spent his boyhood on his 
father's farm, where he was trained to those habits of 
industry and thrift which were to characterize so 
eminently his maturer years. He enjoyed the advan- 



15:i 



HISTORY OF MKRKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



tages of the common school, and improved them so 
well that he became an efficient and acceptable 
teacher. 

He inherited military tastes, and, at the age ol 
eighteen— in the year 1837— he received from Gov- 
ernor Isaac Hill his commission as lieutenant of a 
company, under the militia system of the period, and, 
in 1830, from Governor John Page, that of captain. 

In 1844, he commenced that active business career, 
in which he still continues, by opening a country 
store at Barnstead Parade, where he carried on a 
prosperous trade for eleven years. During eight oi' 
these years he was postmaster. In 1855 he moved 
to Concord, which has ever since been his place of 
rasidence. In course of the time since his removal to 
the capital of the State he has been five years in 
business in New Y'ork City; has owned, for seven 
years, a leading grocery-store in Lawrence, Mass.; 
has been engaged five years in the drug business in 
Concord, and also has had a store in Boston. He 
was formerly president of the New Hampshire Central 
Railroad. He is now (1885) engaged in several im- 
portant business enterprises: being one of the direc- 
tors of the Francouia Iron Company, with capital 
stock of $200,000 ; a large owner in the Atlantic and 
Pacific Railway Tunnel Company, Denver, Colorado, 
capital stock, $7,000,000; president of the New Hamp- 
shire Democratic Press Company, capital stock, 
$25,000 ; president of The National Railway and Street- 
Rolling-Stock Company, capital stock, $500,000. 

Thrift has not failed to follow wisdom, energy and 
perseverance in the prosecution of his varied busi- 
ness ventures. He now enjoys the fruitful accumula- 
tions of well-directed industry in a home blessed with 
the presence of a worthy wife, to whom, as Sylvania 
M. Blanchard, of Lowell, he was united in marriage 
in 1845. Years ago their happy home was darkened 
by a great sorrow, when their only child, a lovely 
daughter, Ada, was, at the age of seventeen, snatched 
away Ijy death. 

Mr. Nutter has found (.jiiMirtiiiiity, amid other 
engrossing cares, to manifest piihlic spirit in devoting 
time and effort to assisting in the commemoration ol 
events pertaining both to the history of the State in 
general and to that of his beloved native town in 
particular. His patriotism begins where it should— 
at home. To the erection of the monument in mem- 
ory of Hannah Duston and her heroic deed of rescue 
from cruel captivity, on the little island at the mouth 
of the Contoocook, his generous and untiring exer- 
tions were a prominent and essc?ilial contribution. 
Upon his call was held the meeting of the sons and 
daughters of Barnstead living in Concord which 
resulted in the reunion held at Phtenix Hotel, Febru- 
ary 28, 1878, at which he presided. That reunion 
paved the way for the Barnstead Reunion, held August 
30, 1882, to which he generously contributed, and the 
published proceedings of which are a valuable con- 
tribution to the history of the State. 



In the foregoing statements are summarized the 
leading events, doings and characteristics of a busy 
and useful life, — a life whose fruitage of success is the 
honorable reward of sagacious, earnest, persevering 

activitv. 



Calvin Howe was born in Enfield, N. H., March 
20, 1806. His boyhood was passed in his native town, 
from whence, early in life, he went to Kingston, as 
clerk in a store. He quickly developed a taste for 
mercantile pursuits, and from this time until his 
death was identified with the mercantile interests 
of the community wherein he resided. From Kings- 
toir he went to North Barnstead, in the store of 
Samuel Webster, and later went into trade on his 
own account at Lower Gilmanton, where he rriiKiiiud 
several years. He was also agent of the (iilniniilun 
Mills, in what is now Belmont. He removed to ( 'un- 
cord in 1855. 

Upon his removal to this city he entered the 
employ of Warde & Humphrey, as book-kee|)er, 
which ])osition he occupied until 1862. In that year 
he engaged in the fiour and grain business as a 
member of the firm of John V. Barron, Dodge & 
Co., and later of Howe, Moseley & Co., and of John 
H. Barron, Moseley & Co., retiring from business in 
July, 1881, with a handsome competency, acquired 
through long years of faithful devotion to business 
and upright dealing. He was an excellent financier 
and business man, of sound judgment, prudent, cau- 
tious and reliable, and his advice was niucli sought 
after by his fellow-citizens. 

Mr. Howe was identified with the banking interests 
of the city for a long series of years. He w-as a direc- 
tor in the old Union Bank, also in the National State 
Capital Bank, and was vice-president of the Loan 
and Trust Savings-Bank, being one of the finance 
committee. Although a life-long Democrat, Mr. 
Howe never sought political honors ; he was pre-emi- 
nently a domestic man, enjoying home and fi-iends. 
He was a member of the South Congregational 
Church, and was one of its most active and generous 
supporters. July 26, 1836, he united in marriage 
with Miss Eliza H. Judkins, of Gilmanton, and their 
family consisted of one son. Mrs. Howe died while 
they were living in Gilmanton, and the son after Mr. 
Howe removed to this city. May 2!', 1850, be mar- 
ried Mrs. Clara N. Evans, dau-htcr of William Fisk, 
of Concord, who survives him. 

Mr. Howe Wiis an earnest supporter of the move- 
ment which resulted in the founding of the Home for 
the Aged, and was one of the first, if not the first, to 
oft'er substautial aid for its establishment. He gave 
five hundred dollars towards the purchase of the 
house, and by will bequeathed an additional sum ol 
five hundred dollars to its permanent fund. He was 
a trustee of the Home from its inception to the day 
of his death, tiuiet and unostentatious in the be- 



./^ W^': 




S^'r^A ^J^2i^.^€r^ 



CONCORD. 



153 



^towal of his charities, and an upright business man, 
( alvin Howe died as he had lived, a consistent Chris- 
tian :iiid (iiu- (irCiiiK-ord's most honored and esteemed 
nli/rii.s. llc.liid August 13, 1882. 



The subject of this sketch— a son of lienjuiiiiii and 
Lucy (I-.aker) Knight— was hnni in Haiieoek, lliUs- 
horoii-h (.'ouuty, N. H., March Hi, ISV,. (See town 
hist.iry of Hancock.) 

His father was a farmer, and Elijah worked ul home 
until eighteen years of age, where the incidents of his 
boyhood were such as were common to the sons of 
farmers of that lime, — assisting in the farm-work in 
summer ami atlnnliiit; llic district school in winter. 
His educational advaiila.nes, in addition to the district 
school, were one term in the academy at Stoddard 
and one in Hancock. At the close of his school-life, 
being of a mechanical turn of mind, he spent two 
winters at the trade of clock-making, returning in the 
summer to assist in farm-work. He then taught 
school two winters, — one in Alstead, N. H., the other 
in Hancock, his native town, his object mainly being 
to improve his own mind. Attaining his majority, he 
went as a journeyman clock-maker to Goflstown, 
Nashua, Charlestown and Boston, Mass., in each of 
which places he worked at his trade for some time, 
during which he became etiicient as a clock-maker 
and also learned to repair watches. In July, 1837, 
having, by prudence aud economy, saved some money, 
he was prepared to realize, in a small way, the hopes 
of earlier years, by going into business on his own 
account as a jeweler, at Amoskeag, a small village on 
the opposite side of the river to the present site of 
the city of Blanchesler. In 1839 he moved across 
the river to Manchester, at a time when there were 
only three buildings on Elm Street. Here he re- 
mained two years, doing a successful business, and in 
the fall of 1841, having a touch of the "Western 
fever," he sold out aud took a trip West, but, liking 
the Ea.st better, soon returned to his native State and 
settled in New Market, went iuto business, where he 
renuiined twelve years, the only jeweler there, and 
did a prosperous business. He has always continued 
in this business, hits worked diligently and faithfully 
at it, and, being a good workman, hsis earned a good 
living. August 28, 1842, Mr. Knight married Mary 
Jane, daughter of James and Jerusha (Palmer) 
Griffln, of Manchester, N. H. From this union there 
were two children. Mr. Knight was commissioned, 
by Governor Martin, a justice of the peace, and also 
was solicited to act as trial justice, but declined to 
act in the petty disputes between his townsmen. He 
was recommissioned and hold the office for ten or 
more years. He had the honor of being chosen a 
member of the convention which assembled in Con- 
cord, December, 1850, to revise the constitution of 
the State. He also held a commission of major in 



M, 



the New Hampshire State militia. Tin 
Knight, while in New Market, was a diligent and 
peaceful one, and he enjoyed the coiifiilence and 
respect of the community. Of robust and nigged 
constitution and of temperate habits, Mr. Kiiight has 
always had good health, and is particularly blessed 
with a happy disposition. Desiring to be nearer the 
old friends and acquaintances of himself and wife, he 
sold out his business in New Market in 1854 and 
moved to Concord, N. H., where he purchased a 
business which he h;is carried on successfully for 
thirty-one years in one location, and thoroughly en- 
joyed life while amassing a very comfortable property 
and maintaining a happy home. Mr. Knight has 
always been just, open and frank in his dealings with 
all, nuiintaining an uutaruislied re|)utation. He has 
always been a stanch Democrat, and has ever taken 
an active interest in political afl'airs, always an.\ious 
that right principles should triumph. He has been 
the candidate of his party for various ottices since 
coming to Concord ; but the party being in the 
minority he was never elected. He has been a close 
observer of men aud events, both in public and 
private life, keeping well informed of current events. 
He has formed his own opinions and is always ready 
to maintain them by argument. He was brought up 
under the teachings of the Presbyterian faith and has 
always attended worship with that church. In 1844 
he became a member of the fraternity of Odd-Fellows, 
and was prominent in the order, liolding all the 
various offices in the subordinate lodge and eneamp- 
luent. He is also a member of the Masonic fralmiity, 
having taken the degrees to that of Royal Arch Ma^on. 
He is a good citizen, social and genial, possessing 
sound qualities of mind and heart, and is truly one 
of nature's noblemen, and this modest sketch pays 
but a faint tribute to the real worth of the man as a 
kind neighbor, a valued citizen of sound judgment, 
having the best interests of the community at heart 
and blessed with an extended circle of appreciative 
friends. 

DANIEL llOLDEN.' 

Daniel Holden, the subject of this brief sketch, was 
the sou of Asa and Nancy (Wyman) Holden, and was 
born in IJillerica, M:iss., April 20, 180!>. Being one 
of a family of nine children, he went away from home 
at the tender age of nine, as was the custom in those 
days, to work for Dr. Sylvanus Plymiitou, of Woburn, 
Mass. Up to that time he had been to the district 
school regularly for several years, liut, after leaving 
home, was only allowed to attend during the winter 
terms, until he was thirteen, which finished the 
meagre education then furnished to boys who had 
to earn their own living. Harsh treatment and 
scanty fare were the fate of such youth, aud there 
was no exception in this case; indeed, so utterly 

* Written by a friend. 



HISTOlty OF MKKKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



did the boy despise the position which he held 
in the venerable doctor's family, that, when thir- 
teen years old, he ran away to his home, and 
no amount of persuasion could induce him to re- 
turn and finish out the period which had been 
agreed ujjon for him to stay. After this he was em- 
ployed for several years by various farmers in his 
native place. Having a great desire to own a farm, 
he came to the conclusion that the easiest manner in 
which to obtain the money nece.'^ary therefor would 
he by working in a mill; so, with the intention of 
returning to agricultural i)ursuits very speedily, he 
again left his home, being at th is time twenty years 
old, and began work in the flannel mill of H. (t. Howe, 
in Belvidere, Tewksbury (now a part of Lowell, Mass.), 
May 19, 1829. 

He engage<l to serve as watchman for one year, at 
eight dollars per month and board, but, proving very 
faithful at his task, his pay was increased to twelve 
dollars per month for thelast half of the year, without 
any solicitation on his part. 

He soon became familiar with the various pliases 
of the woolen business, and three years after coming 
to Belvidere, he engaged to run the mill by contract. 
In 1837, having been in Belvidere eight years, he 
was employed by the Chelmsford Company as super- 
intendent of their mill in Dracut, which place is also 
a part of Lowell at the present time. 

The young man had apparently forgotten liis old- 
time ardor for agriculture, as he remained in Druiiit 
until January 1, 1847, where he conducted a very 
successful business for nearly ten years. Severing bis 
connection with the Chelmsford Company at this 
time, he removed to West Concord, N. H., and began 
the manufacture of woolen goods, in company with 
an older brother, Benjamin F. Holden, which part- 
nership continued twenty-seven yeaK, until the death 
of the latter, November 29, 1874. A joint-stock com- 
pany or corporatiou was then formed under the name 
of Concord Manufacturing Company, of which Daniel 
Holden was elected tre;isurer and general agent, 
which position be holds at the present date (1885). 

In the autumn of 1853, Mr. Holden was induced to 
take the superintendence of the Saxonville Mills, in 
Framingham, Mass., where he remained as agent 
for three years, returning in the autumn of 1856 to 
Concord, his interest there and business connections 
with his brother having remained the same during his 
absence. In the early years of their business they 
manufactured all grades of blankets in addition to 
various styles of flannels. For a number of years they 
also did quite a business in wool hosiery; but, for 
the past twenty years, the production of the mills has 
been confined almost exclusively to a variety of all 
wool flannels. 

Mr. Holden has never had any jjolitical asj)irations 
whatever, but has faithfully executed every duty 
which luus devolved upon him. He has served in nidsl 



of the minor ward offices, and represented Ward Three 
in the Board of Aldermen of Concord in 1874, and in 
the Legislature in 1865, 1866 and 1875. 

Mr. Holden has been twice married,— in 1834, tu 
Miss .Sarah Haynes, who died in 1843, leaving four 
children; in 1844, to Roxanna Haynes, who has had 
seven children, — making in all a family of eleven 
children, ten of whom grew to manhood and woman- 
hood. The two wives were sisters, and daughters of 
Reuben Haynes, a successful farmer of 8udbury, 
Mass. 

Mr. Holden has seven children now living, — two 
daughters and five sons. Four of the latter are en- 
gaged in the same business as their father, — one in 
Gaysville, Vt., another in Lowell, Mass., and the twi, 
youngest in West Concord. 

Although Mr. Holden's educational advantages 
were very limited in his youth, yet an exceeding 
desire for knowledge has made him a great reader and 
has rendered him familiar with almost every subject ol 
interest at the present time. His business has re- 
quired so much energy and application that, until 
these later years, he has taken very little time for rest 
or travel. 

His life has been useful and honorable and full of 
activity, and if we have seemed to lack in speaking 
words in his praise, it is not because he deserves them 
less than others, but dislikes them more. 



WILLIAM ABBOTT. 



\Vi 



MmiII was born in Andover, Mass., Sep- 
tember 7, I SOI. lle\va.s uamed for his father, the 
late William Abbott, who removed from Andover, 
when his sou William was nine years of age, to Con- 
cord, N. H., having purchased the farm of Joseph 
Carter at the old iron-works, in the southwest part of 
the town. On this farm William, Sr., who died 
in 1856, spent his days as an honest and thrifty tiller 
of the soil, and here William lived till he arrived at 
about the age of twenty-one. No pleasanter spot 
than this can be found in all the region, and it was 
here that the poet, Nathaniel H. Carter, son of 
Joseph Carter, spent his youthful days, and here, it is 
understood, he was born in 1787. Through this farm 
runs the Turkey River, and the lines of our poet, 
written on one of his pilgrimages to his old home, 
have cast about the place a peculiar charm, — 



With solitary step ouce nioro 

t treud tliy wild and 8}-lvau sliore. 

' What if 110 lofty classic iiaiiio 
Give to thy peaceful waters fame, 
Still can thy rural haunts iujiiart 
A solace to this saddened heart." 



tt, Sr., married Rebecca Bailey in 
in 1863. Besides William they hud 




^^2i^^ 



V"6S-/^ 




4i/?/i',,v Motr 



155 



four children, — Isaac, born in 1803, died 1859; lio- 
becca, born in ISOfi, died 1873 ; Moses B., born in 
1815, died 1876; and Phebe E., wife of the late 
Joseph S. Lund, who was born in 1817, died 1875. 

William Abbott, the subject of this sketch, at the 
asje of twenty-one, was em|il(iyed by the Londonderry 
Turn|iikc ('oiii|iuiiy in tlic ((instruction of a turnpike, 
for a period of six months, when lie went to Billerica, 
Mass., and learned the carriage manufacturing busi- 
ness. He remained there engaged in this business 
for three years. He then returned to Concord, and 
shortly thereafter purchased a farm of the late 
Albert Ord way, married Desdemonia Fisk VVatkins, 
of Warner, N. H., and settled down in life. As an 
extensive and industrious farmer Mr. Alibott " kept 
the even tenor of his way" till within a few years, 
when, feeling compelled by reason of failing health 
to retire from active pursuits, lie purchascil :i pleas- 
ant home on South Street, in the rity pro|pi'r, wluii' 
lie now resides. 

Mr. Abbott has ever been known as a most worthy 
citizen, as one whose course in life has been that of 
an honest and upright man. He has been noted for 
his generosity, and has often contributed to many a 
worthy cause. He gave quite a large sum to the 
North Church in Concord for the purpose of build- 
ing a chapel, which has been completed, and bears 
the name of "The Abbott Memorial Chapel." 

A great deer-chase occurred in Mr. Abbott's early 
days, when he was about fifteen years old, which has 
often been related and should be mentioned here. A 
deer appeared within the limits of the town, and a 
large party of young men was immediately in hot 
]>ursuit. The deer was tracked to what is now known 
as " Horse Hill Bridge," and from there into the 
great "swamp woods," as that region through which 
now runs the Bog road was then called. Mr. Abbott, 
catching a glimpse of the deer through the tangled 
bushes, blazed away with his flint-lock, and the deer fell 
dead. It was dragged home, dressed and three quarters 
were divided among the crowd and cooked at the farm 
of Moses Carter. The other quarter was exchanged 
for West India rum. At this feast people gathered 
from iar and near, and at the Carter homestead 
there were heard the "sounds of revelry by night." 

Mr. Abbott's first wife died in 1867, and he has 
since been twice married. His second wife wa.s Mrs. 
Betsy Jones Davis, of Warner, N. H., who died in 
1876, and his present wife was Mrs. Vasta Morrison 
Dolby, of Pembroke, N. H., widow of the late 
Albert T. Dolby. 

Mr. Abbott lias no children, and willi bis death 
this l.raucli of the Abbott family will bec,)nie extinct. 

fiEORfiE A. CTIMMINGS.' 

Much has been said and written of the success of 
men who were born in affluence, wlio, by their care- 



1 By Charles E. Cummings. 



fill management and good judgment, have retained 
the fortunes left them by their kindred. Such men 
are entitled to much praise ; but if they should re- 
ceive the approval of their fellow-men, how much 
more should those who started life with nothing for a 
capital but a brave heart, an honest purpose and a 
strong determination to overcome all obstacles in 
their pathway to success in life ! The subject of this 
sketch is among the latter class. 

George A. Cummings is the fourtii son of Alvali 
and Polly (Grout) Cummings, born in Acw(>rth,N. 11., 
June 13, 1833. His grandfather. Rev. David Cum- 
mings, a descendant from Scotch ancestry, was born 
in Swanzey, N. H., February 20, 1775; moved to 
Acworth in 1814 ; was a Baptist preacher, well versed 
in Scriptural knowledge, and an earnest advocate of 
his chosen calling. His maternal grandfather, Colo- 
nel Ebeuezer Grout, was born in Watertown, Mass., 
and moved to Acworth in 1782. The family were 
noted for their military fame. He was colonel of his 
regiment in the State militia, his brother William 
was an officer in the War of the Revolution, and his 
son Benjamin was an officer in the War of 1812. 
Colonel Grout also held many offices of trust and 
responsibility in his town, having been elected several 
times to the Legislature. He wa.s one of tlu^ iiioiuer 
settlers of Acworth, making his way tbiduuh the 
wilderness by the aid of marked trees. 

He was a man of great ability and much respected 
by his fellow-townsmen, and they named that part of 
the town where he settled "Grout Hill." Alvah 
Gumniings, father of the subject of this sketch, was 
born in Sullivan, N. IL, January 22, 1799. He 
moved with his father to Acworth in 1814, where, in 
1825, he married Polly Grout, daughter of Colonel 
Ebenezer Grout, and settled in that part of Acworth 
called Grout Hill, and engaged in farming, and they 
lived together thirty-six years. His wife died in 
1866, having reared a family of eight children, five 
boys and three girls,— Dr. A. R. Cummings, Clare- 
mont; Dr. E. G. Cummings, Concord; Oscar Cnm- 
mings (deceased) ; George A. ; Mrs. Mary J. Young, 
Concord ; Mi-s. Sally Ann Young, Acworth ; Mrs. 
Laura Smith, Acworth ; and Milon D. Cuminiiigs, 
Concord, each of whom have been successful in lile 
and blessed with comfortable homes. 

Alvah Cummings was a man of strong and vigor- 
ous constitution, and, with his prudent and faithful 
wife, succeeded in .securing and maintaining a com- 
fortable home for themselves and their large family, 
and he continued to manage his entire farming bu.si- 
iiess until about two years ago, being now eighty- 
seven years old, hale and hearty. 

George A. Cummings' youth was s|ient at the old 
liomestead, and the active duties of farm-life did 
much to strengthen and mature liini for the struggles 
of future years. He remained at home until twenty 
years of age, enjoying the advantages of the district 
school, and subsequently attended the academy at 



15C 



HISTORY OF MKUIU.MAOK COUNTY, NKW HAMPSHIRE. 



South Acworth. While at home he received from 
his faithful mother early instructions in Cliristianity, 
and he is largely indebted to her careful training for 
thus early forming a Christian character. His father, 
by precept and example, impressed upon his mind 
the importance of a life of industry and integrity. 

In 185.3, at the age of twenty, he left his native 
town and went to Franklin, N. H., where he and his 
brother Oscar formed the co-partnership of O. & G. 
A. Cummiugs, marble dealers. Then it was that the 
struggle of life began ; having no capital, and his 
brother but little, it w;is with great effort that they 
established themselves in business, being strangers in 
the place. But by i)erscverance and strict applica- 
tion to their duties, they succeeded in gradually 
building up a large business, which exceeded their 
expectations, and it became necessary to estaldish a 
branch at Lebanon, and after conducting the business 
in these sections of the State and a part of Vermont 
for several years, it was thought best to establish a 
central business at Concord, which was done in March, 
18G1, and they took up their residence there. This 
was about two weeks prior to the opening of the 
Civil War, and the financial crisis which came, placing 
tlie business of the country in a very trying and crit- 
ical condition, did not seriously affect them, and they 
were successful in carrying their business through. 
In November, 18(i4, his brother Oscar died. He be- 
ing a man of sterling business qualifications, his 
death was a great loss to the business interests of the 
firm, thus leaving George to assume the rejsponsibili- 
ties and conduct the business of the firm. This he 
succeeded in doing, and the bu.siness increa.sed so that 
in 1868 he took his brother Milon as partner, and the 
firm was established as Cummings Brothers, and con- 
tinues the same at the i)resent time. During this 
period llie firm have conducted a large and flourish- 
inj; liusiness throughout Central New Hamp.shire and 
K.i^lcrii Vermont, and in this time having opened an- 
other l.rancli in Pittsfield. 

In ISTii he and his brother. Dr. E. G. Cummings, 
purcliased the Williams estate, on the corner of Main 
and Freight Streets, and erected a fine brick block, the 
two lower stories of which, being fitted for the marble 
and granite business, and being very large and conven- 
ient, are tlie best arranged and furnished memorial 
marble-works in the State. In 188.5 they erected on the 
adjoining lot one of the finest business blocks in 
Concord. Cummings Brothers' monumental business 
has increased and extended throughout New Hamp- 
shire and to many towns in the adjoining States. 
The subject of this sketch has been in the marble 
business for over thirty-two years, and is one of 
the oldest in it, there being no firm in existence 
to-day that was doing business when he began. 

Mr. Cummings is a Baptist and a liberal .supporter 
of his church, but he is very charitable to those of 
other denominations; is a firm believer that a cor- 
rect life is what makes the Christian more than a be- 



lief in any particular creed. He became a member 
of White Mountain Lodge, I. O. O. F., March 2, 1866; 
was elected Noble (Jrand of his loilge in 1870; is a 
member of Pennacook Encamjjraent, and served as 
Chief Patriarch. He is a member of the Grand 
Lodge of New Hampshire, and served as G. W. and 
D. G. M., and was elected Cirand Miister in 1875-76, 
and representative to the S<ivereign Grand Lodge in 
1877 and '78. During his term as Grand Master he 
visited every lodge in the State, and the order was 
very prosperous under his administration. He took 
a great interest in the work and did as much to ex- 
tend the order as any member in the State. He is 
also a member of the Masonic fraternity. In 187il 
he was elected to the Legislature from Ward 5, Con- 
cord, and re-elected in 1871. Serving upon import- 
ant committees and taking an active part in the de- 
bates in the House, he proved himself an able 
legislator. He served two yeai-s as alderman, and in 
November, 1880, he was elected mayor of Concord 
by a very large majority, receiving many votes from 
his political opponents ; his term expired Jan., 1888. 
His administration was an honest and .successful one. 
Mr. Cummings has been chosen to many places of 
honor, trust and responsibility, being a trustee of Mer- 
rimack County Savings-Bank, a trustee of the Orphans' 
Home, at Franklin, vice-president of the Odd-Fel- 
lows' Home and director of the Concord Horse 
Railroad. In 1884 the citizens of Concord formed a 
stock company for the purpose of erecting a building 
and establishing a shoe manufactory here, and elected 
Mr. Cummings one of the directors and subse^juently 
he was elected president of the corporati(ni. The 
building erected is the best in the State, and much 
credit is due Mr. Cummiugs for his untiring efforts in 
making this new industry a success, for it was largely 
through his efl'orts that the enterprise was acccmi- 
plished. In 1854 he married Mary Lizzie, daughter 
of the late Frederick P. Smith, then of the firm of 
Smith & Johnson, dry-goods dealers, of Manchester, 
N. H. Mr. Smith had four sons, each of whom 
served in the War of the Rebellion, two of whom 
gave their lives to save their country. Mrs. Cum- 
mings is a superior woman, possessing energy and 
ability, and by her economy and good judgment has 
performed well her part in :>.ssisting her husband in 
his life-work. Two children have been born to them, 
a son and daughter. Frank G., the eldest, is a part- 
ner in the firm of C. H. Weeks & Co., marble and 
granite dealers, Haverhill, Mass., — a young man of 
integrity and rare business ability, having inherited 
a share of his father's good judgment and business 
qualifications. Ida E., who died in 1876, at the age 
of nineteen years, attended the High School at Con- 
cord, and entered the Female Academy at Bradford, 
Mass., in 1874, and would have graduated in about a 
year, had her health permitted. She wiis a young 
lady of culture and refinement, and of great promi.se, 
much beloved, uol only by her own family, but by all 




c^^l 



*# 





"^^£y ^M-^^.u^o^/'A^^ 



CONCORD 



who knew her, and her early ilealh was iiicmnuil liy 
a large circle of friends. 

Cteorge A. Cumniings is a soll-mailc man. Ho ln- 
Liaii life with nothing and gradually worked his way 
to a position of respect and influence, and he is 
trusted and honored by his fellow-citizens. He is a 
mail of noble qnalities of mind and heart; no worthy 
|it>i-son soliciting aid was ever refused assistance. He 
i-i ever encouraging and helping others in the strug- 
uli' of life. Given to hospitality, guests are always 
wiU-ome. Now in the prime of manhood, it is hoped 
lliat his life may be spare.l for other fields of useful- 
u.-ss and h.mor tliat he mav vet be called to Hll. 



JOSKl'H WENTWORTII. 

Joseph Wentworth was born in Sandwich, Carroll 
County, N. H., January 30, 1818, taking his first 
Itsson in life among the hardy sons of that moun- 
laiuous region. He was educated at the academy at 
New Hampton in 1835, at Hopkinton in 1836 and 
South Berwick in 1837. He was a successful mer- 
i hunt thirty years in his native town, not only con- 
■ liii liiii: :i general country store, but dealing largely in 
rati li' and horses. He was town clerk, selectman and 
ii-pie^<jntative to the State Legislature in 1844—45. 
He was also a delegate from Sandwich, in 1850, to 
the convention called to revise the constitution of the 
State, and from Concord to the Constitutional Conven- 
tion in 1876. He was aid to Governor John Page, 
with the rank of colonel, and quartermaster several 
\ears in the New Hampshire Horse Guards. Mr. 
\V'entworth was register of deeds for Carroll County 
two years, high sherifl' of same county five years, 
and was for fifteen years postmaster. He was also 
lor many years president and chief owner of the 
Carroll County National Bank. In 1870 he gave the 
old homestead to his son, Paul, and removed to Con- 
cord, N. H., where he was elected, two yeai-s, a.ssessor 
of taxes, from Ward 6, and also representative to the 
State L.-islature in 1878. He married. May 7, 
Is4.'i, Sarah I'ayson Jones, of Brookline, Mass. They 
had lioiii, ill Sandwich, six children, — two -sons and 
four daughters, — all of whom survive. The two sons, 
Paul and Moses, entered Harvard College the same 
day; graduated the same day, in 1868, just one hun- 
dred years after the graduation of their great-grand- 
father from the same college, and from their high 
rank in their class both were assigned a part on 
graduation day, the records of the college showing no 
other such case of two brothers. The daughters are 
Sarah C, Lydia C, Susan J. and Dolly F. Mr. 
Wentworth's parents, Paul and Lydia C. Wentworth, 
were both descendants of Ezekiel, son of Elder 
William Wentworth. His maternal grandfather, 
C'olonel Amos Cogswell, served through the entire 
War of the Revolution. His paternal great-grand- 
father. Judge John ^Veiitwoith, presided at the Revo- 
lutionary Convention in New Hampshire. His 



Welitw. 
ongrcss. 



The name of Gerrish has been i>roniinently identi- 
fied with Merrimack County, and particularly with 
the town of Boscawen. Captain Stephen Gerrish was 
one of the original proprietors of Boscawen and one 
of the leading spirits in the new settlement. His 
eldest son. Colonel Henry Gerrish, was a distin- 
guished citizen and held many jiositions of trust and 
responsibility. He Wiis chosen the first grand juror 
to His Majesty's Superior Court, 1773; delegate to 
the convention for the choice of members to the First 
Continental Congress in 1774; the same in 1775; 
represented tlie towns of Boscawen and Salisbury in 
the General Court in 1779, and Boscawen in 1790. 

He was captiiin in the militia at the breaking out 
of the Revolution, and marched with the Minute-Men 
to Medford upon the receipt of the news of the battle 
of Lexington. He w.is lieutenant-colonel of Stick- 
ney's regiment at the time of the Bennington cam- 
paign, but, having been detailed to other duty, was 
not in the battle. He wjus present at the surrender 
of Burgoyne, being on the left Hank of Burgoyne at 
Battenkill, where he acted as clerk at the sale of 
some of the plunder taken from the British. The 
me.ss-book used on that occasion is still in existence. 
He often acted as the town's agent during the Revo- 
lution, performing the duties assigned him with the 
same care and energy that characterized the manage- 
ment of his private affairs. 

Major Enoch Gerrish, third son of Captain Stephen, 
was born in Boscawen, June 23, 1750. When eighteen 
years of age he built his log cabin on the east side of 
the road now called High Street, where he cleared 
five acres of land, being part of the homestead where 
he and his posterity have since resided. He had a 
love for military parade, as his title indicates. Dur- 
ing his life he was chosen to fill the offices of moder- 
ator, selectman and representative to the General 
Court nine years. A man strictly religious, he joined 
Dr. Wood's cluirih in 1781, and w;»s elected deacon 
in 1783, an ollicc wlihli he luhl until his death, May 
1,1821. 

His son, Isaac Gerrish, father of Colonel Enoch, 
was born in Boscawen, November 27, 1782. He was 
an honored citizen and a leading member of the 
church in that town. 

Colenel Enoch Gerrish, the subject of this sketch, 
only son of Isaac and Caroline (Lawrence) Gerrish, 
was born at the old homestead, on High Street, July 
28, 1882. He obtained his education at the acade- 
mies in Boscawen, Franklin and Meriden. On the 
death of his lather he inherited a large portion of his 
estate, and with it, at the age of twenty, came the care 
and management of an extensive farm. .Vn addition 
of more than one hundred acres made it one of the 



15S 



IIISTOKV OF iMKllUIMACK COUNTY, NEW llAMrSHIRE. 



largest in MerrimiiL-k- County. For twenty years ho 
flevoted his lime to the cultivation and improvement 
of his soil, successfully developing its resources by 
raising live-stock, liay and wool, when its heavy 
growth of wood and timber attracted tlie attention of 
the lumber manufacturer, to whom it was sold in 180"). 

Possessing a love for military parade and drill, ho 
was promoted from the lowe-st rank to that of colonel 
of the Twenty-first Regiment New Hampshire IMilitia. 

He was often elected to fill the various offices in 
town, the dutie-< of which were well iierformcd. A 
friend to the church whore liis ancestors worshiped, 
and to religious institutions generally, he manifested 
an interest in all mea.suros that cMutrilinted t<i fhoir 
usefulne.s.s. 

He moved to Concord after the sale of his farm, 
where his sound judgment, particularly iu matters of 
finance, was duly appreciated, as is shown by his ap- 
pointment as one of the trustees of the New Hamp- 
shire Savings- Bank, in Concord, anil of the Rnlleand 
Runiford Asylum. 

He also represented Ward Four, of Concord in the 
Legislature of 1881-82. He married Miranda O., 
daughter of Joseph S. and Harriet N. Lawrence, 
May 23, 18.54. 

Their children arc Frank Lawrence, born May 
19, ISSf) ; Lizzie Miranda, born June 14, 18tj0. 



C11.\K1,KS II. .^MSDKN. 

Isaac Amsden, the first of the Amsden name re- 
corded ill this country, appears in Cambridge, Mass., 
where he was married, June 8, 1054, to Frances Per- 
riman. He is supposed to have come from England. 
He died in Cambridge April 7, 1059, leaving two 
children. 

Isaac (2), their son, was born at Cambridge in 1655; 
married Jane Rutter, May 17, 1677. He died May 3, 
1727. She died November 22, 1739, leaving six 
children. 

John (3), third son of Isaac(2), bornatMarlborough, 
Mass., December 28, 1683, died at Southborough, Mass., 
November 12, 1761. Ho married Hannah, daughter 
of Isaac and Frances (Woods) Howe, of Marlborough, 
Mass., who was born June 17, 1688, and had twelve 
children. 

Jesse (4),son of Joliii (3), was born at Southborough, 
Mass., May 31, 1729. Ho married Bettie Ball, of 
Southborough, November 10, 1748, and bad twelve 
children. 

Jonas (5), son of Jesse (4), born at Southborough, 
April 24, 1749, married Hannah Rice, August 9, 1770. 
He died at Mason, N. H., March 20, 1802. She died 
at Mason February 27, 1 809. They had nine children. 

Hubbard (6), son of Jonas (.'>), born 1790, died Sep- 
tember 16, 1817. He married Annie Saunders, of 
Mason, N. H., March 8, 1814, had two children. 

Henry Hubbard (7), son of Hubbard (6), born Sep- 
tember 14, 1816, married Mary Muzzey, of New Ips- 



wich, N. H., August 6, 1840. He died at Fisherville 
(now Penacook), N. H., December 6, 1869. 

Children of Henry H.and Mary Amsden, — Georgo 
Henry, born July 7, 1841, died January 16, 1872; 
Charles Hubbard, born May 20, 1846, died October 
29, 1847; Charles Hubbard, born July 8, 1848 ; Kd- 
ward, born December 10, 1853, died June 9, 1858. 

Charles Hubbard (8), son of Henry (7), Hubbaid 
(6), .Tonas (5), Jesse (4), John (3), Isaac (2), Isaac ( I ) 
and Mary (Muzzey) Amsden, the subject of tliis 
sketch, was born in Boscawen, N. H., July 8, 1848. 

In early life he attended the public schools, and in 
August, 1863, went to New Ipswich, N. H., where lie 
attended the Appleton Academy, remaining there 
until the spring of 1865. 

On returning home he entered the employ of Cald- 
well it Amsden, furniture manufacturers, and con- 
tinued with them until December, 1868, when the 
firm of 11. H. Amsden & Sons succeeded to Caldwell 
& Amsden, the same being composed of Henry H. 
and his two .sons, — George H. and Charles H.,^aiid 
Charles H. Allen, of Boston. 

December 6, 1869, the senior member of the firm 
died, and the remaining partners continued the busi- 
ness until the death of George H., which occurred 
January 16, 1872. After that the two remaining part- 
ners conducted the business until January 1, 1880, 
when Charles H. bought the interest of Mr. Allen, 
and since that time has conducted the same alone 
under the same firm-name. Mr. Amsden is also 
associated with John Whitaker, Esq., in the lumber 
business, they having one of the best mills in tlie 
southern jiart of the State, the product of which is 
u.sed by Mr. Aiiisdoii in the manufacture of lur- 
niture. 

Being of ibo opinion that New Hampshire is a 
good State for manufacturing, it has been his policy 
to encourage and aid it all he could, and to this end 
has engaged with associates in other branches oi' 
business, being at the present time the president of 
the Concord Axle Company, also a director iu the Con- 
toocook Manufacturing and Mechanic Company, of 
Penacook, the B. W. Hoyt Company, of Eppinn, 
N. H., and the Mechanics' National Bank, of Con- 
cord, N. H., and also State director of the Portland 
and Ogdensburg Railroad. Nothing of a public 
nature but that has his encouragement and assist- 
ance so far as possible, and he is a liberal contrib- 
utor to benevolent objects. In religious views he is a 
Baptist, having become a member of that church and 
society at an early age. and is to-day one of the most 
liberal supporters of tlic cluinli with wliicli bo is 
connected. 

October 29, 1870, he married Helen A., daughter of 
David A. and Martha A. (Daggett) Brown, of Pena- 
cook. Of this union there were born to them, July 
15, 1872, a son, Henry Hubbard, who is now living; 
also, January 31, 1878, a daughter, Mary Ardelle, who 
died October 20, 1883. 




C^e^'CT-a^ t^^^^-^-^^-s//^^ 




^ ,^ 



^^ 



CONCORD. 



159 



Being of a retiring disposition, and having his 
time so much taken up l)y business cares, lie has 
never sought public honors to any great extent. He 
represented his ward in the Board of Aldermen of 
tlie city of Concord in the year 1874, and was unani- 
mously returned in ISJo; was also a member of the 
State Senate in 18s;!. 

Mr. Anisden is now in tlie prime of life, ami owing 
to force of circumstances, his business career has 
alnady been m.>ic extended than the average of men 
at his aire. filling various po.sitions of trust and 
responsibility with commendable acceptability, it has 
been his peculiar aim to merit and receive the es- 
teem and confidence of his associates and constitu- 
ents. 

.VBK.iH.^M BE.iN. 

Abraham Bean was born March 14, 1789, in Lou- 
don, X. H. His father, .John, was a farmer in 
Gilmanton, who, shortly before the birth of the sub- 
ject of this sketch, moved to Loudon, and there 
continued as a farmer. Abraham had very limited 
opportunities for obtaining an education, as his 
father lived two miles from the school, and his atten- 
dance being only during the winter terms; he often 
had to break his own path through the deep snows 
ibr the entire distance. He was a hardy boy and 
grew rapidly, so that at twelve years of age we find 
him leaving his home and engaging with Esquire Jon- 
athan Eastman, of Concord (then a small farming 
town), as a farm hand. Here he remained tor several 
years and became known as a trusty and competent 
workman, and commanded the highest wages paid at 
the time. 

December 17, 1810, he married Sally, daughter 
of Ezekiel and Mary A. (Sanborn) Clough, of Lou- 
don. From this union there were two children, — 
Mary Ann, born July 1(5, 1812 (who married Herman 
Sanborn, of Boscawen, and had four children), and 
Sarah Jane, born October 12, 1818, who married John 
L. Tallant, of Canterbury, January 21, 1835 ; they 
had thirteen children, seven of whom are now living. 

Mr. Bean, early in life, became interested in civil 
affairs, and was called to positions of trust and honor 
by the citizens of the town. He was for over twenty 
years the collector of taxes for Concord. He repre- 
sented the town of Concord in the General Court 
two years. He also held the positions of deputy 
sheriff and constable for over twenty years, and be- 
came greatly interested in the growth and prosperity 
of Concord. In these various positions Mr. Bean 
showed himself to be a man of good sense, was ener- 
getic and ftill of enterprise, and in the collection of 
the revenues of the young city wa.s peculiarly suc- 
cessful. In politics Mr. Bean was a Democrat, and 
acted with that party with but one exception during 
his life, the exception being his favoring the election 
of his friend, John Quincy Adams. 

Mr. Bean was a member of the Congregational 



Church at East Concord, and it was largely through 
his influence that the first church there was built. 
He was one of the original grantees of a charter for 
the State Capital Bank, and one of its board of direc- 
tors for many years. He was an earnest advocate of 
the temperance cause, a mac of great deci.sion of 
character, and a valued citizen who was ever ready to 
lend a helping hand in any good cause. He led an 
active life, and died April 7, IStil, beloved and rc- 
spectc(l. 

HON. JACOB H. (iALLINGER.' 

Dickens remarks, in one of his novels, that it is not 
likely to be forgotten that Alexander wept because 
there were no more worlds to conquer, "the circum- 
stance having been somewhat frequently mentioned." 
For the same reason, there is little danger that the 
reading public will forget that "New Hampshire is a 
good State to emigrate from." Let us for once amend 
this tiresome and unpatriotic old proverb, and rejoice 
that at least one highly successful man has found 
New Hampshire a good State to immigrate into. 
And may not the honors which the old State has 
bestowed upon the child of her adoption suggest, if 
not a rebuke, at least a wholesome lesson, to her own 
recreant sons who have wandered from her side? 

Jacob H. (lallinger, the subject of this sketch, was 
born in Cornwall, province of Ontario, March 28, 
1837. He was the son of a farmer and the fourth in 
a family of twelve children. His parents were of 
German descent and were possessed of but moderate 
means. Like so many others who have achieved 
high success in afler-life, he was forced, at an early 
age, to rely upon his own resources. At the age of 
twelve lie entered that incomparable political train- 
ing-school, a newspa|)er-otfice, served an apprentice- 
ship of four years and made himself master of the 
"art preservative." Afler working at his trade for 
(me year, in Ogdensburgh, N. Y., he returned to 
Cornwall, and, for a year, edited and published the 
paper on which he had served his ap2)renticeship. 

During this time he was under the charge of a 
private instructor, and endeavored, in such spare 
moments as a country editor may snatch from his 
numberless duties, to supply the deficiency caused by 
the unfortunate lack of educational advantages in his 
early boyhood. 

In 1855 he began the study of medicine in Cincin- 
nati, Ohio. During the vacations he eked out his 
scanty means by working in the office of the Cincin- 
nati Gazette as reporter, proof-reader or compositor. 
He completed his medical course iu May, 1858, grad- 
uating with the highest honors of his chiss. He 
practiced his profession in Cincinnati for one ye:»r, 
devoted the next year to study and travel, and then, 
in July, 18()0, came to New Hampshire. A year later 
he associated himself in practice with Dr. W. B. 

1 By Allcu J. Hackelt. 



160 



HISTOKV Ol-^ ISIKRIUMACK COUxNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Chamberlain, at Keene. About this time he joined 
the homreopathic school of medicine, to which he has 
since adhered. In the spring of 1862 he removed to 
Concord, where he has since resided and where he 
ha.s built up a large and lucrative practice. As a 
medical practitioner he stands in the front rank of 
his profession in this State. For seven years he was 
president of the New Hampshire Homceopathic Med- 
ical .Society, in 1868 he received an honorary degree 
from the New York Honueopathic Medical College, 
and he has been elected an honorary member of 
.several medical societies. He hits also been a fre- 
quent and valued contributor to medical periodicals, 
and was surgeon-general of the Stati', uitli the rank 
of brigadier-general, on the stall' of (iuvciiinr lltad, 
during the years 1879 and 1880. 

But it is in political life that Or. Gallinger is best 
and most widely known. To use a homely and hack- 
neyed expression, he is a "born" politician. He 
possesses, in an unusual degree, the executive capa- 
city, the iinickness of perception, the promptness in 
action, the courage, the conibativeness and the shrewd 
knowledge of human nature, which are the most 
important requisites to success in political life. Such 
a man having entered the field of active politics, it 
was inevitable that he slimild work liis way to the 
front. 

He has always been an active Republican, and has 
long ranked among the leaders of his party in this 
State. He was first elected to the House of Repre- 
sentatives in 1872, and served as chairman of the 
committee on insurance. He was re-elected the 
next year and was appointed to the chairmanship of 
the committee on banks, and also as chairman of an 
important special committee. 

His service in the lower braiiili of the Ijcgislaturt 
was characterized by iiidiistry, 
business and ilistiiiiruished abili 
debate. 

In 187() he was elected a member ol' the Constitu- 
tional Convention. This convention will always be 
historic by reason of the large ntnnber of able men 
that it contained and the iiiipurtanl refornis (hat it 
inaugurated. 

Dr. (jallinger took a prominent part in liie debates, 
and wiis a valuable and intluential im iiilur. 

His plan for representation in llie l,e;;islatnn' on 
the basis of population, although op]ii)sed liy many of 
the older members of the convention, was adopted by 
a large nuijority. The very general satisfaction with 
which the system is regarded sulliciently attests the 
wisdom of its author. 

In March, I87S, be w:is eleeleil In the Slate Seriate 
from the old Fourlli Distriel, and served as eliairman 
of the comiuittoe on eiluealion. lie w.-is re-eleeled 
in the following November, and U|.nn llie ennvening 
of the Legislature, wa.s eliosen to the pre-sidency of 
the Senate, an ollice whose duties his rare parliamen- 
tary ability enabled him to discharge to the entire 



. Legisl 
attentii 
readin. 



satisfaction of the Senators, as was attested by the 
exceedingly complimentary resolutions unanimously 
passed at the close of the session, accompanied by a 
valuable testimonial. 

Dr. Gallinger had long been an active and influen- 
tial member of the Republican State Central Com- 
mittee, and in September, 1882, he was made its 
chairman. The campaign which followed was one ol 
exceeding bitterness and beset with exceptional ditli 
culties. Republican disaffection was rife throughout 
the land. The tidal wave which, two years later, 
carried the Democratic party into power in the 
nation, had already set in. New York, Pennsylvania 
and even Massachusetts chose Democratic Governors, 
and a Democratic Congress Wius elected. In addition 
to these general discouragements, the Republicans of 
New Hami)shire were called upon to face serious 
obstacles of their own, which are well known to all. 
and which, therefore, need not be discussed here. It 
is only just to say that, with a less adroit manager at 
the head of the Republican organization, the Re|mb- 
lican victory which followed would have been impos- 
sible. Dr. Gallinger was re-elected to the chairman- 
ship in 1884, and again demonstrated his especial 
fitness for the place. 

In the Second District (convention, held at Con- 
cord, September 9, 1884, Dr. Gallinger was nominated 
Ibr member of Congress, receiving on the first ballot 
one hundred and seventy-one out of a total of three 
hundred and twenty-nine votes. The nomination 
was subsequently made unanimous. His competitors 
were Hon. Daniel Barnard, of Franklin, and Hon. 
Levi W. Barton, of Newport — two of the ablest men 
in the State. He was elected in November following, 
running several hundred votes ahead of his ticket, 
lie will take his seat at the opening of the first 
session of the Fiftieth Congress, in December next. 

Dr. Gallinger has been prominent in politics other- 
wise than in an official capacity. He is one of the 
most popular and successful campaign orators in the 
State. As a speaker, he is rapid, direct and practical, 
has an excellent voice and always commands the 
close attention of his audience. He is also a facile 
and effective writer. He has frequently prepared tlu' 
resolutions for State and District Conventions, and 
has written, to a eonsider.able extent, for the daily 
jiress. He has also perlnnned eonsiderable literary 
labor of a general cbaiaeler. lie lias frequently lec- 
tured before lyceums and other literary soeicties, and 
Dartmouth College has conferred upon liim tlie licm- 
orary degree of Master of Arts. 

In August, 1860, he married JIary Anna Bailey, 
daughter of Major I.saac Bailey, of Salisbury, N. H. 
Of their six children, four are living, — Alice M., 
Kate C, William H. and Ralph E., aged respectively 
twenty-four, nineteen, sixteen and thirteen years. In 
religious faith be was reared an Episcopalian, but for 
many years has been identifud with the liaiilist 
denomination. 




J 






CONCORD. 



IGl 



Dr. Gallinger is slightly above the medium height, 
:iud is somewhat portly. He has always been strictly 
temperate iu his habits, and the happy results of his 
abstemious lite are apparent in his cheery and health- 
ful countenance. He has a fine presence, a cordial, 
hearty manner, and a pleasing, winning address. His 
rare social qualities, abundant good-nature, keen sense 
(if humor and excellent conversational powers make 
him a most agreeable companion, and few men in the 
State enjoy a higher degree of personal popularity. 
His many friends rejoice in his advancement and will 
watch his future with interest and sympathy. 

In the prime of manhood, in the full tide of health 
and .strength, about to abandon State aflairs for the 
wider arena of national politics, a sketch of Dr. Gal- 
liuger's life, written at this date, is necessarily incom- 
plete. The record of the most important and event- 
ful part of his life-work must be left to the pen of 
some future biographer. If the achievement of the past 
may be taken as an index of the probabilities of the 
future, he has before him a career of eminence, honor 
and usefulness. 



.TAJtES SHEPARD NOERIS. 

Among the families whose names are prominent in 
the colonial history of New England, and who have 
.shown energy, force of character, business acumen and 
persistent industry, which have impressed themselves 
oil the present era by the perpetual labor of several 
generations, must be particularly mentioned the 
Norris family. The name appears frequently in the 
annals of Epping, N. H., showing them to have been 
active in the pioneer, colonial, Eevolutionary, civil 
and religious history of that town. 

In 1741, as signers to a petition to His Excel- 
lency, Benning Wentworth, HLs Majesty's Council, for 
incorporation into a separate parish, are found the 
names of James Norris, James Norris, Jr., and 
Samuel Norris. As members of a Committee of 
Safety are found the names of Joseph, John and 
;\Ioses Norris. 

The town of Epping was incorporated February 12, 
1741, and the first town-meeting was convened at the 
farm-house of James Norris. 

In the War of the Revolution James Norris was a 
soldier, and in 1775 was promoted to rank of captain. 

In 1779, Josiah Norris was chairman of the com- 
mittee to audit the accounts of the town, and to pay 
to the soldiers the sums raised as bounties. 

In the list of representatives to the General Court, 
in the ecclesiastical history of the town and in the 
various records of public acts the name of this 
family frequently appears. These men were tillers of 
the soil, and became owners of large tracts of land, 
which have been handed down from father to son, 
each succeeding generation leaving thereon its im- 
press of improvement and increased fertility. The 
life of a plain farmer, with no startling events or 
11 



famous acts, is apt to be uneventful so far as the pur- 
poses of a biographical sketch are concerned, and yet 
these lives are the foundation and superstructure of 
society. The line of descent is from John (1), James 
(2), Thomas (3), James D. (4), to James Shepard (o). 

Thomas (3) was born February 14, 1743, and died 
in 1840. His son, James D. (4), was born in Epping 
April 23, 1785, and married Mary Pike Norris, who 
was born in Epping July 2, 1785, and died October 6, 
1828. The children of this union were Maria H., 
born June 16, 1809; James Shepard (5), born Decem- 
ber 4, 1812 ; Mary E., born August 22, 1825. 

James D. (4) succeeded to the farm of his father, 
Thomas (3), and became one of the successful farmers 
of the town, besides carrying on the lumber business 
and the manufacture of barrels and shoe-boxes. He 
was active in doing good, greatly interested in educa- 
tional and religious matters, was a regular attendant 
on public worship and lived a useful and exemplary 
life. In his family relations he was tenderly affec- 
tionate, as a friend and citizen was trusted and true, 
and justly meriting the good opinion of all. He died 
at his residence in Epping, August 9, 1857, and was 
buried on the old homestead. 

James Shepard (5), the subject of this sketch, 
passed his boyhood on the old homestead farm, where 
his lot was much like that of the farmer-boy of that 
time, assisting in farm-work in the summer and 
attending the common school in winter. His educa- 
tional advantages were such as were afforded by the 
district school, supplemented by two terms of private 
instruction. At the age of twelve years young 
Norris had become useful in general farm-work, and 
as time progressed also went into the woods with his 
father for timber, which was converted into lumber 
at the saw-mill, owned partly by his father. Being 
active in business, he was soon entrusted with the re- 
sponsibility of hauling and marketing lumber, which 
was tran.sported by ox-teams to Newburyport, Mass., 
twenty-five miles distant. The teams were loaded 
and ready for the start at three o'clock in the after- 
noon, the journey being kept up through the silent 
hours of the night and the journey's end reached 
about sunrise the following morning. The lumber 
was marketed during that day and the return journey 
commenced after the load was sold out, and ordinarily 
the arrival home would be in the afternoon of the 
third day. Such was the routine during the lumber 
season. In addition to these duties, he took charge of 
the manufacture of lumber at the saw-mill, and, 
during the absence of his father, was intrusted with 
all the responsibilities incident to this varied busi- 
ness. 

About the year 1838, Mr. Norris commenced the 
manufacture of shoes in Epping, which he continued 
until 1847, when, by reason of the business, which 
was too confining, his health failed. He came to 
Concord and entered the employment of Ebenezer 
Symmes, as salesman in the bread, cracker, pastry 



162 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUxNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and confectionery business, at a salary of twenty 
dollars per month. This out-door occupation was 
beneficial to his health, and in a short space of time, 
having become thoroughly familiar with the selling 
department of this business, and more or less con- 
versant with the general business, he, in 1850, pur- 
chased the business of Mr. Symmes and carried it on 
so successfully that in the course of a few years it 
became necessary to put up additional buildings, 
which were, when completed, supplied with modern 
improvements for the economical transaction of the 
business on a large scale. 

In 1859, Mr. Xorris sufi'ered the loss of his build- 
ings by a disastrous conflagration. Transferring the 
larger part of his business to an unoccupied bakery 
at Warner, N. H., he at once, with characteristic 
energy, set about rebuilding, and in the brief space of 
six months completed the work, and relinquishing 
the Warner bakery, opened anew in Concord. 

In May, 1864, Mr. Norris took into partnership Mr. 
George W. Crockett, of Sanbornton, N. H., and con- 
tinued under the firm name of J. S. Norris & Co. until 
1875, when Mr. Crockett retired, disposing of his in- 
terest to Mr. Norris, who, the same year, transferred 
it to his son, James C. Norris, and they continued un- 
der the firm of J. S. Norris & Son for three years. 
Having thus been actively and continuously engaged 
in this business for thirty-one years, the unremitting 
cares of which had undermined his health and made 
rest and quiet imperative, Mr. Norris sold his interest 
in the business to Mr. Crockett, his former partner, 
and retired, and the firm since that date (1878) has 
been Norris & Crockett. 

Mr. Norris, during his successful business career, 
has acquired valuable real estate in Concord, and is 
now passing the evening of life surrounded by com- 
forts and conveniences that are the legitimate fruits 
of his careful and prudent business habits. Mr. 
Norris has never been active in politics nor a seeker 
after place or position, but since his first vote has 
acted with the Democratic party. In religion he is a 
Baptist, a member of the First Baptist Church of 
Concord, and for many years one of its deacons. In 
the improvement of this church building he made a 
very liberal gift, and also contributed to the churches 
in Epping and Suncook. 

Mr. Norris is a valued member of the I. O. O. F. 
and is also a Free-Mason, being a member of Blazing 
Star Lodge, of Concord. 

A man so successful in the management of his own 
atl'airs would naturally be sought for counsel in the 
financial affairs of his community, and we find him 
acting as a director in the State Capital Bank, to 
which position he Wi(s elected February 10, 1863. 
He was also elected director of the National State 
Capital Bank January 2, 1865, which position he has 
held continuously to the present time. He is a 
trustee and vice-president of the Loan and Trust 
Savings-Bank, of Concord, and one of its investment 



committee, and a trustee of the Centennial Home for 
the Aged, the existence of which institution is largely 
due to his exertions. He has done much for the im- 
provement of Concord, and has been ready to assist 
in every good work, and has ever been a true friend 
to the poor. He has been interested in education 
and liberal in support of schools. 

Such a life, unostentatious though it be, has a value 
not to be easily measured, and the world is nuuh 
better for such living. 

In November, 1840, Mr. Norris married, first, Caro- 
line M., daughter of Dr. Timothy and Sarah Hillard. 
(if Northwood, N. H., who died June 27, 1847, aged 
thirty-one years, leaving a daughter, Ellen G., born 
May 1, 1844, who married George W. Crockett. 

September 24, 1850, Mr. Norris married, second, 
Mary E., daughter of Wesley and Harriet Palmer, of 
Concord. She was born January 23, 1829. From 
this union there was born James C. (6), April 3, 1854, 
who has succeeded to the business of his father and 
is now at the head of the firm, and stands as one of 
the flourishing and intelligent young business men of 
Concord. 

July 5, 1876, James C. (6) married Minnie Parker, 
daughter of Augustus and Mary Jane Wiggin, of 
Concord. She was born May 13, 1856. From this 
union there have been Mabel Parker, born February 
9, 1877; Orra, born November 24, 1878; Ethel, born 
February 13, 1881; and James Shepard (7), born No- 
vember 20, 1884. 

Of the first wife of Mr. Norris (5) it may fittingly 
be said that she was a help-meet, frugal and indus- 
trious, and with untiring devotion and Christian love 
aiding to the utmost in establishing a home in its 
truest sense. She was devoted to her husband, her 
child and her Saviour. 

It was at the time when Mr. Norris (5) started out 
for himself in the wider field at Concord that he 
married Mary E. Palmer, and of her it may be said 
that, while attending to the manifold duties of the 
household, she has aided and encouraged her husband 
in his struggle from poverty to affluence, and now 
shares with him the confidence and love of a large 
circle of friends. She is a tender, loving wife, a true 
Christian mother and a member of the First Baptist 
Church of Concord. 



GRANVILLE P. OONN. 

Granville P. Conn, A.M., M.D., Concord, w;is born 
in Hillsborough, Hillsborough County, January 25, 
1832, and was the youngest of eight children of 
William and Sarah (Priest) Conn. The paternal 
ancestry was of Scotch-Irish origin, while on the 
maternal side it was of English descent. His father 
being a farmer, he resided at home until sixteen, at- 
tending the common schools and in doing farm-work. 
After this a few months at Francestown and Pem- 
broke Academies was followed with two years at 




^^z^^r^//^ ^r w^^-^i^iJ 



<':i[it;aM Aldeii Partridge's Military Institution, at 
Norwich, \'t., with an occasional term of teach- 
iiii; common and select schools in New Hampshire 
ami Vermont. At this time, and until 1852, he de- 
voted his attention principally to fitting for the pro- 
fession of civil engineering, which myopia and 
ncMcral ill health compelled him to relinquish. 

From this time until 1850 he read medicine in the 
ollice of Dr. H. B. Brown, of Hartford, Vt., and 
leaching mathematics several months during this 
period at the academy in that village. After attend- 
ing two courses of medical lectures at Woodstock, 
Xt., and a third course at Dartmouth Medical Col- 
lege, he received the degree of M.D. from the latter 
institution in the class of 1856, with the late Professor 
A. B. Crosby, of Hanover. 

In 1880 Norwich University conferred the honorary 
degree of A.M. 

In 1856 he located at Kast Eaudolph, Vt., and re- 
mained there until 1861, when he sold out and re- 
moved to Kichmond, Chittenden County, Vt. 

He was commissioned assistant surgeon of the 
Twelfth Eeginient Vermont Volunteers, August 19, 
1862, and was ordered to rendezvous at Brattleborough 
at once, and, in connection with the late Surgeon 
Phelps, of Windsor, Vt., instituted a United States 
hospital of one thousand beds. A month later his 
regiment came into the field, and with it he served in 
Virginia during its nine mouths' service, first in the 
Twenty-second Army Corps and afterwards with the 
Second Vermont Brigade, was transferred to the First 
Army Corps and was mustered out of the service 
with the regiment at Brattleborough, Vt., July 14, 
1863. 

In the fall of 1863 he came to Concord, locating in 
Ward 4, on North Main Street, where he has re- 
mained ever since. For several years he was a 
partner of Dr. Charles P. Gage, of Concord, and a 
member of the local Board of Health. Afterwards, 
for five years, he was city physician. Very soon 
after commencing the practice of medicine he be- 
came firmly convinced that a great many deaths 
occurred from preventable causes, due in many in- 
stances to ignorance of the laws of health, and that 
physicians were often disappointed in obtaining 
satisfactory results, by reason of ineflicient nursing 
and lack of attention to the hygiene of the sick-room. 
Believing the State owed to the people a care of their 
health, as well as of their morals, he commenced, in 
1866, to agitate the question of cleaning up the city, 
and there being an epidemic of cholera in Europe at 
the time, he brought the matter to the attention of 
the city ofiicials, who passed an ordinance, drafted by 
him, that secured a house-to-house inspection, the 
first in the State. This was made under his direc- 
tion, and a full record of the sanitary condition of 
every building in the compact part of each ward in 
the city was made early in the season, which resulted 
in a general cleaning of courts, alleys, streets and 



yards. The city at once took an advanced position 
in sanitation, which it has always maintained, for 
with the introduction of a water supjjly in 1873 came 
the necessity for a system of sewers, that was 
promptly met by the city borrowing a large sum of 
money to practically complete the system in 1876. 

While city physician, circumstances occurred to 
show that more care should be exercised in the burial 
of the dead, and, in company with the city solicitor, 
he advocated that a burial permit be reijuired from 
the city registrar before a body could be lawfully in- 
terred. 

The City Council passed an ordinance to that 
effect, and since then substantially the same ordi- 
nance has become the law of the State, and New 
Hampshire undoubtedly secures quite as accurate 
registration of deaths as any State in the Union. 
His intimate connection with the hygiene of the city 
of Concord rendered him more and more convinced 
that the State should have and maintain an eflective 
supervision over the lives and the health of its citi- 
zens, and that a State Board of Health was fully 
as necessary an adjunct of the executive department 
of New Hampshire as a bank, railroad, insurance or 
fish commission ; for, while it is acknowledged by all 
that the material interest of the State should be fostered 
and pushed forward to compete with the industries 
of other municipalities, yet, unless the causes of 
sickness are reduced to the minimum, but little pro- 
gress will be made ; therefore the watchful care of a 
health department becomes a necessity in order to 
render good health possible to the greatest number, 
whose energy, vitality and working capacity become 
the capital stock of the State, whose par value and 
dividends can only be attained by having a sound 
mind in a vigorous and sound body. For many years 
he labored, with others, to secure for the people of 
New Hampshire a State Board of Health, and to this 
end he read papers on sanitation before the medical 
profession, as well as contributed articles to the news- 
papers on the necessity of hygienic reform ; for it was 
evident to his mind that the State must be progres- 
sive in matters pertaining to the health of her citi- 
zens, else it would be impossible to retain her prestige 
among other commonwealths, and in 1881 he had the 
great pleasure of having the Legislature pass an act 
giving his native State a Board of Health. 

The bill establishing the board was drafted by him. 
and is in many respects a model for any State of the 
population and diversified interests that characterize 
New Hampshire, while the few years the board has 
been in existence proves that the whole subject was 
thoroughly and carefully considered before being 
presented to the Legislature ; for, while there is but 
the slightest appearance of arbitary power, which is 
so distasteful to a free and enlightened people, yet, 
with the statute law then existing in the State and 
the enactment of the bill establishing a Board of 
Health, it is doubtful if there is another State in the 



1G2 b 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Union whose health department creates less friction 
in its practical work tlian it does in New Hampshire. 
This is largely accomplished by taking it entirely out 
of the domain of politics, and in making the secre- 
tary a permanent officer so long as his efficiency con- 
tinues. 

He was at once appointed a member of the board 
for four years, and upon its organization was elected 
its president, which office he now holds. 

Although in active practice of his profession, he 
has, by his industrious and systematic habits, done 
eousiderable work for the board, contributing articles 
upon ventilation and other subjects intimately con- 
nected with hygiene, and lie has represented the 
board several times in conferences with sanitary au- 
thorities and public health meetings. 

At this time it may be considered an endorsement 
of his work on the board, that he has received a re- 
appointment for four years. 

AV'hile a resident of Vermont he became an active 
member of its State Medical Society, and a few years 
since he was elected an honorary member of the same 
association. He became a member of the New 
Hampshire Medical Society in 1864, and in 1869 was 
elected its secretary, which office he has, by the un- 
animous vote of the association, held ever since, 
except in the years 1880-81, when he was vice-presi- 
dent and president of this venerable society, which 
was organized in 1791. 

It is well known that in voluntary associations of 
this kind very much of their prosperity and efficiency 
depend upon the executive ability and energy of its 
secretary, and it is a matter of satisfaction to all who 
know him that since he became its secretary the New 
Hampshire Medical Society has increased in the num- 
ber of its active members from sixty to over two hun- 
dred and twenty-five, with an annual average attend- 
ance of one hundred and twenty-five in place of less 
than fifty in 18C5. He is a member of the Centre 
District and an honorary member of the Straffiard 
District Medical Society, as well as a member of the 
American Public Health and the American Medical 
Associations. He is also a member of the var-ious 
Masonic associations in Concord, and of Post E. E. 
Sturtevant, G. A. R., of New Hampshire. 

In 1877, and again in 1879, he was elected by the 
people on the Board of Railroad Commissioners for 
New Hampshire, this being the only time he has 
taken any active part in politics. 

While railroad commissioner he made two reports 
to the Legislature, in which he strongly advocated re- 
forms in the commission and in the manner of the 
roads making returns, that have since been adopted. 
His early education as a civil engineer has always 
made the construction and management of railways a 
matter of interest to him, and he has always believed 
that tlie progressive spirit of our country will yet ad- 
vance American raihvnys until tliey will become an 
cxiimpU" to the world of Viusiiu's> prnsi.ciitv. In this 



connection it may be mentioned that, believing that 
the prosperity of the State and its railroads depends 
very much upon its being a summer resort for the 
whole country, who come here for the purpose of 
health and recreation, he has instituted a system of 
railway sanitation and inspections that the manage- 
ments of the roads nobly second, and which, by the 
watchful care of the State Board of Health over the 
railway stations, cars and hotels, will increase the 
confidence of the traveling public in assuring them 
that it is the desire of the people of New Hampshire 
to keep the hills and valleys of the Granite State free 
from the contaminating influences of waste and eft'ete 
matter, in order that the summer visitor may return 
to his home with firm health and renewed vitality in 
return for the pecuniary consideration of a few days 
or weeks in the State. 

In 1858, while a resident of Vermont, he married 
Miss Helen M. Sprague, of East Randolph, in that 
State, and has two children. 



GEOKGE W. ELA. 

George W. Ela, a native of Portsmouth, N. H., 
born January 18, 1807, was the third son of Joseph 
and Sarah (Emerson) Ela, and the sixth of a family 
of nine children. The first sixteen years of his life 
were spent at his paternal home, occupied, when not 
attending the town schools, on his father's farm and 
in the tannery which his father carried on as a reg- 
ular occupation. This period of his life was without 
noticeable incident, if we except what he insists was 
the foundation-stone of his future, — when, in his 
fifteenth year (1822), he was taken from school, and, 
by an arrangement of his father with other land- 
owners in Grafton County, was sent to Lisbon, with 
his surveying instruments, to confirm or correct the 
lines of the original survey, involving titles to lands 
in that town, and, to some extent, the boundaries of 
the adjacent towns of Littleton and Lyman. The 
object was accomplished alter much labor, and in 
that season a plan made and returned to the pro- 
prietors, much to their satisfaction ; and their entire 
approbation and their flattering praise of his per- 
severance and success gave him confidence in his 
own powers and secured theirs in his executive ability, 
which never abated while they lived. 

In that year, by an arrangement with Hill & 
Moore, publishers of the Ne\o Hampshire Patriot, at 
Concord, — the famed Republican organ of that day, 
afterward more famous as the organ of the Jackson 
portion of that party, — Ela was to enter their office 
as an apprentice in the printing trade. The latter 
part of that year the copartnership of Hill & Moore 
was dissolved, Isaac Hill retaining the Patriot and 
Jacob B. Moore establishing a new printing-office — 
subsequently establishing tlie New Hampshire Journal, 
as the organ of the Adams wing of the Republican 
party of that day. In .January, 1823, Mr. Ela entered 



!(;•_> c 



tlic office of Jacob B. Moore as au apprentice and 
continued there during his niinorily, excepting a 
lew months of the last of his term, wlien, by an 
arrangement of all parties interested, he went to 
Dover, N. H. He then started the Dover Enquirer, 
which the supporters of Mr. Adams in the na- 
tional political contest, then beginning to be inter- 
I'sting, had determined to establish in that locality. 
After a few months Mr. Ela became, by degrees, the 
|iroprietor, publisher, printer and editor, continuing 
ill that relation — the latter part of the time in con- 
nection with the late lamented George Wadleigh — 
for a period of about three years. Many of the present 
generation of politicians will remember the influence 
which that paper exerted in political circles in the 
State, which was well maintained by Mr. Wadleigh, 
who succeeded Mr. Ela and continued in its manage- 
ment for a long series of years. Mr. Ela then re- 
turned to Concord for the purpose of consolidating 
Uie Statesman and Concord Begutcr and the New 
Hampshire Journal, as a political measure, and, in the 
year 1831, commenced the publication of the States- 
man in connection with the late AsaMcFarland, who 
retired after about two years. Mr. Ela continued the 
paper, as sole proprietor, for several years, and sub- 
sequently in connection with the late Hon. Jacob H. 
Ela, who had, in the mean time, served an apprentice- 
ship in the Statesman ofBce, which was commenced 
:iiid continued while he remained a member of Mr. 
Ilia's family. Thus Mr. Ela was brought into the 
lorties, — after unremitting labors of more than twenty 
years in the printing-office, with all the duties and 
customs connected with the public press and political 
parties — before the days of the last two generations. 
He commenced with these duties when the printers' 
<levil was expected to know everything, do everything, 
know everybody and be everywhere — to be stoker, 
messenger, newsboy and, perhai)s, caterer to his mas- 
ter's table. It was a substantial relief to advance a 
jieg to the position of compositor or pressman or any 
iither labor in the office, when, too, the last called 
for the most muscular and expert workmen, for at 
that time a power press was not known in New 
England, the work being all done on that wonderful 
screw arrangement, the invention of Adam Eamage. 
Even the ink-spreading process was accomplished 
with balls, the composition roller, which subsequently 
took their place, being then unknown. The Wells 
press — the lever — was invented a short time previous, 
:il)out 1820. Few of the craft of the present day have 
niiy definite idea of the mode of printing of that time. 
In this connection Mr. Ela mentions the foot that all 
tlie paper then used was made in that primitive mode 
(if dipping from the vat on a hand-screen, sheet by 
sheet, the pulp of which they were formed, and that 
the revolutions which have succeeded from time to 
time in that line are as wonderful as the many other 
advances in art and science and mechanical inven- 
tions. 



Mr. Ela, while yet an apprentice, became acquainted 
with many of the business men and politicians of the 
State, and more especially in the county of Merri- 
mack. Mr. Jacob B. Moore, with whom he was ap- 
prenticed, was a publisher and bookseller, as well as 
editor of the New Hampshire Journal, and, a few 
months after the formation of the county of Merri- 
mack (1823), was appointed register of deeds, and con- 
tinued in that office, by subsequent elections, several 
years. Mr. Ela much of the time was acting as clerk 
in the book-store and in the registry, often, in the 
absence of the principal, in the entire charge of the 
whole concern. Business, custom and convenience 
made the place a resort of the active men visiting the 
capital of the State and the shire of the county. While 
yet in his minority he was frequently employed as 
reporter of the proceedings of the Legislature, which 
position he afterward continued for a period of some 
fifteen years. These employments, incident to his 
early situations and continued while proprietor and 
editor of the Enquirer and Statesman, gave hira an 
extensive acquaintance, most of whom, in the early 
part of his life, were fully twenty years his seniors — 
notably so with the politicians. He was a Whig in 
politics, as may reasonably be inferred from his po- 
sitions, — active, energetic and influential, — acting in 
responsible positions often, at times as chairman of 
the State Central Committee. He was prominent in 
the campaign which seated General Harrison in the 
Presidential chair, as also in that which so nearly 
elected Henry Clay. Mr. Ela's position brought him 
in contact with many public men of fifty years ago of 
national fame as well as of local distinction,— with 
some in a formal way and as a matter of ceremony, 
but with many in a more sociable and intimate rela- 
tion. He relates many interesting and valuable 
reminiscences which an attentive observation has se- 
cured and an active mind treasured, and this charac- 
teristic has brought him to be regarded as an author- 
ity in matters of history in his time. He was present 
in the procession of school-boys in Portsmouth when 
James Monroe, then President of the United States, 
visited that ancient town, and he has known every 
President from that time down to Garfield. A winter 
in Washington, forty-five years since, secured him the 
acquaintance of most of the prominent men there at 
that time. With the press and its managers he had 
a more intimate acquaintance, which extends back to 
when Boston was a town of some thirty thousand in- 
habitants, more or less, with its Board of Selectmen, 
holding its town-meetings and transacting its town 
business in Faneuil Hall, electing its fifty or sixty 
representatives to the General Court; when it had 
not a single daily, and Nathan Hale, of the Advertiser, 
Benjamin Russell, of the Centinel, and Joseph T. 
Buckingham, of the Courier, were the guides of public 
opinion and maintained the dignity of the common- 
wealth. The New York celebrities were Nathaniel 
H. Custer, of the Statum; Mordecai M. Noah, of the 



162 d 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



New York Enquirer; William L. Stone, of the Com- 
mercial Advertiser; and, subsequently, Jaixics Gordon 
Bennett, of the Herald; James Watson Webb, of the 
Courier; Horace Greoley, of the Tribune; James 

Brooks, of the , with all of whom he was more 

or less intimately acquainted. 

Mr. Ela, finding his health foiling, in 1844, on the 
advice of his physician, abandoned his connection 
with the press. Since then he has spent much of 
his time on his farm at Allenstown, an acquisition 
which he made a few years previous, and has devoted 
much attention to agricultural pursuits. And now, 
as the traveler passes along the highway over his ex- 
tensive domain, covered with a growth of pine tim- 
ber, the equal of which is rarely to be found in this 
State at least, he may often see the tall, straight form 
of the proprietor, clothed in rustic garb, alone or 
with workmen, — or with company, as it may happen, 
— attending to the interests connected therewith ; 
sometimes in the corn-field, then examining the 
herd, perchance among the hay-makers, or directing 
and participating in whatever may be on hand at the 
moment ; showing the evidence of age, yet with an 
alacrity perplexing to the stranger when told that the 
object of his observation is so closely approaching 
the age of eighty years, having endured forty years 
of active life since condemned as an invalid without 
hope of recovery. He is ever active, rising with the 
dawn, attending to whatever duties are in hand, 
whether it leads him to the stock-yard or the office- 
table. He is not confined to his farm in his labors ; 
he has other interests, somewhat extensive, and other 
labors call him on frequent journeys, although it is 
apparent that his activity and his power of endur- 
ance have, in some degree, abated. 

Mr. Ela married Mary Adelaide Lane, of Sutton, by 
whom he had three children, — two sons and a daugh- 
ter. The latter died in infancy. Major Robert L. 
Ela served in the War of the Rebellion, in the Sixth 
Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers. He was se- 
verely wounded in the second battle of Bull Run and 
again in the crater at Petersburg, into which he led 
his regiment, commanding. He recovered to some 
extent and served throughout the war, and now re- 
sides in California. 

Captain Richard Ela also served his country in the 
War of the Rebellion, and was killed at Drury's 
Bluff, on the James, below Richmond, while leading 
a charge on the enemv's works. 



CA1»TAIN KICIIARD ELA. 

The most costly sacrifice New Hampshire made for 
the preservation of the Union was that of her young 
men. From her cities and towns, colleges and 
schools they came, strong and brave, to fill and refill 
her regiments, and they fell by hundreds. Captain 
Richard Ela was one of these. He was twenty-one 
years old when he entered the army, and he was 



killed in battle three months before his term of 
service would have expired. Brief as was his life, 
the story of it is worthy to be told, for it was well 
lived. He possessed an even temperament and a dis- 
position cheerful almost to gayety. To his passing 
friends he may have seemed to take life carelessly ; 
but beneath the jovial surface was ii grave and earnest 
element which governed his character, and when the 
time which tried men's souls came, it was shown that 
he was controlled by an abiding purpose to accept 
the work that fell to him, and do it well. 

Richard was the second son of George W. and 
Adelaide Lane Ela, and was born at Concord Feb- 
ruary 12, 1840. His mother died when he was three 
years old, and his childhood was spent partly with his 
father and partly with his grandfether. Dr. Robert 
Lane, of Sutton. After the public schools, the most 
of his school-life was spent at the academy at Frank- 
lin, although he attended, for shorter periods, the 
academies at Pembroke, New Loudon and Meriden, 
and graduated from the latter in the summer of 1858. 
He determined to begin at once the study of his pro- 
fession, and accordingly entered the law-oflSce of 
George & Foster, at Concord, with whom he com- 
pleted his professional studies ; also attending lectures 
at the Harvard Law School. 

He was physically strong, vigorous and active, and 
naturally an adept in athletic sports. He had a 
special liking for military exercise. 

When the war cloud broke, and the call to arms 
was sounded, it was impossible that he should prove 
indifferent. Patriotism and military ardor alike 
urged an immediate response, and, August 22, 1861, 
he was mustered into the service as first lieutenant of 
Company E, Third Regiment New Hampshire 
Volunteers. 

About this time he was admitted as a member of 
the Merrimack County bar. He entered the service 
with enthusiasm ; but events proved that he was also^ 
moved by a profound faith in the righteousness of 
his cause, and a steadfast purpose to do his every 
duty. His introduction to real soldiering was as 
officer of the guard while the regiment was on the 
way from Concord to Camp Sherman, Long Island, 
N. Y. While at this camp he was appointed judge 
advocate of the regiment. 

The Third was with General Sherman at Hilton 
Head, and was among the first to land. 

Lieutenant Ela was in command of two companies ; 
was detached and ordered on an expedition to the 
plantation of General Graham, the rebel commander, 
for the purpose of securing the person of that officer 
and the papers at headcpiarters. 

The general was not to be fouTid. In other respects 
the expedition was successful. 

For many months the regiment remained at Hilton 
Head. Sickness visited them, and this, with some 
being detailed for duty elsewhere, so reduced the 
number of officers that for six months, with few ex- 




—^IT/ ZyL(>^-T^^&/a^- 



162 e 



ceptions, he was the ouly officer with his company. 
The monotony was at length broken by an expedition 
towards Savannah. It amounted to but little, how- 
ever, save to plant the first Union flag on Georgia 
soil. 

Soon after, in an expedition to the mainland, 
Lieutenant Ela was ordered to cut off and capture 
the enemy's pickets at a certain station, which was 
accomplished. The next day the regiment moved 
further inland, and his company, deployed as skir- 
mishers going up and rear-guard in returning, had 
-i'lrae sharp skirmishing with the enemy. "This," he 
.-.lys, " was the first time we had heard the whistle of 
rebel bullets." 

During April, 1862, the regiment was doing guard 
duty on Edisto Island, and on the 15th of the month 
Lieutenant Ela was promoted to a captaincy and 
assigned to Company G. Three months later he was 
given command of his former company (E). The 
following June he participated in the battle of Seces- 
sionville, and being knocked down by a passing shell 
was reported killed, but he was soon able to contra- 
dict the report. 

About the 1st of July the regiment returned to 
Hilton Head, and he was assigned to the command 
of the forces on Pinckney Island. 

In September he returned to Hilton Head. Sick- 
ness prevailed to such a degree that for atiniebutone 
captain, besides himself, was on duty. His health 
suffered severely, and in November he was given 
leave of absence for twenty days, the most of which 
he spent in Florida. 

In March, 1863, he was assigned to duty as second 
in command of provost guard at Hilton Head, where 
he continued until April, when he returned to his 
regiment. 

He was with the first expedition against Charles- 
ton, and participated in the fighting on Morris Island 
in July. When the siege of Fort Wagner was begun 
Captain Ela was detailed to organize and command a 
battalion of sharpshooters. He was stationed at the 
front and held the post of danger throughout the 
siege, doing effective and important work towards the 
capture of the tort. 

In March, 1864, the regiment returned to Hilton 
Head to be reorganized as mounted infantry. It was 
then sent to Florida and there dismounted, and sent 
to Virginia to join in the operations against Rich- 
mond. The forces were gathering for the last great 
struggle with the Eebellion. Captain Ela felt that 
serious work was ahead. His last letter to his father 
was dated at Gloucester Point, Va., April 30, 1864, 
and says : " We are crowded dovi^n to the lightest pos- 
sible marching order. You need not expect to hear 
from me again until I find an opportunity to write 
from Richmond." 

Thirteen days later he fell in the charge which 
captured the first of the outer defenses of Richmond. 
In the desperate charge at Drury's Bluff he led his 



men to within twenty paces of the enemy's breast- 
works and died. 

The adjutant-general's report says. "The fighting 
lasted but twenty minutes ; but in those twenty 
minutes more than two hundred of New Hampshire's 
bravest and best fell dead or wounded. Among the 
foremost fell the gallant Captain Richard Ela, while 
in advance of his men, leading them in the charge. 
He was shot through the brain, and expired almost 
instantly." His body was buried on the field of 
battle, where it lies awaiting the last reveille. 

Captain Ela was a brave and faithful soldier. He 
had few opportunities to distinguish himself in bat- 
tle; but in a less conspicuous way his merit was even 
greater. Although just across the line from boyhood 
and fresh from student-life, he performed the work of 
one or more other ofiicers besides his own during 
almost the whole of his time of service. From the 
time of entering active service the complement of 
officers was never full ; he was always on duty, and 
work of absent ones therefore fell upon him. Much 
of the time, also, he was detailed for special work in 
addition to his regular duties. Officers and men 
alike bore testimony to his ability, his faithfulness 
and kindly thoughtfulness of others. He bore the 
hardships and disappointments of his. lot without 
complaint, and seemed only anxious to do his work 
well. 

With the exception of leave of absence at one time 
of twenty days, he. was never away from his post, and 
though sometimes sufl'ering from ill health, he was 
never marked off duty. At the end of two years and 
a half of service he was the only one of the original 
officers who had not been home. 

When on the march to the fatal battle-field a com- 
rade found him — usually so cheerful — now sober and 
thoughtful In response to a question, he replied 
that he had a presentiment of death. They were 
going into a fierce battle, and he felt that he should 
be numbered with the slain. The comrade urged 
him not to go into battle if such were his' feelings. 
He replied, " If it comes to that, I never shrank from 
duty, and though I know this to be my last battle, my 
duty to my country shall be well done." 

That was the key-note of his character. Had he 
lived, it would have made him a useful and honored 
citizen ; dying, it made him a hero. 



1>R. ROBERT LAKE ELA. 

Dr. Robert Lane Ela, the eldest son of George W. 
and Adelaide L. Ela, was born at Concord, N. H., 
April 17, 1838. When he was five years old his 
mother died. His childhood was spent in part with 
his grandfather. Dr. Robert Lane, at Sutton, and in 
part with his father at Concord. He was educated at 
New London, Pembroke and Meriden Academies. 
On completing his studies at these schools, he was 
employed on his father's farm at Allenstown, and 



162 t 



HISTOllV OF BELKiVAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



subsequently went to Stoneham, Mass., wlicre he 
engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, 
which he continued until the spring of 18G1. 

When the War of the Rebellion broke out he 
responded to the President's call for volunteers, and, 
returning to Concord, recruited a company for the 
Sixth New Hampshire Kcgimeut. He was com- 
missioned a captain, and, joining the regiment at 
Keene, was mustered into the United States service 
November 30, 1861. He went with his regiment to 
Washington, D. C, where they remained in camp a 
few weeks, and early in January, 1862, they joined 
Burnside's expedition to Hatteras, Roanoke Island 
and Newbern, N. C. In July they were transferred 
by water to General Pope's command in Virginia. 
They participated in the battle of Cedar Mountain 
and the second battle of Bull Run, August 29, 1862, 
where Captain Ela was severely wounded in the right 
arm. He went home on a furlough, and remained until 
he had partly recovered the use of his arm, rejoining 
his regiment in March, 1863, while it was on the way 
to Kentucky. He was with the regiment through the 
Kentucky campaign, and went with it to Vicksburg, 
where he was present during the siege and at the sur- 
render of that stronghold, and also in the operations 
against Jackson, which resulted in the capture of that 
place. The regiment then returned to Kentucky and 
was stationed at Frankfort, where Captain Ela acted 
as provost-marshal. On the reorganization of the 
army under General Grant, in 1864, he went with his 
regiment to Virginia, and participated in the Wilder- 
ness Ijattlos of May r)th and Gth ; the battles of Spott- 



sylvania, May 12th and 18th; North Anna River, 
May 20th ; Cold Harbor, June 3d and 4th ; then 
moving across the James River to the front of Peters- 
burgh, and engaging in the battles of June 17th and 
18th, and being under fire every day until the explo- 
sion of the mine, .luly 30th. Captain Ela was in 
command of the regiment at this time, and, the Sixth 
New Hampshire being one of those selected to charge 
the enemy after the blowing up of the mine, he led 
it into the crater, and in the fight which followed was 
wounded by the explosion of a spherical case shot in 
front of him. Both legs were partially paralyzed, 
causing injuries from which he has never fully re- 
covered. He was afterwards detailed for duty as 
acting adjutant quartermaster, at Camp Gilmore, 
Concord, N. H. He returned to his regiment and 
was promoted to the rank of major before the close of 
the war. He was mustered out of the service with his 
regiment July 17, 1865. 

Major Ela was popular with the men under his 
command, for he was thoughtful of their comfort and 
watchful of their interests. He was intimate with 
but few of his brother officers, but with those he was 
especially friendly and always ready to give them a 
cordial greeting. As an officer, he was prompt and 
faithful in the discharge of duty and performed well 
his part in the War for the Union. 

After his return from the army he studied medicine 
and surgery with Dr. Crosby, of Concord, and at the 
Dartmouth Medical School and Bellevue Hospital, 
New York, taking degrees from both schools. For 
the past ten years he has resided in California. 



HISTORY OF ALLENSTOWN. 



CHAPTER I. 

Geographical— Original Grant— Named in Honor of Gen. Samuel Allen 
—Incorporation of Town— Copy of Charter— First Town-Meeting— 
Officers Elected— First Settlements— Names of Pioneers— Indian Depre- 
dations-Capture of Robert Buutin and Others— Documentary History 
— First Justice of the Peace — Roman Catholic Church. 

The town of Allenstown lies in the southeastern 
p<art of the county, and is bounded as follows : 

On the North by Epsom ; East by Eockingham 
County ; South by Hooksett and West by Pembroke. 

This town was originally granted, May 11, 1722, to 
the children of Governor Samuel Allen and to their 
heirs. It was described as follows: "A tract of land 
four miles .square, adjoining to Chester side line, and 
Nottingham head line." A portion of this tract was 
incorporated with Pembroke in November, 1759. It 
wM named Allenstown in honor of Governor Allen. 
In June, 1815, a tract of land lying east of the Mer- 
rimack River, which had jireviously belonged to 
Bow, was annexed. 

Although this town was early granted, it was not 
incorporated as a town until July 2, 1881. The fol- 
lowing is the act of incorporation : 
" State of New Hampshire : 

" In the year of our Lord one thousand eight 
luindred and thirty-one. 

"An act to incorporate a town by the name of Al- 
lenstown. 

"Section 1.— Be it enacted by the Senate and House 
of Representatives, in general court convened, that 
all that tract of land situated in the county of Merri- 
mack, in said State, that is now known by the name 
of Allenstown, be and the same hereby is incorporated 
into a town by the name of Allen.stown, with all the 
powers, privileges, incident to other towns in this 
State. 

"Provided, however, that no person whomsoever, 
that would not have gained a settlement in said Al- 
lenstown by the laws of this State, if said Allenstown 
had been incorporated into a town on the first 
Wednesday in June one thousand eight hundred and 
twenty-eight, shall gain a settlement in said Allens- 
town in virtue of this act, any law to the contrary 
notwithstanding. 



"Section 2.— And be it further enacted, that Ichabod 
Clark, James C. Emery, James Piper and Mark Til- 
ton, or any three of them, are hereby authorized to 
call the first meeting of the legal voters of said Al- 
lenstown by posters of notification in two of the most 
publick places in said Allenstown, expressing the 
time, place and purpose of said meeting, fifteen days 
previous to the day of meeting, which meeting shall 
be holden on the last Monday of November next. 

"Section 3. — And be it further enacted that the 

officers that were chosen at the last annual meeting 

of the legal voters of said Allenstown shall continue 

in office during the term for which they were chosen. 

"Franklin Pierce, 

" Speaker of the House of Bepresenfatives. 

"Samuel Cartland, 

" rrcsidmt of the Senate. 

"Approved July 2, 1831. 

" Samuel Dinhmore, Governor." 

At this time Ralph Metcalf was Secretary of State, 
aud A. O. Evans town clerk of Allenstown. 

The first town-meeting under this act was held 
February 2, 1822, and Charles Bodwell was chosen 
moderator. The first meeting for the election of 
town officers, under this act, was held March 13, 
1832. Daniel Batchelder was elected representative, 
Andrew O. Evans town clerk and John Perkins, A. 
0. Evans and John Tennant selectmen. 

Among the first settlers of the town were John 
Wolcutt, Andrew Smith, Daniel Evans and Robert 
Buntin. 

Mr. Buntin and a son ten years of age and one 
.lames Carr, while at work on the west bank of the 
Merrimack, were attacked by Indians, who killed 
Carr and captured Buntin and his son and marched 
them as prisoners to Canada. Here they were sold 
to a Frenchman residing in Montreal. After a cap- 
tivity of eleven months they escaped and returned 
to their home. The son was Andrew Buntin, who 
served in the Revolutionary War until his death, 
which occurred at White Plains October 28, 1776. 



164 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Documentary History. — 

Certificate of Three I'i'oldiers liable to have tlieir Tax 

abated. 
"Allenston. 

"this is to searty that george wins John Jcdkins 
and Jeams megoy [McCoy] was in the Continentle 
serves agrebel to the vote of thes province psist in the 
year 1775 should be tcaken of John heyes By us 

"that the pole tax is " Benj matthes 

4 6 p' head Select men 

to the state 

"13-0 8w()rn to June 12, 1777, before 

" W" Pakkee Jus. Peace. 

" .loSEPH Demxet Constable for 1776." 

Return of Number of Ratable Polls, 1783. 

" In obedience to the Order of the Hon' General 
Court we the subscribers Select Men of Allenstowu 
have made the Following to be the Exact Number 
of Rateable polls from Twenty one years old & up- 
wards in the bounds of said AUenstown viz. thirty 
Polls 

" George Evans ] Select 
"Samuel Webster ) men 

"AUenstown 
December 9'" A. D. 1783. 

" To the Hon'' the General Court of the State of 
New Hamp.shire at Concord." 

The above was sworn to before Samuel Daniell, of 
Pembroke, justice of the peace. 

Petition for Abatement of Tax. 
" State of New 1 To the Hon'*'" the Senate and House 

Hampshire J of Representatives in General 
Court Convened the 14'" day of June A. D. 1786. 

"The Petition of the Selectmen of AUenstown in 
the County of Rockingham. 

" Humbly Sheweth That said AUenstown in the 
year 1781 was called upon by the authority of said 
State to raise one man to serve in the Continental 
Army three years or during the war between Great 
Britain and the United States of America at which 
time it was supposed by s^ Town that there was then 
serving in the Army aforesaid a Man for said Town, 
which if it had been true would have prevented said 
Demand, but on trial before the Committee of safety 
it was determined against them, by means whereof 
s'' Town lost a large sum of money which was paid 
him for engaging as aforesaid. Your Petitioners 
afterwards hired one Samuel Kennistown and went 
with him to the Muster Master, who Informed them 
that a few days before he was ordered not to Muster 
any more— since which an Extent hath been issued 
against the Select Men of said Town by the Treasurer 
for Seventy two pounds twelve shillings, and is in an 
officers hands to execute— As the said Town has ever 
procured their quota of Men during the late War, tho' 
but an Handful compared with the greatest part of 
the Towns in the State, and were unfortunately de- 



■ George Evi 



prived of a Man they supposed that they had a right 
to, and who they paid for his Service, beg this Hon'"'* 
Court would take their case under their Consideration 
and relinquish the whole or part of said sum. 

"And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever 
pray. 

"j one, and in be- 
half of the other 
Selectmen of 
J said Town " 

In answer to the foregoing petition, the Legislature 
abated forty-two pounds. 

Petition for Justice of the Peace. 

" State of New Hamp' ) To his Excellency John 
Rockingham ss i Sullivan Esq and the 

honourable Privy Council for said State. — Humbly 
shews that the Inhabitants of AUenstown in said State 
— That your Petitioners tho' small in Numbers Con- 
sider themselves Entitled To Common Privileges with 
other Towns in general in said state, that Ever 
since the settlement of said Town, the Inhabitants 
thereof have been destitute of a Civile Magistrate 
To Transact the Nessary business of said Town, and 
have ever been Obleged annualy To apply at least 
six miles and some times more Distance from said 
Town To a magistrate To qualify Town officers, and 
frequently upon other business which Proves very 
inconvenient, and as they humbly Conceive that 
there is a Person who is a Reputable free holder in 
said Town, well quallified To sustain such a Commis- 
sion and the most likley To give general satisfaction 
as a magistrate, therefore humbly Pray that Capt. 
George Evins may be appointed a Justice of the 
Peace in and for the County aforesaid, and your 
Petitioners as bound &c. 

"AUenstown Nov. 1787. 

"Robert Bunten, Samel Kinstone, Clement M'Coy, 
Danel Daves, Ede Hall Bergin, Samuel (his X mark) 
fisk, Josiah Allen, Jacob Gay, John Trefethen, Moses 
Leavett, farik Luces, Samuel webster Junr., Philip 
Sargent, Zablon Davis, Josiah Johnson, Riley Smith, 
Roger Dugan, Leonard Harrington, Ichabod Clark, 
James kinniston, John Tomson, Jerimiah Jonson, 
John Hayes, Nathaniel Smith, Garshom Dugan, Icha- 
bod Clark, Charles Bamford, Samuel Rowe, Hall 
Bergin, Samuel kinneson. Samel york, John Jonson, 
John Robinson." 

This petition was not granted. 

Petition for Authoritij to Tax Tand fur Bqiairing 
Highways, etc. 

J ■, To the Hon'''" General Asscml)ly for 

State of ( g.^jj g^^j^ convened at Exeter Jan- 
New Hamp'[ u^„y7'"1789. 

" Humbly Shew the Inhabitants of AUenstown in 
said State — That from the first settlement of said 
Town, the Inhabitants thereof (who are very few in 
number, not exceeding forty rateable polls) have 



ALLENSTOWN. 



165 



been at the sole expense of maintaining all public 
roads in the same — that from the roughness of the 
land, the many streams running through said Town, 
:uul the small number of Inhabitants, they find it 
exceedingly burdensome to keep the roads and bridges 
i.scjme of which are long and very often carried away 
!iy freshets) in barely passable repair — that unless 
said Inhabitants can have some assistance from the 
Non-resident Proprietors or owners of lands in said 
Town, (who are by far the greatest part of the pro- 
priety,) they cannot possibly keep said roads & 
l)ridges in proper repair, they therefore pray your 
Honours to take this their petition under your wise 
consideration, and alleviate their distress by granting 
them liberty to assess one penny per acre on all the 
lands in said Allenstown improved and unimproved 
for the term of three years, for the purpose of repair- 
ing and making passable and convenient the roads 
and bridges in said town, and as bound &c. 

~) Select Men for and 
"JohnLeoxaed I in behalf of the 
" JosiAH Allex j- Inhabitants of 
" Nathaniel Smith J Allenstown." 

The foregoing petition was before the Legislature 
January 7th, and a hearing ordered for their next 
>i s-iion. June 18, 1789, an act passed granting the 
ii'.|uest. 

First Justice of the Peace. 
"To His Excellency the President of the State of 

New Hampshire and the Honorable Privy Council 

Convened at Exeter May 1790. 

"The petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of 
Allenstown in said State Humbly Shews — 

"That your petitioners are desirous that a Justice 
of the peace may be appointed in said Allenstown 
(as they never have as yet had the privilege of hav- 
ing one in said Town) and they beg leave to recom- 
mend to your Excellency & Honors Capt. George 
Evans as the most suitable person in said Town for 
that office and we pray that your Excellency & 
Honors would take the matter under your wise Con- 
sideration & appoint him ye° said Evans a Justice of 
tlie peace in and for the County of Rockingham. 
And your petitioners as in duty bound will ever 
liray. 

"Allenstown 5"> Feby. 1790. 

" Ede Hall Bergin, Josiah Morse, John Clark, John 
Woodward, John Bergin, John Leonard Juner. Na- 
thaniel Smith, John Johnson, Benjamin Mathies, Ze- 
bilon Daves, .Joshua Cates, Samuel Kinneson Sr, Icha- 
bod Clark Jr, Walter Bergin, Hall Bergin, Amos Carl- 
ton, Capt. Staren Sargent, John Leonard, John Hayes, 
John Hartford, federch Luies [?], James Hartford, 
Samuel york, Daniel Daves Jr, Ichabod Clark Sr, Jo- 
seph Y. Bergin, Robert Bunten, Philip Sargent, Theod 
Shackford, Josiah Allen, Samuel webster. Samel fisk, 
Samuel gooken, Nathaniel Smith, Charles Bamford, 
Samuel Kinneson Jr." 



This petition was granted, and Evans became Al- 
enstown's first magistrate. 

Captain George Evans was a prominent citizen of the 
town and held various offices. He was born May 31, 
1755, and died November 2'A, 1804. Plis wife, Louisa 
Williams, was born October 17, 1757. They had four- 
teen children, viz.: John, Daniel, Andrew O., Nancy, 
Eleanor, Betsey, George, Alfred, Samuel W., Robert, 
Asenath, Sophia, Alfred and Lucy P. 

Captain Robert Buntin was also a prominent citizen. 
He was born December 1, 1767, and his wife (Betsy 
Hutchinson) was born January 20, 1770. Their first 
child, Mehitable, was born June 15, 1791, at " six 
o'clock in the forenoon." 

The following petition relative to building bridges 
over Suncook River was presented in 1798: 

" To the Hon*"" the Senate and House of Representa- 
tives in General Court convened at Hopkinton, on 
the first Wednesday in June, A.D. 1798. 
" Humbly Shews The Inhabitants of Allenstown 
in the County of Rockingham that in the year 1759 a 
Township was incorporated in said County by the 
name of Pembroke bounded westerly by Merrimac 
& Sowcook Rivers, Northerly upon Chichester & 
Epsom, & Easterly & Southerly by Suncook River: 
that when said Pembroke was incorporated, about 
one mile was taken off from the Westerly part of 
Allenstown & included in Pembroke : That the Inhabi- 
tants of Pembroke have unreasonably refused and 
still neglect and refuse to build or keep in Repair any 
part of the Bridges over Suncook River under pre- 
tence of their not being liable by Law to build said 
bridges nor any part of the same, said Town being 
bounded by Suncook River in the act of Incorporation ; 
by reason whereof your petitioners are in danger of 
being Compelled to build & keep in Repair all the 
Bridges across said Suncook River, a burthen which 
your petitioners in their present situation are wholly 
unable to bear on account of the fewness of their 
Number & the great expence of maintaining & keep- 
ing in repair the other Roads & Bridges through their 
town — that the public have a long time suffered much 
inconvenience and Danger for want of good Bridges 
over Suncook River, and that said Bridges are now in 
a Ruinous Condition, the lives of passengers being 
daily endangered in passing the same: Your peti- 
tioners further shew that if that part of Pembroke 
which was taken oft" from Allenstown with the In- 
habitants was to_be Re-annexed to said Allenstown it 
would not be more than their Just proportion of the 
Highway tax of said Town to Build and keep in 
Repair the Bridges over Suncook River ; 

Wherefore your Petitioners Humbly pray that that 
part of Allenstown with the Inhabitants thereof, 
which is included within Pembroke, by said Act of 
Incorporation, may be Disannexed from Pembroke, 
and Joined again to that Tract of land known and 
called by the Name of Allenstown, That they nuiy 



16G 



HISTOKY OF MEllKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Thereby be Enabled to build and keep in repair the 
Eoads and Bridge-s aforesaid,— or that such other re- 
lief in the premises may be afforded to your peti- 
tioners as your Honors shall think just and Proper, 
And they as in Duty bound will ever pray 

" Allenstown June G'" 1798. 

"Israel Harden, John Leonard, Samuel Webster, 
Samuel Fisk, Philip Sargent, John Johnson, Robert 
Bunten, John Leonard, Jr., Moses Lcavitt, Theod. 
Shackford, Jr., Simon Johnson, David Webster, George 
Evens, John Hayes, Theod. Shackford, John Fisk, 
James Bunten, John Hartford, James Clark, Daniel 
Kinneson, Nathaniel Smith, John Gate, Samuel Daris, 
Nathaniel Smith, Junr., Hall Burgin, Samuel Wells, 
Jur." 

The result of this petition was an act extending 
the easterly and southerly line of the town of Pem- 
broke to the eiisterly and southerly bank of Suncook 
River. This act was approved December 24, 1798. 

The "Now Hampshire Gazetteer," published by 
Farmer & Morse, in 1823, says : "There is no settled 
minister in Allenstown ; their meeting-house is open 
to all religious sects, and they occasionally have 
preaching. Population, 433." 

Roman Catholic Church. — There is but one 
church in Allenstown, the Catholic Church in the 
village of Suncook. The church building is a large 
and elegant edifice, beautifully located, and was 
erected at a cost of about forty thousand dollars. 
The church is under the care of Father J. H. C. 
Davignon, who is energetic in all efforts to advance 
the welfare of his people. He is a popular pastor, 
and his influence is widely felt. 



BTOCxRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



MA.IOR STERLING SARGENT. 

-Major Sterling Sargent was born in Allenstown 
March 20, 1794. He was the son of Philip and Sally 
Peirce Sargent. He early manifested a great interest 
in music, and became quite proficient as a drummer. 
When only sixteen years of age he wasstationed, with 
others, at Fort Constitution, in the War of 1812, and 
commissioned drum-major. He always resided in 
the town of his birth, and for many years was chosen 
to represent the same in General Court, and to fill 
various other offices in the interests of his fellow- 
citizens. He was born on and inherited the farm 
now owned by the China Manufacturing Company. 
He made the brick and built the house in which 
Colonel D. L. Jewell, the agent, now resides. 

In 1843 he sold this place to the Pembroke Mills 
Comi)any, moving a short distance to land he owned, 
where he built a house and fitted uji a home, in which 
he lived and died. 



Mr. Sargent was always a decided Democrat, and 
was intensely loyal to the government. He lived to see 
the triumph of the Federal army over the Rebellion, 
and died in the hope of peace and abounding pros- 
perity to every section of our fair country. He was 
for many years an honored member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, contributing freely for the build- 
ing of the late chapel in Suncook village, for the 
purchase of the organ, and for the support of the 
various institutions of religion. His democracy and 
piety were always well illustrated in his liberality 
and justice. Being for many years an esteemed mem- 
ber of the Masonic fraternity, he met all men " on 
the level, and parted with them on the square." He 
was married, in 1815, to Sally Gault, of Hooksett. 
She proved to be a woman of uncommon domestic 
ability, and every way well qualified to preside over 
a family and a home. She died May 10, 1863. He 
died June 4, 1868. They lived together nearly fifty 
years. There were born to them eleven children, — 
seven sons and four daughters. Three sons died in 
infancy, and two became young men and then de- 
ceased. Six children are now living, — two sons and 
four daughters. Philip Sargent, the eldest son, re- 
sides in the finest brick mansion in the town, which 
he has erected close by the place where he was born. 

Warren Sargent inherits, and now occupies, the old 
homestead, which is regarded as one of the best 
fiirms and pleasantest situations in Allenstown. 

These brothers are known as the firm of P. & W. 
Sargent, brick-makers, Suncook, N. H. 

Sallie S., the eldest daughter, first married George 
Hirsch, who soon after died, and she married 
Rev. H. H. Hartwell, a Methodist minister and mem- 
ber of the New Hampshire Conference, and now 
owns and dwells in a fine " cottage home," near the 
place of her birth. 

Elsie K. is the esteemed wife of Henry W. For- 
bush, Esq., a merchant in Philadelphia. 

Mary H. is the honored wife of W. F. Head, Esq., 
of Hooksett, a brother and a life-long partner in 
business, and now occupying the .splendid residence 
of the late ex-Governor Natt. Head. 

Abbie H. is the true and faithful com))anion of 
Natt. B. Emery, one of the long-known firm of Emery 
Brothers, and has a palatial residence in Suncook 
village. 

These six children all revere the memory of their 
departed parents, and in talent and character are 
living to honor the family name. 



REV. HENRY II. HARTWET.L. 

Rev. Henry H. Hartwell was born in Hillsborough, 
N. H., October 18, 1819. He was the eldest son of 
William and Betsy Wilkins Hartwell. They had 
nine sons and two daughters. Of these, six died 
ill infancy, while five lived to reach manhood. 

The family was poor, and at times destitute. When 




xw .^- 






ALLKNSTOWN. 



lie was about eight years old, young Heury was sent to 
Vermont to live with a friend (iu order to lighten the 
l>urden of family expenses), where he remained for 
more than four years without seeing his mother, to 
whom he was greatly attached. He then returned to 
Ids native town, and found employment in ditterent 
places, working during the summer and utlcndiug 
school in the winter-time. 

When fourteen years of age he commenced to learn 
the carpenter's trade, working, as before, in the busy 
season, and attending school or teaching in the fall 
MiicI winter. At the age of eighteen he made a pro- 
losiori (jf religion and united with tlie Methodist 
i;iiiscnpul Church. 

Immediately becoming very active in all the social 
meetings and interests of the church, he was greatly 
impressed that it was his duty to take upon himself 
the work and oiBce of the Christian ministry. He 
found two barriers in the way : the opposition of his 
father and friends, and his deep consciousness of 
unfitness for such an important work. Still, he kept 
steadily on in the discharge of what he felt to be his 
duty, and in the improvement of every opportunity, 
until in the spring of 1840, his zeal having 
daily increased and his father being less opposed to 
it, he gave up all, and, leaving home and friends, 
sttirted on horseback, with saddle-bags, to carry the 
'And tidings to lost men. 

He joined the New Hampshire Conference in 1841, 
and for thirty-five years performed effective work in 
the ministry. His educational advantages were lim- 
ited, but he was a ready extempore speaker, very 
original, always selecting some object in nature 
or some fact in history with which his hearers were 
familiar, that he might more clearly illustrate and 
forcibly apply the truth he sought to inculcate. He 
was full of what is called "mother wit," and has ever 
been regarded as a good student of human nature. 
He inherited a peculiar eccentricity, which added not 
a little to his popularity as a preacher. During his 
active ministry he filled many of the best positions 
in the Conference, and was always happy in his charge 
and his work. Under his ministry thousands have 
been converted and added to the Church of Christ. 

Physically he was perfect, and the early muscular 
training he received was of much benefit at times 
during his ministry. He was assailed, when in his 
prime, by three men who had taken offense at some- 
thing he had said in a temperance-meeting, and with 
much profanity they informed him of their intention 
to thrash him. He replied solemnly, " Boys, I don't 
want my ministerial coat soiled ; allow me to take it 
oflT and I am ready." When his coat dropped from 
his hand, the better of the three went to the ground 
also, and the second was treated in a like manner. 
Mr. Hartwell then said to the third, " David, if I 
strike you, you will never rise without help I " And 
David gave him his hand, and the two together got 
the others up, washed off the blood and assisted them 



to their homes. This c.\pcrience was to the tluve in 
after-years a source of merriment wlien tlicy met 
together. 

When Mr. Hartwell was pastor of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church in Nashua, in 1858, one night, iu 
the midst of a powerful revival, some one made a 
disturbance in the back part of the congregation. He 
called upon an officer to still or remove the offender. 
The officer went to the man while Mr. Hartwell de- 
layed reading the hymn. At length he came back to 
the pulpit without his man. Mr. Hartwell then said, 
" The officer informs me that this is a desperate fel- 
low ; that he has a revolver and swears he won't go 
out. Now let all be perfectly quiet," and, turning 
his hymn-book upon the Bible, he walked decidedly 
up the aisle and said, " Jack Burns, will you go with 
me quietly out of this house?" The reply was, 
" Yes, Henry, I will ; but there ain't another man in 
this crowd that can take me out! " He led him out 
and down into the street, and returning to the pulpit, 
said, "Now let us worship God.'' 

More than thirty years ago Mr. Hartwell was Jour- 
neying from New Market to Concord iu a sleigh with 
his wife and little daughter. In the town of North- 
wood he saw three young men from the leading fami- 
lies in Concord coming driving at a break-neck speed, 
and their sleigh lapped his about three inches. 
The driver said, "What now? my horse won't back." 
Mr. Hartwell said, " My horse will back if I want 
him to." After a moment one of them said, " What 
are you going to do?" Mr. Hartwell replied, "I 
will show you if you like to see," and, stepping out 
into the snow, he took hold of their sleigh aad tipped 
it, with the men, into the ditch and then drove on. 
These are only a few of the many reminiscences of 
his life. He was never a bigot, but was an outspoken, 
old-fashioned Methodist minister. 

He spoke of heaven and hell and called things by 
their proper names. He was of a very positive na- 
ture, making many warm friends and some bitter 
enemies. He cast his first vote in 1840 with the then 
despised Anti-Slavery party. His father wept and 
said to him, "I should rather have buried you than 
have you vote the nigger ticket ! " But he replied, 
in his own peculiar style, " Old man, you have al- 
ways told us boys never to be anything because your 
father was, but investigate and then act as you con- 
scientiously believe to be right. That I have done." 
And his father never said anything more to him on 
that subject. Mr. Hartwell always seemed sanguine 
in the belief that he should live to see the doing 
away of American slavery, as the sum of all vil- 
lainies. After the abolishing of slavery he drifted 
into the Eepublican ranks, and for many years has 
been an earnest worker on that line. He has always 
been a most decided temperance advocate ; has been 
associated with nearly all the temperance organiza- 
tions for the last fifty years, believing that all of them 
have done good. But his great stress has been on 



16S 



HISTOllY OF MEHKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



prohibition. He has always believed, preached, 
jirayed and voted with the hope, and only hope, of 
the full and final suppression by law of this great 
curse. On account of his outspoken opposition to 
this traffic he has suffered in person, reputation and 
property. He has been greatly slandered, waylaid, 
horse-sheared, wagon and harness mutilated and an 
attempt lias been to burn his house by night. But 
for his faithful dog, he and his family might have 
gone through the flames of his own dwelling to the 
rest promised to the people of God. For a few years 
past he has been so wounded with the duplicity of 
professed temperance men, and so disgusted with 
some of his brethren in the ministry who have 
preached temperance and voted for rum, that he has 
not taken as prominent a part in public demonstra- 
tions as formerly. 

A now prominent man has said: "To be duly ap- 
preciated he must be thoroughly known. I have 
known Mr. Hartwell for fifty years intimately, and } 
would trust him with uncounted thousands of dollars." 

He was married, in May, 1842, to Flora Ann Sweatt, 
of Webster, N. H., who proved every way worthy of 



his hand and heart. They toiled together for sixteen 
years, and she died November, 1858, leaving three 
sons and one daughter. The sons are all living. The 
daughter was Jlrs. Charles T. Daniels, of Lawrence, 
Mass., who, with her only son, nineteen years of age, 
was lost on the ill-fated steamer " City of Columbus," 
off Gay Head, January 18, 1884. 

In April, 1861, he married Mrs. Sally Hirsch, a 
widow, and the eldest daughter of Major Sterling 
Sargent, of Allenstown. They have one daughter, 
Mrs. Pork Mitchel, now of Manchester. He has 
been for more than a quarter of a century a member 
of the Masonic fraternity and of the I. O. O. Fellows, 
having regularly passed the chairs and been Grand 
Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of the State in both of 
these orders. 

In 1868 he became a citizen of Allenstown, where 
he now resides. Although he has never acted or 
voted with the predominant party, he h:is been kept 
in office most of the time, showing the respect for 
and confidence reposed in him by his fellow-towns- 
men. He is now a man of sixty-six years, hale and 
hearty, and weighs two hundred pounds. 



HISTORY OF BOSCAWEN.' 



CHAPTER I 



-Firet Sottlere 
lau Troubles— 
<■ of thu Pence 



The town of Boscawen is located near the centre 
of the county, and is bounded as follows : 

North by Salisbury ; East by Northfleld and Can- 
terbury ; South by Concord and West by Webster. 

The original grant of this town was made to John 
Coffin and eighty others, by the government of Mas- 
>:ichusetts Bay, June 6, 1733. It was named Contoo- 
cook, and bore that name until it was incorjiorated as 
a town, April 22, 1760, for a term of two years, by 
the government of New Hampshire, and given its 
present name in honor of Admiral Edward Boscawen, 
of the British navy. This charter was continued for 
an indefinite term, by the same authority, October 7, 
1763. The first proprietors' meeting was held in 
Newbury, Mass., in 1733, and thirty-three of the 
proprietors commenced settlements in the town tlu' 
following spring. 

Mr. Richard Hazen, an experienced surveyor, who 
had been employed by the proprietors of Penacook 
to survey that plantation, was engaged to make the 
first survey of Contoocook. The original plot, as laid 
by him, is on file in the archives of the Secretary of 
State, Boston. 

During the year 1734 thirty-three settlers came to 
Contocook, to begin, as it were, life anew in the wil- 
derness. Rev. Mr. Price has handed down the names 
of twenty-seven only ; but from a deposition made 
by Moses Burbank in 1792 the number is stated as 
being thirty- three, as follows : David Barker, Sinkler 
Bean, John Bowen, Josiah Bishop, Andrew B>ihon- 
non, Moses Burbank, Philip Call, Thomas Cook, 
John Corser, William Dagodon, William Danforth, 
Nathaniel Danforth, Joseph Eastman, Edward Em- 
ery, Edward Fitzgerald, Jacob Flanders, Richard 
Flood, John Fowler, Stephen Gerrish, Ambrose 



1 The following history ie condensed from Charlft 
" History of Boscawen and Webster," an excellent wt 
and sixty-six pages, published in 1878 



Gould, Richard Jackman, George Jackman, Joel 
Manuel, Nathaniel Meloon, William Peters, Nathan- 
iel Rix, Daniel Rolfe. 

It is not' probable that many of the settlers' fami- 
lies came in the spring, but most, if not all, were 
there before the close of the year. 

November 8, 1734, a meeting of the proprietors 
was held at the house of Arehelaus Adams, in New- 
bury. It was voted tliat a saw-mill .should be built 
at the charge of the proprietors, and Daniel Hale, 
Joseph Gerrish and Thomas Thoria were chosen a 
committee to attend to the matter. The same com- 
mittee was empowered to rectify any mistake made 
in the laying out of lots, and John Brown, the sur- 
veyor, was engaged to go to Contoocook to show the 
proprietors the location of the lots. 

Five of the proprietors — Joseph Luni, John 
Coffin, Thomas Thoria, Benjamin Lunt, Benjamin 
Coker, and Edward Emery — entered their dissent in 
regard to the power of the committee. 

December 18th another meeting was held. It was 
voted that the intervale should be fenced by the 
15th of May of the following year, at the expense 
of the owners of the lots, and any proprietor neglect- 
ing to build his proportion should make satisfaction. 
It was also voted that Joseph Tappan should obtain 
a grindstone for the common use of the proprietors. 

At this meeting further action was Uiken towards 
building a saw-mill. 

" It was put to vote by the moderator where [whether] there should 
be a grant of [land] made to those men hereafter named, of the little 
sfieani [Mill ItomU] at Ccul-"" onk iifar tlu- upper end of the lots or 
U.un H..1 i.Ui (1.- riMi.l I, 111 iMir. <<1i<'itiing to the mill for rom- 

iw I ' r . ; I' I uiil alf^o one whole right 

till. M '" ' r ' I'l iirinii they build a saw-mill 

rli.i. l\ til. Ill ' f- ]i.iiiii! iiiM . I! iiim;; the (late hereof, and a 
gun.i u'li^f-iiiill Bu (?o.>n as tliriH is srtti-d twenty families on the said 
pliintation in case tln3re is water enough to acconmiodate both mills 
and the mills be built, and iu the length of time by clearing the land or 
any other way it shall be judged that there is not water to answer the 
cud for said mill or mills or that the men an obliged to niiwj the dam 
so high to save water to saw or grind so as to be judged hurtfull: then 
the proprietors shall pay the men that built the mill or mills for tliem 
ihe price of what they shall then lie accounted worth, or else procure 
for the men that built the mill or mills the stream coumionly called or 
known by the name of [Mill brook] Conl«iocook i the privileges thereof 
as was reserved as by record may appear— they taking the laud as it 
was reserved by each [of the] falls for couveniency of the mills for part 
of their righu."— (from Uie Becords.) 

169 



170 



IIISTOKV OF MKKKIMACK COUNTY, NEW IIAMI'SIUU 



The above, evidently, was not drawn by the clear- 
headed clerk, Joseph Coffin. 

The year o[)ened auspiciously to the settlers, for, 
on January 7th a daughter was born to Nathaniel i 
Danforth, the first birth in the plantation. The j 
infant was named Abigail, grew to maidenhood and 
married Thomas Foss, whose name frequently appears 
in the records of the town. 

From action taken in regard to the discharge of the 
bond given by the fifteen who obligated themselves to 
build the saw-mill, the evidence is conclusive that the 
mill had been erected. 

" Valtd that Uie bonds of (ho ineu, which have built the saw mill be 
delivered * to lay out the bonds for building eaid mill acrording to vote 

It was the pioneer mill of this section of the Mer- 
rimack Valley. The saw-mills of that period were 
such as any carpenter might construct. This mill 
had no " nigger" wheel to move the "carriage" back 
after the saw had passed through the log ; that labor 
was done by a man treading upon the cogs of the 
" ratchet-wheel," — labor exceedingly fatiguing. For 
many years it was the only saw-mill in the town, and 
.several of the houses now standing on King Street are 
covered with boards which were .sawn in this first mill. 

The First Fort. — It was voted that a fort should 
he erected at the expense of the proprietors, the in- 
closuie to be one hundred feet square, built of hewn 
logs, seven feet high and eight inches thick when 
hewn, '■ to be built three feet above the logs with such 
stuft" as shall be agreed upon by the committee." 

From this record it may be inferred that there was 
an upper work, — a chevaux-de-frue of jjointed, pro- 
jecting timbers, designed to prevent the enemy from 
climbing over the wooden walls, which undoubtedly 
were loop-holed for the use of musketry. 

It was voted to locate the fortification on the 
" school lot." The probabilities are that it was 
erected a few feet south of that lot, near the spot upon 
which the first framed house was subsequently erected 
by Rev. Robie Morrill. 

It being found that the iiiclosure was not large 
enough to accommodate the entire community, 
another fortification was erected during the winter. 
No record has been preserved in regard to the dimen- 
sions of this garrison, but it probably was somewhat 
smaller, and designed as a retreat for the settlers on 
Queen Street in case of sudden surprise. 

Through the years of trouble with the Indians 
these garrisons served to protect the resolute men 
who, during the most exciting times, when other fron- 
tier settlements were abandoned, never thought of 
yielding the ground to the foe. 

The first attack of the Indians ujjou Contoocook 
was made about 1744, though the exact date is un- 
known. Josiah Bishop, who was at work in his field 
at the lower end of King Street, was surprised by a 
party of Indians. They took him into the woods, 
probably up the rocky hill west of the lower end of 



King Street. He made an outcry, and quite likely 
preferred death to captivity. As was subsequently 
learned from the Indians, he resisted bravely, and 
they dispatched him with their tomahawks. The 
capture naturally threw the settlement into com- 
motion ; but the citizens having located their homes, 
determined to defend them. The summer was one of 
great anxiety. The families took refuge in the gar- 
risons, while sentinels were ever on the watch while 
the citizens were at work. 

The chief item of interest in the call for the annual 
meeting of the proprietors in 1752 was the erection 
of a second fort. The meeting was held May 20th, and 
the followinL' vntp \v:is i>:isscd : 



lit- laid out in building a garrison or 
i =.-1 on Samuel Gerrieh's lot which 
1 tireenough, said fort to be one hun- 



ing said building to cover the land." 

This second fort was erected on the hill. Messrs. 
Stephen Gerrish, Jacob Flanders and Richard Jack- 
man were placed in charge of the work. It is prob- 
able that this fortification stood on the site of the 
smaller fort, erected during the previous troubles. 

We have not been able (says Mr. Coffin) to ascer- 
tain what citizens of Contoocook enlisted in the war 
against the French and Indians. It is not likely that 
their names would be found on the proprietors' rec- 
ords. It is known that Philip Flanders was killed 
at Crown Point. He was a ranger in Major Rogers' 
company. He was the son of Jacob Flanders, one of 
the first settlers, and lived at the south end of Water 
Street. He was brother of Deacon Jesse Flanders, 
who was in one or more of the campaigns against the 
French and Indians. 

Andrew Bohonon, one of the first settlers of Con- 
toocook, also served in one or more campaigns. He 
was brother-in-law of Philip and Jesse Flanders, 
having married their sister, Tabitha. 

The First Town-Meeting. — The first town-meeting 
was called by the proprietors' clerk, Joseph Coffin. 

"This may inform the Free holders & other inhabitants of the plan- 
tation, formerly called rontoncoMk, Tc now l>y his e\.._-llency Benning 
Wentworth, ilsq.. Govern. >r, a. i i, \ . m i II i m ,i'-' v ^ I'mvinceof New 

Hampshire made and Inc.r[ !■ - m I v' n privileges 

and the nominees thereof ir^ I- H l :■ > i ji Lll.ii Boscawen, 
the said Freeholders and IiihUitiii'- .:'.■ 1: ! i ; n tij.. I t^ meet at the 
Meeting-House in said Town on the third Wednesday In June at Sine 
of the clock, before noon, to choose a town clerk, assessors and all other 
Town officers for the year ensuing as the Law Dil^cts. By order of His 
Excellency. 

" Joseph Coffin. 

" April 30, 1760. ■' 

June 18th, at the meeting thus called, Joseph 
Coffin was chosen moderator, George Jackman, Jr., 
town clerk; John Webster, Ensign John Fowler and 
Captain Joseph Eastman, selectmen and assessors; 
Benjamin Eastman, constable ; Andrew Bohonon, 
surveyor of highways; and Deacon George Jackman 
and Moses Burbank, fence-viewers. 

It was voted that the selectmen furnish a town 
pound. 



BOSCAWEX. 



The First School.— At the first annual meeting 
after the organization of the town an appropriation 
of thirty pounds was made for a school, to be kept 
two months. The teacher employed was Mr. Varney, 
who had preached for a short time after the death of 
Rev. Mr. Stevens. He was the first teacher employed 
in the town. If a school was taught prior to this 
date, it was a private aftair. Probably none was 
taught, and the instruction received by the children 
was given by their parents. The hardships had been 
too great, and the country too much disturbed by the 
frequent Indian alarms and the marchings to and 
from Ticonderoga and Crown Point, to admit of any 
organized eflbrt in educational matters. It is gratify- 
ing to know that almost the first appropriation of the 
town w-as for public instruction. It was a significant 
indication of its future prosperity. 

The first action in law, in which the town was a 
party, occurred in 1765. At the regular town-meet- 
ing, which was held on this day, besides choosing 
officers, a committee was appointed — George Jack- 
man, Jr., and Thomas Carter — "to answer to the 
action commenced by Major Samuel Gerrish against 
said proprietors, also for any other suita that may be 
brought." What the question in dispute may have 
been does not appear. 

In Rev. Mr. Price's history it is stated that George 
Jackman, Jr., was appointed justice of the peace in 
1760, by His Majesty's authority, George II. We 
have not been able to verify the statement. George 
III. was now op the throne, and from the petition 
given below, it would seem that George Jackman re- 
ceived his appointment under George III., in 1766 : 

" Tu His Excellenct/, Benniiig WenitBorth^ £c. : 

" IVIiereas the Town of Boscavven, in aaid Province, has, evur since its 
first settlement, been destitute of a commissioned Jiis(i.-L- of the peace, 
such an office being often needed (more esperi:ill\ -In.. ..m I,. it. \\i\ot 
able Incorporation by your excellency), we tin -ni. . r ,t i n -i h.li.il.ir- 
unta of aaid town pray your excellency tu i i i, u. ^ll li. . r^.- 
Jackman, junior, of said Town, to be justice i>l ilii !■, ,, , (m Iki\ III- de- 
served well for several years Last past in the accejilnl.K- discharge nf 
public Trust to him committed and your petitioners will ever pray for 
the granting of their prayer. 

"Uoscaweu, January '20, 17li6 : 

' ' Eziu Carter. Thomas Cui ser. 

John Fowler. Eplfa Woodbury. 

Thomas Carter. Jesse Flandei^, 

John Webster. Stephen Call. 

John Flanders. Moses Foster petitions, 

William Emery. tho' nut an Inhabitant 

John Corser. of Boscawen." 

ITEMS FROM THE SELECTMEN'S ACCOUNT— ITiiC. 

£ s. a. 

" Paid to the selectmen for perambulating the line between Bos- 
cawen and Almsbury [Warner] II 4 

paid Nathan Coiser for wolf's head 1' 4 

Paid Capt. Eastman for entertainment for the council at M.V. 

Morrill's Dismission 1 4 

Paid Mr. Thomas Foss the Sum of Savin shilling for his Sarvice 
toward Laying out highways & perambulating between Bos- 
cawen & hopkintou 7 

Paid mr. William Jerome for preaching two Days 2 h u 



paid Capt. fowler to expense of town In thehouso(»lr Fowler's) 3 

at another time paid him for two how Is of punch 1 8 

at another bowl of punch for the Justice «u o 

paid Capt. fowler for entertaining UevJ mr. ware after preach- 

'"K -.i 

paid him for keeping mr, morrill's horse some time 4 

also paid Capt. Fowler for entertaining Som of the Committee 

that ware chosen to appoint a place for a meeting-houao . .Coo 
Remaining on his Book not settled Savrill person's Rates who 

call themselves churchmen, the whole of the money being . 9 

ITEM FROM CUNSTAHI.I TIIiiM.\S I'AllTKU'S ACCOUNT. 

£ >. d. 



Population in 1767.— A census of the province 
was taken during the year,— the first, so far as is 
known. The population of Boscawen is thus given : 

Unmarried men between sixteen and sixty ...... 17 

Married men 45 

Boys under sixteen 77 

Men si.xty and above g 

Females unmarried 83 

Widows ;i 

Male staves 

Female slaves (I 

Total 28S 

Other towns in tlie vicinity — population: 

Concord 752 

Salisbury 210 

Canterbury yo:i 

Dnnbartou 271 

Now Boston 29(i 

Hillsborough Hi 

Canaan 19 

Plymouth 227 

Newport 29 

Haverhill 172 

The First Physician.— During the year Dr. Daniel 
I'l'tiTsoii took up his residence in Boscawen — the first 
ifsiileiit physician in the town. He built tlie house 
now standing — the firat building north of the 
academy, on the Plain. 

The growth of the State anil the development of 
northern section indicated that sooner or later the 
capital would be moved from Exeter to some more 
central locality. The matter was strongly agitated 
iluring the year 1802-3. Pembroke, Concord, Bos- 
cawen, and quite likely other towns, took measures 
toward securing it. The citizens of Boscawen took 
liold of the subject zealously, as the following docu- 
ment shows : 

"We, the .111 1. I I I ■ j I ill! 1.1 pay the sums set against out names 
fur thepiirpii- m. . ' . tor the Legislature of New Hamp- 

yround will ailiiiiH 1, t..ivv.. n r..l Joseph Gerrish and Mr. Somei-sby 
Pearson, by a coiiiiiiittt-e that shall hereatler be appointed to compleat 
the said house, provided the General Court of New Hampshire shall en- 
gage to hold their sessions in said Boscawen in seven or ten years, as 

" December the 2IJ"i, 18l«. 



HlSTOllY OF MKRRIMACK COUNTr, NEW HAMl'SHIKE. 



lioack Cl.ai.dlM- . . . 


. . 75 


Caleb Putiioy 


. . 200 


Deni.ison Boweia . . . 






. . . 100 


Sathai. rnrlcr .... 


. . . ISO 


Siimonibv l'i»nii.n . . . 


. . . 100 




. . .w 


JoBfp). II. M..rrill . . 


30 


Jereli.ii.l. .Moirill . . . 


. . 20 


Jolin Cill 


. . 2:, 


Ji..i« Hnl.l.iiison . . . 


. . . 26 


Simp.... Il,ii.f..rll. . . . 


. . . -1 


W» Ci. Kmoii»M .... 


. . 10 


Enoch Oeriish, Jr. . . 


. . . 10 




. . . 10 


Joshuii Carlton . . . . 


. . . 10 


Timothy Dix 


. . . so 


Sanil. Pcteraon ... 


. . . 6 


James L'ran 


. . . 10 


John S.Abbott. . . . 


. . 20 



Winthrop Carter . . 
Humphrey Webater . 
Tho> Carter .... 
Qftorge Perkins. . . 
Charles Kastman . . 
Joseph Atkinson . . 
EnoL-h Danford . . . 
Henry Gerrish . . 

8ila» Iltilfc 

Beuj. UiAfe, Jr . . . 



Samuel Burbank . 



Josiah Burbank . 
Julin Flanders, J 
David Biirbank . 



ve Subscribei-b, du hereby engage tn pay the 
naiuetj in case the Gen' Court should adjourn 
only. 

' Henry GelTish. Benj. Rolfe, Jr. 

Caleb Putney. John Gill. 



Tin- i„il,li.- wh,,., 
tavern. The ..iily i 
an olfender nceurred 



CHAPTER II. 



iMILlTAEY HISTOKV. 



In 1744, at the outbreak of the French War, 
Richard Flood served the provincial government in 
some capacity in the expedition to Canada. It is 
not known that he went as a soldier. The only rec- 
oril of his service is a notice of his petition for aid 
from the government, in the reec.nls of tlie provin- 
cial committee, for service rendered in the expedition 
to Canada. 

The same year Philip Call served as a scout in 
Cai.tain .leremiah Clough's company, from .lanuary 
21st to March ISth, reccivins two pounds ten sliil- 
lings. Captain Clough lived in I 'aiiterlmiy, and was 
a leading citizen of that town. 

Captain John Clough connnaiided a emniiaiiy in 
Penacook at the same time, of which Nathaniel Rix 
was a scddier. 

In 1746, Captain John tiolfe, of Bedford, com- 
manded a company of scouts, in which Joseph East- 
man, Jr., Deacon Jesse Flanders, his brother, John 
Flanders, Jr., and William Corser served as privates 
thirty-seven days, having been called out by the 
attacks of the Indians on Penacook and C'ontoocook, 



killing Thomas Cook and capturing Caesar, Rev. Mr. 
Stevens' negro. 

Later in the season Captain Ladd arrived with a 
company, in which Philip Flanders, Joseph Eastman 
and Jacob Flanders enlisted. In this company was 
Robert Rogers, afterwards the celebrated ranger. 

At the same time Philip Call was doing duty in 
Captain Clough's company, being out one hundred 
and fifty-four days, receiving £8 13«. Sd. 

In 1747, Captain Clough, of Canterbury, was out 
from the f)th of January to the 12th of November. 
Philip Call and John Manuel served under him, re- 
ceiving £1() 10s. lOrf., besides provisions and ammuni- 
tion. Upon the return of this company, Captain 
Ebenezer Eastman, of Concord, began a winter cam- 
paign, being out with his company from November 
14, 1747, to May 9, 1748. Rev. Phineas Stevens 
served as a private. In all probability he preached 
on Sunday to the soldiers in camp. 

In 1748, Captain Goffe was scouting the frontier 
with a company in which William Corser served as a 
private. At the same time, Captain Moses Foster, of 
Suncook, was ranging the frontier with a company, of 
which Rev. "Mr. Whittemore, minister of Pembroke, 
was lieutenant. Ezekiel Flanders, killed in 175(> at 
Newfound Lake, by the Indians, served in this eom- 
|iany one month, from June 6th to July 7th. 

Peace having been made between England and 
France, there was no further need of military service 
till 1754, when the Indians again began their depre- 
dations, killing William Stinson, and taking John 
Stark and Eastman prisoners on Baker's River, cap- 
turing the Meloon family of Salisbury, and killing 
Mrs. Philip Call and Timothy Cook, in Stevenstown. 

Military service was no longer confined to the 
.MerrimackValley, — the theatre of war was transferred 
to the Upper Hudson and the lakes. Colonel 
Blanchard commanded a regiment, in which Benjamin 
Eastman, of Boscawen, enlisted under Captain John 
troffe, .serving from April 24th to October 28d. 

One company was commanded by Captain Thomas 
Tash, of Durham, in which John Corser enlisted. 
Cajitain Josej.h Eastman commanded another com- 
pany, in which Winthrop Carter, Moses Manuel, 
Samuel Manuel, Joseph Eastman, Andrew Bohonuon, 
William Jackman and John Fowler served. 

Another regiment was commanded by Colonel 
Xathaniel Folsom. Upon the muster-roll is the 
name of Nathaniel Meloon, son of the first settler of 
that name in C'ontoocook. 

Ill the Crown Point expedition John Fowler, Joel 
Miiiuel and Jo.seph Eastman served, under Captain 
,lohn Oofte. 

In 1758, Daniel Shepherd and Philip Flanders 
served in Captain Ladd's company, Colonel Hart's 
regiment, sent to Crown Point. Nathaniel Meloon 
served in Captain Todd's company. 

In Rev. Mr. Price's history, it is stated that Philip 
Flanders was killed at Crown Point in 1756, which is 



BOSCAWEN. 



173 



manifestly an error, his name appearing on the 
muster-roll from April 24th to November 1, ]7/)S, on 
which day he probably was killed. 

There is no record to show the military organiza- 
tion ill the town from the close of the FrenchWar, in 
1760, to the beginning of the Revolution, in 177.'5. 
The law required all able-bodied men, between six- 
teen and sixty, to be enrolled in the train-bands. A 
town containing thirty-two men liable to do military 
duty could have a military organization of its own. 
There being more than that number of soldiers in the 
town, it hail a " train-liaiid." 

War of the Revolution. — The news of the attack 
of the British at Kexington reached Boscawen on 
the 20th, and on the 21st sixteen men were on the 
march under Captain Henry Gerrish. They were, — 

Henry GeiTish, captain ; Silns Call, lieuteuaut ; Winthiop Carter, 
gergeaut ; Samuel Fowk-r, Esq., Edmund Cbadwick, Jolin Flanders, 
John Stephens, Nathaniel Burliank, Samuel Jackman, David Flanrtora, 
Charles Greenfield, Peter Roawell .Stevens, Israel Shepard, Isaac Davis, 
Edward Gerald, Nathaniel Atkinson. 

We may think of them as assembling at Fowler's 
tavern, at the lower end of King Street, with their 
guns and powder-horns, and possibly, here and there, 
a citizen carried a knapsack. They fill their canteens 
with rum at Mr. Fowler's bar, and take a parting 
drink with their neighbors. We see them crossing 
" Town-house Brook," and hear the tramp of their 
marching as they pass over Coutoocook bridge. 

The news must have reached town on the morning 
of the 20th. Captain Peter Coffin saddled his horse 
and started for Exeter, where we find him on the 21st, 
in consultation with sixty-eight other delegates — " to 
consult what measures shall be thought most expe- 
dient to take in this alarming crisis." 

At a meeting of the town the following votes were 
passed : 

" Voted to buy one barrel v»f Gunpowiler, one hundred wiMKht of lead 
and one hundred flint**. 

" Voted that Capt. Stephen Gerrish buy the stores at as reasonable 
price as may be, for the use of the ttvwn. 

" Voted to adhere strictly to advice of the Continental Congress." 

A committee was appointed " to see if the afore- 
said laws of Congress be obeyed." 

The Committee of Safety consisted of Benjamin 
Jackman, Joseph Atkinson, Ebenezer Hidden, John 
Elliot, Captain Henry Gerrish, Lieutenant Moses 
Call, George Jackman and Ensign Peter Kimball. 

March 14th a committee was appointed to procure 
a preacher, and was instructed to apply to Mr. Levi 
Frisby. 

Twenty-five pounds was voted for school inuposes, 
and it was also voted to employ Mr. Morrill (Mr. 
Robie Morrill) as teacher. 

Twenty pounds was voted for jn-eaching. 

The Association Test. — Every citizen of Bos- 
cawen, with one exception, signed what was known 
as the Association Test. From this document, we 
have the name of everv male adult in town in the 



spring of 1776, not 
military service, — ■ 



;luding those who were doing 



Gerrish, .Samuel III 



ephen Gerrish, 



Stevens, Willi, dn I'nii.ii.i Ni. i ,..i * 

Nathaniel Aikm ..n i, i, i mi. \ ,i, ,., 

Fowler, John ll.il. j , r. lii ('lilliu. iM,, . , liul.i .Lilm Howley, John 
Bowley, Jr., John Corser, Jr., George Jacknuin, Saniuel Agaton, John 
Uran, George Jackman, Jr., Cutting Noyes, John Elliot, Joseph East- 
man, — total, one hundred and eight. 

" To the honorable Council and Ilnn.,. if n. ,„■. r ni^uivra for the Col- 
ony of New Hampshire, or Comiiiiit. . I .1 '- IIm limy certify that 
the within Declaration have Been i.n I. I I ih I I. ii jiiiiLiof Bosciiweu 



I the » 



' June 3, 177(i.' 



" George Jackmaa 
"cuttino noyes, 



It is probable that Mr. Flanders' refusal to sign 
was not from any hostility to the cause of liberty, nor 
from fear of consequences, but from his temperament 
as an individual. He wa.s a peraon who found pleas- 
ure in being on the side opposite the majority, no 
matter what the question. It is not known that his 
fellow-citizens abated their confidence in his loyalty 
from his refusal to sign this declaration of indepen- 
dence. 

March 29th the citizens deliber;>l«d on the state of 
the country, and ].ms-.im1 llic follinNiiiL' |i;iiiiiiilr \otes: 



'Thii 



K,ii, 



I.ieut lielij Jacknmn, Ml .l-liii I 1 .ml, i -, .v . ,. . i ■ ,, l« a 

coniniittec to propose a pliui .iiiil l.i) l.iluU' ih^- l\uiiJ..i pi... uiiii^ liie 
men to go into the service of thu United States of Auieriut agreeable to 
onler of Court." 

"Voted, That the war for time past & for future be maintained by « 
tax on the Inhabitants in the same manner as the Law directs for Prov- 
ince Tax, allowing a man no more for four months' service on his credit 
in the Southern army than for three monUis in the Northern army and 

" Voted, To give fifty dollars as a bounty or hire from this Town to 
each iiiiiii Willi shall engage to go into the service of this Town for three 



1 the sel e 









shall enlist." 

April 2.'')th the citizens again assembled to take 
measures to push on the war, — 

" Voted, To carry on the war by a tax in equal proportion, on the in- 
habitants according to interest in the same manner as for their town 

A committee was api>ointed, consisting of George 



174 



IILSTOHV OF MP^RRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Jackman, Captain Peter Kimball, John Elliot, Lieu- 
tenant Enoch Gerrish, Mr. John Flanders, Samuel 
Muzzy, Captain Samuel Atkinson anil Isaac Pearson, 
" to enquire into the state of service already done in 
the war, and make a just and equitable e.stiinate of 
each TiMiu that has been done and make report." 

lil.\RY OF f.\PT. HENRY GERRISH. 

"Si't out for CHinlirirlgn vrith Lieut. Call, Sarn.iii i .n.i i:-i Kmw- 
ler, Etlmuml Cliiulwick, Jolin Flanilcre, John Si. \ .1. .1 . . r.ui 

bank, SaluuclJuokmnn, naviil FUndera, Charlf ! I • I:., 

well Slovens, Israel Sheimi'l, I*""- lUvis K.hva.l i ,1 \ uio-.lnt 
Cauil)riilgeonSnndn.v i :ill 1 iMi.l Mil 1 n. . 1 ^ -, ii, 1 ,, luwlersot 



Atkin: 






j,ii,„.,| ,, ,, ,,, , , ,, \i ,1,1 inng William Forrest, Timothy 

JV,,, ,i, I In \ II ii -^ n. lilt, John Been, John Rains, Abra- 
ham VMi. M .1 It. i . Mil -^l— W.-lsh." 

These la.sl were probably citizens of Salisbury. 

Some of the Boscawen soldiers, in common with 
those of other towns, soon returned home, while 
others hastened to Cambridge to fill their places. 
Those from Boscawen enlisted in Captain Joshua 
Abbott's company. Colonel Stark's regiment. Cap- 
tain Abbott was a citizen of Concord, well-known to 
the Boscawen men. He had served in the French 
War, and was a brave and gallant officer. Samuel 
Atkinson was elected lieutenant, and Samuel Corser 
and Nathan Davis corporals. They had all confi- 
dence in their colonel, John Stark, who had seen 
hard service in the last war against the French and 
Indians. 

Roll of honor at Buxker Hill.— Those en- 
gaged ill the battle of Bunker Hill from Boscawen 
were, — 

Oj^cert. — Lieut. ' " 1 \ 1 k ms.jn, Lieutenant Moses Call, l^or- 

poral Samuel i-'.'i. I ' . 1 . i \ . 1 1. .n Davis. 

Privates. — PiiM.i r.ii n.i. \ u-.tii.-l Burbank, Moses Burbank, Jr., 
John Bowley. Eiiuuu.J i 1..i.iuj._l, W illiam Comer, Asa Corser, Isaac 
Davis, Joshua Danlorlh, John Eliot, John Flanders, DaviJ Flanders, 
Deacon Jesse Flanders. 

In Captain Aaron Kinsman's company, John Man- 
uel, who was killed ; in Captain 's company, Jos- 
eph Crouch, who was wounded on the retreat by a 
spent cannon-ball. 

The following receipt is in possession of Luke Cor- 
ser, Esq. : 

" Boscawen May W 1775 

" Uecieved of Duvid Coi-ser of Boscawen a Gun nmrked on the Britch 
W. C. B. which Gun I have Recieved for the use of the soliera Now in 
the County Sarvice who wont from Boscawen under the connnand of 
Capt Abbott in order to Defend the country against the Troops under 
General Gage Now at Boston. Recievsd by me 

" W. C. B." undoubtedly means William Corser, 
Boscawen. He was an uncle of David Corser, who 
gave him one hundred acres of land, on Pleasant 
Street, for the gun. 

In September volunteers wore called for to join 
Arnold's expedition to Quebec up the Kennebec 
River — an e.Kpedition attended by terrible hardships, 
resulting in failure, the capture of nearly all of 



Arnold's command and the death of General Mont- 
gomery. 

Deacon Jesse Flanders, John Flanders, Jr., and 
Nicholas Davis enlisted in Captain Henry Dearborn's 
command, and were captured in the attack upon 
Quebec. They were kept in irons a short time, liber- 
ated on parole in Augu.st, 177G, and reached New 
York by sea September 25th. 

In December, 1775, additional soldiers were called 
for, and Nicholas Elliot, Moses Burbank, Benjamin 
Webster and David Carter served during the winter 
in the siege of Boston. 

During the year 1776 soldiers were called for for 
the defense of Ticonderoga from the threatened attack 
of Sir Guy Carleton, and twenty-three men enlisted,— 

Lieutenant Enoch Gerrish, Thomas Carter, Daniel Carter, John 

Jackman. James Gerald (diedl. J.iseph IV-aisun. J-.lm Muz/.y, John 

Flandei- 1 ii.ii.l l.iiil.. 11 1,,- li.,,.il.. .1.,,. |,l. Ml.ii,..,i., Nathaniel 



Hale, tiiiiNuil ,1.1. kiM„i,. Ili.i,,,!- Mul..,.- ..lii.l,, .N,,il„i,,el Burbank, 
Joseph Couch. 

Upon the evacuation of Long Island by General 
Washington the militia were called out in the eastern 
colonies. Boscawen sent eight soldiers, — 



Captain Peter Kimball, Lieutenacit Benjamin Jackman, Ensign Sam- 
uel Ames, Bitfield Plummer, Moses Morrill, Daniel Richards, Samuel 
Jackman, Cutting Noyea. 

Boscawen furnished three soldiers for the winter 
campaign on the Hudson, — Lieutenant Winthrop 
Carter, John Urau and Samuel Burbank. 

Colonel Henry Gerrish was in the service of the 
State obtaining supplies. 

" Boscawen February 1, 1770. 

" Received of Henry Gerrish one Hundred & sixty six Blankets, Fifty 
seven tin Kittles & one Barrel of spirits which I promise to Deliver M^j' 
Cavis of Ruiuney for Col Israel Moi-ey. 

"Elisha Bean." 

**Reced of Coll Henry Gerrish one TTundred and eighty one pounds 
fourteen shillings L ni [la« fill m. 1. 1 ' 1. |. , 1 Thirty Three Men which 
I am ordered to raise out ol 11. ' I . ni'ice the army at New 

York their advance pay an.! 11 ' i.i. 1, are to serve till the 

fii-st day of March next unl.-^. - ... 1 .ii, 1. u , .i 

" December lO* 1770. 

" Thomas Stickney." 

At a town-meeting held the last Monday in May, 
1777, voted "to raise sixty pounds to pay the four 
men hired by said town to serve in the Continental 
Army for the term of three years." 

A committee was appointed " to join the military 
officers in making draughts of men its may be wanted 
from time to time for the Continental service." 



The selectmen addressed a letter to the Committee 
of Safety,— 

"Bosr.\wEN May 17, 1777 
" Genttemen : — 

'* In consequence of Express orders, the Town of Boswacen is this Day 
assembled He called on by the Capt of said town that each man be imme- 
diately a tiuipt according to law and as there is found wanting a Number 
of Fire Arms Ammunition ic we have Imployed Capt Samuel Atkinson 
and Mr. Joseph Gerrish to procure the same. We Desire your favor if 



BOSCAWEN. 



175 



rliarf^ be any guns in store to be purchased that you would give Capt At- 
kinson your advice & assistance & also a quantity of lead. Mr. Atkinson 
will be able to inform you of the Number of arms & Quantity of leml 
"Huted to a Quip fnid Town A your Favor herein will Greatly oblige 

"To the Comuiitteo of Safety at Exeter." 

Orders from Colonel Thomas Stickney, who lived 
in Concord, reached Captain Kimball July 1st, to 
1)6 ready with his company to march at a minute's 
warning to oppose General Burgoyne, who was ad- 
vancing from Canada to Lake Chainplain. Captain 
Kimliall's company marched July 4th. 

r\PTAIS KIMBALL'S DIAKY. 

iiih 1. 1 I ,7 , (l.i^came fr->m Gol. Stickney to me, to muster and 



' saterday we marcht to perrytown [Sutton J, and Loged thare. 

' Sunday 6, we marcht to Unity and Loged thare. 

' Monday 7, we marcht to iso. 4, and Loged thare & drawd 4 Pay 

' tu.-s'biy .s, we marcht to Cavendysh aud Loged thare. 
' W.-iid>-^y 0, we marcht to No. 4 again. 
' Ihurwlay lotb, we marcht to Tnity and Loged. 
' fryday 11, we marcht home." 



The men engaged in this service 



lere,- 



Peter Coffin, 



Colonel Henry Gerrisli, Captain Peter Kimball, Captaii 
Lieutenant Enoch Gerrish, Lieutenant Moses Call, Nathan Corser. Sam- 
uel Clifford, Deacon Je^e Flanders, Enos Flanders, Nathaniel Atkinson, 
Simeon Atkinson, George Jackman, Jr., John Morrill, Deacon Isaac 
Peai-son, Daniel Clark, Daniel Shepherd, John Manuel, Michael Sar- 
gent, James French, Benjamin Sweatt, Moses Jackiuan. 

Men were called for to go to Coos and six men sent 
as the town's quota, — 

Captain Samuel .\tkinson, Jeremiah Hidden, Muses Morse, William 
Panforth, Jedidiah Iianforth, George Jackmau. 

A full company consisted of 
Kimball marched from Boscawen with twenty-two, 
but four others joined him, making twenty-six from 
Boscawen. The Concord soldiers, under Lieutenant 
Richard Herbert, joined him on the march. The 
company was thus organized, — 

Captain Peter Kimball, Boscawen ; Lieutenant Richard Herbert, Con- 
cord ; Ensign Andrew Pettengill, Salisbury ; Sergeant Jesse Abbot and 
Sergeant .\bner Flanders, Concord; Sergeant "William Danforth and 
Sergeant Nathan Davis, Boscawen ; Corporal Richard Flood, Concord ; 
Corpornl Richard Burbank, Boscawen ; Corporal John .\bbot. Corporal 
Theodore Farnum and Fifer Elias Abbot, Concord ; Drummer Asa Cor- 
ser, Boscawen. 

P,ii-.>'«.— Stephen Abbot, Ezra Abbot, Benjamin Ambrose, Jonathan 
Ambrose and Peter Blanchard, Concord ; Wells Burbank and Thomas 
Beedle, Boscawen ; Philbrick Bradley, Concord ; Jonathan Corser, David 
Corser, Daniel Carter, Nathan Carter and .\bner Chase, Boscawen ; 
Simeon Danforth, Concord ; Elknah Danforth and Timothy Danforth, 
Boscawen ; Reuben Diamond and Betgamin Elliot, Concord ; James 
French and Jesse Flanders, Boscawen ; Ephraim Fisk, Jr., Israel Glines, 
Solomon Gage and David George, Concord ; Charles Greenfield and John 
Ilutchins, Boscawen ; Samuel Hickson and Abial Hall, Concord ; Jedi- 
diah Hoit, Timothy Jackman, William Jackman and John Jackman, 
Boscawen ; Timothy Johnson, Concord ; Benjamin Little, Friend Little, 
Samuel Morse and Isaac Pearson, Boscawen ; John Peters, Anthony Pot- 
ter, Phineas Stevens, W'illiam Symonds and Simon Trumbull, Concord ; 
Daniel Cran, Boscawen ; Gilman West, Concord,— fifty-seven. 

Continental Soldiers.— Three regiments were 



raised by the State at the beginning of the war for 
the Continental service. The muster-rolls of v'^tark 
—the first— give the names of six citizens of Bos- 
cawen, with the date of enlistment and discharge,— 



m. 1777, Di» 1 Jan. 178.1. 
died 8 Aug. 177H. Ho wa. 
iken to Canada. 
7, Discharged 1 Dec. 17SI. 
77, Discharged 1 Jan. 17H;i 
1777, Deserted 9 July, 177- 
in. 1777, Discharged 1781.' 



These, with the exception of Halcomb, took part in 
the battle of Stillwater, September 19th, and of Sara- 
toga, October 7th. In the first battle three New 
Hampshire regiments and Dearborn's battalion of 
two hundred aud fifty New Hami)shire troops were 
attached to Morgan's riflemen, and with them did all 
the fighting from one o'clock till nearly four in the 
afternoon, sustaining the brunt of the battle. The 
Sixty-second British Regiment of six hundred men 
was nearly annihilated by their withering fire. 

The call for troops during the year was for the de- 
fense of Rhode Island. Below are the names of the 
soldiers who served in that campaign : 

FROM THE SELECTMEN'S BOOKS. 
"The Men Hereafter Named have Received the Savrill siuiis set 
against each of thare Names in Consequence of thare going to Rhode 
Island at the request of the Committee of Safety,— 

" Enoch Gerrish lu li 

Joseph Gerrish 10 

Daniel Shepard 10 (1 

Joseph Flanders lu o 

Moses Burbank 10 

Thomas Gordon 10 

Nathau Davis 10 

John Flanders 10 ' 

Isaac Pearson 10 

Wells Burbank In I) 

Humphrey Jackman In 

Samuel Morrill 10 u 

Jedidiah Hoit 10 U 

£130 
"Totht I'r ensure)- of the Stale of Neie Hampshire : 

"Sir, please to alow Winthrop Carter, Constable for Boscawen, the 
above sum of one hundred A thirty pound nut of the State Tax for Bos- 
cawen, assessed to order of the committee of safety. 

"GF.oRfjK. ,I,\CKM,\s, I SeUctmen 
■'ClTTl.Nu NoYES, i for Boecatren, 
"Boscawen, Sept, 3, 1778." 

The war having been transferred to the Southern 
States, there was no further call for the militia. Sev- 
eral citizens enlisted in the Continental service, but. 
their names are not known, except those serving in 
the First Regiment. 

In 1798, in consequence of the interference of 
French war-ships with American merchantmen, seri- 
ous trouble was apprehended between the United 
States and France. Congress established a provisional 
army of eighty thou.sand men, and appointed Wash- 
ington lieutenant-general. 

Nathaniel Green, Esq., was commissioned a cap- 
tain, with Moses Sweat, of Concord, first lieutenant, 
and Israel W. Kelley, of Concord, second lieutenant. 
Eight citizens of Boscawen enlisted, — 



HISTOUV OF MKIIRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Sergeant Joseph Flandere, MimiS Jackman, Daniel Colby, Ite^jamin 
Fisk, MoecB Coreer, NaMian Daiifurtli, Bernard Young, Joshua Sawyer. 

The company assembled at Concord, having their 
quarters for a few days at Csgood's tavern, and from 
thencem;ir( lied to Ox ford, Masss., the rendezvous for the 
New Entxhind Imops, Nc-gotiations were entered into 
and a \v:ir iivirtcil, :iiiil I lie soldiers discharged. 

War of 1812. t •,,!,, ,ul Timothy Dix commanded 
a United States regiiiiciil on the frontier, and died in 
the service. 

Several British shijis of war made their aijpoaiancc 
on the coast, and it was supposed that Portsmouth 
would be attacked. The militia was called out to 
defend it. There were two drafts, — one for three 
and the .second for two months. 

Those serving under the tirst draft were, — 



m SIoliL', Muses Call, Kuoch Burbn 
Stejihc n Uanfurtli, Johu Eastuiau, .la 
Joseph 91 1.! 



Eusifu Kicliard 
Samuel Btirhank, Mi 

Flanders, Jusiah Gale, Nicholas Gookin, Simeon Jackl 
Daniel Shepard,— fourteen. 

Under the second draft for two months,— 

Captain Silas Call (who died in service), Eleazer Burbatik, Jesse Sweal. 
Benjamin Severance, AniosKolf, William Haines, Ouy C. Flandere, Abc| 
Eastman, .Samuel Watson, Ephraim Noyes, James Noyes, Theodore 
George, Ebeuezcr Moody, Amos Sawyer, Samuel Jackman,— fifteen. 

Of those enlisting in the regular service, the names 
of a few only are known, — 

Benjamin Jackman, Moses Jackman, Edmund Day, killed; Benjamin 

Fisk, died ; Fisk, died ; Chellis Eastman, died ; George liittlelield, 

died ; Eliphalel Burpee, died. 

Military Record, 1861-65.— The following is a 
list of the soldiers from Boscawen who served in the 
War of the Rebellion : 

Fisher Ames, enlisted in CnmimTiy E. Seventh Regiment. 

Henry H. Ayer, .■Ti'i t. .| m r |,,nv i- Tlm.l It.ginicnt. 

Daniel C. Abl'cl ' I ' ■ i 1 , .i), Kcgimenl. 

Edmund W. All > -ivteenth Regiment. 

James W. Bent, . 1.1 , • I, i . , li,„jters. 

William H. Brmni ... . p i ■ i .. . .... ii F..iirth Regiment. 

Jonas T. Boyntmi, . . i. i, .] -i ,„ ., ,, 

John H. Brown, • ..I. I. i .-. . ...|.... I N ...rl, lu-imeut. 

fyrus B. Bidwell. . i,l,-...l m r ,..,,., r. .v. ,..,,,i, Regiment. 

George F. Bidwell, pnliste.l ni Coiiiiiany E, Seventh Regiment. 
Lieutenant Henry W. Baker, enlisted in Company E, Seventh Regiment 
Lieutenant William W. Ballard, enlisted in Company B, Second Regi- 

Thomas Brannan, enlisted in the navy. 

Samuel Chandler, enlisted in Company E, Seventh Regiment. 
John Clancy, enlisted in Company E, Seventh Regiment. 
Patrick Clancy, enlnl..) m ■■,,„, ,:,„,- i; \ii.,i, Regiment. 
AlonzoChase, enli ■ i ., . i . r I .. i:. uiment. 
Edwin H. Chadu. i . i, ,«. 

George Coffin, CI. I.. . .|, i ...i ili Regiment. 

Geor^i. ' .11 , . 1. 1 . . , I ,, II l.iirterntii Regiment. 

Hale • I. I. . ... , r. Seventeenth Regiment. 

Albfii I . I , . d Massachusetts Regiment. 



sylvanuK f,. |i.iiil..itl., enlisted lu Company A, Fifth Regim 

George Damon, enlisted in Company B, Second Kegimeiit. 

George Day, enlisted in Second Heavy Artillery. 

Wilson Day, enlisted in Second Heavy Artillery. 

Isaac C. Evans, enlisted in (^mipnny E, Seventh Regiment. 

CorUe Flanders, enlisted in Company I, Tenth Regiment. 



David A. Flanders, enlisted in Company E, Tenth Regiment. 

Frederick If. Fav.ir, enlisted in Third Regiment. 

Jr«i:.li ir Vliiii.l.i. ...ti-l.'cl in the cavalry. 

Da\i.l ' I i I . . ,,r. ,1 in the navy. 

Hiniii ■ ' riipany B, Third Regiment. 

John M > . I . 1.1 it .1 Ml r„m|>any C, Seventh Regiment. 

.lohn Mitihi II, .idi-d.! in Third Regiment. 

.luhn .Muzzey, eiili,<ted in Company E, Second Regiment. 

Charles Moi-se. 

IJiraiii J. Morrill, enlisted in the Heavy Artillery. 

Charles Moulton, enlisted in the nary. 

Daniel Morse, enlisted in the Sliariishooters. 

Herbert .McEvely, enlisted in Company H, Tenth Regiment. 



iiliy E, Seventh Regim 
C, Fourth Regiment. 



Citizens liable to do military duty April ;10, 

Total quota nnder all calls 

.Soldiers in service, volunteers and suhstitn 
Surplus 



CHAPTER III. 



Biographical— The Bosoawe 



-Pop. 



Biographical.— Charles Carleton Coffin.'— 
Among the emigrants from England to the western 
world in the great Puritan exodus was Joanna 
Thember Coffin, widow, and her son Tristram and 
her two daughters, Mary and Eunice. Their, home 
was in Brixton, two miles from Plymouth, in Devon- 



1 Condensed from ( 



! Mmilhly. 



BOSCAWEN. 



177 



shire. Tristram was entering manhood's prime — 
thirty-three years of age. He had a family of five 
children. Quite lilcely the political troubles between 
the King and Parliament, the rising war-cloud, was 
the impelling motive that induced the family to 
leave country, home, friends and all dear old things, 
and become emigrants to the New World, (iuite 
likely Tristram, when a youth, in 1620, may have 
seen the "Mayflower" spread her wliite sails to the 
breeze and fade away in the western horizon, for the 
departure of that company of pilgrims nnist have 
been the theme of conversation in and around 
Plyniouth. Without doubt it set the young man to 
thinking of tlie unexplored continent beyond the 
stormy Atlantic. In 1632 his neighbors and friends 
began to leave, and in 1642 he, too, bade farewell to 
dear old England, to become a citizen of Massachu- 
setts Bay. 

He lauded at Newbury, settled first in Salisbury 
and ferried peojile across the Merrimack between 
Salisbury and Newbury. His wife, Dionis, brewed 
beer for thirsty travelers. The sherifi' had her up be 
fore the courts for charging more per mug than the 
l)rice fixed by law, but she went scot free on proving 
that she put in an extra amount of malt. We may 
think of the grave and reverend justices ordering the 
beer into court and settling the question by persona! 
examination of the foaming mugs, — smacking their 
lil)s satisfactorily, quite likely testing it a second 
lime. 

Tristram Cdlliu became a citizen of Newbury and 
built a house, which is still standing. In 1660 he re- 
moved with a portion of his family to Nantucket, 
dying there in 1681, leaving two sons, from whom 
have descended all the Coffins of the country — a 
numerous and widespread family. 

One of Tristram's descendants, Peter, moved i'roni 
Newbury to Boscawen, N. H., in 1766, building a 
large two-storied house. He became a prominent 
citizen of the town, a captain of the militia com- 
pany, was quick and prompt in all his actions. The 
news of the affair at Lexington and Concord April 
19, 1775, reached Boscawen on the afternoon of the 
next day. On the 21st, Peter ColHn was in Exeter 
answering the roll-call in the Provincial Assembly, 
to take measures for the public safety. 

Charles Carleton Coffin, was born on the old 
homestead in Boscawen, July 26, 1823, the youngest 
of nine children, three of whom died in infancy. 

The boyhood of the future journalist, correspondent 
and author was one of toil rather than recreation. 
The maxims of Benjamin Franklin in regard to idle- 
ness, thrift and prosperity were household words. 
Aside from the district school, he attended Boscawen 
Academy a few terms. The teaching could not be 
called first-class instruction. The instructors were 
students just out of college, who taught for the 
stipend received rather than with any high ideal of 
teaching as a profession. A term at Pembroke 
12 



Academy in 1843 completed his acquisition of knowl- 
edge so far as obtained in the schools. 

The ftiture journalist was an omnivorous reader. 
Everything was fish that came to the drag-net of this 
New Hampshire boy— from "Sinbad" to "Miltcm's 
Paradise Lost," which was read before he was eleven 
years old. 

The household to which he belonged had ever a 
goodly sujjply of weekly papers,— the New Hampshire 
Statesman, the Herald of Freedmii, the New Hampshire 
Observer, all published at Concord. 

Without doubt, the love for historical literature 
was quickened by the kind patronage of John Far- 
mer, the genial historian, who was a visitor at the 
Boscawen farm-house, and who had delightful stories 
to tell of the exploits of Kobert Rogers and John 
Stark during the French and Indian Wars. 

In 1845, Mr. Coffin accepted a position in the en- 
gineering corps of the Northern Railroad, and wassub- 
sequently employed on the Concord and Portsmouth 
and Concord and Claremont Railroad. 

In 1846 he was married to Sallie li. Farmer, of 
Boscawen. Not wishing to make civil engineering a 
profession for life, he purchased a farm in his native 
town; but health gave way and he was forced to 
seek other pursuits. 

He early began to write articles for the Concord 
newspapers, and some of his fugitive political contri- 
butions were republished in LitteWs Living Age. 

Mr. Coffin's studies in engineering led him towards 
scientific culture. In 1849 he constructed the tele- 
graph line between Harvard Observatory and Boston, 
by which uniform time was flrst^given to the railroads 
leading from Boston. He had charge of the con- 
struction of the telegraphic fire alarm in Boston, un- 
der the direction of Professor Moses G. Farmer, his 
brother-in-law, and gave the first alarm ever given 
by that system April 29, 1852. 

Mr. Coffin's tastes led him toward journalism. 
From 1850 to 1854 he was a constant contributor to 
the press, sending articles to the Transcript, the Bos- 
ton Journal, Congregationalist and New York Tribune. 
He was also a contributor to the Student and School- 
mate, a small magazine then conducted by Jlr. Adams 
(Oliver Optic). 

It is impossible in this brief article to sketch in de- 
tail the career of Mr. Coffin from that time to the 
present. During the Rebellion he was the war corres- 
pondent of the Boston Journal, and in 1866 visited 
Europe as the correspondent of the same paper. 

After spending a year and a half in Europe, Mr. 
Coffin visited Greece, Turkey, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, 
sailing thence down the Red Sea to Bombay ; trav- 
eled across India to the valley of the Ganges, before 
the completion of the railroad, visiting Allahabad, 
Benares, Calcutta, sailing thence to Singapore, Hong 
Kong, Canton, Shanghai. Ascending the Yang-tse 
six hundred miles, to Wuchang, the Governor of the 
province invited him to a dinner. From Shanghai he 



178 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



sailed to Japan, experiencing a fearful typhoon upon 
the passage. Civil war in .Japan prevented his trav- 
eling in that country, and he sailed for San Francisco, 
visiting points of interest in California, and in No- 
vember made his way across the country seven hundred 
miles — riding five consecutive days and nights be- 
tween the terminus of the Central Pacific road, at 
Wadsvvorth, and Salt Lake, arriving in Boston, Jan- 
uary, 1869, after an absence of two and a half years. 
During that period the Boston Journal contained 
every week a letter from his pen. 

Ill the lecture field, and for several years, he was one 
of the popular lecturers before lyceums. In 1869 he 
published " Our New Way Eound the World," fol- 
lowed by the "Seat of Empire," "Caleb Crinkle " (a 
story), "Boys of 76," "Story of Liberty," "Old Times 
in the Colonies," " Building the Nation," "Life of 
Garfield," besides a history of his native town. His 
volumes have been received with marked favor. No 
less than fifty copies of the "Boys of '76" are in the 
Boston Public Library and all in constant use. 

The degree of A.M. was conferred upon him by 
Dartmouth College in 1870. He is a resident of Bos- 
ton and was a member of the Legislature in 1884. 

Hon. Daniel Webster, America's greatest states- 
man, prepared for college and began his public life 
in Boscawen. He was a citizen of the town for about 
three years, identified himself with its interests, voted 
at town-meeting, paid taxes, enrolled himself as a 
member of the religious society and took part iu the 
district school meetings. It was ever a pleasure to 
him to return to the place, not alone to visit his 
brother Ezekiel, but to renew his acquaintance with 
the people.' 

Governor John Adams Dix wiis born in Bos- 
cawen, N. H., on the 24th day of July, a.d. 1798. 
His father. Colonel Timothy Dix, Jr., was one of the 
most enterprising citizens of the town. His grand- 
father, Timothy Dix, was an upright and intelligent 
man, and was postmaster for many years. His great- 
grandfather, Jonathan Dix, died in the village at the 
age of ninety-four. 

Captain Petek Kimball moved from Bradford, 
Mass., about 1765, and settled on Queen Street. He 
was a man of strong character. Rev. Mr. Price says 
of him: "Possessing great self-command, a sound 
judgment and unwavering integrity, he soon came 
into public notice, and was elected selectman in 1768, 
in which office he served nine years. In our Revo- 
lutionary struggle he manifested a truly patriotic 
spirit, readily accepted those appointments with 
others which involved the dearest interests of indiv- 
iduals and of the public. He contributed to the 
security of our independence, not merely by his as- 
siduous services at home, but endured the privations 
of four campaigns in defense of his country. In one 
of them he volunteered as a private soldier ; but in 



' Kur Bkotch of Kzckiel Webster, see chapter on Beuch ami Bar. 



the other three he bore a captain's commission, and 
at Bennington received a wound at the head of his 
comi>any, — -a precious memento of that signal battle. 
Captain Kimball was a valuable citizen, a much- 
esteemed neighbor and consistent man." 

The diary kept by Captain Kimball in the cam- 
paign of 1776 and at Bennington, is given iu the 
body of this volume, in connection with the events of 
the Revolution, from which it will be seen that he 
was a prompt, efficient and brave soldier. He barely 
mentions that he was wounded in the battle of Ben- 
nington, — leaving it to others to speak of his bravery. 

He moved from Queen to Water Street after the 
Revolution, and continued till his death, at the age 
of seventy-two, a useful and honored citizen. It may 
be said that Captain Peter Kimball and Colonel 
Henry Gerrish were leading spirits in the town dur- 
ing the Revolutionary period. Both were military 
officers; and the promptness with which they ordered 
out their commands, when called upon, attests their 
efficiency. 

Benjamin Thurston Kimball, the youngest son 
of Captain Peter Kimball, was born in Boscawen, 
May 4, 1784. He had no opportunity for educa- 
tion except the meagre instruction of the district 
school. He resided on the homestead where he was 
born, and built the house now occupied by Mr. 
Wade. He was an influential citizen, and a member 
of the Congregational Church and society. He was 
an early advocate of anti-slaverv, and cast his influ- 
ence and his vote in its behalf. He longed for the 
day when the slave would be a freeman, — a consum- 
mation he was not jiermitted to see. He died July 
9, 18u2. He was ho.-<i)itable, kind to the poor and 
charitable U\ tlmse who differed from him in opinion. 

The Boscawen Academy was organized in 1827, 
went into operation in April, 1828, with Miss Sarah 
Crocker preceptress. Joseph Chadwick gave the land 
upon which the building was erected, conveying it to 
the following-named gentlemen : Rev. Samuel Wood, 
Rev. Ebenezer Price, John Greenough, Henry Gerrish, 
Isaac Gerrish, Thomas Coffin, Hezekiah Fellows, 
Simeon B. Little, John Farmer. 

Academy building was erected in 1827. Rev. Dr. 
Wood, besides making a generous donation, gave the 
shingles covering it, — shaved by his own hands. 

The bell was the gift of Daniel Webster. Ezekiel 
Webster gave liberally to aid in the construction of 
the building, which was erected by Captain William 
Abbot. 

February 11, 1829, the trustees voted that the com- 
mittee proflfer an instructor one hundred and fifty dol- 
lars and the tuition of the male department. 

January 19, 1829, the trustees voted unanimously, 
" that the thanks of the Board be presented to the 
Hon, Daniel Webster for his very generous donation 
of a .suitable bell for our academy, aiid that the Presi- 
dent communicate the same in the manner he shall 
deem the most respectful." 



BOSUAWEN. 



The trustoes, in 1856, voted to loan the building to 
Mr. Jonathan Teiiney for a term of twenty years, the 
lessee having the right to make such alterations in the 
l>uilding as he might deem necessary. E.\tensive al- 
terations were made, and the school became widely 
known as the Elmwood Institute. In 18(;S the lease 
was canceled by mutual agreement. 

In 1872, " Voted to sell the bull. ling ;ui(l gmunds for 
$21)00, with the condition that the bell .shall not be 
(lis|iiiscil (if, liut kept in the building as at present." 

Cons^regational Church. — The Congregational 
Church in this town was organized October 8, 1740. 
One of the conditions of the grant to the proprietors 
of Contooeook was that one eighty-fourth part of the 
land should be set aside for a parsonage, and one ad- 
ditional eighty-fourth for the minister, and that a 
" learned and Orthodox minister" should be settled 



At their Miireh meet iiii;-, I7:'ii. the pi-o|irietors voted 
that .I.wc.pb (ieirish, Henry Holfe and .Joseph Stick- 
ney be a eoniniittee " to treat with some suitable man 
& a Christian learned to preach at Contooeook the 
eumniing summer, and in order to settle the aforesaid 
Gentleman, if he can be rationally agreed with, to serve 
us in the ministry." Two hundred pounds were raised 
for preaching, and the assessors were directed to make 
the town-house convenient for the use of the minister 
and people ou the Sabbath. 

The committee secured the services of Eev. Phineas 
.Stevens, who remained pastor fifteen years, and had 
taken an active part in all of the affairs of the "Plan- 
tation." 

The expenses at the ordination of Mr. Stevens were 
as follows: 

" An .\cconipt of the Expenses for the Oidiniition of the Rev. Mr. 
Phineas Stevens at Contooeook Oct 29, 17411, For which Charge tlie Pro- 
prietors are indebted 

" To Mr. Edmird Emery, 

" For live Busjiels of Wheat at 12> per Imsli' ... 3 

n; Ihs Porlc at IS'i I 4 

2 11« Susar II 4 '> 

for Craiiibuirys Cabbage & turnips 10 

Kggs 1" 64 Trouble of his house 3ll» ... 1 11 C 

Charge he has been at 20' & Trouhle 12" . 1 18 U 

For liriugiug up the Boat 1 



The query arises, How a boat could be used at an 
ordination? The answer is plain. There was no bridge 
across the Merrimack. The ministers from the lower 
towns would come by the road leading up the east 
side of the Merrimack : hence the need of a boat. 

'• To Mr. George Jtichmav. 

"For Edward FitzGerald'sService 1 C 

for 2 women 2 da.vs each (I 12 

aBushelof wheat 12«& a Bushel of Indian f,« 18 

His Trouble 3ii» CabbagesuSi Turnips 5> . . 1 l.'i u 



" To .ln,tpl, Gcn-Wi Fmi 

" Fori niioils<ifOidor4l-12"42(l"forhi»troul.le r. 12 (I 

l\ir.i.V2 lh..i,.n!uorat r,p Ill .', \ 

'.ill llis of Pork at 12P I Id ii 

27 IbsSalt roik4()'C,rA3nll)8 0flmtti'r2> . .'. u i; 

IVihiinheliiof Wheat lS"TurniiM4c.V . . 1 ,s ii 
S Turkies at .'.f, at '.IP pir III 42". Unliving 

the Boat 2li" :i 2 n 

Carting IOC His trouble :lii- II in ii 

" To Mr .Mm CoJJin 

" KorllH ll,,.i„n,utterG0'4bu8l|lof l\lalt4ll' .. .'. II ll 
411^^ lbs Sail I'ork GU" '.IP & 211 lbs of clieuae 

at 2S«2P 4 S 11 

8 Oeeso .ii;4 at 8P 34' ll' A Ins trouble ,k 

charge 0U> 4 14 4 

fl4 3 3 
" To Mr John Noifet Jun 
" For2l'iisesor Knives 40" for 10 liis Sugar 20- & 

one lb pepper 9» 3 

" To Mr Daniel Ooilhi 
•' For 111 11)8 of liaisins 35" ."> lbs Currentn l.'i" 11 Iha 

of loaf Sugar .%• 4 b'l 

3ii lbs of Flower 10» (i Drinking glasses 8' . 1 8 

Biscake2ll8, Idoz Mugs 1*2" Carting Stores 12" 2 4 

111 Gallons Khum at 10' per Gal 8 10 

flO 17 
" To Mr John Admm 

" For 20 lbs Sugar 30', SP Chocolate IVj lb 21«|JP . 2 18 5 

Nutmegs 5« Op. Allspice 4> Pipes 4 doz S> . 17 C 

£3 15 11 
" To Mr Join, IlolfJ,,,, 

" Forone half barrel full hound &a 4 gallon Cask 12 
" To John Broiim 

" For Spices 9" Pipes & Tobacco 12«ep 1 1 li 

For a .50 gallon cask & a 4 gall bottle il 7 

For bis trouble & charge 3 

" To Mr Ehen'r Chonle 

"For Wine 1 10 

" To Mr. Moses Gerrvh 

" For 5 lbs of Sug.ar II HI 

" To CuUinij Lmit 

'• For four Gallons of Molasses 1 S 

" To Ilkhards <{• Tttcowh 

" For Carrj'ing lip their Fanils Each 20" 2 

.tlll4 
" A inie Acconipt Errors Excepted Newbury No\ r,a 1740 

"John Brown." 

He died January 19, 1755. The following is an in- 
ventory of his estate : 

"Wethe Subscribers lieiiic appointi'ila I'ciiMiMitlie to apprize the Eb- 
t.ate real & personal of th- l;, i i M' llmi. h ,, Si, >. n-. late of tlie Place 
railed Contooeook within I. >! 1 ■ i N'W Ilanipsliire, 

Clerk Deceased, being 111 : ., i ,, i ,i :.ii ,i I' lnngo of the said 
Trust have taken the I"..Uo\>iu^ iii.i iih'i,v "I tin .>.iul L.^late. 

'* Of personal Estate — 

" Imprimis. To Books— E. ». d. 
M' Pool's Synopses Criticorum in five volumes 

in Folio 7 10 

other books the whole of them 1 5 

Item, To a Swivel Gun 2 10 

item. To Beds, Bedding & Bedsteads 4.'* 12 6 

Item, To Pewter 12 10 

item, To two warming pans 3 2 6 

item, To two Brass Kettles 4 



IIISTOKV OF MKUi;i.MA('-l<: COUNTY, NEW HAMI'SHIIIK. 



item. To a toaeliTig-Ii-oii A Gridiron 

Item, To a Spit • ■ ■ 

To«Sl>oo! wheel 

:t8m. To a Culilwanl 

tem, T.ilwo Cuggs • 

tein, To a groat Wheel 

torn, To Andirons 

teni. To Tongs 

teni, To another JMir of Tongs & fire sliovel & 



, To an iron Kettle 

item. To two iron Tmminels . . . 

tern. To a little Tot 

tom, To two Box irons & Heater . 
tern. To five Chairs at 3" DP apiece 

tem, To a Frying Pan 

tern. To an iron Pot 

tern, To a pair of liund-Bcllows . . 
tem, To a Ijitws Skillet tfc Fmmc . 



To three tables at 5" ap; 

To a Cradle 

To hay at the Meddeo 
To 2 Tobes 

Chaffing Dish .... 

To a CiMt 

To a great Coat . . . 



, To a pail' of Leather Hre 

, To a Jacket 

, To a Hat 

, To a p;iir of Boots . . . 

, To Shoes 

, To a Morter Pestel . . . 

, To a Razor 

, To Shirts 

, To a half Bnshel&Sive 
, To one old Siuidle & Bri.l 
, To Tea Furuilure . . . 

, To two Chests 

, To an old I'ortniantle . 

, To Salt 

, To Glass Bottles .... 



'* To ft Mare . . . 
item, To two Cows . . 
item, To a Heifer . . 
item. To a Calf . . . 
item, To five Sheep . 
item. To three Swine 



' Imprimis, To the Uonse-Lot, Honae & H.irn . . 

item, a House in the Garrison 

item, To a iive acre Intervale Lot 

item. To a House Lot adjoining to Ensign Jos- 
eph Eastman's 

item. To one eighty acre Lot, half an eighty acre 
Lot, A two House-Lots all joining together '1 

item, To one hundred acre Lot 

item. To one common Right 

item, To half a hundred acre lot, & half a com- 
mon Right 

item. To one eighty-acre-Lot in the Township of 



brd 



62 



Mr. Stevens was succeeded by Rev. Robie Merrill, 
who was ordained December 29, 17G1. He was dis- 
missed December 9, niUi. Rev. Nathaniel Merrill 
wxs ordained [lastor ( )(-t(ilier 19, 1768, and resigned 
April 1, 1774. Ivev. Sannu'l Wood, of honored mem- 



ory, was ordained pastor of this church October 17, 
1781, and for more than half a century his life was 
identified with the history of the church and town. 

Dr. Wood's civil contract with the town wiis dis- 
solved May 7, 1802, though his pastoral relation with 
the church still continued. In 1804 the Second 
Church was organized in the western section of the 
town, and Rev. Ebenezer Price settled as its pastor. 

Rev. Mr. Wood, during these years, prejjared a 
number of young men for college. Among them was 
Daniel Webster. 

From 1809 he was actively engaged in promoting 
the cause of education, and acted as visiting com- 
mittee for twenty years. 

As early as the year 1797 he endeavored to secure 
the establishment of an academy, but, failing in that, 
was the means of starting a library. Thirty years 
later the project of an academy was revived, and 
through the energy and liberality of Hon. Ezekiel 
Webster, and the hearty co-operation of the citizens, 
Dr. Wood had the gratification of seeing the realiza- 
tion of his early plans. He contributed liberally to 
establish the institution, — giving the shingles, which 
he had shaved with his own hands. 

The Boscawen Church, nominally, was Presbyte- 
rian till 1828, when Dr. .John Rogers was appointed 
to see what its relations were to the Presbytery. He 
could find no such organization, and the church 
passed a vote readopting the Congregational polity. 

On October 17, 1831, Dr. Wood completed a half- 
century of ministerial labor, and noticed the event 
with appropriate services. He stated that he had re- 
ceived into the church, by profession, four hundred 
and eighty, of whom one hundred had severed their 
relation, one hundred and nineteen had died, thirty 
had been excommunicated, leaving a church at that 
time of two hundred and thirty-eight members. He 
remained pastor until his death, 1836. 

In December, 1832, Rev. Salmon Bennett was in- 
stalled as junior pastor. By the terms of settlement, 
Mr. Bennett was to have a salary of three hundred 
dollars and one-fourth part of the time for service 
elsewhere, which, proving inadequate for his sup- 
port, resulted in his dismissal, October 25, 1836. 

The death of Rev. Dr. Wood occurring soon after, 
the church e.xtended a ca,ll to Rev. Caleb B. Tracy. 
He was installed September 12, 1837. Large additions 
were made to the church in 1842-43. 

The organization of the church in Fislierville re- 
sulted, however, in the transfer, about this time, of 
thirteen members to that body. 

Mr. Tracy remaineil jiastor till IS')], when he was 
dismissed by mutual coiisiut. 

During the year l.s.")2 the church was under the 
charge of Rev. Mr. Slocum. 

On June 15, 1853, Rev. Ambrose Smith was in- 
stalled pastor, remaining till his death. 

Rev. Milton L. Severance was installed February 
16, 1864, dismissed December 22, 1S68. 



BOSOAWEN. 



Rev. Joseph A. Freeman installed June SO, lS7r), 
dismissed July 3, 1877. 

Rev. Frank Haley installed Ue-tober 11, 1S82, dis- 
missed June 11, 1885. 

The first meeting-house was built of logs, forty feet 
long and as wide as Rumford (Concord) meetiug- 
house, only two feet higher. This was occupied 
until 1767, when it was therefore voted that a new 
meeting-house should be erected, and a committee 
was appointed to select a site. 

It was voted that, pending the erection of the 
meeting-house, the meetings should be held half the 
time at the linuse of Jesse Flanders. 

The committee appointed to select a site reported 
as follows: 

" BosciWEN, Sep. 8. 1767. 
" We ilo liereb.v deliver it as our boiicst and impartial judgment that 
it be erected on that saplingpine land about ten or twelve rods from the 
road towards Jesse Flanders, from that knowl above Ephraini Wood- 
bury's, which was the last voted place, and that this meeting-house be 
placed for those only that live on the Easterly side of Battle street, so 
railed, and that those who live on the Westerly side of said street be ex- 
I'lnpted from any cost in building said house. 
• .\s witness our hands, 

" KZEKIEL Morrill, ■. 



The site finally selected for the new meeting-house 
was near the northwest corner of the cemetery, west 
of Woodbury's Plain. It was 

" Voted To Raise two hundred & fifty pounds old tenor Toward De- 
fraying the charges already arisen in building the meeting-house frame, 
to be paid in Labour at fifty Shillings a Diiy, and whoever Don't La- 
bour when Notified, or pay Stuff fit for the use of the house, to pay 

" Voted To begin & Go on with the finishing said meeting-house as far 
JL-; the pew privileges will go, together with the money as above voted. 

"George Jackman, Jun., Mr. Joseph Atkinson, Ens. Peter Kimball, 
Mr. Benjamin Eastman & Deacon Jes.se flanders ware chosen and fully 
luipowered as a committee to carry on the finishing said Meeting- 

The old tenor currency had so far depreciated that 
fifty shillings was only equivalent to about forty-two 
cents lawful money, a shilling being less than one 
cent. 

The committee appointed to appraise the pew privi- 
leges reported the apprai.sal and articles of sale as 
follows : 

" Is' The pews to be sold to the highest bidder, 

" 2 — The money bid is to be understood, Hampshire's old tenor. 

"3'' That no person bid less than 20 shillings a bid. [About sixteen 

" That every purchaser shall pay one-fourth part thereof in money & 
the remainder in labor or lumber, as said committee & purchaser shall 
agree, ^/jrow'Wed the same be at Cash price & when wanted for the use 
of said house. 

"5»*» That Each pew be forfeited unless the purchaser pay the sum for 
which the same was bid off at in the following manner, viz. : 

** The money to be paid in three months from the time said pew was 
bid off and the other to be paid when called for by the committee for tliu 
use of said house. 

"6. That every person shall forfeit his pew privilege except that the 
purchaser have the same well finished within twelve months from the 
time said pew was bid off. 

"7. That any purchaser shall pay down or give security for one-tenth 
part of the value of what said pew was bid off at— which sum shall be 
forfeited unless the articles are fulfilled 



" Voted by the town, that no wall pew bo raised more than 12 in.heH 
aliove the meeting-house Door, * that no body pew lie raised more than 

There is no writing that sets forth the dimensions 
of this first framed meeting-house. It was nearly 
square and had a gallery, which was not finished till 
.several years later, even if it was ever wholly fin- 
ished. There was a pile of boards in one corner of 
the gallery, behind which the boys used to secrete 
themselves!, greatly to the annoyance of the tithing- 
man. The present town-house in Webster was 
modeled after this house. Tbere was a porch at each 
end and a front-door. It was built after the prevail- 
ing style of the time, — a bo.x-like edifice. 

This meeting-house was subsequently burned, and 
the next house was erected on King Street. 

Population. — The first census of the town was that 
of 1767,— 285 inhabitants. In 1783, when the first 
census after the Revolution was taken, the number 
was 756. The first census of the general government 
was in 1790. The returns are as follows : 1767. 285 ; 
1783, 756; 1790, 1108; 1800, 1414; 1810, 1829; 1820, 
2116; 1830, 2093 ; 1840, 1965 ; 1850, 2003; 1860, 1458 ;' 
1870, 1637 ; 1880, 1380. 

Civil History.— The men who have been selected 
to represent the town have been citizens of high 
character. Colonel Henry Gerrish, George Jackman, 
Captain Joseph Gerrish, Major Enoch Gerrish and 
Captain Benjamin Little were the representatives of 
the last century. These five men represented the 
town from 1760 to 1801. 

During the first quarter of the present century such 
men as Timothy Di.v, Caleb Knight, Ezekiel Web- 
ster, Joseph Little, Jeremiah Gerrish, Major Enoch 
Gerrish and Colonel Isaac Chandler acted as legis- 
lators. Their successors in the next quarter were 
such men as Hezekiah Fellows, Colonel John Farmer, 
Captain Joseph Ames, John Greenough, Moses Fel- 
lows, Thomas Coffin, William H. Gage, Benjamin 
Kimball, Nathan Plummer, Abraham Burbank, Rich- 
ard Gage, Simeon B. Little, Joseph Morrill, Rev. 
Eberiezer Price, Elbridge F. Greenough, Abiel R. 
Chandler, Nathan Pearson, Jr., Thomas Gerrish, 
Luke Corser, Caleb Smith and Calvin Gage. 

TOWN OFFICERS. 
1700. — Joseph Coffin, moderator ; George Jackman,'- clerk ; John 
Fowler, .lohn Webster, Joseph Eastman, selectmen. 
1761. — lohn Webster, moderator; John Welwter, Knos Bishop, George 



1762. — Joseph Eastman, moderator; George Jackman, John Flanders, 
Joseph Hoit, selectmen. 
17r,rt. — John Fowler, moderator; Joseph Iloit, Ephraim Plmnmer, 



1764.— John Fowler, moi 
tlliver Fowler, selectmen. 

1765.— John Fowler, luo 
Jesse Flanders, selectmen. 



r ; George Jacknn 



Jesse Flanders, 



'■ From 1760 to 1796 he was i 



IIISTORV OF MEKKIMACK COUiNTV, NKW IIAMI'SIIIIIK 

OSes Burbaiik, Moses Call, 



182 



17GC.— Joeeph Eaatmun, 
Henry Gorrisb, eelectiiieu. 

17fi7._Jea8o Flnnders, moderator; Henry Gerrish, George Jackman, 
Jease Flanders, Bclf* tmeii. 

17B8._John RnvltT, iuod«nitui ; Henry lierrisli, Peti-r Kimball, 
Oliver Fowler. sflrctiiK-u. 

1769.— Moses Murst-, motienitor ; Captain Henry Uerrit^h, Moses 
Morse, George Jackuiun, seleclmen. 

177()._Ilev. Robio Morrill, moderator; Moses Morse, Henry Gerriali, 
Peter Kimball, selectmen. 

1771.— Moses Morse, moderator; Winthrop Carter, Moses Call, Moses 

1772.— Captain Henry Gerrish, moderator ; George Jackmau, Deacon 
Jeaw Flandew, Samuel Muzzy, selectmen. 

1773. —Henry Gerrish, moderator; Ebenezer Hidden, Samuel Gerrisb, 
George Jackman, seleetmen. 

1774._Peter Cortin, moderator; Samuel Muzay, Peter Kimball, Jesse 
Flanders, selectmen ; Henry Gerrish, delegate to State Convention. 

1775._Stepheu Webster, moderator; Moses Call, Enoch Gerrish, 
George Jackman. selectmen ; Henry Gorrish, delegate to State Conven- 
tion. 

1776.— Robie Morrill, moderator; George Jackmau, Cutting Noyes, 
John Eliot, selectmen. 

1777.— Henry Gerrish, moderator ; George Jackman, John Eliot, Cut- 
ting Noyee, selectmen. 

1778. — Henry Gerrish, moderator ; George Jackmau, Lieuteuant Enoch 
Gerrish, Cutting Noyes, selectmen ; George Jackman, delegate. 

1779._Ueury Gerrish, moderator ; George Jackman, Enoch Gerrish, 
Samuel Muzzy, selortiiu-n ; fit-i'ig.- Jackman, Henry Gerrish, delegates. 

1780.— Peter Kimi ,11. i,i.,.i, i n r , iirovge Jackman, Stephen Webster, 
Cutting Noye^, -. ; . . 1 1 ' ■iiiflh, representative. 

1781.— Haury '. i ! i i i ; Ueorge Jackman, Cutting Noyes, 

Captain Peter Kni ,;l i n,,. ,, 

1782. — Peter Collin, mmlcf.itnr ; Georgo Jackman, Joseph Jackmau, 
David Corsor, selectmen. 

1783.— Ebenezer Hidden, moderator; George Jackman, Isaac Pearson, 
David Corser, selectmen. 

1784.- Peter Kimball, moderator ; Enoch Gerrish, Peter Kimball, 
George Jackman, selectmen. 

1785.— Ebeuezer Hidden, moderator ; Lieutenant Enoch Gerrish, Ben- 
jamin Sweatt, George Jackman, selectmen ; George Jackman, represen- 

1786.— Samuel Fowler, moderator ; George Jackman, Benjamin 
Sweatt, Lieutenant Benjamin Jackman, selectmen ; George Jackman, 
representative. 

1787.— Henry Gerrish, moderator; Joseph Gerrish, Peter Kimball, 
Bei^amin Little, selectmen. 

1788.— Henry Gerrish, moderator; Joseph Gerrish, Cutting Noyes, 
Peter Kimball, selectmen ; George Jackman, representative ; Heni-j' 
Gerrish, delegate to Convention. ^ 

1789.— Peter Coffin, moderator ; Joseph Gerrish, Peter Kimball, Ben- 



.ny 



t John Chandler, selectmen 



liii LKtle, Enoch Gerrish, 

li i";,iij^|i, i.-jiresentative. 
' I ! . !;■ iiiamin Little, 



i;imin Little, 
jioch Little, 



George Jackman, ■ h Mm. n i n... i, i., 

1795.-^osfi'li '■ 
George Jackiiini. ! 

1796.— Thoiu:,- I I,.., I,, iM.-i. ,.,i.., 
Cai-ter, Thonnm Tlmrbi, lOnoili Littl.', 
resentative. 

1797.— Thomas Tliorla, moderator ; Tristmm Noyes, clerk ; Winthrop 
Carter, Thomas Thorla, Daniel Shepard, selectmen ; Enoch Gerrish, 

I7;)S. — Enoch Gerrish, moderator; George Jackman, clei'k; Enoch 
Gerrish, Timothy l>ix, Jr., Joseph Little, i 
representative. 

1799.— Major Enoch Gerrish. moderator 



Enoch Gerrish, Timothy Dix, Jr., Joseph Little, selectmen ; Major 
Joseph Gerrish, representative. 

18(X>.— Thomas Thorla, moderator ; Samuel Choate, clerk : Benjamin 
Jackman, Joseph Couch, Caleb Knight, selectmen ; Enoch Gerrish, 
representative. 

1801.— Nathaniel Green, moderator ; Samuel Clioate, clerk ; Bei^'nmin 
Jackman, Joseph Couch, Caleb Knight, selectmen ; Timothy Dix, Jr., 
representative. 

1802.— Nathaniel Green, moderator ; Fhinehas Bailey, clerk ; Joseph 
Conch, Nathaniel Green, Samuel Muzzy, selectmen; Timothy Dix, Jr., 
representative. 

ISlKl— Enoch Gerrish, moderator; Joseph Couch, clerk; Nathaniel 
Green, Nathan Davis, Benjamin Jackman, selectmen ; Timothy Dix, Jr., 



1SU4.— Nathaniel Green, moderator ; Joseph Couch, clerk; Benjamin 
Jackman, Isaac Chandler, Joseph Little, selectmen; Timothy Dix, Jr , 
representative. 

1805.— Colonel Joseph Gerrish, moderator ; Caleb Putney, clerk ; Ben- 
jamin Jackmau, Joseph Little, Major Isaac Chandler, selectmen ; Caleb 
Knight, representative. 

1806.— Joseph Gerrish, mmlerator ; Samuel Choate, clerk; Joseph 
Little, Daniel Pillsbury, Joseph H. Morrill, selectmen ; Benjamin Little, 
representative. 

1807.— Joseph Gerrish, moderator ; Joel French, clerk; Daniel Pills- 
bury, Joseph Little, Captain Somersby Pearson, selectmen ; Benjamin 
Little, representative. 

1808.— Joseph Gerrish, moderator; Joel French, clerk; Captain 
Somersby Pearson, Ezekiel Morse, Stephen Gerrish, selectmen ; Enoch 
Gerrish, representative. 

1809.— Joseph Gerrish, moderator ; Joel French, clerk ; Stephen Gei- 
rish, Joseph H. Morrill, Peletiah Peasley, selectmen ; Enoch Gerrish. 
representative. 

1810. — Joseph Gerrish, moderator ; Samuel W. Lang, clerk ; Stephen 
Gerrish, Joseph Little, Thomas Coffin, selectmen ; Ezekiel Webater, 



J811.— Colonel .Toseph Gorrish, moiierator ; Samuel W. Lang, clerk ; 
Thomas Coffin, Benjamin Little, Joel Frencli, selectmen ; Ezekiel Web- 
ster, representative. 

1812. — Isaac Chandler, moderator ; Samuel W. Lang, clerk ; Nathan 
Chandler, Joseph Ames, Captain Moses Gerrish, belectmeu ; Ezekiel 
Webster, representative. 

1813.— Ezekiel W*ebat©r, moderator ; Samuel W. Lang, clerk ; Captain 
Moses Gerrish, Joseph Ames, Nathan Cliandler, selectmen ; Ezekiel 
Webster, representative. 

1814.— Ezekiel Webster, moderatoi ; Samuel W. Lang, clerk; Captain 
flloses Gerrish, Joseph Ames, Isaac Gerrish, selectmen ; Ezekiel Web- 



1815.- Ezekiel Webster, moderator ; Samuel W. Lang, clerk ; Isaac 
Gerrish, Jesse Little, Joseph H. Morrill, selectmen ; Joseph Little, rep- 
resentative. 

1816.— Ezekiel Webster, moderator; Samuel W. Lang, clerk ; Major 
Moses Gerrish, Daniel Pillsbury, Nathan Chandler, selectmen ; Josei)h 
Little, representative. 

1817.— Enoch Little, moderator ; Hozekiah Fellows,! dprk ; Major 
^'c JackmanjS Moses Gerrish, Daniel Pillsbury, Nehemiah Cogswell, selectmen ; Jere- 



"lerator ; Colonel Moses Gerrish, Nehemial 
■lectmen ; Jeremiah Gerrish, representative 
No.l.ijitur ; Xelwniiiili Cogswell, Josepl: 



Isaac Pearson, sri. i w . i,- , 

1823.- Ezekiel WM.-i.,^ n,...|. ,,,i.., . c.i,.!,.! M.>-. ^ lim-ish, Julin 

Farmer, Thomas Geniwli, sel.iiiiirii ; K/,iki.-l Webster, lepiesenUtive. 
1824.— Ezekiel Webster, moderator; John Farmer, Nehemiah f'oggs- 

well, Moses Fellows, selectmen ; Ezekiel Webster, Hezekiah Fellows, 

representatives. 
1825. —Ezekiel Webster, moderator ; John Farmer, Moses Fellows, 

William H. Gage, selectmen ; Ezekiel Webster, Hezelciah Fellows, rep- 



> From this date to 1854 he was re-elected. 



BOSCAWEN. 



— Ezekiel Webster, moderator ; Moses Follows, William II. Gage, 
Couch, Jr., selertmen ; Ilozekiah Follows, Joseph Amos, repro- 



1 Farmer, moiierator; Moses FpHowb, William H. Gago, 
, Jr., selectmeu ; Ezekiel Wobstcr, John Fai*mer, ropreseu- 



1 Webster, moderator ; Moscs Fellows, lieuben Johnson, 
, selectmen ; Ezekiel Webster, John Farmer, represeu- 



iz.-kifl Webster, moderator; Moses Fellows, Simeon B. Little, 
errish, selectmen ; John Farmer, JohnGreonongh, ropresonta- 



). — John Farmer, moderator ; Moses Fellows, Simeon H. T^ittle, 
as Gerrish, selectmon ; John Groenougb, Moses Fellows, represen- 



[. — John Farmer, moderator ; Closes Fellows, Simeon B. Ijittle, 
as Gen-ish, selectmen ; Moses Fellows, Thomas f'oftin, representa- 



1853.— Simeon B. Little, moderator ; 
rish Hale Atkinson, 
resentativrs. 



isse.—ftloses Fellows, moderator; Sii 
. Cogswell, selectmen ; Nathan Plumi 



I Little, Bloses Fellows, John 
William 11. Gage, represen- 



1837.— Moses Fellows, 
John C. Cogswell, selectmeu ; Natli 
representatives. 

1838.— Moses Fellows, moderator; Simeon B. Little, .feremiab Noyes, 
William M. Kimball, selectmen; Abraham Burbank, Richard Gage, 
representatives. 

18;i9.— Simeon B. Little, moderator ; William M. Kimball, Moses Fel- 
lows, Thomas Little, selectmeu ; Richard Gage, Simeon B, Little, repro- 

Thomas Little, Wyatt Boyden, 
J. Little, Joseph Morrill, repre- 

1H4I.— Simeon B. Little, moderator ; Wyatt Boyden, Abiel Chandler, 
Nathan Pearson, selectmen ; Joseph Morrill, Rev. Ebenezer Price, rep- 

1812.— Simeon B. Little, moderator ; Abiel B. Chandler, Nathan Pear- 
son, Wyatt Boyden, selectmen ; Rev. Ebenezer Price, Elbridge F. 
Greenough, representatives. 

184.J.— Simeon B. Little, modei-ator ; Benjamin F. Kimball, Tbomjis 
Klliot, William H. Gage, selectmen ; Abiel K. Chandler, Natlum Pear- 
son, Jr., representatives. 

1844.— Simeon B. Little, moderator ; Caleb Smith, Samuel M. Durgiu, 
Friend L. Burbank, selectmen ; Nathan Pearson, Jr., .■Vbiel R. Chan- 
dler, representatives. 

1845. — Moody A. Pillsbury, moderator; Caleb Smith, Thomas Elliot, 
Eliphalet Kilburn 



1847.— Simeon B. Little, moderator; Hale Atkinson, Samuel M. Dur- 
gin, Calvin Gage, selectmen; Abraham Bm-bank, Caleb Smith, represen- 
tatives. 

1848.- Caleb Smith, moderator; Eliphalet Kilburn, Abiel R. Chan- 
dler, Friend L. Burbank, selectmen ; Abraham Burbank, Caleb Smith, 
representatives. 

I840.-Simeou B. Little, mod.-r;ii..f . 11*1. \fk-M-..n, \t.i.l i: fh. Mi- 
dler, Albert Danforth, selectmen ; ' 1 1 r i ; 

1S50.— Simeon B. Little, mod-iH. ii, m: \ 

Simeon B. Little, selectmen; Calvin v,i^^ , I'ml r. m p,, i. i i ■ ■ nf u , ^ - ~ 

1851.— Simeon B. Little, moderator; Simcuu B. Litilc, l_iauirl 8. 
Balch, Daviil A. Gerrish, selectmen ; Paul Pearson, Abiel Gerrish, rep- 
resentatives. 

1852. — Simeon B. Little, moderator; Simeon B. Little, David A. Ger- 
rish, Hale Atkinson, selectmen; Abiel Gerrish, Fii.-ml L. Itiirbiuik, 



I'l" I M h <; liih ■., I r . David E. Burbank, clork ; Enoch 

c-Tii-h. .i.irtrii.ili > w.hin.i, MiiiMTi Hiim's, sclectmen ; Moses Whjt- 

18G1.— Isaac K. Gage, moderator ; Isaiah H. Arey, clerk ; .\lmon Har- 
ris, Francis S. French, Halo Atkinson, selectmen ; Luther Gage, repre- 
sentative. 

18G2.— Nathan B. Greene, moderator ; Isaiah H. Arey, clerk ; Almon 
Harris, Francis S. French, Peter Coffin, selectmen ; Luther Gage, repre- 
eeniatives. 

1863.— Jonathan Tenney, moderator ; Isaiah U. Arey, clerk ; Nehe- 
miah Butler, Peter Coffin, George Knowles, aelectmeu ; Almon Harris, 
representative, 

1864, — Franklin C. Morrill, moderator ; Isaiah H. Arey, clerk ; Nehe- 
miah Butler, George Kuowles, Samuel Choate, selectmen ; Almon Har- 
ris, representative. 

1865.— Franklin C. Morrill, moderator; Calvin M. Chadwick, clerk ; 
Nehtniiah Huth^r. Gt-orge Knowles, .Samuel Choate, selectmen ; David 

|M - I , ,, : , I MMirill, moderator; Charles Smith, clerk ; Enoch 
(i. W 1 II I V \i I -■, .lames H. Gill, selectmen ; David A. Gerrish, 

l.SC,7._Isn(tc K. Gage, moderator; Charles Smith, clerk ; Enoch G. 
Wood, Healey Morse, James H. Gill, selectmen ; Franklin C. Morrill, 
representative. 

1868.— Franklin C. Morrill, moderator ; Charles E. Chadwick, clerk ; 
Nehemiah Butler, Ezra S. Harris, Bradley Atkinson, selectmen ; 
Franklin C, Morrill, representative. 

ISfiy.— Franklin C. Morrill, moderator; Charles E. Chadwick, clerk ; 
Ezra S. Harris, Luther Gage, Bradley Atkinson, selectmen ; Nehemiah 
Butler^ representative. 

1870.— Thaddeus 0. Wilson, moderator ; Charles E. Chadwick, clerk ; 
Nehemiah Butler, Hamilton P. Gill, Joseph G. Eastman, selectmen ; 
Nehemiah Butler, representative. 

1871.— Thaddeus 0. Wilson, moderator; John Seavoy, clerk; Calvin 
Gage, John E. Rines, Enoch G. Wood, selectmen; Enoch G. Wood, rep- 
resentative. 

1872.— David F. Kimball, moderator; Charles E. Chadwick, clerk ; 
David F. Kimball, Marcus K. Howser, Samuel B. Chadwick, selectmen ; 
Daniel Y. Bickford, representative. 

1873. —David F. Kimball, moderator ; Charles E. Chadwick, clerk ; 
David F. Kimball, Marcus K. Howser, Samuel B. Chadwick, selectmen ; 
Daniel Y. Bickford, representative. 

1874._David F. Kimball, moderator; Charles E. Chadwick, clerk ; 
Nehemiah Butler, Marcus K. Howser, Samuel B. Chadwick, selectmeu ; 
Marcus K. Howser, representative. 

1875.— David F, Kimball, moderator; Charles E. Chadwick, clerk ; 
N.-lieiiiiali Butler, Joseph G. Eastman, Austin G. Kimball, selectmen ; 
\l II. II- l\ Howser, representative. 

I ,' ' ilwn Gage, moderator; George 
- . , I , ii c. Wood, Caleb C. Hall, sclectnn 

IsTT.— Thaddeus O. Wilson, moderator ; Charles E. Chadwick, clork ; 
John (-'. Gage, Caleb C. Hall, Luther Gage, selectmen ; Nathaniel S. 
Webster, representative. 

1878.— David F.Kimball, moderator; Charles E. Chadwick, clerk ; 
Luther Gage, Charles W. Hardy. Manus K. IloMser, Hclectmen ; Peter 
Coffin, 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUiNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1879.— John C. Poarson, niwlcnilor ; Charles E. Chadwick, 
Luther Gage, Charles W. llarily, Marcus K. Howser, selectmen. 

186().^ohn ('. Pearson, mralenitor; Charles K. Chadwick, 
John C. Peanwn, Samuel Choate, Frank L. Gerrish, selectmen ; 
Choatc, roprcsenlatlvc. 

1881. — John C. Pearson, moderator; Charles E. Chadwick, 
John C. Pearson, Samuel Choate, Ftsnk L. Gorrish, selectmen. 

1882.— John C. Pearson, umderator ; Charles E. Chadwick, 
John C. Pearson, Frank L. Gorrish, William P. Abbott, sole 
Charles J. Kllsworlh, renrcseutative. 

1883.— .John V. Pearson, luoderul.ii ■linl. - I 'iKulwick, 
JohnC. Pearaou, Frank I,. Gurrisli, W 11: M I mi i -rl,,lmeii 

1881.— John 0. Pearson, moder^it. > > I i liuinick, 

William P. Abhutt, Sanniel B. C1kmI«i I., 1 n, ,l..hu O. 

representative. 

18g.f,._johu C. Peai-son, moderator ; Charles K. Chadwick, 
John C. Pearson, Samuel It. c:hadwick, William P. .\bl 



BIOGH A PHIC AL BK ETCH . 



EPHRAIM PIATMMER. 

The ancestors of Ephraim Plummer came from 
England in 1663 and settled in Newbury, Mass. 
His grandfather, Bitfield Plummer, was one of the 
early settlers of Boscawen ; married Priscilla Rich- 
ardson, of Chester, N. H., October, 1769. He was a 
signer of the People's Declaration of Independence 
before that of the Continental Congress was issued, 
and upon the evacuation of Long Island by General 



Washington responded to the call for additional 
troop.s and served for a time in the Continental army. 

His son Ephraim was horn 1771; married Rachel 
Choate Cogswell, May, 1792; lived on the homestead 
and died May, 1793, three months before the birth of 
his son Ephraim, the subject of the present sketch. 

The mother of Ephraim was a native of Essex, 
Mass, relative of Rufus Choate, — a woman of rare 
qualities of character, of discriminating mind and 
marked executive ability. To the future of her only 
child she bent all her energies. With the heritage 
of toil, the son had the benefits of a better education 
than sometimes falls to the lot of boys in his con- 
dition. The years of his childhood were uneventful. 
So, too, the earlier years of manhood; only as the 
external influences and processes of thought, de- 
veloped the man, of a logical turn of mind, a sincere 
respecter of law, loyal to his convictions, of un- 
doubted integrity. He was a person of quick sensi- 
bilities, frank and hospitable. He gave with liberal 
hand for school and church. Unassuming, he never 
desired place, nor influence in public affairs. 

His time was devoted to the cultivation of the 
farm. 

He married Lucy Gerrish, of Boscawen, who was 
the efficient counterpart to whatever of success that 
came to him. His death occurred on the 20th of 
July, 1872. 







^mH-far77x (J Ci< r 



HISTORY OF BKADFOKD. 



BY .(. M. HAWKS, M.I). 



C H A P T !•: R I . 

The ideal chapter of a coiiiity history wnuM lie an 
epitome of an ideal history of a town. I'.iiL us r.o 
such town history has yet been written, we must still 
look for the eoming of the model. 

As the art (which we may set down as one of the 
fine arts) of writing town histories improves, more at- 
tention will be given to personal records, and prob- 
ably an entire new feature will be added, viz. : a de- 
scription of every house and farm in the town, giving 
tlie particulars as to who first settled on a farm, who 
built a house and who have owned or occupied these 
since. The more interesting such histories are to the 
general reader the better, provided the great practical 
lessons of history are not lost sight of. One of these 
lessons is tliat the law of human progress has its con- 
ditions. According to the way we meet those con- 
ditions, we may as a community progress, stand still 
or slide back. 

As a means of self-preservation, the future town 
must see that insanity, idiocy, crime and pauperism 
grow less and less from generation to generation. 

The first step toward any reform is to feel the need 
of it and the assurance of its practicability, then the 
means will be discovered and adopted. 

The work going to press a month earlier than the 
writer expected will account for the unfinished con- 
dition of some of the matter and the omission of 
much that was considered important. 

The thanks of the writer are due and hereby 
tendered to Hon. M. W. Tappan, Wm. M. Carr, Hon. 
John W. Morse, Mrs. J. P. Marshall and many others 
for special assistance in procuring lists of business 
and professional men. The list of lawyers was 
handed in complete as printed, with the exception of 
the little word "Hon." which the compiler had 
modestly omitted from before his own name. 

Unlike our neighbor Warner, we have no con- 
troversy as to how or for whom our town was named, 
but the old stereotyped sentence, " Bradford was first 
settled in 1771 by Deacon Wm. Presbury," is being 
called in question. Some of the descendants of Isaac 



Davis believe that he wai- 
as 1762. A little search ( 



ing 



in this town as early 



rhboriiiir town 



rds 



will readily settle the question. It is to be regretted 
that no more histories of homesteads and families can 
be furnished for this chapter. 

Boundaries. — Bradford is bounded on the north 
by Newbury and Sutton, east by Warner, south by 
Hennikcr and Hillsborough and west by Washington. 
The north, south and west lines are straight. The 
town is longest east and w^est. If about one-fourth 
of the eastern portion were cut off, it would leave the 
remainder an exact square. 

All these adjoining towns were settled before Brad- 
ford, and have contributed of their citizens from time 
to time towai-d building up our little commonwealth. 
This movement has not been one-sided, however. A 
sort of reciprocal movement has taken place, in 
which every town has exchanged its citizens with 
every other town in the neighborhood. But in the 
"long run," Bradford has come off second best in 
these exchanges, she having given more than she has 
received. When the towns along the Atlantic coast 
of New Hampshire and Massachusetts were a hun- 
dred years old most of the country a hundred miles in 
the interior was a dense forest. Men who were am- 
bitious to acquire homes and farms of their own very 
naturally moved back from the old into the new 
towns. Those who had money bought lands on 
speculation ; those who had none bought their lands 
on credit, and with their own hands carved their 
farms out of the primal woods. The same process 
has been going on ever since in the newer regions 
farther west and south. 

Natural History— Geological Formation.— 
As New Hampshire is the " Granite State," so Brad- 
ford is a granite town. The backbone and ribs of all 
her hills are of the primitive rock, just as it crystal- 
ized and cooled when the world was bekig made. 
The soil of the hill-sides and the plains is composed 
of this same kind of rock, disintegrated by frosts and 
crushed and ground to powder by the slow-melting 
avalanches that traversed this part of the continent 
toward the close of the ice period. The progress of 
the ice-sheet is shown by stria;, or scratches and fur- 
rows plowed across the smoothed face of ledges of 
rock in Bradford and the surrounding towns. One 
of tliCKC, mentioned in Hitchcock's "(icology of 
185 



186 



HrSTOKY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



New Hampshire," is on a ledge near the Baptist 
Church in Bradford ; others are mentioned in Hen- 
niker. 

These ancient records on the pages of geology fur- 
nish a fine play-grouud for the imagination. It is an 
accepted theory of scientific men that the northern 
part of the continent was once covered with ice 
thousands of feet thick; that it began to melt, and 
.streams of water to flow from it on the south and 
soulheiist sides, and that a general movement of the 
slieet was in the direction of southeast. Thus, at the 
suggestion of science and by the aid of fancy, we can 
see the huge avalanches or mountains of ice melting 
and sending olf large rivers that filled the valleys 
along which our brooks now so tamely flow. It was 
indeed a great " freshet " that piled up the Moody 
Gilliugham farm and other similar places along the 
valley of Todd's Pond. And what a flood of water 
there was when the " Burying Hill " was washed into 
its present place and Bradford Plains ! The same 
thing is true in relation to the moraines and sand 
heaps along the valley of Warner River. 

VVhen those sand-hills were formed on Cummings 
Pierce's land, at the north end and east side of Massa- 
seecum Lake, and on Fred. Cheney's, on the west 
side, the waters of the innocent-looking Pond Brook 
were surging along with irresistible and terrible fury 
from the side of Cheney's Hill, clear across to the 
Goodwin Hill, and were fifty feet deep or more, all 
over the intervale. Imagine, then, the mighty rush 
of waters along the swollen valleys of Warner River, 
the Contoocook and the Merrimack at the time that 
Concord claims and similar tracts of land were de- 
posited along all the valleys of the New England 
rivers. 

Our highest spring freshets, from long rains and 
sudden thaws of the snow, are but very feeble imita- 
tions and faint reminders of those early floods. Slight 
as they are, these modern spring freshets bring down 
every year small portions of the hills and mountains, 
making the water turbid or soily. It is estimated that 
this process, if continued, will bring all the eleva- 
tions of land to a level of the sea in two hundred 
million years. 

During the melting of the ice-sheet, and its 
movement across the country, fragments of rock that 
had been imbedded in the ice were carried many 
miles, acting as the upper mill-stone, while the lower 
one was composed of the solid ledges of the hills. In 
this mighty mill rocks were ground to sand, gravel, 
cobble-stones and smooth boulders. Every acre of 
our town went through this mill, — was, in fact, a part 
of the mill. 

Whatever metals and gems of value may have 
drifted within our borders, they were buried so deep 
that they have not yet been discovered. Every acre of 
land in town bears testimony in some manner to the 
part it took, whether active or passive, in smoothing 
off the angular ledges of the hill-tops, and with these 



broken or crushed or ground to powder, filling up 
deep chasms and valleys, laying the foundations for 
fertile intervales and making sterile plains, and scat- 
tering boulders for the farmers to make their stone 
walls with. 

Vegetable Productioss. — These are about the 
same as prevail in this latitude across the State. Of 
the forest-trees, the evergreens are a marked feature ; 
the whiteand pitch pines, the hemlock, the spruce, the 
cedar and the fir lend their aid in beautifying almost 
every landscape. The oaks are here in variety, the 
white and red principally. The maples, from the 
dwarf striped variety known as Moosewood to the 
large red and white varieties, which delight in a moist 
and generous soil, to the towering rock or sugar ma- 
ple, that grows on nearly every kind of soil, and fur- 
nishes quite a large portion of the sugar and sirup 
used in town. 

Of the ash, the brown grows in swamps, and is used 
for basket stuff' and chair-bottoms; the white grows 
on dryer land and is used in carriage-making. The 
elm seems to be a half-domesticated tree, delighting 
in intervales and along the borders of streams; this, 
however, is a second growth. Beech selects the hill- 
sides. Of the birches, the gray prefers good land, but 
the white is contented almost anywhere. The bass- 
wood prefers a moist soil and is not very common. 

Chestnut hardly grows wild in the town. Several 
farmers have planted them in their pastures, and a 
few small ones are growing along the roadside north 
of the Pond meeting-house, planted there by some 
thoughtful person. Of the sassafras, it has Ix'cn saiil 
that a few bushes once grew on the south side of Ouilcs' 
Hill. The black cherry can hardly endure the competi- 
tion of tree-life in the forest here, but it grows well in 
old fields and pastures; but the small wild red cherry 
is thankful for a foothold anywhere, and is rather a 
nuisance everywhere. The sumach grows mostly 
about the ledges of the sides and tops of hills. The 
butternut, or oil-nut, so common and wild in Vermont, 
only grows under cultivation here. The tamarack, or 
larch, is confined to swamps. 

The mountain ash is grown for ornament. The 
poplar is more common in second-growth forests, while 
its cousin, the Balm of Gilead, requires to be jilanted, 
and grows readily from cuttings, as does also the wil- 
low ; the latter is a rapid grower. A tree at the road- 
side below Cummings Pierce's, at fifty years old, was 
four feet through. The locust is an imported tree. 

The alders grow along the brooks, and furnish a 
great many temporary fish-poles. Of the bushes and 
shrubs, the button-ball likes to have its feet in the 
water; the high cranberry bush is not plenty — it 
grows about six feet high along the edges of brooks 
that run through meadows or swamps ; blackberry, 
raspberry, red and black blueberry and huckleberry 
bushes are quite common. On rocky hill pastures the 
ground savin, or cedar, forms a low-spreading shrub; 
the ground hemlock is confined to moist, shady woods 



BRADFORD. 



— it is a trailing shrub. Grape-vines are common. 
Of all our native trees cultivated for shade and or- 
nament, perhaps the augUr maple is most preferred ; 
the elm stands next in public estimation, while a few 
liave spruce and larch. The one specimen of red oak 
in town, as an ornamental tree, at Sharron Jameson's, 
furnishes an example that should be followed. The 
<il(l Lombardy poplar seems to be dying out of public 
lavor, as well as dying as a family of trees. The most 
ricitalilc planted groves of evergreens are those of J. P. 
Marshall and Dr. Ames, both at the Corner. Mr. 
Marshall has a large number of imported trees. 

Hon. M. W. Tappan has the finest grove and 
grounds in town, and probably the finest in the coun- 
ty. It is nature embellished with art. 

At the saw-mills an observer would notice that 
there are but few large pine logs. The pine is mostly 
secoiul growth ; some spruce logs are there ; but the 
most of them are hemlock, from which the bark has 
been peeled for the use of the tanuerias. Now and 
then a farmer hauls iu a rock maple to have some 
" drag-plank " sawed, or sled runners. Shingles are 
made from spruce, hemlock, red oak aud pine. 

At the wood-piles of the farmers one finds a va- 
riety, including every kind of tree named above, — the 
tops and limbs of logs that have been hauled to mill 
or got out for railroad tics ; old trees that are ripe 
an<l beginning to decay ; others that have blown down 
in the woods and old apple-trees from the orchards. 

Feuit-Trees! and Shruu.s. — Of these, the apple 
stands at the head. Of the varieties there are many. 
Those which take the lead are the Baldwin, russet, 
greening, blue pearmain, for winter ; the Williams, 
the Porter and orange sweet, for fall. Crab apples are 
grown for ornament and use. 

In riding through the town, the apple orchards all 
seem to be past the meridian of life, and no new ones 
coming on to take their places. It is to be hoped 
that this industry will not be allowed to die out. 

Barberry. — This shrub, that grows wild all along the 
coa-st of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, only 
grows here under cultivation. Half a dozen families 
have it. It may be grown along the pasture wall, but 
is hardly worth a place in the garden. 

Ckernj. — The most common is the red ; the fine va 
rieties that grow fifty miles south donot flourish here. 

Currant. — The red, black and white all thrive here. 
The skunk currant grows wild, and is so common as to 
suggest that this is a good latitude for this species of 
fruit-bearing shrubs. The red currant is found in 
almost every garden. 

Gooseberry can be made to do well, but is not a 
general favorite here. 

Peach is grown to a limited extent. 

Plum does well. 

Prunes do well in the garden of Mrs. Geo. Hart. 

Pear does fairly well, several varieties. 

Quince is occasionally grown. 

Field Crops. — The most common are barley. 



beans, corn, oats, peas, potatoes, rye and wheat. 
Pumpkins, squashes, turnips are also grown in the 
field. Small patches of tobacco are grown. Buck- 
wheat and India wheat seem to be rather neglected. 
Flax, which was commonly grown fifty years ago, is 
forgotten, and our young people would not recognize 
the plant any more than they would be able to use a 
"tow comb" or a "linen wheel." 

Garden Vegetables.— Beans, a large variety ; the 
beet, cabbage, carrot, cives (rather rare), cucumber, 
horse-radish, melon (both musk and water), mustard, 
onions, parsnip, radish, squash (every variety, winter 
and summer), tomato and turnip. "A mess of greens" 
may consist of any of the following vegetables, while 
young and tender: beets (the root and top), inustai-d, 
turnips from the garden, or the wild cowslips I'nuii 
the meadow or dandelions from the field. 

Shrubs and Plants.— Many of our forests, road- 
sides, gardens and fields are 

" Uiinli witli what tlu' ilnll, incurious woeds account," 

but which, on further acquaintance, prove to possess 
medical qualities of more or less value. Many of 
these plants have several English or common names ; 
hence the only way to identify them with certainty is 
by their scientific names, which are here arranged in 
alphabetical order : — 

Achillea millifoliuin, yarrow ; acorns calamus, sweet flag ; actca alba, 



root ; arbutus uva ui-si, bear berry ; arctiiuu lappa, bnrilock ; arteinisia 
abrotanum, southernwood ; A. absinthium, wormwood ; A. vulgaris, 
mugwurt ; arum tryphyllum, Indian turnip ; n^anim Canadense, Ver- 
mont snake-root ; asclepiafi incaniata, white Indian hemp ; A. syriaca, 
milk-weed ; asparagus ofiicinalLS, asparagus ; aster puniceus, cociish or 
frost-weed; baptisia tinctoria, wild indigo ; berberis vulgaris, barberry; 
betonia officinalis, wood betouy ; botula lenta, spice birch ; calendula 
officinalis, marigold ; celastrus scandens, bitter-sweet ; chelidoniuni iiia- 
,jus, gariiiMi celaiiiiine ; clielotic glabra, balmony ; chenopodium, pig- 
wi'tvl , .1 ,i|.Im|1.i mill. II II I [iiticc's pine; chrysanthemum parthe- 



anada thi 



clematis erecta, 



staphisagria, larkspur ; digitalispui]iiii ' i i \ i ; j. .i n-jn-us, trail- 
ingarbutvifl ; erigeronCanadense, Hfa-tMii' II II ■ i ■ i liliiitiiiii, tlm- 
rough-wort ; E. purpureum, queen of the iiiimiIiiv\ I Nhiw- 
berry ; galium aparine, cleavers ; gaulthoria pi riy; 

geranium maculatum, cranesbill ; geumrivul--, \\ it _:i i ' limm 

jHjlycephaluni, cud-weed ; G. uliginosum, mous u liim li-\ n^iiina, 

witch ha/.fl ; hedeoma pulegioides, pennyroyal ; h<'lianthug ainnuis, 
snritluwt-r; H. tuberosus, artichoke ; hepatica Americana, noble liver- 
wort; lu-iai-iumvenosura, hawk-weed ; hamulus lupulus, hoi)8 ; hyssop- 
iiH i-tliciiiiilis, hyssop ; impatiens pallida, wild celaudino ; inula helenium, 
elecampane ; iris versicolor, blue flag ; kalmia latifolia, lamb-kill ; lac- 
tuca elongata, garden lettuce ; L. sativa, wild lettuce ; laurus sassafras, 
sassafras (south side of Guiles' Hill) ; leontodon taraxacum, dandelion ; 
leonurus cardiaca, mother-wort ; leucanthemum vulgaro, ox-eye daisy ; 
ligusticum levistieum, lovage ; lobelia cardinalis, red cardinal flower; 
L. inflata, Indian tobacco ; lycopus Europa;uB, bitter bugle ; malva ro- 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUxNTY, NEW HAMrSIIIRE. 



tundifoUa, low mallowa ; marrubium vulgnre, horchound ; iiiolissa offlcl- 
nalU, lomon bulm ; moiitUa piperita, peppermint ; M. viridis, siioirniiiit ; 
Hitcbella repoiis, squaw-vinc ; monania punctivia, boraomiut ; inyrica gale, 
meadow fern ; nepeta cataria, catnip ; nuphar atlveua, cow-lily ; nyni- 
phcea odorata, white pond-lily ; Oenothera biennis, scabish ; orobanclie 
Virginiana, beeeli-dropx ; osmunda regalis, bucklu.i ii braki- ; osinnnlii/a 
longistyliu, sweet cicely ; oxalis acetosella, sourl |^.lll^ imIhih. f..- 
lium, ginseng ; papaver somnifonim, poppy ; I'ft I - '■"- 

Blcy ; Phytolacca decandria, garget; phmUigo 111 n I |i ' i I -■- 

ni-iiiM- \ !i: ;.i I ; , : . |:>.:,., \,i I iiKuia, wild black cherry; 
piiliii, L !i i: ':i ; V I .l;! nmbcllata, pipsissewa ; 

ruiium lilu- .iL n^, I'liti'i. Ill' , ihn^ ;^,l,i In iini , -iiiiiach ; rhus toxicoden- 
dron, poison oak ; rosa, ruse ; rubiui slligosiis, nispbori-y ; R. trivialis, 
dewberry ; B. occidcntalis, thimblcberry ; riimex acetoua, sbiusp surril; 
R. agrcaticus, water dock ; B. crispus, yellow dock ; ruta gniveoliMis, 
salix alba, white willow ; S. nigra, pussy willow ; salvia 
i Canadensis, sweet elder ; satnreja bortensis, 
summer savory ; Scutellaria lateriflora, skull-cap ; sempervivum tecto- 
nim, house leek ; sinapis, mustard ; solidago, golden rod ; spiram to- 
nientosa, hardback ; Symphytum officinalis, comfrey ; tanacotum, tansy ; 
thymus, thyme ; trifolium, clover, red and white ; trilliuni, betb-rool ; 
tussilago, coltsfoot; veratrum, Indian poke ; vorbascum, mullein. 

Orasses. — Clover, herdsgrass and red-top are most 
common on uplands, both for liay and for pasture. 
On the low grounds are foul meadow, blue-joint and 
other varieties that are apparently native. An excel- 
lent custom of growing corn in drill for forage is very 
generally followed. Meadow hay is made up of a 
variety of wild grasses, brakes and polypods, with 
occasionally stray stalks from the cultivated fields. 
Every farmer has his little spot of switch-grass. 

Weeds. — These are plants that have strayed away 
into fields and garden-bedSj or road-sides, where they 
are troublesome or unsightly pests. The pests of old 
pastures are in part rather shubs than weeds. These are 
sweet fern, hardback, mullein and brakes. The pests 
of the fields are thistles, yellow dock, sorrel, white- 
weed and burdock. In the garden we find " pusly," 
(purslain), rag-weed or Roman worm- wood, all the up- 
land grasses and pests of the fields. May-weed and 
plantain, catnip and mother-wort keep close to the 
house and barn. A new weed, the chicory, has with- 
in a few years become quite common about our houses 
and along the roads. 

Domestic Animals.— None are natives. They 
are horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, dogs and cats. Of the 
varieties of fowl, every farmer keeps hens, probably 
one in fifty keeps turkeys, and one in two hundred 
keeps ducks and geese. 

Wild Animals. — The largest of these that lives 
here is the fox ; then, as to size, come the raccoon, 
woodchuck, rabbit, the muskrat, skunk, gray squirrel, 
hedgehog, mink, red and striped squirrel and weasel. 
It is, perhaps, seventy-five years since wolves in- 
habited our woods and beavers the brooks, and, more 
than that, about a hundred since deer and bears felt 
at home in these forests. Tradition has it that a 
moose was slain in town. 

Biiuw. — Of the birds, the partridge is the great 
game-bird ; the quail is sometimes, tiiough more 
rarely found. Tlic woodcock is comnum. Several 
varieties of the b:i\vk niid owl aie native, also the 



kingbird, bluebird, blue-jay, marten, sparrow, lark, 
oriole, wren, pewee and robin, the most common of 
all. Ducks often stop overnight, and wild geese 
sometimes do on their journey south. The name 
" Loon Island," in Mstssasecum Lake, is evidence 
that the great northern diver once frequented the 
waters of that lake. It is now occasionally seen 
there. 

Fish are not numerous. The pickerel, perch, 
chub, horned pout, sucker, pond-shiner, flatside and 
speckled trout nearly make up the list. Eels are 
found with tlie pouts on muddy bottoms, trout in the 
mountain brooks and "falls" of the rivers. The 
black bass is a modern imported novelty that 
promises well. 

Reptiles. — The green and striped snakes, the 
speckled or water-adder, and the water-newt, toads 
and frogs are most common. None are ])rol)ably 
poisonous. 

Insects. — The house-fly is universal and rather on 
the increase, so that it is quite common for farmers, 
as well as town-people, to guard their doors and 
windows with wire screens. The blue or maggot-fly 
is always on hand when there is a chance to spoil a 
piece of fresh meat or fish ; gnats or black flies are 
most troublesome in the spring; mosquitoes stay 
near moist grounds, by the borders of ponds, brooks 
and marshes. There is a good supply of horse-flies 
in their season ; ants are not entirely unknown, but 
they are not numerous. The borer threatens to kill 
the ap])le-trees ; a worm ruins the fall sweet apples ; 
the Colorado beetle, unless prevented, will destroy the 
potato crop. Arsenic, in the form of paris-green, is 
very eflfectual, and is generally applied. Spiders are 
not numerous or hurtful. A sort of beetle, known 
locally as the " daw-bug," has, within a year or two, 
made sad havoc with the hay-fields by eating the 
grass roots. Caterpillars build their houses in our 
apple-trees, and of grasshoppers the supply is never 
short. The hornet builds a large, round nest, sus- 
pended from the limb of a tree or bush. The yellow- 
jacket wasp builds a cheaper house than the hornet, 
but he is always ready to defend it, whether a boy 
injures it by accident or design. The mud-hornets or 
" dirt-daubers," build their mud cabin, deposit their 
eggs and the food for the young when they hatch 
out. 

The bumble-bees are insects of more importance 
and value ; they use for a hive a deserted rat's nest, 
and contrive to have on hand about a tablespoonful 
of honey to console the lad who gets a thick upper 
lip while storming the fort and capturing the honey. 
The common honey-bee deserves mention among 
domestic animals. Very few investments pay as well 
as tliose made in bee-keeping, but that industry has 
not made much headway in this town, perhaps not 
one farmer in twenty keeping bees, although a native 
of this town now in Florida counts his colonies by 
the hundred and markets his honey by the ton. 



BRADFORD. 



Civil and Political History. 



IlilliiborouKh 



riON t'OK AN Al"l' (11.- INl'i 
Vow Haiiipahiro, 1 " T.> I 
5. May y 3()th, [ Roin-csvi, 
J be coiiv 
four Ho 






iirs' IKstitionorsinosi liniiit.l,\ >ii..\v.iii It.-ing 
iuhubitante of said State in tlie towiisliip of New Hrinilord, Bo-called, 
liiliniiring tindor many and great inconvenioncetj for want of being 
incorporated into a town, we, yonr Honours^ humble petitionortt, 
I'iii-nestly desire that said township of New Bradford, together 
Mitii a part of the town of Washington, and a part of Washington 
<_iore, BO called, be incorporated into a town by the name of Bradford, 
witli all the privileges and immunities of a town, iiml be iiniiexnl to Iln' 
C.uut.vof Ilillsborougli, ci>nt4iining all the hiii.l- « iililn M,, f.llMuin^ 
bi.ujuls: IVfiiiniiig at ii l.cfch-trcoun Ilill^li-i. I 

I'iRbty-fciur rods til a lii-iulofk-tiw ; thoui-e, thv s | I ...,„,, ,,.- 

to the southwest corner of Warner ; thence north st^vi-nteen dcgn-.-s west 
by said Warner four miles and two hundred and thirty-one rods to Sutton 
south line ; thence westerly by said Sutton line to Fishersfield east line 
sixty rods from said Sutton southwest corner, being a white-oak tree 
marked ; thence by Fishersfield line to a beech-tree marked, being the 
northeast corner of Washington Gore ; thence north seventy-eight de- 
grees west three miles three hundred and ten rods to a small beech 
marked on Fishersfield line ; thence south two degrees west two miles one 
li iindred and fifty rods to a black ash-tree marked ; thence south twenty- 
seven degrees east two miles and one hundred rods to the beech first men- 
(ioned, And in granting these, our desires, your Honours will much 
oblige your Hononre' humble petitioners, and we, as in duty bound, sh.-ill 

" Ebenezer Katon, Ebenezer Colby, Daniel Cressey, .Toseph Prosbnry, 
Stephen Ward, Nathaniel Presbury, Jr., James Presbury, John Brown, 
Abram Smith, Nehr. How, Peter How, Nathaniel Presbury, Enoch 
Hoyt, William Clements, Daniel Eaton, John Stanley, Isaac Davis, 
.loshua Andrews, Abner Ward, Moses Bailey. 

" May y« 30th, 1787. 

" We, the subscribers, being inhabitants of that part of Washington 
inchided in the witbiu petition, desire the prayer thereof may be 
granted. 

" Sanmel Crane, Martin Brockway, Uzziel Batchelder, Asa Brock- 
way, Simeon Hildreth." 

The act of incorporation was passed by the Legis- 
lature September 27, 1787. No time was lost before 
organizing the town government under the act of 
incorporation, as the warrant calling for a town- 
meeting was issued in eight days after the act was 
passed. 

FiR.sT Town-Meeting after the Incorpora- 
tion OK the Town. — 

THE WARRANT. 
"Stiite of New Hampshire, llillsb.iro' [Co.]. 
"Agreeable to an Act of the General Coui-t, at Charleston, Sept. 27tli, 
1787, for the incoiiwration of New Bradford by the name of Bradford, 
I, the subscriber, do notify and warn all the freeholders and other in- 
habitants of Bradford to meet at the house of Nathaniel Presbury, in 
said town, on Monday, the 22nd day of this instant October, at ten of 
the clock in the forenoon, then and there to act on the following arti- 
cles, to wit : 

*'lstly. To choose a town clerk. 
"2ndly. To choose a constable. 

"3rdly. To choose three selectmen and all other necessary and cus- 
tomary town oflicers. 
" 4thly. To see if the town will raise money to repair the highways. 
"5thly. To act on any article that is thought proper when met. 

•■Wm. Peesburv, 
" Bradford, Oct. 5tli, 1787. 
" By order of the General Court." 

THE TOWN-MEETING. 

" Bradford, Oct. 22n(l, 17S7. 
ling of Wm. Presbury, appointed by the Gen- 
l Court. 



PROCEEDINGS ( 



" Voted, Ebon^ Eaton town clerk. 
" Voted, Daniel Cresey constable. 
*' Voted, Ebeu'. Eaton, James Presbury and Si 

" Voted, to choose all other town oilicers by liaii 
" Voted, Dea. Presbury, Reuben Whitcomb, I,i 
Simeon llildretlt sinvevors of liigliwa.vs. 



Isaac Davis i 



' highways, twenty pounds. 
1-0 to lay out roads for the town, 
urried to the quarter sessions by 



year 178(i one pound. 

" Voted, That all the highway rates be worked out by the l;wt day of 
November next 

The foregoing " warrant," or legal public notice 
of a town meeting, and the town clerk's report of the 
proceedings of the meeting held pursuant to the 
call, being the first work done under the new town 
charter, is of historic interest. These documents are 
given as types of their class, samples of hundreds of 
others similar in form, which make up the bulk of 
the " records " of this and other New England towns. 
The New England town is a pure democracy. There 
every citizen has a right to speak and to be heard on 
the business affairs of the little coniraonwealth. 
The town is the unpretentious foundation on which 
the more showy political structures of county, State 
and national governments are all built; the super- 
structures might be wrecked and destroyed, and the 
foundation still remain. In copying from these old 
records, the writer has thought it best to correct all 
grammatical errors. The custom very generally 
prevails of copying all the bad spelling in these and 
other ancient records and documents. This is bad 
taste. The rule should be, in copying an ancient 
document, not to attempt to modernize the sense or the 
spelling in the slightest degree, but to follow the 
author exactly in his expression of his statements, 
but spelling his words correctly for the age in which 
he wrote. Bad spelling was not a peculiarity of any 
past age. It is probable that the samples of war- 
rant and record of proceedings given above are suffi- 
cient for the general reader, and that a copy of a 
town ordinance under the title of " voted " will be as 
interesting as the whole proceedings would be. 
Under the head of "annals" will be given the most 
important incidents of each year from the incorpora- 
tion of the town to the year 1800. 

Annals.- 



CENSUS OF 178fi. 
■ "NewBrj 



I return of the number of souls in New Bradford, so-called. State i 
Hampshire, County of Hillsboro". The whole number, one hui 
and twenty-eight of white (128), 2 negroes. 

"James Pray, 1 Selectmeti 
"Enoch Hoyt, I of 
"Isaac Davis, lirudford.' 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



PETITION FOR ALTHOKITY TO EAISE MONEY TO BUIM) 
ROADS, 1788. 

"To tlie Honorable Soimte and Hoiisc of Representatives in General 
Court convened at Concord on the finst Wednesday of June, 1788. The 
petition of the inhabitants of Bradford, in the state of New Hampshire 
and county ..I llillsli.ini', humbly showetli : that they being but few in 

nunili. r. Hill II I I ( IV extremely bad, notwithstanding they have 

donr nil, ' ihiTefore, the prayer of your petitioners is, 

tlintviH > : , : ; .! I I 1 1 1 " ity to tax all the land in Bradford one penny 
peran. I r tin ji. ! 1 line years, which money shall be laid out for 
the purpose uf repairing iind making roads in Bmdford, and we, as in 
duty Iwund, shall ever pray. 



" Knocu Hoyt, ) for Bmilford. 
"Bradford, June 2ud, 17SS.' 

The above was granted by an net passed January 
20, 1789. 

Tlie first mention of Federal money in the town 
reeords occurs thi.s year in the records of the annual 
meeting, March Uth. At that meeting a bounty of 
four dollars was voted for every "wolfs pate caught 
within this town." At an adjourned meeting in 
May the width of the public roads was estiiblished 
at two and a half rods. It was also voted "That 
people who have bars or gates across the roads be 
allowed to keep them till the last day of October 
next." It was voted to build a " pound near the 
corner of James Presbury's land," near the " long 
cassey," so called, James Pre4sbury having agreed to 
give the land for said pound. 

At the annual meeting, March 10, 1789, the votes 
for President of the State (John Pinkney) numbered 
twenty-five. Nehemiah How was elected " clerk of 
the market," which seems to have been a new town 
office. The appropriation of roads was thirty-five 
pounds. 

The wages allowed for working out taxes on the 
roads was three shillings per day until the last day of 
September, then two shillings per day. 

" Vottd to divide the districts for schooling the 
same as for highways work." The annual appro- 
priation was nine pounds. It was " Voted to build 
the pound thirty feet square." The contract for 
building was given to Nathaniel Presbury, at two 
pounds twelve shillings. Mr. Presbury also elected 
pound-keeper. 

In 1790 it was " Voted to raise eight pounds for 
schooling." " Voted that the selectmen provide rum 
for raising a bridge, and that the men give their time 
at the raising." " Voted to raise money for preach- 
ing." " Voted to raise two shillings on a single poll 
and estates accordingly." " Voted that the people in 
this town shall have liberty to hear such preaching 
as suits them best, and pay when they have their 
proportion of the money raised." " Voted, Stephen 
Hoyt, Simeon Hildreth, Ebenezer Eaton, committee 
to hire preaching the present year." 

In 1791 it was " Voted, that the money to hire 
preaching the present year be in grain, at four shillings 
per bn.shel." " Voted, that the selectmen should see 
that the town is centered, and provide a place for 
ililic meetings the present year." Mr. 



holdi 



Josiah Carpenter's name as a minister appears for the 
first time in the town records. He began this year to 
hold public meetings at the house of Daniel Cressey. 
At a town-meeting held July 1st, it was " Voted to 
hire Mr. Carpenter longer on probation." 

Town appropriations for the year 1792 were: For 
schools, twelve pounds; for repairs of roads, forty 
pounds; for town charges, four pounds; to build 
school-houses in the several districts, thirty pounds. 
" Voted, that each district should be centered." 

In 1793 there was appropriated for repairs of 
highways, fifty pounds; schooling, fifteen pounds; 
for finishing the school-houses, fifteen pounds ; for 
preaching, ten pounds, to be laid out in hiring a 
young candidate on probation. 

At a special meeting called at the school-house near 
the pound, January 1, 1795, it was " Voted, to make 
up the soldiers eight dollars a month, when called 
into service, until their return." " Voted, to give each 
soldier one dollar bounty when they list." 

At a special meeting, held October 5th, " Voted, the 
spot for the meeting-house be on the hill, a little east of 
the school-house, in the Center District." It was also 
voted to build a meeting-house, and that " Eben'. 
Eaton should draft a subscription-paper, and get as 
many signers as possible." This meeting adjourned 
to November 2d, when it was " Voted, to build the 
meeting-house 42 feet wide, 50 feet in length, with 
two porches," and that "the timber fit for framing 
.should be collected the following winter." The 
selectmen were instructed to hire Mr. Wood to 
preach. At a special meeting, December 1st, it was 
" Voted, to give Mr. Benjamin Wood a call to settle 
.as a minister in this town, and to pay for his first 
year's salary 40 pounds, and to increase the sum an- 
nually 3 pounds until it reaches 70 pounds." The 
committee for the meeting-house consisted of Isaac 
Davis, John Brown and Simeon Hildreth. 

March 8, 179(5, the collection of taxes was bid off 
by Enoch Hoji;, at four pence half-penny per pound. 
Twenty pounds were appropriated for the purpose of 
raising the meeting-house. The voters of Fishersfield 
united with those of Bradford in the latter town to 
choose a representative for the two towns. Ebenezer 
Eaton, Esq., was unanimously chosen. 

August 20th it was " Voted, to have a county road 
laid out througli Bradford to Henniker, from Fishers- 
field." 

August 29th, " Voted, to give drink and victuals to 
the raisers and spectators at the raising of the meet- 
ing-house on the town's cost." 

At the annual meeting, March 14, 1797, " Voted, 
not to clear the Baptist Society from the minister 
tax." " Voted, to raise 40 pounds for schooling." 
" Voted, not to raise money for preaching." " Voted, 
that the selectmen lay out a road petitioned for by 
Josiah Melvin and others." July 3d a committee of 
three was appointed to build a pound with stone walls, 
near the meeting-house, in a convenient place, the 



BRADFORD. 



pound to be two rods each way, the walls six feet 
high and four feet thick at the bottom. 

March 13, 17!)S, the first town-meeting in the new 
meeting-house was held. Humphrey Jackman, of 
I?radford, was elected as the representative of Fishers- 
tield and Bradford. March 20th, at an adjourned 
meeting, " Voted, to fence the burying-yards." " Voted, 
to have Brown's district fence their own burying- 
yard." At a called meeting, on April 18th, Ebenezer 
Eaton was elected to serve as a grand juror, and 
Humphrey Jackman and Captain Nathaniel Eaton 
were drawn to serve as petit jurors. " Voted, to 
Vendue fencing the burying-yards," and that " the 
boards should be 15 inches wide and 16 feet long, 
and three boards high, and the posts within 8 feet of 
each other. Struck oft" to Nathaniel Presbury, Jr., 
at 3 shillings 3 pence per rod." A part of the fence 
around the burying-yard on " Burying Hill," near 
Bradford Corner, answers the above description, and, 
being considerably decayed and covered with moss, 
is the original structure referred to above, and is now 
(1885) eighty-.->oven years old. 

April 20th the selectman laid out a road " Begin- 
ning at the main road, about two rods southerly of 
Mr. Daniel Young's house ; thence easterly to the 
brook that runs out of the pond ; thence to the 
bounds between Mr. Marshall's and Mr. Melvin's, on 
the west end of their lot ; thence easterly on the line 
between sd. Marshall and Melvin to Warner line; 
said road to be three rods wide, and to remain a bridle- 
road till paid for." This is the road that leads from 
Nathan R. Marshall's old place, on " Bible Hill," 
down by Cummings Pierce's to " Pond Brook," and 
crossing the brook at " Massasecum Bock," leads up 
a sandy hill to the Henniker road, called in the town 
records the " Main road." A cart-road across the 
field of Frederick Cheney, near the junction of these 
roads, leads to where Mr. Young formerly lived. 

At the annual meeting, March 12, 1799, it was 
"Voted that there shall be a new district for school- 
ing where Capt. Eaton lives." 

At a meeting held July 15th it was " Voted to lay 
out the remainder of the minister money on Mr. 
Colton." 

Federal money seems to have been more fully 
adopted in 1800, as at a sale of land for taxes the 
amounts are carried out in dollars and cents. 

Visit of General L.^fayette. — The account 
of this visit is well told in the following letter of the 
late Captain Miner Hawks, of this town, written for 
a Manchester paper : 

" Editor of the Budr/el : 

"Thinking that some of my comrades would like to learn a little more 
about that visit of General Lafayette to Bradford, this State, in the early 
days of the century, a brief sketch of which has been the rounds of tlie 
press, I interviewed Attorney-General Tappan recently upon the subject. 
He was present at the reception -in Bradford and related to me the scene 
as he recalled it. I give it nearly in his own words, and will only add 
that lineal descendants of the gallant Corporal Blood now reside in Man- 
chester : 'I was of just the right age to receive an indelible impression 
from an excitement of that nature. You have no idea what a furor 



there was. It seems as though the people loved the French general even 
more than they did our own Washington. Lafayette waa driven from 
Concord in the most elegant turnout the country could boast. The 
driver, a man of splendid physique, was named Norton, and he fully 
appreciated the honor of his position. It was known about what time 
the honored guest would arrive and everybody was in waiting. A line 
of couriers was platted along tli.. Wain,-r r.)ad from the hotel to the top 

of the hill, to give noti..>.r lit. „ 1, I'rescntly word was passed 

down the line, "He's. m^ II, - ,,,:„,„^'- and everybody yelled, 

The bustle now was tu I,., „, lu, -,,i . ,iiz,.us along the roiul. Cor- 
poral Blood, commonly r:,ll ,1 .Ml c ,1 lt|„od," by way of compli- 
ment, a hero of Monnu.nili m-l 1;. .n.h vMn.-, became so elevated and 
elated at the idea of niw-iin^ lu- .11 , .,i,i„i,,inlcr after a lapse of forty 
yeani, that the combin.-.I -iLir^fh ,.| il,,.,. „ien was reqiured to keep 

" ' As Lafayette approached, Blood, with a teniblc struggle, broke from 
his attendants and rushed into the centre between the lines in front of 
the house, dressed in a full suit of the old regimentals, swinging his old 
cocked hat. Norton pulled up the horses, when Blood called out at the 
top of his voice, "General Lafayette" (with a sban) accent on the last 
syllable) "see my old cocked hat '." at tli.i siHii<. lim,. ibniwing the hat, 
which struck Lafayette fair in tli. I... . .i.l « , i. i .m...] l,y him till hi- 

entered the hall. In the centre oi il, ,, ii n i «.i..< seated on a 

platform, where the presentations \. . . i . ,.iji.,ng the fii>it, 

and being a child, he took me un III i i ... l. ilin.ugh much of 

the ceremony. I shall ij..\.i l..i_ i .i i... wh.-n old General Blood 

was presented. Lafayeti. - i I il . i.iun with both hands, and 

the two men broke iii|.. . i . i l.s as they were mutually 

reminded of the old dark .1.1.1- ..I ih. I.. i..liiii„n. The utmost silence 
prevailed in the hall, wliih. many a Imle incident and reminiscence of 
the scenes of courage and privatiuus they had shared were culled to 
mind." "M. H." 

Occupations and Industries— Farmers. — Brad- 
ford is a farming town. Whatever other occupations 
men may follow here, for profit or for pleasure, a part 
of their time is taken up on the farm or in the gar- 
den. From the first settlement of the town the 
citizens have been industrious, economical and gener- 
ally thrifty. Some of their fields have been twice 
cleared, — first of the original growth of forest-trees, 
and again of rocks that covered the surface of the 
ground. These rocks are piled up in walls that sur- 
round or partition ofi" the farms, or lay in great 
heaps on the hillside fields. These huge stone piles 
and walls will long remain as monuments of the in- 
dustry and energy of the builders, and, perhaps, to 
excite the wonder of some future race of people that 
may come here, after our own race and nation, with 
our literature and traditions, shall have passed into 
oblivion. These farmers are the most independent 
class of men. The first of our race must have been 
farmers, and the last will be the same. The farmers 
may have enougli to eat, though there be not enough 
to " go clear round ;" for they sit at the first table 
at nature's feast, and help themselves to whatever 
they like best. What they leave is sent to market 
to spread the second table for the rest of the world. 

Many privileges and luxuries of city life the farmer 
is deprived of; but many of these he can aftbrd to do 
without. He need not care for paintings of domestic 
animals or landscapes with sunset views, for the best 
of such paintings are but copies on canvas, dead 
and cold. Their animals, their light and shade, do 
not move ; their clouds never change shape or color. 
But out on every farm one can see the grand originals 



192 



HlSTOliY OF MEKIUMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



of these fine paintings. There are the horses, cattle 
and sheep cropping the honeysuckle, drinking at 
the brook, lying down in the shady woods. No 
painting of scenery or of landscape can equal these. 
The best of paintings look very tame compared with 
nature's grand panorama of dissolving views, which 
she puts on exhibition in the country every day. 
The stars of the night slowly fade through the dawn, 
until they are lost in the glory of the opening day. 
The many-shaped and many-tinted clouds of sunrise, 
more brilliant than gold or diamond, give way to 
the fervor of noon, and high noon hastens down- 
ward to the clouds that are trimmed with hues of 
silver and gold and precious stones. These sparkle 
and dazzle the beholder, take on more sombre shades, 
fading into the gray twilight, and the stars look 
out again. These sublime forms and hues no limner 
can portray. 

Besides this, the farmer owns a slice of the great 
round world, for his farm is the base of a pyramid, 
the apex of which touches the centre of the globe 
itself The farmers are no middle men. They are 
a deputy Providence, standing nearest to the Divinity 
who makes agriculture possible ; they plant and tend 
:nid gather the harve,sts of bread and fruit and meat, 
the iiitton and wool, that feed and clothe mankind. 

Altbuugh farming is the only occupation that is 
absolutely necessary to support life, there are a great 
many trades necessary to support our present civili- 
zation. In nearly all of these the demand will regu- 
late the supply, and we may safely trust the matter 
to regulate itself But it is not so in the so-called 
learned professions, especially those of law and medi- 
cine. 

Doctors and lawyers should be p:iiil :i siiitcd salary, 
and not by fees. This would immedinii ly . Iiaii^r the 
duties of the doctors,— they would l)ir<.iiic -unitary 
inspectors and advisers, and in this way they would 
lessen greatly the amount of sickness and premature 
death in the community. Comparatively few would 
be required ; the others could find some other employ- 
ment, and so many would not crowd into the profes- 
sion. Lawyers would in this way become peace- 
makers, and the number of lawsuits grow beauti- 
fully less. Will Bradford lead off in this matter, and 
thus take a long step ahead of the rest of the country 
towards the millennium? 

Lawyers in Bradford. — Weare Tappan came 
to Bradford in 1818, and was in the active practice of 
his profession until within a few years of his death, 
which occurred at Bradford in 18G8, at the age of 
seventy-eight. He was a graduate of Dartmouth 
College in the chiss of 1811. 

Hon. Mason W., son of Weare Tappan, was born 
at Newport, N. H., October 20, 1817. Fitted for 
college, but was not a graduate, j)referring to enter 



upon the study of his profession without a college 
course, which study he pursued for five years, and 
was admitted to the bar in 1841. He was a member 
of the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 
1853, '54 and '55. He was elected from Second District, 
and served in the Thirty-fourth, Thirty-fifth and 
Thirty-sixth Congresses of the United States; colo- 
nel of the First Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers 
in the War of the Rebellion, and has been Attorney- 
General of the State since 1876. He has received 
the degree of A.M. from Dartmouth College. 

Lawrence D. Bailey, born in Sutton, read law with 
M. W. Tappan, and was his law-partner from 1855 U) 
1857. He afterwards went to Kansas, where he was 
for some years one of the judges of the Supreme 
Court, where he still resides, publishing a newspaper 
and practicing law. 

Moses K. Hazleton, born in Lisbon, commenced the 
practice of law in 1857, and was a partner of M. W. 
Tappan until he went to the war with Colonel Tap- 
pan, in 186L He was appointed paymaster in the 
regular army, and died in the service. 

E. B. S. Sanborn was law-partner of M. W. Tappan 
from 1863 to 1868. He removed to Franklin, N. H., 
where he is still in the active practice of his profes- 
sion. He has been frequently in the Legislature 
from that town, and is at present one of the railroad 
commissioners of the State. 

Robert M. Wallace was born in Hennikcr, N. H. ; 
read law with M. W. Tappan, and was his law-part- 
ner from 1868 to 1871. He is now a rising young 
lawyer in Milford, N. H. ; has been in the Legisla- 
ture and is at present county solicitor for the county 
of Hillsborough. 

Bartlett G. Cilley, of Andover, N. H., was in com- 
pany with Colonel Tappan in the practice of the law in 
1861 and 1862, and until his death, which occurred at 
Bradford. 

Hon. Bainbridge Wadleigh, son of Evans Wad- 
leigh, of this town, read law with Colonel Tappan. 
He commenced the practice of his profession at Mil- 
ford, N. H., where he still resides, was frequently ;i 
member of the Legislature from that town, and after- 
wards United States Senator. 

Physicians. — The first physician in town was Dr. 
Lyman, a skillful and noted surgeon. He came from 
Warner and returned there. 

Dr. Jason H. Ames was Dr. Lyman's successor. 
He came to the Corner, settled there and ha.s lived 
there ever since. (See genealogical notes. ) 

Dr. David Mitchell, of Peterborough, settled at the 
"Middle of the town," built a house aud lived there, 
and practiced about ten years and died there. He 

married Hoyt, and had three children ; one 

was drowned in the well at Hoyt's. 

Dr. Frederick Mitchell came to town soon after the 



BRADFORD. 



193 



ilt'Hth of his brother David; family riune witli iiim. 
lie did not remain very long. 

Dr. Harvey Stiidley came soon altir Mitehell 
left, and lived and died in the first liouse west of the 
" Uncle Bill Sawyer " place. He was in practice, 
probably, ten years. He died October 1"), 18;{0, aged 
forty-one years. 

Dr. Colby, of Henniker, came to (lie sann' part of 
town and lived a year or two in the Eben C^ressy 
house. 

Dr. Weston was the next. He lived there in the 
('ressy house about ten years. His family came and 
went away with him. He was succeeded by Dr. 
(Jeorge H. Hubbard, of Sutton. He married Sally, 
daughter of Samuel Jones, of Bradford. They had 
one son, George, a druggist in Manchester, N. H., 
where he died. 

Dr. Hubbard was a graduate of the Vermont Medi- 
cal College. He was a skillful surgeon and a success- 
ful and popular physician. He removed to Manches- 
ter, and for some time edited the New Hampshire 
Journal of Mcilicine. He went into the army as surgeon 
of a New Hampshire regiment, and was soon promoted 
to the position of a brigade surgeon. After the war 
he had charge of a hospital on the Hudson, above 
Troy, N. Y., where he died from the result of an 
injury sustained while alighting from a street-car. 

Dr. Daniel F. Hale died at Bradford December 7, 
1848, aged twenty-nine years. 

Dr. Morgan lived a year or two iu the Mrs. West 
house. Dr. Stickney also practiced a short time in 
this town. 

Dr. Fisk lived at the " IMills " fifteen or twenty 
years and practiced his profession. He sold out to 
Dr. Clark, who sold out to Dr. Raines, who still re- 
sides at the Mill village. 

Dr. Carleton, from Webster, practiced a while here 
before going to Salem, Mass. 

Dr. Fitz lived at the Corner, and owne<l a share in 
the hotel with Reynolds Rogers. 

Dr. Martin was in practice for a few years. 

Dr. Ebenezer Harriman Davia, son of Samuel 
Davis, of this town, read medicine with Dr. G. H. 
Hubbard, graduated at the Vermont Medical College, 
and settled in Manchester, N. H., where he became 
one of the most successful and popular physicians of 
that city. He was twice married ; died in Manchester ; 
had one son, who lives in Florida. 

Dr. John Milton Hawks removed from this town 
and began practice in Manchester. 

Dr. Samuel Woodbury Jones, son of Sanuiel Jones, 
fitted for medical college under the instruction of Dr. 
G. H. Hubbard, graduated at the Vermont Medical 
College, and entered the practice of his profession at 
Manchester, N. H., as a partner of Dr. E. H. Davis, 
and continued with him several years. He then be- 
came one of the proprietors of the National Hotel at 
Washington, D. C, where he made a fortune and 
retired to private life in Boston. His wife was 
13 



Harriet Wadleigh, of Bradford. They had one son, 
on account of whose health they removed to Orange 
County, Fla., where Dr. Jones wiis drowned. 

Dr. Diamond Davis, uncle of Dr. E. H., above 
mentioned, son of Daniel and Mary (Brown) Davis, 
lived and died in Sutton. 

Dr. Seth Straw Jones, brother of Samuel Woodbury, 
graduated at the same college. 

Dr. Farley studied with Dr. Lyman at the Corner. 

Dr. C. A. Carleton practiced at the Corner. 

Dr. Reuben Hatch lived at the Mills in the Buswell 
house. He came from Hillsborough in May, 1837; 
and removed to Newport in October, 1838. 

Dr. Davis lived first where Wm. A. Carr now lives. 

Dr. Doton was the first to occupy the house where 
1 )r. Raynes now lives ; was there six years, and then 
removed to Manchester. 

Dr. Fisk succeeded Doton ; the next was Dr. 
Nathaniel T. Clark, then J. H. Martin, then Dr. 
John B. Raynes, who came here in November, 1882. 

Stores.— ^< " the Centre."— Eben Cressy, Albert 
Cressy, Walter Stone, Joshua Jewett, Robert Hale, 
B. F. Hill, Dana Brown and William C. Hoyt kept 
store, successively, at the Centre village, that of Mr. 
Hale being the last. 

At the Mill Village. — The veteran merchants (jf the 
town are Daniel Carr and Jno. W.Morse; the latter has 
been in business here about fifty years. Ira Cochrane 
had a store and residence, fronting the bridge, half a 

century ago. Blanchard, formerly of the firm of 

Baxter & Blanchard, was in business under the firm- 
name of Morse & Blanchard. Mr. Buswell dealt in 
clothing, and Lund in saddles and harness. 

Among others in business here were Samuel 
Jones, Weare Tappan, John Cochrane, Enoch Dar- 
ling, Isaac Darling, Seth Straw, Rogers, Perley 

How, Rufus Eaton, John D. Wadleigh, William 
Robbins, John B. Bailey, Josiah Morse and Wm. A. 
Carr (now in trade). 

At the Corner. — Among the early store-keepers at 
the Corner were Joel Gay, from Francestowu ; he kept 
his store in the old school-house. Jeremiah Page, of 
Dunbarton, kept store in the building now occupied 
by the Marshalls as a tin-shop. A Mr. Stickney 
traded there; also Albert Cressy and Hiram Davis. 
Just across the street, on the corner of the Warner 
and Sutton roads, was the well-known firm of Farley 
& Chase, which succeeded a Mr. Dodge. Page & Kim- 
ball's stove-shop was the next building, since occu- 
pied by Bates for the same purpose. Baxter & 

Blanchard were in the store on the corner, as were 
also Martin & Ames, Lyman Brockway, Ira French, 
Samuel Wells and Amaziah Carter, and the last to do 
business there were Watkins & Sawyer. There came 
to be a demand for a store near the depot, and J. P. 
Marshall built one, which was first occupied by Saw- 
yer & Martin, who were succeeded by Dan. R. Mar- 
shall, who kept a cash store and had charge of the 
Bradford Library, which is still kept in the rear of 



19 1 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the store. Marshall sold to A. B. Jenny, who still 
continues in the trade there. Just across the railroad 
track is the store of the Colby Brothers. 

Among others in business here were Samuel Jones, 

Moore, John Kimball, Bard P. Page. Dr. 

Farley, Albert M. Oha.se, Iliram Blanchard, Moses E. 
Baxter, Robert Wallace, Henry Ames, Horace K. 
JIartin, Freeman Brockway, George Oscar Sawyer, 

(t. B. R. Watkins, Hiram Davis, Nat Davis and 

Wadleigh. 

Some of the above-named men were in trade as 
partners, at least a portion of the time, — Page & 
Kimball, Farley & Chase, Baxter & Blanchard, Ames 
& Martin. 

Hotels.— John Raymond, for whom the Corner 
was named, was probably the first landlord in that 
quarter of the town. Then followed, somewhat in 

the order named, a Mr. Roby, Daniel Cressy, ■ ■ 

Nichols, William Carter, Lyman Brockway, Pearce 

Sweatt, Nevins, Dudley Kendrick, Dudley 

Davis, Langdon Littlehale, West, Reynolds 

Rogers, Dr. Fitch, Chadvvick and the present 

proprietor, Charles Gillis. 

At " The Mills" Samuel Jones built and kept a ho- 
tel. The brick hotel was built by him about 1815. 
Levi Morrill has twice been its proprietor and popu- 
lar host. A Mr. Stevens once kept there, and half a 
century ago Amaziah Hall held sway for a while ; 

also, Jeremiah Silver, Seth Straw, Watson, Way 

& Tewksbury, — — ■ Barber, John L. Nevins, Lyman 
Brockway and M. C. Bartlett, present incumbent. 

The Presbury House — a fine hotel — stood nearly op- 
posite the new town hall. It was built for, and occu- 
pied first by, Dudley Davis, of Warner. It was 
destroyed by fire, and with it the records of the Ma- 
sonic lodge, containing the autograph of Lafayette, 
written when he visited the lodge iu 1824. The fol- 
lowing persons also kept the house : Silas Wilkins, 
George Hook, Thatcher and Langdon Little- 
hale. 

General Stephen Hoyt built a hotel at the Centre, 
which was some years afterwards moved to the Mills 
and used for other purposes. The hotel was also kept 
by William Hoyt. 

Edward Cressy, father of William, once kept a tav- 
ern on the Warner road, on the edge of the Cressy 
plain, in the two-story house since known as the Stan- 
ley House. 

The old " Tom Cheney tavern-stand," now occu- 
pied by Ward, is on the west side of the Henni- 

ker road, at the south end of "the pond," or Massa- 
secum Lake. This and the Cressy House, being on 
main roads to Boston, probably entertained real live 
Vermont and Boston teamsters; but it is many a 
year since those teamsters, shod with no-heeled slip- 
pers, told stories and toasted their shins before the 
bar-room fires. 

The Bradford Springs Hotel, built by General Wil- 
son, is mainly for summer guests. It is pleasantly 



located and surrounded by some of our finest land- 
scape views and forest roads. 

Mills. — General Stephen Hoyt built and oper- 
ated a saw and grist-mill west of the centre of 
the town. The ruins of this mill may still be seen a 
few rods from the road. Isaac Davis had a mill on 
his brook, near the pond. The saw-mill now owned 
by Lucius AVood was built by Eb. Spaulding. The 
grist-mill has been owned by Maxfield, the An- 
drews Brothers and now by Butman. The full- 
ing and carding-mill, built and first owned by San- 
ders, then by Adams & Wadleigh, was burned a few 
years ago and never rebuilt. 

Jacob and Edwin M. Bailey have a large shop for 
manufacturing doors and blinds, next-door to the 
grist-mill. Frank Brown has a small mill and chair- 
factory on the road from the Mills to the Fair- 
Ground. 

Before the common use of steam as a motive-power 
it was necessary to locate mills on a stream of falling 
water. It is now known to be about as economical 
to run machinery by steam-power, and that fact will 
ch.ange the location of mills, shops and, consequently, 
villages. New industries and new villages may yet 
arise, that will repeople our deserted faims and fill 
again the old district school-houses. 

Societies. — The Free-Masons and Odd-Fellows 
each have their lodges at the Mill village. 

Churches and Ministers. — In the early history 
of the town Congregationalism was in the ascen- 
dency, and dissenters were obliged to p.ay a minister 
tax, although they might not like the preaching. It 
was considerable of a step toward liberalism when 
the town voted that the Baptists might hfive their 
share of the public money, and that " people may 
have such preaching as suits them best." Rev. Mr. 
Carpenter was, perhaps, the first minister settled in 
town. Rev. Lemuel Bliss was one of the early min- 
isters in town. He had no children, and his wife 
taught the district school. He lived several years at 
the middle of the town, and died there. Then Hosca 
Wheeler was taken "on probation." Rev. Robert 
Paige was settled there several years; he died, and 
was buried near the town-house. Rev. Mr. Kent 
also preached there. Rev. Orlando Thatcher lived 
and died there. He had one son. The next minister 
was the Rev. Mr, Rogers. While he was there, the 
non-resistant doctrine was preached in town in con- 
nection with anti-slavery. This took away from the 
church the families of John Brown, Albert Chase, 
James Farrington and others, and consider.ably weak- 
ened the church. Religious services were held in 
the town-house until, about forty-eight years ago, the 
"new" church or meeting-house was built near the 
old town-house. 

The Baptist meeting-house is located between the 
two villages, the Mills and the Corner. This church 
organization was "tried as by fire" in 1843, during 
the Miller excitement. The Second Advent lecturers 



BRADFORD. 



195 



were allowed the use of the church in which to hold 
tlieir meetings; the inside walls of the church were 
hung with great charts, some covered with figures, 
liy which it was ciphered out, in various ways, that 
the dreams of Daniel, the prophet, and the visions of 
John, the evangelist, all pointed to 1843 as the time 
for the end of the wicked world. Other charts were 
embellished with paintings of monstrous and fright- 
ful dragons with numerous heads and horns. With 
these api)liances, aided by fluent and sensational lec- 
tures, it is no wonder that Elder Weston raised a 
storm of excitement; no wonder that emotional 
women "lost their strength" and fell on the floor; 
an<l in the emotional brains of many women and men 
reason reeled and trembled on her throne. The spell 
was broken by the charts being stolen and destroyed, 
and the town breathed freely again. 

The Baptists (Free-Will) have a church in the 
Howlet neighborhood, known as the " Bush Meeting- 
House," perhaps from the fact that it is in the 
"bush," or woods. Elder Holmes preached there 
about the year 1841. Elder Jonathan Rowe and 
Elder Isaac Peaslee, of Sutton, have preached there. 
There is no preaching there now, and the unused 
door-steps and untrodden, grassy door-yard have a 
neglected look that is depressing to the feelings of 
the passer-by. 

The "Pond Meeting-House" is a peculiar institu- 
tion. It is sometimes called a union church. It was 
erected two or three years after the building of the 
Bush meeting-house, by voluntary subscriptions, 
principally by Moses Colby, of men of various modes 
of faith, with the understanding that the house is 
not to be locked, and that anybody can preach there 
who wants to. Any man or woman, desiring to be 
heard on temperance, woman's rights or points of 
doctrine, has only to "give out word" that there will 
be such a meeting at such a time, and an audience 
will be there at the api«)inted time. The sparring 
between Elder Holmes and Moses Colby was worth 
going a long way to hear. 

School Districts. — We learn from Mr. Davis' re- 
port for the year ending March 1, 1885, that there are 
in town twelve school districts, or, perhaps, more ac- 
curately, eleven, counting Nos. 7 and 9 as one dis- 
trict. Each of these districts is a little republic by 
itself. Its boundaries are not so definitely defined 
and fixed as those of a town, for they vary to suit the 
convenience of even a single family. 

A school-meeting is a type of every deliberative 
and legislative body, from the primary or caucus to 
the Congress of the United States. The history of 
everyone of these school districts properly told would 
be more interesting than the general run of town his- 
tories. The inhabitants of a school district are more 
nearly related to one another than to citizens of the 
town in general, some of whom they rarely meet, 
and to many of whom they are strangers. 



Out of a dozen such histories, covering our whole 
territory, a history of the town could be coiiipiUd 
that all our people would want. 

District No. 8 is united with District No. 17 in 
Warner. Their temple of learning has been famous 
for more than half a century, and is known as the 
" Calico School-house " from a fancied resemblance 
that the dotted door and window-shutters bore to 
calico. 

After the consent of the towns which are interested, 
this district was formed by the tax-payers signing an 
agreement dated October 10, 1825. The signers in 
Bradford were Ebenezer Bagley, Colburn Hawks, 
N. E. Marshall. Ebenezer Cheney, Daniel Pierce, 
Cummings Pierce. Those in Warner were, — Timothy 
Flanders, Enos Collins, Moses Collins, Newel Brown, 
John Simmons, Thomas J. Flanders, Samuel Brown, 
David Bagley, Enos Collins, Jr., Asa Sargent. Of 
this list of men, only Cummings Pierce survives. 

In the Bradford portion of this district there have 
at times been twenty or more attending school ; now 
the town report shows but two. Well, it is ebb-tide 
now; let us not be discouraged, the tide will turn. 
There are live men and brave souls in the old district 
yet. In the dark hours of the nation's peril, when 
she called the roll of her defenders, sixteen men who 
had been schooled here responded to their names. 

Boads and Drives. — In the reports of town-meet- 
ings and in the proceedings of the selectmen may be 
found the history of the laying out of most of the 
public roads. The most important of these are the 
cross-roads at Raymond's Corner and at the west part 
of the town and the Henniker road. The north and 
south road at the " middle of the town " is known as 
the " Old County road." That from the "Corner" 
towards Melvin's mills is the " Warner road ; " that 
from the Corner to the Lake Massasecum and along 
its west shore is the " Henniker road." These roads 
are intersected by others at all angles, and running in 
all directions, so that every farm-house, whether 
located on a hill-top or in a valley, has a public road 
leading close to its door-yard. As the settlements 
change from one part of town to another, or as one por- 
tion declines and another advances, the roads show 
the movement of the population. In and near and 
between the villages the roads are wide and smooth 
and clear of stones, and kept in good repair. Out 
two or three miles over the hills, where the dwellings 
are farther apart, the roads become narrowed down 
to a single wagon-track, bordered with grass and 
weeds, prominent among which, near the farm-houses, 
are the plantain and may-weed. Looking along these 
neighborhood roads, oneseeslonglinesof this verdure 
dividing the horse-track from the wagon-ruts. It is 
a struggle for mastery between nature and art. The 
smooth, wide road is artificial ; the grass and weeds 
are natural. A good road may be kept open thousands 
of years, as they have been in Rome; but art is tern- 



196 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW IIzVMPSHIRE. 



porary and nature eternal, and she will win at last. 
In our roads it is interesting to watch nature in the 
process of reclaiming her own, and gaining a foot- 
hold where she had temporarily been thrust aside. 
As the travel is gradually discontinued, the toe-path 
and the wheel-rut.s grow narrower, and the weeds and 
grass taller; and here and there blackberry bushes, 
sumachs and birches come up close to the track, as 
though their roots had been there all the time waiting 
and watching for their opportunity to assert them- 
selves. Modest little bushes of all kinds, that had 
stood almost unnoticed for years along the stone walls 
at the roadside, become trees, and afford a pleasant 
shade to those who pass along occasionally in summer. 
Rank-growing vines cover up the stone walls ; grass, 
weeds, bushes, trees cover the roadway, and very soon 
nature half denies that man has ever spent his labor 
there. But there are signs of civilization not so easily 
covered up. Where the homestead of the sturdy set- 
tler stood, the old cellar and the old well remain. 
There, too, holding their own for a time against the 
forest-trees, are the old apple-trees, where the orchard 
was, and the lilac-bushes that we know stood near the 
door-way. 

There are several pleasant drives out of town. That 
to the top of Kearsarge Mountain is rather tiresome, 
but it gives fine views; a visit to Sunapee Lake, 
where several of our citizens have summer cottages, 
is always refreshing. But we have pleasant drives 
within our own borders. One good drive, rich in 
varied scenery, exhibiting our hills, valleys and 
plains dotted over with pastures, fields and gardens, 
farm-houses, school-houses and meeting-houses, also 
rich in historic interest, is as follows : Starting at 
the new town-house, which stands on the highest 
land on the road between the "Mills" and the 
"Corner," In sight of the railroad, and just across it 
Colby's and Jenny's stores; diagonally across the 
square is the Baptist meeting-house, by the door of 
which hung so long the little box with glass front 
in which marriage intentions were " published." 
Here, at the church, is a road leading up to Deacon 
Marshall's old place. On this road, across from the 
church, lives Joseph Currier. Then, between the 
meeting-house and Carr's store, we should pass on 
the right the residences of Silas Colby, Ward Day, 
Smith Gillingham, Ai Hall, H. Colby, Gillingham, 
the Andrew place, Daniel Carr, Buswell and Carr's 
store. One may almost truly say Carr's post-office, 
he has held it so many years. 

Next is the old Tappan place, with its law-office 
and its tall poplars, whicdi have been a land-mark 
lor miles around for two or three generations. Then 
the road that leads back to the Samuel Jones place, 
Jolin W. Morse's store and Wood's grist-mill finisl: 
up that side to the bridge. 

On our left, as we leave the town hall, and close 
by it, is Dr. Peaslee'a drug-store ; then Patch's house ; 
then across tiie valley Mrs. Farley's, Mrs. Emerson's; 



then " Woodside," the fine estate of Colonel M. W. 
Tappan ; then the residences of Moses Gould, Frank 
Tappan, Mr. Wood, William M. Carr, the Buswell 
store, with Msjsonicand Odd- Fellows' halls overhead, 
Bartlett's brick hotel, Hadley's house and black- 
smith's shop; then the bridge across the outlet to 
Todd's Pond, which pond stretches away to the right 
into Newbury. 

While the horse is drinking at the public fountain, 
just across the bridge, there will be time to observe 
that here is a public square ; that above the foun- 
tain are several sign-boards with fingers pointing 
toward various towns, the names of which are plainly 
painted, and the distances told in figures. 

Having decided to go nearly straight ahead up 
Cochrane's Hill, we may take time to glance along 
the street to our right, and see on the right-hand side 
Bailey's huge, barn-like shop ; a little beyond which, 
and up a gentle grade, is Dr. Eaynes' office ; a few 
rods farther on once stood the hall in which the 
"High School" was held. A little beyond is the 
pleasant residence and fine garden of Mrs. George 
Hart. The next house, a few rods away, is Mrs. 
Rowe's, the last in Bradford, so near is our pleasant 
village to the edge of the town. Across the street 
from Mrs. Hart's are the houses of Mr. Wiggin, 
Blood, Wm. A. Carr and the Deacon Hadley place, 
occupied by Jesse Marshall. Here lived for a while 
and died one of our noted men. Rev. John Gilling- 
ham, a preacher of the Christian sect. He was 
sympathetic and emotional, with a gift of language 
and tone of voice with which he could make one's 
nerves tingle from head to foot. On the hill facing 
the bridge live Edwin and Jacob Bailey. 

At the left and close by the bridge is the residence 
of John W. Morse; and just across the street from 
these are the three great houses of the Wadleigh 
brothers, Evans, Moses and John D., the former the 
father of Bainbridge, the United States Senator. 

Passing up over the hill, the first house seen on 
the right was occupied several years by David 
Hawks and family. Next on the left is the Enoch 
Sweat place; then the house of Levi Morrill, the 
retired hotel-keeper ; the next is a large, old house 
on the right, in the Ashby place, now occupied by 
Walter Abbott. "Jim" Taylor lives next, in a 
small cottage on the left. The road bears to the left, 
near a brook, and we come to the Jonathan Peaslee 
place on the right. 

Then, without crossing the brook, we go close to 
the small saw-mill and chair-shop of Frank Brown. 
Looking up the road over the hill, first on the right 
is the house of E. Ring. Near the top of the hill, 
on the right, lives Albert Brown, the barn close to 
the road on the left. This little hill is avoided by 
taking a new road that bears to the left near the 
mill. 

At tlic I'ool (,r the hill, licyond Brown's, is the 
Kldor Slech- phicf. Alciiii: :i more level and sandy 



BRADFORD. 



197 



road we soon come to the Fair-Groiiiul, wluic the 
sister towns of Bradford and Newbuiy hold their 
annual fair and cattle show. 

Leaving the FairGround on our right, we pass over 
an undulating, wild and woody country to and across 
the West meadow, near General Hoyt's old mill-site, 
the Durrell farm, one of the best in town. Not far 
lieyond, an old road, closed by a gate, leads up a long, 
steep hill to Oliver Sawyer's (father of Oscar). He 
has lived there some fifty-five years. 

More woods and rocks and miles bring us to the 
Bradford Springs, noted for their medicinal and 
healing waters. After the sight-seeing, water-drink- 
ing, rest and refreshment here, we can return through 
" the middle of the town," first passing the house ol 
Mrs. Elbridge G. Hoyt, which is the old General 
lloyt place. The old burying-ground, with its moss- 
covered inscriptions, is worthy of a call. The stone 
walls around the "pound" are in good repair, and 
must look very much as they did when Nathaniel 
I'resbury built them, in 1789, for two pounds twelve 
shillings. 

This is all sacred ground. Here stood the old 
town-house ; here were the annual March elections ; 
here spread out the ring of athlete wrestlers; while 
inside the house our fathers voted for town officers, 
the minister among the rest, for President of New 
Hampshire, and, every four years, for President ol 
the United States. But we must drive straight back 
to the Mill village, and study the history of the set- 
tlers at another time. 

Another pleasant drive is from the Corner to the 
" Centre ; " then easterly along over the long range 
of hills where Offin French, the Sawyers, Jewett 
and Hale lived. On this high road one gets fine 
views of Lake Massasecum, Guiles' Hill and the 
Warner hills and old Kearsarge. Looking across to 
the left, the old Bush meeting-house and its neighbor- 
hood seems to be in a valley. 

Continuing over rocky hills and a pebbly road, 
but little used, past the untenanted houses of Deacon 
and of Silas Abbott, the Lyman Cheney place, the 
school-house in District No. 5, well-nigh untenanted, 
down the hill, through a mass of blackberry bashes; 
then up over a short but steeper hill to the Moses 
Colby place, now owned and occupied by Prescott 
Colby and a sister. Here Stephen Ward and his 
father lived ; they sold to Colby, and moved to 
where Warren Ward now lives. Then on down 
longer and steeper hills to the Henniker road, near 
How's old tavern-stand, in the edge of Warner. 
Here, taking a turn to the left, one soon crosses again 
Bradford line, and comes to the Sharron Jameson 
place, first settled by Moses Baley, one of the signers 
to the petition to have the town incorporated. 

A few rods farther, and the same side of the road 
(the west) at the left in going toward Bradford 
villages, stands the "Pond meeting-house," the in- 
evitable grave yard being by the road-side south of 



the house. A few rods down the sandy hill a road 
branches ott' to the right, leading past the Shepard 
Davis and the Samuel Davis places. Close by, on 
the left, is the old Tom Cheney tavern, with its barn 
hard by the road on the right. Here, at the right, is 
the south end of old Bradford Pond, now Lake Mas- 
sasecum. It is here half a mile wide, and fringed 
by a beautiful open grove of pines, making as fine 
a place as could be wished for in which to hold picnic 
and |)leasure-parties. The shore is a white, rather 
coarse sand. Beaver Dam Brook comes into the jjond 
near by. Looking north, one can see the whole 
length of the lake, about two miles, with Great 
Island on the left and Loon Island on the right. 
Beyond the " Hay-Stack Rock " Guiles' Hill rises from 
the east side of the lake, with an almost perpendicu- 
lar side of granite ledges thinly covered with stunted 
cedars, oaks and blueberry bushes. This hill, by 
the way, is a famous berrying-ground. As to the mode 
of spelling this hill, Giles would be preferred; but 
that would allow it to be pronounced as if written 
Jiles. 

The east side of the lake is wild woods, excepting 
Frank Davis' pasture at the south end and Cummings 
Pierce's field at the north end ; but along the west 
margin of the lake runs the " new " Henniker road, 
the old road being a few rods farther west, running 
along over hills and high ridges. This was called 
the stage-road, because stages carried the United 
States mail over it before the railroad came to 
Bradford. 

Before starting up the road, it is only fair to say 
that the thanks of many readers of this are due to 
Mr. Ward, at the Cheney place, for the loan of boards 
for the temporary construction of tables and seats for 
the use of pleasure-parties in the " pine grove." 
Now, starting along, one may notice that the road is 
excellent and considerably shaded. Within half a 
mile or so a road leads up the hill on the left to 
Warren Ward's, where Proctor and Stephen once 
lived. Here the road turns to the left almost at a 
right angle, and leads still up the hill. At the high- 
est point in the road a "pair of bars" shuts up a 
private road that leads up on a higher hill to the 
Sylvester Wai'd place, where Sumner Ward lived. 
From these bars the larger road leads down a 
gentle slope, through a little valley, the ro,ad ail the 
way deeply shaded until near the other road where 
we saw the School-house No. 5. Perhaps there 
is nothing finer in town than these few rods of 
retired, quiet shade. At the point where this road 
leaves the Henniker road a guide-board is marked 
"Hillsborough." 

Descending to the valley and crossing it a few yards, 
we have, on our left, the old homestead of the Davis 
family, first cleared by Isaac, the great-grandfather of 
Charles F., the present owner and occupant, and 
crosshig the brook, on which once stood a mill, we 
soon pass the old cellar of Lyndon Ward on the right 



198 



lllsroKV Ol' MHHIUMACK COUNTY, N'KW II AMI'SIIIKK. 



then about a half-mile to a road that leads oil' on tlic 
left, which passes the Bush meeting-house and on to 
the " Centre." A little way up this road stands the 
Pond School-house, one of the old institutiRns of the 
town. Here, at the angle of the road, is the Dnniel 
Sargent place, first settled by William Young, ol 
Warner, who niterwards built and lived north ol 
Fred. Cheney's. Carlos Abbott has lalcly conie inti 
posse-tsion of this farm and has made a tiiurowgli ren- 
ovation of the old buildings. 

The next place worthy of note is the ro.ad on tin 
left, with stone walls on each side, leading up to True 
Pipers, twenty rods or so, the former home of Nathan. 
The ne.xt house is Frederick Cheney's, on the lefl, 
and very near the shore of the lake. Here a road 
leads up to John Ilowlet's, intersecting the one thai 
branches olf at Carlos Abbott's. Here the road is 
sandy and heavy ; a brook crosses the road under a 
bridge, where the cardinal flowers can always be seen 
in their season. A few rods of deei>, saiuly road 
across the valley or intervale brings the traveler to 
Adoniram .Tameson's on the riglit. This is a new 
place, and seems like an intruder amongst the old 
veterans. From here the road ascends a sandy bill 
not steep hill, though probably the hardest (or teams 
on the whole road. At the top of the hill a road 
branches off' on the right, labeled "Melvin's Mills, 
2 miles." This is the road that was laid out by the 
selectmen in 1787, and ordered " to remain a bridle- 
road till paid for." It crosses the bridge over the 
Pond Brook, and pas.ses up by Cninniings Pierce's, 
Nathan 11. Marshall's old place, wliicli lic< partly in 
Warner; here, turning iiorlbrrly, niiiiiing over 
Bible Hill by the Hawks homestead, and down the 
hill to Melvin's mills. On Bible Hill the town line 
runs along in the road, and the houses of the lute 
Enos Collins' (now Herbert Evving's), Moses (now 
Frank Collins'), Mrs. John H. Brown and Mrs. Harvey 
Brown arc all on the Warner, or east side of the road. 
As soon as the road crosses the Pond Brook at Massa- 
secum Rock, a branch leaves to the left and passes 
the Timothy Dowlin, or Nathan Pierce, or Leonard 
Jameson place on the right, and on up to the top ol 
the hill to the old T. L. Dowlin homestead, since 
owned and occupied by Amaziali Hall; then down 
the hill to the Samuel Wheeler place, on the left, 
across the bridge over the united streams from Todd's 
Pond, Presby's Brook and the Pond Brook, which 
somewhere along here must begin to wear the name 
of Warner River, and out on to the Warner road, at 
Edward Cressey's old tavern-stand. All this, from 
the top of the hill near Add. Jameson's, is a digres- 
sion ; we are on the Henniker road, at the top of a 
sand-hill, at the north end of the lake. Did a great 
avalanche, checked in its progress by the firm ledges 
of Guiles' Hill, melt away there, and scoop out the 
deej) basin of the lake and pile up the sand, making 
this hill? The second hou.se that William Y'oung 
built in town stood west of the Main road, and ou 



the "old" llcniiiker road. Descending the hill, and 
passing a peat-bog on the left, and the field and in- 
tervale of Cumniings Pierce on the right, we soon 
reach the houses of George and Pierce Sargent, near 
together on the left. Down a slight incline and 
pa.s8ing a narrow woods on the right, we come out to 
John H. Collins' place, on the right, — a well-kept and 
productive intervale farm. Close by, on the same 
side of the road, lives Mr. Woodbury; then Collins' 
iiarn on the intervale at the left ; then the covered 
l)ridgc over Presbury Brook. At the bridge, before 
crossing, the road forks, and one branch goes up to A n- 
drcw Jones' place and to the old Deacon William 
Presbury place, said to be the first place settled in 
Bradford. A little beyond the bridge the road crosses 
the track of the Concord and Claremont Railroad, 
then the Hiram Davis house, then Mrs. Dane's, Bard 
P. Page's and Marshall's tin-shop, at the "Corner," 
and on a corner of the Warner road. This is the 
village square. Gillis* Hotel stands at the left sis v,e 
entered. Across the street, in front, is the old Farley 
& Chase store, now finished olf into a dwelling-house, 
owned by J. P. Marshall, occujiied by John French. 
Next is the old Kimball stand, the stove-shoj), now 
owned by Bates. A little farther along, guarded by 
an iron fence, is the fine residence of J. P. Marshall, 
on the old Raymond estate. The old brick schocd- 
house has been changed to a residence. On the same 
side of the street (the right) is the fine old residence 
of Dr. Ames, with its grove of evergreen trees near; 
the house and grounds have been attractive and jironi- 
inent I'ealures in the village lor aliimst lil'ly years. 

Personal History and Genealogical Notes. Dii. 
.Fason H. Ami;s, born Decendjcr Iti, \TM, in Fairlee, 
Vt. He was a pupil of the famous Dr. Lyman, who 
lived awhile in Bradford in the house next to the tin- 
shop at the Corner. Dr. Ames married, December 
20, 1827, Clara George, of Warner, and settled in 
Bradford, taking Dr. Lyman's business and living in 
a house purchased of David Brown, and built the 
house where he now resides in 183(i. Dr. Ames was 
tor many years the only physician in town. Hun- 
dreds of men and women, now past middle life, re- 
mendier that when sick how much better they felt 
when the doctor's white horse was reported iu sight. 
He heard the last dying groan of a lai;;e portimi of 
three gener.ations of our people, and the wiledinc 
birth-cry of as nuiny more. 

He was an active and leading member of the 
Democratic party. He was selected by his townsmen 
to deliver the address of welcome to Lafayette when 
the general visited Bradford, in 1824. His wile died 
December 5, 18(58. Their children were, — 

1. George, horn Septendier ID, I82.S; died Septem- 
ber 8, 1834. 

2. Henry (jeorge, burn t'eliriiary (1, IS.'iii; mairied 
Mary G. Stoddard, of Perry, N. Y., in I,S,-)4, and 
settled at Mt. Morris, JM. W, where he now resides. 

3. Martha Jane, born June 30, 1832; married, June 



nUADrOHD 



8, 1862, Bartlett G. Cillcy, of Andover, N. H., who 
was born January 4, 1835, died August 21, 1867. He 
wiw a law-partner of Hon. M. W. Tappan. Children: 
(ieorge Ames, born November 24, 18()3; Winfred B., 
born October 18, 1865. 

Daniel Cakr, son of Moses Carr, of Newbury, 
Alass., born August 2, 1801. He nuirried, first, Febru- 
ary -M, 1827, llhoda, daughter of Joseph, a desccnd- 
Hiil of Kichard Bartlett, who came from England to 
Newbury, Mass., in 1635. They had one son, Wil- 
liam A., born January 10, 1828. Mr. Carr came to 
Bradford in the latter part of the year 1836 and en- 
gaged in the business of a dealer in general mer- 
chandise. He married the second time, January 1, 
1839, Caroline L., daughter of VVcarc Tappan, of this 
town. Their children were, — 

1. Frank Tappan, born October 28, 1811. He 
married, September 10, 1872, Helen Frances, daughter 
of John H. and Esther Pierce Collins, of this town, 
and engaged in trade with Wm. A. for awhile. 

2. Kate Elizabeth, born November 2, 1846 ; mar- 
ried, December 25, 1872, Dr. Charles Augustus Carle- 
ton, who settled in Bradford, but soon removed to 
Salem, Mass., where he has become a noted and very 
successful physician. They have one son, Frank 
Carr, born June 10, 1879. 

William A., son of Daniel Carr, iiiairi(<l, .laiiiiaiy 
10, 1856, Harriet Maria Martin. Tlunr cliiMrcii 

1. William M., born May 4, 1857 ; married, February 
22, 1882, Mary L. Hartshorne. 

2. Mabel M., born June 28, 1859 ; married, June 26, 
1884, Henry C. Bartlett. 

3. Charles B., born October 9, I860; died June 6, 
1864 

4. Frank M.,b(>ni .May 10, ISCi'; ,li,.,| June 6, 1K(;4. 
Mrs. Carr died July 30, lS(i.5. He married, second, 

Mary E. Proctor, of East Washington, N. H., June 
21, 1876. In July, 1854, Mr. Carr was admitted as a 
partner iu business, under the firm-name of D. & 
W. A. Carr. This firm continued until July, 1875, 
twenty-one years, when the elder member retired and 
the business was continued by William A. Carr, who 
has been postmaster about twenty-eight years. 

Jonathan Cheney came from Londonderry and 
settled toward the east part of the town. His chil- 
dren were Daniel, Stephen (a famous fox hunter, who 
lived on the Hcnniker road, on the west side of 
Ma.ssasecura Lake, where his son Frederick now 
lives), Lydia, Jonathan, Eben, Hannah, Calvin Ly- 
man and Simon. 

Richard Cressy was born in Beverly, Mass., Sep- 
tember 5, 1737. He removed from Hopkinton to 
Bradford February 11, 1794. He married Susan 
Evans, of Methuen, who was born .lanuary 28, 1741. 
Mr. Cressy was a soldier in the War of the Revolu- 
tion. A pass from General Stark is still in possession 
of Addison Cressy. He died September 9, 1797. His 
children were, — 



1. Jabez, born Seiitcmbcr 3, 17<i2; died .Inly 30, 
1778. 

2. Hannah, b.,rM Noviinl.er 8, 1764; died July 30, 
1778. 

3. Susannah, born .hniuary 27, 1767; died July 27, 
1778. 

4. Mary, l)iini April 1, 1770. 

5. Ebenczcr, born Fclirnary 25, 177.'i; died young. 

6. Richard, born November 10, 1775 ; died May 20, 
1852. 

7. Hannah, born August 9, 177.S; died .lulv II, 
1784. 

8. William, b.irn .May 25, 17.S1. 

9. Cyrus, born June 4, 1786. lie married Hannah 
Sawyer. Their children were, — 

1. Hannah, born February 7, 1812. 

2. William Sawyer, born June 3, 1813. 

3. Jabez Woodbury, born August 16, 1815. 

4. (ireeley Miller, born February 22, 1819. 

5. Cyrus Miller, born October 15, 1822. 

6. Addison Searl, born Decendier 20, 1825. 

7. Antoinette, born March 15, 1834. 

Richard Cressy wa.s a Revolutionary soldier, and 
probably settled in Hopkinton, N. H., immediately 
after the war. Of his nine children, Cyrus, the 
youngest, was eight years old when the family moved 
into I'.radlbrd, in 1794. Richard settled on the place 
where his son Cyrus lived, and where his grandson, 
Greeley, now resides. Richard was a gunsmith in 
the army, and he did good service in kee])ing the old 
Hint-locks in repair. A small vise and screw-driver 
which he used in the army arc kept as relics in the 
family of his grandson, Addison Cressy, of this town. 
Mr. Cressy has also another interesting relic of the 
Revolution; it is a twenty-four-pound cannon-ball 
that was dng out of Bunker Hill at the time the 
foundation for the monument was laid. Cyrus 
Cressy was present when the workmen found the 
ball ; they told him he might have it, if he would 
take it out of the city without being discovered by 
the authorities. He put it on his arm and laid his 
handkerchief over it, and walked off unmolested. 
The originals of the following copies of military 
passes are held by the same family as choice relics 
of those dark days. The first is a week older than 
the battle of Bunker Hill,— 



".(OlIN Stabk, Coll." 
"Camp on Wintf.k Hiu,, Nov. lOth, 177.'.. 
" Kirhanl Crfissy has leave of abiieiice for ton duys. 

".IomnStahk, Cull." 

The following relic of the old first town-house in 
Bradford is also interesting: the door-latch, made 
by Richard Cressy. The handle was i)lated with brass. 
Two angels are carved on the thumb-piece, and an 
angel's head and wings are engraved on the handle. 
Just above this last- mentioned is engraved this senti- 



200 



HISTORY OF MKRRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



ment: " While Truth and Benevolence reign within, 
the Angels keep the door,"— a very pretty sentiment. 
Let us believe that our forefathers in council here 
always deserved and enjoyed the protection of invisi- 
ble door-keepers. 

IsAAf Davis came from Plaistow ; probably settled 
in Bradford, as his descendants claim, about 1760. 
He came three summers in succession and made im- 
provements on his land before he brought his wife 
here, so says a local tradition. The fire of 1859, 
which destroyed the buildings at the old homestead, 
destroyed nearly all the old records. Mr. Davis was 
probably in Bradford some five years before the grant 
to John Pierce and George Jaflrey, in 1765. 

He built near the " pond," now called Lake Massa- 
secum. The house was in the style of those days; it 
had no cellar ; it had seats running the whole length 
on each side, and for seven or eight years it answered 
the purpose of a country store and a hotel. 

Mr. Davis had a mill a few rods above the house, 
on the brook that runs near and discharges into the 
lake. " The old road " ran much nearer the house 
than the present Henniker road. Mr. Davis married 
Katuria Woodward ; she died in or about 1811. He 
died about 1808. All their children were born here, 
with the possible exception of the first. Their child- 
ren were, — 

I. Betsy, born December 2'.), 17(>0 ; married 
Stephen Ward; lived in Bradford. 

II. Molly, born May 31, 1762; married Abner 
Ward, of Bradford. 

III. James, born February 24, 1704. 

IV. Daniel, born February 4, 1706; married Mary 
Brown. 

V. John, born December 21, 1768 ; died young. 

VI. Susan, born January 7, 1770 ; married Moses 
Bailey, who settled on the farm now owned by Shar- 
ron Jameson. Mr. Bailey afterwards removed to 
Washington, Vt. 

VII. Sally, born April 17, 1772; lived with her sis- 
ter Betsy ; unmarried. 

VIII. John, born August 14,1774; bad his name 
changed to John Washington Davis; married Sally, 
sister of Stephen and Abner Ward. Their children 
were John S., Gardner, Harrison, Calvin, Hannah, 
Julia, Fanny and Preston. 

James, son of Isaac, born February 24, 1764; mar- 
ried Brown. Their children were, — 

1. Daniel, married Betsy Davis, of Charlestown, 
N. H. 

2. Polly, married Samuel Jackman, of P^ufield. 
.3. Catharine, married Isaac Ward, son of Abner. 

4. Betsy, unmarried. 

5. Sally, married John Ward; settled in Clare- 
mout. 

6. Dolly, married Heman Burpee, of Enfield, N. H. 

7. James, married Lucy, daughter of Joshua Davis, 
of Charlestown. 

8. Stephen. He was one of (Jencrul Scott's staff" of- 



ficers in the Mexican War. He was in the Union 
army in the War of the Rebellion, and lost his life 
there. 

9. Sophronia, married Benjamin, son of .Joshua 
Davis, of Charlestown, Mass. 

Daniel, son of Isaac, born February 4, 1766 ; mar- 
ried Mary Brown. She died January 11, 1851. He 
died November 6, 1842. They had,— 



I. Samuel, born March 19, 1790. 
Enoch, born August 22, 



d March 22, 



3. Enoch, born January 6, 1793; removed to Cam- 
bridge, Mass. Soap manufacturer there. Died Sep- 
tember 17, 1832. 

4. Dorcas, born January 23, 179r); died February 
28, 1876. 

5. Eliphalet, born December 16, 1796 ; removed to 
Cambridgeport, Mass., in 1811 ; he was a soap manu- 
facturer, and acquired a fortune and a world-wide re- 
nown in that business. 

6. Lydia, boni January 4, 1799; died August 20, 
1821. 

7. Dimond, l)orn A|>ril 2.'), 1802; died in .Sutton, 
December 5, 1861. He was a noted and successlul 
physician there. 

8. Hiram, born I^ebruary 24, 1.S07 ; died in Febru- 
ary, 1872. 

9. Lyman, born October 11, ISO',); died .April 1, 
1860. 

10. Isaac, born June 18, 1811. Successful soap 
manufacturer in Cambridge, Mass. 

11. Curtis, born February 11, 1814. Sueeessful 
soap manufacturer in Boston. The only survivor of 
the family. 

The marriage of Daniel Davis, who was born in 
1766, to Mary Brown, born in 1771, was an unusually 
good combination of the physical and mental forces. 
Out of eleven children, ten grew up to mature age, 
and were, as a family, remarkably intelligent, indus- 
trious, honest, economical, and consequently prosper- 
ous citizens of the various communities where they 
lived. Of the sons who remained in Bradford, Sam- 
uel lived at the south end of Lake Massasecum, near 
the Warner town line. His children were Ebenezer 
Harriman (mentioned among the physicians ^of Brad- 
ford), Gilbert, Lydia, Elizabeth and Franklin, who 
inherited and occupied his father's farm. 

Eliphalet is represented in this town by his son, 
Charles Frederick Davis, who owns and occupies the 
original homestead of Isaac Davis, mentioned else- 
where. Charles P'rederick was born in Cambridge- 
port, Mass., January 30, 1837. He married, January 
29, 1860, Frances Sawyer, daughter of William and 
Jeannette McKeith Wilson George, who was born in 
Topsham, Vt., December 7, 1838. Their children are : — 

1. Clara Jeannette Allen, born in Cambridge, 
Mass., March 26, 1861 ; she died March 19, 1868. 

2. Florence Bartell, born in t!ambridge, Mass., 
August 7, 1863. 



BRADFORD. 



201 



3. Lewis Warner, born at Deer Isle, Me., August 
21, 1865. 

4. .Arthur Wilsoii, iMini in (.'lar.'iiiunt, N. II., 
JIareh 7, 1867. 

5. Ida Carleton, Ixirn in UrMdlonl, A|iiil 6, lS(;i». 

6. Marian Frances, born May 29, 1871. 

7. Sarah Wentworth, born March 28, 1878. 

8. Marshall Graham, born February, 1882. 

The last-montioned three were born in Bradford. 

Hiram Davis, born February 24, 1807; married, 
November 28, 18:^2, Marietta Ferrin, who was born 
December 27, 1809. Children,— 

1. Caroline Salome, born September 6, 18;!.S; mar- 
ried, November 8, 1858, Frederick Martin. 

2. James Warren, born December 28, 18;i4 ; died 
February 5, 1835. 

3. Mary Jane, born February 1, 1830; married 
Jacob Jones. 

4. Harriet Newell, liorn Febiuarv 17, l.SHil; mar- 
ried, March 8, 1858, Ira Sargent, of Bradford. 

Lyman Davis, born October 11, 1809 ; married, 
January 20, 1841, Mary Eliza Palmer, who was born 
August 11, 1826. Mr. Davis was named for the cele- 
brated Dr. Warren Lyman. His children are, — 

1. Curtis, born August 6, 1842; died November 11, 



rn November 27, 1845;die( 



2. Homer Elipli 
July 12, 1865. 

3. Dorcas Jane, born February 14, 1848. 

4. Walter Farsons, born June 6, 1850. 

5. Caroline Elizabeth, born October 20, 1852. 

6. Samuel Dimond, born December 31, 1854. 

7. Joseph Hiram, born March 28, 1857. 

8. Lydia Frances, born March 5, 1859. 
William Dowlin was born in 1720, and came to 

New England in 1753. He married Sarah (probably 
daughter of John) Norris, of Epping, N. H. He died 
February 24, 1811. His children were, — 

I. Anne, born November 16, 1755. 

II. Timothy Leavitt, born February 4, 1762. 

III. Elizabeth, born May 15, 1764; died November 
22, 1768. 

Timothy Leavitt, son of William Dowlin, was 
born February 4, 1762. He married, July 24, 1790, 
Elizabeth Collins, and lived on the farm lately occu- 
pied by Amaziah Hall. He was a thrifty farmer and 
large land-owner. He gave his sons each a farm and 
his daughters money instead of land. They had tvi'elve 
children, — 

The first (born December 14, 1791) and the second 
(born March 11, 1793) lived but a few days. 

3. Samuel, born I^ebruary 11, 1794; had a farm on 
Goodwin Hill. 

4. Deborah, born March 25, 170(5. 

5. Dolly, born March 17, 1798; died Decemlier 30, 
1798. 

6. Timothy, born October 8, 1799 ; married, June 
7,1824, Catharine, daughterofFarrington Hawks. He 
settled on the farm since owned by Nathan Pierce, 



near the Pond Brook. Afterwards the family lived 
where William Cressey now lives. He died there 
March 24, 1844. His wife died March 30, 1872. They 
liad nine children,— 

I. Elizabeth Collins, born January 3, 1826 ; she 
married, February 10, 1848, Moses E. Gould, of War- 
ner. They settled at Mill village. One son, Fred., 
attorney-at-law, Concord, N. H. 

II. Timothy Leavitt, born February 17, 1828; he 
nnirried, November 17, 1868, Sarah Jane Ingraham, 
and first settled in Warner. 

III. John Hawks, born July 17, 1829; married, De- 
cember 14, 1853, Ella Frances Colby, of Warner, and 
settled and now resides in that town. 

IV. Sarah Jane, born March 2, 1831; married, March 
3, 1851, Alfred Colburn Smith, and settled at Robin- 
son's Ferry ; they afterwards removed to Barnstead, 
wliere Mr. Smith died. They had three children, 
two of whom reside at Pittsfield, N. H. The other, 
a son, perished in a snow-storm on the Western 
plains. 

V. Mary Ann, born August 20, 1832 ; married 

Flanders, of Manchester, N. H., and settled there. 

\'I, Alil)y Hawks, born August 24, 1834 ; married, 
December 31, 1854, Ezra Dow Cilley, of Manchester, 
N. H. She died there May 3, 1869. One son, who 
lives with John H. Dowlin, of Warner. 

VII. George Washington, born September 23, 1836 ; 
has been a miner in various States beyond the Rocky 
Mountains ; also saddler and collar-maker in Con- 
cord, N. H. 

VIII. Marshall Richardson, born September 15, 
1839; married Sophia Ann Magoon ; harness-maker 
and saddler, Westfield, Mass. 

IX. Louisa Catharine, born November 11, 1841 ; 

married Bradstreet, and resides in Rowley, 

Mass. 

7. (Resuming the list of William's children) a child 
born January 20, 1803. 

8. William, Jr., born April 9, 1805. He removed to 
Lempster, N. H. 

9. A child born March 23, 1807. 

10. Polly, born February 14, 1.S09 ; died March 5, 
1810. 

11. Caroline, born May 11, 1811 ; married Cum- 
mings Pierce. 

12. Irene, born September 9, 1813. She was a very 
successful teacher of the winter and summer terms of 
district schools. She was a pious and active Christian 
worker, and an earnest exhorterin religious meetings. 
She married Patrick Scully and lived at Mill village. 

John Feloh, born in Weare, N. H., June 27, 1794. 
He married, March 18, 1818,Sally Clark, of Hopkin- 
ton, who was born January 6, 1789. He settled on 
the farm adjoining that of John Brown, near the Cor- 
ner. He had an excellent farm and managed it well. 
He died May 22, 1858. His wife died November 17, 
1870. Their children were, — 

I. Horace C, born April 28, 1824. He married, in 



202 



lUSTOKV OF MKIUUMAOK COUNTY, NEW IIAxMPSIIIKE. 



1856, Helen H. White, of Stanstead, P. Q., and settled 
in Bradford. Have two children, — 

1. Fred. R., born July 15, 18G0 ; married, Decem- 
ber 25, 1884, Jennie L. Lund. He is an attorney-at- 
law and resides at Derry Depot, N. H. 

2. Emma B., born October 18, 1870. 

Offin Fkencu was a soldier in the War of the 
Revolution. On his return from the army he mar- 
ried and moved to Bradford, making the journey on 
horseback. He bought a lot of wild land and cleared 
a farm, and built the house where he spent the re- 
mainder of his days, and where all his twelve children 
were born. The ftirm is a little east of the centre of 
the town, next beyond that of Joshua Jewett, and is 
now owned by the widow of Elder Holmes. Some 
of his neighbors were Timothy Emerson, Captain 
Sawyer, Josiah, father of Rial Rowe, Nehemiah 
Colby and Mr. Hale. Ten of his children lived past 
middle age; two died young. His children were, — 

1. Offin, married Phebe Eaton ; lived awhile in 
Canada; removed to Newbury ; had four children. 

2. Ruana, married Jonathan Muzzy, of Weare; they 
liad three children. 

;?. Paskey, died unmarried. 

4. Sceera, married James Gilmore, of Hillsborough ; 
died there. 

5. Daniel, married Abigail, daughter of John 
Cressy, of Bradford; lived on his father's farm till 
1833. He then bought a farm of Hazeltine, who moved 
to Ohio. He afterwards sold this farm to Eben Wright, 
and moved into the village. His children were, — 

Mary Jane, married Joshua P. Marshall. 

Ira, married Hester Goewey, of Lansingburg, N. Y. ; 
was engaged in trade in Bradford several years ; 
removed to Lansingburg, and died there in May, 1883. 
His only daughter, Hattie, was born in Bradford. 

Sabria A., married Frederick, son of Stephen Che- 
ney ; they live on the west side of Massasecum 
Lake. 

Christina P., married Thomas Little ; settled in 
Bradford. 

John, married Emma, daughter of Ward Day ; live 
at the Corner. 

6. Phebe, became second wife of Jonathan Muzzy, 
of Weare. 

7. Susan, married Jonathan Peaslee, of Weare. 

8. James, married Hannah Eaton ; settled in Alex- 
andria; afterwards removed to Michigan, and died 
there. 

9. Judith, died in Hillsborough ; unmarried. 

10. Aaron, at the age of twenty-one, removed to 
Charlestown, Mass.; removed from there to Provi- 
dence, R. I., where he deals in honey ; unmarried. 

Farrington Hawks, sou of David and Sarah 
Colburn, of Dunstable, Mass., was born in that town 
April 21, 1770. He married, first, Sarah, a sister of 
David Knowlton, of Newburyport, Mass., by whom 
all his children were born. He first settled in Hud- 
son, N. H., where his oldest children were born. In 



1796 he removed to Warner, having purchased of 
Reuben Gale, of " Almesbury," " lot No. 7, in the 
second division of 80-acre lots." This is probably 
the Shepard Davis place, near Massasecum Lake. 
Here he lived in a log house, procuring water from a 
spring near by, and threshing out his grain on a 
smooth, flat ledge of rock, still known as the " thresh- 
ing-rock." He probably lived there about two 
years, sending his two oldest children to the Pond 
school-house, near the Daniel Sargent place. He 
then purchased an eighty-acre lot of wild land in the 
westerly edge of Warner, next to the Bradford line. 
On this tract he had cut down fourteen acres of the 
forest, when he sold the whole lot to Enos Collins, 
of Warner. In April, 1802, he bought half of lot 43, 
in Bradford, of Richard Marshall, the half lying 
south of the road to the pond, and west of the Bible 
Hill road. The next purchase made by Mr. Hawks 
was the place where he spent the remainder of his 
days. The deed was given by John Pierce, of Ports- 
mouth, December 4, 1802, in which the tract is de- 
scribed as follows : 

'*.\ certain lot of laud in Bradford, containing one hundred acres, 
more or less, and is lot number forty-two in the original town as first laid 
out, and was drawn and recorded to the right of .loshna Pierce, as may 
be found by the records uf tlie Masonian Proprietors, reference there- 

The price paid was three hundred and fifty dollars. 

Mr. Hawks built and occupied a log house on the 
northeast corner of his lot, near where the present 
house stands on Bible Hill. Mr. Hawks was tall, 
erect, strong and healthy ; he was in his day a cham- 
pion mower and wrestler. He was very fond of hunting, 
trapping and fishing. His first wife had a good edu- 
cation for a woman at that time. She died in August, 
1829. He married, second. Widow Sarah Young, of 
Pelham, N. H., April 12, 1831. He died November 
15, 1859. His children were, — 

I. Abigail, born May 5, 1792 ; married Nathan R. 
Marshall. She died March 11, 1867. 

II. Colborn, born April 14, 1794. 

III. Farrington, born June 5, 1796 ; removed to 
Cambridgeport, Mass., where he died March 31, 1832. 
His widow and sou Henry still live there (1885). 

IV. Catharine, born August 11, 1798 ; married, June 
7, 1825, Timothy L. Dowlin ; she died March 3(1, 
1872. 

V. John, born October 26, 1801 ; removed to New 
York ; married, and removed to Ohio. He was a 
farmer. He died November 20, 1868. His children,— 
Abigail, born August 11, 1834, and Elhanan Win- 
chester, born July 8, 1836— lived in Norwalk, Ohio, in 
1885. 

VI. David Knowlton, born May 7, 1804. 

VII. Daniel, born August 25, 1806. He was a 
farmer and worked in Massachusetts. In the Mexican 
War he was a member of Company K, New England 
Regiment. lie died in hospital in tjan Angelos ; 
unmarried. 



BRADFORD. 



203 



VIII. Moody, born February 25, 1809. He was a 
fanner ; worked in West Cambridge, Mass. ; married 
there and removed to Kirtland, N. Y. He was in the 
same regiment with Daniel in the Mexican War. He 
died September 11, 1849. His wife died October Ki, 
1848. Their children were Frederick Henry, Abigail 
Lamira, Albert Winn, Sarah Hall. Albert was killed 
in battle in 1862. 

Colburn, son of Farrington, born April 14, 1794, in 
Hudson, N. H. He married, March 7, 1826, Clarissa, 
(laughter of Dudley Brown, of Wilmot. He died July 
26, 1869. He was of slight frame and below the 
medium in stature, his usual weight being one 
hundred and ten pounds. He was a farmer, industri- 
ous, economical and fairly successful. He bought 
his father's farm, and built the house now standing in 
1823. From this homestead can be seen Kearsarge, 
Sunapee and Lovell's Mountains, and hills in Warner, 
Sutton, New London, Newbury and Washington. 

Mr. Hawks had surrounded and partitioned oft' his 
rocky hillside farm with several miles of stone walls, 
some of them of great thickness. 

His widow still survives (1885). Fully half the 
credit of acquiring and saving a competency is due to 
her prudence and economy. Their children were all 
burn and reared on the homestead above mentioned, 
are, — 

I. John Milton, born November 26, 1826. Educated 
in the district school and at the "High School" at 
the Mill village. He taught school in New 
Hampshire, New York and Georgia. Read medi- 
cine with Dr. G. H. Hubbard, of Bradford Centre; 
attended lectures at Woodstock, Vt., and gradu- 
ated at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1848. He practiced 
medicine in Manchester, N. H., from 1848 to 
1861, having, in the mean time, visited Florida twice 
and the West Indies once. In March, 1862, he went 
out to the Sea Islands of South Carolina as a physician 
to the freedmen. From July till October, 1862, he was 
acting assistant surgeon United States army on 
General Saxton's stafl". In October was commissioned 
assistant surgeon in the First Regiment of South 
Carolina Colored Infantry. This was the first colored 
regiment ever mustered into the United States service, 
and was afterwards numbered Thirty-third United 
States Colored Infantry. In October, 1863, Dr. 
Hawks was commissioned as surgeon of Twenty-first 
United States Colored Infantry, where he served until 
December, 1865, when he resigned, since which time 
he has lived most of the time in Florida. He married, 
October 4, 1854, Esther Hill, of Brentwood, N. H. 
She graduated at the Boston Female Medical College 
in 1857; assisted in the military hospitals at Jackson- 
ville, Beaufort and Charleston ; is a successful prac- 
titioner in Lynn, Mass. 

II. Bartlett, born March 3, 1828 ; died young. 

III. Robert Bartlett, born October 16, 1829 ; a 
farmer. On the old homestead he salts the sheep and 
cattle on the same granite ledges where his father 



and grandfather salted them, and cultivates the same 
fields they first cleared and then cultivated. Invalid ; 
unmarried. 

IV. Helen Maria, born June 26, 1832; married, 
November, 1853, Prescott Colby, of Bradford, and lives 
on the Moses Colby farm. They had four children. 
The first, a daughter, was poisoned in infiincy by 
chewing friction matches; the second. Belle, married 
J. Currier, of Bradford, and settled on the David 
Durrell farm, and now live near it; the third, Jesse 
Prescott, married Clara, daughter of Moody (Jilling- 
ham, and first settled on the Gillingham place; re- 
moved to Danvers, Mass. ; the fourth, Flora, resides 
with her parents. 

V. Sarah Knowlton, born September 17, 1835 ; in- 
valid ; lives on the homestead. 

VI. Miner, born January 28, 1845 ; married, first, 
Georgia, daughter of Edwin Bailey, of Bradford ; 
they had one son, Ralph, born July 30, 1869 ; died 
October, 1883. She died of consumption. Second, 
Medora, daughter of Wellman George. They had 
Mertie, who lives in Manchester. Mrs. Hawks died of 
internal tumor. Miner died June 22, 1884. 

The following biographical sketch is copied from 
the Manchester Daily Mirror : 

'* Captain Miner Hawks, of Bradford, whose death, on the 23d of June, 
was mentioned in this paper, has an excellent, and, in some respects, an 
exceptional military history. He enlisted as a private in Co. K, 1st 
Rhode Island Cavalry, Oct. 31, 1861, when but little over 16 j-eare old, 
and served with that regiment until his discharge from a general hospi- 
tal in Washington, Dec. 21, 1862. A part of the next year he attended 
the academy of New London ; but on the invitation of the surgeon of the 
3d Keg't S. C .Colored Infantry he left his studies and enlisted as hospital 
steward in that regiment, then stationed at Hilton Head, S. 0. On M:iy 
24, 1864, he was promoted as 2d lieutenant in Co. D, 34th Keg't, U. S. 
colored troops, commanded by the noted Col. James Montgomery of 
Kansas, and June 17, 1865, he was commissioned a^ Ist lieutenant ; Nov. 

6, 1865, as captain of Co. E, in the same regiment. For a portion of the 
time till the muster out of his regiment, Feb. 28, 1866, Capt. Hawks was 
commander of the post at Palatka, Fla. At the expiration of his mili- 
tary service Capt. Hawks, then but 21 years old, commenced the study of 
law in the office of Cooper & Bisbee, Jacksonville, Fla. Having lost his 
available funds in an unfortunate investment, he entered the employ- 
ment of a company at Port Orange, which failed soon after, and Capt. H. 
returned to Bradford, where he married a daughter of E. M, Bailey, and 
removed to Council Bluffs, Iowa. In 1864 he returned to Bradford, 
where his wife died the next year. In 1873 he engaged in the druggist's 
business in Allston, Mass., and afterwards in Manchester, where lie re- 
sided until the death of his second wife.. For the last five years he has 
carried on the farm of his aged mother. Capt. Hawks was a fluent and 
'.graceful speaker and writer. He was at various times rt'iM>rtor for the 
Mirror and American and the Union. He wrote sketches of tnivel in 
Florida for the Saturday Timet and has contributed articles to the Holclen 
Rule, I'oiKA'j Companion and other Boston periodicals." 

David Knowlton, son of Farrington Hawks, born May 

7, 1804; a competent cabinet-maker. He married, 
about 1825, Susan Straw, and lived a while at the old 
homestead on Bible Hill. Then for several years in 
the "Farrington house," which he built at Ray- 
mond's Corner ; then several years at the Mill village, 
where his wife died of cancer, October 10, 1854. Mr. 
Hawks enlisted in the Seventh New Hampshire Vol- 
unteers at the age of fifty-six. His children were, — 

I. Emeline, born about 1826; married Orlando 
Bailey ; died in Manchester, N. H. 



204 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



II. John, a hatter by trade, died in Derry, N. H., 
April 18, 1855. 

III. Hartwell, a teamster, died in Boston. 

IV. William, a seaman, married an English wo- 
man ; lost at sea. 

V. Frederick was in the United States navy during 
the Rebellion; married; has a daughter; lives in 
New Y'ork. 

VI. Esther, worked at Manclicstcr; removed to 
Boston. 

VII. Helen, married Burke Belknap, of Newport. 
They live in Lawrence, Mass. One son, Lawrence. 

John Howlet, of Henniker, married Phebe John- 
son, of that town. Their children were, — 

1. Mary, died unmarried. 

2. Betsy, married Nehemiah Knight. 

.3. Enoch, married, second, Hannah Metcalf, and 
settled in Freedom, N. Y., where his family still 
resides. 

4. Sally, married Benjamin Flint, and lived in 
Hillsborough. 

5. Thomas, married Eunice, daughter of Enos 
Collins, of Warner. Their children were John, 
Perley, Enos, Elizabeth and Sarah. 

6. John, born July :i2, 1793 ; married Phebe Cressy. 
Mr. Howlet is probably the oldest living ni:in in 
town. 

7. Alice, married Israel Andrews. 

8. Stephen, removed to Sutton and married there. 

9. George, married Marinda Cram ; died on the 
home farm. 

10. Perley, died at twenty years of age. 

11. James, married Dorcas Stevens ; lived and died 
in the next house to John; no children. 

1 2. David, died young. 

13. Benjamin, died at twenty-one ; unmarried. 

14. Caleb, died at two years of age. 

15. Phebe, died an infant. 

Stephen Hoyt was born in Hopkintou, N. H., 
August 30, 17()9 ; he married Phebe, daughter of 
Deacon William Presbury, born July 20, 1772. " She 
was the first white child born in the town of Brad- 
ford." She died July 29, 1847. General Hoyt, as he 
was usually called, was a man of marked ability and 
activity. He built and operated mills, cleared up 
farms, built houses and in various ways left the im- 
press of his energetic spirit on the social and busi- 
ness life of the town. His children were, — 

1. William P., born April 4, 1794; -lied .laiuiary 
19, 1867. 

2. Stephen, Jr., b.)rn August 27, 179.'.; died No- 
vember 10, 1859. 

3. John, born October 3, 1797 ; died at sea Sei>tem- 
ber 28, 1851. 

4. Hiram, born l)eceml)er 17, ISOO; died October 
26, 1825. 

5. George W., Iiorn January 12, 1803; died October 
10, 1826. 

6. Olive P., born May 18, ISOG. 



7. Elisha E., born October 12, 1808. 

8. John Raymond, born September 2, 1811 ; died 
December 24, 1858. 

9. Elbridge Gerry, born September G, 1814; he 
married, December 20, 1843, Mary Anne Spauldiug, 
of Warner, who was born November 30, 1814. He 
lived on his father's homestead ; died August 29, 
1879. 

SAMtTEL Jones, son of John Jones, was born in 
Hopkinton May 12, 1786. He came to Bradford 
about the year 1809, and taught a district school 
there. He married Elizabeth Andrews, of Sutton, 
April 17, 1810, and had seven children. His wife 
died March 23, 1849. He married, second, Amanda 
Eaton, of Bradford, April 10, 1851. He died 
February 12, 1867. "Esquire" Jones, as he was 
familiarly called, was one of the leading men of the 
town in his day. He represented the town in the 
State Legislature for several years. He was also a 
member of the State Senate and of the Executive 
Council. He rei^resented the town in the State Con- 
stitutional Convention of 1850, and the year following 
was one of the Presidential electors. He built, and 
for a while kept, the hotel at the Mill village. 

The children of Samuel .and Elizabeth (Andrews) 
■Jones were, — 

I. George, born April 9, 1811 ; died May 3, 1882. 
The following biographical sketch appeared in a Con- 
cord paper at the time : 

"CoNCOKD, May 3, 1882. — Hon. George Jones, whose death from paral- 
ysis occurred at his home in North State Street this morning, was born 
in Bradford, April 9, 1811, and vras a son of Hon. Samuel .Tones, who 
was president of the State Senate in 1838. The deceiued had held various 
local offices aud represented the town two years in the Legislature. lie 
was chosen register of deeds of Merrimack County in 1848 and subso- 
«iuently re-plect«d for several terms. During the administration of Pres- 
ident Pierce, Mr. Joues was connected with the postal service, and was 
cashier of the old Warner Bank many years. Wliib- leaiditi;.: in that 
place he represented the Eighth District in the St;df ^. mtii ii..nil-TI ti. 
1873. IIo removed to this city in 1874 and wu- . i i i..l 

treasurer of the National, afterward Concord Sa\ifi- r ^ , , i i. 

lion he lilled most acceptably for over two yeart!. \\<- i I ,i -imiI- 

nership, March Ist, with John E. Robertson and Cluirlvs P. 1!.>\vl11, fur the 
purpose of conducting an cvtensive wood, coal and ice business, and was 
on his way hoTrie from his office last evening when he was attacked with 
the fatal illnea*. Atr -I.-iii--^ um^ n. .■i,t.T[.rUiri'; and public-spirited 

citizen, honest ;in. I i-" 'i ■ m i i,,,) highly esteemed for 

his sterling -worl h u i ^ i i i i i : i i i > haracter . He leaves a 
widow aud two d.niLl.i I , I, 1. 1. , i.i ii. , I Ho.iiliy P. Jones, of Brad- 

II. Timothy Peaslee, born April 15, 1813; married, 
April 4, 1839, Mary, daughter of Nicodemus Watson, 
of Warner, and settled in Bradford, where he spent 
nearly his whole life. He took an active interest in 
the welfare of the town and took part in the manage- 
ment of town affairs, having many times held offices 
of trust. He represented the town in the State Legis- 
lature in the years 1874 and 1875. His children 
were Wilbur Fisk, born July 24, 1840, died Novem- 
ber 9, 1841; Prudence Elizabeth, born November], 
1842, died October 19, 1869; Mary Augusta, born 
August 6, 1842, married, November 15, 1876, George 
Harvey, son of Elder Eleazer Steele, of Bradford; 



BKADFOKD. 



Samuel Nicodeinus, born January 1, 1850, died No- 
voinber 8, 1852; Frank Woodbury, born February 19, 
1854, died June 20, 1873. 

III. Fanny, born April 28, 1815 ; married 

Francis ; lived at the Corner; she died June 7, 1807; 
hiicl two cbil'lrni, who removed to Massachusetts. 

I\'. I'.li/a. I.nrn April 10, 1817; married Edward 
( 'ii»y uihI xuled in this town, near Melvin's Mills. 
Of her three children, James, the eldest, married, for 
second wife, Antoinette, daughter of Savory Cheney, 
and lives near the centre of the town. Mariette, mar- 
ried George Denny, lives in Gloucester, Mass., six 
children ; Elizabeth, married Edward Richardson, 
lives at Contoocook, no children. 

V. Seth Straw, born April 4, 1819; died June 23, 
1.S56. He " fitted for his profession under the direc- 
tion of George H. Hubbard, M.D., of this town ; 
graduated at the Vermont Medical College in 1847, 
and settled in Effingham, N. H., in June, 1848, where 
lie resided until 1854, when he was obliged by his 
failing health to leave his large circle of friends in 
that place. Few men have in so short a time acquired 
so strong a hold on the confidence of the commu- 
nity as did Dr. Jones. He was eminently the 'good 
|)hysician.' " — New Hampshire MedicalJonrnal, July, 
1858. 

VI. Samuel Woodbury, born December 21, 1821 ; 
died Julv 11, 1878. (Biographical notice under the 
bead of Physicians). 

\'ll. Sally Martin, born September 27, 1825 ; mar- 
ried Dr. (iciirue H. Hubbard, of Sutton, and first 
settled at Bradford Centre. One son, George, a suc- 
cessful druggist in Manchester ; died there. 

Richard Marshall married Esther Pierce, and 
came to Bradford probably with Josiah Melvin before 
the year 1787. He bought the land and cleared most of 
the farm where Cummings Pierce now lives, and re- 
mained on it twenty years. 

In 1787 he owned the land on the south side of the 
road that leads up the hill from C. Pierce's and 
Melvin on the north side. He afterwards bought a 
lot at the top of the hill in Warner and built a house 
on the edge of that town, southeasterly from where 
the old buildings of Nathan R. now stand. This 
house was probably afterwards moved down to Na- 
than's, but the site of the old house can still be 
traced. " Bill" Sargent may have lived first in that 
house, or possibly north of Nathan's, near the old 
well at the side of the road. He lived in that im- 
mediate neighborhood before Marshall did. The hist 
years of his life he lived in a small house close to 
Nathan's. His children were : — 

Richard, who spent most of his life in Ma.ssachu- 
setts, but died in Bradford ; has no descendants in 
town. 

Esther, married Josiah Melvin. 

Sarah, married Asa Sargent, of Warner. 

Nathan Richardson, born June 10, 1792. 

Nathan Richardson Miirihall, son of Richard, born 



June 10, 1792, probably in Bradford, purchased his 
father's farm and maintained his parents in their old 
age. He married Abigail Plawks, of Bradford. He was 
intelligent, thoughtful and progressive. He examined 
into the claims of phrenology and became a believer 
in its doctrines. He was a methodical and systematic 
farmer; a subscriber to and reader of HiWs Farmers' 
Frsifor for many years. He kept a daily journal for 
half a century. He and his neighbor, C. Pierce, 
were the first farmers in that locality to substitute 
hot coffee for rum in the hay and harvest-field and at 
"huskings." He and his wife were patterns of in- 
dustry, economy and kindness toward neighbors, and 
the world is better for their having lived. 

Before he gave up work he left the old homestead 
and fitted up a comfortable residence, where his 
daughter Esther and her husband, John H. Collins, 
now live. A neat monument marks their last rest- 
ing-place, not far from the house, at the foot of the 
Goodwin Hill. She died March 11, 18(57. He died 
December 6, 1872. 

Their children were, — 

I. Sarah Knowlton, born February 2, 1812: mar- 
ried. May 8, 1849, John Furnald and settled in Lou- 
don. One son died at twenty. She lives in Boston. 

II. Catharine, born December 19,1814. Invalid; 
lives at John H. Collins'. 

III. Mary, born June 1, 1815; m.arried Sumner 
Kittredge and lived several years in Massachusetts; 
then on the Captain Hoyt farm in Warner. They 
now live at the Corner. One son, Everett, who owns 
and lives on the John Felch farm, has two chil- 
dren. His wife died in June, 1885. 

IV. Joshua Pierce, born February 18, 1818; mar- 
ried Mary Jane French ; lived several years in Ma.ssa- 
chusetts, carrying on a wholesale glassware store in 
Boston. Residence at Bradford Corner, on the Ray- 
mond place. Their children were, — 

1. Daniel Richard.son, married Vilona L. Simonds, 
of Washington, N. H. He entered business near the 
depot in this town. Now lives in New York City. 

2. William, died in the West. 

3. Addison Joseph, dealer in general merchandise, 
and is postmaster at Hawks Park, Fla. 

4. Mary, died in Bradford. 

V. Betsey B., born September 28, 1818 ; died June 
28, 1824. 

VI. Esther, born April 18, 1820 ; died .hily 23, 1821. 

VII. Esther Pierce, born August 19, 1821; married 
,fohn Harriman, son of Enos Collins, of Bible Hill, 
Warner, and settled on the Collins homestead. This 
couple have had a rare and remarkable experience in 
taking care of the father and mother of both. They 
first lived with his father and mother; then, some 
years after the old people died, John and Esther 
moved over to her parents' home and took care of 

them. Twochildren, — Abigail, married Blaisdell, 

died in Sutton, leaving one son ; Helen Frances, mar- 
ried Frank Carr, of Bradford. They live at the Mills. 



206 



IIISTOUV OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW IIAMI'.SIIIKE. 



VIII. Joseph Addison, born July 7, 1826, married, 
first, Mariette C.Page; second, Sarah M. Chapman. He 
first settled on the old homestead, his father moving 
over to his new place on the Ilenniker road. After 
the death of his wife he left the farm and engaged 
successfully in trade in Sulfolk Market for several 
years. He was in a large wholesale business with 
his brother, J. P., on Congress Street, Boston, on the 
site of the new city post-office, and was burned out 
there in the great fire of 1872. The business wils 
afterwards carried on in John Street, lastly undei 
the firm-name of Marshall & Wanchard. Ill health 
has compelled him to retire from active business. 

While living in Bradford he was several times a 
member of the Board of Selectmen. He died in Brad- 
ford, July 12, 1885. His last work was to make out 
the list of soldiers from Br.adford, in Ihe late civil 

IX. l^uella, born March 2i', ISiiS; niurricd Kdwin 
M. Bailey; lived at Mill village; died October 2;i, 
1854, leaving two daughters, Georgia and Florence. 

X. Farriiigton Hawks, born August 23, 1829; mar- 
ried a Miss Farrington, and resides in Boston, where 
for several years he has been a wholesale dealer in 
country produce. They have three children, — Walter, 
married, lives in East Boston ; Minnie and Fred. 

JosiAH Melvin came to Bradford before the year 
1787, at about the same time with Richard Marshall, 
whose daughter Esther he married. Their farms, 
east of Bradford Pond, were adjoining. But Mr. 
Melvin's fame was acquired not as a farmer, but as a 
miller. He owned and operated the grist-mill at the 
Mill village for several years, living in the house 
since owned by Samuel Jones. He removed just 
over the town line into Warner, and bought the grist 
and saw-mills that had been built by Lieutenant 
Hoyt and owned by Simmons and others, and run 
them successfully many years, instructing his five 
sons in the same business; all have tended those 
mills, and they well deserve the name Melvin's Mills, 
in honor of which the post-office and railroad station 
are named. To every one who knew the "Old 
Judge," as he was latterly called, the sight or men- 
tion of his name will bring up a crowd of pleasant 
memories. Since the death of Nathan Melvin the 
mills have changed owners several times, and have 
worn rather a doubtful, not to say dilapidated, look. 
But they are all right now. In 1884 the old mills 
came into the possession of Weare Tiiiipnn. y.puiii^r^i 
child of Josiah Melvin, and he has niii.\;iiiJ (i^ix 
thing from the dam foundation to llu' saiMI. lioanU; 
new outsides, new insides. The hand ol the nuist'.r 
is there; the mills are good for another century at 
lesist, aud they will add ten per cent, to the comfor 
and health of the neighborhood for miles around. 
From the old family Bible, Miss Ellen M. Straw, o) 
Claremont, N. H., a granddaughter of Josiah, kindly 
furnishes the following record of the family, giving 
no other particulars only dates of birtlis; 



1. Esther, born October 11, 1795. 

2. Richard, born October 5, 1797. 

3. Mary M., born December 19, 1799. 

4. Sarah P., born June 25, 1802. 

5. Hartwell, born August 9, 1805. 

(i. Nathan R., born January 15, 1807. 

7. Susan M., born October 4, 1808. 

8. Lucy M., born May 22, 1811. 

9. Ruth, born November 9, 1815. 

10. Jonah Galusha, born November (!, 1817. 

11. Weare Tappan, born June 22, 1820. 
Richard Melvin was the only one of Josiah's 

children who settled and remained in this town. He 
was a miller by trade. He built the house now 
owned and occupied by Parker S. Whitcomb, near 
the Cheney bridge which spans the Warner River, 
within one-third of a mile of his father's mill. Ho 
married Betsy Straw. Their children were, — 

1. Proctor Darling, born November 5, 1817; rail- 
road builder and contractor. Married, March 25, 
1845, Harriet, daughter of David Bagley, and settled 
at Melvin's Mills. He died March 4, 1865. Four 

children, — Margaret F., born 184(), married Holmes 

and settled at Melvin's Mills; Ricliard Edson, born 
October 25, 1849; Betsy A., born December 14, 1854, 
died young; Walter, born October 18, 1856. 

2. Grosvenor Stickney, born August 29, 1819; died 
1826. 

3. Harriet Maria, born November 13, 1821; mar- 
ried, July 25, 1844, Clark Whitcomb, of Hillsborough, 
and settled there; lived several years in Lake village. 
In May, 1882, they bought the Ebenezer Cheney 
farm, near Melvin's Mills, and have removed 
there. Of their three children, two daughters died 
unmarried. Frank Lawton, born June 7, 1851; mar- 
ried Ida .lennett, of Rockport, Mass.; engineer; lives 
in Concord, N. H. ; has four children. 

4. Benjamin Franklin, born February 15, 1824; 
married, Febi-uary 7, 1850, Hannah D. Colby, of 
Warner, who was born February 11, 1827. They 
lived in Warner. He died February 10, 1873. Chil- 
dren, — Frank Otis, born January 26, 1857; Celia 
Addie, born September 4, 1860 ; died July 23, 1863 ; 
Maud Muller, born August 19, 1866. 

5. Elizabeth, born July 31, 1827; married. May, 
1853, Eben Wright, engineer, and settled in Bradford; 
removed to Concord. 

6. A son, born July 29, 1829; died young. 

7. 'Sl.ny Ann, born 1831; died 1832. 

s. INilii r Maria, born October 18, 1835; married 
ll.iMir ('(iiliMan, of Hillsborough. She died March 3, 
1869. 

9. Henrietta, born September 3, 1838; married 
George W. Page; lives in Nashua. 

10. Josiah, born March 3, 1841 ; conductor Concord 
aud Claremont Railroad ; has been twice married; lives 
in Contoocook. 

Nathan Pierce, bom September 7, 1765, probably 
in Hudson, N. H. He married Phebe Cummings 



BRADFORD. 



207 



(born July 8, 1768). He removed from Hillsborough 
1(1 Antrim, where he remained about a year; then, in 
1820, he removed to Bradford, and settled on the 
farm near the " pond," where he died. Several fam- ' 
ilies, among whom was that of George Maxfield, had t 
lived on the farm. Riehard Marehall cleared most \ 
of the farm, and lived on it twenty years. The main 1 
front of this farm lies along on the east side of the 
Henniker road, from the land of Frederick Cheney to 
that of J. H. Collins. Extending easterly, the farm 
includes the north end of Massasecum Lake and a 
part of Guiles' Hill. Probably no other farm in town 
has such a variety of landscape scenery and soil. 
Its sheep pasture on Cheney's Hill and its noted and 
lar-famed blueberry patches at the top of Guiles' Hill 
all overlook the Lake Massasecum and the great val- 
ley on the west. Its soil embraces every variety from 
the strong, disintegrated granite of the hill-sides to 
tlie tine sand of the pine land and the rich intervale 
and cranberry meadows along the "pond brook." 
Ik'fore the country was settled by white men, this 
region was a favorite resort of the Indians. Several of 
their concave fire-places, lined with stones and con- 
taining bits of charcoal, have been found on this farm. 

Curiously-wrought stone implements have also 
been plowed up near the lake, such as axes, gouges, 
mortar-pestles and flint heads of arrows and spears. 
Tradition says that a moose was slain at the brook 
below the barn by Deacon Presbury, the first settler 
in town. 

Mr. Pierce's children were as follows: 

I. Nathan, born August 15, 1787 ; married Abigail 
Graves, of Washington. During the latter years ol 
his life he lived on the farm first occupied by T. L. 
Dowlin. He had two children, — Benjamin Franklin 
and Cynthia. The former lives in Stoughton, Mass.; 
the latter married Leonard Jameson, and lives on 
the farm. 

II. Susan, born May 23, 17112; died Sei.tembcr 13, 
1797. 

III. Mary, born July 12, 1794 ; died unmarried. 

IV. Cummings, born December, 179(); died Decem- 
ber, 1801. 

V. Susan, born February 7, 1799 ; late in life she 
became the second wife of Enos Collins, of Warner. 
She was a tailoress by trade, and for many years she 
worked in families, cutting and making men's and 
boys' clothes. She worked for twenty-five cents a 
day and board, and usually worked fourteen hours a 
day. She was very economical as well as industrious, 
and out of her earnings she purchased the farm for her 
brother, Nathan ; also the lot and house w^here she died, 
now (1885) occupied by Charles Burrill. She possessed 
a vigorous intellect and clear moral perceptions. 
She was a warm advocate of emancipation, and 
for many years a subscriber to Garrison's Liberator. 
She was also a free and fearless thinker and speaker 
on religious subjects and a reader of the Boston Iti- 
vestigator and Free Religious Index. On giving up 



work, she gave her property to Parker Whitcomb for 
the support of herself and husband during the re- 
mainder of their lives. She died January 8, 1873. 

VI. Daniel, born July 17, 1801; married and lived 
in Eden, Vt. ; died August 26, 1848. 

VII. Cummings, born May 22, 1803; married, 
February 14, 1833, Caroline Dowlin, of Bradford, 
and lived on his father's farm, taking care of his par- 
ents. He has been, for several years, one of the se- 
lectmen of the town. He has been one of the earliest 
risers and most industrious and frugal of farniei-s, and 
consequently he has been very successful and pros- 
perous. His children are, — 

1. Lucetta, born May 12, 1838; married John Her- 
bert Ewins, of Warner, farmer. 

2. Anna, born August 18, 1849; married iMccman 
H. Gillingham, of Bradford, who carries on the Pierce 
homestead. 

VIII. Stephen Chapin, born November 4, 1807; 
married Martha, daughter of Enos Collin.s, of War- 
ner, and first settled in the Timothy Flanders house 
at Melvin's Mills. He was a skilled mechanic and 
an ingenious inventor. He has had some very nar- 
row escapes from making a fortune. His inventions 
have made other people rich ; but thus far he has 
steered clear of such worldly incumbrances. He has 
been through life a " free thinker " on theological 
subjects. He has one son, Daniel, a mechanic, who 
lives in Warner. 

Nathan Piper, of Hopkinton, married Hannah 
Smith, of Bradford, and for a' time lived in Bridge- 
water, N. H. They came to Bradford about 1808, and 
bought fifty acres of wild land on the west shore of 
Bradford Pond. He was a carpenter by trade and 
built the house where his son Trueworthy now lives. 
He also framed most of the houses in that locality. 
He died in 1821, in the thirty-ninth year of his age. 
His wife was over ninety-six years of age at her death, 
and was the oldest person in town. She died in 1877. 
Their children were Trueworthy, born in Bridgewater, 
N. H., in 1805; (he took care of his parents and in- 
herited the homestead) ; Sally, born in Bradford in 
1809; Keziah, born about 1812, died about 1814; 
Henry, born 1816. 

Elijah West, blacksmitb, came fnim Henniker 
in 1808. His children were,— 

1. Betsy, married Joseph Shattuck. 

2. Polly, married James Presbury. 

3. Timothy Kendall, born March, 1800. 

4. John, born 1802 ; died 1817, of .spotted fcv.'r. 

5. Sally, born 1804; died at same time and fmni 
same disease as John. 

6. Emily, born 1806; married Joshua Wright, of 
Warner. 

7. Leonard, born 1808 ; married Mary Ayers. 

8. Elijah, born 1810; married Jane Albe, of Ver- 
mont. 

Timothy Kendall, son of Elijah West, had the fol- 
lowing children : 



niSTOKY OF MEUHLMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1. Daniel F.,bom March 6, 1824 ; died April 22, 1825. 

2. Abigail Eaton, born December 19, 1825. 
.■?. Rufus Fuller, born January 26, 1828. 

i. Timothy Kendall, Jr., born August 22, 1830; 
married Polly Wright; died June, 1874. 

5. Mary Elizabeth, l.orn July 18, IS;^2 ; married 
Addison Cressy. 

6. Daniel Fuller, born October 11, 18;i4. 

7. John, born November 4, 1830 ; died July 31, 1880. 
Eaton. — The ancestors of the Eaton families ii: 

this town came from Hopkinton. There were foui 
brothers, as follows : 

I. Ebenezer, born April 1, 1757; married, Decem- 
ber 7, 1780, Hannah French, born October 12, 1759, 
died June 29, 1823. PJe died January 5, 180(j. Theii 
children were Abigail, born April 1, 1783 ; married 
November, 1804; died September 8, 1839. Samuel, 
born June 1, 1785; married 1810; died August 1, 
1864. Elisha, born April 11, 1788 ; married Octobei 

20, 1811 ; died March 24, 1862. Hannah, born April 
4, 1792; married November 25, 1816 ; died Septeiiibii 

21, 1824. E. H. Eaton, son of Elisha, born Septembei 

22, 1816 ; married, March 17, 1840, Roena F. Ayer. 
born December 22, 1818. She died December, 1882. 

II. Nathaniel, born March 20, 1761 ; married No- 
vember 9, 1786; died January 24, 1837. He came to 
Bradford March 22, 1792, and returned to Hopkinton 
February 20, 1805, and was probably the first of his 
name in this town. 

III. John, born July 14, 17(15; nuuried I'hebi 
Brockway, born April" 29, 1770; died February 12, 
1851. He died January 19, 1844. 

IV. Joshua, born February 25, 1768 ; married, first, 
Sarah Hoyt; she died April 17, 1815. He was 
captiiin of the Fifth Company, Thirtieth Regiment 
New Hampshire Militia. The commission, now in 
possession of his son Joshua, is dated July 22, 1806, 
and signed by John Langdon, (iovernor of the State 
of New Hampshire. A commission a.s major of tlu 
First Battalion in the same regiment is dated June 1, 
1809. The family moved to Bradford about 1795. 
Their children were, — 

1. Moses, born April 9, 1793 ; married Polly Pres- 
bury, born 1796, died July 1, 1868. He died Novem- 
ber 23, 1858, 

2. Mary, born June 5; 1795 ; married, April 6, 1815. 
John Brockway, born June 18, 1793 ; died Decembei 
27, 1874; he died November 24, 1870. 

3. William A,, born April 2,1800; married Han 
nah Morse ; he died July 5, 1874, 

4. Sarah, born February 16, 1805; married Simeoi, 
Shattuck; she died January 14, 1831, 

5. Martha, born December 7, 1808 ; married, March 
14, 1833, Osman Bailey, born September 6, 1806; sht 
died December 12, 1878. 

Joshua married, second, January 23, 1817, Anna 
Blaisdell Hill, of Amesbury, Mass., born February 7, 
1788, died January 15, 1861; he died Ajnil 11, 1850. 
Thcv had, — 



I. Joshua, born December 22, 1817; married, first, 
February 20, 1840, Alzina E. Gillingham, of New- 
bury, born April 17, 1823; she died October 6, 1851. 
He has served as one of the selectmen of the town 
for eleven years ; wa.s re|)resentative in the State 
Legislature in 1856 and 1857; has been one of the 
justices of the peace in Merrimack County since 1859. 
He was captain of Second Company of riflemen in 
Thirtieth Regiment New Hampshire Militia for four 
years. Their children were Alzada, born January 5, 
"l841; married, April 1, 1866, B. F. Hoyt. Alzina, 
born .fanuary 5, 1841 ; died February 26, 1841. Al- 
verton, born July 27, 1843; died July 2, 1846. 
Alzina, born April 10, 1848; married, July 4, 1870, 
F. G. Greeley. 

Joshua married, second, October 28, 1852, Louisa 
A. Niel Plumer,of Weare, born October 17, 1823, and 
had Joshua Willis, born December 24, 1856 ; married, 
.March 18, 1877, Nettie E. Boyce, born November 10, 
1858. They have one daughter,— Ethel E., born 
Aiiril 7, 1S78. 

II. .lohu Hill, burn November 22, 1819; married, 
first, April 8, 1841, Hannah T. Twiss, of Newbury, 
born August 29, 1823 ; she died September 8, 1850. 
Their children were, — 

1. Roxana B., born ,Alay 27, 1846; died July 25, 
1865. 

2. Ellen M., Ijurn Febru:iry 20, 1848; married, 
August ]8. 1880, Charles E. Palmer. 

3. Hannah M., born August II, 1S.')0; married, 
August 3, 1879, Frederick A. Messer. 

John Hill, married, second, February 24, 1852, Mary 
J. Lawrence, born at Alstead May 8, 1823, and had, — 

1. Martha J., born March 11, 1853; married, 
March 26, 1879, Lawrence E. Davis. 

2. Louisa L., born December 2, 1854; married, No- 
vember 1, 1881, Dolman C. Hoyt. 

3. John Henry, born October 31, 1858. 

HI. Roxanna B., born March 20, 1823; died Janu- 
ary 31, 1842. 

IV. Daniel, born September 24, 1S27 ; died ,lune 
7, 1828. 

V. Albert, born April 22, 1830; married, Novem- 
ber 22, 1851, Augusta Colby, of Sunapee, born July 
2, 1832, died August 15, 1882; he died March 2, 
1885. They had,— 

1. Joshua A., born August 21, 1854; died August 
15, 1855. 

2. .Mary J., born July 17, 18.')t). 

3. Ardell, born December 6, 1862; died Alarcli 22, 
1880. 

John W. MoRSii, born in Henniker, August 10, 
1806 ; married, August 16, 1835, Lucy Ann Gove, of 
Acworth, boru November 21, 1812. Mr. Morse 
worked on a farm until he was seventeen years old, 
then learned the clothiers' trade and followed' it until 
1833. In that year commenced trade at Weare and 
renuiined three years ; llicn sdid nui nti<l l)ought in 
Henniker, where he lived about a year, and in 1837 




vC, Ir.4, 



BRADFORD. 



removed to Bradford, where he still resides jiiid cou- 
tinues iu business. He luis been the longest in trade 
of any individual in town; but the Carrs — father and 
son together — beat hira about a year. Although Mr. 
Morse is not a radical, as we generally understand 
this term, yet he believes in progress and thought it 
good economy to have a stone bridge, and to move 
the town-house, aud to purchase Pleasant Hill Ceme- 
tery. He has been in town business considerably, and 
was postmaster under Pierce's administration. He 
represented the town in the State Legislature iu 1858 
and 1859, the old Eighth Senatorial District in 1SG5 
and 1866, and member of the Constitutional Conven- 
tion in 1876. His children are, — 

I. John G., born June 7, 1836, in Henniker; 
wholesale grocer in Boston. 

n. Charles W., born February 11, 1839; married, 
November 21, 1865, at Plymouth, Josephine P. Mer- 
rill; lives in Boston; wholesale grocer there; two 
children, — Alice J., born October 6, 1866 ; Florence, 
born February 26, 1869. 

III. Mary E., born July 14, 1843; married, Octo- 
ber 1, 1877, Nathaniel T. Lund. 

Joseph Ha RTSHORNE, .son of John and Hannah 
(Prince), was born in Amherst, N. H., May 12, 1791; 
married, March 30, 1817, Mary Ellsworth, of Deering, 
who was born November 3, 1791, and died January 
30, 1862. He died in Concord, N. H., June 27, 1884. 
He was a non-commissioned officer in the Twenty- 
ninth Infantry in the War of 1812. He was one of 
the quota of Amherst men that marched to the de- 
fense of Portsmouth in September, 1814, and was the 
last survivor of Amherst men who served iu that war. 
They lived in Hillsborough till April 6, 1839, when 
they moved to Bradford. Their children were, — 

I. David Henry, born May 27, 1823 ; married, Feb- 
ruary 14, 1853, .\manda Forsaith; died in Bradford, 
April 18, 1874. He had four children, — George 
Henry, born October 25, 1853 ; Joseph Albert, born 
May 31, 1855 ; Sarah Maria, born February 8, 1859, 
died May 24, 1860 ; Mary Lizzie, born July 26, 1861. 

II. Mary Antoinette, born January 17, 1826 ; died 
January 9, 1841. 

III. Ann Maria, born June 29, 1827; married 
(first), April 16, 1854, Henry Canfield; married (sec- 
ond), June 25, 1856, Hiram P\irrington ; resides in 
Concord. 

IV. Sarah Dutton, born January 24,1829; died 
September 26, 1854. An adopted daughter, Elizabeth 
Adaline Gibson, was born in February, 1820 ; mar- 
ried (first), December 9, 1841, Caleb Knight ; mar- 
ried (second), Emery Bailey. 

Eleazer Steele, born August 22, 1784, in Tol- 
land, Conn. ; married, at Dover, N. H., June 24, 1826, 
Eunice Hodgdon. He was ordained elder of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church at Bath, Mc., June 30, 
1822. After spending some time in Canaan and 
other New Hampshire towns, be located iu Bradford, 
about 1828. Their children were,— 
14 



Ma' 



lied Dccem- 



I. Julia Miiier> 
ber 3, 1829. 

IL Eliza S., born October 19, 1828; died June, 
1829. 

III. Julia M., born January 24, 18.30. 

IV. Emily M., born Sei>tenibcr 9, 1831. 

V. George, born August 31, 1833; died August 12, 
1834. 

VI. George, born April 13, 1835; died in infancy. 

VII. Ellen Ophelia, born March 31, 1837; died 
May 2, 1837. 

VIII. George Harvey, born May 24, 1839 ; married, 
November 15, 1876, Mary Augusta, daughter of Timo- 
thy Pea.slee Jones, of this town, and lives at the Mill 
village. He is the only one of the elder's family 
(five of whom are living) who remains iu Bradford. 

IX. Eliza Ann, born July 5, 1841 ; died July 23, 
1856. 

X. Caroline Kimball, born August 28, 1844. 

XI. Harriet Clara, born October 11, 1847. 
Military Record— Hrvoutkinary War.— The 

follouiiin-nuiiieil men of liriidford were in the Ameri- 
can army in the War of tlic Kcvolution : Private An- 
drew Aiken, Corporal Abel Blood, Richard Cressy, 
John Eaton, Offin French, Jonathan Knight, Abra- 
ham Sweatt, Abrani Currier. 

War op the Rebellion.— The following are the 
names of soldiers who enlisted in our late Civil War 
from the town of Bradford, Merrimack County, 
N. H.: 

O.iInii.I W. >r. T.ii.iuui, Pr, OyniR M. FisI;, Moses .1. Soavey, Willis 

Cr('.-.sr\, I..I111 I \ nil. i1i,u '.- ^1 c.iiM, "M.iii I 1 IMMv Hiir.ioe Benton, 



Ha.il.-y, Ai 
Li'Vi Ward, 



Hoyt, Fniiiklin ri.^rc-, W il! ■' 1 I 1 '» 

HaU, Peter Craig, Charli- T . I 1 

Hawlcs, Minor HawltB, Gil- ' >\ ' 

Cnrtis Davis, Albert \V,,i.li.nv II iii l:- :. 1 . iini^'e Dm 

Woodbury Barnes, Timothy Z. Sniitli. 

War of 1812.— The following is a partial list: 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JOHN W. MORSE. 

To no man is the community more indebted than 
to the one who, by diligence, attention to business 
and years of labor, has risen by his own inherent 
force from poverty to competency, and is acknowl- 
edged a "self-made " man. Perhaps no one is more 
entitled to this appellation in Bradford than John W. 
Morse. Certainly no man has done more during his 
nearly fifty years' residence in the town to help its 
advancement. 



210 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Prior to 1635, Anthony Morse was a resident of 
Newbury, Mass., and one of his lineal descendants, 
Josiah, married, February 18, 1773, Lois Webster, of 
Chester, N. H., a member of the same family which 
produced America's statesman and orator, Daniel 
Webster. Their son Josiah, on reaching his majority, 
went to Henniker, where he settled, and married, 
December 2, 1798, Betsey, daugliter of Thomas and 
Persis (Gibson) Brown. Mr. Morse was a saddler, 
tanner and currier. He died December 15, 1833, 
and his wife died June 12, 1856. 

John Webster Morse, their son, was born August 
10, 1806, at Henniker, N. H. From the straitened 
condition of his father's family, John was forced to 
labor from his earliest years, worked for neighboring 
farmers while very young, and the most of his small 
wages went to defray the family expenses and pay 
the debts of his father. Concluding, when about six- 
teen, that he could not gain anything by this manner 
of working, he learned the trade of wool-carding and 
cloth-dressing, and when twenty-one years old found 
himself possessed of what was then a good trade and 
a capital of " fourpence half-penny." A year after he 
was able to attend school for a term at Derry and 
part of a term at Hopkinton Academy, and made 
diligent use of these advantages. He worked at his 
trade in Weare for six years, in the mean time keep- 
ing up his studies, and taught school four winters, in 
Weare, Henniker, N. H., and Essex, Mass. At the 
age of twenty-eight, in 1834, Mr. Morse had accumu- 
lated six hundred dollars, and he commenced his 
mercantile life in Weare with James Wallace, under 
the firm-name of Wallace & Morse, and continued for 
two years, when he sold out his interest and returned 
to Henniker and established himself in trade, where 
he remained for a year, and in 1837 came to Bradford. 

BIr. Morse married, August 16, 1835, Lucy Ann, 
daughter of Hon. Jonathan and Polly (Fisher) Gove, 
of Acworth, N. H. [" Jonathan Gove was the grand- 
son of Jonathan, brother of Edward, member of the 
General Assembly of the province of New Hamp- 
shire, who was imprisoned in the Tower of London 
for three years for heading an attempted revolution 
against the arbitrary proceedings of Governor Cran- 
field in 1682. Hon. Jonathan Gove settled in Ac- 
worth in 1808, and was widely known on account of 
the many public offices which he held, and also for 
his high reputation as a skillful and accurate land 
surveyor. He was elected treasurer of the county of 
Cheshire when Sullivan was a part of the county ; he 
was several times a representative to the Legislature, 
twice a member of the Governor's Council, and was 
offered the office of judge of Probate. His abilities 
were of a superior order, and his sterling common 
sense, affability and genial nature made him very 
popular in all the public positions he filled."] 

The children of John W. and Lucy Ann (Gove) 
Morse are John G., born in Henniker, June 7, 1836, 
an energetic and successful business man (whole- 



sale grocer) in Boston, firm name — Morse Bros. 
& Co. ; Charles W., born in Bradford, February 
11, 1839, is in business with his brother (he mar- 
ried, November 21, 1865, P. Josephine Merrill, of 
Plymouth. Their children are Alice, born October 6, 
1860, and Florence, born February 26, 1869); and 
Mary E., born July 14, 1843, married N. F. Lund. 

Mr. Morse has been engaged in merchandising in 
Bradford for nearly half a century, dating back to 
1837. The country stores in those days were the 
exchange bureaus of the farmers. There the produce 
of the farm was exchanged for the necessary articles 
of clothing and household supplies, and the enter- 
prise of the merchant was the factor tending most to 
increase the wealth and prosperity of the section, 
even while enhancing his own prosperity. To deal 
with men year after year, to keep their custom and 
good-will, required not only a high degree of business 
ability, but honesty of purpose and integrity, and also 
a facility in reading character, combined with a prac- 
tical common sense, that would insure success in a 
different sphere of activity, and when we say that Mr. 
Morse was successful, we endow him with all the 
characteristics of a good country merchant. 

Mr. Morse is a Democrat in politics, and his first 
Presidential vote was in 1828, for Andrew Jackson. 
He has always been of independent thought, decided 
in his views, acting up to the full standard of his con- 
victions, and has given his most active energies to 
the support of the Constitution and the principles he 
deemed founded in truth, and for many years kuew 
every voter in town and how he voted. During his 
busy and laborious life he has creditably filled many 
positions of trust and honor, having held every office 
in the gift of his town. He was town clerk for many 
years, and re-elected until he resigned, selectman and 
town treasurer; was appointed postmaster by Frank- 
lin Pierce, and served eight years ; again appointed 
by President Cleveland this present year (1885); 
representative to the General Court; in 1865 and 1866 
he represented the Eighth Senatorial District in the 
State Legislature, receiving more than his party vote, 
and when nominated for counselor, twice in succes- 
sion, in a district of more than two thousand majority 
against him, he ran far ahead of his ticket, even in a 
heated political campaign, thus showing the respect 
and confidence in which he was held in the com- 
munity ; he was a member of the State Constitutional 
Convention in 1868 ; attended the National Democratic 
Convention in 1880, as alternate with John H. George. 

Mr. Morse is a public-spirited man, always inter- 
ested in anything of advantage to the citizens. He 
was the first person to advocate the building of the 
stone bridge at the " Corner," the moving of the town 
hall from the " Centre " to its present location, and 
the laying out of the beautiful Pleasant Hill Ceme- 
tery. The town is indebted to Mr. Morse and 
Colonel Tappan for the movement which resulted in 
bringing the railroad to Bradford. 



[ 




VJ 



/t_ / t c(, u e< //-^ A ^ 



BRADFORD. 



211 



He is prudent, practical and honest, and has al- 
ways lived within his income, and, as he says, has 
had the satisfaction of being able to pay one hundred 
cents on a dollar of all claims presented him. He is 
a sound and safe adviser on any subject, and his ad- 
vice ha.s often been called for and found of much 
value. 

During this long period of successful labor Mr. 
Morse has been aided and blessed by his industrious 
and faithful wife. After having completed a full 
half-century of happy married life, they are now 
passing down the declivity of age with the esteem of 
a large circle of friends, and leading lives that their 
descendants may worthily emulate. 



JOSHU.i EATON. 

Among the one hundred and two passengers of the 
" M.iyflower," which arrived in Cape Cod harbor two 
hundred and sixty-four years ago, were Francis Eaton, 
Sarah, his wife, and Samuel Eaton. Hence the Eaton 
family is one of the earliest in America, and Francis 
was one of the signers of the first compact in the 
nature of a constitution of government. That Puritan 
l)and were strong and religious men with undaunted 
courage and bold hearts, and New Englanders of to- 
day are justly proud of their ancestry. Francis Eaton 
died in Plymouth, 1633. Samuel Eaton was among 
the twenty-six men who purchased what became the 
First Precinct in Middleborough, of the Indian sachem, 
Wampatuck. Said purchase was made in the month of 
March, 1662, and said Samuel also became one of the 
pioneer settlers of Middleborough, Mass., where he 
died in 1684, leaving descendants. Some of the family 
settled in other parts of Massachusetts. Previous to 
16.50, Thomas Eaton came to Haverhill, and was the 
ancestor of the Eatons of Hillsborough aud Merri- 
mack Counties of New Hampshire. Thomas Eaton 
married, for his second wife, a Massachusetts lady, 
Eunice Sangletery, of Salisbury, December 16, 1658. 
They had nine children, of whom Job, born April 22, 
1671, married Mary Simons, January 10, 1698. Of 
their four children, the second was Thomas, born Feb- 
ruary 20, 1701. He married Mehitable . They 

had three children, — John, born June 18, 1733; Tim- 
othy and Mehitable. John married, first, Abigail 
Peasley. She was born September 16, 1734, and died 
February 23, 1772. The children of this marriage 
were Ebenezer, Mehitable (Mrs. Daniel Cressey), 
Nathaniel, Daniel, John and Joshua. He married, 
second, Sarah Clarke, and had three children, — 
Thomas, Abigail (Mrs. Benjamin Colby) and Eliza- 
beth (Mrs. Nathaniel Gould). He died January 10, 
1823. 

Nathaniel Eaton was the pioneer of the family in 
Bradford. He came here in the spring of 1792, settled 
on the old "Sawyer place," and continued until Feb- 
ruary of 1805, when he returned to Hopkinton, his 
former place of residence. Ebenezer, the oldest, emi- 



grated here about the same time, and made a i)er- 
manent settlement. Joshua, born February 25, 1768, 
in Haverhill, Mas.s., came with his wife and two chil- 
dren to Bradford in the spring of 1795, and settled on 
land which is now occupied by his descendants. Mr. 
Eaton's first wife was Sarah Hoyt. The children of 
this marriage were Moses, Mary (Mrs. John Brock- 
way), William A., Sarah (Mrs. Simeon Shattuck) and 
.Martha (Mrs. Osman Bailey). He married, second, 
Mrs. Anna (Blaisdell) Hill. Their children were 
Joshua, John Hill, Roxana (deceased), Daniel and 
Albert (deceased). 

Joshua Eaton, Sr., was admirably fitted by nature 
and temperament for the hardy life of the early settler, 
having a rugged constitution and a well-developed 
physique. He devoted himself to the cultivation of 
his land and the raising of stock, and became one of 
the prosperous farmers of the town. In 1810 he built 
the house which is now occupied by his son, John 
Hill, and at the time of its erection was the best 
house in Bradford. Industrious and frugal, he man- 
aged his affairs with discretion and always had corn 
to sell and money to lend to a neighbor in an emer- 
gency. When the first Orthodox church was erected, 
he was one of the first purchasers of the pews, of 
which he owned three. For several years he took an 
active part in the military organizations of the State, 
and was commissioned captain of militia in the Thir- 
tieth Regiment, July 22, 1806, and major of the First 
Battalion of the same regiment, June 1, 1809, by 
Governor John Langdon. His resignation was ac- 
cepted September 13, 1814. Mr. Eaton's politics were 
of the Jeffersonian school. He was a man of influence, 
good judgment, not given to many words, deliberate 
in forming his conclusions. His death occurred April 
11, 1850. 

Joshua Eaton was born at Bradford, N. H., Decem- 
ber 22, 1817. His educational advantages were more 
liberal than many of the farmer's sons, he having had 
opportunities of supplementing his district school 
attendance by High School and academic instruction 
at Bradford, Henniker and Franklin. He was brought 
up a farmer's boy and was early accustomed to labor, 
and continued on the home place with his father until 
after his marriage, February 20, 1840, to Alzina, 
daughter of James and Elizabeth Gillingham. (See 
biography of Moody Gillingham, Newbury, for an- 
cestry.) In 1842 he purchased the place which has 
since been his home. At his father's death he in- 
herited some fifty or more acres of the old home- 
stead farm, and at present he owns about two hun- 
dred and twenty acres of land. 

The children of Joshua and Alzina (Gillingham) 
Eaton were Alzada and Alzira, born January 5, 1841 
(Alzira died Februarj' 26, 1841. Alzada married Ben- 
jamin F. Hoyt; has Frederick G., born January 10, 
1867; Warren A., born September 2, 1868; Nettie A., 
born November 8, 1870 ; Carrie A., born October 27, 
1873 ; and Chester F., born January 26, 1879) ; Alverton, 



212 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW UAMPSdlRE. 



born July 27, 1843, died July 2, 1846; Alzina, born 
April 10, 1848. Mrs. Eaton died October tj, 1851, and 
Mr. Eaton married Jlrs. Louisa A. Plunier, daughter 
of Samuel and Lois (Clark) McNeil. She was born 
in Weare, N. H. They have one son, Joshua Willis 
Eaton, bom December 24, ISriG. He married Nettie 
E. Boyce ; they have one child, Ethel E., born April 
7, 1878. 

Mr. Eaton has inherited many qualities from his 
Puritan forefathers, and is a man of weight and in- 
fluence in the town. He is a Democrat in politics, and 
as such represented Bradford in the Legislature of 
18.56 and 1857. Since 1849, when he was first elected 
and served jis selectman, he has been connected with 
public aft'airs,— been selectman twelve years and first 
selectman ten years, and filled many other official 
positions. He was commis-sioncd justice of the peace 
as follows: June 17, 1859, by Governor Goodwin; 
June 9, 1864, by Governor Gilmore; June 9, 1869, by 
Governor Onslow Stearns ; May 19, 1874, by Governor 
Straw ; May 20, 1879, by Governor Prescott ; April 
29, 1884, by Governor Hale. 

He has also been interested in the militia, and when 
quite a young man he was employed as marker or 
guide. In February, 1837, he was appointed sergeant, 
and in the June following received a commission as 
lieutenant in Second Company of Riflemen from Gov- 
ernor Isaac Hill, and afterwards that of captain of 
the same company, which position he held for several 
years, when he resigned. 

Mr. Eaton is a man of integrity, sound judgment, 
energy and efficiency, and to him hjis been entrusted 
important affairs, — the settling of estates, probate busi- 
ness and other mattere requiring a cautious, careful, 
conservative man. He is a good and useful citizen, 
a kind husband and father, and stands high in the 
confidence of the community. Like his father, he is 
a pronounced liberal in religion. 



JASON HOWARD AMES, M.D. 

Hardly two decades had pas.sed after the landing of 
the ship "Mayflower" on Plymouth shores when 
William Ames emigrated to this country and settled 
in Braintrce, Mass., 1638. Of his many descendants 
was David. The exact date of his birth is unknown, 
but it was near the close of the seventeenth century. 
He married Mary Penniman, and resided in Braiutree 
some years after his marriage, then emigrated from 
Massachusetts, and his death occurred at Cardigan 
(now Orange), N. H. They had three sons,— David, 
John (probably father of Hon. Oliver Ames, of Eiiston, 
MiiBS.), Elijah — and two daughters. 

David, the oldest, was born at Braintree, Mass., 
April, 1726, and married Irene Waldo, who was born 
at Scotland, Conn., April 18, 1738. He died at Roy- 
alton, Vt., April 11, 1821, and his wife died August 
18, 1811. Their children were (1) Thaddens, born at 
Norwich, Conn., May 18, 1755, married Judy Clark ; 



(2) John, born at Norwich, Conn., September 11, 1756 ; 

(3) David, born at Norwich, Conn., October 11, 1758, 
married Ruth Anin; (4) Nathaniel, born at Scituate, 
R. I., April 25, 1761, married Sally Anin (he died in 
Oregon, Wis., in 1863, at the age of one hundred and 
two years. He was a soldier in the Revolution, having 
enlisted when seventeen years old, and consequently 
lived at the time of the three great wars of our coun- 
try. When one hundred years old he attended a 
Fourth of July celebration in Madison, Wis., going 
fifteen miles for that purpose); (5) Susanna, born at 
Killiugsly, Conn., October 8, 1763, married Joseph 
Daniels; (6) Abigail, born at Killingsly, Conn., August 
14, 1766, married Nathaniel Briggs; (7) Anna, born at 
Killingsly, Conn., March 28, 1769, married Peter Per- 
kins; (8) Jesse, born at Killingsly, Conn., February 12, 
1772, married Patty Howard, of Munson, Mass. (he 
died at Mt. Morris, N. Y., March 10, 1862) ; (9) Ebene- 
zer, born at Cardigan, N. H., March 23, 1775, married 
Chloe Osborn, and died at Hamburgh, N. Y., Feb- 
ruary, 1862. The children of Jesse and Patty (How- 
ard) Ames were Jason H., Polly, Pamelia, Roxanna 
M., Ruth, Cynthia, Martha L., Lyman I), and 
Loren J. 

Jason Howard Ames, M.D., son of Jesse and Patty 
(Howard) Ames, was born December 16, 1796, at 
Fairlee, Vt. He is a descendant, paternally and ma- 
ternally, from families of consequence in the Old 
World and the New, and inherited, in an unusual de- 
gree, qualities which made him pre-eminently a man 
of mark. After pursuing his medical studies until he 
obtained his M.D., he commenced the practice of his 
profession, in company with Dr. Lyman, in Warner, 
N. H., where he continued for a few years, and then, 
with Dr. Lyman, removed to Bradford. Dr. Ames 
purchased the David Brown place, and soon after 
married Clara George, December 20, 1827. Mrs. 
Ames was of a prominent Miissachusetts family. She 
was born in Warner, N. H., June 25, 1798, and died 
December 5, 1868, at Bradford. (For ancestry, see 
George family of Hopkinton.) She bore him three 
children,— (1) George, born September 19, 1828, died 
Septembers, 1834; (2) Henry George, born February 6, 
1830, died June 7, 1885 (he married Mary Graves 
Stoddard, of Perry, N. Y. Their children are Clara 
George Ames, born March 12, 1860, and Harry Stod- 
dard Ames, born May 21, 1861, at Mt. Morris, N.Y.); 
(3) Martha Jane, born January 30, 1832, married Bart- 
lett G. Cilley, of Andover, N. H. (he died August 
21, 1867. They had two children, — George Ames, 
born November 24, 1868, and Winfred Bartlett, born 
October 18, 1865, at Bradford). 

Dr. Ames has been a resident of Bradford for nearly 
sixty years, and for half a century his life was that 
of the faithful, hard-working physician. The work of 
a medical man fifty years ago was nearly double that 
of the present time. Almost all able practitioners 
made and compounded their medicines, and visits to 
|)atients were generally made on horseback, with well- 




^:^^-a^ c^^^^ ^1^^^;?^ ^i^ 



BRADFORD. 



213 



tilled saddle-bags, traveling late at night and great 
distances. As learned and skillful men of the medi- 
cal fraternity were few, Dr. Ames' labors extended to 
a circuit of many miles. In addition to his large 
practice and earnest studies in the directi(m of medi- 
cal science, he was interested in the public att'airs of 
the town, and this, of course, claimed time, which 
deprived him of his much-needed rest and recreation. 
When comparatively a young man, scarcely thirty 
years of age, he delivered the semi-centennial oration, 
July 4, 1826, at Bradford, in an able and fitting man- 
ner. The document is preserved, and the power, 
patriotism and piety it contains must have stimulated 
those who listened to it to good thoughts, good deeds 
:nid good conduct. Dr. Ames' ability was recognized 
by the citizens, and they elected him to the Legisla- 
ture ; and, if his profession had permitted, or inclina- 
tion had led him into the arena of public and political 
life, he would have ranked high as a legislator. He 
was one of the first presidents of the Warner Bank, 
and filled other official positions. 

Many of the old inhabitants remember Dr. Am&s' first 
advent among them, and describe him :us a gentleman 
dignified and courteous, of few words, and yet social 
with those with whom he wa.s personally connected 
in family or medical relations, of rare intelligence 
and a most successful physician. 

But his life-work is accomplished. Some five or 
six years since, this venerable gentleman, after a long 
and u.seful career and unremitting professional duties, 
succumbed to the infirmities of age, and now, at 
the age of four-score and ten, he, who for so many 
years cared for others, receives the loving care and 
attention so well deserved. 

Dr. Ames has done enough to keep his memory 
green, while the record of this laborious life remains, 
and we continue to e.steem and honor the men who 
have devoted themselves physically and mentally 
for the good of humanity. 



.lOHN W. MARSHAL!,. 

The study of human life is a study of the deepest in- 
terest. " No one liveth to himself, and no one dieth to 
himself." Each is a vital part of the history of the 
world ; but there is an infinite divereity in the kind 
and degree of individual action. Even in the nine- 
teenth century we have not fathomed the occult in- 
tiuences controlling the destinies of each child of 
mortality, and it is well to place upon the pages of 
history, for the perusal, instruction and advancement 
of coming generations, what we may secure of the 
environment, characteristics and education of those 
who have worthily lived lives of usefulness, and who 
have shown marked traits of character, and who, out 
of the lowest and poorest conditions, by diligence, 
patience and untiring labor, have constructed a life- 
edifice of more than ordinary value. In this record 
the peculiar educational influences and advantages the 



individual may have had should be most clearly 
shown. The world has other schools than those of 
scholastic renown and moneyed endowments, — schools 
where the influence of wealth is never known and 
could never bring advantage. Many are educated by 
poverty, self-denial and stern necessity, and, in spite 
of their environments, the graduates of this school 
have oftentimes outstripped those of the most famed 
schools of liberal culture. 

Among those that New Hampshire has just 
reason to claim as worthy sons of the last half- 
century is John Webster Marshall. He was born in 
Salisbury, N. H., February 9, 1835, and was the .son of 
John Webster and Judith (Jackmau) Marshall. At 
the early age of seven yeare he was left motherless, 
and the lad began his years of accountability with 
little to cheer or elevate him. Poverty hung around 
his father's house, and the surroundings were illy 
calculated to bring content. Before John was thir- 
teen years old he had had two stepmothers, and the 
boy had never known maternal care or love since his 
own mother was carried to the grave. In the fall of 
the year, when he was scarcely thirteen, he obtained 
his father's consent to earn his own living, and with 
barely clothes enough to serve as a covering, and not 
even underclothing, he went out into the world. Com- 
ing to Bradford, he secured a jdace with his uncle, 
Benjamin Marshall, to work for his board and attend 
school. He was more than an ordinary boy, quiet 
and retiring in his manner, kind in disposition and 
possessed of a strong will. He early showed a fond- 
ness for machinery and an aptness for tools. He 
gave diligent attention to his studies, developed a 
taste for mathematics and made rapid progress. He 
labored in the summer for his uncle and other 
farmers of the neighborhood to acquire a respectable 
wardrobe, and after two years thus passed he en- 
tered the employ of G. W. Wadleigh, of Fisherville, 
:is clerk in his store. After a year of hard work in 
the store and on the farm, John went to Manchester, 
;ind for another year was engaged in the gun-shop of 
a Mr. Fogg. His natural inclination for mechanics 
«as fostered by this avocation, and it decided his 
life-work. Determined to become a machinist, he 
secured a situation in the Manchester Locomotive- 
Works, where he was employed for about six years. 
Here life was pleasant, his occupation was congenial, 
and in the intervals of labor, and during the long 
winter evenings, he continued his studie.s of mathe- 
matics and drawing, never wasting his time in 
frivolity or idleness. He had even then marked out 
tor himself a career of steady and persistent prog- 
ress, and knew that to accomplish it he must be an 
unceasing laborer and student. In view of this, his 
thoughts were turned to Boston as the place where a 
widening sphere of opportunity would be revealed 
to him, and removing to that city, he worked a year 
for the Boston Locomotive- Works, and after another 
year in the employ of a Mr. Osborne, in a locomotive 



214 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



repair shop, he engaged as a machinist in the Atlan- 
tic Worlis, at $1.50 a day. The same devotion to his 
studies he liad sliown in Manchester was continued 
in Boston. The alhirements of the great city had no 
charm for him ; his evenings were consecrated to im- 
provement. He became proficient in mechanical 
drawing and engineering. He was ready for a higher 
position, and it came unsought, and as a most pleas- 
ant surprise. One day the machinists of the shop 
wen- asked to vote for one of tlieir number to bec-ome 
tlie superintendent of the drafting department. Mr. 
Marehall cast his vote for one he deemed qualified, 
and little dreamed that he would be the chosen one. 

This was a fortunate financial change, the salary 
being twelve hundred dollars a year. Exercising the 
same diligence and studiousness which had so sig- 
nally changed his life, he thoroughly qualified him- 
self for the post of mechanical engineer, to which 
position he was advanced in about two years' time, 
with a salary of two thousand five hundred dollars. 
His patience and assiduity, his modest and unassuming 
way.s and the painstaking accuracy and promptitude 
with which everything which came in the line of 
his duty was done, early won the approval and es- 
teem of hLs employers. This was strengthened with 
passing time, and, as a further proof of their confi- 
dence, he was appointed superintending engineer, 
and sent to Europe to study the construction of iron 
vessels, and he passed three months in the leading 
shipyards of England, Scotland, Belgium and France, 
adding much to his store of information. Nine 
months after his return to Boston, the famous firm 
Peter Wright & Co., Philadelphia, who had learned 
of his abilities, engaged him to superintend the con- 
struction of the vessels which should constitute the 
Red Star Line, at a salary of three thousand dollars 
and expenses. He remained in England two years 
and ten months, his wife visiting him in the mean 
time, and during this time the three pioneer vessels 
of the line—" Vaderland," " Nederland " and " Swit- 
zerland " — were constructed at Jarrow-on-Tyne. The 
vessels demonstrated that Mr. Marshall thoroughly 
understood the principles underlying an intelligent 
knowledsre of his work, and he took the final step in 
the ladder he had started to mount by being made 
superintendent of the two lines of steamships owned 
by his employers, — the Red Star and American. 
Thus had diligence and application, coupled with 
energy and improvementof opportunities, and unfail- 
ing cheerfulness under all circumstances, brought 
the unknown youth of poverty to a high position in 
the great world of business, and to competency and 
honors, with strong and influential friends. 

In 1878 he again went to England to personally 
superintend the building of the " Belgenland " and 
" Rhyneland," of the Red Star line, at Barrow-in- 
Furness. This occupied him about one year. The 
contiiuied api)lication and overwork for so many 
years had worn upon a delicate pliysieal organism. 



and only an indomitable will kept him up. Return- 
ing on the "Rhyneland" to America, he tendereil 
his resignation as superintendent, which was not 
accepted, and this was repeated three times in the 
course of a few months. The firm valued his ser- 
vices too highly to dispense with them, and he was 
in their employ until his death, which occurred .Janu- 
ary 6, 1882, in Boston, after an illness of two years 
and a half. Up to the hist the plans and specifica- 
tions of the vessels under construction were sub- 
mitted to him for approval, and it is noticeable that 
he had just concluded the examination of the last set 
of papers of the last vessel he had designed when 
he was seized by the hemorrhage which preceded his 
death. 

Mr. Marshall married, February 11, 1864, Martha 
J., daughter of Benjamin E. and Olive (Chandler) 
VVadleigh, of Bradford, a descendant of two early 
and honorable New Hampshire families. She was a 
schoolmate of his in his early school-days at Brad- 
ford. Both were proficient in the same studies, both 
worked the hard examples, both "spelled down " the 
school ; but the nature of each was so retiring that 
they never formed a personal acquaintance until 
twelve years after, when their congeniality of taste 
soon drew them together. She was especially adapted 
to be his companion, entering heartily into his labors 
and a.spirations, and was a true adviser and frien<l. 
Their children are Elmer Wadleigh and John Edgar, 
who, it is to be hoped, have inherited a share of their 
.ather's ability. 

Mr. Marshall was one of the most unostentatious of 
men. In forming acquaintances he was reserved and 
reticent; but he was genial and social to those who 
won his confidence. He lived a regular and exem- 
plary life, never drinking liquor or using tobacco, and 
ilevoted the time so many waste to useful investiga- 
tions in science. He was not a church member, but 
a truly religious man, who lived a remarkably pure 
life. A lover of nature and an admirer of its works, 
he " looked through nature up to nature's God," and 
based his life and actions on the golden rule. His 
integrity and honesty were as clear as the noonday 
sun, and though millions of dollars passed through 
his hands, his disposition of them was made in all 
cases to the best interests of his employers. He was 
charitable; but, in accordance with the Scriptural 
admonition, he " let not his left hand know what his 
right hand did," and this was in harmony with his 
entire character. Modest and unselfish, he was in 
this respect a marked contrast to many "self-made " 
men. He was ever thoughtful of others, their wel- 
fare and comfort, and in the closing hours of his 
life occupied himself with instructions to his wife 
concerning the happiness of those depending upon 
him. 

May many who read these pages find an instructive 
lesson in this story of a life, and be encouraged to new 
aspirations and endeavors to attain a higher and more 



I 




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z:^^^*^ 



f^-^^ 



RUADFOIU) 



115 



tlinii f'ato or cirt-mnstaiKc In 



IllHAM BLANt'HAKD. 

Fniiii (lie "History of Acworth " we liiiil that 
(u'urye Blauchartl, who was born ou English soil, 
emigrated to Andover, Mass., and among his goodly 
descendants was Nathaniel, who had three sons, — 
Joseph, Aaron and Lemuel. Aaron was a soldier in 
the War of the Revolution, settled in Acworth, 
N. H., but afterwards removed to Barnard, Vt. 
Lemuel also took part in the struggles of the colo- 
nists and was at the burning of New London. Joseph 
was born in Shutesbury, Mass-, in 1755, and came to 
Acworth in the early years of its settlement (1790), 
married Relief, daughter of Aaron Osgood, a 
descendant of John Osgood, of Andover, Mass. 
David, bis second son,, born in 1788, married 
Betsey, daughter of John and Lydia (Melvin) 
(ircgg, of Acworth. The Greggs were among the 
pioneers of Londonderry, N. H., and possessed the 
strong and resolute spirit of those enterprising men, 
the inlluence of whose characters has left a strong im- 
press upon the town and community in which they 
made their home. To David and Betsey (Gregg) 
Blanchard were born seven children, of whom Hiram 
was the oldest. 

Hiram Blanchard belongs to that class of New 
Englanders who, while unostentatious and unpre- 
tending, are yet the true benefactors of the commun- 
ity in which they live, in that they add to the ma- 
terial prosperity of their respective localities and 
leave behind them tangible results of their life's 
work. He had his birth in the quiet, rural town of 
Acworth, N. H., October 21, 1816, attended the pub- 
lic schools in Acworth and Hancock Academy, and 
thoroughly assimilated the instruction to his intellec- 
tual betterment. He at the same time improved his 
physical health by laboring on his father's form. 
This was his life till he became of age, when he went, 
first to Boston, then to Bellows Falls and other places ; 
but after the passing of a few months he located in 
merchandising at Bradibrd Corner, as a partner of 
Hon. John W. Morse and M. E. Baxter, under the 
firm-title of Baxter, Blanchard & Co. This was in 
1842, and from that time to his death, November 19, 
1872, he was one of the most energetic of the busi- 
ness men of the town and a component factor of its 
usefulness. He continued in trade at Bradford Cor- 
ner for about ten years, with various partners, and 
established a reputation for sterling integrity and 
honesty of purpose that his whole after-life but con- 
firmed. He afterwards formed a partnership with 
Mr. Morse, at Mill village, under style of Morse & 
Blanchard, and until 1870, when, on account of fail- 
ing health, Mr. Blanchard was forced to retire, they 
continued in trade, each week and each month but 
rendering stronger the bonds of friend.ship uniting 
the two men. Their business interests were large 



and diversified, and while Mr. Morse attended to the 
"outside" part, Mr. Blanchard was the merchant 
who daily was at his post in the store, and it is not 
too much to say that the unfailing courtesy which 
gave a pleasant greeting and a kind word to every 
one added much to the popularity of the firm and t<i 
its success. 

Mr. Blanchard niarrinl, Ocliil)cr IS, l.slli, l'„|ly K., 
daughter of Hon. Jonallian and Folly (Fisher) Oovc, 
of Acworth. (For Gove ancestry, see biography of 
Hon. John W. Morse.) For nearly thirty years of 
passing time were their joys and sorrows cheered by 
mutual sympathy, and, while Mrs. Blanchard was a 
true helpmeet to him, his unfailing tenderness made 
the home circle a more than ordinarily happy one. 
He prized his home dearly ; after the wearisome 
duties of the day were over, here he found a rest for 
his fatigue and a solace for the discomforts incident 
to every life. The same qualities which made him 
the successful merchant and husband and father, 
caused him to have the respect and esteem of the en- 
tire community. He was remarkably winning in his 
manners, speedily securing the interest of a stranger, 
which was usually increased and consolidated into 
friendship by further acquaintance, and, throughout 
his long and active business career, never dared sus- 
picion to breathe one word against his integrity, nor 
did a single action of his cause him to be lowered 
from the high position he occupied in the minds of 
the better element of the people among whom 
he had made his home. He was always unassuming, 
never giving himself full credit for the abilities he 
possessed, and never boasted of his achievements nor 
what he could accomplish. A man not given to idle 
talk, he had great command over his feelings, which 
were naturally impetuous. He was firm iu his Iriend- 
ships, generous to the unfortunate and suti'ering, but 
his good deeds were never found out from him ; he 
left others to reveal them if they ever came to the 
light ; only his wife would know of his benefactions, 
and she cordially shared them with him. He pre- 
ferred the quiet, domestic enjoyments of home to the 
turmoil of public strife, and consequently never 
sought political or official distinction, although sup- 
porting, with all his strength, the Democratic princi- 
ples of the " Father of the Constitution," and of wide 
influence in the community. He served as post- 
master at one time, and was representative to the 
State Legislature in 1866-67, the only public positions 
he could be induced to accept. Of an earnest and 
positive character, whatever he undertook he would 
accomplish, and this, with his scrupulous fidelity to 
any trust confided to him, caused him to be almost 
recklessly unsparing of himself. Hence he was led 
to a really unjustifiable excess of labor, which weak- 
ened a system never vigorous, and brought on con- 
sumption, that, after long months of suffering, ended 
his useful life. He had one son, George II., born in 
1848, who resides in Lowell. 



216 



HISTORY OF >fi:RRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Mrs. Blanchard survives her husband and has the 
esteem and friendship of a large circle for her ster- 
ling worth. 

By the reading of this memorial sketch many striv- 
ing youth may see what may be accomi>lished by dili- 
gence, good habits and an honest, manly life. Better 
than column.s of stone and monuments of marble are 
the records of such a life. 



GEORGE HART. 

George Hart, the grandson of Nicholas Lawrence 
(a native of Weston, Vt., who was a very prominent 
man, and one of the veteran heroes of the Revolu- 
tionary War), and son of George and (Lawrence) 

Hart, was born at Landgrove, Vt., May 23, 1811. As 
so many New Englanders had done before him, early 
in life he was obliged to earn his bread, get his edu- 
cation and wrestle with the world. The condition of 
his parents was humble. The incessant toil required 
in a new and sterile land had but served to provide 
the barest necessities of life, and from his earliest 
years he struggled with adverse circumstances. His 
boy-heart yearned to know something of the great 
world of books in which so many found enjoyment ; 
but he had no money, nor could his parents meet this 
demand ; so he went into the \voods, gathered dry 
trees, stumps, brush, etc., and burning them, he se- 
cured the ashes to exchange for the much-desired 
school-books. But the rains descended, and the 
prospective capital was lost, as George thought, when 
his mother came to his relief, dried the ashes in the 
oven, and his first school-books were purchased. He 
improved his time in labor and study, and, with the 
assistance of. his brother, while yet a young man, had 
the satisfaction of seeing his parents in a home which 
the two boys had provided. Thinkingto find a larger 
field of labor, and one more remunerative, in a man- 
ufacturing place, he left his native town and went to 
Lowell, Mass., where he took a contract for the heavy 
stone-work required in one of the mills, and thus found 
employment for a time. He then went to Tewksbury 
ami became the foreman on a farm, and resided in 
Dracut for a short period. But Mr. Hart's ambition 
for a better position and advantages for adding to his 
stock of learning soon carried him to Boston, where 
he engaged in one of the tide-mills for manufacturing 
lead pipe. Here he continued diligent in business 
and saving his earnings, when a desirable opportunity 
offered, and he invested his little capital, and went 
into partnership with Messrs. Crosby & Cannon in 
the trucking business. He remained in Boston for 
more than three years, when he removed to Mt. Ta- 
bor, Vt., purchased a farm and devoted himself to 
agriculture for the next five years, and became a 
good citizen of the town, interesting himself in its 
public affairs, serving as town clerk, selectman and 
also held a commission as justice of the peace. He 
then removed to Boston, resumed his old luisiness, 



was financially successful, and having sold out his 
entire interest, he came to Bradford about 1850, and 
was a resident here until his death, in the last night 
of the year 1879. 

Mr. Hart married, April 5, 1835, Louisa, daughter of 
Cyrus and Martha (Millet), Bailey, native of Salem, 
N. H. Mrs. Hart has been a resident of Bradford since 
her third year, and is a Christian lady of intelligence 
and refinement. Their children were Louisa A., 
born at Mt. Tabor, Vt., January 11, 1838, married 
Arthur T. Morse, of Newbury, N. H., and has two 
children, George H. and Arthur A. ; Almendo, born 
at Mt. Tabor November 7, 1840, died in infancy; 
George A., born at Mt. Tabor December 17, 1841, died 
in Boston, aged eleven months ; George Herman, bom 
at Boston April 17, 1S44, died aged two years ami 
four months; Edwin A., born at Boston July 12, 
1849 (he married Eugenia 0. Delaplaine, and has an 
adopted daughter, Bertha, now living at Minneapolis, 
Minn.); William S., born at Bradford September 25, 
1851, now living in Florida, is engaged in bee cul- 
ture, in connection with orange-growing, in which he 
is successful. 

About 1860, Mr. Hart left his Bradford matters in 
charge of his wife and a trusty man, and went to 
Enniskillen, Canada, and engaged in boring for oil 
and dealing in oil lands quite extensively, and this 
enterprise resulted profitably, as also other business 
transactions. 

We have written thus far concerning Mr. Hart as a 
bu.siness man, and we will now speak of him in the 
words of a friend, who knew him as friend, citizen 
and neighbor, of one who saw him in his home, 
which he had made so beautiful by his own care and 
artistic taste. 

He was a man of grand presence, reserved in his 
manners, of few words, carrying on conversation for 
the purpose of gaining or imparting knowledge, but 
never condescending to trivial details, but when the 
occasion demanded, his influence, means and friend- 
ship were offered freely ; kind, sympathetic and be- 
nevolent, but always choosing the objects of his 
charity ; unostentatious and unassuming, yet bold 
and fearless in the cause of the oppressed ; a strict 
partisan, but never intrusive or arrogant ; impatient of 
shams, but a firm friend of all philanthropic under- 
takings; of a strong and positive will, as is often the 
case with self-made men; refined, cultured and with 
a taste for the beautiful in nature, of which he was a 
great lover, iis was evidenced by the adornment and 
cultivation of his home-place, much of which was 
the labor of his own hands ; a strong temperance 
man and a zealous worker in the cause, ready with his 
advice and financial aid ; an Abolitionist at the time 
when to openly avow those sentiments almost 
amounted to social ostracism. When Garrison was 
mobbed in the city of Boston, Mr. Hart was one of 
the foremost to stand forward and oiler his strong 



\ 




lllaAru/.(l}c.^u/l 



21-; 



lectured in the chuixli at Bradford in tlie interest of 
tlie anti-slavery movement, and, at the elose, asked 
for some one to take up a collection, and waited for a 
response, not a person in the whole congregation re- 
sponded until Mr. Uart, with his dignified and cour- 
teous mien, arose, and complied with the request, ile 
was a keen observer of human nature and had a won- 
derful power in reading cliaracter. He had a strong 
sense of justice and was no respecter of persons. In 
politics he was a Republican, and his being twice 
I'lected selectmen in a town largely Democratic shows 
the esteem in which he was held. He was thought- 
ful and tender of his wife and family, even to the 
MTV la.st, when pain and suflering had claimed him 
for their own. 

Mr. Hart was not a professor of (Uiristianity, but 
his wife was a member of the Baptist Church, and he 
.•ontributed liberally for the support of the cause she 
loved. But he was a believer in God, read the Bible 
carefnlly and had been heard to remark that " all 
nature gave evidence that there was a God." A few 
days previous to his death, on bidding farewell to a 
friend, he said, — " Good-bye, I hope we shall meet in 
a better world, if there is one, and I believe there is." 

All in all, Mr. Hart was an honest, upright, con- 
scientious and moral man, and the world was better 
for his having lived in it. 



DAVID DURKEI.t.. 

The Durrells are of English descent, and the he 
of the family is a knight, who lived in a 
house, whose erection dates back to the fourteenth 
century. (See biography of Thomas Durrell.) Among 
the men of note in America bearing the name may be 
mentioned Judge Daniel M. Durrell, of Dover, N. H., 
and the yet more famous Judge Durrell, of Louisiana, 
who are nearly related to the branch th.at settled in 
Bradford. 

Nicholas Durrell was born in those days, just sub- 
sequently to the Revolution, when the depreciation 
of Continental currency had caused a stringency of 
times and a shrinkage of values of which we now 
have not the faintest conception. 

The young lad was reared in the midst of the diffi- 
culties incident to a pioneer life. He came to Brad- 
ford with his young wife, Polly Batchelder, of North- 
wood, on horseback, over the rough roads, in which 
rocks, logs and swamps caused slow and tiresome 
progress, and with brave hearts they set themselves 
to make a home out of the wild piece of land on 
which they settled. Not idle were they, but coura- 
geously and industriously they devoted themselves to 
the task before them, and, as the result of their 
labors, there was developed a splendid farm — the 
finest in many miles. He was a model farmer, with 
an eye for a good animal, and took pleasure and pride 
in his flocks and herds, his fields and his buildings, 
and many remember the time when " no one raised 



so good produce, no one drove so fine horses, no one 
owned such broad lands as Nicholas Durrell." 

The old homestead is near Bradford t.'cutre; it has 
now (1885) passed into other hands, and his descend- 
ants are scattered ; but " Nicholas, his wife and others 
of his race now sleep in the small iron-picketed 
grave-yard on the opposite side of the road, and no 
male of the name resides in the town." 

Nicholas Durrell was an old-time Whig, a man of 
fine appearance, of social ways ami courteous bearing, 
esteemed by his acquaintances, loved by his family, 
a happy, honest, successful agriculturist, and, although 
unable to write his name, left the impress of his 
strong character, which cannot be effaced. He was a 
prominent member of the First Congregational 
Church, for which he did and gave much. He died 
in September, 1844, at Saratoga, N. Y., aged sixty- 
five. His wife survived him many years, dying at 
the advanced age of ninety-two. Their children were 
Samuel, David, Levi (now living in Surry, N. H.)and 
Mary (Mrs. Levi O. Colby). 

David Durrell, son of Nicholas and Polly (Batchel- 
der) Durrell, was born July 20, 1807, on the home- 
stead of his father in Bradford, and was a life-long 
resident of the town. He had a good common-school 
education, his quick mental powers making such 
rapid advancement that when only sixteen years old 
he was qualified to teach school, and for ten consecu- 
tive years he taught winter terms with flattering results 
and great popularity. Inheriting in an intensified 
degree his father's love of agriculture and fine stock, 
he remained on the home place until he was of age, 
and purchased the farm, which became his home, for 
six hundred dollars; married Elvira French, who 
died, leaving one daughter, Lavinia (Mrs. George 
Baker). He married, November 15, 1836, Polly P. 
Colby, daughter of Samuel and Sally Patch. They 
had three children,^ — Lizzie S. (Mrs. Walter S. Leach, 
of Methuen, Mass., whose only child, Lizzie Etta, 
married William W. Spalding, resides in Lawrence, 
Mass., and has two children : Helen D. and .John 
W.), Mary Elvira (deceased) and Helen F. G. (Mrs. 
J. J. Crippen, now residing in Salina, Kan., having 
three children : Henry D., J. J., Jr., and Helen E.). 

Mr. Durrell was an enthusiastic laborer in his favorite 
andchosen field, agriculture; worked withall theardent 
energy of the Durrell nature to e.Kcel, made a specialty 
of raising fine stock, added acre after acre to his orig- 
inal small possessions, until, in a very short period of 
time, he had acquired much real estate, and owned 
and gave his name to Durrell's Mountains. He 
had at one time in his possession as many as seventy- 
three blooded cattle, was noted for having one of the 
best stock farms in the State, and had many fine 
horses, whose reputation for speed and quality stood 
in high favor among Bosttin horsemen, who highly 
valued the " Durrell breed." In all his operations, so 
successfully conducted as to make him wealthy when 
only in the prime of life (for when his death oiinrred, 



3 generally spel 



218 



IIISTOliV OF MMltRnrACK COUNTY, NKW HAMPSHIRE. 



September 15, IHTA, at the iige of forty-seven years, 
his property inventoried about twenty-four thousand 
dollars), he was not an idle spectator of public af- | 
fairs. The same qualities shown in his private busi- i 
ness were called by the citi/.ens to administration of 
town nnittcrs ; he w:ls school committeeman, select- ! 
man and filled other offices for various and continued 
terms, and was one of tlie ablest and strongest men in j 
Bradford, whose advice and counsel was sought and i 
gladly received, and he was often selected as an ad- : 
ministrator, guardian smd for other weighty trusts. I 
His opcrati(ms wore large; he employed many men, 
and the oversight of them in the various departments 
of his labor made liim the busiest man in town. Mr. 
Durrell was social, warm-hearted, tender and kind in 
family and neighborhood relations, generous to all 
deserving charities, but so quiet in his benefactions 
that many of them were unknown to all save the 
giver and the recipient. A load of hay would be sent in 
the long winter to the poor man whose fodder had 
failed ; a cow would be driven to the house where 
" many children played around the door," and its use 
given for the season. In these and similar ways was 
his liberality scattered, like sunbeams, bringing glad- 
ness and light to many destitute homes, and when he 
was called away by death the hearts of many were 
shrouded in gloom. 

The vigorous constitution of Mrs. Durri/ll, in spite 
of her active labors of many years, has preserved her 
intellect unimpaired, and her sallies of wit and ap- 
preciation of humor would do credit to a much 
younger person. Her appearance does not indicate 
that she has attained her age of seventy-lour years, 
and, blessed with the care and sympathy of three 
generations of worthy descendants, she is passing 
down towards the "twilight" of life reverenced and 
beloved. 

There h;us been no stronger type of character shown 
among the settlers of Bradford than that exhibited by 
Nicholas and David Durrell, and none of its inhabit- 
ants have done better service in the develop- 
ment of the town, or left more sub.^tantial tokens of 
their existence, or whose memory is, to-day, more 
sincerely cherished. 



REV. HIRAM HOLMES. 

Rev. Hiram Holmes, for many yeare a useful and 
faithful minister of the gospel, was born in Rochester, 
N. H., October 3, 1806. He was tlie son of Joshua 
and Polly (Cater) Holmes, and the circumstances of 
his birth only afl'orded him the benefit of the edu- 
cation that could be acquired at the common schools 
of his native town. At a very early age he was deeply 
impressed with the importance of ivli-iciis inlcrests, 
and at the at'e of twenty-one he !»•. jiiir ilic stivunt 
ofC'lirist.uml An.t(list:i, ISiS, w:lsb;i|.liz..|alSli:i(i;,nl 
(Cn.wn Point) l)y Kev. E. I'liiee, and jdincl tlie I'ree- 
Will Unplist Ohureli. 8o(,m ari.r he was ecnvinced 



that he should become a religious teacher, and, with a 
few others, established a prayer-meeting, which in a 
short time bore good fruit and much awakening of the 
spirit. He now felt that preaching was the vocation 
to which he was called, and henceforward his life- 
work was that of a preacher of the Word. In 1829 he 
commenced holding meetings, and, in January, 188(1, 
the New Durham Quarterly Meeting "gave him 
approbation to improve as a licentiate," and Feb- 
ruary 8, 1831, his ordination took place in Strafford, 
Rev. B. S. Manson preaching the sermon. Previous 
to this, and afterwards, he traveled in various towns, 
holding meetings and going from house to house, and 
his heart was made glad in that many turned to the 
Lord. He made Wolfborough his home at this time, 
and in that place did much of his work. He was 
clerk of the Wolfborough (Quarterly Meeting from its 
organization, August 6, 1831, to 1835, when he re- 
moved from the town. He perceived a change and a 
quickening in religious interests while a resident 
there, and baptized thirty-seven in Wolfborough and 
the neighboring towns. He then went to Hopkinton, 
remaining there from June, 1835, until the following 
February. His next field of labor was Wearc, in 
1836, afterwards supplying the church in Epsom for 
a year. In October, 1837, Mr. Holmes married Su- 
sanna, daughter of Josiah and Lydia Brown, of Weare, 
the marriage ceremony being performed by the Rev. 
David Moody, the well-known Baptist clergyman. 
His next pastorate was in Raymond, where lie con- 
tinued for a year or more. His final settlement was 
in Bradford, which lasted from 1839 until his death, 
which occurred suddenly May 1, 1863, — a period of 
twenty-four years. On coming to Bradford, Mr. 
Holmes purchased the " French farm," ami niaile it 
his home during his life here, and hi- wiiiow -lill re- 
sides there. Jn all these years he supplied Sun.ipee, 
Newbury, Wilraot Flat, and did much pastoral work 
in many places, and was also appointed by the Weare 
Quarterly Meeting an " itinerant" to visit the desti- 
tute churches. His health, however, was feeble, and 
he was unable to preach constantly ; but whenever or 
wherever an opportunity occurred he " fought the 
good fight " and labored zealously for Zion's cause. 
His activity, zeal and persevering endeavor caused 
him to be respected and esteemed by the people of 
Bradford, and, in 1860, the Congregational Chureli 
being without a pastor, he was invited to fill the pul- 
pit, which he did alternate Sabbaths, "to good con- 
gregations and to much acceptance." He was a dele- 
gate to the Sixth General Conference, held at Mere- 
dith, N. H., 1832; the Seventh, at Strafford, Vt., 
1833 ; and the Eighteenth, at Hillsdale, Mich., 18(i2. 
Mr. Holmes was a public-spirited citizen, interested 
in reform movements of the day, and in all enter- 
prises tending to further and promote the welfare of 
the community. The most ai)propriate and fitting 
tribute to this good man is that of his frieml ami 
Christian bmther, .luscpli Kiill.mlou : -luall his 




'/;n.^ 




XjP C^(-^i^i^± 



BKABFORD. 



219 



ministry he answered well the qualifications Paul sets 
forth as requisite in a minister of Christ : ' A lover of 
hospitality, a lover of good men, soher, just, holy, 
temperate.' He was firm in his convictions of right, 
conscientious in all his duties and of strict integrity 
in all his business concerns. His heart wiis in the 
benevolent enterprises of the age, and in all proper 
ways he labored to promote them. Coming forward 
without the benefits of the schools, as many have 
since enjoyed, he developed preaching talents of good 
quality. He labored by sound doctrine to convince 
gainsayers and to persuade the sinful to turn to God. 
He presented the great truths with such clearness 
that all could understand ; and in all his work he gave 
the impression that love to God and love to men con- 
strained him to make earnest efforts to win the way- 
ward and perishing to Christ, and with such earnest- 
ness, deep feeling and evident sincerity that good 
results followed. God's people were instructed and 
comforted, the desponding encouraged and the sin- 
ful directed to the Lamb of God. His ministry was 
successful, and he has entered upon a glorious in- 
heritance in heaven. ' The memory of the just is 
blessed.' " 

JOHN ISROWX. 

John Brown was born in Heuniker, N. H., in the year 
1777, and, when a child, removed to Bradford, where 
he ever afterwards resided. He married Sarah Gregg, 
of New Boston, N. H. ; was a farmer, and died March 
27, 1866. His wife died October 14, 1849. They had 
six children, viz. : Hannah, Jerusha, Livonia, Joel 
H., Jeremiah and Nancy. Hannah married Erastus 
F. Brockway, lived in Bradford for many years, and 
afterwards removed to Boston and died there in Feb- 
ruary, 1869, at the age of sixty-two. Her husband 
is still living. She never had any children. 

Jerusha died, unmarried, May 8, 1838, at the age 
of twenty-nine. 

Livonia married Francis T. Simpson, lived many 
years in Manchester, N. H., but afterwards returned 
to Bradford and died there May 18, 1854, at the age of 
forty-two. She had no thildren. Her husband died 
before her. 

Joel H. graduated from Dartmouth College in the 
class of 1841, and became a physician and settled in 
Newton, Mass., where he died March 18, 1865, aged 
fifty-three. He married Sarah R. P. Richmond, of 
Boston, who survives. They had one child, a daugh- 
ter, who died in childhood. 

Jeremiah graduated from Dartmouth College in 
the class of 1842, was a lawyer, and practiced for 
many years in Boston, where he died December 26, 
1881, aged sixty-seven. He married Mary H. 
Talbot, who died before him. They had no children. 

Nancy married Ambrose S. Brackett, and resided 
in Bradford, where she died May 14, 1862, aged forty- 
five. Her husband died in Bradford July 23, 1878, 
aged sixty-three. 



J. Q. A. Brackett ia their only child, and the only 
living descendant of his grandfather, John Brown. 
He was born in Bradford June 8, 1842; graduated 
from Harvard University in the chiss of 1865, and 
from the Harvard Law School in 1868 ; wsis admitted 
to the bar in Boston the same year and has been en- 
gaged in the practice of his profession in that city 
ever since. Ho married Angeline M. Peck, of Ar- 
lington, Mass., June 20, 1878, and has one son, John 
Gay lord Brackett, born April 12, 1879. He was a 
member of the City Council of Boston four years^ 
and president of that body in 1876 ; has been a mem- 
ber of the House of Representatives seven years, and 
at present is its Speaker. 



CURTIS DAVIS. 

The prosperity of New England is largely indebted' 
to its self-made men, who have continually added to 
the wholesome wealth of the community by their 
persistent and unwearied efforts, have been workers, 
producers, and not mere consumers, obeying the an- 
cient law of our race, — " By the sweat of thy brow 
shalt thou gain thy bread." Conspicuous among 
these, and worthy of mention, is Curtis Davis, the soa 
of Daniel and Mary (Brown) Davis. He was born in 
the beautiful farming town of Bradford, N. H., Feb- 
ruary 11, 1814, and was the grandson of Isaac Davis,, 
whose eight children were Betsey, born December 
29, 1760; Mollie, born May 31, 1762; James, born 
February 24, 1764; Daniel, born F'ebruary 4,1766;: 
John, born December 24, 1768 (died young) ; Susan,, 
born January 7, 1770 ; Sally, born April 17, 1772 ;^ 
and John, born August 14, 1774. Daniel married 
Mary Brown and had eleven children, — Samuel, born 
March 19, 1790 ; Enoch, born August 27, 1791 (died 
young) ; Enoch, born January 6, 1793 ; Dorcas, born 
January 25, 1795 ; Eliphalct, born December 16,. 
1796; Lydia, born January 4, 1799; Diamond, born 
April 25, 1802; Hiram, "born February 24, 1807; 
Lyman, born October 11, 1809 ; Isaac, born January 
18, 1811; and Curtis. 

Curtis Davis was the youngest of eleven children, 
and although his father was a well-to-do farmer, yet 
with such a large family to support, frugality, ecoi- 
omy and industry were essential characteristics for 
the development of the resources of the farm, and 
the children were well grounded in the principh's 
which lead to success, and formed those habits of 
perseverance and diligence that have ever been their 
prominent traits. In 1832, Curtis left his plensant 
home, a poor boy and unacquainted with the ways of 
the world, his education being that afforded by the 
common schools of the period ; but his courage and 
determination were strong, and his ambition was to 
engage in some business and follow it. He went to 
Cambridgeport, Mass., then comparatively a small 
place, and engaged for a ven,' moderate compensation 
with a firm in the soap business, of which his brother 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



EHphalet was a partner. He continued in their em- 
ploy for a short time, and then returned to Bradford, 
where he remained for a year, and in tlie fall of 183.3 
he removed to Cambridgeport and resumed his for- 
mer position, where he worked faithfully and devoted 
himself to acquiring the details of the manufacture, 
with a view to establishing himself on his own ac- 
count, which he carried into effect in 1834 by pur- 
chasing the business of Hiram Davis. This estab- 
lishment he sold in 1835, when he bought another 
factory of greater capacity, and, in 1837, took into 
partnership Alexander Dickinson, with whom he was 
connected until 1851. Mr. Davis then bought and 
enlarged the buildings he now occupies, and at pres- 
ent (1885) the entire plant covers about one acre of 
ground, and is the most noted factory in Cambridge, 
and, also, the largest one of the kind in New Eng- 
land. In tlie main building are sixteen kettles or 
boilers, twelve of which are for the stocking and fin- 
ishing of soap, and have a holding capacity of over 
two hundred and fifty tons, and still the increasing 
demand for their manufacture calls for more space, 
and an enlargement of the works is in contemplation. 
The soap manufactured by Mr. Davis is a pure article, 
and the Peerless, Welcome, Extra and Gold Dust 
brands are used throughout the country, and their 
quality and superiority are too well known to need 
further mention. In 1864, Mr. Davis received into 
his business, as partner, his son-in-law, James Mellen, 
who has the superintendence of the sales-rooms in 
Boston. They avail themselves of all the new ideas, 
are progressive, and their manufactory is provided 
with the best and most improved machinery. They 
honestly aim to make a good article, and conse- 
quently, are successful. 

Mr. Davis married, November 29, 1835, Martha 
Kemp, a native of Pomfret, Vt. She was born April 
1, 1818. Their five children were Christina Van 
Ness, born April 15, 1840, married James Mellen, Jr. ; 
Ermina Frances, died December 25, 1854, aged twelve 
years; Curtis Rockwell, died February 24,1876, aged 
thirty-one years ; Mary Lizzie, born December 7, 
1846, married Samuel Noyes, Jr. ; Edwin Alberto, 
died July 8, 1851, aged twenty -two months. 

Mr. and Mrs. Davis have passed nearly fifty years 



together, and have experienced many joys and many 
sorrows ; yet amidst them all each has been cheered 
and encouraged by the sympathy of the other, and 
now, at the twilight of life, they can look back to duties 
well performed and forward to the bright beyond. 

With all his devotion to business, Mr. Davis has 
not neglected his civil relations towards the place 
which has been his home from boyhood. He has 
kept pace with the growth of Cambridgeport, hav- 
ing been identified with its manufacturing interests 
for half a century, and is one of the solid men of 
that city. High-minded and honorable, he possesses 
the respect and esteem of the citizens. Unassuming 
and retiring in his manners, he has never sought 
oflice, but the office has sought him. His integrity 
and honesty of purpose have been shown in his meth- 
ods of business, and as director in the Citizens' Insur- 
ance Company, and also in one of the Cambridge 
banks for several years, he has proved himself qual- 
ified for important trusts. 

His political aflSliations from boyhood have been 
with the Democratic party, and the Jefiersonian and 
Jacksonian principles and methods as indorsed and 
carried out by President Cleveland find in him hearty 
support. He has been a member of the Common 
Council, served as alderman for two years and for 
three terms represented Cambridge in the State Leg- 
islature. 

Mr. Davis embodies and exemplifies those qualities 
which distinguish what we call our self-made men. 
He commenced life with no vices ; he was prudent, 
economical and temperate ; business success he pre- 
ferred to pleasure, and to his work he carried enter- 
prise, energy and will. He was essentially a moving 
force in his work, and this review of his life is of 
value to our young men, who can see from what Mr. 
Davis has achieved what can be accomplished by in- 
dustry, fidelity and an honest purpose. 

In all these years his heart has held a firm grasp of 
his native town, and the home of his parents has ever 
been tenderly cherished. He has a pride in its scen- 
ery, its associations and in the noticeable men it has 
produced, and Bradford has never had a native who 
more loyally prized its worth, or who, in the far-reach- 
ing realm of business, has done her greater honor. 



HISTORY OF CANTERBIIKY. 



,.«m,>hi 


«1— 


•iginal Grant-Towu 


rrivilcgea— Fii-st Si-KUmiiiii(s~ 




r I'i, 


R-is - Tii.liiin Tn.-ui-si 


HIS — Cnplure of .Inrkmaii ami 
lii'li^iii Trading Post-War of 
M.li-~ I'ompany -Captain James 



ThI'; town of Canterbury lies in the eastern jiart of 
the tiiunty, and is bounded as follows: 

North, by Northfiekl; east, by Helknap County 
and Loudon; south, by Loudon and Conrord ; wvsi, 
by Boscawen. 

This town was granted. May 20, ^727, to Richard 
\Valdron and a large number of associates, and em- 
Ijraccd, in addition to its present territory, the present 
towns of Loudon and Northfiekl. 

March 19, lr41, an act was passed granting the 
inhabitants town privileges. The original area of 
the town was increased, by an addition on the south- 
west side, June 13. 1765. It retained this area until 
January 23, 1773, when Loudon was set off, and June 
1!', 1780, it was still further decreased by the incor- 
poration of the northwesterly part of the town as 
Northfield, Rockingham County. A small portion 
of the town was annexed to Concord, June 2, 1784, 
and a small portion was also annexed to Loudon, 
January 7, 1853. 

Settlements were made here soon after the granting 
of the town, in 1727; but in consequence of its ex- 
posed condition on the frontier, it was slowly settled. 
Among the early settlers were James Scales, Thomas 
Clough, Thomas Young, James Gibson, William 
(tlines, Ezekiel Morrill, Samuel Ames, Joseph Sy- 
nionds, John Moor, Richard Blanchard, Jeremiah 
Clough, Josiah Miles, Ephraim Clough, Samuel Shep- 
herd and Samuel Sias. 

Indian Incursions.— The early settlers of Canter- 
bury were not exempt from Indian depredations. 
For a long series of years the country was in a con- 
stant state of alarm, and various towns, or settlements, 
and Canterbury among the number, erected garrison- 
houses, where the whole settlement would gather in 
lime of danger. In 1757 five Indians appeared near 
(he house of Thomas Clough, which they entered, 
and took from it a small quantity of meal ; Imt their 



object being to take captives, they concealed them- 
selves behind a log fence. They soon perceived a 
young lad, mimed Moses Jackman, a neighbor of Mr. 
Clough, and Dorset, Mr. Clough's negro man. They 
gave chase and captured them. They were taken to 
Canada. After a tedious cajitivity, Jackman was 
released in 1761, and returned. The colonel man was 
redeemed for a sum of money paid by Mr. Clough. 
While returning from captivity he lost both his feet, 
but was comfortably supported by Mr. Clough till his 
death, which occurred at an advanced age. 

At the time of the capture of these young men 
Mrs. Clough, also, came near falling into the hands 
of the Indians. On that same day she went from the 
garrison to her house to bake and prepare for the 
return of the family. Going directly to her meal- 
chest, she discovered traces of Indians. She stepped 
to the door and called loudly for the boys. She fled 
to the garrison, screaming as she ran, and gave the 
alarm. All exertions to recover the captives, how- 
ever, were in vain. 

During another incursion Shepherd and Blanchard, 
two of the settlers, were surprised a short distance 
from the garrison-house by a party of seven Indians 
who rose from behind a log within a few feet 
of the whites. Both parties fired. Shepherd 
escaped, but Blanchard was mortally wounded. 
During the hostilities this garrison-house, or fort, 
was garrisoned by a company of volunteers and 
wiis the headquarters for the various scouting- 
parties who ranged in search of the enemy be- 
yond the line of settlements. This company was 
(•ommanded by Captain Jeremiah Clough. There 
was a trading-post in this town in the early days for 
traffic with the Indians, and the following, concern- 
ing this traffic, was voted by the (ieneral ("ourt, in 
1743: 

"In the House of Eeiir9si-ntativc5 X' the 'i2'i 1713 

" Voted That M' Jotham Odioin J' & M' Ilunking Wentwoith lie a 
Coniittcc to Pnrcliase tbii-ty iKnnuis wortli of Goods to Send u,i to Cnn- 
terbury for a Sujiply to Trade with the Indians which Shall bo laid out 
in the following Manner viz' 

"for Rum :i 15 

for Blankets In 

fur Cloth Suitable for Indian Stoekiugs :i ir. 

for Linen for Shirts !> n 

221 



MACK COUNTY, NEW HAMl'SHIRK 



" And that thp Treasurer pay the gaid Sum of thirty 
Said Coniittee for tlie Ends afuresiid out ut ll..' M.>ri.-y ih: 
tlio TnyiBury for Contingencii's aftei lli. in-t il,(\ nt i 
And whi-n Slid Comittee imve purchiis.il _ .1 ih. v ^tv 
Same to the Town of Canterbury A It'll* ' I Un-m i M 

the Pay in furs .Vr ;.i ^k. Ii I'n.-- ^i- -Ik. II i- -. i i . - " i 

that the Comitl..- I i.ii...l n. Il.iiiiu ih. •.•• I- * 

Prices that are S. I h> Ih- M.i--... '..i- ii- • .-> .■ i. ". i i 



The following is the roll of Cnptaiii James 8hep- 



Scales, Johu P. Sweat, Abraliaui T. Sweat, JttuieB Urali, Jolui Kuberl^on, 
Knocli *i8Uop, Jolm Lapi»li, Stephen ISctUcl, Joseph Farnum, lienj" 
Heath, liSiaf Fitts, J.:.l.-.liali Pnnf.ii-.I .I.is.iih Mc-ko.™,-, Epbraiiu Davia, 



War of the Revolution.— The town of Canterbury 
respoiitleil promptly to the colonial cause, and the 
record of its soldiery during that arduous struggle is 
an honorable one. In the first two years of the war 
there were thirty-one from this town in the service. 
The officers were Captain Jeremiah Clough, Captain 
James Shepherd, Lieutenant Joseph Soper, Lieuten- 
ant Laban Morrill and Dr. Josiah Chase. Most ot 
those from this town were under command of Captain 
Clough, who " first dared to lace tlie English troops 
in the vicinity of Boston." Captain Shepherd ami 
his command were iu the battles of Bennington ami 
Saratoga. 

The whole number of soldiers from this town was 
about seventy. Of these, one was killed and six died. 

The following is the roster of Captain Clough's 
company, August 1, 1775: 

Lieu'. ; .loBiah < Ii:.s.-, ^. I i.nt < i^ I . i i..![im. ~,!..i.i i,.i.,ii,... 

Heath, SorjenI : ■ - ..h ,.| ., -. • • i •■ . l 

.Foseph (llougti, t '..I |.i , >,.ii.ih I ll.\ir '. !■ \.ii.,', I ,, K.t , . ..(J 






Tayl. 



l);ui 



T. I'i' 
mt 1/ 



Ward, Tone Boston, Privaten." 

Captain Clough was of ( ':i 
Sanborn of SaMbornloi, and I 
Northficld. 

Among other soldiers from this town were Edmund 
and David Colby, Samuel Danford, Phineas Fletcher, 
Nathaniel and William Glines, William- Rhines, 
Micliael Sutten, Merrill Shcjijiard ami William 
Walker. 



Lovit Clough,' Ueury Clough, iloiekiali young, I 
I.'laclier, .Iu»eplt Sanborn, Jeremiah Ladd, Ben.): 
Widier, Edniond Kizer. Br-ii.inui.ui Siiuboni, > 
wealis, Williaui V. ■ I ,i i -> i 1. . -i:!' i 
("urry, Jonathan w i i . w , r. i i 

Ulancliard, Jo.l I n i M 



"■l'..il . ; : , I :..ii;,l SticUuey 

Reguujii l.ik' u li,\ U-, .i.iiu' ^li._|Mi.l, . ..i.i' l.jii. I! iii.jMjIl, Ijivt James 
Glines, Li\ I JureuLiah ILnket, Eji". 

•' the Number of Guns in the Second Company is y6 iu Number." 
I 'ANTKTiBriiY •' TRATX -HAND" ASP "AT.ARM LIST." 



Witche 
David 



Soyor, Nathaniel 



\ w illl.ini Glinee, Benjmin Blauchard, Lieu'Charls 

.1 I .1. lI'Mtli, Shubal Derhon, Ensi .\rchehiU8 mile^. 

I!..|urn " F'er Me, Ebwakd Bl,.4NcH>Rn. r„,,)„ii,." 

ENLISTMENTS. 1776. 

"Canterhury, September y*" is"., ITTti. 
3 .Sul«criberB tio hereby Ingago our selves In the C(.nt[rii.|ilal 
1 forthwith to March to New York and joyn the C..iitiMciital 
e ami Ciuitinue therein untill the first day of Deeciiili.r .N. ,\t 
iner Discharged. 

" SaiiiM.-l (Jerrish, Joshua W.'elis, 



r'ANTKKlUTRY. 



223 



"A i;.tii[ii Ml ilh N.iiiu'sot' tlio Coutiueiitiil ijolUiore litlisk-d fur Hit- 
'.'w ri ..( r.MiirHMir_\ III (hu State of Now Hamiis' for the 'IVnn of Thrcf 

JmIiii MoMiii, uf Ciiuterbtiry (Tho Capi irnknown). . . . 1 

Hlkiiis Mnort- (rupt iiobbenson) 1 

I'ai-sMii Kiisliriiiri I 

iJ.'orj^i! Slu'iH-nl (in i'ap'StouesCompmiy) I 

Kobort Hastings I ■ 

Jame^Uastingt) f I 

NichoIaH Hall I 

Joliu Ko«inp (ill CaptOrnys Company) 1 

An.livw liouiii- 1 

Al.mrKnul.T T* 

Tlinrii:i,s ll..it iiii ('apt Livermoro''sComiMtiiy) 1 

Wnltcr Mains (in ('apt Frye's Company) 1 

Prince Tboinpson 1 

Ebeni'x'Vaniuni of Conway (in CaptLivennorc-'sCuniijanj) 1 

Pratt Chase, of Concord 1 

Loyd Jones 1 

William Walker (in Capt Fryi''s Company) I 

Aaron Habt,of BoBcawen (the Captuiu ITnUnuwn) . ... 1 

John Mills, of Nottingham 1 

" X.VTii GUNES, CaI'I Fa\K, Cump Cuntin.-ntiil Sol.li.-rs 
"Sami'kl Danpord, Buscnwen IMili-" 

"Pursuant to the precept from the Honomail I i im i ; i . . i 

Vv do hereby make a true Return of the Ai > M hn i - i 

Iwy bcin^ Inlistt-d for theTnwn of Canterbmy uit-l .ni,,!, ,.i N, ^^ ILunp 

" James Shei-aud, i 

" Edward Blanciiarp, / ^'"i^'*'""--"' 

"CANTEunuitv, .Inly 4"', ITSO. 

" We the BubBcribers hereby acknowledge to have Voluntarily onlistod 
' serve the United States of America for three Months from the time « c 
luill Join the Army of the s^ Unitetl States at the pla<'e aptiointed for 
LendesvoUB by the Currimamier in I'hief t)f wiid Anny. 

" Witness onrllamie- 



"Castehbiky, 24"' Jxily, 1781. 
" We whose Names are underwritten hereby acknowledge to have 
lentarily inlisted to serve as Militia in tlie Continental Army for the 
■m of three IMcnths from the time of our joining said Army On the 
couragement given by the Town of Canterbury at a Muster for the 
rptise of raisings'' Men, And engage to equip, and march whenever 
' shall rereive ordei-s. 



CHAPTER II. 

CANTERBURY— (C'o«(/,i,,€./). 

Tuwn-House— Vote for Organization of Loudon I'ariBli— Petition for 
Same— Town-Meeting of 177:)— Officers Elected— Various Resolutions, 
etc. — Northlield Incorpoi-ated- Petition to lie annexed to Hills- 
borough County— Ratable Polls in 17R7— Ivln.aticmal Interests—Phy- 
sicians— Longevity — Pojndation- 

The Town-House.— As the history of the Canter- 
burv town-house is a record of the historic first 



meeting-house, it is deeineil advisable to treat it in 
detail. The following sketch of this historic build- 
ing is from the pen of Miss Mary E. Clougli, being 
ail able address delivered by her at the (Icdicadoii nf 
the present town-house, in l>i>! 1 : 



! tluin they kn 



-house is done, viz. 



■■ \ ,- |.| ri A I I n.i ti' for the inside finishing. The pew- 

piil.lh I. 11. hi, i:,i. I, yu, 1,,,-ri, iniisl. witliin Iwo y,-ar8, build his pew 
iu alinjiilsonie and worlilnan-lilie n.:iiiii. i I iihi,_ i ■ 1.. IliiB he forfeited 
Ills pew-ground, or if he neglected !■ I 1 " ' ' ,' i '^" Lzronnd at tlH- 
spfcifiod time, it becanic again the i" i I I'' I I Mr. in*. 

The house was ready for occuparn_\ in t),, nnin i IT'-';, fortherec- 

ords give, under date of .\ugust 0, the folio" i if^ : 

"•The committee to receive the meeting-house, having first viewed 
and found it finished according to a vote of said proprietors, at said Can- 
terbury, the 21st of September, 1743, have this day received the same for 



the 1 



> of the proprietors and inhabitants of said Canlerbur 

*"J.\MES TilNDSKV, 1 
' Signed, 



Thomas Ct.oitou, ^ OommiUM.' 

'.loiiN Gibson, j 

"The house asthusfiuishedseems to have served the double purpose of 

■hurcli and town-house, without change, up to the year 17S.''i, at which 

time tlie matter of repairing or Imildinp new wju* brought up. We will 

my, in passing, that this was not the first meeting-house in town ; the 



HIS'I'OHV (»F MKi;i!IMA('K ("OUNTY, XKW II AM I'SHIKE. 



carliust uuc, built in 17m, stood un tlio hill bu^uiid wlioru Juliu I*. Kim- 
bull now livetj, was mado of logH and was duubtlegg a riidc atfair. 

" Tbc tKM.'Oiid and tliinl articles ju the town-meeting warrant of Febru- 
ary 1,1785, are to (tee if tho inhabitants will take any measures for repair- 
ing the niet-ting-houtic, and if so how much thoy will do towards repair- 
ing ami nnishing it, and if not, see if they will take it down and build a 
now one. At tho meeting called by this warrant it was voted t«i raise 
money for repairing ; also to move it across the road northerly, jiruvided 
it be done by subscription. 

•• The orisiual site waa within the present limits of the burying ground. 
Also voted ' to shingle and clapboard the fireside of the meeting-house, 
ami clupboiird the west end and i-epair the oast end and lay tho gallery 
Itoor and jxit rai Is on the breast of the galleries and put pillars under the 
g.illery girths.' 

"The wurk do'^s ti ,t iji . r,i t Iim,' l.ecn effected at this time, for again, 



• pew-holdors shall jwy 



he same year money that came from the sale of pew- 
disposed of, and from the sale of several pews, was voted 
r hvM pnnhea, one at each end. Again, the 22d day of the 

it^ ^ M [K.uiuis was voted for reiiaiiB. This seems to have 
1' . Ml 1 i!j<' then old bouse was not disturbed again by 
u, i iMtiii.i.T for uvtT thirty years. 



) effect.' Latere 



pow-hold 



town-house and adopt i 

in ' a committee was apiwintt^d to confer witli 
what tonus they will relinquish their right as 
pew-hol.l. t- .\I;in h J Mil, the same year, it was voted that 'the tuwn- 
houisc Ik- I .1 1. I M nil III 1 1 II ity rods of tho old meeting-house, that the ul<l 
meetiii--ii n~. i . ut 1 u u tu one stoi-y, moved and finished lor a town- 
houB'.'.iiri iiui.iiti'ii 111, It _'Mr. Grecnough,' (ItlchardGreenough),—' after 
the timber nrc».-!>s:iry for silling and drawing said house shall be provid- 
ed by the town, and .also after tho lower part of said house slmll he 
cleared out by the town— shall cut said house down to one story, new 
the place where the com 
expense, which 
ough ;' jilso votod*thatacommitteeofsi 
.\nd HO it would.seem as if the matter 
not 60 ;a petition of thirty ■iimi n _ 
iug the 18th of the following; \; il . 
also to sec if the town will \. I i 



work until the committee to locate shall report.' We 
the town clerk ever attended to this duty or that the y 



i thought I 
engaged in 



, JMr. I'atrick was great-giandfuther of the Cody 
. about the year 1823, when tho building was 



J the meeting-house, the south meeting-house and the ^ 



■ed to the youn;; people that rcligie 



cords of fire-wood. 
a Sunday. 



luiv i|. Ni tu twenty-hvo cents), 
Il I 1 in- .uws pastured and his 
• \- t > .-.iljiy was seven hundred 
i»L- ui tlie itarsonago and thirty 
, had six bushels of Indian corn 



11- fur ihr last I 



Nty > 



order to lit it for town purposeM called out pr*. 
special meeting upon special meeting. The more 
spare it ; tho radicals tear it down. The matter 
>ear8 before anything deflnifi' m-ivs ncr-ntuplislind 



in couree of building, 
• (luaint^ old-fash iiu led 
il from hehiud the rml 



CANTKUBUKY. 



muutiiigslux;ks for another lilty yean* j the spsicc uiKh-riiualh wi 
nitth u waim md con eiucnt hI oltcr foi howps thio igh tho long i 
olourUeak wmtcre (wo will 1 onoiahly t\cojt I tl 

Thiirwl i> o\ L unj; t irnishe 1) It m ruw I ui 1 I 

of u 1 1 joctiig v\ 8ti\eit II o loin nil 



;s siis[ cioumI} gold n 
of tho b \^xi id H1 1 



" ^ ' ! i iits of history may form a truer idea of its ageand 

l> I I I ] I. in walls and fresh paint if we glanco briefly at 

111 ■ ^ I '- '' '' 'i iK' 11 place in our nation since its heavy timbt-ra were 

lii-t III ill >i.l riation, bnt yoH will observe that we were Uritish 
snl.j. . 1^ I .: II; ii; ■ luiiity years of its oxistfnco. Tt aviis a youthful 
.sii.xi.itor ii, (lu 1 1. iicliaiid Indian V.'^\v Tf ^il.-ntlv witnessed the up- 
rising when the odious Stump Act U.I I I II ' t' t (\ laidonteaand 
glaas, and it saw seventy brave men II i nlrd town leave 
their homes and families to tight til. i; n, Imp nn^ i iiil.-s. Tt was past 
tho age for doing military service wli.-n tin- \V;n ni isi.i took other strong 
men to the defense of imtiunal rights. Again, in 1861, when our nation 
was startled by tiie report of bloodshed at Fort Snmter, it was worn and 

was made after another, nnlil it saw about one hundred and forty of our 
gallant sous go forth to quell the civil strife. It has taken part in twenty- 
seven exciting Presidential campaigns. It stood here in silent wonder 
while all the world talked of the first locomotive and steamboat, of the 
telegraph, the ocean cable and the telephone. 

" History repeats itself, and human nature will be human nature to the 
end of all time ; so in onr town-house story, tliero came another year, 
lS;t3, when some thought tho house needed repairing again, and the fol- 
lowing year there began a war, which, in tho to-be-wiitten history of 
Canterbury, may be known as the third town-liouse war. The active 
bi-ains of active men set to work devising the best plan for getting a sub- 
stiintial house. These timbers were examined and found firm and sound, 
—good for another half century,— so, as twice^before, the old fnuue was 
spared. Now for the repairs. One party would have the outside made 
rnin-in-oof and the inside remain intjict ; a sr-cond tbouLjht it hvUw to re- 
new both outside and inside, letting; rh^ i-nillMi- -i.nul .n ih. unr tV-uu- 
dation; some wouldraise it a few Ir. I, iii : :i; i i .mlon 

aline with the church; the part> li * | i i \|Mri-ill 

originating the plan) wouldruiscit'.'ii i:_li [ I Miin i ii i il under- 
neath, and put the whole building in gou'l cuiiditiun. 

" The work is done, and all now seem inclined to adopt the spirit of the 
proverb, 'All's well that ends well,* and so amiable and sensible a way 
have our people of submitting to the inevitable that the current of good- 
will seems now to flow on as smoothly as if nothing had ever disturbed 

"A good word for our now building will not, we trust, bethought out 
of place here. You remember how the early chroniclers use<l to ride on 
horseback from town to town and snatch history as it was making and 
write it down while it was yet in the heat of action and taking shape 
l>efore their eyes. It would have been indeed a cheerful task in this 
way to have watched the progress of the work, but, unfortunately, we had 
no saddle-horse, and home duties prevented uafrom acting on the before- 
connnittee, so our opportunity to view the building came last week, when 
we took an hour from the study of musty record-books for this purpose. 

" We were firet shown to the basement. Hero the foundation appears 
firm and solid enough to resist the effects of rain and frost and March 



^\ ^1 I li I 

) ass irL o Noh oc th it ^ t ire st 
L VI il 01 bricis re ins igj 
.r\ii„ ts 1 1 nl to coi i cct the 



With tl e I resent -tl e 11 vtith tl 
c with I istory m I with tho [last fur this cion 



" Many who have been actors in this work have toiled up the eastern 
slope, the meridian sun has shone on them and now they are fast de- 
scending the westward side of life. The young men are coming to the 

" Would that it were in the jwwer of pen and voice to speak to-night words 
that should echoand re-ecbodown theyeara. They would urge you to copy 
only the virtues of the men whoso work we have been reviewing. They 
would entreat you to form correct ideas of truth, of honor, of honesty, of 
temperance, of morality and of religion. Tboy would stsk yun, with all 
earnestness, to banish from political contests bribery and evtM'ytlitiig 
dishonest and dishonorable. They would beg you to regard tho motto, 
so fitly chosen, ' Peace be within thy walls, ' jis a prophecy of a new and 
better day, for the fulfillment of which you are indiviilually responsible. 

"Would that it were urn- t- ni-hi i- .|. .iji ,,i. ih, -, ^^:^]\s to pure po- 
litical sentiment and actimi i IJ ■ i > i | . . I, i : n . ^ ut iunnKemenls, 
to social intercourse (divr-t. I i m m .; i: ;ni ; -h, tolii;,'b inU-l- 

lectual culture, to what.v.i i-im. .kiI :. ll. u, l _ I :ind true ; and, 

if ever tho house goes back tu its piiinitivc use, t.. tli.- tiiic :ind revi-ivnt 
worship of God ! " 

The first move for the dismemberment of the old 
town was the following vote in 1722 : 

"At a Regular Town Meeting held at the Meeting House in Canter- 
bury on Monday y*> 5^*^ day of October 1772 — Then Agreable to the 
fourth article in the above Warrant — 

''Voted that the Southeasterly end of the Town of Cauterbnry be Set 
off as a distinct Parish, begining at the corner of tho Town, at tho bucks- 
horn beach tree, then runing Southwest acrost the Easterly end of 
Said Town to that corner bound— then Northwest upon the line between 
Canterbury and Bow, five Miles— then Northeast to Gilmantown Line- 
then southeast to the first bounds mentioned. 

"A True Coppy taken from Canterbury Town Records 

" Per Me Arcuelaus Moore Toirn Clei-k. 

" Cauterburj' December y«> 26tJ» 1772." 

The following ia the petition for the parish : 

"To his Excellency John Wentworth Esq' Governor and Commander in 
chief in and over his Majesty's Province of New Hampshire The 
Honorable his Majesty's Council and House of Representatives in 
Genei-al .\ssembly convened the 5*^' day of January, 1773 
"The Petition of the Subscribers Inhabitwnts of the North Eiiift part 
of Canterbury in siiid PiovIikl- Imnibly -^iMweth 

"That your r, i in.ii. i li\ ■ n ili. li-i,,-,. i ,.r ton and twelve Miles (as 
the Roads n<>" -■ i; i I ^l i ■■ 'i m -aid Town That the Roads 

are very bad ;ui I I i ;> i ii -reat ditTicuUy attend the 

public worshii. .1 -. I til. 1 n i .hmhU. .ii.iii-; of the Town for which 
reason tht^y have pcti(i.'ind lb- sai.l T.-wn for their leave to be set off 
into a distinct parish inconsequence of which the said Town have voted 



HISTOllV OK MKKKIMACK COUNTY, NEW llAMPSHIKE. 



at public Town iiieotiug as follows viz*. ^Vot«d that tlio South Easterly 
end or the Town of Ciutterbui-y be set off as a distiuct pariah bcgining 
ttt the Corner of the Towu at the Buckshorii Beech Ti-e© then nuining 
Southwest acroai the liaaterly end of said Town to that corner Bound 
tlien Northwest upon the Line between Canterbury and Bow, five Milu« 
thou Xoilh EaBt ti. Gilniautou Liue then South Ka>it to tlio th-st Bunnds.' 
Wli.'ur.M yu\ P< tiiloiit-rs humbly pray Ihiil _\iiiii Mm i'1I'-im y jiimI 

II I - \*. i.ii -IV. v"i'' ''t-'titioners liberty to iinic- m ^ r.iii im n.ii 

ill- ,1 .ii-iiiL> I i',,M-h uiih the Privilegesof otln-i i'.Mi-ip- in (Ik. I'l.iv 
ill. .■ \Mii,ir, !Im I I. ml- .1 1. .ix'said. And your p.'tiii-n.i'v;!-- in ilui.v i"-iiiiii 

Ml, II 1',. Ill Hi, hiiiti.d BacheMor, Ezokiel MorrUI, Jun', Marston 
M.n.il I iii 1 ;.l. I K iliriH, Nath' Batchehler, Sainuel Banforth, licnrv 



' Voted to give tlie Collector Six S 



Proprietors i'ui -. 
jidjourned tc tin 



of August next two oclock after- 
ly on the forth Bay of August tht- 
uui^e according to nfUournmcnt i^ 

Augnst S oclock the forenoon at 



(•tors be further adjourned t( 
I- oclock affernoon—ou the f 
s of Canterbury i 



•lied to the tirat Wednesday of Jiinowary Ne 



Churles Sias, 



ify'd 



II. 'II., 11 1 I, ■ ,1 , r -iirw no Cause why the South Easterly 

ICihl . 1 I iiii 1,1 I t Mff iia a Distinct Parish according 

tu tlic I'liiii'ii 1- 11 I I t. 1. yniL 11, , Hours for that pmimse — 
" John Hoyt. ] 

"William Ellison, !««'«'"»««/'»• 
"Jonathan Clovoh, J Oanterburv. 
"Canterbury, Jan. 12*'', 177:t." 

The parish was set off by an act of the General 
Assembly, passed January 23, 1773, and erected into a 
parish by the name of Loudon. 

Towii'Meeting in 177^. 

*'At a Meeting of the Proprleiors of Canterbury Huld at the Meeting 
house In &"* Canterbury on Day of may 1773 

" M' Ezekiol Morrill chosen Moderator for s'' Meeting David Furster 
Chosen Clerk to s^ Proprietors — 

*' Voted Tn Chus.! a Committee to Serch thf Pn'pri.tois I^.u.ks ..f 
Kotorda to Sft^ if tluTc be iiiiy oiiiissiuii ur Mistak. s in (Ij. n, a r., i \,Mi . i 



'lay uf January the X'roprietore afoi*'i mot according U> 
\ utud iw folio weth 

lur Ilov-i Abiel Forster bo a committee man or agent to 
un to the General Court & to lay their Proprietors Books 






t the £ 



" Thu nii;uting aijjourned to the iirat Wednesday of April Next at o 
oclock afternoon 

"A True Coppy Test Daviu FoRSTEa Prop elk 
Power of Attorney gi'atited to John Meloutj. 
^'■Whei-em an advertisement has appeared in the Now Ilampshi 
Gazotti- of the ridU' uf July 177:J N-difyinj,' the Pruj.ii.-toi-w .>r <'aiiterl.ii 



Therefure Wi; do appoint John Melony of (.'uulti 
to be our Lawful Attorney in our Uehalf &. stead t 
and there to vote according to our Interest (in tht 



mitteu apply to the General Court if it shall be tound Necessary lor 
Power to Kecord any of 8*^ Proprietors Papers which have heretofore 
been neglected— 

'* Voted Colo John Gage Archelaus Moore & m' Asa Forster Committee 
for that purpose — 

" Voted Jeremiah Clough Esq' Cap John Gage & ni' Asa Forater be a 
Committee to Settle accompts with any person or Persons who have 
Traiisai^twl any business for s"* Proprietore which liave not yet been 
Settled with— 

" The meeting adjourned to SecomI wednesdiiy in June Next at one 

"ut a meeting of the Proprietors of Canterbury held by adjournment 
at the meeting house in s^ Canterbury on Wednesday 0*'' of June the 
following Votes ware pas'! — 

'* Voted that John Grirje Jtm' Esq' be Ctioson a Committoo man in the 
Room of his li.ur' r iMj. i ''I .T.I.ii Cage who is unable to attend the 



Voted \ 



Charges of til' < 

to Itnisc the iibu 

•' Voted that ii 

mentioned Kate 



r rit'- Asa Forster & David Forster be a 

iiM-H for the future— 

|.ii.-loi-s Shall be Called upon Aplica- 

■ -lins Shall be Published in the New 
Milting house in s'l ('auterbury — 
,M «-ach original Right to Defray the 
iiH;ile8into Execution— 
'billing meetings bo also 






one tho 



and !. 



"witness for Jon* Warner ¥&^\^ 
Chas. K. Warner 

No riglits 
Tho Davis 1 

Seth Jacobs for Nath" Loniex 1 

right 
Sam' Emerson 1 right 
Kphraim Davis! right 
Geo : JaftVey 1 right 
H Weutwoith -1 Itiu'bts 
Jonallniii \\:u.,. 1 '1 Ki^hls 
Join. rrnl,.,il..u 1 i;,_l,N 



Wn» Appletou \ right 



N" rights 
James Davis 1 
Samuel Davis 1 D" 
Sarah Hicks \ 
Joseph Hicks PKightB 
John Woodman 2>iJ Rita 
Jonathan Woodman IJ^ rights 
Smith Emei-son 1 right 
Simon Rondel one Kit & a ball 
Benj Jones three Rights 
W» Jenkins one Kit 
Richd Jenness one Right 
Robert Leathera 1 Right 
Joseph Stevens I Right 



" Province ot 
Newhampshiri 

Straflbrd ss 



august y<= loih 1773 Then Jam" Davis Sami Davie Thoi 
Davis Seth Jacobs Sam' Kniei-son Ephraim Davis Wh 
dow Sarah Hicks & Joseph Hicks all above and Witln 
Appeared Before me the Suliscriber and Acknow 



edged the Within Written Instrument t 



aug*t iti^ 1773 Thou John Woodman, Jonatlum 
Woodman, Smith Emerson, Simon Rendell, Benjamin 
Jones, and William Jenkins acknowledged tlie ahu\ e 
iiHul to be their free act and deed 

" Before Ebenezek Tuomi-son Jus Peace 



F 



CANTEKBURY. 



227 



w Hamp' I Russell 
LiDgbam ss befon- 



■ before 1 



Daniel Rogers J« 



■ Tlion Jonathpvn Wai-ner and Peter Gilmau Esci"- aud Wm Appleton 
pvisoiially appeared before me aud acknowledged the witbin Instru- 
liiunt by them Subscribed to bo their free act & Deed 

" Daniel Rogers Just Peace 



' Province of 



New Mamp' J Augt20, 17";i then Richard JeneBS and Robert Leathei-s 
iil^teared Before me and acknowledged their Instrument to be their free 
:u t and Deed 

"Joseph Atkinson* Jus' Peace 

" Province of 1 August the 21" 1773 Then m' Joseph Stevens pereon- 
New Hampr L ally appeared & acknowledged the foregoing Instrument 
Strafford ss I to be his act and Deed 

** before me Js" Sullivan Jus* peace." 
Pi-omedinge of Towii-Meeling, 1773. 
"On the Twenty fifth day of August instant the Proprietorsof Canter- 
bury being Legally Woi'iied Met at ye meeting house in Said Town and 
PasM the following Votes Viz— 
"r.'(f.(/ That John Gage Esq'' bo Moderator for s^ meeting 
" Vo/ti/ To Prosecute a writ of Review in the Action originally Brought 
by RiL-h'd Mclony of the County of Clare in the Kingdom of Ireland 
against George Kezzer of Uampstead in the County of Rockingham for 
Two forty acre Lots in Canterbury So far as Sixty Dollars will go— 

" Voted To Raise Sixty Dollars Toward Defraying Charges of the above 
Lawsuit — 

'* V:Ud that' John Gage Esq' be a Committee man or agent to Prosicute 
the above said action & to take Care of the above s*i money — 

" Voted that John Gage Esqf hire said Money aud the Proprietors pay 
him the Interest for the same till it Can be Uais'd— Then the Meeting 
ad.iourued to Wednesday the Sixth Day of October Next two o'clock 
ufleruoon — 

" The Same Day John Melouy Objected To the Foregoing Proceedings 
in Behalf of himself and a number of 
PropritorB absent as Illegal 

" Canterbury august y« 25'*" 1773 
"A True Coppy 

"P' uie David Fobster Prop Clk. 
" On the Sixth Day of October the Proprietors affor 511 Meet at the 
meeting house aforesaid according to adjournment and Voted as foUoweth 



" Voted that LotN»5in the forty acre Lots shall be Returned to Daniel 
Davis for his first Division Lot— 

" Voted To Establish & Confirm the Transactions of former Votes and 
former Committees Except those Imployed in Chichester Lawsuit — 

" Voted That Ephraim Clough be a Collector to gether the above 
Rates— 
"Canterbury October y 6'i> 1773— 
"A true Coppy P^ me 

" David Forster Prop. Clerk." 



Report of Committee ReUttic 



! letic 



: Canterbury and Chichester^ 



"The return of the division Line between Canterbury old Town & a 
Parish proposed to be set off at the North west part of s^ Town, run by 
the Subscribers a Committee chosen for that purpose. — Begining at a 
Beech Tree standing by the southeast corner bound of a hundred acre 
Lot in the second hundred acre division laid out to Joseph Dearborn 
numbered forty two ; runing south seventy seven degrees west, to a 
"White Pine spotted standing by the turn of the River above Gerrishes 

" Canterbury June 24* 1779 

" Edward Blanchard 



5 Coppy s 



Arckelaus Moor Town Clerk.' 



Abstract of Abner Miles' Petition, Soldier, 1778.— 
In a petition dated November 2, 1778, Abner Miles, 
of Canterbury, yeoman, state.s that he "Turned nut 



as a Voluutier in the service of his Country on the 
Expedition to Rliode Ishind under the command of 
Capt. Benj" Sias & served there untill tlio Company 
Came otr the Island ; " was taken sick and confined 
at the house of Joseph Goffe, at Rehoboth, and re- 
mained there until September 24, 1778. lie asks 
that the bill of said Goffe, amounting to £39 14«. 
lawful money, and the bill of Dr. Joseph Bridgeham 
of £9 6s., may be paid by the State, and the said bills 
were allowed by the committee on sick and wounded 
soldiers. Miles also states that he lost a horse valued 
at two hundred and fifty dollars in the service at 
Rhode Island, and Captain Sias certifies to said loss ; 
aud Miles introduces the following to prove the 
value thereof, which was sworn to before Archelaus 
Moore : 

" CANTERBt'RY March y« 8" 1779 
" We Jeremiah Ilacket aud Obcdiah Clough both of Canterbury being 
appointed by the select men of said Canterbury, to apprize a Horee which 
.\bner Miles of said Town Rode to Rhode Island ajid Lost Last august 
when he went a Volenter in Cap< Siases Company under Col" Moses 
Nichols in Gen' Whiples Brigade— We therefore agreeable to the trust 
Reposed in us do truly honestly and Impartily apprize Siiid Horse to tho 
best of our Judgment at £75, Lawful Money as witness our hands 
"Jeremiah Hacket 



"At i 



1779- 



) Canterbury." 
Annual Meeting held at Canterbury on tho ISib of March 



" Upon application of the Inhabitants of the Northwest part of the 
Town to be set off as a separate Parish— Voted to set off the s'l Inhabitants 
accordingly, and that Cap' Josiah Miles, David Foster, Cap' Edward 
Blanchard & En" Archelaus Miles be a Committee to run a Lino of 
division, & make return to the Town at the adjournment of this Meeting 
for their acceptance 

"A true Coppy attes' 

".4.RCiiELAi's JIooiiETown Cleik." 



ying 



For ST PR J 



The Number of Polls in Canterbury 21 years old & 
;homselvcB a Poll Tax for 1783—143 

Selectman for 
Canterbury." 
NORTHFIELD INCORPORATED. 
Petition for a Dimion of the Town. 
" State of Now Hamp' Rockingham ss. Canterbury March SO" A. I). 
1781) The Humble Petition of y Subscribers Inhabitants of y« North 
part of s" Canterbury to y« Honourable y» Presidant and members of 
Council & house of Representatives of Said State, we your Humble Pe- 
titioners Living at a great Distance from \"* Center (.fy^- Town Some of us 
at nine or ten Miles, & Consequently at a \. i \^i. u li . i, .mlage in Join- 
ing with them in all Publick Town aftaii - i I _ : ll'artlybyour 
Living in that Part of ye Town that wa> I , : ,■ was called y© 
upper Parish & Partly by ye Kind Rcc.-i.tin i;i I:. ,i;. i initi with which 
we made to ye Town for adismission but more Particularly by our Confi- 
dence in your Honours desire to Promote ye Happiness of every part of 
this State Humbly Pray that your Honours would take our Case into 
your Serious Consideration and grant that we togatber with all who Live 
in 8^ upper Part may be Erected & Incorporated into a body Politick .fe 
Corporate to have Continuance by ye name of Nolthfield— with all such 
Powers & Authorities Privileges Immunities and Franchises which other 
Parishes or Towns in this State in General hold & Enjoy which your Pe- 
titioners as is duty bound Shall forever pray 

"Willin Kenistone, James Blanchard, 
Daniel, Ben» Blanchard, Tho< Clomrb 
Blanchard, Simon Sanborn, Tho" Giliua-i, ' ' ■' ' '■ u, John Dear- 
born, Joseph Levitt, Shubal Dearborn. .):, \\ 1 ■ r >hubalDear- 
born, Jacob Morrill, Aaron Stevens, Jun', -mi >l;i -, I ,[i[i Forrest, Nat' 
whitcher, Tho' Clough, John Cross, Jon" W a.ll.i.ulj, .\lmor .Miles, Jacob 
Heath, George Hancock, John Simons, Joseph Hancock, Benj"* Collins, 



HSTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Abra" Dearborn, Will" Hancock, Nat' Perkins, James Lid Perkins, 
Archelus Miles, Edward Blanchard, Will" ad Perkins, David Blanchard, 
Aaron Stevens, Reuben Whitchor, Will's Sanborn, Job u M«Dauiel, Eben' 
Kimball, Gedeon Levitt, Matbiaa Ilaius. 

The petition was granted. The northwest part of 
the town was set off, and incorporated by the name of 
Northfield. 

Ptiition to be ameied to HilUborough County. 
"State of 1 To the Hon''i« the Senate & House of Representatives 
Kew Uanipshire. j of said State in General Court convened. 

"The petition of the Subscribere being Inhabitants of the town of Can- 
terbury iu the county of Rockingham humbly shews ; that they labour 
under great disadvantages, by reason of their distance from Portsmouth 
& Exeter where the Courts are held & publick records kept for said 
County— Wherefore they pray that the town of Concord in said County 
togather with the said town of Cauterbuiy may be annexed to the Coun- 
ty of Ilillsboro, k and that for the future half the Courts for said County 
of Hillsboro may be held at said Concord, and your petitioners, as in duty 
bovnd shall ever pray &c 

".T.i.iiniili rluiifli, ArchelauB Moore, Thomas Clough, David Morrill, 

>;,n, 1 II, I li ! M I :i,'.ii 1 Bartlett, John FoiTest (bis X mark), 

Iii\ I I h 11 .Sutton, Ezekiel Moore, John moore, 

J 1^ , , \' ■■ 1' I i.imin Sanborn, Zebadiah Sargent, Shu- 

IhihI ^iii!,, I II, I ill, ill >,iij. )ii, .li hn Carter, William Hazeltinc, Obadiah 
Hall, .Simuu KiiiiK's, Jubn B.jiin, Joseph Clough, John Moore, jr., 
William Foster, Jonathan Bradley, Hasten Morrill, Jesse Stevens." 
Orders from several Soldiers, 1781 to 1785. 

"Caxterbi'rv March 7'i' 1781. 
To Nicholas Oilman Esq' Treasurer for the State of New Hampshire. 
S' plase to pay the Select Men for Canterbury the Sum Total of what 
shall be made up to Us in the pay Roll as Soldiers in the Six Months Ser- 
vice the Summer past and their Receipt shall Answer the same to the 
Subscribers. 



■ Thomas Hoyt, 



Ebenezer X Chandler 



" Benjamin Glines Ebenezer foss 

'■ Thos. Hoit £0.17. t) — order granted & Roll signed by A Foster — T 

"Please to pay thi- ballance of the within order to Abiel Foster Es<i' 
"David Foster) Select Men 
" 0. MooNEY j for Canterbury " 

John Sutton, of Canterbury, in a similar order, 
directs his wages to be paid to Captain Laban Morrill, 
— amount £5 5s. 2d. 

Casterburt, March y« 31" 1783 
" To the Honorable Nicolas Oilman Esq' State Treasurer for the State 
of New Hampshire, Sir Please to pay my Honoured father John Olines 
of Loudon the wages Doe to me on muster Role ; made up by Cap* Eben- 
ezer Webster of Solsbury, for five months sen-ing as a Soldier under him 
at Coass, in the year A. D. 1782, and this Indorsed shall be a Discharge 
for said wages p' yours to Serve 

"Eu Glines." 

Samson Bates orders the amount due him for three 
months' service in Captain Nathaniel Head's com- 
pany to be paid to James Norris. Date, January 
15, 1785 ; amount, £4 16s. 4d. 

Thomas Curry orders the amount due him for three 
months' service in 1781 to be paid to David Foster. 
Date, November 7, 1785 ; amount, £5 15s. 5d. 

In a petition dated June, 1786, Noah Sinkler, of 
Canterbury, states " That when he was in the Con- 
tinental Army at St. John's in June, 1776, he re- 
ceived two musket Balls through his wrist, by means 
of which he then lost the use of his hand." He 
asks the Legislature to "grant him such relief as a 
faithful soldier mav dare lo ask, or his ill fortune 



The committee reported that he be enrolled at the 
rate of fifteen shillings per month from the time his 
pay ceased, which report wa.s accepted. 

Abiel Foster petitions, December, 1788, to have 
the wages of William Ervine, who was three months 
in the service as a ranger, in Captain Ebenezer Web- 
ster's company, at Coos, in 1782, and who had de- 
cea.sed, paid to him for the benefit of the town of 
Canterbury. Amount, £8 19s. 



Paper Money. 

"At a Legal Town Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitence of the 
Town of Canterbury held at the Meeting House in said Towuon Munday 
the fourth Day of September A. D. 1780, Proceeded as follows Viz— 

" Voted M' Gideon Bartlet moderator for the well Regulating Said 
Meeting — 

"Then it was put to Vote to See Wheather or no they would have a 
Paper Currancy Made or not, and better than two Thurds of the people 
Voted in the affirmative to have a paper Currancy made on Such footing 
as the General Court in there Wisdom Shall think best,— and the other 
part in the negative not to have a paper Currancy. 

"A True Copy attest. 

" AechelavS Mooee Town Clerk" 

Number of Ratable Polls in 1787. 

"These may Certify whom it may concern that the Number of Polls, 

paying Taxes in the Town of Canterbury being carefully Numbered by 

us the Subscribers do find the Amount Thereof to be Two Hundred and 

Sis as may more fully Appear by the Inventory of said Town for the 



'Obadiah Mooney 



urv Feb' 9»" 17! 



Schools. — Previous to the year 1781 schools were 
kept in private houses. In that year the first school- 
house was built, but it was not until 1793 that the 
town was divided into school districts. From this 
date educational matters received much attention, 
and before the year 1833 fifteen persons from this 
town had graduated from college, viz. : William 
Rolfe, graduated at Dartmouth in 1799; Ebenezer 
Greenough, Harvard, 1803 ; Samuel Haines, Dart- 
mouth, 1803; Jonathan Kitteredge, Dartmouth, 1813; 
Charles G. Haines, Middlebury College, 1816 ; David 
Ames, Dartmouth University, 1817; Asa E. Foster, 
Dartmouth, 1822; Abiel Foster, Dartmouth, 1823; 
Henry Clough, Dartmouth, 1823 ; Cyrus Parker, 
Dartmouth, 1824; Alfred Kittredge, Dartmouth, 
1827; Josiah Emery, Schenectady College, 1828; 
Adam Shepherd, Middlebury College, 1826; Galen 
Foster, Amherst, 1831; William P. Haines, Dart- 
mouth, 1831. 

Henry Parkinson, A.B., spent the latter part of his 
life in this town. He was a graduate of Princeton 
College, in 1765. He was a quartermaster in the 
Revolutionary War; died in May, 1820, aged sev- 
enty-nine. 

Physicians.— The first physician in Canterbury 
was Josiah Chase, who located in about 1762, and 
remained here about fifteen years. He was in the 
War of the Revolution, and was surgeon's mate 
under Colonel Stark at Bunker Hill in 1775. He 
moved to Maine, and was drowned in the Saco River. 

Jonathan Kitteredge commenced practice here iu 



CANTERBURY. 



229 



1788, and continued until 1810. He subsequently 
removed to Salisbury. 

Joseph M. Harper commenced practice here in 
1810. He was a prominent citizen and held various 
official positions. He was several years a member of 
the Legislature, and in 1831, while president of the 
Senate, he was acting Governor of the State, Gov- 
ernor Harvey having resigned. He was a member of 
the Twenty-second Congress, and re-elected in 1833. 
Other physicians have been Thomas Cobbett, R. S. 
ilorrill, etc. 

Numerous cases of remarkable longevity in thi.s 
town are mentioned. Captain John Palmer died 
here in 1846, aged one hundred and two years, and 
the last remarkable case was thatof the late Mrs. Lovey 
Glover, who lived to a very advanced age, some claim 
one hundred and three years and others one hundred 
and eight. 

J"or more than twenty years she prayed every 
morning and night that God would not allow her to 
become a pauper or be buried as one, and the intelli- 
gence of her death had no sooner got abroad in the 
town than the good people of Canterbury contributed 
a generous sum, which paid all the burial expenses, 
with some remaining over for the son. 

Population. — The population in 1790 was 1038 ; 
in 1800, 1114; in 1810, 1526; in 1820, 1702; in 1830, 
1663; in 1840, 1643; in 1850,1614; in 1860,1522; 
in 1870, 1169 ; in 1880, 1034. 



CHAPTER III. 

\NTERBURY— (Co7,(;«,,erf). 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTOKY. 



Cougregational Cliurch— First Free-Will BBptist Church— The 

Congregational Church.' — The first appropriation 
by this town for religious purposes was made in the 
year 1735. In 1742 the proprietors were taxed three 
shillings and nine pence each. 

The Rev. James Scales seems to have been the 
first minister of whose preaching at Canterbury there 
is any account. He graduated at Harvard College in 
1733 ; he removed to Canterbury, from Concord, about 
1743, in which year the town voted him twenty pounds 
for ministerial services. It is uncertain how long Mr. 
Scales preached in Canterbury, probably but a few 
years ; he was afterwards ordained the first minister 
of Hopkinton, where he died July 26, 1776. He was 
town clerk of Canterbury for several years, and seems 
to have taken a great interest in the affairs of the 
town. 

Some time about the year 1755 or 1756, the Rev. 
Robert Cutler preached in the town as a candidate, 
and received a unanimous call to settle there. In 



1 Bj- Hon. Lucien B. C'lough. 



the convention of ministers, held at Newmarket, 
September 28, 1756, this call was considered by a 
committee of the convention. This committee re- 
ported that " we utterly disapprove of your choice of 
Mr. Cutler for your minister," and with this disap- 
proval gave five reasons for it, either of which was 
good and sufficient. Mr. Cutler had previously been 
dismissed from the charge of the church in Epi)ing. 
The result was that Mr. Cutler was never settled 
over the church in Canterbury. 

Mr. Timothy Walker, of Concord, a graduate of 
Harvard College, in 1756 was employed as minister 
at intervals until 1760. Mr. Walker was licensed to 
preach at the association meeting held at Haverhill, 
Mass., September 11, 1759. It does not appear that 
he was ever settled over a church, but preached occa- 
sionally for about six years, supplying his father's 
pulpit in Rumford (now Concord) in 1762, while his 
father visited England, and also supplying other 
vacancies in the neighboring towns. Mr. Walker 
did not preach much after 1765, and in 1777 he was 
appointed justice of the Court of Common Pleas. He 
died in 1822. 

A call was extended, in 1760, to Abiel Foster, 
another graduate of Harvard College, a native of 
Andover, Mass., born August 8, 1735, and graduated 
in 1756, who was ordained at Canterbury January 
21, 1761, and preached there until 1779 ; he married. 
May 17, 1761, Hannah, daughter of General Joseph 
Badger, of Gilmanton. She died January 10, 1768. 
His second wife was Hannah Rogers, of Ipswich, 
Mass. In 1779, Mr. Foster retired from the ministry 
and entered on public business ; he was chief justice 
of Rockingham County, and Representative to Con- 
gress from 1783 to 1786, and re-elected in 1789. 
He was a member of the first, fourth, fifth and sixth 
sessions. He was a man of acknowledged ability and 
rendered important service to the town and State ; 
he died February 6, 1801. From this time, 1779 to 
1791, the church appears to have been without a 
settled minister ; several candidates preached to the 
people, but no one was selected until January 5, 
1791, when the Rev. Frederic Parker was ordained 
and installed over the church. He was born in 
Shrewsbury, Mass., May 4, 1762, and was graduated 
at Harvard College, 1784. After graduating he was 
employed as teacher in Portland, Me., for about 
two years, during which time it is said that he read 
the service in the Episcopal Church in that city. He 
afterwards became attached to the Congregational 
form of worship, and was ordained at Canterbury as 
above stated. His successor, the Rev. William 
Patrick, said of him, that " his religious sentiments 
were moderate Calvinism." He died at Canterbury 
suddenly, April 21, 1802. 

The Rev. William Patrick, the next settled minis- 
ter, son of John Patrick, was born in Weston, Mass., 
July 4, 1773, and graduated at Williams College, 
September, 1799. He read divinity with Rev. Charles 



230 



HISTORY OF MERKDIACK COUNTY, NKW HAMPSHIRE. 



Backus, of Somers, Conn. ; was licensed to preach in 
June, 1801 ; ordained and installed over the church in 
Canterbury, October 26, 1803. He was dismissed at 
his own reijuest November 22, 1843; he, however, 
continued to preach a part of the time for some years 
after his dismissal. He died at Boscawen, October 
25, 1862. His first wife was Mary Gerrish, daughter 
of Colonel Joseph Gerrish, of Boscawen ; his second 
wife wiisMary Mills, of Dunbarton. 

The successor of Mr. Patrick was the Rev. Howard 
Moody. He was born in York, Me., May 4, 1808. 
Until he became of age he pursued his studies in the 
common schools and with the educated ministers in 
his neighborhood. He commenced teaching in 1829 
and pursued this occupation for ten years ; entered 
the Gilmanton Theological Seminary, and graduated 
in 1843. Rev. Corban Curtis, who died at Tilton, 
January 19, 1881, was a classmate of Mr. Moody at 
the Theological Seminary. 

Mr. Moody was ordained and installed over the 
church November 22, 1843. He was dismissed at his 
own request December 19, 1860. After his dismissal 
he sujiplied the pulpit for two years. In 1862 he 
went to Ohio and supplied the churches, in Amherst 
and Vermillion one year. He took charge of the 
church in Canterbury again in 1864, and continued 
acting pastor until 1869, when he commenced preach- 
ing at East Andover. 

Rev. Josiah L. Arms, who supplied this church as 
pastor during the time Mr. Moody was in Ohio, was 
born in New Salem, Mass., January 22, 1811. He 
pursued his academical studies at the Leicester 
Academy and Hamilton College, New York. His 
theological studies were pursued under the Rev. Dr. 
Blake, of Mansfield, Mass. He was settled over the 
church in Plymouth, Mass., in June, 1841, and after- 
wards over the church in Wilmot. He commenced 
his labors in Canterbury April 1, 18G3, and closed 
April 1, 1865. 

Rev. James Doldt was settled over this church in 
February, 1870. Mr. Doldt was born in Groton, 
Mass., September 30, 1809, where he acquired his 
early education in the district school and at the Gro- 
ton Academy. In 1827 he went to Lexington, Mass., 
and was engaged in mechanical employment for three 
years. He removed to Nashua about 1831, and in 
1833 united with the Olive Street Church. He then 
immediately commenced his studies preparatory to 
the ministry at the Pembroke Academy, and with 
Professor Daniel Crosby, of Nashua, entered Gilman- 
ton Theological Seminary in 1838, and graduated in 
1841. He supplied the church at Ossipee Centre 
three months in 1841, after which he preached at 
Etiiugham for a year and a half. He was ordained 
and installed over the church at North Wolfeborough 
September 21, 1843, and in May, 1848, was dismissed 
at bis own request, and in the same month took 
charge of the church in Milton, where he remained 
twenty-one years and eight months. At the close of 



his labors in Milton he took charge of the church in 
Canterbury, as before stated, in February, 1870, where 
he still continues. 

First Free-Will Baptist GhurcL'— Few churches 
have struggled into being through greater conflicts 
than the one in Canterbui-y. The old church in 
1779, was the first to declare free-will and free salva- 
tion. Some years after the Shakers' belief was ac- 
cepted by pjistor and a large part of the members, 
leaving only a small remnant who remained true to 
their faith. After this followed the Osgoodites, who 
drew large crowds after them, so that popular senti- 
ment was decidedly against this little baud, making 
it disrespectable to attend their meetings otherwise 
than from curiosity. As a sect they were regarded as 
religious outlaws, and their meetings were disturbed 
with impunity, making it necessary for the appoint- 
ment of officers to keep order when gathered for 
worship. 

June 29, 1796, a council from the Yearly Meeting, 
consisting of Whitney, Buzzell, Randall and Boody, 
assisted by Aaron Buzzell and John Shepherd as 
ruling elders, ordained Winthrop Y^oung, who was, 
at this time, thirty-three years old ; he was born in 
Straflbrd, taught school in early life, removed to Can- 
terbury in 1787 and remained pastor of the church 
thirty-five years. 

In 1819, Obadiah Morrill was received as minister 
of Christ, a revival following. 

In January, 1821, Samuel Hill was ordained as 
ruling elder. 

May 8, 1823, Jeremiah Clough, Amos Cogswell, 
Mark Davis and their associates formed into a 
church, to be known as the First Church of Christ 
in Canterbury. 

March, 1829, Elder John Harriman was received 
as minister to baptize and receive members, and as 
an assistant to Elder Young. 

April 10, 1838, Joseph M. Harper, Jeremiah 
Clough and Joseph Clough were set apart as evan- 
gelists; good revival interest and prosperity attended 
the church for a number of years, the members 
numbering nearly a hundred. We find on the 
church record items of interest, showing the church 
to be alive and active on the subject of temperance, 
passing strong resolutions against, and exercising 
rigid discipline of some of its members who did not 
count it sinful to traffic in .spirituous liquors. 

In 1842 and 1843 a great revival followed, and u).- 
wards of one hundred and fifty were added to the 
church. 

September, 1848, Jeremiah Clough was appointed 
pastor over the whole church, which consisted of 
three Sabbath Meetings and four Monthly Meetings. 

In 1851 arrangements were made for building a 
new church; the following May the old church was 
sold at auction to John Keze for thirty-five dollars ; 




^^ j2/^'^^zz^^- 




^'^^byAHna 



^^^-^--^^6 



(lANTKRBURY. 



231 



it was moved a short distance and usod for worship 
until the new church was completed. 

.1 une 22, 1852, the new Frce-Will Baptist Church was 
r:u:<ed; Kev. Jeremiah Clough made appropriate re- 
marks and offered prayer. February, 1853, the first 
meeting was held in the new house. 

Seasons of revivals alteruatini^ with times of de- 
.lension, prosperity and trials, have been experi- 
■ need. 

Rev. Jeremiah Clough continued pastor until his 
leath in 1879; during the last few years he wna 
unable to preach, and the labors of others were se- 
cured as needed- 
Rev. A. Di. Smith commenced his labors in April, 
1874, and has continued until the present time. 

The Shakers. — In 1774, Ann Lee, the founder of 
a religious denomination called Shakers, came to this 
country from England, and a branch of the denomi- 
nation was established in this tow^n in 1792. Their 
first minister was Elder Job Bishop, who occupied 
the position many years. They are a frugal, indas- 
trious and temperate people, intelligent and success- 
ful tillers of the soil and breeders of stock, and are, 
at present, a prosperous community. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



REV. ALPHEUS O. SMITH. 

Rev. Alpheus D. Smith, sou of Dr. Alpheus and 
:Mehitable (Foster) Smith, was born in Lebanon, 
X. H., August 25, 1813. Dr. Alpheus Smith, of Rhode 
I:<land, was educated in Providence, and practiced 
medicine in Rhode Island some time previous to mov- 
ing to Lebanon. He practiced medicine here about 
twelve years ; was the physician to the Shakers. In 
June, 1813, he went with a New Hampshire regiment 
as assistant surgeon, and died in November of the 
same year at Chateaugay, near Plattsburg, N. Y. Mrs. 
Smith was born in Saulsbury, N. H., and died June 
17. 1827. There were four children by this union — 
Foster, who left home in December, 1837, and was 
never heard from afterward ; Solomon K., went to 
< )regon in 1832, lived and died there, (he was 
State Senator and president of the State His- 
torical Society); Josephine, who died young; and 
Rev. Alpheus D., the subject of this sketch, was 
letl fatherless when but two mouths old, and re- 
mained with his mother until eight years of age, 
from which time until he was fourteen years old, the 
time of his mother's death, he found a home with va- 
rious families A short time previous to her death she 
iii;ide a contract for her son to remain at his then pre- 
-iiit home until he was of age. He found, as was cus- 
tomary in those days, plenty of work and but little op- 
portunity for an education. He remained there until 
twenty years of age, when he made some little prepa- 



ration for the ministry. On the evening of November 
5, 1834, he preached his first discourse from the text : 
"For many are called and few are chosen." He was 
licensed the May following, after which time he si>ent 
a few months at N. Parsonfield's seminary, under the 
instruction of Rev. Hosea Quimby, U.D., holding meet- 
ings on the Sabbath several miles away ; was ordained 
June 22, 1837, at Corinth, Vt., where he held his first 
membership. In July following became pastor of the 
First Free- Will Baptist Church in Dover, N. H. A 
precious revival followed ; more than one hundred 
were baptized and united with the church. Mr. 
Smith's health failed the second year of his pastor- 
ate, and he returned to the hills of Vermont to recup- 
erate, but he was soon able to resume his work. 

July 2, 1838, he married Emily B.True, of Corinth, 
and they had two children, — Josephine E., who mar- 
ried S. W. Sanders, of Laconia, N. H., and Alpheus 
D., a practicing physician of Manchester, N. H. In 
1839, Mr. Smith became pastor of the Second Free- 
will Baptist Church of Corinth, which relation con- 
tinued until 1844. He then spent one year in East 
Randolph, Vt. ; then returned to Dover, N. H., and 
continued his labors for four years. Spent a few- 
months at Farmington ; from there he went to Con- 
cord, N. H., where he remained two or three years ; 
assisted in raising a church-debt of twelve hundred 
dollars; from there he went to West Fairlee, Vt., where 
a new church was organized and he remained in charge 
for about two and a half years ; from here Mr. Smith 
was called to Lyndon ; from there he went West for 
some time, but not liking the climate, returned to New 
England, and was called to Laconia, N. H., the second 
Sabbath in July, 1857, where he remained nearly four 
years. Next to East Tilton for three years; but re- 
turned to Laconia, where he resided until April, 1873. 

Mrs. Smith died in October, 1872. Mr. Smith 
found, after traveling for some time and supplying 
destitute churches, the need of a regular home and 
place of service. He married, for his second wife, 
Mrs. Mary E. Clough, of Canterbury, in January, 
1874, and since that time he has supplied the First 
Free-Will Baptist Church of the town, with the 
exception of one-fourth part of the centre of the 
town. In 1883 his health fidled and would not 
admit of his preaching, but he has been able to re- 
sume his labors in the last year. He is now inter- 
ested in the Kezer Seminary, with a fund of fifteen 
thousand dollars to build the institution and pay 
expenses of running the same. Mr. Smith has ever 
had the esteem and confidence of those with whom 
he has been brought in contact, always trying to do 
all within his power to promote the welfare of his 
fellow-men. 



LORENZO AMES. 

Among the early settlers of Canterbury, and of its 
hardv stock of tillers of the soil, was (1) Samuel, the 



232 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. The 
time of his arrival is not known, but it was probably 
about the year 1745. He became the possessor of a 
large farm near the meeting-house, and was noted for 
the thrift and energy displayed in the management 
of his business. He was born February 13, 1723-24, 
married Hannah Daloff, and died in Canterbury 
Januan,- 16, 1803. His wife, Hannah, was born Jan- 
uary 18, 1728-29, and died January 23, 1804. From 
this union there were four children. (2) David, the 
grandfather of Lorenzo, Wiis born May 27, 1749, and 
succeeded his father in the possession of the large 
farm in the " borough." He married Pha?be, daughter 
of Thomas Hoyt, who was a Revolutionary soldier, 
and they had ten children,— three sons and seven 
daughters. David died in Canterbury September 
22, 1812, and Phrebe in 1836. (3) Samuel, the father 
of Lorenzo, was born at the old homestead July 29, 
1784. He married Myra, daughter of Jonathan Ayres, 
of Canterbury, and lived on the homestead inherited 
from his father until his death, June 30, 1870. His 
wife, Myra, died October 14, 1873. From this union 
there were seven children, the eldest of whom was 
(4) Lorenzo, who was born at the homestead May 22, 
1814. His boyhood was spent at home, assisting in 
farm-work in summer and attending the district school 
in the winter. That he might assist his father more 
effectually, and having a taste for trade, he, at an 
early age, went to Boston, and engaged in the whole- 
sale mercantile business. Remaining there for a few 
years, during which time he developed a capacity for 
business, he returned to his native State, and was for 
a short time in business in Concord. In 1845 he 
went to Albany, N. Y., and with his brothers, Sam- 
uel F. and Jeremiah F., engaged extensively in the 
flour and grain business. They were successful, and 
won an enviable reputation for thrift and honesty. A 
local writer ha-s recently said of this firm: "Some 
forty years ago there came over from New Hampshire 
three brothers of the name of Ames, and settled in 
Albany, where they have been carrying on an exten- 
sive produce business. They have well maintained 
the name of honest Yankees in an honorable and 
successful business. They are among the land-marks 
of the capital city, where they have made records 
which would form pleasant reading, not only for the 
young, but for men of every age." Business integrity 
and enterprise, fairly and fully established, insured 
social position in the city of their adoption. 

Lorenzo was deacon of the Congregational Church 
there, of which Rev. Ray Palmer, D.D., was pastor, 
and was interested in religious, educational and civil 
matters. 

Mr. Ames has retired from the active business at 
Albany to his farm in Canterbury, where he is dea- 
con of the Congregational Church and a much es- 
teemed and highly-valued citizen. 

October 14, 1852, Mr. Ames married Lydia Page, 
daughter of Hon. Ezekiel Morrill, of Canterbury. 



From this union there are four children. The young- 
est, (5) Samuel Patten, born May 29, 1865, alone 



DAVID -MORRILL. 

In the early history of Canterbury few names are 
more conspicuous than that of Ezekiel Morrill, who 
came from South Hampton to this place about the 
year 1750. He was a deacon of the Congregational 
Church, his name appears many times on the old 
record-books as town clerk, and he often served on 
committees appointed by the town to attend to mat- 
ters of importance. To this Ezekiel Morrill, David, 
the subject of this sketch, traces his ancestry in di- 
rect line. Ezekiel was the father of fifteen children. 
His second child was David. David's eldest son was 
Reuben, who married Miriam Smith. These were 
the parents of Captain David, as he is familiarly 
called. He was born in Canterbury August 12, 1798, 
on the place where he now lives, and was the third of 
nine children. His education was obtained in the 
district school, which he attended till he was twenty- 
one years old. At this time he began to teach win- 
ters. His first school was in Northwood ; here he 
taught two terms, then two winters in Pittsfield, one 
in Madbury, one in Londonderry, and three terms in 
District No. 1, Canterbury. In 1828 he built a saw- 
mill. The management of this and of his large 
farm have occupied him through his long life. He 
has a fine set of buildings ; his farm is well situated^ 
and by care and industry he has brought it to a good 
state of cultivation. Mr. Morrill is in many respects. 
a man of the old school, — a working and thinking 
farmer. Without doubt, many a business problem has 
been thought out while his hands have been occupied 
with the hoe and scythe. In town matters the cap- 
tain has always been on the side of progress and 
reform. He has held the office of selectman several 
times. In 1859 he represented the town in the Leg- 
islature. In 1860 and '61 he was a member of the 
Senate. While here his opinions were respected and 
even sought for by his colleagues. He is a Republi- 
can in politics, though not a partisan. He was early 
in the anti-slavery movement, being associated with 
Stephen S. Foster and his co-workers. He has al- 
ways taken an active interest in the educational 
affairs of the town. Ahhough a scholar of the olden 
time, he adheres only to what is good in the old 
methods. He is a Congregationalist in religious 
faith, having united with that denomination when a 
young man. Mr. Morrill has been twice married, — 
in 1825 to Comfort, daughter of Marsten Morrill, and 
in 1843 to Mrs. Sally Kimball. By the first marriage 
he had seven children, six sons and one daughter ; 
by the second, two sons. Three of his sons were in 
the Civil War. He is a man of strict integrity, of 
sound judgment, of great firmness and of practical 
common sense. At the advanced age of eighty-six. 



-^ e^^ f 




^;>,^4:^,,^A-^^^v^^^^^^^^-^>^ 




e/'^Jfi:^,/..^ 



CANTERBURY. 



233 



his mind is clear and he retains an active interest in 
public aftiiirs. 

JOHX PEVERLEY KIMIi.VLL. 

Richard Kimball was born in Canterbury Jlav 31, 
179S. lie married Sally Sanborn, daughter of John 
Peverley, of Canterbury, October 24, ISSC. They 
moved to Boscawen the next day and settled on the 
Kolfe farm, near his brother Benjamin, where they 
resided until Mr. Kimball's death, which occurred 
September 30, 1829. Their only child, John Peverley, 
the subject of this sketch, was born in Boseawen 
December 23, 1827. After the death of his father he 
moved with his mother to his grandfather Peverley's, 
where he resided until he married Mary Eliza, 
daughter of Samuel Hill, of Canterbury, June 3, 
1852, and settled on the homestead of her father, near 
the centre of the town. Here he resided until her 
death, November 6, 1874. Deprived of a father at 
the early age of three years, young John experienced 
many of the difficulties of other boys in like circum- 
stances. At the same time there were advantages. 
His mother was a judicious, energetic woman, and he 
became industrious, persevering, resolute and self-re- 
liant. These elements of character, thus early 
formed, have done much toward making him success- 
ful in all his business affairs. His education was 
gained mostly in the common school. After leaving 
this he attended Gilmanton Academy and the New- 
Hampshire Conference Seminary two terms. During 
his partnership with his father-in-law, they devoted 
themselves chiefly to agriculture, and the fine ex- 
hibits of corn, grain and vegetables made annually 
at the town and State fairs were good proof of their 
success. Mr. Kimball has in recent years made 
stock-raising a specialty, and his excellent Herefords 
have attracted much attention. He has made great 
efforts to improve and multiply this stock in Canter- 
bury and in neighboring towns. For several years 
past he has sent fine herds to the State and New 
England fairs. He has always been a fancier of good 
horses, and several of his own raising have made a 
very creditable record on the turf at the county and 
State fairs. With a view to comfort and convenience, 
the homestead buildings were, some years ago, put in 
excellent condition. A large barn was built, having 
modern improvements, and the house was made com- 
modious and attractive. Mr. Kimball has always 
shown a good degree of interest in the educational 
affairs of the town, and has at all times advocated 
good schools. His disposition is social, he is prompt 
to do a kindness, and has many warm friends. He is 
a prominent member of the town and State Grange, 
and a member of other societies that have for their 
object social and educational improvement. He has 
contributed much to make Canterbury's annual fair 
successful and creditable to the town. He is a Re- 
publican in politics, and a Congregationalist in his 
religious sympathies. Mr. Kimball had, by his fir-st 
marriage, four children. The eldest, George Edwin, 
died at the age of six years. The second and third, 
Frank Edwin and Ida Grace, were born May 13, 1859. 



The youngest, Georgianna Eliza, was born October 
10, 1867. He married for his second wife Mrs. Mary 
A. Kilton. 

Mr. Kimball traces his paternal ancestors back to 
the eighth generation. His grandfather's name was 
Richard. Richard's father's name was Caleb, then 
John, Joseph, another John, and still another, this 
last John making the eighth. 

COLONEL DAVID MORKILL CLOUGH. 

A town depends more upon the character of its in- 
habitants for fame than upon its natural advantages. 
Canterbury was originally settled by strong men, who 
have left their impress on the present generation. They 
were the Cloughs, Gibsons, Fosters, Blanchards, Mor- 
rills, Kimballs, et al., of the present generation. Col- 
onel David M. Clough is one of the most energetic, 
enterprising, successful and noted farmers within the 
Granite State, and has deservedly earned the title of 
" the Corn King " of New Hampshire. The colonel 
is the great-grandson of Jeremiah Clough, who set- 
tled in Canterbury in 1727 and built the old garrison. 
Here the hardy pioneer raised a family of five boys 
and three girls. He was a man of superior ability 
and great physical force and energy. The children 
all became prominent, and were noted for building 
large two-story houses, carrying on large farms 
and having much influence in their day. The oldest 
boy, Jeremiah Clough, succeeded to his father's home 
farm. Henry Clough joined the Shakers and became 
a leading man in that denomination, being one of the 
founders of Lebanon (N. Y.) Community. Thomas 
Clough settled on Bay Hill, in Northfield, and left no 
issue. Abner settled on " Clough Hill," in Loudon, 
giving name to that section of the town, and has left 
numerous descendants. Joseph Clough settled on the 
farm now owned by Colonel Clough ; he married a 
Lawrence, from Epping; had no children, but adopted 
his wife's niece, who married a Gerrish and be- 
came owner of the farm. Leavitt, the grandfather of 
the colonel, settled on the farm lately owned by Ed- 
ward Osgood. One of the sisters married a Gerrish, 
of Boseawen, and left a numerous progeny. Leavitt 
Clough married, first, Hannah Fletcher, of Loudon ; 
second, Peggy Mason, of Chichester. Leavitt was a re- 
markable man — powerful physically, strong intellectu- 
ally, energetic, prompt to keep his engagements, trusted 
by the community, a devout Christian, a successful and 
wealthy farmer. Sally, his oldest daughter, married 
Abner Clough, of Loudon Hill. Hannah, another 
daughter, married Josiah Haines, of Canterbury, and 
Susan, the third daughter, married Jeremiah Clough. 
Leavitt, Jr., was their only son. Leavitt Clough, Jr., 
was born October 30, 1778 ; married, October 27, 1800, 
Abigail Morrill, the youngest daughter of Deacon 
David Morrill, and aunt of Hon. David Morrill, a 
prominent citizen of Canterbury. She was born 
February 8, 1779, and died May 10, 1853. He was 
held in high esteem by his townsmen, was a justice of 
the peace, selectman and representative when he died, 
August 13, 1825. She was a woman of great natural 
ability and skill, and took great interest in all that 



234 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, xNEW HAMPSHIRE. 



was happening in tlie outside world. Like his father 
and grandlatlier, Leavitt Clough was orthodox in 
creed and carefully attended to religious observances. 
Toward the close of her life Mrs. Clough was liberal 
in her views. The children of this couple were (1) 
Henry Clough, born September 17, 1801, graduated 
from Dartmouth College in 1823, and died in Mary- 
land August 28, 1824; (2) William Patrick Clough, 
born October 25, 1802, married and settled first in 
Canterbury, but later in life moved to Andover, and 
for many years lived with his only daughter, Cornelia, 
who married the late Rev. Howard Moody ; (3) Mary 
Ann Clough, born January 8, 1804, married, .in April, 
1825, Deacon Jonathan Brown, of Gilmanton; (4) 
David M. Clough ; (5) Merinda Clough, born February 
14, 1 SOS, married Jonathan Prescott, of Gilmanton ; 
(6) Leavitt Morrill Clough, born September 10, 1809, 
who went South and disappeared about the time of a 
noted steamboat explosion, and never having been 
heard from, was supposed to have been lost ; (7) 
Thomas Carmel Clough, born February 16, 1812, a 
promising young man, who married Martha Emery, 
of Concord, and was one of the first settlers on the 
Western Reserve (Ohio), he died in early manhood, 
and left one daughter; (8) Daniel Webster Clough, 
born August 17, 1814, is unmarried and lives in Hill. 

Colonel David M. Clough was born on his grand- 
father's farm June 9, 1805, and succeeded to the home- 
stead on coming of age. His education was received 
at the district school, supplemented by three terms at 
Gilmanton Academy. What he was taught he 
was able to impart to others, for at the age of eighteen 
he was engaged in teaching winter schools ; at the 
age of nineteen he was commissioned in the State 
militia, promoted to captain at twenty-one, and to 
the rank of colonel after five years' service. At his 
father's death it devolved upon him to help settle 
the estate, and thus early in life he became immersed 
in business. In 1832 he settled in Gilmanton, re- 
maining there ten years, when he returned to the 
neighborhood of his old home. In 1848 he took a 
trip of inspection and discovery through the States of 
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, and after an absence 
of several months returned with the firm conviction 
that New Hampshire offered as many inducements to 
the farmer as any State in the Union, and accordingly 
purchased a small farm near his early home, which he 
brought to a higher state of cultivation and sold in 
1856. He bought, that very fall, the farm he now 
owns on the Merrimack Intervale, between the Can- 
terbury and Boscawen stations, paying four thous- 
and six hundred dollars, it being the same farm 
that his great-uncle, Joseph Clough, formerly owned. 

To this farm of some five hundred acres he gave 
work and capital. In thirteen years he brought its 
market value up to seventeen thousand dollars, and 
its supporting capacity from twelve cattle to that of 
over one hundred. He has added outlying pieces as 
they have come into the market, until he now owns 
about twelve hundred acres of land. His average 
crop of corn on the ear is some three thousand bush- 
els. He has now one hundred and twenty head of 
cattle, one hundred and fifteen sheep and six horses. 



He has served the town of Canterbury as selectman 
for four years, and as representative two years. Three 
times he received the nomination of the Democratic 
party for member of the Governor's Council, and was 
elected during Governor Weston's first term. During 
his term in the Legislature he was a strong advocate 
for the establishment of the Agricultural College and 
was one of the board of trustees for several years. In 
politics the colonel has been a Free-Soil Democrat, 
attending the National Convention which nominated 
John P. Hale. After the abolition of slavery he 
gravitated into the Democratic party. In agricultural, 
rather than in political circles has Colonel Clough been 
most prominent. He was a charter member of the 
Merrimack River Grange and a charter member of the 
State Grange, of which he was treasurer for six years 
and for a long time one of the executive committee. 
He is a member of the Merrimack County Agricul- 
tural Society, for two years its president, and a life- 
member of the New Hampshire Agricultural Society. 

A great aim and ambition of his life has been to 
give dignity to the farmers' vocation, and, by experi- 
ment, to develop the science of farming in his native 
State. By precept and example he has been a cham- 
pion of the farmers' rights and a pioneer in every ad- 
vance. He has been a prosperous and successful 
farmer; he has made two blades of grass grow where 
one grew before. 

In 1832 he, with his wife, joined the Free-Will 
Baptist Church of Canterbury, and for many years 
was clerk of the society. He has always been a tem- 
perance advocate, abstaining from cider as well as 
from stronger drinks, and also from tobacco all his 
life. 

As a citizen in his neighborhood, in his town, in 
the county and in late years throughout the State, he 
has enjoyed the respect and confidence of his fellou- 
citizens. He has been thoroughly upright in all liis 
dealings, scorning dishonesty in politics and in busi- 
ness, and in his ripe old age is surrounded by com- 
forts and luxuries well earned and well deserved. 
He married, first, October 25, 1828, Almira Batchrl- 
der, daughter of Ebenezer Batchelder, of Canterbury. 
She was born June 7, 1805; was the mother of five 
children; died November 5, 1851. He married, 
second, June 17, 1856, Mrs. Caroline (Gibson) Tal- 
lent. His children are as follows : 

1. Ann Maria, born in 1830 ; died August 9, 1838. 

2. Henry Leavitt, born February 17, 1834 ; has been 
prominent in business and political circles of Con- 
cord; a candidate for high-sheriff of Merrimack 
County, and now resides with his father ; unmarried. 

3. Mary S., born in 1836 ; died August 2, 1838. 

4. Edwin Davis, born October 5, 1843; married 
Eliza Couch, daughter of Elder Couch, of Concord ; 
has had two children (one of whom is living), and is 
a member of the firm of E. D. Clough & Co., of Con- 
cord. 

5. Charles Newell, born January 15,1849; married 
Emma T. Morrill, and has one child,— the colonel's 
only grandson, David Morrill Clough, Jr. 




"2). 



-y^ 



HISTORY OF CHICHESTER. 



CHAPTER I. 

Chichester, Jlerrimack County, is bounded on 
the north by Pittstield, on the east by Pittsfield and 
Epsom, on the south by Pembroke and on the west 
by Loudon. It is about six miles long and three miles 
wide, and contains about eleven thousand nine hun- 
dred and seventy-eight acres. Distance from Concord 
to centre of town, eight miles. It is watered by the 
Suncook River, which forms its eastern boundary for 
about one mile, atibrding excellent water-power at 
several points, only one of which is at present util- 
ized. Another small stream, known as Lynxfield 
Krook, flows out of a pond by the same name, sit- 
uated in the southwesterly part of the town, and fur- 
nishes the power to drive Sanders' board, shingle and 
luth-mills, and flows into the Suncook in the easterly 
[lart of the town. Another small stream flows through 
the northeasterly part of the town, known as Gilman- 
ton Brook, and furnishes the power to drive Fellows' 
mills, and also flows into the Suncook. It was upon 
this stream that the first saw-mill in Chichester was 
erected by the early settlers. There are no mountains 
in town, and the only hills of note are Bear Hill, situ- 
ated in the westerly part of the town, and Garvin's 
Hill, situated in the southerly part of the town, from 
the top of which, on a clear day, the White Mountains 
can be seen. The original growth of wood is pine, 
hemlock, chestnut, beech, birch and maple. When 
the town was settled, a large proportion of its surface 
was covered with a very heavy growth of wood and 
timber. For the first fifty years after its settlement 
the original owners devoted a considerable portion of 
their time to cutting down and burning up the growth 
of wood and lumber, preparatory to breaking the soil 
and fitting it for cuhivation ; and within the last 
twenty-five years, more especially, the lumbermen of 
this and other towns have invaded our forests, and 
are making sad havoc with the original growth of 
pine, hemlock and chestnut until, to-day, there is but 
little of it remaining in town. Looking from the 
summit of the surrounding hills, the surface of this 
town appears to be much broken and uneven ; still, 
there are many highly-cultivated farms, especially 
that of Charles H. Carpenter, Esq., lying on both 



sides of Suncook River, which is one of the largest and 
most productive farms in Merrimack County. The 
soil is generally good, and in some parts is very fer- 
tile. Farming is almost the only employment ; 
trade, manufacturing and mechanic arts are carried 
on to a very limited extent. Population, seven hun- 
dred and eighty-four; number of polls, two hundred 
and sixty-four. 

ORIGIS.\L GR.\ST OF TOWN. 

"George, by the Grace of Hod, of Great Brituine, Fmnce and Ire- 
land, King, Defender of the Faith, Ac. 

"To an People to whom these Presenta thall come. Greeting : Know ye 
that we of our Special Knowleidge and mcer motion for the Dew En- 
couragement of Setling a new Phintation By and with the advise and 
Consent of our Councill have Given and Granted and by these PresenU 
as far as in us Lies do Give and Grant in Equall Shares unto Sundry of 
our beloved subjects whose Names are Entered in a Schedule hereunto 
anexed that Inhabit, or Shall Inhabit, within the Said Grant within- 
our Provence of New Hampshire all that tract of land within the fol- 
lowing bounds, viz. ; To begin on the South west Side of the Town of 
Barnsted, and from thence Riming South westerly on the head of the 
Town of Nottingham uutill Eight miles be accompiished. and then North 
west Eight miles, and then North East Eight miles, and then South East 
by the said Town of Barnstead to the Place where it first began, and 
that Ye same be a Town Corporate by the Name of Chichester to the 
Persons affore Said for Ever. To Have and To Hold the Said land to the 
said Grantees and their heirs and assigns for ever, and to such associates 
aa they shall admitt upon the following Condition : (1) that the Pro- 
prietors within three years Buld, or Cause to be Bult, Sixty Dwelling 
Houses and Settle families in the Same, and Cleare three acres of Ground 
Fitt for Planting or mowing, and that Each Proprietor Pay his Propor- 
tion of the Town Charges when and so often as occasion shall Require 
ye same. (2) That a meetting house be Built for ye Publick Worship of 
God within the Tearm of four years. (3) That upon Default of any Per- 
ticular Proprietor in Complying with the Conditions of this Charter 
upon his Part, such Delinquent Proprietor Shall forfeit his share of ye 
said land to the other Proprietors, which shall be disposed of according 
to the major vote of ye Said Proprietors att a Legall meetting. (4) That 
a Proprietor's share be Reserved for a Parsonage, and another for ye fil-st 
minister of the Gospell that Shall be there settled and ordained, and 
another Proprietors Share for ye Bcnnifitt of a Scoole in ye Said Town, 
provided nevertheless that ye Peace with ye Indians continue for ye 
Space of three years, but if itt Should happen that a warr with ye In- 
dians Should Commence before the E.-ipiration of the affore Said Tearm 
of three years that then ye Said Terme of three years Shall be 
allowed the Proprietors after ye E.\piration of tlie warr for ye 
Performance of ye affore Said Conditions Hendring and Paying there- 
for to UB our heirs and Successors, or Such officer or officers 06 
Shall be appointed to Receive the Same, the anuall Quitt Rent or 
Acknowledgment of one Pound of Hemp in ye Said Town on ye last 
wendsday in march yearly for Ever if Demanded. Reserving also unto 
us our heirs and Successors all mast Trees Growing on Said Tract of land 
according to acts of Parliment in that case made and Provided and for 
ye beetter order Rule and Goverment of ye Said Town we do by these 
Presents and for our Selves, onr heirs and Successors, Grant unto the 
Sai.l men Inhabitants, or those that Shall Inhabitt Said Town, that 

235 



IILSTORV OF MEKllIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



yearly and every yeare upon tlio Second Wondsday in march for Ever 
Shall meott to Elect and Chuse by the major part of the Proprietors then 
Present, Constable, Selectmen and other Town officers according to ye 
Laws and ujeages of our afloresaid Province with Power, li u. 1. il^. - 
and authority as other Towns and Town ofllcers within ..in i.i ... -...I 
Province have and Enjoy, and for ye Notifiing and Cullii.-^ ■: > i.i-' 
Towumectting we do hereby appoint Peter Woure, Esq'., .I..I.1. S..iiti. rn 
and Jacob Freese to be the first Selectmen, and thay to Continnr; in .S.ii.l 
Bespeclive office as Selectmen untill ye Second Wcndsday in ye month 
of march, which Shall be in ye yoaro of our Loid one thosand Seven 
hundred and Twenty Eight, and untill other Select men Shall be Chosen 
and appintcd in thare Stead in Such manner as is in these Presents Ex- 
presed. In Testimony where of wee have Caused the Scale of our Said 
Province to be hereunto affixed. 

" Wittncss, John Wentworth, Esq'., our Liueftenant Governor and 
Coraandcr in Cheife in and over our Said Provence att our Town of 
Portsmouth, in our Said Provence of New Hampshire, ye Twentieth Day 
of may, in the thirtenth of our Keigne, anno Dominc 1727. 

*' By order of his honour the Leifteuant Governor with the advice of 
theCounsell. 

"Jonx Wentworth. 

"RlcuARD M'ALbON, Clerk of ye ComiselL"* 

On the 13th day of March, 1728, the original pro- 
prietors of the town of Chichester held their first 
annual meeting at the house of Captain Wingate, in 
Hampton, and elected William Stanford clerk, and 
Benjamin Perkins, Benjamin Lambrc and Jethro 
Tilton selectmen, chose Peter Gilman, Captain John 
Oilman and Nathaniel Healey surveyors, and Deacon 
Weare, John Sanborn, Peter Gilman, John Robinson 
and Samuel Martin a committee to lay out the town. 
For some reason this committee did not act. They 
held other meetings, and chose other men w-ith no 
better success, until December 24, 1728, when they 
held a meeting at the house of Captain Wingate, and 
chose Simeon Martin, Samuel Martin, Jeremiah San- 
born, Captain Tilton and William Stanford a com- 
mittee to lay out the town, and Ichabod Roby a 
surveyor ; the committee to have ten shillings per 
day, and the surveyor fifteen. This committee, it 
seems, attended to the business assigned to them im- 
mediately; for we find them back to Hampton again 
January 28, 1729, when another meeting of the pro- 
prietors was held at the house of Captain Wingate, to 
pay them for services rendered. Their pilot, William 
Hill, received five pounds, seventeen shillings. Cap- 
tain Tilton six pounds, Simeon Martin six pounds, 
Samuel Martin six pounds, Jeremiah Sanborn and 
William Stanford six pounds each. This committee 
run what they supposed to be the line between what 
was then Nottingham and Chichester, and Pembroke 
and Chichester. Beginning at a birch-tree at the 
south corner of Barnstead, which they found marked 
with "B" and other letters, they run eight miles 
southwest to a beech-tree; this tree they also marked. 
They then run eight miles northwest to a white oak 
tree; having marked this tree and others near by, 
they returned. This running, although according to 
their grant, took in a part or all of Epsom. We can 
account for this only in this way: When the county 
was mostly covered with forests, grants were made 
without any definite ideas of exact locations. Char- 
ters often overlapped each other or left irregular strips 
of land between them. In this case it seems that the 



same territory was granted to Epsom and Chichester; 
but as the grant to Epsom antedated that of Chiches- 
li T by a few days, Chichester lost, and Epsom gained 
I 111- laud in dispute. It seems by the record that the 
pniprietors of Chichester did not willingly relinquish 
their claim to this portion of the territory embraced 
within their grant; but it was the source of a great 
deal of perplexity and vexation, if not of actual liti- 
gation, and committee after committee were chosen 
to settle the matter with Epsom, and finally a com- 
mittee was chosen to represent their situation to the 
Governor, and, if possible, get him to grant them new 
territory equivalent to what Epsom took from them ; 
but their efforts in this direction seem to have been 
fruitless, as there is no record of any territory being 
annexed to Chichester afterward. 

At their annual meeting, held March 12, 1729, a 
committee was chosen to lay out a bridle-path 
through the town of Nottingham to Chichester, and 
also select some desirable site for a settlement. This 
committee employed a surveyor, and reported as fol- 
lows : They took their departure from the end of 
Bow Street, in Nottingham, at a great white pine 
tree; thence running northwesterly through Notting- 
ham; thence northwest about two miles to little 
Suncook River (now Epsom); here they concluded 
was a desirable place for a settlement. Soon after 
the return of this committee the proprietors held a 
meeting, and appointed a day upon which to come 
up through the way just laid out, and fell the trees, 
and clear up the rubbish, and prepare a bridle-path, 
and those men who went were to receive six shil- 
lings, and those who remained were to pay six shil- 
lings. After the bridle-path had been prepared, 
Peter Weare, Jabez Smith, Ichabod Robey, Josiah 
Moulton and Jasper Blake were chosen a committee 
to fix upon a spot for a settlement, lay out house-lots 
and highways to accommodate them, locate a block- 
house, etc. This committee came uj) and laid out 
the following road: 

*' Beginning at the Suncook River, about forty rods below where little 
Suncook runs into tho main river, and run east-southeast three hun- 
dred rods, thence southeast one hundred rods, thence east two hundred 
and forty rods, thence southeast one hundred and seventy rods, thence 
east-southeast four hundred and twenty rods." 

They then selected a spot for a centre, or meeting- 
house lot, "about one mile upwards, on the fifth 
course of the above highway." They then laid out 
around this centre twenty-acre lots, one for each 
proprietor, and numbered them. This location for a 
settlement was in Epsom, but probably made before 
the proprietors Were aware of the fact. The commit- 
tee then returned to Hampton, made a plan of the 
highways and house-lots, with the numbers of each 
lot, submitted their plan to the proprietors, who ac- 
cepted it, and immediately drew their lots; but none 
were allowed to draw their lots until they had paid 
their proportion of the expenses incurred in paying 
them out. At a meeting held at Hampton, March 
11, 1730, it was voted that "ye proprietors build a 



CHICHESTER. 



237 



meeting-house thirty-five foot long and twenty-five 
foot wide, and to be eleaven foot stud;" said house 
to be uonipleted on or before the last day of Novem- 
ber next. " Vo/ed, that Daniel Weare, Captain Win- 
gate and Nathaniel Healey l)e a committee to let 
out ye meeting-house." January 30, 1731, it was 
voted "that the meeting-house should be twenty-five 
foot long and sixteen foot wide, with nine foot stud, 
licing built with timber six inches thick, and shall be 
.ailed a log house." The price to be paid for this 
li"use was fifty pounds. The proprietors found no 
difficulty in finding men who, for pay, would come 
n\) and survey house-lots and highways, locate meet- 
ing-houses and forts; but when they looked for men 
who were willing to leave their comfortable homes in 
Hampton and vicinity, and come up here into the 
forest to fell the huge trees, and break the untried 
soil, and build for themselves rude log houses, through 
the ci-acks and crevices of which the snows of winter 
and rains of summer would beat, surrounded, in 
many cases, by hostile savages, and endure all the 
privations and hardships of the frontier settlers, they 
were not very plenty. So we find them holding 
meeting after meeting and taxing their inventive 
faculties to the uttermost to devise some plan wdiich 
should offer suflicieut inducement to families to settle 
in the new town. 

At one of the meetings they voted that if sixty 
men of the proprietors, or men procured by them, 
should forthwith settle in said town of Chichester, 
and continue here for the space of three years, they 
should receive two hundred pounds the first year, to 
be paid upon their first settlement, and one hundred 
and fifty pounds yearly for the next two years. May 
3, 1733, it was voted "that if fifteen men, or under, 
would go and speedily settle in Chichester, they shall 
liave a full Proprietor's share throughout ye town of 
Chichester." There is no evidence that any one ac- 
cepted this otter of the proprietors. For several years 
we find them holding their annual and other meet- 
ings and discussing different plans for settling the 
town, also the difticulty with Epsom in relation to 
the dividing line between the towns. Finally a com- 
mittee was chosen to petition the General Court to 
establish the line. The committee carried the matter 
to the court, and the line was established, which gave 
the original twenty-acre house-lots, meeting-house 
lot and highways which the proprietors laid out soon 
after the grant of the township to Epsom. This made 
it necessary for the proprietors of Chichester to start 
again; hence we find them, with characteristic zeal, 
pushing ahead and making preparations for another 
survey ; and on the 26th day of June, 1749, they 
chose Obadiah Worth, James Prescott, Jeremiah 
Sanborn, Nathan Clough and Jonathan Swett a com- 
mittee to come up and lay out a fifty-acre lot for each 
proprietor. The committee employed a surveyor, came 
up and laid out the first division of lots in Chichester 
asfolli.ws: 



mii 






1 each of Said 



l>uiu Nuillnvfst from a 
No. Olio. Then from 
said trees, which trees are four rods distant ooch from tlio otlier, on u 
North East and by North and Southwest and hy Soiitli Point of tlio com- 
pass, which ia tlie course that divides one lot from tlio otliei- lliron^li tlio 
whole division, Wo run Northwest and half of one point mure Nurlh- 
erly up said Canterbury road, That Ijcing the courec of mm] r.juil 
nciiresi, mid when w.- lind sj luii lifty rods, then we nuirki-d ii tm- tlmt 
sto.-J (■' . f ;■ li-: ,1 : N. Mil. 1 I iii.t Ity North from the aCun-Huid North 
■^^'-i '■' '"' '■ ' ' ' I iiiiinT one again, aud then four imlB 

Ainl.i,,' I I i II ■■ South west and by Soiitli w.. mini- 

fifty roils and iiKirliod a tr.-.- tliiil stood two rods distant from said North- 
west half North Hue with number two, and over against said tree, two 
rods from said line, we numbered another tree with number two, and 
then fifty rods and numbered two other trees standing, in course and dis- 
tant as tlie trees as before described, with number three on each of said 
trees, all the numbers are in figures, and we layed out seventeen lots on 
each side of said Oanterbm-y road, ' The numbers inrroasiiiK friini one to 

mentioned in this return, and run South weal nil I :i i, mlr.il 

and sixty six rodsand there marked a tree Willi !:■ ii ^ in^li- 

way, then four rods for said way, then measuiiil "li' l Ii. I h.i si\ty 

six rods, and then marked a tree again with the letlei-s II. W., imd thim 
run up North west half North a tree before we began to run North west 
half North with the numbers one, two, both numbers on one tree, the 
number one on the North East side of said tree, and number two on tlie 
South west side of said tree, and then run fifty rods and marked another 
tree with one, two, as before, then fifty rodsand marked anotlier tree w ith 
the numbers three, four, then fifty rods and marked a tree five, six, and 
so on to number thirty four, and the road hereof four rods wide, it lays 
on the South west side of the numbered and spotted trees, aud then we re- 
turned again to the trees first mentioned in this return standing on Can- 
terhiu^' road, and from the tree that stands on the North East side of 
said Canterbury road, we run North East and by North one hundred 
and sixty six rods, and marked a tree with the letters H. W., and then 
measured four rods on the road ; all the roads that are upon the North 
East side of Canterbury road, which is the road bct\v,-,.|i tlif third and 
fourth range, lays on the North East side of tin [ n lui.l ininihi-n'd 
trees. .411 the eight ranges begin their nuinb.i- mil i i i .ml 

thereof and increase their numbers as they v ■ \ m. i The 

fifth range are all eaven numbers from two to Dm u im I h -..mid 
from number one to thirty three all odd numbers. R,iiii,'e tin- third is 
numbered from one to seventeen, both even and odd nnmbei-s. Range 
number four is likewise. Range number five is numbered from two to 
twenty-eight, all even numbers. Range number six is numbered from 
one to twenty seven, all odd numbers. Range number seven is num- 
bered from two to twenty eight, all even numbers. Range number 
eight is numbered from one to twenty seven, all odd ntunbers. All the 
lots are numbered at each end, and are one hundred and sixtj six rods 
long and fifty ro Is wide The ranges aie numbered from the Southwest 
to the North Ei»t K^nge numbei one is the South westerly range 
Then next IS range numl ei fu Tl n \t i i n„ thre «hirh li>s 
on Cantiiburj load, on tl 1 I 1 r N rth 

Eistn ud The first cr I 

turn the sjuthtdstcih ' 1 

cross I id which IB foil I ' 's 

foul lods broad tndwheresuli il ti s ( ii t iliir\ i I tl i is a 
centei squaie of about foul acres, which takes olf a cornoi fuiii ta h )1 
the foui lots adjoining to said loads the center square is ti exttii 1 
twenty five rods on the end of each of the four lots, and twenty five rods 
on the side of each of s.aid four lots adjoining to said roads, and then ex- 
tending a straight line from the end of said twenty five rods, in a tri- 
angular form. The third and last cross road is four lots distant Norlli 
Westward from the last mentioned four rods road, and is two rods 
broad, and in all of this return we have regard to a Plan of said division 
drawn by Walter Bryant and received this day. 

"Walter Brjant, Obcdiah Worth, James Prescott, Nathan Clough, 
Jeremiah Sanborn, .Tonathan Swett, committee.' 

The following ia a list of the original pmprietors 
and the lots which they drew : 



; John Odliii, range G, lot 25 ; Chris- 



238 



HISTORY OF MEKIUMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



fopher I'agc, ninge 8, lot 3 ; Peter Weaie, range 5, lot 20 ; Edward West. 
range 2, lot 21 ; Nathaniel Healey, range S, lot 12 ; Jabez Smith, range 

6, lot 17 ; Josiata Bachelder, range 1, lot 32 ; Jonathan Fifield, range 1, 
lot 24 ; Pain Wingale, range 3, lot 17 ; Nicholas Gilinan, range 8, lot 21 ; 
Nathaniel Locke, range 4, lot 12 ; William Stanford, range 2, lot 25 ; Shu. 
ball Sanborn, range 7, lot 24 ; John Webster, range 8, lot 11 ; Benjamin 
Thomas, range 4, lot 1 ; Joseph Taylor, range 2, lot 5 ; Samuel Martin, 
range I, lot 4 ; Mathias Plant, range 3, lot 11 ; Jonathan Garland, range 

2, lot 33 ; Jacob Freese, Jr., range 2, lot 16 ; Beiyamin Sanborn, range 

4, lot 15 ; Daniel Wcare, range 1, lot 22 ; John Prescot, range 2, lot SI ; 
Minister Whipple, range 2, lot 13 ; Joshua Wingate, range 6, lot 13 ; 
Nathaniel Weare, range 8, lot 27 ; John Sherburn, range 6, lot 11 ; 
Jonathan Philbrook, range 1, lot 28 ; Beiyamin Perkins, range 7, lot 2 ; 
Charles Steward, range 4, lot 16 ; Charles Treadwell, range 5, lot 4 ; 
Nathan Longfellow, range 6, lot 7 ; John Swett, range 5, lot 14 ; Mosea 
Blake, range 7, lot 26 ; Jacob Freese, range 3, lot 15 ; Abram Drake, 
ranges, lot 25 ; John Rodman, Jr., range 3, lot 11 ; Nathaniel Drake, 
range 5, lot 24 ; Samuel Thyng, rauge 1, lot 2 ; Samuel Oilman, range 1, 
lot 20 ; Thomas Webster, range 1, lot 12 ; Peter Gilman, range 8, lot 5 ; 
James Leavitt, range 7, lot 12; Joseph Dearborn, range 3, lot C; 
John Robinson, range 5, lot 18 ; Beiyamin Lambre, range 6, lot 19 ; Jo- 
siah Moulton, Jr., rauge 7, lot 6 ; John Bachelder, range 6, lot 21 ; 
Samuel Palmer, range 5, lot 16 ■, Bezalcel Tappan, range 2, lot 31 ; Jarius 
Ringe, Jr., range 4, lot 14 ; Eben Weare, range 6, lot 15 ; Thomas Perce, 
range 2, lot 11 ; Winthrop Hilton, range 2, lot 29 ; Joseph Redman, 
range 1, lot 18 ; James Jaffrey, Jr., range 4, lot 11 ; John Redman, range 

3, lot 14 ; Thomas Cram, range 4, lot 6 ; John Dearborn, Jr., range 4, 
lot 17 : Henry Russ, range 6, lot 5 ; John Gilman, Esq., range 8, lot 15 ; 
Andrew Wiggin, range 7, lot 8 ; Captain John Gilman, range 1, lot 2 ; 
John Downing, range 8, lot 17; William Fellows, range 5, lot 20; 
Samuel Tibbets, range 8, lot 1 ; Epraham Dennis, range 4, lot 3 ; Wil- 
liam Odion, range 3, lot 4 ; William Peperell, range 1, lot 34 ; Joseph 
Frost, range 3, lot 16 ; John Tuck, range 7, lot 4 ; Colonel 'Mark Hunk- 
ing, range 1, lot 8 ; David Currier, range 3, lot 7 ; Cyprym Jeffrey, range 
8, lot 9; Benning Wentworth, range 1, lot 14; Hunkin Wentworth, 
range 4, lot 13 ; John Wentworth, range 7, lot 18 ; William Wentworth, 
range 5, lot 6 ; Jeremiah Sanborn, range 8, lot 19 ; Jethra Tilton, range 

5, lot 8 ; Batholomew Thyng, range 4, lot 5 ; John Cram, range 1, lot 
12 ; Bradstreet Wiggin, range 6, lot 27 ; Steven Sanborn, range 6, lot 1 ; 
Benjamin Cram, range 7, lot 28 ; Richard Wibbard, Jr., rauge 6, lot 3 ; 
George Jeffrey, range 3, lot 10 ; Richard Waldron, Jr., range 3, lot 3 ; 
Beiyamin Gaudin, range 8, lot 13 ; Jonathan Chusshing, range 2, lot 17 ; 
John Bradford, range 4, lot 7 ; John Jennis, range 7, lot 10 ; Hezekiah 
Jennis, range 3, lot 2 ; John Gerrish, range 2, lot 23 ; Peter Weare, Esq. 
range 3, lot 1 ; John Piaster, range 5, lot 10 ; James Davis, range 4, lot 
4 ; Theodore Atkinson, range 1, lot 26 ; ^Eben Stevens, range 2, lot 19 ; 
Captain Paul Gerrish, range 6, lot 9 ; Richard Jennis, range 7, lot 14 ; 
James Jeffrey, range 4, lot 2; John Sanborn, range 1, lot 6; George 
Frost, ranges, lot 23; Col. Shattuck Walton, range 7, lot 16 ; George 
Jeffrey, range 5, lot 2 ; Richard Wibeud, range 2, lot 27 ; Colonel 
Thomas Westbrook, range 1, lot 16 ; Archibald Mackphedus, range 8, 
lot 7. 

John Frost, lot 30, first range ; Jothani Odiorn, lot 

7, second range; Henry Sherburn, lot 20, range?; 
Governor Belcher, lot 10, range 1 ; each a proprietor's 
share, with a home lot and five hundred acres to Hon. 
Samuel Sbute and Governor Wentworth. 

The proprietors seemed anxious to know how much 
land they possessed up here ; so, on the 19th day of 
March, 1750, they chose Jeremiah Sanborn, James 
Prescott, Jonathan Swett, Samuel Drake and Jo- 
siah Shaw a committee to run the line around the 
town, and also lay out two fifty-acre lots to each of 
the proprietors. This committee employed Simeon 
Dearborn as surveyor, who came up and laid out the 
second and third division of lots ; but as this land, 
with the exception of one range in the third division, 
is now in the town of Piitsfield, it is not proper that 
I should give an account of the doings of this com- 
mittee. A large proportion of the township was now 
surveyed 'and lotted off, but as yet no permanent 



settlement had been made, although the proprietors 
had offered, what seemed to them, very flattering 
inducements. The Indian wars in which the people 
had been engaged and other causes no doubt pre- 
vented an early settlement. But in 1756, Paul Mor- 
rill, for five hundred acres of land, was induced to 
come up into the woods and commence a clearing, 
and make for himself and his posterity a home and 
a name. The tract of land which he selected was in 
the southwest corner of the town, and has ever since 
been known as " Morrill's Grant." He cleared up a 
piece of land and built a house near the residence of 
John F. French. At the " Horse-Corner " Mr. M.ir- 
rill cleared up a farm, upon which he spent the 
remainder of his days, He settled several of his sons 
near him, — one upon the place where John F. French 
now resides, another upon the place where James F. 
Towle lives, and still another on the C. H. Staniel's 
place. 

John Morrill, one of the sons of Paul Morrill, was 
born about the time his father settled in Chichester, 
and is supposed to be the first child born in the town, 
as we find that the proprietors gave fifty acres of land 
to the first child of Paul Morrill, born in Chichester. 
The proprietors continued for several years their 
efforts to induce others to settle here, and thereby 
create a demand for their land, but very little was 
accomplished in this direction until about 1770, when 
John Cram, for a grant of land and the water-power 
which he had discovered on the great Suncook Eiver, 
in what is now Pittsfield, built a saw-mill, — an institu- 
tion of great importance in those days, and without 
which no extended settlement could be made. 

The rich soil, favorable location and heavy growtli 
of timber induced the ambitious young men of Hamp- 
ton and vicinity to emigrate; and soon we find the 
Dows, Sanborns, Drakes, Davis', Hilliard.s, Browns, 
Hooks, Lakes and many other young men of pluck 
and strength coming up here, and settling in diflerent 
parts of the town to hew peaceful homes and fruitful 
farms from the wilderness, and provide a competency 
for themselves and families by arduous toil and rigid 
economy. Those of the original proprietors who had 
not already sold or lost their shares in consequence of 
not paying their taxes still remained in Hampton, 
selling their lands as they had o>>portunity, and hold- 
ing their annual meetings from year to year for the 
election of town officers, in accordance with the terms 
of their grant. 

Colonel Simeon Hilliard came up and settled on 
Brown's Hill, near the residence of the late Abner P. 
Brown. He had a large family of children, but none 
of their descendants remain in town now. About the 
same time came Jonathan Leavitt, Esq., who ]jur- 
chased a large tract of land situated on both sides of 
Canterbury road, a portion of which isowned and occu- 
pied by his grandson, Hazen K. Leavitt. Captain 
John Langmaid settled on the farm now owned and 
occupied by Samuel W. Langmaid, and the farm has 



CHICHESTER. 



239 



been in the possession of the Langmaicl family ever 
since. About the same time came David Brown, who 
bought the farm now owned and occupied by David 
T. Brown, who is the fourth generation from the orig- 
inal settler. Thomas Lake settled ou the farm where 
J. T. Lake now resides, Irom which the large family 
of Lakes descended. Joseph Dow and his brother 
settled on Loudon road, the former on the farm now 
owned by Thomas Berry and sons, and the latter near 
" Kelley's Corner." 

Joseph Dow was proprietors' clerk and afterwards 
town clerk, and thereby acquired the name of Clerk 
Dow. Soon after, Joshua Lane, Esq., and Jeremiah 
Lane purchased land in north part of town, and 
erected houses where Arthur Deering and S. R. Wat- 
son now reside. Captain Dyer Hook and Peter Hook 
purchased the intervale farm now owned and occupied 
by Charles H. Carpenter, Esq. The house, which Mr. 
Carpenter moved from its original location a few 
years ago, before building the new and elegant resi- 
dence which he now occupies, was built by Captain 
Dyer Hook, and is thought to be the first frame house 
built in town. Deacon Ebenezer Lane came to Chi- 
cheister in 1790, and settled on a part of the Governor 
AVentworth grant, in the southerly part of the town. 
George W. Lane, his grandson, still owns and occu- 
pies the farm. Joshua Lane, another grandson, resides 
near by, upon the farm formerly owned and occupied 
by his father, Eben Lane. 

But in 1797, John Hilyard, Joseph Dow, Joshua 
Lane, Jacob Sanborn, John Bickford, Thomas Lake, 
Timothy Prescott, Asa Lane, Daniel Tilton, James 
Drake, Robert Tebbetts, Jonathan Perkins, Joshua 
Berry, Abram Greene, John Cram, William Chase, 
Enoch Butler, Joseph Sanborn represented to Abram 
True, a justice of the peace, that they were pro- 
prietors, owners and grantees of more than one- 
sixteenth part of the township, and requested him to 
call a meeting for the election of proprietors' officers 
at the house of Lieutenant John Hilliard, in Chi- 
chester. This meeting was held the 25th day of 
July, 1797. Joseph Dow was chosen clerk, and 
Robert Tebbets, Esq., and Abram True, Esq., 
were chosen a committee to bring the record-book of 
the proprietors up to Chichester. It was accordingly 
brought up by this committee on the 4th day of 
December following. Another meeting was called by 
Abram True, Esq., agreeable to a petition of pro- 
prietors, on the 29th day of May, 1800. A board of 
officers was chosen and an attempt made to raise a 
tax to pay up the indebtedness of the proprietors, 
but not much was accomplished, except to adjourn 
their meeting from day to day until they had ad- 
journed nine times ; the last adjourned meeting was 
never held. These adjourned meetings occupied 
about three years' time, during which a large part of 
the proprietors' rights had been sold to pay taxes and 
claims. Governor Shute's five hundred acres included. 
Thus ends the recorded doings of the original propri- 



etors of our town. We have followed them from 
the time they obtained their grant, in 1727, to 1803, — 
a period of seventy-six years, — and given an epitome 
of their votes and transactions relative to the set- 
tlement of Chichester. We would be glad to give 
a more extended and particular account of thenu 
but the limited space allowed us in this work forbids. 
We are fortunate in having in our possession the 
complete records of all meetings of the proprietors, 
written in a legible hand and in a good state of 
preservation. 

Having said all that our limited space allows about 
the original proprietors, we will now go back several 
years and take up the " original settlers ; " and we 
find that on March 18, 1773, they presented a peti- 
tion to John McClary to call a meeting of the legal 
voters for the election of town officers. General Mc- 
Clary issued the following order : 

"Peovince of New Hampsuibe, Rockinqiiam, SS. 
^'Whei-eas, applicatioa ib made to me, the Subscriber, one of hU Majes- 
ties Justices of the Peace for the County aforesaid, in a petition signed by 
a number of the freeholders and inhabitants of the township of Chiches- 
ter, to call a town meeting as soon as may be, at some convenient place 
In Said Town, to Choose Town officers as the law Directs. Therein they 
Complain of never having had the advantage of any legal meeting in 
Said Town heretofore. Pursuant to the aforesaid application, I Do 
hereby notify and warn the freeholders, and other Inhabitants of the 
township of Chichester, qualified by law to vote at Said Meeting, to 
meet at the Dwelling house of John Loverin, in Said Chichester, on 
Thursday, the first day of April next, at ten of the clock, forenoon, then 
and there to Choose a Moderator to govern Said meeting, also Town 
Clark, Selectmen, Constable and all other town officers as the law di- 
rects, and to pass votes for the same. 

"John McClary, Justice PeacL\ 

Agreeable to the above order, the citizens of Chi- 
chester held their first town-meeting and "elected 
John McClary moderator and John Cram town clerk ; 
John Cram, Samuel Davis, Ebenezer Barton, select- 
men ; Samuel Prescott, Jonathan Leavitt, assessors ; 
.Tohn Worth, constable or collector together; Ed- 
ward Sargent, Edmon Rand Leavitt, John Blake and 
Elijah Ring, they all surveyors of highways." The 
settlers had scarcely got started in the new town 
when the difficulties which had for a long time ex- 
isted between the colonies and the British government 
assumed such formidable proportions that war seemed 
almost inevitable. 

Already people in the lower towns ofthe State were 
almost driven to overt acts, but were restrained by the 
prudence of leading patriots. The settlers, though 
far removed from these scenes, caught the spirit and 
began to make preparations for the coming storm ; 
for, early in 1775, they voted to enlist four Minute- 
Men to be ready at a moment's warning for any emer- 
gency, and to pay each man two shillings per day, and 
raised one pound, six shillings to purchase pork and 
bread, and store it in town for the use of the Min- 
ute-Men. January 23d of this year Elijah Ring was 
chosen as a deputy to go to Exeter to choose dele- 
gates to represent this province in a Continental 
Congress proposed to be held in Philadelidiia in 
Mav next. On the 8th of May, John Cram was chosen 



240 



HISTORY OF MKRRTMACK COIT.XTY, NP^W HAMPSHIRE. 



deputy to represent the town in the Provincial Con- 
gress to be held at Exeter on the 17th instant, with 
full power to "act and adopt everything according 
to a letter from the Provincial Committee." In 1776 
the town chose Simeon Milliard, Jonathan Stanyan, 
Thomas Johnson, David Knowlton, Israel Hook a 
■Committee of Safety, and in 1777 voted to give thirty 
pounds, lawful money, to each man who enlists into 
the Continental army for three years, and chose Jon- 
.athan Leavitt, Jeremiah Sanborn and Jeremiah Gar- 
land a committee to hire the men. They also chose 
John Cram, William Chase, Elijah Ring, John Lang- 
maid,Simeon Hilliardto regulate the prices of articles 
in town, so as to correspond with prices in other towns. 
They also voted to purchase a good supply of gun- 
powder, lead and flints, and store them at the house 
of Captain Dyer Hook for the use of the Minute-Men. 
In 1778 the town raised one hundred and fifty pounds, 
lawful money, to hire men to fill the quota of the town 
in the Continental army, and chose James Cram, Jon- 
athan Leavitt, Edward Sargent a committee to look 
after the families of those who had gone into the 
army, agreeable to a resolve of the General Assem- 
bly. 

In 1779 a convention of delegates was held at Exe- 
ter to draw up a new system of government, and 
John Cram, Esq., was chosen to represent the town. 
This convention met and proposed a new form of gov- 
ernment, which was submitted to the people and re- 
jected. This year a convention was held at Concord to 
regulate the price of articles, and Ensign Elijah Ring 
was chosen as a delegate from Chichester, who received 
twelve i)Ounds, lawful money, for his services. In 
1780 the people were thoroughly aroused, and deter- 
mined to do all in their power to aid the Continental 
army and secure the independence of the colonies. 
They chose Captain Jonathan Leavitt and Ensign 
Elijah Ring a committee, with instructions to furnish 
all the men that may be called for during the year, 
from this town, as soldiers in the army; and the 
selectmen were also instructed to furnish the commit- 
tee with the money to pay them and to assess a tax 
upon the ratable polls to raise it. It was no easy 
task for farmers, at this period, with but very little 
of their land under cultivation, with a distant market 
and the difticulties attending transportation, to raise 
money; yet they did raise it to the extent of their 
ability, and when they could not raise money, they 
furnished beef and corn, and conveyed it to Hampton 
with horses and oxen. The town furnished this year 
six thousand five hundred and twenty pounds of beef 
and delivered it. In 1781 the Continental Congress 
asked them to furnish eight thousand one hundred 
and fifty pounds of beef and forty-eight gallons of 
rum for the army, and it was raised and forwarded. 
They also voted to raise all the men wanted from this 
town for the army during the year, and passed the 
following very singular vote, which not only shows 
the ingenuity of the people, but shows to what ex- 



just cause had driven 



tremity poverty and zeal 
them : 

*' Voted to go to raidug young stock, and that each and every citizen 
of tlie town who enlisted for the term of three yeani, or during the war, 
and actually went iuto the service, should receive, at the expiration of 
his term of service, twenty three-ycAr-old heifers, and chose Jeremiah 
Sanhorn, Captain Jabez Uaskel and Joshua Berry a committee to hire 
the soldiers, and voted to pay this committee forty dollars per day for 
time spent in furuishing the men, and thirty dollars per day for use of 
horse." 

We do not know liuw many men accepted this 
ofier and received the heifers; but we find the town, 
some time after, taking measures to procure them. 
This was the last vote passed by the town, as no more 
soldiers were called for after this year. The people 
of Chichester should ever remember that their ances- 
tors performed well their part in the great struggle of 
the colonies for liberty, and that no town rendered 
more willing and eflScient aid. If men were wanted, 
she furnished them without a murmur. If the fam- 
ilies of volunteers needed help, their wants were sup- 
plied, and everything that the circumstances of the 
people would allow was done to bring about the glo- 
rious consummation of the war. The Revolutionary 
War left the country deeply in debt. Congress had no 
power to establish a system of imports ; consequently 
heavy taxes were levied on polls and estates. This, 
in connection with other circumstances, produced a 
season of distress and suffering, from which Chiches- 
ter did not escape. The war over, the settlers began 
to talk about dividing the town ; for John Cram and 
his numerous friends, aided by that great civilizer, 
the saw-mill, had already built up quite a settlement 
around the water-power (now Pittsfield village). Paul 
Morrill and his family and friends had settled in the 
extreme southerly portion of the town ; so, when an 
attempt was made to fix upon a centre for a church, 
etc., a difficulty. arose which they could not surmount. 
The people at the north part of the town wanted it 
there, and those at the south wanted it there. So, on 
the 26th day of December, 1781, they voted to divide 
the town as follows : That the second division of land 
below Suncook River in Chichester, with that part of 
the third division below the river, and the six nor- 
therly ranges above said river in the third division, 
with all the privileges and proportion of public land 
belonging to said divisions, may be incorporated into 
a town or parish by themselves, with all town priv- 
ileges as other towns in this State. And John Cram, 
William Chase and Jonathan Leavitt were chosen a 
committee to petition the Legislature to confirm the 
above vote. This was done, and in 1782 the General 
Court created the town of Pittsfield, in accordance 
with the previous vote of the town. During this 
year the town business of both towns was carried on 
together; but in 1783 they divided their books. The 
town of Pittsfield took the " law-book," which had 
been the guide of the town officers hitherto, and Chi- 
chester took the record-books of the selectmen and 
town clerk. These books are in the town clerk's 



CHICHESTEll. 



241 



office in Chichester, and are iu a good state of preser- 
vatiou. In 1784 the town voted to purchase lot 
No. 3, in sixth range and first division, for a town 
centre and parsonage, upon which to build a house 
for the transaction of town business and public wor- 
ship on the Sabbath. This lot was purchased, and 
twenty acres of trees were felled preparatory to build- 
ing ; but they afterwards decided to build elsewhere, 
and sold all but two acres, which they reserved for a 
town cemetery. 

In 1785, Simeon Hilliard was chosen as a represen- 
tative to represent the towns of Pittsfield and Chi- 
chester in the General Assembly. In 1788 the new 
Constitution, which had been formed at Philadelphia 
the year before, was presented to this State for adop- 
tion. Considerable opposition was manifested toward 
it. A convention was called at Exeter to consider it, 
and Benjamin Sias was chosen as a delegate to repre- 
sent this town. This convention, after considerable 
discussion and delay, ratified it. New Hampshire 
being the ninth State to accept it. Thus the number 
necessary to put it into operation was complete. We 
have now brought our •' Historical Sketch " down to 
the adoption of the Federal Constitution. From 
this time onward, for many years, the town steadily 
progressed in wealth and population and all that 
adds to the comforts of civilized life, though we are 
sorry to say that there were then, and have ever 
been, those who were unable to support themselves 
and families. We think that the first man to apply 
to the town for help was Daniel Perkins. The town 
immediately held a meeting and chose a committee 
to aid him at the expense of the town. Other appli- 
cations followed. The town, for several years, either 
aided them at their own homes or furnished small 
farms for them to live upon. Afterwards, for several 
years, they were set up at auction, and their board 
for the current year struck off to the lowest bidder. 
In 1839 the town voted to purchase a town farm, 
upon which to support their paupers, and chose a 
committee to select a suitable one. This committee 
recommended a farm on Canterbury road, now owned 
by James B. Towle & Son. The farm was pur- 
chased by the town, and fitted up for the convenience 
of the poor. An agent was employed annually by 
the town to carry on the farm and take care of the 
paupers. This custom was continued until 1866, 
when the town farm was sold to its present owners, 
since which time the town has had but very few pau- 
pers, and these few have since then been boarded in 
town. 

In 1845 the town voted to build a town-house, the 
old meeting-house having become ruinous and unfit 
to hold meetings in, but for a long time were unable 
to agree upon a location. Several meetings were 
held, and considerable excitement engendered. It 
was finally voted to locate it on the "centre lot," 
near the Methodist Church. A committee was 
chosen, and the building framed and erected ; but 



before it was finished, the people at the north part 
of the town rallied the voters and got the former 
vote rescinded, and the location changed to where it 
now stands. Accordingly, it was taken down, moved 
back, erected and finished, and has ever since been 
used for town purposes. 

The next event of importance in the history ot' the 
town is the War of the Rebellion, and on the 14th 
day of December, 1861, the town passed the first vote 
in relation to soldiers, viz.: " Voted to aid the wives, 
children or parents of any inhabitants of the town 
who have enlisted into the military service of tlie 
United States agreeably to an act of the Legislature 
of New Hampshire, authorizing towns and cities to 
aid the families of volunteers, and also instructed the 
selectmen to pay a bounty of two hundred and fifty 
dollars to each volunteer who may enlist up to Sep- 
tember next, to fill the quota of this town under the 
call of the President for volunteers." At a meeting 
held September 21, 1862, the town voted to pay a 
bounty of three hundred dollars to all those who may 
hereafter enlist to fill U]) old regiments, and l\v(y 
hundred and fifty dollars to all those who may enlist 
into new regiments prior to September 15th, and one 
hundred dollars to those enlisting for nine months to 
fill the quota of the town. September 20, 1862, 
" Voted to raise twelve thousand dollars to encourage 
voluntary enlistment, aud voted to pay a bounty of 
two hundred dollars to those who may or have en- 
listed for nine months to fill the quota of the town 
under the last call of the President." September 12, 
1863, " Voted to raise a sum of money to pay a bounty 
of three hundred dollars to those who may be drafted 
to serve in the military service of the United States, 
or to his substitute who shall be mustered into the 
army of the United States, and that the selectmen 
be authorized to borrow, on the credit of the town, 
the sum of five thousand dollars therefor." 

December 8, 1863, " Voted to raise six thousand 
dollars to encourage voluntary enlistment in the town 
of Chichester, and that the selectmen are authorized 
to apply the same, or such parts thereof as they may 
think proper, to pay bounties to soldiers to fill any 
quota that may be assigned to this town." 

June 14, 1864, " Voted to raise the sum of ten thou- 
sand dollars to encourage voluntary enlistment in this 
town, to fill any quota of the town under any call of 
the President during the present political year, and 
that the selectmen pay such bounties as they think 
proper to each volunteer who may, at any time during 
the year, enlist into the military service of the United 
States, and also that the selectmen pay a bounty of 
three hundred dollars to all persons who have been, 
or may be, drafted or conscripted into the military 
service from this town, during the existing rebellion, 
or to any substitute for such conscript." " Voted to 
raise fifteen thousand dollars in addition to the sum 
already raised, and that the selectmen be authorized 
to enlist twenty men immediately, and put them into 



242 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the service, for a reserve to fill any quota of the town 
during the current year." 

August 24, 1864, " Voted to raise twenty-five thou- 
sand dollars to encourage voluntary enlistments in the 
town of Chichester, and that the selectmen be author- 
ized to pay a bounty of one thousand dollars to each 
and every man who shall enlist from this town, and 
be mustered into the service of the United States for 
the term of one year, to fill the quota of the town 
under the call of the President of July 18, 1864." 
Sixteen men of the town enlisted under this vote, and 
received one thousand dollars each. 

December 10, 1864, the town passed its last vote 
in relation to raising men for the army. " Voted that 
the selectmen be authorized to pay a bounty of three 
hundred dollars to any one who has been since the 
date of this warrant, or may be hereafter, mustered 
into the military, naval or marine service of the Uni- 
ted States for three years, as a substitute for any 
enrolled man in the town of Chichester." 

In accordance with the above vote, Jacob S. San- 
born, David T. Brown, S. W. Langmaid, C. C. Shaw, 
John Shaw, James B. Clifford, Thomas B. Lane, Ho- 
sea B. Langley and James Hook furnished substi- 
tutes. Drafted men who furnished substitutes, — Geo. 
M. Munsey, Abram M. Drake, Stephen P. Perkins, 
John Y. Lane, Freeman H. F^gg, Moses E. Lake, 
Edward Langmaid, Jr., Franklin O. Kelley, George 
W. Towle, James P. Hook, John W. Severance, Ira 
Sanborn and Nathaniel S. Edmunds. 

Citizens of the town who enlisted and were mus- 
tered into the service of the United States during the 
Rebellion,— 

George S. Sanders, Elbridge G. Locke, James McGuire, .\lbert Hook, 
William H. Jackson, John P. Haines, Hiram E. Locke, William Spiller, 
Joseph C, Munaey, Frederick Brown, William Buzzell, Chellis E. Call, 
Charles H. Edmunds, Joseph C. Perry, Samuel M. Perry, Ira B. PeiTy, 
Henry M. Sanborn, James Stanyan, Charles H. Towle, Cyrus Sanborn, 
James H. Haines, Thomas Haines, Peter Mebier, Thomas Ames, Wil- 
liam Stanley, Hugh Burns, Alfred Langmaid, Charles Robey, Charles H. 
•Staniels, John A. West, Hiram Hook, Levi Hook, James M. Meserve, 
Joseph Cilley, Warren Langmaid, Jonathan H. Leavitt, William San- 
born, Hiram Stanyan, Edward West, George H. Haines, Herbert T. 
Sanborn, Charles L. Brown, Charles H. Greene, Alonzo P. Hall, James 
P. Hook, George P. Haines, Charles H. Johnson, James Bachelder, 
George A. Lear, Sewel B. Bailey, John M. Haines, James J. Locke, 
Joseph M. Walker, Tnie Sanborn, Jr. (enlisted September 20, ISM, 
Fourth Regiment, second lieutenant ; promoted to first lieutenant 
June 12, I8G2 ; promoted to captain November !», 1864), Jonathan P. 
Leavitt. 

The following is a list of men who were hired by 
the selectmen to fill the quotas of the town, under 
different calls of the President, and substitutes for 
drafted and enrolled men, — 

W^illiam Walker, George U. Pearson, John Ames, Thomas Eagan, John 
Friar, Edward Morris, Joseph Miller, William Robertson, James Noble, 
Wiliiani K. FhMuiiiLi. Charles Hogan, John Smith, James Johnson, John 
Tli.in-,. riiiL. I, -A, in I lA, ml Anster, Joseph 0. Perkins, Charles 
H. M . \'. - I I II L. Carr, George Johnston, Joseph 

Juli:, !. : ' M ,1 -. ]ih G.Johnston, Lewis Woodbury, 

John w .;. 11, "i;;ii 11. w-ko, William Sinclare, George W. Dwinnel, 
Patrick U. Garitis, Joseph Murry, Minor Smith, Peter White, Andrew 
J. Oilman, James Wilson. Martin Johnson, James Smith, Richard Rod- 



gers, Charles Anderson, John Rodgers, Thomas Williams, Nathan 
Munsey, George W. Fitch, Francis Bolan, William D. Locke, William 
Cook, John Cats, John .\mcs, John F. Stanyan. 

The town responded to every call of the President 
of the United States for men to go into the Union 
army, and promptly filled every quota assigned to it, 
paying bounties ranging from one to ten hundred dol- 
lars to each man. To do this, the town borrowed the 
money from year to year, as it was needed, and at the 
close of the war had incurred a debt of thirty-six 
thousand six hundred dollars. This amount was in 
notes, ranging from fifty to three thousand dollars. 
The interest and part of the jwincipal was paid each 
year until 1881, when it was found that about sixteen 
thousand dollars of the original indebtedness of the 
town remained unpaid. The town, this year, voted 
to fund the town debt, and authorized the selectmen 
to issue bonds bearing four per cent, interest annually, 
with one thousand dollars payable each year until the 
debt should be paid. The bonds were issued and 
sold ; hence, in about twelve years the war debt of Chi- 
chester will become extinct. 

Schools and School-Houses.— The people of Chi- 
chester early turned their attention to the subject of 
education. We find, that a few years after the settle- 
ment of the town, when there were but few houses, 
and these very much scattered, that a few pounds 
were appropriated " for schooling." There were then 
no school-houses in town, and the scholars met at 
private houses, and were taught to " read, write and 
cipher " by Joseph Dow, one of the first settlers of 
the town, who also filled the office of town clerk for 
many years, and is now remembered by the old peo- 
ple of the town as " Master Dow and Clark Dow^" It 
does not appear that the subject of education was ever 
lost sight of, though the poverty and distress of the 
people, occasioned, or at least increased, by the heavy 
taxes imposed upon them to raise men for the Conti- 
nental army during the memorable struggle of the 
colonies for independence, prevented the full accom- 
plishment of their laudable design. In 1788 the 
town built four school-houses, — one near the mouth of 
Loudon road, one on Bear Hill, one on Canterbury 
road and one near the settlement of Paul Morrill. 
The school-house last mentioned was burned in 1840, 
and the present one in that section of the town (Dis- 
trict No. 5) was erected in 1841. A school-house in 
the Lane District was built about 1790, which was 
burned in 1815, and the present house erected in 
1816. In 1842 a union district of Chichester and 
Epsom was formed, and in 18 — , a union district of 
Loudon and Chichester was formed, and a school- 
house located on Pleasant Street. Another union 
school district of Chichester and Loudon was formed 
and a school-house built on Canterbury road, making 
eight school districts with as many school-houses. 
The money appropriated for the support of schools is 
divided among the several districts, according to 
the appraised value of property in each district. 



CHICHESTER. 



243 



The Revolution.— The following men were fur- 
nished by the town for the Continental army : 

Josiiili Harton, Epliraim Garvin, .Tonatban Locke, John Itickfoni, 
Nathaniel Martin, James .\hearu, Bei^aiuiu Brown, Bot\jHlnin G. Berry, 
Jacob Abbott, Ephraim Conner, Daniel Paige, Neil Cate, Joacph Morrill 
Daniel ?ieavey, Joseph Brown, Joseph Dow, Joseph Goes, Jeremiah 
Abbott, Eliphalet Conner, Simeon Lovering, Dudly Swain, Joshua 
Smith, Kiel, rd Smith, John Chase, John Maxfleld. 

War of 1812. — The following men were furnished 
by the town for the War of 1812: 

Joseph Dearborn, Isaac Stanyan, Samuel Drake, Theophilus Mason, 
Christopher Page, Jonathan Maxfield, Benjamin W. French, David P. 
Shaw, Edward Edmunds, David M. Carpenter, Mathew Sanborn. 

POPILAK VOTES OF THE TOWN. 

In IStXI.— For Eepresentatives to Congress : Abel Foster, 33 ; Michael 
WcCTary, 40 ; Samuel Tenney, 40 ; George B. Toppan, 36. 

ISIO.— Jonah Bartlett, 80 ; Samuel Dinsmore, 80 ; John A. Harper, 
SO: David Morrill, 80 ; ObedHall, 80; George Sullivan, 33 ; William 
Hale. 33 ; James Wilson, 33 ; Roger Vose, 33 ; Daniel Blaisdell, 33. 

1820.— For Governor : Samuel Bell, 173. For Counselor; John Bell, 
173. For Senator: Isaac Hill, 87 ; Ezekiel Morrill, 83 ; John McClary, 
1. For Treasurer: 'SVilliani Pickering, 173. For Register: Seth 
■Walker, 173. 

1830.— For Governor: Mathew Harvey, 136; Timothy Upham, 36. 
For Counselor; Francis N. Fisk, 137 ; John W. Parson, 36. For Sena- 
tor : Joseph M. Harper, 135 ; Samuel Morrill, 37. For Treasurer : Jona- 
than Eastman, 136 ; John 'Wilson, 37. For Register of Deeds : Samuel 
CofBn, 133 ; John West, 34. 

1841.— For Governor: John Paige, 147 ; Enos Stevens, 34 ; Daniel 
' Hoyt, 10. For Counselor; Moses Norris, 146; Arthur Breams, 35; 

Frederick Sanborn, 9. For Senator: Peter Renton, 144; Simeon B. 
Little, 36 ; Samuel Forrest, 9. For Treasurer : Caleb Morrill , 147 ; D. 
K. Foster, 35 ; Samuel Morrill, 9. For Register of Deeds : Mitchel Gil- 
more, 147 ; Joseph Morrill, 35 ; John T. Morton, 9. 
i 1850. - For Governor : Samuel Dinsmore, 133 ; N. S. Berry, 37 ; Levi 

Chamberlin, 16. For Counselor : Greenleaf Clarke, 133 ; Edmund 
"Worth, 33. For Senator: Samuel Montgomery, 133 ; John S. Fumald, 
15 : Charles E. Bartlett, 16. 

1860.— For Governor : Asa P. Cate, 143 ; Ichabod Goodwin, 88. For 

Railroad Commissioner : Frederick Vose, 143 ; Jeremiah C. Tilton, 88. 

For Counselor : James Butler, 143 ; Reed P. Clarke, 88. For Senator ; 

Henrj- P. Rolfe, 142 ; David Morrill, 88. 

1 187U.— For Governor; John Bedell, 70 ; Onslow Stearns, 74 ; Lorenzo 

Burrows, 5 ; Samuel Felm, 73. 
i 1880.- For Governor : Frank Jones, 137 ; Charles H. Bell, 90 ; George 

] Dodge, 1. 

I Congregational Society. — From the settlement of 

i the town until 1791 but little is known concerning 

the preaching of the gospel in Chichester. We find 
that before and after the Revolutionary War appro- 
priations of a few pounds were made occasionally at 
their annual meetings to hire a gospel minister to 
preach a part of the year, but who was employed or 
where they preached .we have no means of knowing; 
but as the business meetings of the town were held 
alternately at private houses in different parts of the 
town, the presumption is that the religious meetings 
were held in the same way. But during the memor- 
able struggle for independence through which the 
colonies passed, although the subject was brought 
up at almost every annual meeting, the people were 
so much engaged in furnishing men for the military 
service, and were taxed so heavily to raise funds to 
procure these men, that no appropriation was made 
for the support of the gospel. In 1791, Kev. Josiah 
Carpenter, a Congregational minister, came here from 
Vermont and preached a part of the time, and the 



town raised fifteen pounds to pay him for his services; 
and on the 7th of June of this year the people, who 
for several years had contemplated building a house 
for public worship, but could not agree upon a loca- 
tion, decided to build a meeting house, which should 
be used for the preaching of the gospel and the busi- 
ness meetings of the town ; the house to be forty feet 
wide and fifty feet long, and fixed upon a spot a few 
rods east of where the town-house now stands for a 
location. The building committee were Abram True, 
Captain James Marden and Jeremiah Sanborn. 

The records do not tell us just when the house was 
completed, but they do tell us that the pews were sold 
at auction in 1794 to the highest bidders, at prices 
ranging from two to fifteen pounds. 

At a meeting held at the barn of Captain John 
Langmaid, July 23, 1791, it was voted to set apart 
August 3, 1791, as a day of humiliation and prayer to 
Almighty God for his direction and presence 
with them in all their undertakings; also, to call a 
council of neighboring ministers to establish a church 
in this town, in order to have an ordained minister, 
and Jonathan Leavitt, Hillyard Shaw and Joseph 
Morrill were chosen a committee to call the council 
and make preparations for their entertainment. 

The council convened August 3, and was held in 
connection with the exercises of fast-day. This council 
established the Congregational Church in Chichester. 
On the 3d day of September following, the town 
voted to extend a call to Rev. Josiah Carpenter to 
settle with them in the gospel ministry upon the fol- 
lowing terms: Salary for the first year, fifty pounds; 
for the second year, fifty-five pounds; for the third 
year, sixty pounds; for the fourth year, sixty-five 
pounds, and that the last-named sum of sixty-five 
pounds should be his stated salary each year during 
the time he should remain with them in the 
gospel ministry ; said salary to be paid yearly, as 
follows: One-third part in specie, computing six 
shillings to the dollar ; the other two-thirds in beef, 
pork, corn and grain at the following rates: Good 
grass-fed beef, at seventeen shillings nine pence per 
one hundred pounds ; stall-feed beef, at twenty-five 
shillings per hundred ; pork weighing from nine to 
twelve-score, four pence per pound, from twelve-score 
upwards, five pence per pound ; corn, three shillings 
per bushel ; rye, four shillings ; and wheat at six shil- 
lings per bushel. That until the parsonage lot should 
be cleared and put in condition to produce grass suf- 
ficient to winter and summer two cows, one horse, six 
sheep, the town would furnish Mr. Carpenter annually 
and every year with six tons of good English hay and 
pasturing sufiicient and convenient for the above 
stock ; then he was to cultivate the parsonage lot 
himself and to have all of the income. They also 
agreed to fiirnish him annually with twenty-five cords 
of good birch-wood, delivered at his house ; also to 
give him boards, shingle and clapboards to the amount 
of fifteen pounds and labor to the amount of forty 



241: 



HISTORY OF MERKIMACK COUxNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



pounds, towards building him a house. Mr. Carpenter 
accepted the call and was soon ordained, and re- 
mained in the gospel ministry about thirty-five years. 
During these thirty-five years a tax was assessed an- 
nually, and in a majority of cases cheerfully paid, to 
pay his salary, but from the start there had been dis- 
senters, some on account of the location of the meet- 
ing-house, and some on account of conscientious 
scruples, not believing in compulsory support of the 
gospel; these dissenters became more numerous as 
time rolled on. The town had been accustomed to 
abate the minister tax of those people who furnished 
certificates from Kev. Ebenezer Knowlton and Eev. 
Benjamin Sargent, Free-Will Baptist ministers of 
Pittsfield, that they were regular attendants upon 
their meetings. 

After the law was passed by the State allowing 
individuals to form religious societies, with power to 
admit members, make rules and by-laws for their 



government. 



and collect taxes of its 



ibers 



the support of a minister of their own denomina- 
tion, it became exceedingly diffcult to collect the taxes 
assessed for the support of Mr. Carpenter, some posi- 
tively refusing to pay their taxes, and there is a 
tradition that in several cases the goods and chattels 
of delinquent tax-payers were taken by process of law 
and sold to pay their proportion of the minister's 
salary. It now became evident to the people that 
something must be done to dissolve the contract made 
in 1791 between the town and Rev. Josiah Carpenter, 
as his salary was still going on and the town already 
in arrears with him. Consequently, the town, in 1826, 
chose a comnuttee to make a final settlement with 
him. The committee attended to their duty, and on 
the 11th day of December of this year the following 
agreement was signed by both parties : 

u;,-,„ 1! ,„ ', 7'.f-c prfseiife; That I, Josiali Carpenter, of Chi- 

gl,^^,,., , : ^I .tck, and State of New Hampshire, Minister, 

for;,i,,l li, , ,-,!,; ,! , .1 live hundred dollars paid by the Selectmen of 
Cl,i, l,,.,t. ( , ,1 _ni M|., relinquish and forever abandon the 
made with iin-, tht said ,r.,siah Carpenter, and the town of Chichester 
the year 1791, being in full for my support for the term that I have 
maiued the minister of said towu of Chichester. 
".^BEAM Drake, 



Thus ended the long and successful pastorate of the 
Rev. Josiah Carpenter in this town. Of the particular 
results of his public and private ministrations we 
know but little, as our ancient records of the church 
are supposed to have been burned in 18-10 ; but we have 
no doubt that the religious sentiment that has existed 
in our town during the present century is largely 
attributable to the pure life and wise counsels of this 
godly man, who for so many years " went in and out 
before the people." During these years the popula- 
tion of the town nearly doubled, and we have no 
doubt that the number of church-going people corre- 
spondingly increased. It is said that the people came 
from all sections of the town to attend church on the 



Sabbath, some of them coming four or five miles, and 
as there were no carriages in those days, they eithei 
walked or rode on horseback, not unfrequently two or 
three upon the same horse, and in winter to sit all 
day in a cold house, without any fire or any other 
means of artificial warmth, except in some cases the 
ladies carried a little tin stove, about ten inches, 
square, in which were deposited a few coals, which 
diffused a little heat in their respective family pews. 
Those of our people who ride to church in richl\ 
upholstered sleighs, to sit only half a day upon a nicely- 
cushioned seat, in a warm room, hardly realize the 
hardship and physical endurance it cost ourancestor^ 
to attend church. 

The contract between the town and Rev. Josiah 
Carpenter being dissolved, and universal taxation to 
support the Church done away with forever, we trust, 
the people of dift'erent religious proclivities were left 
free to form societies of their own, admit members, 
adopt rules and regulations for their government, 
assess and collect taxes for the support of a miuistci 
of their own denomination, build and repair churches, 
etc. Consequently, a few individuals, who were in 
favor of forming a Congregational society in Chiches- 
ter, met at the hall of David M. Carpenter, in said 
town, on the 20th day of December, 1826, and chose 
Nathan Harden, Benjamin Emery and Nathaniel 
Sherburne a committee to designate a title by which 
the society should be known. At a subsequent meet- 
ing the committee reported, and the meeting adopted 
the following title : '" The Union Congregational Soci- 
ety of Chichester, in the County of Merrimack." 

At this meeting John Chandler was elected clerk, 
Abraham Drake, Nathaniel Sherburne and Abijah 
Lane were elected assessors. For several years the 
church was without a settled pastor ; money was raised 
by the society almost every year, and expended by 
the committee in supplying the pulpit in the old 
meeting-house. Although duringthistime several can- 
didates were tried, it was not until 1832 that a call 
was given to any one to settle in the ministry. This 
year Rev. Rufus A. Putman preached for a while, 
and the church and the society were so much pleased 
with him that the church, on the 30th day of July, 
1832, voted to give him a call to settle with them in 
the gospel ministry, and chose 'Deacon Enoch Tilton, 
Deacon Ebenezer Lane and Joshua Lane, Esq., to 
present the call. On the same day the society voted 
to concur with the church in regard to giving a call 
to Eev. E. A. Putman and settling him in the min- 
istry, and chose D. K. Foster, E. K. Webster and 
John Slarden to act in unison with the committee 
chosen by the church. 

On the 6th day of August following, the Rev. Ru- 
fus A. Putman accepted the call, and remained the 
settled pastor of the church and society for twelve 
years, and with the exception of his illustrious 
predecessor, Mr. Carpenter, the longest pastorate any 
minister ever had in Chichester. Mr. Putman is 



CmCHKSTKR. 



remembered by the old people of the town as a man 
of sterling qualities and undoubted piety, and noted 
more for his depth of thought than for brilliancy of 
oratory. The old edifice, which had been used for so 
many years as town-house and church, was now in 
rather a dilapidated condition, and must either be 
repaired or a new church built. As is always the case 
under such circumstances, the society were divided in 
opinion, some being in favor of repairing the old 
house and others in favor of building a new one ; 
finally, the latter class triumphed, and David M. Car- 
penter, J. N. 0. Leavitt and Simeon Stevens were 
chosen as a building committee. But here again the 
question of location, which had disturbed the fathers 
so much almost a half-century before, when contem- 
plating building the old church, presented itself 
again ; but after holding several meetings and discus- 
sing the matter thoroughly, Stephauus Kelley, Chas. 
H. Staniels, Jonathan Mardeu, Benjamin Farring- 
ton and Samuel S. Moultou were chosen a committee to 
select a location for the new church. This committee, 
after considerable delay, reported in favor of the spot 
where the Congregational Church now stands. A 
plan was procured and estimates made, and the con- 
tract to build awarded to Newell Sanborn for one 
thousand eight hundred dollars. The house was 
finished the latter part of 1838, the majority of the 
pews sold, the bills paid, and from that day to this 
the society have had no debts of any amount existing 
against them. Although the church has had new 
blinds and been several times painted and otherwise 
repaired, the bills have always been paid by the soci- 
ety. 

In 1843, the people no longer desiring the services 
of Rev. Rufus A. Putman, he was dismissed. In 
1844, Rev. Ezekiel Dow preached a part of the year, 
and on September 1st of that year Rev. Chas. Willey 
commenced preaching, and preached one year on trial, 
when the church and society gave him a call to settle 
with them in the gospel ministry. He accepted the 
call, and on October 15, 1845, he was ordained, and 
continued to preach and labor among us until Decem- 
ber 3, 1860, when a council was called and he was 
regularly dismissed. The church and society were 
without a settled pastor for several years. During 
this time several candidates were employed, among 
them Rev. Thomas Kidder, until, in 1853, Rev. Silas 
Blanchard commenced preaching, and preached for 
about four years. In 1858, Rev. Joshua Gay com- 
menced preaching, and preached for five years. The 
society was without a pastor for some time. In 1865, 
Rev. Mark Gould commenced preaching and preached 
until 1872. In 1873, George A. Foss preached for a 
while, when the church and society, on January 26, 
1874, voted to give him a call to settle with them in 
the gospel ministry. He was ordained February 24, 
1874, and preached for about three years, when a 
council was called to convene at Chichester Septem- 
ber 7, 1877, and dissolve the pastoral relations exist- 
16 



ing between pastor and people. The church was 
without regular preaching for a time, during which 
time several candidates were tried, when the assessors 
secured the services of Rev. John F. Aiken, who 
commenced preaching in 1879 and preached until 
August, 1880, when, after a brief illness, he died. 
This was a sad day for the Congregational Society in 
Chichester, for, within my recollection at least, no 
man in our town ever had the respect and love of the 
people, which amounted almost to adoration, that was 
manifested for Rev. John F. Aiken. The church was 
without a pastor until 1882,when Rev. H. W. L. Thurs- 
ton commenced to preach, and remained until the fall 
of 1884, when he resigned and went away. 

Free Baptist Society.— In 1824 and 1825 an ex- 
tensive revival of religion prevailed in Chichester, as 
the result of a series of meetings held in difl'erent 
sections of the town by Rev. William Swain, a Free- 
will Baptist minister from Pittsfield. Up to this time 
there had been no Baptist society in town, although 
there were many favorable to that denomination, who 
had attended meeting at the Baptist meeting in Pitts- 
field, at which Rev. Ebenezer Knovvltou and others 
preached. During this revival, at the meetings and 
on other occasions, the expediency of forming a Free- 
will Baptist Church in Chichester was discussed. 
Finally they laid the subject before the Eldere' Con- 
ference of the New Durham Quarterly Meeting, held 
at Loudon in May, 1825. The Conference, after duly 
considering the matter, decided in favor of forming 
a church, and appointed Elders Winthrop Young, 
Samuel Dyer, Ebenezer Knowlton, Arthur Caverno 
to organize the church. On the 27th day of May the 
above-named elders, with the exception of Elder 
Dyer, met the people at the house of Benjamin Kaime 
and organized by choosing Elder Winthrop Young 
as moderator and Elder Arthur Caverno as clerk. A 
church was here formed, consisting of the following 
baptized members: Benjamin Kaime, Ebenezer Fel- 
lows, Stephen Robey, John Fellows, Samuel B. Miller, 
Dearborn Mason, Levi Staniels, Sarah Fellows, Mary 
Miller, Sally Kaime, Rhoda Page, Mary Mason. xVt 
this meeting Benjamin Kaime was chosen clerk of the 
church. 

The church was now organized and ready for 
Christian work, but had no church edifice in which 
to hold their meetings. So the next thing to claim 
their attention was the raising of funds for this 
purpose. They set about it with characteristic zeal. 
Benjamin Kaime gave the land upon which to set the 
church, and many others contributed generously ac- 
cording to their means, so that in 1826 the house was 
built and dedicated, Elder Caverno preaching the 
dedicatory sermon. Jeremiah Lane, Joshua Lane, 
Stephen Perkins, Stephen Robey, Benjamin Kaime, 
Simon Mason, Edmund Mason, Nathaniel Bachelder, 
Josiah Page, Obadiah Marston, Eben(^zer Fellows, 
John Fellows, Henry Robey, John Berry and Amasa 
Kelley were the principal tontributors. The church 



IllSTOllY OF MEKKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIKE. 



completed, they then set themselves to work in earnest 
to procure a minister, but it was not until December, 
1827, that they succeeded in obtaining one. Then 
Elder William Swain, of Pittsfield, was settled as 
pastor, who continued to preach and labor among 
them for six years, at the close of which, although he 
ceased to be their pastor, he continued to preach 
occasionally in the church during the remainder of 
his life, and also attended many funerals of former 
parishioners and friends, and to the close of his life 
was always deeply interested in the [jrosperity of the 
B:i|itist ( 'hurch in Chichester. He spent the last years 
<il his lili.' on a farm on Canterbury road, now owned 
by William Carroll, and died September, 1865. For 
the next four years the church was without a pastor, 
although they had preaching occasionally. But in 1837, 
Elder Silas Bean was engaged to preach one-half of 
the time ; he remained with them until some time in 
1840, since which time there has been no settled 
pastor, although every year there has been more or 
less preaching at the church. Elders Garland, Mc- 
Cutchins, Knowles, Holmes, Quimbj% Brown, Mack, 
Harvey and others have preached there from time to 
time during the last forty years. Elder Joseph Har- 
vey has held more meetings in the church and at 
private families, and preached more funeral sermons 
in that section of the town, than any other minister; 
in fact, he seems to have had the general supervision 
of the church and society for the last forty years. 

In 1883 the old church had become so much out of 
repair, and assumed such an old and antiquated look, 
that the good people, not only of that section of the 
town, but others who did not worship there and some 
former residents, — children of those who built the 
house, — determined that the old church should not, in 
their day at least, crumble and fall, but be put in 
condition to compare favorably with other buildings 
in that locality. James W. Smith, and others 
took hold of the matter, clapboarded and painted 
it, projected the eaves, put in new windows and 
doors. Charles H. Carpenter, an active mem- 
ber of the Congregational Society in Chichester, 
gave the windows, so that the old Baptist Church 
near Kelly's Corner and the new school-house stand- 
ing near by give the neighborhood a thrifty look. 

Methodist Episcopal Society.— The first germ of 
Methodism seems to have been planted in 1819 by 
Rev. John Lord, who visited the town and preached 
in different localities. The subsequent history of 
Methodism in Chichester proves how faithfully he 
did his work. For the next nine years there seems 
to have been no material progress made, though of what 
efforts were put forth to establish a Methodist Church 
in Chichester, or by whom, we know but little. But 
in 1829 another movement was made to continue the 
work already begun. This year Rev. Ezekiel Stickney 
preached half of the time. Chichester then, and for 
many years after, formed a circuit with the surround- 
ing towns. The class which existed at that time in 1 



I Chichester was composed of the following members : 
j John Mason, leader ; Hannah Winslow, Nancy Bach- 
elder, John Morrill, Betsey Seavy, Hannah Drake, 
Josiah Knowles, Deborah Marston, Amos Barton and 
Mehitable Barton. At the session of the New 
Hampshire and Vermont Conference held at Barre, 
Vt., June 23, 1830, Rev. Orlando Hinds was ap- 
pointed to Pembroke Circuit, in which circuit Chi- 
chester belonged. Mr. Hinds then came to Chiches- 
ter and spent the remainder of his long and useful 
life among the people. In 1830 a great revival took 
place in the Methodist class under the ministrations 
of Mr. Hinds ; a four days' meeting was held in the 
Old Congregational meeting-house and many were 
converted. In November of this year a meeting was 
held in the Centre School-house to see how many 
wished to join the church, and as the result, about 
sixty persons of both sexes united with the churcli, 
which was then in reality formed, for that which 
existed before was a class and not a church. The 
members were divided into three classes, and the 
leaders were Elijah Sanders, John Baily and Hiram 
Chase. 

In 1831 no special interest was manifested among 
the people, yet the church was becoming more and 
more firmly established. The circuit of this year 
embraced Pembroke, Epsom, North wood, Loudon 
and Chichester. In 1832, Mr. Hinds was a supernu- 
merary preacher, but was still pastor of the church, 
though he preached in Chichester but half of the time. 
The church now began to feel the need of a church 
edifice, and steps were taken to erect one, for previous 
to this they had had no stated place for public worship, 
but the school-houses in town had been used for this 
purpose. The foundation for the new church was this 
year put in, and some of the building material secured 
and a sufficient sum of money raised so that work upon 
the church could be commenced. In the spring of 
1833, Rev. Mr. Hinds went to Boston to solicit fiinds 
towards building, and obtained from Hon. Lee Claflin 
one hundred dollars. Rev. Amos Binney also con- 
tributed something ; this, with what the citizens of 
the town paid themselves, enabled them to complete 
the house that year without incurring any debt of 
the society. The building committee were Abraham 
Drake, Elijah Sanders and Cheney Reed; the con- 
tractors were True Sanborn and Hiram Chase ; the 
master-workman was Caleb Beede, a local preacher. 
According to tradition, the house was dedicated No- 
vember 23, 1833. The Rev. George Stores preached 
the dedicatory sermon. With the close of 1833 
ended the pastorate of Mr. Hinds, and it is safe to 
say that no minister of this church ever had a 
greater public respect or a deeper personal aflection. 
Next came Rev. William S. Locke, who remained 
one year ; from 1835 to 1836, Rev. William S. Kid- 
der; "from 1836 to 1837, Rev. Warren Wilber; from 
1837 to 1839, Rev. Arnold Adams; from 1839 to 
1840, Rev. B. D. Brewster; from 1S40 to 1841, M. A. 



CHICHESTER. 



247 



Howe; from 1841 to 1842, Eev. Rufus Tilton ; from 
1842 to 1843, Rev. Lewis Howard; from 1843 to 1844, 
Eev. J. G. Gale; from 1844 to 1845, A. H. Worthing; 
from 1845 to 184(), Rev. C. F. Bailey ; from 1846 to 
1848, Rev. F. A. Hewes; from 1848 to 1849, Rev. A. 
Folsom ; from 1849 to 1850, Rev. A. Heatli ; from 
1850 to 1852, Rev. G. W. T. Rogers ; from 1852 to 
1854, James Adams ; from 1854 to 1855, Elijah Wil- 
kins ; from 1855 to 1857, John Gould ; from 1857 to 
1858, Rev. A. Kidder ; from 1858 to 1860, J. Fawcett; 
from 1860 to 1862, Rev. William D. Cass; from 1862 
to 1864, Rev. M. T. Cilley ; from 1864 to 1866, Rev. C. 
H. Smith; from 1866 to 1868, Rev. S. F. Lougee; 
from 1868 to 1869, Rev. H. H. Hartwell ; from 1869 
to 1872, Rev. George Beebe ; from 1872 to 1874, Rev. 
tfamuel Bedle; from 1874 to 1875, Rev. Lorenzo 
Draper; from 1875 to 1876, no preacher; from 1876 
to 1878, Rev. A. R. Lunt ; from 1878 to 1881, Rev. A. A. 
Caswell ; from 1881 to 1882, Rev. S. Holman sup- 
plied; from 1882 to 1883, Rev. A. Twiehel; from 
18S3t(i iss:), J. W. Bean. 

Advent Society. — We hardly know when, or un- 
der what circumstances, the Advent Society in Chi- 
chester came into existance ; but since 1843, the time 
fixed by the Advents, generally, for the final con- 
summation of all terrestrial things and the end of the 
world, there have been a few of these people in town, 
who held meetings occasionally, in school-houses, un- 
til 1864, when Mr. Eneas Ordway, one of the most 
enthusiastic of the sect, determined to erect an Ad- 
A'ent chapel in which to worship ; but not being able 
to bear all of the expense himself, solicited aid from 
those who favored the enterprise. Several responded 
cheerfiilly to his call, and a small sum was subscribed 
and paid to Mr. Ordway, who built the chapel and 
paid the balance of the expense himself, and in 
1864 the house was dedicated with appropriate cere- 
monies, and the following very singular notice posted 
in the vestibule : "All seats free, and no polities or 
slavery to be preached in this house." The society 
has never had a settled pastor, although there has 
been more or less preaching in the house every year 
since by ministers of different denominations of this 
and other towns. In 1884, Mr. Ordway died, and in 
1885 the chapel was sold by his administrator to Mr. 
George H. Haines, who proposes to use it as a store- 
house for carriages and sleighs, of which he is an ex- 
tensive manufacturer and dealer. As the leading 
members of the society are either dead or removed 
from town, and the church turned into a carriage 
mart, the Advent Society is in a fair way to become 
extinct in Chichester at no distant day. 

Physicians. — Amasa Kelley, the first physician in 
Chichester, was born at Amesbury, Mass., in 1766 ; 
studied medicine with Dr. Cogswell, of Atkinson ; 
practiced medicine in Pittsfiebl from 1795 to 1799 ; 



came to Chichester in 1799 and settled at Kelley'a 
Corner, the place subsequently occupied by his son, 
Daniel R. Kelley, Esq., who died upon the old home- 
stead. Dr. Kelley practiced medicine forty years in 
Chichester, and died April 7, 1847, at the age of 
eighty-two. 

Dr. Kelley was considered a very successful phy- 
sician, and universally respected by all. In his re- 
ligious belief he was decidedly orthodox, and held 
firmly to that doctrine. He was conscientious and 
upright in all his dealings, constant in his attendance 
upon public worshii) while his age and strength 
would permit, and an example of temperance, faith 
and charity. 

Dr. James A. Tilton was born in Canaan, N. H., 
December 1815 ; graduated at Dartmouth College; 
entered the Medical Department and graduated Oc- 
tober 26, 1841, and soon came to Chichester and com- 
menced the practice of medicine. While here he 
w^is married to Miss Sarah T. Stanyan, daughter of 
Abram Stanyan, who died at Newburyport, Mass., 
April, 1881. After practicing here for several years 
he removed to Pembroke, N. H., and thence to Ames- 
bury, Mass. ; remained there twelve years and estab- 
lished a good reputation as a physician. From Ames- 
bury he removed to Newburyport, where he remained 
in successful practice until his death, which occurred 
in 1861. Dr. Osborn came here in 1793 and practiced 
a while. Dr. Samuel Sargent commenced to practice 
in 1818 and died in 1851. Dr. Wilder also practiced 
here a while. Dr. W. A. Mack was born at Haver- 
hill, N. H., October 3, 1824 ; fitted for college at Gil- 
manton Academy and graduated from the Academic 
Department of Dartmouth College in 1844 ; entered 
the JMedical Department and graduated from there in 
1847; practiced medicine in company with the late 
Dr. Tenney in Pittsfield two years; he then came to 
Chichester, where he was in active practice for seven 
years ; he then removed to Pittsfield, and practiced 
medicineseveral years; he then gave up thepracticeof 
medicine and went into the apothecary business, in 
which business he still remains. 

Dr. Moses Hill was born at Warner, N. H., May 5, 
1805 ; graduated from Dartmouth Medical College in 
1831 ; began the practice of medicine in Chichester 
the same year; removed to Xorthwood, thence to 
Manchester, and in 1849 went to California; returned 
in 1852, then removed to Louisiana, where he died 
in 1875. 

Dr. John Fellows came to Chichester in 1862 and 
practiced medicine several years, also held the office 
of town clerk one year ; he then removed to Concord, 
where he also practiced medicine until his death. 

Dr. Bradley H. Bartlett was born at Grantham, 
N. H.. March 18, 1829; removed to Pittsfield when a 
young man ; served in the Union array in the War of 



HISTORY OF MKRIUMACK COUNTY, xNEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the Kebellion ; studied medicine ; graduated at the 
Philadelphia Medical University February 21, 1866. 
Commenced the practice of medicine in Chichester 
in 1868; remained nearly two years; he then removed 
to Amherst, where he had an extensive practice until 
his death, whicli occurred December 29, 1878. 

Dr. Whidden came to Chichester in 1869; practiced 
medicine a short time and died. 

Dr. George Beebe came to Chichester in 1870, and 
practiced medicine three years, and also preached to 
the Methodist Church and society; also held the 
office of superintending school committee. 

Orrin Strong Sanders, M.D., was born in Epsom, 
N. H., September 24, 1820. He is the son of 
Colonel Job and Polly Sanders, being the eldest of 
four sons. He was educated at the district school in 
his own town, and at Gilmanton and Pembroke 
Academies in New Hampshire, paying his expenses 
by teaching schools in his own and neighboring towns, 
and it is said of him that, as a teacher, he was emi- 
nently successful. He commenced the study of medi- 
cine with Dr. Hanover Dickey, of Epsom, and in 
1841 he attended his first course of medical lectures 
at Dartmouth Medical College. He afterwards con- 
tinued his studies with Dr. Haynes, of Concord, 
N. H., and also with Drs. Chadbourne and Buck. In 
the spring of 1843 he went to Lowell, Mass., and 
completed his studies with Drs. Wheelock, Graves 
and Allen. In the fall of 1843 he graduated at the 
Castleton Medical College, Vermont, and commenced 
the practice of medicine in Effingham, where he re- 
mained until 1847, when became to Chichester; he 
remained here about a year and a half in successful 
practice; he then moved to Boston, Mass., and fnmi 
that time to the present Dr. Sanders has followed his 
profession in Boston, and has been from the first con- 
spicuous among the physicians of that city for his 
extensive and lucrative practive and his successful 
treatment of disease. 

Civil List. — The following is a list of the pro- 
prietors' town 



1728.— William Stanford, clerk ; Bt-njamiu Perkius, Benjiimin Lnm- 
bre, Jetbro Tilton, selectmen. 

1729.— William Stanford, clerk ; .Jabez Smith, Charles Stuart, Jacuh 
Moulton, selectmen. 

1730.— William Stanford, clerk; David Weare, .Tonathan Garland, 
Nathan Longfellow, selectmen. 

1731.— William Stanford, clerk ; Jabez Smith, .losiah Moulton, .losiah 
Batchelder, selectmen. 

1732. — William Stiinford, clerk ; Benjamin Lambre, Charles Treadwell, 
KdmiiiKl Rand, selectmen. 

1733.— William Stanford, clerk ; Ichabod Koby, Nathaniel Drake, 
CiiriBtopher Page, selectmen. 

1734.— William Stanford, clerk ; John Sherbourn, Jonathan Cram, 
Joseph Freese, selectmen. 

1735. — William Stanford, clerk ; Rodger Shaw, Abrara Dmke, Beiyamin 
Moody, selectmen. 

I73i;. — WiUiamStanford, clerk ; Rodger Shaw, .\bram Drake, Benjamin 
.Moody, selectmen. 

1737.— William Stanford, clerk ; Shubal Sanborn, John Dearborn, 
William Stanford, selectmen. 

173S.— William Stanford, clerk ; John Batchelder, Benjamin Uilliard, 
Samuel Palmer, selectmen. 



chabod Koby, Jonathan Garland, 
Dearborn, 



1739.— William Stanford, clerk; 
Bei^aniiu James, selectmen. 

1710.— William Stanford, clerk ; Christopher Page, 
Benjamin James, selectmen. 

1741.— William Stanford, clerk ; Joseph 
Edmund Rand, selectmen. 

1742.— William Stanford, clerk ; Thomao Cram, Jonathan Garland, 
Samuel Martin, selectmen. 

1743.— William Stanford, clerk ; Thomas Cram, Jonathan Garland, 
Kdmund Rand, selectmen. 

1744.— William Stanford, clerk ; William Stanford, Xatban Tilton, 
Josiah Moulton, selectmen. 

174o.— William Stanford, clerk ; Josiah Moulton, Abram Drake, 
William Stanford, selectmen. 

174(3. — William Stanford, clerk ; Christopher Page, Kdmund Rand, 
Solomon Page, selectmen. 

1747.— William Stanford, clerk ; Edmund Rand, Jabez Smith, William 
Stanford, Eeloctmeu. 

1748.— W'illiam Stanford, clerk ; Christopher Page, Josiah Moulton, 
William StanI 



Jacob Moultuii, 
Drake, Thomas 



1750.— William Stanford, clerk; John Sherl 
Abram Drake, selectmen 

1751.— William Stanford, clerk ; Jabez Smith, 
Rand, selectmen. 

1752. — William Stanford, clerk ; Abram Drake, Jeremiah Sanborn, 
Obediah Worth, selectmen. 

1753.— William Stanford, clerk ; Edward Shaw, Jeremiah Sanborn, 
Obediah Worth, selectmen. 

1754.— William Stanford, clerk ; William Stanford, Jonathan Leavitt, 
Nathaniel Drake, selectmen. 

1755. — AVilliam Stanford, clerk ; Joseph Johnson, Jonathan Towie, 
Obediah Worth, selectmen. 

1756. — William Stanford, clerk ; Joseph Johnson, Jonathan Towle, 
Jonathan Cram, selectmen. 

1757.— Jonathan Leavitt, clerk ; S.amuel Garland, .Foseph Johnson, 
Benjamin Moulton, selectmen. 

1758.- Jonathan Leavitt, clerk ; Joseph Johnson, Samuel Garland, 
Jonathan Towle, selectmen. 

17.59. — Jonathan Leavitt, clerk ; Joseph Johnson, Jonathan Towle, 



1760.— Jonathan Leavitt, clerk ; Jonathan Leavitt, Jonathan Shaw, 
Joseph Wood, selectmen. 

1761.— Jonathan Leavitt, clerk ; Jonathan Leavitt, Jonathan Towle, 
Samuel Garland, selectmen. 

1762. — Jonathan Leavitt, clerk ; Jonathan Leavitt, .Tonathan Towle, 
Samuel Garland, selectmen. 

176:j. — Jonathan Leavitt, clerk ; Jonathan Leavitt, Jacob Moulton, 
Jonathan Towle, selectmen. 

1764.— Jonathan Leavitt, clerk ; Jonathan Leavitt, Joaiah Moulton, 
Jonathan Towle, selectmen. 

1765. — Jonathan Leavitt, clerk ; Josiah Moulton, Joseph Johnson, John 
Moulton, selectmen. 

1766.— Jonathan Leavitt, clerk ; John Moulton, Josiah Moulton, Jon- 
athan Leavitt, selectmen. 

1767. — John Moulton, clerk; Jonathan Leavitt, John Moulton, Josiah 
Jloulton, selectmen. 

17G8. — John Moulton, clerk ; Josiah Moulton, Jonathan Leavitt, 
Thomas Rand, John Moulton, Joseph Johnson, selectmen. 

1769.— John Moulton, clerk ; Josiah Moulton, Jonathan Leavitt, 
Thomas Rand, John Moulton, Joseph Johnson, selectmen. 

1770.— John Moulton, clerk ; Josiah Moulton, John Moulton, Thomas 
Rand, John Lamprey, Cotton Ward, selectmen. 

1771. — John Moulton, clerk; John Moulton, Jonathan Leavitt, John 
Moulton, selectmen. 

1772.— John Moulton, clerk ; Christopher Tappan, Micajah Morrill, 
John Lamprey, selectmen. 

1773. — John Moulton, clerk ; John Moulton, Josiah Moulton, .lolm 
Lamprey, selectmen. 

1774. — John Moulton, clerk ; John Moulton, Josiah Moulton, John 
Lamprey, selectmen. 

1775. — John Moulton, clerk ; Josiah Moulton, John Moulton, J. ihn 
Lamprey, selectmen. 

17T6.— John Moulton, clerk : John Lamprey, Samuel Drake, .luim 



CHICHESTER. 



249 



1777.— John Moulton, clerk ; John Lauiprey, Samuel Drake, John 
Moulton, selectmen. 

1778.— John Moultoti, clerk ; John Lamprey, John Moulton, Edward 
Sbaw, selectmen. 

1779.— John Moulton, clerk ; John Lamprey, John Moulton, Edward 
Shaw, selectmen. 

1780. — John Moulton, clerk; John Lamprey, Kdward Shaw, John 
Moulton, selectmen. 

17Sl.^ohn Moulton, clerk ; John Moulton, Joshua James, John 
Lamprey, selectmen. 

17S2. — John Moulton, clerk; John Moulton, Joshua James, John 
Larnjirey, selectmen. 

17S3.— John Moulton, clerk; John Moulton, Jushua James, John 
Lamprey, selectmen. 

17S4.— John Moulton, clerk ; John Moulton, Joshua James, John 
Lamprey, selectmen. 

178j. — John Moulton, clerk ; John Moulton, Joshua James, John 
Lamprey, selectmen. 

17S(j.— John Moulton, clerk; John Moulton, John Dearborn, Joshua 
James, selectmen. 

1787.— John Moulton, clerk ; John Moulton, John Taylor, Beii.iamin 
Sauborn, selectmen. 

17S8. — John Moulton, clerk ; John Moulton, Joshua James, Jeremiah 
Lane, selectmen. 

1789.^>Tohn Moulton, clerk ; John flioulton, Joshua James, Jeremiah 
Laue, selectmen. 

17<M». — John Moulton, Joeiah James, David Bachelder, selectmen. 

1701. — John Moulton, clerk ; William Chase, Johu Moulton, Joshua 
James, selectmen. 

1702. — John Moulton, clerk ; John Dearborn, John Moulton, Joshua 

1793. — John Moulton, clerk; John Dearborn, Johu MouUmi, Joshua 
Jam&s, selectmen. 

1794.— John Dearborn, John Moulton, Josliua James, selectmen. 

179o. — John Moulton, Benjamin Sanborn, Joshua James, selectmen. 

179G.— Joseph Dow (firat proprietors' clerk in Chichester), John Bil- 
liard. Samuel Brown, Ebenezer Prescott (proprietoi-s' first Board of 
Selectmen in Chichester). 

The following is a list of the first town officers : 

1773.— John Cram, town clerk ; Ebenezer Barton, Samuel Davis, John 
Cram, selectmen. 

1774.— Johu Cram, town clerk ; Ebenezer Barton, Samuel Davis, John 

1775.— John Cram, town clerk ; John Cram, David Knowlton, Jonathan 
Stanyan, selectmen. 

1776.— John Cram, town clerk; Jonathan Leavitt, John Browu, Jere- 
miah Sanborn, selectmen. 

1777. — John Cram, town clerk ; Jeremiah Sanborn, Jonathan Leavitt, 
Jeremiah Garland, selectmen. 

1778.— John Cram, town clerk; Jonathan Leavitt, Dyer Hook, Samuel 
Philbrick, selectmen. 

1779.— John Cram, town clerk ; Dyer Hook, Jonathan Leavitt, Samiiel 
Philbrick, selectmen. 

1780. — John Cram, town clerk ; Simeon Hilliard, James Cram, select- 

17S1.— Dyer Hook, town clerk ; Simeon Hilliard, James Cram, Elijah 
Rins, selectmen. 

1782.— Simeon Hilliard, town clerk ; Benjamin Jackson, Jeremiah 
Sanborn, selectmen. 

1783.— Simeon Hilliard, town clerk ; William Seavey, Junatlian Leav- 
itt, Dyer Hook, selectmen. 

1784.— Simeon Hilliard, town clerk ; Elijah King, Simeon Hilliard, 
Benjamin Jackson, selectmen. 

178^.— Simeon Hilliard, town clerk ; Elijah King, Edmund Leavitt, 
Simeon Hilliard, selectmen. 

17SG.— Simeon Hilliard, town clerk ; Elijah Ring. Eduiund Leiivitt, 
Simeon Hilliard, selectmen. 

17S7. -Joseph Dow, town clerk ; Elijah Ring, E.lmund Leavitt, Simeon 






, Nathaniel Morrill, Zobu 



Mwn clerk ; Jonathan Leavitt, Abram True, Na- 
r .\vn clerk; Abram True, Nathaniel Morrill, 
town clerk; Simeon Hilliard, Abram True, Na- 



1791.— Joseph Dow, U 
Ion Hilliard, solectmon. 

1792.— Joseph Dow, town clerk; Abram True, Nathuuiel Morrill, 
Zebulon Hilliard, selectmen. 

1793.— Joseph Dow, town clerk ; Dudly Sanborn, Joshua Lane, Ed- 
nmnd Leavitt, selectmen. 

1794.— Joseph Dow, town clork ; Edmund Leavitt, Joshua Lane, Moses 

1795.— Joseph Dow, town clerk ; Edmund Leavitt, Joshua Lano, Moses 
Seavey, selectmen. 

1796. — Joseph Dow, town clerk ; Moses Seavey, Abram True, Joshua 
Lane, selectmen. 

1797.— Jaseph Dow, town clerk ; Moses Seavey, Abram True, Joshua 
Lane, selectmen ; Nathaniel Morrill, representative. 

1798.— Joseph Dow, town rieilc ; Moses Seavey, Abram True, Joshua 
Lane, selectmen ; \L(i,;iiti.i \|mi,,ii, representative. 

I709.^osepli !• ■ I ii , I '^Ima Lane, MosesSeavey, Abraham 

True selectmen : .Ni, ;,.ii,i. , M . m , i ,. representative. 

1800. ^Joseph Duu, iu«u.rli-iK; Joseph Dow, Jonathan Leavitt, Asa 
Lane, selectmen ; Nathaniel Morrill, representative. 

1801.— Joseph Dow, town clerk ; Moses Seavey, Abram True, Moses 
Lane, selectmen; Nathaniel Morrill, representative. 

1802. — Joseph Dow, town clerk ; George Seavey, Enoch Tilton, Jere- 
miah Lane, selectmen ; Nathaniel Morrill, representative. 

1803.— Joseph Dow, town clerk; George Seavey, Jonathan Stanyan, 
Joseph Dow, selectmen ; Nathaniel Morrill, representative. 

1804.— Joseph Dow, town clerk ; Enoch Tilton, George Seavey, Jere- 
miah Lane, selectmen ; Nathaniel Morrill, representative. 

1805. — Moses Seavey, town clerk ; John Marden, Asa Lane, Joseph 
Sanborn, selectmen ; Nathaniel Morrill, representative. 

ISOG.— Moses Seavey, town clerk ; George Tilton, Moses Seavey, Joseph 
Dow, selectmen ; Nathaniel Morrill, representative. 

1807. — MnsesSfttVPy. town clerk; EbenezerCate, Joseph Sanborn, Asa 
Lane, ■^.-(•■''Miifn : \ t'liniiiel Morrill, representative. 

^^'"' M ^ 1 \vn clerk; Ebenezer Gate, Joseph Sanborn, 

Asii I. Ill !;. I \ III ;im True, representative. 

isiii \i,.~,~ -, ,., \, tnun clerk; Joshua Lane, Jacob Moulton, Jacob 
.Sanborn, s.irrtiii'ii ; Abram True, representative. 

1 SI II. —Muses Seavey, town clerk ; Joshua Lane, Moses Seavey, Jacob 
S. Moulton, selectmen; Abram True, representative. 

1811. — Mu.^i-.s S.avey, town clerk ; Joshua Lane, Jacob Moulton, John 
Manli II, :■ I III. 1, , \Ki,nnTrue, representative. 

1>>I- ^' - 1 u n clerk ; selectmen same as previous year; 

Alinni. !■ . ■ ; mim-. 

US],: - ^1 " '*:. I'l^vii clerk; selectmen same as two previous 

years; Moses f^'-iivf^, representative. 

814. — Jacob Moulton, town clerk ; JosephSanborn, Jacobs. Moulton, 
John Marden, selectmen ; Moses Seavey, representative. 

1815.— Jacob Moulton, town clerk; selectmen same as last year ; Moses 
Seavey, representative. 

1816. — Jacob Moulton, town clerk; Joshua Laue, Asa Lane, John 
Marden, selectmen ; Moses Seavey. representative. 

1817. — Joshua Lane, John Marden, James Hook, selectmen ; Samuel 
Langley, representative. 

1818. — Jacob Moulton, town clerk; selectmen same as previous year ; 
Samuel Langley, representative. 

1819. — Jacob Moulton, town clerk ; Joshua Lane, Enoch Tilton, Moses 
Seavey, selectmen ; Joshua Lane, representative. 

1820. — D. M. Cari>enter, town clerk ; Joshua Lane, James Hook, James 
Blake, selectmen ; no representative. 

1821.— D. M. Carpenter, town clerk ; Josiah Mason, Jacob S. Moulton, 
Nathaniel Sherburne, selectmen ; Joshua Lane, representative. 

1822.— D. M. Carpenter, town clerk; Henry Robey, James Batchel- 
der, Ephraim Leavitt, selectmen ; David M. Carpenter, representative. 

1823.— D. BI. Carpenter, town clerk ; Henry Robey, James Batchelder, 
John Marden, selectmen ; D. M. Carpenter, representative. 

1S24.— D. M. Carpenter, town clerk ; selectmen same as previous 
year ; D. M. Carpenter, representative. 

182;"(.— D. M. Carpenter, town clerk ; Henry Robey, James Batchelder, 
Cal.'b Parker, selectmen ; D. M. Carpenter, representative. 

1826.- D. M. Carpenter, town clerk; Joshua Lane, James 1 
John Marden, selectmen ; D. M. Carpenter, representativi 

1827. — Cheney Reed, town clerk ; Benjamin Emery, Jan 
Daniel Kelley, selectmei 

1828.— Cheney Reed, t 
Carpenter, representatii 



250 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NE\V HAMPSHIRE. 



1829.— D. JI. Carpenter, town clerk ; Henry Robey, James Batcbelder, 
David Drake, selectmen ; .Samuel Sargent, representative. 

1830.— D. M Carpenter, town clerk ; David Drake, John True, Uenry 
Robey, selectmen ; Samuel Sargent, representative. 

1831.— D. M. Carpenter, town clerk; Benjamin Kaime. James Bntcli- 
elder, Abrani Drake, selectmen ; Henry Robey, representative. 

1832.— Satlianiel Sb.Tl.iii n. t ■« n Irk: \brani Drake, John True, 
Beryainin Kaiiiii". seltTlijj. I, II I: : ■ i-ii-sentative. 

1833.— Niitlianivl Sli.rin:: 1 1. tiry Robey, John True, 

Abram Drake, seiectnit-ii ; .N.^rljnn. 1 ^Ij^ it iuji. i-epresentative. 

1834.— Nathiiniel SllcH.iirn, lovm .UtK ; J. N. C. Lcavitt, James 
Batcbelder, Henry Robey, selectmen ; Nathaniel 



ISi). 



I siiirbnrn, town clerk; D.R. Keiley, D. M. Carpen- 
r - !■ rtmen ; John True, representative. 

e as previous 



l,s,;7 Niih. I -h. 1 1. Tiro, town clerk : D. K. Foster, G. S. Mason, 

William ^Wiiii), sclectiin-n ; James Batcbelder, representative. 

18.38.— Nalhiiuiel Slierburu, town clerk ; selectmen same as previous 
year ; James BatchcUIer, representative. 

1839. — Nathaniel Shorburn, town clerk ; Nathaniel Sherburn, John 
Baily, H. C. Knowltou, selectmen ; J. N. C. Leavitt, representative. 

1840.— E. Langnmid, town clerk ; selectmen same as previous year, 
J. N. C. Leavitt, representative. 

1841.— E. Langmaid. town clerk ; D. R. Keiley, James Batcbelder, H. 
C. Knowlton, selectmen ; John Bailey, representative. 

n clerk ; D. M. Carpenter, Nathaniel Seavey, 



D. R. Keiley, seleclnni 
1843.— E. L:nip .1 

C, Knowlton, ^-l, i,, 
1844.— E. Liiii, 



I Hail 



'■ - Miison, D. M. Carpenter, H. 
- . I . ] .1 esentative. 

I I ni^iiil, D. M. Carpenter, G. 

I ' ivii'iwlton, Malachi Haines, 
Ki ■ u- 11, representative. 
1 i Hi^iiiaid. Malachi Haines, 
lijw ,l_ij, representative. 
i. i E. Langmaid, D. E. Keiley, J. 
N. C. Leavitt, selectmen ; George S. Mason, representative. 

1848. — H. C. Knowlton, town clerk ; selectmen same as previous year ; 
George S. Mason, representative. 

1849.— H. C. Knowlton, town clerk ; H. C. Knoivlton, Peter J. Hook, 
G. S. Mason, selectmen ; Edward Langmaid, representative. 
1830.— H. r. Kiwwlton, t,.vvn clnrk ; 11. C. Kiu.wUmd, P,.ter .F. Hook, 



George S. Mason, select n li 

184C.— H. C. Knowlton, i 

G. S. Mason, selectmen ; ll'^-.-i 
1847.— H. C. Knowlton, town 



, J. C. 



Joshua Laue. Thomas 
, Thomas Berry, John 



1853.— E. Langmaid, t"iM. I 1 

Berry, selectmen; John l,:tl. i : i 

1854.— E. Langmaid, tcvvnlil, I: 
S. Durgin, selectmen ; John Lake, n-i'ieseiitative. 

1855. — E. Langmaid, town clerk; H. C. Knowlton, James Blake, 
Beixjamin F. Leavitt, selectmen ; Charles H. Carpenter, representative. 

1856.— E. Langmaid, town clerk ; H. C. Knowlton, B. F. Leavitt, 
Hiram Bachelder, selectmen ; Charles H. Carpenter, representative. 

1857.— William F. Locke, town clerk; Charles H. Carpenter, Hiram 
Bachelder, JIadison Bailey, selectmen ; Benjamin F. Leavitt, represen- 
tative. 



.9.— William F. Locke, town clerk ; J. N. C. Leavitt, J. L. Bachel- 
L'harles H. Carpenter, selectmen ; Joshua Lane, representative. 
III.— John Fellows, town clerk ; J. N. C. Leavitt, J. L. Bachelder, J. 
erburn, selectmen ; Joshua Lane, representative. 



18C1.— John Fellows, 
Stephen Perkins, 

1862.— David T. Brown, 
Stephen Ferkins, selectmen 

1863.— David T. Brown, i 



1805.- 



clerk ; J. N. C. Leavitt, J. S. Sherburn, 
homas Berry, representative, 
■n clerk ; J. L. Bachelder, Amos Hoyt, 
homas Berry, representative, 
n clerk ; J. L. Bachelder, C. H. Carpen- 
ter, Amos Hoyt, selectmen ; Moses R. Lake, representative. 

18C4.— David T. Brown, town clerk ; C. H. Carpenter, G. S. Mason, 
D. A. Farrington, selectmen ; Moses R. Lake, representative. 

Charles Lake, town clerk ; C. H. Carpenter. D. A. Fnninston, 
ion, Keleetnien ; MatU-»on Bi 



1866.— Charles Lake, town clerk ; D. A. Farrington, David T. Brown, 
C. 8. Stevens, selectmen ; Madison Baily, representative. 

1867.- Charles Lake, town clerk ; David T. Brown, C. S. Stevens, 
-Augustus Lea\itt. selectmen ; Hiram Bachelder, representative. 

1868.— Charles Lake, town clerk; A. Leavitt, Charles C. Shaw, John 
Fellows, selectmen ; Hiram Bachelder, representative. 

1869. — John C. Leavitt, town clerk ; selectmen same t- s previous year j 
John S. Sherburn, representative. 

1870.— John C. Leavitt, town clerk; A. Leavitt, Charles Lake L. W. 
Towie, selectmen; John S. Sherburn, representative. 

1871.— G. W. Lane, town clerk ; Augustus Leavitt, Charles Lake. 
Lewis W. Towle, selectmen ; no representative. 

1872.— G. W. Lane, town clerk ; Charles Lake, James S. Greene, L. 
W. Towlo, selectmen ; Samuel Langmaid, representative. 

1873.— George W. Lane, town clerk ; Augustus Leavitt, S. Ambrose 
Brown, Asa F. Hutchinson, selectmen ; Samuel W. Langmaid, represen- 

1874.— G. W. Lane, town clerk ; S. Ambrose Brown, Asa F. Hutchin- 
son, Jeremiah L. Perkins, selectmen ; John Fellows, representative. 

187S— Charles Lake, town clerk ; David T. Brown, Hiram Bacheliler, 
.lacob S. Sanborn, selectmen ; John Fellows, representative. 

1876. — Charles Lake, town clerk ; J. S. Sanborn, John Shaw, George 
M. Warren, selectmen ; Carpenter S. Stevens, representative. 

1877,— C. A. Langmaid, town clerk ; .John Shaw, George 51. Warren, 
Horace Carpenter, selectmen ; Charles Lake, representative. 

1878,— C. A. Langmaid, town clerk ; D. T. Brown, G. Munsey, Horace 
Carpenter, selectmen ; Charles Lake, representative. 

1879.— C. A. Langmaid, town clerk ; D. T. Brown, George Munsey, 
Stephen R. Watson, selectmen ; George W. Lane, representative. 

1880. — C. A. Langmaid, town clerk ; A. Leavitt, .\lbert Sanborn, Jacob 
S. Sanborn, selectmen ; Geo. W. Lane, representative. 

1881.- C. A. Langmaid, town clerk ; .\ugustus Leavitt, Jacob S. San- 
born, .\lli..-rt Sanhi.rn, seliTtmeu ; David T. Brown, representHtive. 

is.^j (■ \ 1,11,^111 111, town clerk ; G, M. Warren, Noah Eihnunds,, 
Ben.|:iiiii - . M ; DavidT, Brown. 

IN-: \ i: -M.T, town clerk ; George M. Warren, Noah G^ 

Edniuiil-, C,ii,,.i:iiiu --li,i\\, selectmen; Hiram Hook, representative. 

1884.— Nathaniel Bachelder, town clerk ; Noah G. Edmnnds, Benja- 
min Shaw, Nathan Fitts, selectmen ; Hiram Hook. 

1885.— Walter S, Langmaid, town clerk ; N. G. Edmunds, John S. 
Sherburn, ,\brain 31, Drake, selectmen ; Charles C. Shaw, repiescnta- 

Manufacture of Carriages and Sleighs.— .A.bMit 
1857, Mr. Eeubeii Locke and four sons, all journeymen 
carriage-painters, came here from Gilmantowu ami 
erected a commodious shop for the manufacture of 
carriages and sleighs, and for some five years carried 
on quite an extensive business in that line, especially 
in the department of carriage-painting ; but the war 
for the suppression of the Rebellion coming on, the 
sons all enlisted into the Union army ; the father,^ 
left alone, soon sold out and left town. Not much 
was done in the carriage business for several years, 
but, in 1867, Mr. George H. Haines, a Union soldier,, 
began the carriage business in a small way in the 
shop formerly occupied by the Lockes. From the 
commencement Mr. Haines' business steadily in- 
creased, so that in 1869 it became necessary to occupy 
more commodious and convenient buildings; he there- 
fore erected his main shop, the lower story of which 
he uses for a wood-shop and the upper story for a 
paint-shop and trimming-room ; also erected a black- 
smith-shop, and soon after built a large two-story 
building for storing stock and finished carriages, in 
which can be found at all seasons of the year a large 
variety of carriages and sleighs of different styles and 
values. A few years ago Mr. Haines built a second 
blacksmith-shop, and more recently purchased the 
old Advent Chapel and fitted it up for a salesroom 



CHICHESTER. 



for his wares, making in all five large buildings, all 
of which are used to their uttermost capacity in his 
increasing business. Mr. Haines not only has a 
home trade, but is shipping his goods to Boston and 
other cities of New England. 

Turnpike. — The construction of a turnpike road 
from Concord to Piscataciua bridge, in Durham, 
tlirough the town of Chichester, was one of the 
greatest events of the eighteenth century to the 
original settlers. For, previous to the building of 
this turnpike, Canterbury road had been the great 
tlioroughfare upon which the people traveled, who 
had occasion to pass through the town. The road 
was very cheaply built, and without sufficient bridges, 
so that at times it was almost impracticable for 
travel. This was the first constructed turnpike in 
New Hampshire. The company building it was in- 
corporated in 1797. Upon its completion and for 
many years afterward there was an extensive travel 
upon it. Merchants from Central New Hampshire 
and Vermont transported their goods from Ports- 
mouth up over this road, and immense (juantities of 
lumber, beef, pork and farm- produce was carried 
down to exchange for goods. Toll-gates were estab- 
lished at different points along the line of the road, 
and gate-keepers appointed to collect toll of travelers 
using the road. 

The extensive travel upon the road made a demand 
for hotel accommodations. Consequently one was 
erected in Chichester, and kept by John T. Leavitt, 
who did a flourishing business. This house is still 
standing and owned by Charles C. Drake. After 
Leavitt, Benjamin Emery and John Langly kept the 
house. In 1817, when President Monroe passed down 
the turnpike from Concord to Dover, he halted here 
for a while to rest his horses; and many were the 
calls made by Daniel Webster and other distinguished 
jurists and public officials when going to and from 
Portsmouth. Creneral Lafayette, when he visited this 
country (1824), passed over this road. In 1807, Gen- 
eral James Blake erected a hotel and blacksmith- 
shop, and carried on an extensive business until 1838, 
when he left, and his son, James M. Blake, contin- 
ued the business until 1844, when he closed up. The 
lucrative business which hotel-keepere and toll-gate 
keepers had done on the turnpike was now at an 
end; for other routes and means of transportation 
had been discovered. The railroad and steam-engine 
were already taking the place of the turnpike and 
horses and oxen. The company that built the turn- 
pike gave it up ; the town took it up, and have ever 
since kept it in repair. A. J. Sherburn kept a hotel 
here, on the Blake place, from 1862 to 186S-, when 
his hotel was burned. 

Country Stores.— The first store was kept on the 
turnpike by a Mr. Bradley, in 1800. Next came 
Benjamin Emery, in 1817, who remained for several 
years. Then Jonathan Pierce and Olive Smart com- 
menced keeping store in 1825, and did business four 



or five years, who were succeeded by Philip Kodgors, 
who also remained tour or five years. Then Jon- 
athan Pierce again, from 1833 to 1839. Benjamin 
Leavitt & Son kept a grocery-store for a while about 
1870. Nathaniel Seavey commenced keeping store 
in 1833, and did a successful business until December 
4, 1851, when he was suddenly seized with violent 
hemorrhage in his store and died. Mr. Seavey was 
a man who carried into the business transactions of 
every-day life all the Christian virtues, and was 
known, far and wide, as the honest merchant. 
Messrs. Fisk & Fellows kept a grocery-store at '.he 
Pine Ground from 1830 to 1835. Mr. Charles Hop- 
kinson also kept a store a while there. Henry Robey 
did business for several years; then Sumner Spaul- 
ding traded a while, when Joseph Morse purchased 
the store and goods in 1863, and has kept a country 
store since. George P. Haines commenced trading 
at the Pine Ground in 1847, and carried on the man- 
ufacture of matches, in connection with his store for 
several years; then kept hotel for a while; he also 
carried on quite an extensive shoe manufacturing a 
number of years, since which time he has continued 
his store only. Mr. Haines is a veteran merchant, 
having been in trade longer, and sold more goods 
tlian any of his cotemporaries or predecessors, and 
is celebrated throughout this section of the county 
for honesty and fair dealing. 

In 1857 a union store building was erected at 
Chichester Centre, near the Methodist meeting-house, 
and Carter Wilder kept a country store for several 
years, when John S. Drake bought the goods and 
continued the business for three or four years, when 
he sold out to Jonathan H. Leavitt. Mr. Leavitt 
remained in the grocery business several years, when 
Charles L. Brown purchased the stock of goods and 
continued the business for a while. Next came Jon- 
athan Kendall, Jr., son of Jonathan Kendall, of 
Lowell, Mass., who remained several years in trade, 
when Augustus Sheldon purchased the goods and 
leased the store building. Mr. Sheldon kept a gro- 
cery-store and also the post-office for two or three 
years, when Herbert T. Leavitt, son of Hazen K. 
Leavitt, came here from Tilton, N. H., where he had 
been in successful business for several years, and 
purchased the stock in trade of Mr. Sheldon, filled 
up the store with a choice line of groceries and dry- 
goods, and has ever since done a flourishing business 
for a country merchant. Mr. Leavitt is quite an 
extensive dealer in corn and flour, having last year 
leased a building erected for the purpose, at the Chi- 
chester railway station, for storing his corn, flour, 
grain and other heavy goods which he is constantly 
receiving from the West by the car-load. 

Cemeteries. — There are five public cemeteries, 
besides several private ones, in town. For the first 
fifty years of the town's history the dead were buried 
upon their own land or that of their neighbors, or, 
in some cases, several families would unite in inclo- 



252 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



sing a small piece of ground for a cemetery. Due of 
these is located on Brown's Hill, in the north part of i 
the town, in which many of the early settlers in that ] 
section of the town are buried. We find that one 
hundred or more are buried in tliis cemetery. Many 
of these graves will forever remain unknown, as no 
marked stone has been erected. In fact, we find i 
upon no grave-stone in town an earlier date than 
1804, and this ui>on the grave-stone of Jonathan j 
Leavitt, Esq. Another cemetery is located near the 
hearse-house, on Canterbury road, in which were 
buried several of the early settlers of the town. The 
first settled minister of the town, and several mem- 
bers of his family, including Hon. David M. Carpen- 
ter, were buried here, and a fine marble monument 
marks their final resting-place. Very few persons 
have been buried here during the past forty years. 
Another cemetery is located near the former resi- 
dence of H. C. Knowlton, Esq., in which were buried 
the early settlers of that section of the town, — the 
Leavitts, the Lanes, the Staniels and othens. The 
yard has recently been enlarged and improved. The 
town cemetery, situated at the Pine Ground (so 
called), containing two acres, was set apart by the 
town for a public burial-place, and is one of the most 
suitable locations for such a purpose to be found in 
town. There are over one hundred aud fifty persons 
buried here, a large proportion of whom have died 
within the last twenty-five years ; and about a dozen 
marble and granite monuments are erected. Among 
the most expensive and beautiful, are the granite 
ones erected by Charles H. Carpenter, Esq., and 
Charles C. Shaw, Esq. Reuben Lake and the Hook 
family have fine marble monuments. 

The new cemetery, situated on a beautiful swell of 
land, a few rods west of the Methodist Church in 
Chichester, was built by a stock company incorpo- 
rated at the session of the Legislature in 1854. The 
original stockholders were Hazen K. Leavitt, Solo- 
mon Leavitt, Jacob P. Leavitt, Benjamin F. Leavitt, 
G. W. West, Moses W. Page, Richard Locke, True 
Sanborn, True Sanborn, Jr., and Benning Sanborn. 
This company purchased several acres of land, in- 
closed it with a neat and substantial fence, constructed 
a beautiful drive-way across a valley to it, divided it 
ofl" into lots, set out shade-trees and otherwise im- 
proved it. Many of the lots have been sold, and one 
hundred and thirty persons of all ages are buried here. 
Some very fine monuments have recently been 
erected, notably those of Hazen K. Leavitt and 
Benning Sanborn. 

The following persons paid taxes tci the amount of 
ten dollars and over in 1812: 



.lohn MaxSeld . . 
Ebenezer Lane . 
David Miller . . 
MiciOali Morrill , 



John Borry SUI.97 

Peter Hook 19.40 

James Hook 15.40 

Malachi Haines 11.00 

Joshua Lane 12.7(i 

Jeremiah Lane n.fiO 

William Lake 13.03 



Mmund R. Leavitt . 
Samuel Sargeut . . . 



Abram True . . . 
Samuel Langley 
John T. Leavitt . 



ten dollars and upwards in 

.\bram True S10.27 • 

Moses Soavey 10.61 

John Stanyan 11.49 

Stephen Perkins 10.90 

John T. Leavitt 10.41 

Thomas Lake 12.65 

Simeon Lane 11.20 1 



Joshua Lane 13.74 

Amaaa Kelley 10.33 

James Hook 11.26 

David Brown 11.78 

James Blake 12.03 



Caleb Peai^on . . . 


. . . .S10.66 


Jacob Stanyan . . . 


.... 10.47 


Josiah Shaw . . . . 


.... 11.27 


John Stanyan . . . 


.... 12.73 


David Brown . . . 


.... 12.34 


id taxes to the 
1820' 


amount of 


Benjamin Shaw . . 


. . . .511.20 


Jeremiah Sanborn 


.... 11.00 


Caleb Parker . . . 


.... 10.27 


Samuel Langley . . 


.... 10.19 


Jonathan Leavitt 


.... 11.32 


William Lake. . . 


.... 18.48 


Jeremiah Lane . 


.... 14.35 


Philip C. Kelley. 


.... 13.74 


Malachi Haines . 


.... 11.27 


Peter Hook . . . 


.... 12.35 


James Brown . . 


.... 10.72 



The following persons paid taxes to the amount of 
ten dollars and over in 1830 : 



Jami'S Blake . . . . 
David M. Carpenter . 
Samuel Langley . . . 



Peter Hook $20.12 

William Lake 13.97 

Stephen Perkins 14 61 



Jacob Perkins 13.33 | 

The following persons paid taxes to th 
ten dollars in 1840 : 



John Berry 

James H. Blake . . . 
David M. Carpenter . 
Abram Drake . . . . 
L C. Greenough . . . 



, S13.39 
. 15.06 
. 19.54 

. 13.75 



Peter Hook . . 
Jeremiah Lane 
Isaiah Lane . . 



Joh. 



John Lake (2d) 10.99 

David P. Shaw 11.09 

The following persons 
amount of ten dollai-s : 

James Brown $11.58 

Thomas Berry 11.32 

Nathaniel Bachelder . . ■ 10. ,57 

James Blake 12.76 

Charles H. Carpeuter. . . . 12.42 

Ahram Drake 1U.86 

Edward Edniumis 12.17 

Nathaniel lidgerly 



Joshua Lane .... 
Moses G. Lane .... 

Isaiah Lane 

Edward Langmaid. . 



10.11 



. 11.85 

. 22.13 

. 23.06 

. 1231 

. 14.37 

n Kaime 10.27 

Perkins, Jr . . . . 24.32 

Shaw 20.70 

iw 10.04 

itauyau 12.66 

Stevens 10.50 



John Lake . . . 
True Lake . . . 
J. N. C. Leavitt . 
Richard Locke . 
Harris Marden . . 
Nathan Marden . 
Daniel P. Maxfiel 
Robert Munsey . 
Nathaniel Messer 
Jacob Perkins . . 
Stephen Perkins . 
William Swain . 
.\bram Stanyan . 



The following persons p; 
in 1860: 



The following persons paid taxes to the amount of 
fifty dollars in 1870: 

L. A. Foster S.M.SI 



S. Ambrose Brown . 
Thomas Berry .... 
Charles H. Carj^enter 
Chandler Hutchinsou 
E. Langmaid .... 
Samuel \V. Langmaid 

John Shaw 

J. S. Sanborn .... 



$56.07 
104.24 


272,50 


50.50 


52.12 


00.80 


69.55 


64.01 



William Lake 72.07 

M. R. Lake 78.64 

Josiah Lake 65.50 

Nathan Marden 50.85 

Oliver Messer .5.5.90 

Stephen Perkins 139.40 

Benjamin Shaw 60.05 




^iM' ^. 



'Le 



CHICHESTEK. 



253 



The followiug persons paid taxes to the amount of 
tifty dollars in 1880: 

1 h-iiia- lli'iry $73.0(1 Charles H. Car|ieiiter . . .5:100.42 

I I I ....... 60.18 Charles Lake 12:!.2G 

I kins 99.40 JohuShaw nsi.3r, 

I !. -hjw 55.40 J. S. Sanborn .',3.(i(i 

■I ^-il.-Muure 68.96 Samuel \V. Langmaid .. . .',0.4G 

l-.ilali Laue 50.60 

ISM.— Amount of money tax, Sl;i7."i.l;i ; school mone.v, S3G3.22 ; poll 
i;.\, 51.T:; ; salaries of town officers, S;i4.18. 

1 - \ iiiMunt of money ta.\es, Slo:i2.54 ; school money, S370.83 ; 

: :: . - 1 :r. -. salaries of town offlcere, Sni.:J7. 

\:ijuunt of money taxes, S1S87.03 ; school money, S626.32 ; 
I j; ux. ;l.o'J ; salaries of town officers, $123.06. 

1 ~T0.— Amount of money ta.tcs, $5934.76 ; school money, $CO4.80 ; 
I 'U tax, S3.00 ; salaries of town officers, $283.70. 

1 SJO.— Amount of money taxes, $4867.86 ; school money, $726.38 ; 
1 .11 tax, $1.6-2 ; salaries of town officers, $356.75. 

18S4.— Amount of money taxes. $3833.43 ; poll tax, $1.26 ; salaries of 
tnwn officers, $279.92 ; amount of school money, $907.03, divided among 
ttie several school districts as follows: District No. 1, $127.77 ; No. 2, 
>1 .:j.l8 ; No. 4, $115.24 ; No. 5, $105.76 ; No. 6, $178.31 ; No. 7, $63.03 ; 
Xm. S, $139.16 ; No. 9, $52.58. 

Tuwn property : Town-house at cost, $475 ; hearse-house and hearse, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



CHARLES H. fARPENTEK. 

Charles H. Carpenter was born in Chichester, De- 
' mber 18, 1818. He had an illustrious and patri- 
tii- ancestry, which is traced in a direct line to Wil- 
Imih Carpenter, who emigrated from England in 
lo3S, and settled in Weymouth, Mass. From his son 
Joseph the line of descent is easily traced to Josiah, 
the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, who was 
born in Stratford, Conn., October 6, 1762. Though 
but fourteen years of age at the breaking out of the 
War of the Revolution, himself and three brothers 
served in the patriot army, and one of the brothers 
was killed at Rosbury Neck. After the war Josiah 
entered Dartmouth College and graduated in the class 
of 1787. He then studied for the ministry, and on 
November 2, 1791, he was installed as pastor to the 
first organized Congregational Church in Chichester, 
where he remained for nearly forty years, when he 
died, beloved and respected by all. He ever labored 
earnestly and diligently for the public good, and was 
highly esteemed as a citizen and minister of the gos- 
pel. He married, April 13, 1790, Hannah Morrill, of 
Canterbury. They had six children, David Morrill 
being the second one. He was the father of Charles 
H. 

David Morrill Carpenter was born in Chichester 
November 16, 1793. He received a good academic 
education and commenced active business in his na- 
tive town as a country merchant, and followed it, 
with much success, for a number of years. He then 
turned his attention to agriculture, purchased an exten- 
sive farm and cultivated it for several years in a most 
successful manner. Nothwithstanding the constant de- 



mands of his private occupation, his services were con- 
stantly claimed by his fellow-citizens, and fortweuty- 
five years he held one or more of the various town offi- 
ces and for several years represented his native town in 
the State Legislature. He discharged all his official 
duties with ability and fidelity. He also held county 
office as one of the commissioners for Merrimack 
County. He was for a long time one of the directors 
of the Mechanics' Bank of Concord, and for more 
than thirty years one of the trustees of the Merrimack 
County Savings-Bank, in the same city, and rarely 
failed to attend the weekly meetings of the boards of 
both institutions. He was married, J:inuary 13, 1818, 
to Mary Perkins, daughter of Jonathan Cliesley Per- 
kins, who settled in Loudon in 1788, where he cleared 
a large farm and became a prosperous and influential 
citizen. The children of David M. and Mary (Per- 
kins) Carpenter were Charles H., Josiah, Clara A., 
Sarah L. and Frank P., besides two daughtere, who 
died in early life. Subsequently, Jlr. Carpenter re- 
moved to Concord, where he died December 9, 1873, 
his wife having died seven years before, on November 
4, 1866, at the age of sixty-eight years. He was a 
man of wide influence and univereally respected in 
the community where he was known. 

Charles H. Carpenter, whose engraving appears on 
another page, received a common-school and academic 
education. When he was ten years of age his father 
gave up his store and bought a farm at Chichester 
Centre, where young Carpenter remained till he was 
of age, working on the farm summers, attending 
school at other seasons, and teaching school for sev- 
eral winters. The homestead where he was born 
has since been used as a parsonage. Young Carpen- 
ter possessed the military, patriotic spirit of bis an- 
cestry, and became actively interested in military af- 
fairs while yet a young man. He received a lieuten- 
ant's commission at the age of nineteen, and was 
subsequently commissioned a captain in the Thirty- 
eighth Regiment. He had his company uniformed, 
and it became an object of much pride to the young 
captain as well as to the whole regiment. When he 
became of age he went to live with his uncle, Jacob 
Perkins, a brother of his mother, who lived on the 
large farm that, as it happened. Rev. Josiah Carpen- 
ter moved to in 1791, and where he lived until the 
parsonage had been erected. Mr. Carpenter has al- 
ways continued to reside there. 

Mr. Perkins was one of the wealthiest and most influ- 
ential citizens of the town or county. He was an active, 
energetic business man, and accumulated considerable 
property for those times. Although he carried on a 
large farm, his principal business was in connection 
with trading and financial matters, and he largely 
engaged in the cattle business, buying in Northern 
New Hampshire and Vermont and driving them on 
foot over the Indian trail by Baker's River and the 
valley of the Pemigewassett and along the turnpikes 
and highway.s to a market at Brighton. Behind large 



254 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



droves of cattle, young Carpenter would walk from 
beyond Montpclier to Boston, gaining health and 
strength with every day's exertion, and strengthening 
and improving a naturally good constitution. 

When the Pittstield Bank was formed, in 1851, Mr. 
Carpenter was chosen its cashier and acceptably held 
the position for about five yeare, when Mr. Perkins' 
failing health compelled him to resign his position 
and devote a larger share of his time to the duties at 
his home in Chichester. He has always maintained 
a connection with the Pittsfield Bank, either as cash- 
ier, director or president, having held the latter office 
since 1870. 

For the last thirty years Mr. Carpenter has been 
placed in responsible positions in the interests of the 
town. He was called to represent the town in the 
State Legislature in the years 1855 and 1856, and ac- 
quitted himself with honor and credit. He is a life- 
long Democrat, and has ever taken a deep interest in 
national affairs, always anxious that true men should 
triumph and right measures prevail. During the 
trying days of the War of the Rebellion he stood 
manfully at the helm in directing the afl'airs of the 
town, providing the town's quota of troops and meet- 
ing the extraordinary burdens which the war pro- 
duced. During nearly al^ those years he served as 
chairman of the Board of Selectmen and town treas- 
urer, and received all the money paid into the town, 
and disbursed the same with rigid honesty and 
correctness. He was one of the projectors of the 
Suncook Valley Railroad. He contributed of his 
means to the first survey of its route, was actively 
interested in locating and building it, and contributed 
five hundred dollars of his private means towards its 
completion, and has served on its board of directors 
since its organization, where his judgment and busi- 
ness experience have proved of value to the interests 
of the corporation. 

Mr. Carpenter has a model farm in the rich valley 
of the Suncook, — the homestead farm, consisting of 
seven hundred broad acres in one body, with over 
one thousand acres in woodland and pasturage out 
lying. He cuts one hundred and fifty tons of hay 
and winters one hundred head of choice cattle. For 
the past twenty years a cross between the Devon and 
Durham has been his favorite breed of stock, and his 
beef animals find a ready market at good prices. 
Though he has carried on farm operations extensively, 
he is largely engaged in financial matters and in 
trading in live stock, besides doing a large lumber 
business, buying on the stump and manufacturing 
and handling annually large amounts of lumber. 
He has large interests in Pittsfield, where he has in- 
vested considerably in real estate. He was actively 
interested in starting the Pittsfield Aqueduct Com- 
pany, and holds much of the stock, and he is part 
owner of the New @pera-House Block. He was one 
of the promoters of the Farmers' Savings-Bank of 
Pittsfield, chartered in 1883, and is one of its trustees. 



His farm buildings are models in their way, being 
among the finest in the State. His residence is newly 
erected, spacious and elegant, commanding a fine 
view. With all his business and multitudinous cares 
he finds time to entertain his friends and give valu- 
able advice and counsel to many who often seek it 
from a man of his large business experience and 
ripened judgment. 

Mr. Carpenter is an active member of the Congre- 
gational Society, though he has never connected 
himself with the church. He takes a deep interest 
in its affairs, and contributes liberally for preaching 
the gospel and forwarding its philanthropic works. 

Mr. Carpenter married Joanna Maxfield, the 
adopted daughter of his uncle, on October 28, 1841. 
She died July 5, 1882. She was noted for her gener- 
osity and hospitality. She was an exemplary wife, 
an efficient help and adviser to her husband and a 
tender and loving mother to her children, of whom there 
were five, viz. : John T., Mary J., Electa A., Sally P. 
and Clara A. 

The Carpenter family has been prominent in the 
political, social and business circles of Chichester and 
the county of Merrimack for three generations. 
They have been the leading citizens of the town, 
strong, energetic and successful. 

Charles H. has done his full share towards heliiing 
achieve this reputation for the family name. 



CH.4.ELES C. SHAW. 

The first of the Shaw family in Chichester was 
Benjamin Shaw, who was born in Hampton, N. H., 
December 25, 1766, and came to Chichester when a 
young man. He was twice married — first to Abigail 
Paige, who was born 1773 and died January 17, 1831. 
She had two children — John and David P. John 
died March 6, 1819. Benjamin married as his second 
wife Ruth Sherburne. She died May 4, 1849, leaving 
no issue. In politics Mr. Shaw was a Democrat. 
He was a member of the Congregational Church of 
Chichester. 

David P. Shaw was born May 27, 1797 ; was edu- 
cated at the common schools of Chichester and at 
Pembroke Academy. He married Clarissa, daughter 
of Rev. Josiah and Hannah (Morrill) Carpenter, of 
Chichester. 

Rev. Josiah Carpenter was a native of Connecticut ; 
born October 6, 1762. He came to New Hampshire 
and was installed first pastor of the First Congrega- 
tional Church of Chichester, and retained that pas- 
torate for a period of nearly forty years. He married 
Hannah Morrill, of Canterbury, April 13, 1790. 

David P. Shaw was much interested in militia mat- 
ters, and was appointed, April 17, 1826, captain of mi- 
litia in the Thirty-eighth New Hampshire Regiment. 
He also served in the War of 1812, and was stationed 
at Portsmouth. He was like his father, a member of 
the Congregational Church and a Democrat. 



•"^; 




r^, /^ ^i. 



CHICHESTER. 



255 



He married Clarissa Carpenter, October 16, 1823. 
Their children were: John, Josiak C, David C, 
Charles C. and Benjamin. Josiah C. and David C. 
live in Concord, while John, Charles C. and Benja- 
min own large farms in Chichester, on which they 
reside. 

Charles C.the fourth son of David P. and Clarissa, 
was born at the old Shaw homestead in Chichester 
May 4, 1830. He received his education at common 
school and at New Hampshire Seminary, at Sanborn- 
ton Bridge (now Tilton), N. H. 

He learned the trade of machinist and was em- 
ployed in that capacity in the Concord Railroad shops 
nine years. Previous to this — in the years 1851 to 
1853, inclusive — he was employed as a machinist in 
Sandusky, Ohio. Returning to Concord, he remained 
there until 1862, when the declining health of his 
aged parents induced him to return to the ancestral 
home and assume their care — ^a duty which he faith- 
fully performed to the close of their lives. Mrs. 
Shaw died November 9, 1881, and Mr. Shaw, April 2, 
1884. 

Charles C. married Sophia F., daughter of Hon. 
Aaron and Arieannah S. (Barstow) Whittemore, of 
Pembroke, N. H., June 2, 1861. They have one 
(adopted) son, John Langdon. 

Mr. Shaw is one of the most prosperous farmers 
and most highly respected citizens of Chichester. 
He is a large owner of real estate, and, in addition to 
his farming operations, has been engaged several years 
in lumbering. He has served as justice of the peace 
several years ; was selectman of his town in 1869 and 
1870, and November 4, 1884, he was elected from 
Chichester to represent the town in the State Legis- 
lature. In politics he has not departed from the 
faith of his fathers, but is an earnest Democrat. He 
attends the Congregational Church. He is of an 
earnest, sanguine temperament, active, pushing and 
enterprising, and is one of the solid, successful men 
of his town. 



HOSEA CHASE KXoWLTOX. 

Hosea Chase Knowlton, whose portrait, which 
accompanies this sketch of his life, was taken when 
he was in the eighty-seventh year of bis age, was 
born in Northwood, county of Rockingham, State of 
New Hampshire, March 31, 1799. He comes of a 
hardy, long-lived family ; was one of nine children, 
himself being the seventh, and on the paternal side 
is of English descent. His grandfather, Thomas 
Knowlton, came from England to Portsmouth and 
settled in Hampton, afterwards in Kensington, and 
in 1769 moved with his family to Northwood, where 
he was one of the first pioneers and settlers ; that 
region, until his day, being a wild, unbroken forest. 

Ebenezer, the father of the subject of this sketch, 
at the time of this removal to Northwood, was about 
ten years of age, and fittcen years hiter, in 1784, then 



at the age of twenty-live, he married Elizabeth Raw- 
lins, of Vermont, built a log cabin on his fifty-acre 
lot of wild land in Northwood, a short distance from 
his father's, commenced clearing, and in time had it 
converted into a productive farm, with improved and 
substantial buildings. Upon this farm Hosea C. was 
born, and here he worked as a farm-boy until the age 
of sixteen, receiving in the meantime the facilities and 
privileges of the district school, which, at this early 
period, was limited to yearly terms of but three 
months. He then desired of his father aid in ac- 
quiring an academical education. But his father 
refused all help, though he gave him liberty to go 
and try his fortunes at any institution he pleased on 
his own responsibility. Hosea readily accepted this 
condition, and on the morning of April 10, 1816, with 
his little pack of clothes and not a dollar in cash nor 
promise of help from any one, he started afoot and 
alone to Hampton, a distance of thirty miles, and 
there procured a boarding-place with Mr. Simeon 
Shaw, and entered the academy. Being penniless, he 
borrowed money of his new-found friend, Mr. Shaw, 
with which to purchase books and pay his tuition, 
and this money, together with his board-bill, was due 
Mr. Shaw when Hosea was through at the institution. 
Soon after this academical term at Hampton he com- 
menced teaching school in the town of Brentwood, 
where he taught four months at twelve dollars per 
month, eagerly pursued his private studies in his 
spare time, received his forty-eight dollars, returned 
to Hampton and applied it in payment of his obliga- 
tions to his kind benefactor, Mr. Shaw. 

In the month of April, 1817, he commenced teach- 
ing in the town of Kensington a term of ten months, 
and at the close of his school entered the Academical 
Institution at Newmarket, under the care and tuition 
of Martin Renter as principal and Closes White as- 
sistant, and there completed his English studies, 
attending especially to trigonometry and the art of 
surveying. 

In the following April, 1818, he returned to Kens- 
ington, where he resumed and followed teaching for 
two years, a calling for which, by natural gifts and 
acquirements, he was eminently adapted and fitted. 
He then engaged himself for one year as clerk in the 
store of Ebenezer Coe, of Northwood ; but he loved 
the school-room, and in the ne.xt two years was en- 
gaged in teaching in his native town of Northwood. 

For one year, about 1823-24, he was employed as 
book-keeper and clerk with Captain Obadiah Wright, 
a retired sea-captain, in a wholesale store of general 
merchandise, on Long Wharf, Boston, where he gave 
the highest satisfaction to his employer, and could 
have remained at increased wages ; but he returned 
to Northwood, where for some years he followed 
school-teaching and farming. 

For two years — 1832-33 — he was employed as head 
clerk in the counting-room of Hon. Isaac and Horatio 
Hill, editors and publishers at Concord. Here, aside 



256 



HISTORY OF MEKia.MACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



from his official hours in the counting-room, he edited 
and compiled " Welch's Revised Arithmetic," which, 
in the vastly improved edition, found great accept- 
ance with the best teachers of New England. 

May 2(j, 1820, he married lietsey Seavey, daughter 
of Moses Seavey, Esq., of Chichester, and resided at 
Korthwood (except his two years' counting-room ser- 
vice at Concord) till the autumn of 1834, when he 
purcha.sed the right and interest of the heirs to the 
estate of his father-in-law, in Chichester, and moved 
upon this farm with his family that same fall of 1834. 
Here he not only actively and successfully worked 
his farm and improved his home, but for a number of 
years taught school winters, and in all public and 
educational matters ever took a prominent, active in- 
terest. 

In 1832, while in the employ of the Hill Brothers, 
at Concord, he was duly appointed justice of the 
peace, and by regular renewals of his commission 
has held this office continuously to the present 
writing, — a period of fifty-three years. His services 
as a most reliable and accurate surveyor of land were 
largely sought, not only in Chichester, but also in all 
the adjacent towns. He served twelve years on the 
Board of Selectmen and as town treasurer, five years 
as town clerk, two years as representative in the State 
Legislature and two years as county commissioner. 
Besides these positions of public trust and confidence, 
ever most faithfully and ably filled, he executed a 
great many deeds, wills and other public and private 
documents, was executor and administrator of nu- 
merous estates, and all to the entire satisfaction of 
all his patrons. He had born to him four children, 
— Eben, Melissa, Alonzo and Sallie S., only the latter 
<i{ whom survives. 

His estimable wife, Betsey, died December 1, 1861, 
and on January 1, 1863, he married Adaline B. Sher- 
burne, relict of Uriah Sherburne, late of Chichester. 

By energy, economy, fidelity and perseverance he 
lias acquired a very respectable competence, the com- 
forts and benefits of which he lives to enjoy in a good 
degree of health, at the advanced age of nearly eighty- 
seven years. 

Religiously, he is of the Congregational faith, and 
a professor ; a Democrat politically. His first Presi- 
dential vote was cast for James Monroe, and every 
Democratic candidate for the Presidency since, to the 
election of Grover Cleveland, has unwaveringly re- 
ceived the aid of his vote. Y'et, — 

*' I am not old, tliougb my friends and my foes 

Alike bave gone to their graves ; 
And left me behind to my joys and my woes. 

Like a ship in the midst of the waves. 
For youthful memories round me throng, 



Olcit 






^8 I look away on my journey so lonj; 

Of near four-score y&ars and ten. 
[ look back oVr the past and my life sef 

A strange, sweei dream forsooth, 
For old as 1 am and old a3 I seem, 

My lienttU full of youth." 



OLIVER DRAKE. 

The family of Drake is of Saxon origin and one of 
great antiquity, extending back previous to the time 
of the Norman conquest of England. 

Adown the centuries some references to the name 
have survived the general wreck of time. 

As early as the year 1272 one John Drake is re- 
corded as holding lands by grant from Edward I. of 
England. In 1313, Edward II. gave permission to 
John Drake " to go beyond sea." Other ancient mem- 
bers of the family by the name of John are men- 
tioned in history. 

The name of Robert was also a very prominent one 
among the Drakes. On April 23, 1556, one Robert, 
minister of Thundersby, in Essex, England, with five 
others, suffered martyrdom by burning at the stake 
in Smithfield, in the reign of Mary. His memorable 
reply to the bishop, when exhorted to renounce his 
heresy, was in these decisive words, — " As for your 
church of Rome, I utterly deny and defy it, with all 
the works thereof; even as I deny the Devil and all 
his works." 

He then had laid nearly a year in prison, and im- 
mediately thereafter was ordered to execution. 

English records also contain various titled names 
of Drake, as Sir John Drake, of Ashe, in 1360; and, 
in later years. Admiral Sir Francis Drake, who cir- 
cumnavigated the globe when English navigation was 
comparatively in its infancy. His father's name was 
Robert, Sir Francis being one of twelve brothers, 
most of whom followed the sea and died in foreign 
parts. Several other Drakes have also been named 
Robert. 

Among the illustrious Drakes of England may be 
mentioned Samuel Drake, D.D., of eminent literary 
attainments, who died in 1673, and whose equally 
eminent son edited Archbishop Parker's works ; also 
R<>ger Drake, D.D., of St. Peter's, London, an author 
and most excellent man, who sutfered much for his 
non-conformity ; Francis Drake, M.D., surgeon of 
York, F.R.S., and who was a great antiquary ; 
Nathan Drake, M.D., of Hadleigh, in Suff'olk, the 
well-known essayist and most skillful and successful 
annotator and biographer of Shakspeare ; and before 
him in point of time was Dr. James Drake, F.R.S., 
whose discoveries in anatomy are not surpassed in 
importance to those of Hervey. 

From this old English stock, notably a branch of 
the family of Ashe, came John Drake, a member of 
the Council of Plymouth, England, who was one of 
the original company established by King James, in 
1606, for settling New England, and from whom 
sprang most, if not all, the earlier families of Drake 
in America. Several of his sons came to this coun- 
try. It is known that one of them, John, reached 
Boston in 1630, with two or more sons, who fin- 
ally settled in Windsor, Conn. 

Also, Robert, brother of John, with two or more sons 
and one daughter, who was settled in Exeter sometime 




Cu^uJi^^.<^ytJ (M^.Ka 



CHICHESTEK. 



prior to 1643 ; for that year the name of Abraham 
I'rake, sou of Robert, with twenty others, was signed 
ti) a petition to tlie General Court of Massachusetts 
against the encroacliments of settlers, and it is therein 
set forth that tliose people " knew we long since pur- 
chased these lands and quietly possessed them." 

We can learn but little of Kobert Drake's personal 
history, except that he was born in Devon, England, 
in 1580 ; came to this country before 1G43 (possibly, 
we think, with his brother John in 1G30, or with Rev. 
John Wheelwright's company in 1638); that March 
15, 1650, he bought of " Francis Peaboddie hou.se and 
lands lying and being within the bounds of Hamp- 
ton," and removed thereto from Exeter early in 1651, 
and acquired in Hampton a considerable estate ; that 
he wiis then called "auld Mr. Drake;" that he left a 
will — a full copy of which is extant — dated May 5, 
1663 ; that he was a man of eminent piety and highly 
respected, and " departed this life " January 14, 1668, at 
:! the great age of eighty-eight years. His son, Abraham, 

already mentioned, was also a very prominent man of 
his time, capable of any business, a good penman and 
forward in all public service. In 1663 he was chosen 
to lay out four thousand acres of land " west of Hamp- 
ton bounds and away to the great pond;" and in 
1668-69 was chosen to run the town lines ; also in 
1673 was appointed marshal of the county of Nor- 
folk, in which office he probably continued till the 
separation of New Hampshire from Massachusetts, in 
1679. He lived to a very advanced age, being alive 
in 1712 and at that time eighty-four years old. But the 
year of his death is not definitely known. 

Dim and distant as this early period of New Eng- 
land may seem, it is known that most, and probably 
I all, the Drakes of New Hampshire are the direct de- 

scendants of Robert Drake (1), of Hampton, N. H., 
through his son, Abraham (2), already named, and so 
on in the generations that have followed to the pres- 
ent time. Many members of the family name have 
been very prominent and leading citizens of their 
times, in the varied affairs of church, military and 
civil life. 

The generations of one branch of the Drake family 
in New England have descended, as shown by the in- 
dices, in the following order : Robert (1), Abraham (2), 
Abraham (3), Abraham (4), Thomas (5), Josiah (6), 
Thomas (7), Oliver (8). 

Passing over the third and fourth generations, of 
whom much could be laudably written, we have to say 
I if Thomas (5) that at some period of his life he was 
M-ttled in Epping, N. H., where he owned lands ad- 
joining the farm of his brother Simon ; butfinally re- 
! moved to Chichester,— though in what year the writer 

has been unable to determine,— where he owned a 
farm and lived some years, and where he died August 
16, 1816, aged eighty-three years. 

Josiah (6), grandfather of Oliver, was a life-long 

resident of Chichester, and succeeded to the fiirm of 

i his father in the southeasterly quarter of the town, 



where he led an exemplary life and died August ■>, 
1832, aged seventy. 

Thomas, Jr. (7), Oliver's father, was born in Chi- 
chester October 12, 1796, and reared to farm-life, 
which in his day, even more than now, implied hard, 
persevering labor and the closest economy. A few 
years, however, in his early manhood he worked at 
last-making and nail-cutting in Maiden, Mass. He 
fixed the " Jr." to his name, and was so known by 
his townsmen, because of another Thonnis Drake (a 
senior cousin of his), who also lived in Chichester. 
He was a careful, painstaking man in all he did, and 
withal of a mechanical, ingenious turn of mind ; was 
a great lover of music, an excellent player on the 
violoncello and had a rare musical voice, with which 
he ever loved to aid in the services of the sanctuary. 
He was an upright, public-spirited citizen, ever ready 
with his share of effort in the furtherance of any good 
object or purpose. About the year 1829 he ijought 
the farm next south of his father's in Chichester (now 
owned by Mr. Wilder Hall, in School District No. 4), 
and soon had his future home improved by the erec- 
tion of the good buildings which have since been 
further improved and are still thoroughly preserved. 
He married Mehitable Seavey, youngest daughter of 
Daniel Seavey, of Chichester, of Welsh extraction— a 
man of less than medium stature, but possessing a 
genial, happy spirit, and of a tough, hardy constitu- 
tion, which prolonged his years in general soundness 
of health to the end of his life, which occurred 
December 27, 1853, at the great age of ninety-two 
years and eight months. They soon moved to 
their new home referred to, where they spent the re- 
mainder of their lives, devoted to their young and 
growing family, which, in 1839, when all were living, 
consisted of three sons and three daughters, and in 
whose young minds they sought, by precept and ex- 
ample, to inculcate truthfulness and rectitude of con- 
duct and character. The parents lived and died con- 
sistent members of the Congregational Church. In 
the midst of his days the father came to his death by 
quick consumption, April 11, 1844, aged forty-seven 
years and six months ; and on November 5, 1 847, the 
devoted mother died of pleurisy fever, also at the age 
of forty-seven and one-half years. 

Oliver Drake was born in Chichester, Merrimack 
County, N. H., August 18, 1830, and, as already shown, 
is of the eighth generation of the family name in this 
country. His brothers were Simon S. and Francis, 
though the latter in his adult years is called Frank ; 
his sisters were Samantha T., Sallie and Joanna M. 
Two of the family are no longer of earth, — Sallie, who 
died in 1839, aged two years, and Simon S., a most 
estimable man, who died February 22, 1885, at his 
home in Vallejo, Cal., in the fifty-fourth year of his 
age, lamented by all who knew him. 

By the death of their parents the children were 
called to meet the stern realities of life at an early, 
untried age. Up to the death of his father, young 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUxNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Oliver, then thirteen, had been raised a farm-boy and | 
so was inured to toil. By his comrades he was called 
a strong boy, and was seldom sick or ailing. The lit- 
tle farm, at his father's deatli left to his mother, was 
indeed a precious home for the family. His brothers 
mainly did the work at home with their mother and 
young sisters till the mother's decease, while for two 
years Oliver worked out at farming, except winters, 
when he was at home attending the district school. 
In the spring of 1847, the year of his mother's death, 
in November, he apprenticed himself to Deacon Jacob 
S. Sanborn, of Chichester, with whom he faithfully 
worked and learned the trade of shoemaking, intend- 
ing to set up shop for himself at the old home with 
his mother, when through with his apprenticeship, 
for this was in an age of shoe manufacturing, when 
little single and double-handed shops were scattered 
all about this part of the State, with Lynn, Mass., as 
the head-centre, and not, as now, merged into the gen- 
eral factory system of manufacture with machinery. It 
was then a leading, lucrative trade for many hundreds 
of young men at their homes in the country. But 
the death of his mother shattered the fond hopes of 
Oliver's coming home, and so the little family was 
soon scattered, and to Oliver, the oldest of the family, 
there came a burden of solicitude and care not often 
experienced by one of his age. 

Continuing his residence in Chichester, he followed 
his trade steadily till December, 1849, when he went 
in search of a better education than he had as yet had 
the privilege of obtaining ; and his aim was to do so 
at as small expenditure of his limited means as possi- 
ble. December, 1849, found him at the Walnut Grove 
Boarding-School of the veteran teacher, Moses A. 
Cartland, in Lee, N. H., a most excdlent school, 
wholly unsectarian, though rather of the Quaker per- 
suasion, where the willing mind was led and vastly 
aided in broader, deeper channels of thought than 
those contained in the text-books. Here Oliver 
obtained board and tuition till the following 
March, paying his way by all sorts of work nights and 
mornings, while in all respects making good progress 
with hi.s studies. 

Returning to Chichester, he worked at his trade till 
December, ISoO, and then took up his studies again 
at Walnut Grove School, in Lee, where he remained 
continuously till August, 18.51, working, as before, for 
his board and tuition to the full amount, excepting 
four dollars, which he thankfully paid in cash. Octo- 
ber, 1851, he commenced his first school as teacher in 
Straflbrd, N. H., in what was known as the " Caverly 
District," a term of nine weeks ; and while here he 
was engaged by Prof. J. C. Cram (the veteran singing- 
school teacher) to take the school of his district, in 
Deerfield,N.H. He commenced teaching on Monday 
following the close of the school at Strafford, the Friday 
previous, and taught the winter term of eleven weeks, 
thus making for him a continuous run of twenty 
weeks. In both of these schools he met withthe hap- I 



piest success. Immediately following these, he taught 
a private school at the " Pine Ground " (so-called), in 
Chichester. 

A few weeks later, while on a visit to friends in Lee, 
Oliver received by letter, from his old Walnut Grove 
School " chum " and esteemed friend, Benjamin 
Chase, Jr., of Auburn, — who now for many years has 
been an active citizen and prosperous manufacturer 
in Derry, K. H., — a proposition thatthey" take a voy- 
age at sea." They had together read Dana's "Two 
Years Before the Mast," and in their young enthusi- 
asm had discussed many an " ocean tale," till, with 
their natural love for adventure, they felt a strong de- 
sire to be upon the " rolling wave " and tread another 
shore across the "ocean blue." 

The proposal of his friend was readily accepted. As 
a matter of business combined with their pleasure 
sought, and also to learn about real sea-life, they 
planned to go as part of some ship's crew. It would 
have seemed too tame to have gone otherwise ; at all 
events, one object of the two adventurers was to meet 
expenses. An able seaman's pay was then fourteen 
dollars per month. 

Going to Boston and donning their young sailor 
rig, they at last succeeded in shipping as " boys," at 
ten dollars per month, " before the mast," on the noble, 
square-rigged, one-thousand-ton ship "William Wirt," 
commanded by Captain Erastus Samson — one of "na- 
ture's noblemen " and one of the best officers that ever 
trod a quarter-deck. The points of destination were 
not fiiUy known to the men before sailing, only " to 
one or more southern ports of the L^nited States, 
thence to one or more European ports." 

They set sail April 27, 1852, and the voyage proved 
to be to Mobile, Ala., loading there with cotton, — 
slave cotton, no doubt,^ — thence to Liverpool, Eng., and 
then returning to Boston with a load of two hundred 
and eighty-seven immigrants, in the old shipping line 
of Enoch Train, arriving in Boston, Oct., 1852. The 
" boys' " duties of course, were those of common sailors 
before the mast, with whom they lived in the fore- 
castle and worked the voyage through. It was to them 
a new phase of life with but slight embellishments. 
Resolutions repeatedly formed, however, during the 
trip, not to " follow the sea " as a calling, alone or 
chiefly, resisted the fascination of making, as sailors 
say, " one more voyage." The voyage was devoid of 
serious accident, but replete with many a lively in- 
cident. Lying six weeks in the docks of Liverpool, 
though living and working aboard ship during the day, 
the privilege of evenings and Sundays, and now and 
then a " liberty day " ashore, gave fair opportunity for 
seeing much of English life and considerable of its 
scenery. 

Returning to Chichester from his sea-voyage, Oliver 
was soon called by hisold teacher, Moses A. Cartland, to 
assist him in a school that he had recently opened in 
North Weare, N. H. Here Oliver remained most of 
that winter (1852-5S) and spring, pushing on with his 



CHICHESTER. 



259 



own studies as well as acting as tutor in the school. 
With an aptness for learning, a great love of study 
has been a marked feature of his life. The following 
May (1S.')3) he became a student at the New Hamp- 
shire t'l inference Seminary, at Northfield (since moved 
across the river to Tilton), and continued here till the 
close of the fall term, November 9, 1S58, when he took 
a very creditable part in the examination exercises. 
He was a member of the V. A. S. Association (a lit- 
erary society of the seminary), and was ever an earn- 
est factor in promoting its welfare, New Hampshire's 
future United States Senator, Henry W. Blair, being 
at the same time an active brother member, whose 
talents and sterling qualities gave bright promise of 
his future career. 

Eeturning from the seminary, Oliver taught a pros- 
perous private school in his native district, No. 4, in 
Chichester, and continued his services with the win- 
ter term of the district ; and then immediately fol- 
lowed with the school in the adjoining district, at the 
" Horse Corner" (so called) ; after which, and run- 
ning into the spring of 1854, he taught the term in 
the Union District of Chichester and Loudon, on the 
Chichester north road. 

Teaching was to him a pleasure, and the best of 
success rewarded his efforts. But as a business, he de- 
sired some more lucrative calling. 

During these years of 1852, '58, '54 the Northeast Pro- 
tective Union stores were having their day. One wasor- 
ganized in Chichester in 1854, and opened in thepresent 
store building on the corner opposite the Methodist 
meeting-house. Oliver Drake was chosen its agent. But 
organizations of this class all through New England, 
though for a time popular, were waning, and in some 
two years after, or a little longer, had all gradually 
passed into private hands. As agent, he conducted the 
affairs of the store to the best advantage possible, under 
the impracticable circumstancesthatprevailed, till the 
spring of 1856, when he resigned. 

With regrets to himself and many friends, he then 
left his native town to try his fortunes in a broader 
sphere. For a year thereafter he was employed as 
book-keeper by the large teaming firm of Critchett & 
Oilman, in Eiist Boston, Mass. 

The three following years, 1857, '58, '59, he was vari- 
ously engaged in the grocery and provision trade in 
Boston, where for a time he worked in Faneuil Hall 
Market. 

In 1860 and '61, till spring of '62, he was employed 
as first accountant in the wholesale grocery business 
of John G. Kaulback, Jr., 196 Water Street, Boston. 
Here, fi'om the sedentary confinement of the counting- 
room, his health became much impaired, for which 
reason, as a more physically active employment, he 
betook himself again to the market. 

But that autumn (1862) he was taken down with a 
slow, lingering fever, from which the following spring 
did not find him fully recovered. He then accepted 
a situation as book-keeper for the ship-building firm 



of Curtis & Tilden, of East Boston, actively en- 
gaged at that time in building war steamers for the 
United States government. He remained here till the 
autumn of 1863, and then became proprietor of the 
West Lynn Market, in the city of Lynn, Mass., and at 
once entered upon this branch of trade, which he 
steadily and successfully followed for the succeeding 
six years. 

Just at this period (1868-69) the White I'ine min- 
ingexcitementof Nevada was atfever heat,8uch, prob- 
ably, as the world before never saw. The famous 
Eberhardt, in which his brother Frank was a fifth 
owner by location, was turning out its hundreds of 
thousands of silver. Naturally of an active, hopeful 
temperament, Oliver was thus drawn westward. Sep- 
tember 1, 1869, he sold out his West Lynn Market, 
and soon completed arrangements for an inspection 
of the Nevada mining business. He reached Trea- 
sure City, Nev., where his brother was, on No- 
vember 5, 1869, and from that date to the present has 
been actively connected with mining interests, shar- 
ing with others some of its vicissitudes as well as its 
fortunes. 

" White Pine " was first the name of the mining dis- 
trict, but has since become the name of the county in- 
cluding the district. Except a three months' visit home 
in the fall of 1870, Oliver remained at White Pine 
till November, 1871, when, with his family, he moved 
to Greenville, Plumas County, Cal., where he soon be- 
came superintendent of the Indian Valley Gold Mine, 
having in that vicinity also mining interests of his 
own. He was thus engaged till September, 1875, when 
he was called to become secretary and cashier of the 
Eberhardt Mill and Mining Company, which was ex- 
tensively and prosperously engaged in silver-mining 
at Eberhardt, White Pine County, Nev., his brother 
Frank having been appointed the company's mana- 
ger, — positions of great responsibility and trust in 
which the two brothers have been retained continu- 
ously to the present writing (August, 1885,)except the 
years 1879-80, when Oliver had withdrawn himself 
to engage in an extensive milling enterprise of his 

The Eberhardt Company (Limited), with which the 
Drake brothers so long have been connected, is an 
English incorporation, with its directors and head of- 
fice in London. 

August, 13, 1862, Oliver Drake married Sallie S., 
youngest daughter of HoseaC.Knowlton, Esq., of Chi- 
chester, whose likeness and sketch of life are given in 
this book. Four children have been born to them, — 
one son and three daughters,— the youngest of whom, 
Alma K., born in California, alone survives. Save in 
the loss of children, his domestic life has been emi- 
nently a happy one. Keligiously and constitutionally, 
he is a Congregationalist, regarding the polity of this 
church as possessing the very spirit of genuine de- 
mocracy. Whether East or West, he has ever allied 
himself in some way with church life, so long as it 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE^ 



visibly existed in his community. Music has been to 
him one cherished source of recreation and delight. 
Of a cheerful, social turn of mind and heart, and in all 
respects of correct and abstemious habits, his gener- 
ally excellent health through life hjw been but little 
disturbed, and his near associates and warm friends 
have been of the good and true. 

Though politically an ardent Republican, he is no 
partisan. His only votes for a Democratic candidate 
for the Presidency were for Stephen A. Douglas, who 
was defeated, and James Buchanan, which vote he has 
ever since regretted. Political office he never desired, 
sought nor accepted, though repeatedly urged to con- 
sider it. 

As inculcated by his venerated parents, one trait 
and motto of his life has been, that " whatsoever thy 
hand findeth to do," do it well. 

The amities of life, with strict fidelity in all posi- 
tions of trust, have brought their reward in the confi- 
dence and respect of his fellow-men, which he long 
has largely shared. 



5[AJ0R ARTHUR DEERIXG. 

The origin of the Deering family was English ; as 
far back as the French and Indian War two brothers 
came from England, from whom have descended all 
the Deerings in this country. The elder brother in 
all English families inherited the estate, and it often 
happened, as in the case of these two brothers, that the 
younger brothers came to this then new country to 
carve out a fortune for themselves. One of these 
brothers was killed during the French and Indian 
War, and a son of the other, by the name of Isaac, 
settled in Scarborough, Me., at Blue Point. 

This son had a son named after himself, who was 
the father of the subject of this brief history. Isaac 
Deering, the father of Arthur Deering, married Sarah 
Sawyer, whose ancestors came from Scotland, and 
were descendants of the old Marr family, of whom 
" Lady Helen " Marr was one. To Isaac and Sarah 
Deering were born eleven children, — three girls and 
eight boys, — of whom Arthur was the youngest, who 
was born March 24, 1820, the year the State of Maine 
was admitted into the Union. 

Mr. Deering had a common-school and academical 
education, and then graduated at the Free Baptist 
Theological School, at Whitestown, N. Y. He 
entered the gospel ministry at the early ageof twenty, 
and preached his first sermon at East Parsonsfield, 
Me., and had his first settlement at Bath, Me. From 
Bath he went to Central New York and preached in 
several places ; he was ordained in Philadelphia, Jef- 
ferson County, N. Y., June 18, 1853, after being re- 
fused an ordination three times on account of more 
advanced views on moral and natural depravity and 
on the atonement. He did not believe that moral de- 
pravity, or sin, could be transmitted from parent to 
child, or charged upon any human being before com- 



ing to years of intelligence and human accountability; 
but sin is an intelligent, voluntary, intentional viola- 
tion of a known moral law, and that sin, or moral de- 
pravity, can never pertain to man's nature, but to his 
character. And as to the atonement, he did not believe 
that Christ suttered any penalty of any law in our 
stead ; did not believe that He died to help God out 
of any diihculty in which Adam's transgression had 
involved Him ; but that all that Christ did and suftered 
was wholly and entirely for man's benefit. He be- 
lieved that God always was able to pardon penitent 
sinners, and that He was always willing to pardon 
penitent sinners, and all the reason He did not pardon 
them was because they would not repent ; and that 
Christ's mission into the world was to be a mighty 
moral power to induce men to repent. 

After spending some nine years in New York he 
returned to Maine, and settled with a church in 
China; he afterwards preached in West Waterville, 
Richmond and several other places in Maine, and in 
1871 came to Pittsfield, N. H., and preached with the 
First Baptist Church there three years, and in 1871 
purchased the old Foster farm in Chichester, where he 
now resides. 

Mr. Deering has always taken an active part in 
politics; when but eighteen years of age he embraced 
the anti-slavery cause and often addressed public 
meetings upon that question. In 1840 he took the 
stump for James G. Birney, who was the candidate of 
the Liberty party for President, and in 1841 cast his 
first ballot ; there being no candidates at that election 
in his town, he wrote upon his ballot " Abolition " and 
put it in the ballot-box. He often attended the Lib- 
erty party County and State Conventions, was fre- 
quently on their committees on resolutions, and 
always kept well posted upon the question of slavery, 
and was one of their able and popular speakers. 

In 1848 he was a delegate to the Free-Soil National 
Convention at Buffalo, and earnestly advocated a 
union of all the anti-slavery elements into one party 
to oppose the extending of slavery into free territory ; 
and, with other members of the old Liberty party, 
assisted in the organization of the Republican party 
in Maine in 1855. He took an active part in the 
Presidential campaign in 1856, and spoke with Josiali 
H. Drummond and A. P. Morrill for Fremont and 
Dayton. And again, in 1860, when he was president 
of the Republican Club in Richmond, Me., his club 
accepted the challenge of the Democratic Club, 
and chose him to meet their speaker in public dis- 
cussion of the political issues, the result of which, 
as freely admitted by his opponent, was the changing 
of twenty-five votes to the Republican ticket. In the 
fall of 1863 he was elected to the Legislature by the 
town of Richmond, where he was several times called 
to the Speaker's chair in his temporary absence, and 
was appointed Speaker to conduct the proceedings of 
the "mock session." Being at home from the army 
in 1864 on a short furlough. Governor Coney vohui- 





' .^^-1>M^UA. 3( 



^-M^^^-T^Z-^^. 



CHICHESTER. 



2(11 



tiirily obtained from Secretary Stanton an extension of 
his furlough for twenty days, that he miglit talse part 
in tlie September election ; and a few days after he 
was requested by Hon. J. G. Blaine, then chairman 
of the Republican State Committee, to take the stump 
until election; which he did, with other speakers ; 
and on his return to Philadelphia, where he was or- 
dered on detached duty as member of a military 
court, he was made an honorary member of the Union 
League, and as his military duties occupied but a 
few hours of his time during the day, he was on the 
stump most of the time until the November election. 
He spoke in Philadelphia, Reading and other places 
in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Mr. 
Deering acted with the Republican party until 18G8, 
when he became satisiied that all of the political diffi- 
culties growing out of the war had been settled, and 
that the next great question before the American 
people was the liquor traffic ; he left the Republican 
party and helped organize the Prohibition party in 
Maine, since which time he has been an earnest ad- 
vocate of its principles. In 18G8 he was appointed by 
the Grand Lodge of Good Templars in Maine as 
State lecturer, and during the year spoke in every 
county but Washington in the State, in doing which 
he traveled more than eight thousand miles, speak- 
ing every evening from one and a half to two hours. 
He was again employed in 1869. In 1870 he was em- 
ployed by the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, and 
lectured some time in that State, moving to Pitts- 
field, N. H., in March, 1871. In 1874 he commenced 
the publication of the Pittafield Times, a local non- 
partisan papei', and in 1875 he took charge of editing 
and publishing the Prohibition Herald, which had 
been published and edited by Rev. Mr. Millen, and 
continued their publication until Feb., 187(3, when bis 
office was burned and their publication discontinued. 
In 1875, Mr. Deering was nominated by the Prohi- 
bition party for Senator in the Fourth Senatorial Dis- 
trict, and again in 1876, which resulted in a great 
deal of political trouble in the State. He received 
votes enough to defeat an election in the district, but 
the Democratic candidate had a plurality of the votes 
cast, and it was soon ascertained that the law required 
that a man, to be eligible to serve as Senator, must 
have been a citizen of the State seven years, and that 
Mr. Deering had only been in the State a little over 
five years. This fact coming to the knowledge of the 
Governor by the affidavit of Mr. Deering, which the 
Governor caused to be taken, the Governor and Coun- 
cil threw out Mr. Deering's votes and thereby gave the 
election to Mr. Proctor, the Democratic candidate, 
and by Mr. Proctor's election the Senate was Demo- 
cratic. At that time many of the county offices were 
appointed by the Governor, and removed by an ad- 
dress of the Senate and House. The Governor dur- 
ing 1876 was Mr. Weston, a Democrat, who had filled 
many of these offices with Democrats, who, unless re- 
moved by address of the Senate and House, would 
17 



hold over, and in that case the money and whiskey 
spent by the Republican politicians in the several 
counties to carry the election would be lost. And 
this was the only issue in the case, and, although Mr. 
Deering was entirely innocent, knowing nothing of 
the provisions of the State Constitution, yet unlimited 
abuse was poured upon him because of this affiiir. 
The Bonton Journal said that he did it knowingly, in- 
tending to defraud the voters of their votes. But no 
man who knew him ever supposed that he would do 
such a thing intentionally. 

Mr. Deering then told his enemies, jokingly, that 
"he would steal' the whole government next time;" 
and fulfilled the prophecy in the fall of 188-1, in go- 
ing to New York and speaking for the Prohibition 
party, which rolled up a vote of twenty-five thousand 
for St. John, taking a large majority from the Rei)ub- 
lican party, and thereby giving the State to Cleve- 
land and making him President. 

He was the only Prohibition speaker who canvassed 
Jeflerson County, which only gave Dow thirty -six votes 
in 1880, and gave St. John six hundred and thirty- 
six in 1884. 

When the war broke out it found Mr. Deering at 
Richmond, Me. As he had been an earnest opposer 
to the extension of slavery, so he was now ready to 
meet the result of that opposition ; he had been ready 
to pray, preach and vote against American slavery, 
and as slavery had now arisen in arms to rend the 
Union asunder, so he was just as ready to fight 
against the extension and existence, even, of slavery, 
if need be, as he was to talk against it. In August of 
1862 he held patriotic meetings in the towns of 
Richmond, Dresden, Bowdoinham and Topsham, and 
enlisted one hundred men for a company in the 
Twenty-fourth Maine Regiment, and was by them 
elected captain. When the regiment was first 
organized he was the ranking captain of it. The 
regiment left Augusta, Me., in November ; went to 
East New York and remained there until January, 
1863, when it went to New Orleans. Remaining in 
the city a few weeks it then went to Bonnet Carre, 
forty miles up the river, to form a part of the outer 
defenses of the city, between the river and Lake 
Pontchartrain. The regiment remained here until 
June, when it marched to Port Hudson and took an 
active part in the siege of that place, after which it re- 
turned, by the way of Cairo and Chicago, to Maine. 

While the regiment was at Port Hudson, Corjjoral 
William Lancaster, of his company, being some- 
what deranged by sickness, stabbed and killed 
Lieutenant Newell, of Captain Deering's company, 
and was tried the day the regiment left for home, so 
that no testimony could be presented in his behalf. 
After the regiment returned to Maine, Captain Deer- 
ing gathered the facts in the case and personally laid 
them before Vice-President Hamlin, and secured his 
pardon. Some years afterward this same William 



1 They said ' 



! stole the Senate.' 



262 



IILSTOKY OF MEEIUMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Lancaster saved the son of Captain Deering, William 
A. Deering, from drowning in the Kennebec River at 
Richmond. 

After tlie regiment returned, and was mustered out 
of service, Captain Deering was ai)poiuted recruiting 
officer and enlisted recruits for the old regiments. 
During his term of service in the Legislature, in the 
winter of 1864, another call was made by the Presi- 
dent for more men, and two more regiments were or- 
ganized, the Thirty-first and Thirty-second, and Cap- 
tain Deering was commissioned a major in the Thirty- 
second Regiment. At the close of the session of the 
Legislature he went into camp at Augusta and took 
command of the six companies then formed, as no 
other field officers could be commissioned with that 
number of companies. 

The regiments then raised in New England were 
assigned to General Burnside, and their destination 
was then expected to be to North Carolina. In April, 
Major Deering received orders to take the six com- 
panies and report to General Burnside at Annapolis, 
Md., but when he reached Baltimore his destination 
was changed to Washington, as General Burnside had 
been ordered to report with the Ninth Corps to Gen- 
eral Grant, in Virginia. On arriving at Alexandria 
the Thirty-second Regiment was assigned to Second 
Division, Second Brigade, Ninth Army Corjjs, and 
reached the Wilderness on the second dav of the 
fight. 

The regiment was not much exposed the next day, 
which was Saturday, and at night started for Chan- 
cellorsville, which it reached Sunday morning, and 
Major Deering was detailed brigade oiBcer of the day, 
and had charge of the picket line, and turned it over 
to Geuei-al Pararro, who had charge of the Third Di- 
vision of the Ninth Corps, which were colored troops. 
The regiment was severely dealt with at Spottsylvania, 
where it was exposed to the rebel fire all day without 
any protection, and fifty out of three hundred were 
either killed or wounded ; and in the second attack 
on the enemy's left fiank, sixteen more were killed 
and wounded. 

The regiment was under severe fire at the Tolopot- 
omy, where Major Deering only escaped death by the 
narrowest chance. In the evening he went to the 
front to push out the picket line, which was sta- 
tioned too near the main line, and as he was returning, 
while but a few rods in front of his breast-works, firing 



commenced upon the left and soon came down the line, 
one regiment after another joining in the rapid firing, 
which soon reached his own regiment ; supposing 
that an attack had been made upon the line, they 
too opened fire, and in a moment the air was full of 
whistling bullets ; some of the picket line were 
killed, but, as fortune would have it, ho escaped 
unharmed. 

At another time two men were shot down, one on 
each side of him, as he led his men into the fight. lie 
was hit once on his spur and once on the scabbard of 
his sword, but finally came out of every fight without 
a soar. He was in all of the fights, from the Wilder- 
ness to Petersburg, in which his corps, the Ninth, 
was engaged ; and so much had his regiment be- 
come reduced by killed, wounded and sick, that when 
it mustered, on the 1st of July, 1864, in frontof Peters- 
burg, there were but fifty men for duty. The col- 
onel, Mark F. Wentworth and the lieutenant-colonel 
J. M. Brown, joined the regiment at the North Anna, 
but soon after it arrived at Petersburg, one was 
wounded and the other was sick, so the command 
again devolved upon Major Deering. But constant 
working and fighting, the climate and the unwhole- 
some water, by the middle of July, brought on the di- 
arrhoea, and after remaining a while at the front hospi- 
tal, he was sent to the oflicers' hospital at Philadelphia. 
By the last of August becoming able to do light 
duty, he was detailed on court-martial duty, where he 
served for six months, trying during that time one 
hundred and ten cases ; and, what was unprecedented 
in any other court in the army, every finding and 
sentence in each case was approved by the com- 
manding general of the department. The court was 
then dissolved, and Major Deering received notice 
that some two mouths before his regiment had been 
consolidated. with the Thirty-first Maine Regiment, 
and all of the field and a part of the line ofiicers had 
been mustered out of service, and this order made 
him a private citizen again, and he returned home. 
Since his return he has spent his time in the ministry, 
on his farm and in the lecture field. 

He was employed during the Presidential campaign 
of 1884 by the Prohibition party in Jefferson County, 
New York, where the vote of the party was increased 
from thirty-six to six hundred and thirty-six, and the 
vote was carried in the State up to twenty-five thou- 
sand, which determined the result of the i 



HISTORY OF BOW 



BY HARRISON COLBY. 



CHAPTER I. 

History satisfies the desire which naturally arises 
in every intelligent mind to know the transactions of 
the country or town in which he lives. Facts interest 
our curiosity and engage our attention. The early 
history of Bow is an anomaly in the history of New 
Hampshire towns ; it is a triune township, — Bow, 
Pennacook and Suncook, three in one. Prior to the 
settlement of New England by the English, Passa- 
conaway, the powerful chief of the Pennacooks, held 
absolute sway over the country bordering on the 
Merrimack, from Lake Winnipiseogee to Pawtucket 
Falls. In 1631 they were estimated at about five 
hundred men, having been greatly reduced by sick- 
ness about twenty years before. The Mohawks were 
hostile to them, and tradition says they had a terrible 
fight near Sugar Ball, on the east side of the river, 
northeast of the main village of Concord. Passa- 
conaway was regarded with the highest veneration by 
his tribe as chief, priest and physician. He died 
about 1665, supposed to have been nearly one hun- 
dred years old. He left four sons and two daughters. 
AVonalancet, his second son, succeeded him as sachem 
of the Pennacooks. In 1670 he moved to Pawtucket, 
near the south line of the State, and built a fort 
there. He embraced the Christian faith under the 
influence of Elliot, the Indian missionary, in 1674. 
During King Philip's War, in 1675, he withdrew to 
the woods in the northern part of New Hampshire to 
avoid being involved in any way in the war, and it 
being good hunting-ground for moose, deer and bear, 
he remained there all winter — at this time there was 
not over one hundred of the Pennacook and Naum- 
keag Indians, whereof he was chief. 

Wonalancet returned from his retreat in 1676, 
bringing from captivity a Widow Kimball and her 
five children, whom he was the means of saving alive 
after they had been condemned to death and fires 
made ready to burn them. We last hear of him in 
1697, placed under the care of Jonathan Tyng, of 
Dunstable, and the General Court allowed twenty 
pounds for keeping him. The time and place of his 
death is unknown. The last sagamore of the Penna- 
cooks was Kaucamagus, or John Hawkins, as the 



English called him, a grandson of Passaconaway. 
He, with the Pennacooks, went to the eastward in 
1685. The last we hear of him is in a fort on the 
Androscoggin, which was destroyed by Major Benja- 
min Church, September 12, 1790, and a sister of 
Kaucamagus was slain. On the 29th of November, 
1690, a treaty of peace was made by the government 
of Massachusetts and the eastern sagamores, among 
whom was John Hawkins, and this is the last we 
know of him. The Pennacooks existed as a distinct 
tribe for many years, and, finally, it is supposed those 
hostile to the English mixed with the Penobscots in 
Maine, and others with the St. Francis in Canada, 
and some remained here until 1725 and after, and 
were useful citizens. Wattanumon was the name of 
the Indian chief that cultivated the field near Horse- 
shoe Pond when the Pennacook settlers arrived there. 
It is quite probable that portions of the alluvial lands 
on the banks of the Merrimack have been cleared of 
the growth by fires, for the cultivation of Indian 
corn and grass for grazing of deer and moose, for a 
long period of time. 

By virtue of her original charter, obtained in 1628, 
Massachusetts claimed all lands lying between three 
miles northward of Merrimack River to the source, 
and three miles to the southward of Charles River, 
and in length of the described breadth from the At- 
lantic Ocean to the South Sea. Men were sent to 
discover its source in 1638, who found it to extend 
north of forty-three and a half degrees. In 1652 the 
General Court of Massachusetts ordered a survey to 
ascertain their northern boundary and appointed 
commissioners for that purpose, who, with Indian 
guides and a nineteen days' voyage in a boat, found 
the head source of the Merrimack to be in latitude 
forty -three degrees and forty minutes at a place now 
called the Weirs ; the whole expense of the expedition 
amounted to eighty-four pounds. The General Court 
of New Hampshire claimed that the said territory 
was within their patent and jurisdiction, founded on 
a grant from the Council of Plymouth to John 
Mason, dated November 7, 1629, which conveyed the 
land "fi-om the middle part of Merrimack River to 
the Piscataqua, along the sea-coast, and up said rivers 
to the fiirthest head thereof; and to extend sixty 
263 



IILSTOIIY OF MERIUMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIKE. 



miles up into the land westward from the sea coast, 
together with all islands within five leagues' distance 
of the premises." 

In 1641, there being but few settlements in New 
Hampshire, for their better defense and security 
against the Indians, agreed to place themselves under 
the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, which continued 
until 1C80. Edward Hilton, of Exeter, a friend of 
Governor Winthrop, favored the usurpation and was 
made a magistrate. Hence, being under one govern- 
ment, in 1659 inhabitants of Dover and Newbury 
petitioned the General Court at Boston for a town- 
ship at a place called Pennacook, which was granted 
on certain conditions. In 1663 inhabitants of Chelms- 
ford and Salem were granted a plantation six miles 
square on condition of getting twenty families on it 
in three years. The conditions not being fulfilled, 
the foregoing grants were forfeited. 

In June, 1714, the people of Salem again peti- 
tioned that the grant to them at Pennacook in Octo- 
ber, 1663, be confirmed to them. In 1679, Charles 
the Second commissioned John Cutt, of Portsmouth, 
to be the first president of the Council, saying, — 

"Wliereas, our Colony of the Massachusetts have taken upon them- 
selves to organise a government and jurisdiction over the iuiiabitants of 
the towns and lands in the Province of New Hampshire, not having any 
legal right or authority to do so, now be it known that We, by and with 
the advice of our Privy Council, have thought fit to appoint a President 
and Council to take care of the said Tract of land called The Province 
of New Hampshire and the inhabitants thereof, and to order, rule and 
govern the same, and do hereby appoint Our trusty and well beloved 
subject, John Cutt, Esq., of Poi-tsmouth, to be first President of said 
Council, to continue in office for one year, or untill We or our successors 
appoint some other person to succeed him." 

A question may arise in the minds of some whether, 
if Massachusetts had no legal right over the lands in 
1679, had they in 1663, or subsequently? 

In May, 1721, over one hundred of the inhabitants 
of the county of Essex, claiming to be straitened 
for accommodations for themselves and their pos- 
terity, petitioned the honorable Council and House 
of Representatives of the Massachusetts Bay for a 
grant for a township extending southerly seven miles 
from the mouth of the Coutoocook and three miles 
east of Merrimack River. June 9, 1724, a committee 
was ordered to view the land, which had been previ- 
ously surveyed. June 17, 1725, a petition, signed by 
Benjamin Stephens and others, a committee appointed 
by and in behalf of the petitioners formerly for a 
tract of land at a place called Pennacook, was pre- 
sented to the "Hon"". Wm. Dummee, Esq., Lieut. 
Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over His 
Majesties province of the Massachusetts Bay in New 
England, to the Hon''". His Majesties Council and 
House of Representatives in Gen. Court convened at 
Boston, Humbly Showing That they had at two 
several times petitioned for the aforesaid grant of 
said tract of land at Pennacook, and are informed it 
did not meet with a concurrence, wishing to renew 
our petition, hoping you will please to take the 
premises again into your wise and serious considera- 



tion, and make them a grant of it accordingly; and 
suggesting that applications had been made to the 
Government of New Hampshire for a grant of the 
said Land, which undoubtedly belonged to Massa- 
chusetts; yet it is probable that a parcel of Irish 
people from Nutfield, who have built a fort there, 
will obtain a grant from New Hampshire for it, un- 
less speedy care be taken by your Hon"''. Court to 
prevent it. If New Hampshire should make them a 
grant, which we conceive would be without right, yet 
it would be attended with much difficulty to pretend 
to root them out if they should get a foot hold there. 
We therefore pray that a grant of the land may be 
made to us on such conditions as to the wisdom of 
this Court shall seem best." The petition was favor- 
ably received and was successful. The court decided 
it would be for the interest of the province that lands 
seven miles square be set apart for a township, " be- 
ginning where the Contoocook empties into Merrimac 
river, and to extend east seventeen degrees, north 
three miles, and west seventeen degrees, south four 
miles, to be the northerly bounds of the said townshiji ; 
and from the extreme parts of that line to be set oil' 
southerly at right angles until seven miles shall be 
accomplished from the said north bounds." 

A committee was appointed to see that the rules 
and conditions of the grant be punctually observed 
by those admitted settlers, — 

"The tract to be divided into one hundred and three equal shares ; 
that one hundred persons or families be admitted, such as the commit- 
tee supposed to be able to pui-sue and biing to pass the settlement of 
their lands within three years, five pounds to be paid by each settler to 
the committee for the use of the province at the time of drawing his 
lot ; to build a comfortable dwelling for his family, and to break up and 



" As soon as one hundred accepted persons a 
are to notify a meeting to make such rules as they may think best to 
carry forward the settlement, the whole Charge of the Committee to be 
paid by the settlers, and the committee to execute deeds in behalf of the 
Court to all admitted settlers for the aforesaid tract, for the sole use 
of them, their heii-s and assigns forever, saving of former grants. 

" Read and concurred January 17, 1725." 

A meeting was held February 7th, at which the 
settlers unanimously agreed to fulfill the conditions 
and orders of the court respecting the settlement ; 
and having a .strong prejudice against the Irish peo- 
ple, they agreed that no alienation of any lot should be 
made without the consent of the community. Sur- 
veyors, with chainmen, were appointed to proceed to 
Pennacook to lay out the land in to lots. 

May 12, 1726, they started from Haverhill, sur- 
veyors and chainmen, with a number of the admitted 
settlers, attending them, to proceed to lay out their 
town. They arrived there on the 13th, about five 
o'clock, and encamped on Sugar Ball Hill, east of 
the river. They organized their number the next 
morning into two divisions, one to survey the west 
side of the river, the other the east side. About 
twelve o'clock on the 14th, a committee, consisting of 
Messrs. Nathaniel Weare, Richard Waldron, Jr., and 
Theodore Atkinson, appointed by the Lieutenant- 
Governor and Council of New Hampshire, came to 



their camp, attended by about half a score of Irish- 
men, who kept some distance from the camp. The 
New Hampshire government, being then a wealc 
community, were very attentive to the Scotch-Irish 
jieople of Londonderry, and did much to please and 
encourage them, for which they were very grateful. 
The aforesaid committee informed them that the 
govermeut of New Hampshire, being informed of 
their business here, had sent them with a request not 
to proceed to appropriate their lands, for they lay in 
the province of New Hampshire, and Massachusetts' 
making a grant might be attended with very ill con- 
sequences to the settlers, and ordered them in an 
amicable way to withdraw themselves forthwith from 
the said land and their pretentions to it by virtue 
of the vote of the General Assembly of Massachu- 
setts, and assured them that their proceedings were 
highly displeasing to the government of New Hamp- 
shire, and that they might depend upon it, when the 
boundary between the two provinces should be de- 
termined, the poor, misled people who might be in- 
duced to settle there under the color of a Massachu- 
setts grant would be dispossessed of the said lauds or 
suffer some other inconveniences equally grievous ; 
and that the message on which they were sent, and 
the fair forewarning they had given them, would 
take away all occasion of complaint when they 
should be compelled to leave the said lauds, and lose 
the benefit of their improvement. The Massachu- 
setts people were pleased to reply, — that as they were 
sent by the government of New Hampshire, so were 
they sent by the government of Massachusetts, and 
that when they returned home they should lay be- 
fore their General Assembly the order of Council of 
which they had delivered them, who would, without 
doubt, pass thereon as they, the General Assembly, 
should think proper. 

Lieutenant-Governor Wentworth, in his speech to 
the General Assembly, held at Portsmouth, April 11, 
1726, says, — " The Massachusetts are daily encroach- 
ing on us. A late instance we have in voting a 
township should be erected and settled at Pennycook, 
which will certainly be in the very bowels of this 
province, and which will take in the most valuable 
part of our lands." Pursuant to which, the afore- 
said committee was appointed to immediately report 
to Pennacook, and forewarn them from laying out or 
taking possession of or settling at that place. They 
still persisted in making the survey of their grant. 

It was ascertained, on making the survey, that a 
five hundred acre grant to Governor Endicott, east 
of the river, at Sewell's Falls, afterwards known as 
the Sewell farm, came within their township. The 
committee appointed to look after the settlement 
petitioned the Great and General Court of Massa- 
chusetts that a like number of acres of the unappro- 
priated lands joining the township might be granted 
to the settlers as an equivalent therefor. 

August 6, 1728, the General Court of Massachu- 



setts, " Besolved, That in consideration of the 500 
acres of land formerly granted to Governor Endicott, 
which falls within their boundaries, the settlers are 
allowed to extend the south bounds of that township 
one hundred rods the full breadth of their town, as 
an equivalent for the aforesaid five hundred acres," 
which was read and concurred in Council. The de- 
termination of the Massachusetts government to 
establish their claim to all that part of New Hamp- 
shire west of a line three miles east of Merrimack 
River is apparent in the above proceedings ; they 
had located a township on territory that had been 
coveted by people of old Essex for three-score years. 

A cart-path had been cut through the forest, a sur- 
vey of lots had been made sufficient to accommodate 
the admitted settlers, and preparations were being 
made to inhabit the township within the next two 
years. 

May 20, 1727, the New Hampshire government, in 
order to maintain their claims to the territory on 
both sides of the Merrimack River, granted to Jona- 
than Wiggin and many others, including the mem- 
bers of the Council and the Governor's friends, the 
town of Bow, to be nine miles square, covering over 
three-quarters of Pennacook and the territory imme- 
diately south to below the mouth of the Suncook 
River. 

August 6, 1728, in answer to a petition of volun- 
teers, under the command of Captain John Ijovewell, 
the Massachusetts government granted a township 
on both sides of the Blerrimack, " to begin where 
Penacook new grant ends, which is 100 rods to the 
southward of their first Grant, and thence to extend 
the lines of the East and West bounds on right an- 
gles untill six miles square of lands shall be com- 
pleted," which extended nearly one and a half miles 
below the junction of the Suncook River wdth the 
Merrimack, taking in the Gault and Head farms, 
east of the river, in what is now Hooksett. 

Tradition says the first permanent settlers in the 
Suncook parish, in Bow, were Francis Doyne and 
wife, who built a log hut north of the road lead- 
ing from Pembrook Street to Garvin's Falls, in 1728. 
James Moore made a purchase there in 1729, and it 
is supposed Samuel Gault and others, whose descend- 
ants afterwards settled west of the Merrimack, were 
there about that time. The first meeting of the 
Suncook proprietors was held at Chelmsford De- 
cember 10, 1729. It was voted that a committee of 
five, with an able surveyor, should view the lands of 
the township, and lay out sixty lots of not less than 
forty acres each, and an additional lot for the first set- 
tled minister. These lots were east of the river, ex- 
tending from Garvin's Falls to the southern limits of 
their township. April 10, 1733, " Voted to build a 
log meeting-house, twenty-four by thirty, as soon as 
may be." The house was built and answered the 
purpose for several years. 

In the fall of 1734 money was raised in Rumford 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



for building a bridge across Suncook River, " one-third 
part of the expense to be at the cost of the town," 
and appointed a committee to take care that the 
bridge over the Suncook be well done. The next spring 
the Suncook proprietors voted thirty pountls for the 
same purpose. 

The first meeting of the proprietors at Suncook 
was held at the meeting-house September 17, 1735. 

A bridge was built across the Suncook in 1737, near 
where the Concord railroad bridge now is, and a road 
laid near the river to the great bend, where a ferry 
was established in 1738. 

A minister was to be settled. The Presbyterian 
element predominated; but the organization being 
in the hands of the Orthodox party, Rev. Aaron 
Whittemore was given a call, which was strongly 
protested by the Presbyterians of the town, some 
fifteen in number. The Orthodox Church was in the 
minority at the time. 

In 1739 the proprietors' clerk not having taken the 
oath of office before a qualified olEcer, a committee 
was chosen to lay the case before the General Court of 
Massachusetts, and ask that their acts be legalized. 
The favor was granted. On March 5, 1740, the pres- 
ent southern boundary of New Hampshire was estab- 
lished, and Suncook and Pennacook was found to be 
outside of the province that had granted their charter. 

As before stated. Bow was granted by Lieutenant- 
Governer John Wentworth, with advice of Council, 
May 20, 1727, in the following words, viz. : 



"George, by the Grace of God of Great Britaine, France and Ireland, 
Defender of the faith, 4c. 

"To all People to whom these Presents shall come Greeting : Know 
ye that we, of our special Knowledge and nieer motion, for the Due 
Encouragement of Settling a new Plantation, By & with the advice & 
Consent of onr Councill, have given & granted, and by these Presents, as 
far as in us lyes, do give and Grant in Equal Shares unto Sundry of 
our beloved Subjects, whose names are Entered in a Schedule hereunto 
annexed, that Inhabit or shall Inhabit within sM Grant within our 
Province of New Hampshire, all that Tract of land within the follow- 
ing Bounds, viz. ; Beginning on the South East side of the town of 
Chichester & running nine miles by Chichester and Canterbury, and 
carrying that Breadth of nine miles from each of the aforesaid Towns 
Southwest nntill the full Complyment of Eighty-one square miles are 
fully made up, & that the same be a Town Corporate by the name 
of Bow to the Persons afores'd, and their associates forever. To have 
& to hold the said Land to the s'd Grantees and to such associates as 
they shall admit for ever upon the Conditions following; 

"1. That the Proprietors build, or cause to be built, seventy-five 
Dwelling- Houses on S'd Land, & settle a family in each House, & clear 
three acres of Land fitt for mowing or plowing within Three years, 
and that Each Proprietor pay his Proportion of the Town Charge when 
&, so often as occasion shall require. 

"2. That a meeting-Houso bee built for the Public Worship of God 
within the Term of four years. 

"3. That upon Default of any Particular Proprietor in Complying 
with the Conditions of the Charter upon his part, such Delinquent 
Proprietor shall forfeit his share to the other Proprietors, which shall 
be Disposed of according to Major vote of the s'd proprietors at a Legal 
Town meeting. 

" 4. That a Proprietor's share be reserved for a Parsonage, another for 
the first settled minister of the Gospel which shall be ordained in S'd 
Town ; Provided, nevertheless, that the Peace with the Indians continue 
During (he space of three years ; but if it should so hai)pen that a war 
with the Indians shall commence before the Expiration of the S'd 
Three yeare, then the term of Thl-ee years shall be allowed the Proprie- 
tors after the Expiration of the war for the Performance of the aforesaid 



Conditions. Rendering & Paying, therefore, to us, our heirs & succes- 
sors, or such officer or officers as shall be appointed to receive the same, 
theannual quit rent or acknowldgement of one ear of Indian Corn in 
the s'd Town on the first Friday in December, yearly, forever (if De- 
manded), reserving also unto us, our heirs and successoi-s, all the Mast 
Trees growing on s'd Land, according to acts of P.irliament in that case 
made & Provided, & for the better order, nile & Government of the s'd 
Town, We do, by these Precepts, for ourselves, our heirs & successors. 
Grant unto the s'd men & Inhabitants, or those that shall Inhabit the 
8"d Town, That yearly, & every year, upou the first Thursday in ApM, 
for ever, shall meet to elect & choose, by the major part of the Proprie- 
tors then Present, Constables, Selectmen and other Town Officers ac- 
cording to the Laws and usages of our S'd Province, & we do appoint 
Andrew Wiggin, Esq., George Veasy and William Moor to be Selectmen 
our s'd Town until the first Thureday in April, which will be in the 
year of our Lord 1728, with full Power & authority, as other Town select, 
men have, to call a Town Meeting or meetings as there may be occa- 
sion, and to continue untill other Selectmen shall be chosen in their 
stead in such manner as in these Presents expressed. In Testimony 
whereof, we have caused the seal of our s'd Province to be here- 
unto affixed. Witness, John Wentworth, Esq'., our LieutenantGover- 
nor and Commander-in-Chief in and over our s'd Province, at our Town 
of Portmouth, in our s'd Province, the Twentyeth Day of May, in the 
thirteenth year of our Keign, Anno Domine, 1727. 

"J. Wentworth. 
" By the The Lt. Gov., Concured with advice of the Council. 

" KlCBAEn Waldkon, Clerk of the Council. 

" A Schedule of the Proprietors of the Town of Bow. 
"Jonathan Wiggin, Thomas Wiggin, Samuel Piper, Thomas Veasey, 
George Veasey, William Moore, Edward Fifield, William French, James 
Palmer, Jonathan Chase, Moses Leavitt, Joshua Hill, Thomas Rollings, 
Richard Crockit, Isaac Foss, Thomas Piper, Richard Kelly, Saninei 
Goodhue, Joseph Mason, John Hannaford, Joseph Rollings, Satchel 
Randlet, John Mead, Joseph Morrill, Nathaniel Stevens, David Robin- 
son, Jonathan Dearborn, Joseph Morril, Jr., John Piper, Samuel Vea- 
sey, James Thompson, J.iljn Sinclair, Say^usi^csjj, William Burley, 

Benjamin Hn;i- ^, I [iiii,[,. \|,;ih. >. I hi 'uijison, Benjamin Palmer, 

Owen Runii. I-, i . , . in h , Nathaniel Piper, Joseph 

Jewett, Jolin 11 I ,. i i .1,1,1111 Sti.ckbridge, Richard 

Colley, Jr., T - I .;!i Mi-.n, Jr., Edward Fifield, Jr., 

William French, Jr., Epluuim Lc-aviit, Beuja. Veasey, Thomas Veasey, 
Jr., Nathan Taylor, Jon'a Clark, George Veasey, Jr., John Leavctt, 
Tymon Wiggin, Sanmel Stevens, John Sachel, John Speed, Thomas 
Wiggin, Jr., Saml. Piper, Jr., Chace Wiggin, Thomas Wiggin (3d), 
Beiya. Mason, .loshua Keniston, Walter Wiggin, Caleb, Rollins, Joseph 
Palmer, Edward Taylor, Benja. Norris, John Green^. Joshua Stevens, 
Thos. Piper, Jr., Nathan'l Folsom, Hc'iiry ATfrJin, Joseph Peavey, 



Jeremiah Folsom, John Palmer, . 
Wiggin, Theoph. Smith, Stephen 
Joseph Hoey, Benja. Taylor, Jr., 
ning Wentworth, Hunking \\\ 
Wentworth, Richard Wibbard, . 
Cyprian Jatfrey, Ebe 
Sheaf, George Long, Richard Waldn 



I, \l r, 11 'Morgan, Brad'st 
': v .,.„, John Avery, 
iiM White, Ben- 
\\ Ml \\ iiitworth, Mark 
; J:il)V.,y. Jr., Henry Rust, 
Bobt. JVuchmuty, John Reed, .«amson 



1 Jr. 



"Admitted . 

" His Excellency and Hon'r« Samuel Shute, Esq. and John Went- 
worth, Esq., Each of them 500 acres of land and a home lot. Col. 
Mark Hunking, Col. Waldron, George Jaffrey, Rich'd Wibbard, Col. 
Tho's Westbrook, Archibald McPhedris, John Frost, Jonathan Odiorno 
Esquires, Each a Proprietor's Share. Peter Wear, John Plaisted, 
James Dnvis, John Oilman, Andrew Wiggin, Capt. John Downing, 
Cnpt, I liii'liliiiiii. Siml. Tibbets, Paul Gerrish, Ephraim Dennett, John 
Saul, I Mkiiison, Eben'r Stevens, Capt. Wm. Fellows, 

.full,. I . .1 i ! I,.,verin, Daniel Loverin, Zachr. Hannaford, Jos- 



the Lt. Govn'r and Council. 



" Clerk of Cwn.ril 

ah Iliiker, George Clark, Daniel 
1 I: Hin^. Benjamin Tyler, Ilold- 
luiir., Abigal Powell, Mary 
Ni. hihts Wiggin. These six- 
till' schedule added By order of 

Rlcu'D Waldron, Clr. Council. 



267 



J Copy taken off the Proprietors' Book. 

"Attest Moses Leavit, Propr's. Clk. 



•• liy TiiEODonE Atkinson." 

Peunacook was granted by Massachusetts January 
17, 1725. Bow was granted May 20, 1727, by New 
Hampshire. Suncook was granted August 6, 1728, 
by Massachusetts. Bow included nearly all of both 
Massachusetts grants, which was to have the suprem- 
acy. If New Hampshire's claim sixty miles inland 
was valid, the Bow proprietors were the rightful 
owners of the territory; if Massachusetts' claim three 
miles north of the Merrimack extended to Lake Win- 
nipiseogee, then the Pennacook and Suncook propri- 
etors were included in the province of their choice. 
Their first meeting, at Pennacook, was October 14, 
1730, at the meeting-house. 

March 29, 1731, the conditions of the original 
grant of the plantation being complied with, the pro- 
prietors petitioned to the General Court of Massachu- 
setts for the rights and privileges of a town. The 
court ordered a meeting to be called for the choice of 
town othcers. Nathaniel Abbot was authorized by a 
justice of the peace of Essex County, Mass., to call 
a meeting to be held at the meeting-house, September 
14, 1732, for the choice of a clerk, and to transact any 
business they should think best, which was done, and, 
Februarj' 27, 1733, Pennacook, in the county of Es- 
sex, Mass., was incorporated as a township by the 
name of Eumford, the inhabitants having equal 
powers, privileges and immunities of other towns iu 
Massachusetts. They had thrown off their plantation 
garb and were permitted to assume the responsibili- 
ties of a town, but they were fearful they might not 
be subjects of the Massachusetts government, which 
could not be known until the line was established be- 
tween the two provinces. Massachusetts claimed the 
lands from three miles north of Merrimack Eiver, 
thence running parallel with the river as far as the 
crotch at Franklin, and thence due west to the sea. 
On the other hand. New Hampshire claimed that 
their southern boundary should begin three miles 
north of the middle of the channel of the Merrimack 
where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean, and from 
thence should run on a straight line west up into the 
mainland until it met His Majesty's other govern- 
ments, or New York. An appeal was made to the 
King, who appointed a commission to settle the con- 
flicting claims as to the boundary between the two 
provinces. 

August 1, 1739, this commission met at Hampton. 
Their decision was unsatisfactory to both parties, and 
the subject was, by means of agents, referred to His 
Majesty's Council in England, who decided, March 5, 
1740, the present southern boundary of New Hamp- 
shire, viz. : a similar curve line pursuing the course 
of the Merrimack River at three miles distance to 



Pawtucket Falls, thence due west till it met with 
other governments. 

In accordance with the above decision of the King, 
New Hampshire extended her jurisdiction over all 
the inhabitants within her bounds, and Rumford and 
Suncook were henceforth no longer subjects of the 
government of Massachusetts Bay. The inhabitants 
of Eumford being strongly attached to the Jlassachu- 
setts government, petitioned to the King praying to 
be annexed to Massachusetts, but to no purpose. 

They found they were living on territory belonging to 
individuals instead of the State; that the title to their 
lands, which they had received from Massachusetts, 
was disputed by the proprietors of the town of Bow. 
They could get no redress from New Hampshire 
courts, for judges and juries, and nearly all govern- 
ment officials, were among the Bow proprietors, and 
had warned them at their peril to desist in their at- 
tempts to establish a town at Pennacook under a 
Massachusetts grant, as it might be attended with 
very ill consequences to the settlers. 

April 28, 1742, the proprietors of Suncook parish 
voted not to urge the demand for town privileges, but 
wished their rights to be respected, without the sac- 
rifice of their homes, lands and the labor of years. 

A committee was appointed to look after the inter- 
ests of the proprietors against the claims of the in- 
habitants of New Hampshire in the province courts, 
or in the courts of Great Britain, and undivided lands 
were sold to pay the expense of defending their prop- 
erty. In 1744 a committee was empowered to come 
to an absolute agreement with the Bow proprietors, if 
it could be done on reasonable grounds. Many of the 
settlers being of the Scotch-Irish stock of London- 
derry, whom the Lieutenant-Governor had cherished 
and defended from encroachments that would have 
disturbed their settlement, they were permitted to go 
on with their parish as best they could under con- 
flicting titles and plans. The Bow proprietors were 
willing that those who had made improvements should 
enjoy them. The court was called upon to remove 
those impediments, to annul the survey of the home 
lots of Bow so far as they interfered with the Sun- 
cook survey as far as executed, and a new survey of 
the undivided land to order. The call was favora- 
bly received and answered ; they got all they asked 
for, and the inhabitants became, for the time being, cit- 
izens of Bow. 

The war between France and England had extend- 
ed to their respective provinces in America. The 
French in Canada had instigated the Indians in that 
region to make depredations on our frontier. Block- 
houses or garrisons had become necessary for a refuge 
for the inhabitants in most every town. Several 
were established iu Eumford in 174G, and men with 
their families were assigned to their respective garri- 
sons for protection from the Indians. Scouting-par- 
ties were organized, — one at Canterbury, an extreme 
frontier; one at Runilord, under Captain .John 



HISTORY OF MP:RIIIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Chandler; and Captain Ladd's company was scouting 
in Pembrook and vicinity to warn the people of the 
approach of Indians that they might fiee to theirgarri- 
sons. The New Hampshire government looked upon 
Rum ford and Suncook as outlaws, and were slow to pro- 
tect them ; but Canterbury was the favored town on this 
frontier, not merely on account of its position, but 
because it was a New Hampshire town, settled by 
New Hampshire people and granted by the New 
Hampshire government. In the spring of 1747, and 
in the course of the summer, the Indians made fre- 
quent attacks. On the 20th of May they made an 
attack on the people of the Suncook parish, in Bow. 
Robert Buntin, with his son Andrew, a lad of ten 
years, and James Carr, were plowing near the west 
bank of Merrimack River. Towards night Indians 
that had been concealed in a thicket rushed on them. 
Carr, in attempting to run to the river, was shot, and 
fell dead on his back. As they ran up to scalp him 
his large dog attacked them, but was stunned by a 
blow of a tomahawk and left for dead. The people 
in garrison at Suncook heard the firing, but it being 
near night, did not venture an immediate pursuit for 
fear of being taken by the ludians. The dog, having 
revived during the night, was found the next morning 
with his nose laid in the hand of the corpse of his 
master; nor would the faithful animal permit any 
one to touch the body without flattery and some 
force. Carr is said to be the only person killed by 
the Indians in Bow. Buntin and his son offered no 
resistance, and were hurried into captivity through 
the wilderness to Canada and sold to a French ti'ader 
in Montreal. The father purchased his freedom in 
about eleven months, but the son was a captive nearly 
three years, when he returned safely home. The 
General Court of New Hampshire soon ordered a gar- 
rison of eight men to be stationed at Suncook for the 
protection of the inhabitants. Owing to the dual 
governments of Rumford and Suncook (two Massa- 
chusetts towns included in a New Hampshire town), 
the collector was unable to collect the minister tax; 
the New Hampshire government would not interfere. 
The Massachusetts government, that gave them their 
charter, was petitioned for authority to compel each 
one to pay his share towards the support of the minis- 
ter, which was granted in the case of Suncook, it hav- 
ing two churches nearly equal orthodox and Presbyte- 
rian; but Rumford, being unanimously orthodox, 
needed no compulsion. 

Although the attacks of the Indians were less fre- 
quent, the government did not relax its efforts for de- 
fense, as they sent out scouts and reinforced garrisons. 
Ebenezer Eastman had a company of fifteen men on 
duty at Pennacook in the winter of 1747-48, and 
Captain Moses Foster had a company of twenty-six 
men guarding the fortress at Suncook in 1753. In 
1754, John Chandler had a company of nine men 
eight days scouting in the neighboring towns. 

February 7, 1749-50, George Veasey and Abram ' 



Tilton, selectmen chosen by the proprietors of Bow, 
remonstrated to Governor Benning AVentworth and 
Council against a petition of inhabitants on a tract 
of land, called Pennacook, to be incorporated with 
town privileges, as the bounds mentioned make 
great infringement on land belonging to the town of 
Bow. Walter Bryant, of New Market, who, with 
eight assistants, was employed by the New Hampshire 
government to mark the boundary between New 
Hampshire and Maine, perambulated the town line 
of Bow about the year 1749. He says in his report, — 

" I began at the Eeputcd Bound of the town of Chichester at the 
head of Xotingham, and from thence Bun northwest four miles to the 
head of Epsom, there marlied a maple tree with the word Bow and Sun- 
dry Letters, and from the said tree, which I called the Kast Corner of 
said Bow, I Run northwest four miles to the west corner of Chichester, 
tlien north east one mile to Canterbury South Corner, then north west 
five miles on said Canterbur}', then South west nine miles, whicli Runs 
to North west of Rattlesnake Hill and most of the Pond that Lays on 
the north west side of said hill, and said Line Crosses Hopkinton Road, 
so called, and takes part of said town in ; then we marked a tree and 
Run South East five miles and marked a tree, then one mile South west, 
then South East four miles, then north east nine miles to where we be- 
gan. I Crossed Merrimack River within two mile of Canterluirj- Line 
and found all the Inhabitance to the South of Canterbury and East of 
the Merrimack, which are in Rumford to bo in Bow. 

"1752. "•Wii.TZK Bkyast." 

September 23d a committee of the Suncook pro- 
prietors divided into lots of about twenty acres each 
the intervale on the west side of the Merrimack River, 
extending from the southerly line of Bow to the head 
of Garvin's Falls. 

Vexatious law-suits were instituted by the jiro- 
prietors of the common and undivided lands in the 
town of Bow. A suit in an action of ejectment against 
Deacon John Merrill, who occupied a tract of eight 
acres of land, with buildings, at the lower end of Main 
Street, which was claimed by them to be in Bow. 
This suit was brought to test the right of the pro- 
prietors of Bow to the lands included in the Penna- 
cook grant. ' 

The Rumford settlers were united in their j)urpose 
to maintain their right to their township. Common 
lands were sold to meet the expenses of the suit. 
Impartial trials were impossible in New Hampshire 
courts, as judges, juries, councilors and all were in the 
interest of the proprietors of Bow. 

May 30, 1753, the selectmen of Bow were ordered 
to raise and levy, upon the ratable polls and estates 
within said town, the sum of sixty pounds in new 
tenor bills of credit on this government, and, July 
26th, a further levy of thirty-one pounds, four shil- 
lings was ordered, both to be paid before the last of 
December; a list to be committed to the constable 
for collection in bills of credit, or in the products of 
the soil at stipulated prices. The selectmen ]ictition 
to the Governor and Council, saying, — 

" They are ready to obey every older of Government, yet are at a 
loss as to the boundaries of Bow. One of the purchasers of Capt. Tufton 
Mason's right is of the opinion that their South East side line should be 
carried up about three quarters of a mile further towards the north 
west. The Pennacook sottlcra allege that they do not lay in Bow, and 
many would refuse to pay their tax, and consequently they should be 
thrown into many Law suits that would irobably ruin them as to llieir 



estates, asking tliut the Boumliiiies bo tixed, or to give such iliix^clions as 
they shall think proper, which, if followed by them, they may obey the 
commands laid by the court without the least detriment to themselves. 
Signed by— 

"Moses Fostek, "( 
"John Cokiin, 
** Richard Easua 



' Sekclmeii 
I of Dow. 



The persons on whom those taxes were to be as- 
sessed were, with three or four exceptions, inhabitants 
of the Kumford and Suncook settlements. They 
deputed Rev. Timothy Walker to represent to His 
Majesty in Council their grievances by reason of the 
law-suits commenced against them by the proprietors 
of Bow, and solicited of the Massachusetts govern- 
ment such aid as they should in their wisdom see fit. 
One hundred pounds was granted. 

July 25, 1754, Clement March, Zebulon Giddings, 
Daniel Peirce, as agents in behalf of the proprietors 
of the township of Bow, petitioned the New Hamp- 
shire government, saying, — 

"That the said proprietors commenced an action of ejectment against 
one Slerrill for the recovery of eight acres of land lying within the said 
Town of Bow ; that the said action was carried through the Law here 
and said proprietors recovered judgement at the Superior Court of Judi- 
cature ; that the said Merrill had complained to his majesty in Council, 
who was Pleased to order a hearing of the action before him in Council 
in October next, and they Humbly pray for a Loan of one hundred 
p..iin.l?, .St.-rling money, to defend their title to the said land, and they 
are I'-aiiy t^- give such security as the Assembly shall order. 

" Wii.;reupon, Voted that a bill be drawn in favor of the petitioners 
on John Thomliuson, Esq., agent forthis Province at the Court of Great 
Britain, for the sum of £100 Sterling of the interest in his hands be- 
longing to this Government." 

In the spring of 1765, Jonathan Lovewell was ap- 
pointed to call a town-meeting in Bow, on the 22d of 
April, for the choice of officers, which he accordingly 
did, and reported to the General Court that he at- 
tended at the time and place appointed, and but one 
inhabitant of Bow attended. In contempt of the law 
•ind in defiance of the government, they refused to 
elect the necessary officers to levy and collect the 
taxes, which was resented by the government. 

May 25th it was enacted that " Ezra Carter and 
Moses Foster, Esq., and John Chandler, Gent., all of 
said Bow, assess the Polls and Estates within the said 
town of Bow, as the Limits were run by Walter 
Bryant iu 1749, in a just and equal proportion, the 
.sum of £580 16s., New Tenor Bills of credit." 
Timothy Walker and John Noyes were appointed 
collectors, with all the powers of constables for col- 
lecting public taxes. If said assessors neglected or 
refused to collect said tax, the province treasurer was 
directed to issue his warrant to the sheriff to levy said 
tax, together with damage sufficient to pay the extra 
expense of collecting. 

In 1756 the committee appointed by the proprietors 
of Suncook to settle with the Bow proprietors were 
successful in their endeavors. 

January 1, 1757, a petition was presented to the 
General Court of New Hampshire by Daniel Pierce, 



Thomas Wiggin and Daniel Marston, gentlemen; 
William Pottle, blacksmith, and Benjamin Norris, 
yeoman, as a committee of the proprietors of the 
town of Bow, — 

"Shewing that there are many persons claiming lands by titles not de- 
rived from Bow Prop's ; that they hod made improvements and had ex- 
pensive law suits with said Proprietors which had impeded their progress ; 
that many of the settlers who hold their titles under the proprietors of 
Suncook are desirous of a settlement of these disputes, and were willing 
to become not only inhabitants of Bow, but to hold their titles from the 
Bow Proprietors, who were desirous of having the question settled with- 
out further expensive law suits, by reasonable concessions on their part ; 
notwithstanding the willingness of the parties, impediments existed. 
The Homo lots, or first Division in Bow, which were laid out for 40 acres, 
fall short some of them nearly one half, and the lots laid out by the 
Prop's of Suncook run across the Bow lots obliquely, so that one of those 
interferes with several of these in many places ; that they conld see no 
way to quiet the possessors unless the laying out of some of the said 
Home lots should be annulled and a(^judgcd common land so far as re- 
lates to those claiming under them, and they ask to have liberty to bring 
in a bill accordingly. 

" Head in Council Jan. C, IT-OT. 

"Theodore Atkixso.v, Stc. 

" In the House of Representatives Jan. 7, 17.57.— And ordered to be 
printed two weeks successively in the Xeiv ITampthirt Gazelle. 

"Andrew Cj.arkson, Clerk. 

" February 3d. The petition being read in the House, and it appear- 
ing that the order of Court had been comply'd with, No person appearing 
against it, and the Bow Committee, the petitioners being fully heard, have 
liberty to bring in a BUI accordingly. 

" In Council concured. 

"Andrew Clarksox, Cleri. 
"R. WmiiAItD, Secrelary." 

The small lots both sides of the Merrimack River 
were annulled and adjudged common land. Forty 
acres immediately south of the Suncook were sold to 
Henry Hemphill and a tract above the same river to 
the Garvins. 

In 1758, John Noyes, in behalf of the inhabitants 
of Bow living east of the Merrimack, petitioned for 
parish privileges, which was granted November 1, 
1759, by the name of Pembroke. 

April 6th the selectmen of Bow remonstrate against 
the petition of John Noyes for the reason, — 

" That a great majority of the settlers came on there without right 
and have endeavored to hold the lands from the Proprietors of Bow, the 
lawful owners thereof, as appears by many actions that have been 
brought against them and many more now depending, and as there is 
proposals of accommodation made on both sides, wo Humbly conceive 
that. If they should be favored with their request, it would strengthen 
them in their error and weaken our just right and prevent the proposed 
agreement from being vigorously pursued ; we humbly conceive that 
they ought not to be so fully disunited from the town of Bow and ex- 
empted from subjection to it as they ask, But that they be a Parish in the 
town of Bow, for we cannot Conceive what end it can answer to make a 
township and grant privileges to a society to regulate theme lives ac- 
cording to the Laws of the land when we are putting the same Laws in 
to Disposcss them ; for these and many other reasons we 
:ibly Beg the prayer of the said petition may not be granted. 



" John Stockbridoe, 
'John Dearborn, | 
"Joseph Clark, J 



Selectmen 



Notwithstanding the foregoing remonstrance, the 
Council and Assembly thought it would not only be 
agreeable to the town of Bow, but would be of great 
service to them, as well as the petitioners, and would 
promote the settlement of the land there.abouts. Ac- 
cordingly, November 1st, it was enacted by His Ex- 



270 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



cellency the Governor, Council and Assembly that all 
that part of Bow east of the Merrimack River and 
between the Soucook and Suncook Rivers be incor- 
porated by the name of the parish of Pembroke, in- 
vested with all the powers and privileges of other 
parishes in the province. This territory included 
most of the settlers of the Suncook grant, and their 
troubles with the Bow proprietors were at an end. 
But it was not so with the people of Rumford ; they 
were obstinate and determined not to give in their 
invoice or pay their part of the public charges until 
tlio\- were given town privileges, which the New 
Haiiipsliire government was slow to grant. A like 
ditticulty respecting taxation existed in that part of 
Hopkinton claimed by Bow. About twenty-six families 
had settled there who wished to be taxed in Hopkin- 
ton, and permission to do so was granted in 1763. 

November 7th the sheriff of the province of New 
Hampshire was ordered to attach the goods or estates 
of Benjamin Rolf, Esq., Daniel Carter, Timothy 
Simonds and John Evans, all husbandmen of Bow, 
to the value of one thousand pounds, and for the want 
thereof, to take the bodies, if they may be found in 
the precinct, to answer unto the proprietors of the 
common and undivided lands lying within the town- 
ship of Bow in an action of ejectment, wherein the 
plaintiffs demanded possession of about one thousand 
acres of land and appurtenances, " beginning at a 
stake on the South west of the Great River in Bow, 
116 rods below John Merril's Ferry ; thence running 
west to Turkey river until it comes to within 20 rods 
of Nathn'l Smith's Grist-Mill ; Thence south to said 
river; thence on said river to where it empties into 
the great river ; thence up the great river to the first- 
mentioned bound," said proprietors alleging they 
were entitled to the one thousand acres as part of the 
eighty-one square miles of their grant. These suits 
of ejectment were brought to test the right of the 
Bow proprietors to the lands claimed by them. The 
cause was brought on trial in the Inferior Court Sep- 
tember 2, 1760. The jury gave a verdict in favor of 
the Bow proprietors. The Rumford settlers prayed 
for an appeal to the next Superior Court, which was 
allowed. On the second Tuesday of November, 1760, 
in the Superior Court, the jury again gave their ver- 
dict for the respondents. The appellants, conceiving 
themselves greatly aggrieved, prayed and were allowed 
an appeal to His Majesty in Council. Rev. Timothy 
Walker was deputed as their agent for that purpose, 
and succeeded in getting the verdicts of the New 
Hampshire courts reversed, and the appellants he re- 
stored to what they had lost by means of said judg- 
ments, "Whereof the Gov'r. or Commander-in- 
Chief of His Majesty's Province of New Hamphire 
for the time being, and all others, are to govern them- 
selves accordingly." December 20, 1762, this final 
decision was made. 

In 1761 the order for taking the inventory of the 
polls and ratable estates in Bow was delivered to 



Colonel Jeremiah Stickney, of the Rumford parish. 
He refused to act, saying : " We never understood we 
had power to act under the incorporation of Bow, in 
which, if we were mistaken, it was our unhappiness." 
It is difficult to see why he had not power to act, and 
retained the remaining part of Bow in one town- 
ship. 

The selectmen of Canterbury were appointed in 
April of the same year to take the inventory of the 
polls, stocks and improved lands in the township of 
Bow, which was nearly all in the Rumford grant. 
Samuel Rogers, Francis Carr, Ephraim Foster, John 
Noyes, Jr., Samuel Welch, Ebenezer Carlton and 
Reuben Currier lived on the territory now included 
in Bow. The invoice consisted of 154 polls, 91 houses, 
341 acres planting-ground, 498 of mowing, 16 of 
orcharding, 16 oxen, 222 cows ; 85 cattle, three years ; 
90 cattle, two years; 103 cattle, one year; 77 
horses, 37 under four years; 150 acres pasture 
land, 6 negroes ; 6 mills, yearly income, £125. The 
valuation was £4828 10s. and £1000 damage. Signed 
by Ezekiel Morrill, Thomas Clough, selectmen ot 
Canterbury. We have no means of knowing that 
the tax was collected. 

The Rev. Mr. Walker visited England for the third 
time in the fall of 1762 to attend the trial of the 
cause, which was yet pending. It was finally decided 
on the ground that whoever settled under a grant 
from either side, if he happened to be on the wrong 
side of the line when it came to be settled, his pos- 
session should be his title, and what a man claimed 
under a certain title, part of which he improved, was 
his property. 

In 1764, Solomon Heath, Edward Russell and 
Thomas Chandler, lately settled in the northwest 
part of the present township of Bow, petitioned the 
General Court June 12th, saying they " understand 
there is a very great Province Tax laid on the in- 
habitants of Bow the last year, this present year and 
the next year for their Delinquency for the past seven 
or eight years last past, which would almost ruin 
them if obliged to pay any proportion of it, and wish 
to be relieved from so doing." Said petition was 
read in Council and House June 14th, when it was 
voted that a hearing be had next August, and the 
selectmen of Pembroke and Ezra Carter, Esq., and 
Captain John Chandler, assessors of Bow, be served 
with a copy of the petition and the order of court, 
and they stated to His Majesty's Council " that there 
are 41 polls, with the estates they possess, within the 
limits of Bow that are exactly similar to these peti- 
tioners, and also sixty or more Polls and estates of 
minors, and so not liable to be taxed when the rates 
were due for which this Tax is ordered, but have 
since come of age; many have left town and some the 
Province since these taxes were assessed and are ex- 
empt from our power of taxing them, and they ask 
whether there is not the same reason that these 
others should be freed as that the petitioners should. 



which, if the Case, we are well assured that it will be 
impossible for the small remainder to pay the whole 
of said tax." In the House of Representatives, Jan- 
uary 9, 1765, this petition was read and it was " Voted, 
tliat the prayer be Granted, and that the petitioners 
have leave to bring in a bill accordingly. In Council 
read & concurred Jany. 10th." 

The inhabitants of Bow outside of Kumford felt 
the oppression of taxation in arrears. It is stated in 
tlie petition of Timothy Walker in behalf of the 
inhabitants of Rumford, April 11, 1764, that "they 
would have been glad to have acted even under the 
incorporation of Bow if they could, although highly 
inconvenient for them, as it blended part of three 
towns whose interests had always been separate ; that 
they conceive them.selves greatly aggrieved the heavy 
tax in arrears that nobody has power to collect. 
They therefore most humbly pray To be Incorporated 
by their former known boundaries, and that the In- 
habitants may be abated at least one-half of the ar- 
rearages." In answer to this petition, the House of 
Representatives reaffirmed that " what the town of 
Bow is now in arrears for the Province tax shall be 
collected, and all the inhabitants on lands between 
Canterbury, Bow and New Hopkinton shall be taxed 
and pay their proportion." 

May 25, 1765, " fT/jejeas there are sundry arrearages 
of taxes now due, which the inhabitants aforesaid 
apprehend they cannot levy for want of sufficient au- 
thority, and several of them praying they might be 
erected into a town or parish and enjoy the common 
privileges of other towns in this province : Be it en- 
acted " (here the boundaries of Concord are inserted, 
beginning at the southeast corner of Boscawen at the 
mouth of the Contoocook; thence running south, sev- 
enty-three degrees west, four miles; thence south, sev- 
enty-three degrees east, seven miles and one hundred 
rods ; thence north, seventy-three degrees east, about 
four miles to Merrimack River — this last the present 
line between Bow and Concord ; then crossing said 
river the same course to the Soucook River, etc. ) "that 
the polls and estates within the same bounds be made 
a parish by the name of Concord with all the powers 
of other towns in this province excepting the laying 
out of roads, when application shall be made to the 
Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Province." 

The selectmen of the new parish were to unite 
with John Noyes and Edward Russell to assess the 
arrearage taxes. 

The triune township of Bow no longer exists. The 
New Hampshire government has tenaciously adhered 
to their original purpose of giving Bow the pre-emi- 
nence, and disallowing all the claims of Rumford as 
incorporated by Massachusetts. The idea advanced in 
the order of the government to the surveyors of Pen- 
nacook, in 1726, that the Massachusetts government 
granting a township there might be attended with 
very ill consequences to the settlers had been verified. 
All concerned are heartilv tired of this state of things. 



and pray for a reconciliation, which can only be done 
by giving the Rumford settlers their township. The 
Bow proprietors were not actual settlers, and, living 
in the eastern part of the State, held their annual 
meetings at Stratham, independent of tlie Rumford 
and Suncook settlers, and the few families outside re- 
fused to act. Their feelings can be best known by 
the following, which also shows who the actual set- 
tlers were at that time : 

"To His Excellency, Bcnning ■Wcutworth, Esq., Governor and the 
Hou'bl, His Majesty's Council and House of Representatives in General 
Assembly. The petition of sundry of the Inhabitants of the town of 
Bow not within CJoncord, Humbly shcwcth that Great Difficulty and 
hardship hath arose by our being Bated with old Arrairages (in years 
past) Willi roriLurd Pi-upl,- iiiid niiim- Difli.iiUy arisen with ourbeing 



any LoriL'tT, as your ExcelU-iiry .t luiinim-a j^liall in y.air Great Wisdom 
and Clemency See fit, and your Petitioners, as in Duty Bound, Shall ever 
Pray. 

"James moor, Joseph Rogers, James Buswell, John Cliace, antony 
manuell, Eliezer Emerson, Will'm Robertson, Samuel Rogers, John ., 
Noyes, Jr., Samuel Alexander, Thomas Eatton, Elisha Clougb, Jr., 
Francis Carr, Solomon Heath, Edw. Carlton, William Parker, David 
Merrill, .Joseph Baker, Jr., Samuel Smith, jun'r., Samuel Welch, EUsha 
Clough, Edwd. Russell, Thomas Chandler, Ephraini Foster, John Robert- 
son, John Grushe, Ephraim moor, Benjamin Noyes. 

" In Council, July 2, 17G6. — Read and ordered to be sent down to the 
Hon'bl house." 

The first enumeration of the people of the province 
was made in 1767 by order of the General Assembly. 
The return from Bow was as follows, viz. : 

Unmarried men from sixteen to sixty 17 

Married men from sixteen to sixty ;i:J 

Boys under sixteen 50 

Men sixty and upward 2 

Unmarried females on 

Married females 3:J 

Total JST 

The Rumford parish being granted town privilege.* 
by the name of Concord, those living outside, not yet 
acting in the capacity of a town, a petition, of which 
the following is an answer, was presented to Jeremiah 
Page, Esq., of Dunbarton, 

"In answer to a petition to mo Presented by fourteen of the inhabi- 
tants of Bow who are not set of into any Parish ; Humbly Shewith that 
they Should be warned to meet at the Dwelling House of William Rob- 
ertson of s<i Town on Wednesday the eleventh Day of march next, att 
Ten o'clock in the forenoon to act on the following affairs. 

" Furthermore all the freeholders and other Inhabitants of s'l Bow 
that are not in any Parish are Hereby Notified and warned to 
meet at the Dwelling house of William Robertson on the eleventh day 
of March at ten o'clock in the forenoon, to act on the following particu- 

" Ist, To choose a moderator to govern s'l meeting. 

"2d, To choose Town Officers if the Town sees Cause. 

" 3d, To see if the Town will subscribe to build a Meeting Hovusc. 

"4th, To see if the Town will agree on a place to set s* house. 

" Dated y« twenty-first Day of February, 1767. 

"Jeremiah Paoe, Jutllce of Peace." 

At said meeting they made choice of Samuel Rog- 
ers for moderator ; William Robertson, town clerk ; 
Samuel Rogers, Ephraim Moore anrl Samuel Welch, 
selectmen ; Francis Carr, constable ; Edward Russell, 



272 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Elisha Clough and John Robertson, committee to 
examine selectmen's accounts ; James Moor, John 
Grushee, Edward Carlton, Thomas Chandler and 
Benjamin Noyes, surveyors of highways. " Voted to 
build a meeting-house by Subscription." " Voted to 
adjourn s"" meeting to the first Tuesday of May next, 
to meet at the House of Ephraim Foster." Met ac- 
cording to adjournment, and adjourned to the 13th 
of July, at which time the aforesaid officers 
made oath to be faithful in the discharge of their 
offices according to law. This was the first town- 
meeting of the inhabitants of Bow, a notice of which 
being served on the proprietors, they, at their annual 
meeting at Stratham, the first Thursday in April, 
1767, agreeable to charter, declared : 

'■As it may be Necessary that s'> Inhabitants should act in Town 
;ift;iirs srp:irate from the Propriety, it is therefore by 8*1 Proprietors voted, 
i}i;<i .1- mil -li us in them Lies, they approve of s-^ Inhabitants choice of s-i 
(.1 iiil.iu, 11 tn Ilieir Respective Offices 



" Samuel Lane, ProprUtort' Clerk." 

l-"roiii this time the inhabitants managed their own 
aiiairs iudepeudent of the original proprietors, but 
were still rated with Concord. August 28, 1767, — 

" The Selectmen, in bclmlf of themselves and inhabitants of s^ Bow, 

«.\dnsivcof -.11, 1, ,,. ,1 . .,1 ..fiiil.. T'jj-i-li. , , IylllllliI^ Slifweth that they 
have chosen I..'' I 1: -i- ._!• J^ !-!'.■>> liiir.i mil are ready and 
willius tu lis-.- il' I! I'l '!. II ■ I I'lilliiU charses with 

givitli III-. I I, I I . l:i:i i ■■> :i. I .1 1, I'lir Thfir Selectmen are 

till' -I |i.i: .1 lii.. ,.- . --..I- .mil I'r > make the rate as they see 

hi w . I ;! - ] -ii I- II Ml and Earnestly Pray your 

E\i.;|ii!\ 111! I li. ;. I- Ti t.iki ih, II |ii~in-ssed Carcomstances under 
considciati.'ii, ami Uulieve them frLim being Rated any longer with 
Concord, in such manner as your Honors shall see Pitt, and your Peti- 
tioners, as in duty bound, .Shall Ever Pray— • 
(Signed) " Samuel Kooers, 1 g^,^^.,^^„ 
■ • Samuel Welsh, J. 
"Ephbaim Mook, J "■'' ^°"-" 
" In Council August 28, 1707.— Read and Ordered to be sent down to 
the Honorable House. 

"T. Atkinson, Jr., ISecretai-y."] 

September 30lh the selectmen called a meeting of 
the freeholders and other inhabitants of Bow, to be 
held at the house of Ephraim Foster, in said town, on 
the 19th of October, when it was " Voted to allow 
what roads the selectmen have laid out, and that no 
more be laid this year." " Voted to work three days' 
work on the highway this year." The road from 
Concord down the Merrimack River to the northerly 
corner of Samuel Welch's land was laid prior to 
1757. A drift-road, two rods wide, was opened " from 
that by s'* Welch's land, through John Noyes, Jr.'s, 
land to the ridge about forty rods above John Noyes, 
Esq.'s, House, following .said Ridge till it strikes the 
river; thence down the river to Starkestown line; 
thence Beginning at Benjamin Noyes' Ferry, forty 
rods above his house, crossing the river to the mouth 
of Suncook River & up s'' river to Allenstown line." 

In 1768 the annual meeting was held at the house of 
Joseph Rogers. He was chosen moderator ; William 
Robertson, town clerk ; Edward Russell, John Rob- 
ertson and Aaron Kinsman, selectmen ; James Moor, 



constable; Caleb Buswell, William Robertson and 
John Hemphill, committee to examine selectmen's 
accounts. 

"Voted ti) build a Pound near Ephraim Foster's 
House, s'' Foster to be Pound-keeper," and " Voted 
forty Dollars to repair highways, to be worked at forty 
shillings per day." Roads were returned from Tom 
Merrill's bridge, west of Seriah Morgan's, easterly by 
John Robertson's house to Baker's ferry, to be two 
rods wide ; also from Samuel Welch's land northwest- 
erly to Thomas McConnell's land, two rods wide, 
thence to Kinsman's Mills, thence northerly to Con- 
cord line, keeping the breadth of four rods; also a 
road from Kinsman's Mills at Turkey River bridge 
(to be four rods wide) to Tom Merrill's bridge, thence 
to the meeting-house near Elisha Clough's land, 
thence to White Rock Brook, over Wood Hill, by 
Samuel Rogers' house, to Duubarton line. 

It is supposed the line of travel from one settler's 
dwelling to another was on or near the newly-re- 
turned roads, — first a foot and horseback path, 
perhaps, then a cart-road, and finally a formal high- 
way. Turkey River bridge and Tom Merrill's had 
been built previous to this date. The amount of 
ratable estate in town at this time was £1500 ; 
the tax £3, 10s. on £1000. There were forty-eight 
ratable polls over sixteen years old. In 1769 the 
meeting warned by James Moor, constable, in the 
name of His Majesty, met at the house of Francis 
Carr. Edward Russell was chosen moderator, Wil- 
liam Robertson, town clerk ; John Noyes, David 
Clement and Edward Russell, selectmen ; Joseph 
Rogers, constable. " Voted to accept the road from 
Dumbarton to Concord over Wood Hill." At an ad- 
journed meeting, "Voted to accept the road from Wm. 
Parker's house to Merrimack River." The State 
being divided into five counties. Bow was included in 
Rockingham. 

At the annual meeting in 1770, Edward Russell, 
Ephraim Foster and Moses Garvin were chosen select- 
men. " Voted sixty dollars to be worked on the high- 
way at forty shillings per day." At a meeting called 
by Samuel Welch, constable, by order of the select- 
men, to be held at the meeting-house, " Voted to pay 
Mr. Wooster thirty dollars for preaching this year."' 

The annual meeting at the meeting-house in 1771, 
chose Edward Carlton, Benjamin Noyes and Joseph 
Baker selectmen, and other town officers. " Voted 
thirty dollars for preaching," and " Voted not to raise 
money to hire a School-Master this year." " Voted to 
buy a town-book and Pay William Robertson for 
drawing of the records." ''"^■ 

In 1772, Edward Russell, John Grushee and Leon- 
ard Harriman were chosen selectmen. " Voted thirty 
dollars for preaching and thirty dollars for a town 
school." " Voted to sell all right or title to a 
forty-acre lot in Pembroke, as laid out by the 
Proprietors, to Ebenezer Frye." " Voted to release 
Stephen Kinsman's and Francis Carr's minister tax. 



273 



they giving the town a discharge for boarding tlie 
minister." Benjamin Noyes, Leonard Harriman 
and James Buswell, a committee chosen to settle 
with the selectmen, find the ibllowing notes due the 
town : 

c s. d. 

One signed by Ebeuuzer Fry 3 

One signed by Joseph Uogei-s 1 ;i (l 

One signed by Samnel Welch II 

One signed by James Moor Old s 

Fourteen of the past selectmen signed a paper, 
giving all their services as selectmen. 

At a meeting called for the purpose, February 24, 
1773, Aaron Kinsman was chosen to serve as a grand 
juror to His Majesty's Superior Court of Judicature, 
to be held at Portsmouth in and for the county of 
Rockingham. At the annual meeting, Edward Rus- 
sell, Ephraim Foster and Benjamin Noyes were chosen 
selectmen ; John Grushee and Leonard Harriman, 
deer-reeves; Edward Carlton, town clerk. The new 
proportion, settled by the General Assembly, gave 
Bow sixty-four polls, sixty-eight ratable estates ; tax 
on £1000 : £3 5s. According to a census taken by 
order of Governor John Wentworth, Bow contained 
308 inhabitants, — 58 married men and women the 
same, 101 unmarried females, 5 unmarried men from 
sixteen to sixty, 84 boys sixteen years and under, 2 
men sixty years and upward. Signed by Benjamin 
Xoyes and Solomon Heath. 

In 1774, Timothy Dix signed his name as town 
clerk at a meeting called for choosing a grand juror to 
the September court; James Buswell was chosen. 
At the annual meeting James Buswell, Enoch Noyes 
and John Carr were chosen selectmen. "Fo^erf that 
the meeting-house be on the Hill, where it now 
stands, and not at the Centre." " Fo^erf to give Mr. 
Fessenden an Invitation to settle with us in the 
ministry, giving him one thousand pounds. Old 
Tenor, in Lands for his settlement, besides a yearly' 
salary of forty pounds, and to advance his salary as 
the town grows able, and chose a committee to Treat 
with him." He was probably their settled minister 
for three years ; he then preached for the Presby- 
terians in Pembrook one year ; then, with Rev. Mr. 
Pearsons, supplied in Bow. The church at this time 
was mixed, — Congregational, Presbyterian and Bap- 
tist. 

A decade had now passed since the British Parlia- 
ment made a law that it had a right to tax the 
colonies. The Stamp Act was passed, which provided 
that all deeds, notes, bills and other legal documents 
should be written on stamped paper, at certain fixed 
rates. Americans denied that Parliament had a right 
to impose taxes on them, and expressed their opinion 
in the sentiment that " Taxation without representa- 
tion is tyranny." Public meetings, protesting against 
the Stamp Act, were held in all the colonies, and 
public opinion nullified the law and it was repealed. 

Parliament then put a tax of three-pence a pound 
on tea ; but the people determined not to import any 



tea. The press, the pulpit and Colonial Legislatures 
denounced the acts, and an attempt to raise a revenue 
in America by taxation proved a failure. British 
troops were stationed at Boston and New York. Tlie 
colonists resolved to consult together, and the First 
Continental Congress was called at Philadelphia 
September 5, 1774, which recommended the suspen- 
sion of all commercial intercourse with England, and 
agreed to meet again in May, 1775. The General 
Assembly of New Hampshire sent letters to the 
several towns in the province requesting them to send 
deputies to a convention, to be held at Exeter, to 
choose delegates to a General Congress to meet at 
Philadelphia. Accordingly, a meeting was called, to 
be held January 12, 1775, "to see if the town of Bow 
will vote to Chuse a man to go to Exeter to set with 
the Provincial Committee to Chuse delegates to go 
to Philadelphia to the Congress in May next. Vofed 
not to send a man, but voted to Buy a town stock of 
ammunition ; also to get the money due from Lieut. 
Fry soon as they can without cost." 

At the annual meeting, April 6, 1775, Benjamin 
Bean, John Noyes and Leonard Harriman were 
chosen selectmen. " Voted to raise 30 dollars for 
schooling, also to divide into districts as last year, 
and to raise eight dollars to repair highways. Bought 
a town-book for fifteen shillings." 

On May 11th, pursuant to call, a town-meeting was 
held, and it was voted to send Benjamin Noyes as a 
delegate to the Fourth Provincial Congress at Exeter 
the 17th of May ; it was also voted to drop school 
and highway rates for the year, probably on account 
of the war. Aaron Kinsman received a captain's 
commission, March 2d, for the Seventh Company, 
First Regiment, Colonel John Stark. June 23d the 
town militia was organized by the choice of Ephraim 
Foster, captain ; Ephraim Moor, lieutenant ; Ralph 
Cross, ensign ; and Esquire Bryant, James Moor, 
Samuel Rogers, John Noyes and Benjamin Bean, a 
Committee of Inspection or Safety. 

An order was sent to the several towns in the prov- 
ince, by the Provincial Congress, August 25th, for 
the taking of an exact count of the number of in- 
habitants by the selectmen of the several towns. 
The following is the return from Bow : 

" Males nnder IG years of age SS 

Males from 16 to 50 47 

Males above 50 years of age 11 

The Persons gone to the army 17 

Females 1S9 

Total 350 

"Gnns in Bow, 33 ; Uuns wanting, 14 ; Powder, 13 pounds. 

" Bewamin Bean, 1 „ , , 

„ , „ Selectmen 

"John Noves, > . „ 

"Leonard Harriman, J 
" Sept. 6th, 1775, Sworn to Before 

"John Bkiaxt, J. P." 

February 3, 1776, Edward Russell being appointed 
a justice of the peace by the House of Representa- 
tives, the selectmen and Committee of Safety remon- 



HISTORY OF MERKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



strated against commissioning him until the town had 
an opportunity to recommend another man. Febru- 
ary 14th a meeting was called for that purpose, to be 
held tlie 22d, when Ephraim Foster was chosen as 
the man. 

At the annual meeting, April 4th, John Bryant, 
Benjamin Noyes and Ephraim Foster were chosen 
selectmen, and " voted to raise 50 dollars for preach- 
ing, to be proportioned above and below Merrill's 
bridge, according to money raised, and 50 dollars for 
schooling." Captain Caleb Page was representative 
at the September session from Bow and Dunbarton, 
and John Bryant at the December session. 

In Congress, March 14, 1776, "Resolved that the 
Committees of Safety of the United Colonies im- 
mediately cause all persons to be disarmed who refuse 
to associate to defend, by use of arms, the United 
Colonies against the British Fleets and armies." 

April 12th the Committee of Safety of New 
Hampshire requested the selectmen of towns to 
desire all males above twenty-one years of age to 
sign the following declaration, called the Association 
Test: " We, the subscribers, do hereby solemnly en- 
gage and promise that we will, to the utmost of our 
power, at the risque of our lives and fortunes, with 
arms, oppose the hostile proceedings of the British 
Fleets and Armies against the United American 
Colonies." The act of signing the above was similar 
to that of the patriots who signed the national 
declaration, July 4th. The signers in Bow were,— 

Ephraim Foster, Joseph Rogers, Nathanel Collier, John Brj-ant, Ralph 
Cross, John Brown, Benjamin Bean, Antony Manuell, Paltiah Clement, 
James Buswell, Timothy Dix, Richard Clough, Jr., John Carr, Samuel 
Dow, Henry Hemphill (his X mark), Stephen Eastman, Elisha Clough, 
Joseph Baker, David Carr, Elisha Clough, Jr., Samuel Welch, John 
Grushe, Thomas Hardy, William Robertson, Jonathan Clement, Edward 
Carlton, Aaron Noyes, Solomon Heath, Samuel Rogers, Jr., John Noyes, 
Edward Russell, Aaron Kinsman, James Reddell, David Foster, Reuben 
Currier, John Garven, David Elliot, Hi l.iid I'l^vrh, i: in Hr-mphill, 
John Colby, John Robertson, Ji'liTi ^\ \' ' . ' " i :— Moor, 

Samuel Alexander, Willaby CoHvv, I .11, , , - , 1 w.-lcli, 

Jr., Eligah Colby, John Sulliway,.l;i> i. -(>- Mi i.. ,1. . |.l, lu.^ns.Jr., 
Enoch Noyes, Jonathan Clough, Kplinuin ."Moor, Sanuu-l \\ inslow, Ben- 
jamin Noyes, Amosa Dow and Simeon Heath,^Total, 63. 

'* Errors excepted, 

" Samuel Roof.hs. 

*' I not being satisfied, Errors excepted, 

"William Rogers. 

" Bow, September y» %^, 1T7C. 

" Returned to the Committee of Safety by the Selectmen." 

Heretofore the annual meetings had been called by 
the province of New Hampshire, but the meeting for 
April 3, 1777, was warned by the State of New 
Hampshire to the inhabitants of the town of Bow. 

In 1777, Edward Eussell, Edward Carlton and 
Jonathan Clement were chosen selectmen, and Cap- 
tain Bean, James Moor, Esquire Bryant, John Noyes 
and Joseph Baker were chosen a Committee of Safety. 
No money raised for preaching, schools or highways. 
John Bryant, representative for Bow and Dunbarton 
at the session to be held at Exeter, June 4, 1777, and 
Jeremiah Page, Esq., of Dunbarton, at the December 
session. The State ta.K was £40,000. £118 6s. 8A, 



Bow's proportion, was paid by Edward Evans, con- 
stable. 

In 1778, AVilliam Robertson, David Carr and 
Samuel Alexander were chosen to do the town busi- 
ness for the year. " Voted to hire a man to go to 
Stratham to get a copy of the names of the Proprie- 
tors of the unimproved lots in town. Joseph Baker, 
James Buswell, Edward Carlton, John Bryant, 
William Robertson, Ephraim Foster, Edward Russell, 
Benjamin Bean, Leonard Harriman, John Noyes, 
Enoch Noyes and John Carr gave to the town their 
services as selectmen from 1768 to April 1, 1778, and 
Timothy Dix gave his services as town clerk since. 

In 1774, " voted 100 dollars for preaching and 100 
for schools, and to exempt John Garvin from paying 
his tax this year, on account of his loss by tire, and 
also Reuben Currier, he having lost his horse and 
cow." " Voted the invoice be taken the second week 
in April this year, and to send John Bryant to the 
convention at Concord in June next." 

In 1779, Edward Russell, Benjamin Noyes and 
Ephraim Foster were chosen selectmen. The meet- 
ing-house built in 1770 was probably a rude struc- 
ture. The inhabitants now began to feel the need of 
a better one. We now find them voting to build a 
meeting-house at the centre, and choosing a committee 
to find the centre, by measuring from where the line 
between Bow and Concord strikes Merrimack River 
to Dunbarton, near Samuel Welch's, where Alfred A. 
Elliot now lives; then beginning at Bow and Dunbar- 
ton line, near Benjamin Noyes', and running to the 
outside of Solomon Heath's land. John Noyes was 
commissioned captain of the Eighth Company in the 
Thirteenth Regiment, March 17, 1779, by M. Weare. 
The Continental and State tax was £267 lis. 6d.; 
school tax, £33 2s. 5d. ; minister tax, £27 5s. id., — 
total, £327 18s. lljrf. Ephraim Foster and Leonard 
Harriman were appointed a committee to settle with 
the selectmen. " Voted to accept the Bill of Rights 
and Plan of Government established at Concord; 30 
pei-sons present, 18 voted yea, 3 nay." Joseph Rogers 
was chosen grand juror to Portsmouth. 

In 1780, Edward Russell, Benjamin Noyes and 
Jacob Green were chosen selectmen. After choosing 
other town officers, it was " Voted to allow the Con- 
stable sixpence upon the pound for collecting, and 
the selectmen Ten dollars per day for their services." 
Owing to the depreciation of the currency in April 
four thousand pounds " Continental money " was 
equal to one hundred pounds silver. There was no 
money raised for schools or preaching. " Voted to 
work on the highways 150 days or pay an equivalent." 
By the charter, the annual meeting was to be held on 
the first Thursday in April, which was found to be 
too late for the selectmen to enter into oflice, as the 
inventory was to be taken in that month. 

October 24th, John Bryant, Esq., on behalf of him- 
self and other freeholders of Bow, petitioned the 
General Assembly that the time may be changed to 



BOW. 



275 



the first Tuesday of March annually, which was 
granted. 

Jeremiah Page was chosen rei^resentative for Dun- 
barton and Bow. 

In 1781 it was " Voted to give the selectmen, Edward 
llussell, Beuj™ Noyes and John Brown, 30 dollars per 
day for their services," seventy-five hundred pounds 
being equal to one hundred pounds silver. 

The tax for 1780, collected this year, was, — 



' Continental and State 

DittoforBeef and County 

Ditto for Corn and money for soldiers 



At a meeting held the 28th of May, 1781, it was 
" Voted to send Esqr. Bryant, as agent of the town, to 
the General Assembly, to remonstrate against a Pe- 
tition, preferred by Concord, to have their town In- 
corporated, and voted 1000 dollars to defray the 
expense." Bryant promised to give his time, and if 
an attorney was necessary, he would pay him, the 
town to pay Bryant's expenses while he was gone. 

Mr. Russell was chosen delegate to the convention 
to be held at Concord. 

Timothy Dix gave his services as town clerk since 
1774. 

At the annual meeting in 1782, Enoch Noyes, 
Richard Dow and James Robertson were chosen 
selectmen, and James Robertson clerk. " Voted 50 
dollars for schools and 50 dollars to Repair highways, 
at 2 shillings per day." "Voted not to accept the 
plan of Government as it now stands, by 37 votes." 
" Voted to accept of an open road from William 
Robertson's to Esqr. Benj"" Noyes, as Laid by the 
selectmen in May, 1778, and to recomeud John 
Bryant to the General Court for a justice of the peace." 
" Voted five dollars' bounty for each wolf killed in 
town for the year, and to abate John Miller's tax on 
the steer he lost." "Money raised last year, — New 
Emission State, £368 16s. 2d. 2q. ; County, £21 19s. 
Gd. iq. ; Silver money, £160 Os. Od. 2q." 

" Agreeable to an act of the General Court, John Eobertson, Constable 
for the 1780 for this town, hath lawfully advertised to be sold to pay the 
taxes for said year, on the first Wednesday of Oct., 1782, the following 

"in Oie 2d BfowioB.— Nath'n'l Stevens, Lot Ko. 7, Range 11, sold to 
Epbraim Moor, 18 acres. Benjamin Palmer, Lot No 11, Range 12, sold 
to Benj« Xoyes, 5G acres. 

'•r/ijrd DiiMiou.—Holdiidge Kelly, Lot No 3; Richard Waldron, Lot 
19 ; Mary Jones, Lot 27 ; Eben' Weare, Lot 49 ; Bradstreet Wiggin, Lot 
17 ; Tbos. Smith, Lot 21 ; Rob't Wilson, Lot 37 ; Jona"> Wiggin, Lot oS ; 
John Frost, Lot CO ; Thomas Piper, Lot 61 ; Beiy" Hoag, Lot 71 ; Daniel 
Davis, Lot 83 ; John Merrill, Lot 84; John Leavitt, Lot 8.5 ; 14 Iota sold 
to Ensign Benjamin Noyes ; Benj" Mason, Lot 33 ; Joseph Merrill, Lot 
30 ; Edwi Fifleld, Lot 41 ; Samuel Hilton, Lot 02 ; 4 lots sold to Walter 
Brj-ant, Esqr., father ot John Bryant, Esqr. ; (Lot 92 is the lot north 
east of the mill lot on the Londonderry turnpike) ; Nathni Stevens, Lot 
36 ; Joseph Wiggin, Lot 120 ; Thos. Veazey, Lot 122 ; Col. And" Wiggin, 
Lot 131 (north of the old Runell lot) ; 4 lots sold to John Bryant, Esq. ; 
Rev. Henry Russ, No. 86 ; William French, 88, two lots sold to Mr. 
Leonard Haniman ; George Clark, Lot 97, sold to James Robertson ; 
The Ephraim Leavit Lot, No. lOS, sold to Lieut. Ephraini Moor; 
Abraham Morgan, Lot 146, across the river, sold to John Garvin ; Thos. 



Wostbrook, Lot No. 4, 2d Division, 18th Range, and Lot 1(J0, third Divi- 
sion, sold to Mr. Aaron Whittemoro, in bcbulf of Charles Collin. 

" It took tlie whole of the aforesaid lands to pay the aforesaid taxes 
with intervening charges. Attest, 

„.„,-„.. "James Robektson, CTcri. 

"Bow, Oct. 2,1782." 

In 1783, James Robertson, Enoch Noyes and Ben- 
jamin Noyes were chosen selectmen. " Voted to raise 
75 dollars for repairing highways. State and soldiers 
taxes, £495 17s." " Voted to accept of tlie new Consti- 
tution," which became the Constitution of the State 
in June, 1784. 



"Sworn to Before 



*Sasi'l Daniell, Juat. Peace.'' 



In 1784, the independence of the United States 
being acknowledged, a Constitution of the State was 
formed and accepted by the people, the chief execu- 
tive to be styled President. Meshech Weare was 
elected, but the voters in Bow, in their characteristic 
manner, cast twenty-two votes for Hon. Woodbury 
Langdon and nine votes for Hon. Josiah Bartlett. 
" Voted to raise 200 dollars for work on the highway 
at half a dollar a day." James Robertson, Solomon 
Heath and Enoch Noyes were chosen selectmen, 
James Robertson clerk. 

The following unimproved lands were sold for taxes 
this year, viz. : 

"The Nathn' Stevens Lot, No. 7, 11th Range, 80 acres, and the John 
Piper lot, No. 3, 17th Range, 40 acres, sold to Lieut. Ephr" Moore ; 30 
acres of the Nicholas Wiggin lot, No. 8, 12th Range ; 20 acres of the 
Benjamin Palmer lot, No. 11, 12th range ; 30 acres of the Joshua Hill 
lot, No. 4, 17th range ; 50 acres of the Saml. Tibbets lot. No. 3, 14th 
range. In the 3d Division the Isaac Foss lot. No. 1, 20 acres, the south 
west corner lot in town ; the John Sanborn lot. No. 144, 20 acres over 
the river ; the Gov. John W'entworth lot. No. 18, all sold to John Biyant, 
Esq. The Col. Mark Hunking lot. No. 5, 15th range, 29 acres ; Hon. 
John Wentworth, 29 acres of lot No. 6, 15th range ; 31 acres of the Noah 
Barker lot. No. 8, 18th range. In the 3d division the Sol. Cotton lot, No. 
6 ; the Saml. Tibbets lot. No. 35 ; the Joshua Stevens lot, No. 81 ; the 
Col. Mark Hunking lot. No. 54 ; twenty-acre lots sold to Ens. Bety" 
Noyes ; 50 acres of the Catherine Wiggin lot. No. S, 16th range, sold to 
Solomon Heath ; 30 acres of the Joseph Jewett lot. No. 6, 18th range, 
sold to James Moor ; the Joseph Loverin lot, 3d Division, No. 142, over 
the river, sold to John Robertson, and the Catherine Wiggin lot. No. 95, 
sold to James Robertson. (This sale was made May 25, 1784, it took the 
whole proceeds to pay the ta:;ies and charges.) On the third Tuesday of 
December the following lands were sold at Public vendue : The Wiggin 
lot. No. 3, 12th range ; Hill lot. No. 4, 17th range, and the James 
Robertson lot, 128, 3d Div. ; 20 acres from each lot sold to John Bryant, 
Esq. 15 acres of No. 6, 15th Range ; 21 acres. No. 6, loth R. ; 30 acres. 
No. 8, 18th R. ; and 2 acres. No. 110, sold to Benjamin Noyes. 20 acres, 
No. 6, 18th R. ; the Pierce Long lot. No. 57, 3d Div., sold to Enoch 
Noyes. The third division lots. No. 121, and 4 acres of 126 sold to James 
Moor. 25 acres of No. 3, 17th range, sold to Capt. John Noyes. Part of 
lot No. 129 sold to Jonathan Currier. 

" Enoch Noyes, Vendue Cleric. 

In 1785, James Robertson, Jacob Green and Solo- 
mon Heath were chosen selectmen. " Voted to work 
fifty days on the Soucook Bridge." The meeting- 
house built in 1770, we suppose, was a rude structure, 
built of logs, and has now become unfit for jiublic 
meetings. " Voted to raise 500 dollars in labor and 
lumber to build a meeting-house on the Hill where 
the old one stands, and that Solomon Heath, David 



:'7(i 



IIISTOliV Ol'' MI'lltUIIMACK COIINTV, NI'IW llAMI 



lll'owii, lli'li,)'" NiiytiH, .liiliii llryniil mikI .Imuli (Jncii 
lio a I'liiiMiilttKo Id |ii'iivIiIi< luiilciiiil lor llir IIiilMiii^:." 
" IVri/ fiO ildllai'H liir iirninhliin', In lii) ill llio lioumi ill' 
.liilin Itiyaiil, iikiii' ,liiHt<|ili Kuxi'Im'." TIiIh hoimit Ih 
nti|i|MiH<Ml 1(1 liHVK Ih'oii llio IliHl Iwu-Kloiy liiiiimi ill 
town, iiikI wan •'allnl l)it> IUkIi IIohhi', " y<>lnl M 
ilolliUH I'm' Nrliiiolliip;." .liiiiit'H Hulit'i'trtiiii wiiHgiaiiliul 
tliii liKJit nf a I'l'iry uviT llm Mi'iiiiiiack Uivnr, aiiy- 
wlioni Imtwooii Mo'or'N Hniiik iiiiil HiiiiiMiiik Uivor. 

Ill IVHil, alhT iiiakliig I'liolnv of Kihvanl UummoII, 
.liiliii lliyaiit anil 'riiiiolliy Dix I'or mi'Iih'Iiiu'Ii, "I'otfd 
XiiO, al iln, pur ilay, I'l'i' IliKliwiiy, ami 7t> tlollai'M in 
liii'o lii'hniilliiK iIiIh yi'iir," .liihn LaiiKili>n liiul 
lAVKiily-rmir volrn lor I'lcniilfiil ol' Ilir Slali-; no (ip- 
liimlliiMi. 

A IM.i'liciiKir 111.' iiiluiliitanlrt WMiilr.l llio illi-ol.inn'- 



ani 



llU'P 



lliiil IliK colli ri', wlilch llii'v I'i'ptii'liMl 

iippi<i' I'litl ol' lliii Willow t'li'nii'iil's III 

llu. plaro 111 l.liilil III!' Iioim... Iliil tlic lowii voli'il In 

Imil.li.ii lilt' Hill, iih liinl. yi'ai'. 

M an aiijounu'il inoi'liiiK, lu'M May li'JIli, "vohd a 
t'oiiiniilli'iMil' illnlnlnroMlDil pci'sonw IVoiii nllu'i' Inwim 
111 lonali' llio lioiiNi", I'lUirtidtinn; ol' Col, Kolly, ol'Ciollk- 
lowii; t'lipi, l''ai'iiiiKloii, 111' llopkinlim; iiiiil Km|i', 
Fosliir, of l^iiiitorliiii'y, anil vntoil lo Uisaiuiul all 
voliw lolalivo to liuililinn' a mnoliiig-lioiiHo prior to 
tliin ilay." ThoY Ihi'ii "i>ii/r(/ to ImiM a iioimu iim 
laigiMiH Ml', Collii.'M, llii'ii niiiiidlorat IVinlii'oko, ami 
to lalHo .CIOO ill iiialt>rial« ami lalinr I'or »•' lloiiao," 

Ml', Solomon lloalli, Lionliniant Hnoi'li Noyih ami 
Ml', l>aviil lliown woro appoinlcil a I'ommitli'n lo 
Imilil Willi lu.ii«i\ •• W'Uil lo liiiv Ml', liiailloi-.l lo 
proai'li iMH'ht ilay«," 

How anil l>iinliarloii hail Imcii I'lamioil I'or 
nloi'ting' I'opi'iwontativo ami ilt'li>j);ato,i sinro \nC>, 
.laiuiiiry ;!S>, 17S7, a mooliiifj; ol'tliiLso qualiUi'il to vote 
ill lovMi-iii(it>lingn of lioth towiiM iiiot at Ihu lioiiao ol 
llfiiiy rutm'v.in l>uuliartoii, ami niailoehoioo of Jacob 
(ii'ccii, ilclcn'alo to llio convention iitKxolcr.to act on 
a new plan of ^ovci'iiincnl, wliicli had been |iri>po.ieil 
by the I'liilinlclpliiii Convention ami alreaily atloptcil 
by ein'lit Slattw, nine beinn' ucei^saary to make it the 
law of llie lami, ll was ailopleil by the convention ;/' 
Jacob (.ii'cen voleil nay. In 17S7,Ji>lt'> Hryani, John 
tinishee ami ICnoch iNoyea were chosen seleelinen. 
In 17SS, Solomon llealh, Jame^i Koberl.soii ami Joua, 
I'leiiienl were chosen aeleclmen. The votes for Slate 
Prer<iileiit, -I!!, were all for John l.iinjtJon ; for repre- 
.>ienliilive to Conn'rivss, Joshua .Vtherlon, Ksi],, hail 17 ; 
Nathaniel I'eaboily, Ks.],, 1 1 ; I'aine WinK'ate, Rsq., US; 
ami 8 for olhei's. 

In W-**'.', James Uobevlson, Solomon Heath ami Jonn, 
iMemeiit were cluwcu selectmen, lii answer to an 
article " lo see if llie town will vote to be iliviilcil ami 
be amiexeil lo Uunbarlon, roncoitl ami Pembroke, 
or to set oil' any part of liow to saiil town, voteil not 
to set olfor iliviiie ihc town." 

Ill setllim? with the Iviimfonl piopricloi'^ in 1771, 



lliey were lo (my to lli,' ll„w pi'oprirloiM hii |...uiiils 
for eiich liiiii.lnMl-ai'i'c Int wlii.'li wiim IiikI mil Ky |I,nv 
III llie Uniiil'oril uranl. 'riiomiiH Stiekiiey, Amlrow 
McMillan ami Abiel ('liiimllcr were appointed a com- 
iniltee by the proprielorH of Uiiiiil'nril In receive a 
iinil-claim deed from llie Mow proprietoi's and givo 
them a bnml on interest I'or llic ten ponmls for each 
one hundred acre lol. In 1773 they voleil to raise six 
hlimlred pounds by assesHinentfi, which was Hupposed 
111 lie siilllcieni to pay the proprietors of How, and lo 
give sixty poiimls to the Masonian proprietors for 
their ri^'lit to ihe liiml, 'J"he tax not being all col- 
leetcil, an act wiw passed in 178!) empowering Tinio- 
tliy Walker to collect tlie remainder, and to fully dis- 
charge llie bond, III 171KI thcHiibjeetof a division 
of the town met the same fate as it did the previous 
year. Jacob (ireeii, Siimuel (limit and James Uob- 
erlson were chosen selecliiien, " Yukd to allow Cap- 
tain Jacob Oreeii three pounds for allemlence at the 
convention at Kxeler in 17S8." At a mecling of the 
voters of How and Dnnbarlon, Major Caleb Shirk 
was chosen delcn'iito to a convenlion to revise the 
Coiistitulion. The votes for represciilntive to Coii- 
gress was, for John S. Slierborn, 80 ; Abial Foster, :!-l; 
Jeremiah Smith, 8, " VufeJ forty pounds for building 
a pound and repairing highways, ami none forschool- 
iug," 

The following tax-list was cimimiltcd lo Capliiiii 
JohliNoyes for collcdioii, Seplcmbcr II, 17',KI, he be- 
ing coiislalilc : 



•• Nmlliili N...vo« . . , 




I.I. Joii«. ripnioiil . . . 


«, .f. 


Km. lloi\|«. N..,v.w . , 




I.I. Jullll lil'IDlltW , , , 


■ « OK 


I.I. Kllocll Nii.viii , . 




Julin Xlt'ulii 


. ! S>i 


('ii|i|. .U.liii N»)'iw , , 




Joliii Onlwuy 


. .1 11 


.lohii Ni.j'iHi, .liiiir , , 




Snm>nu|(»ra. . . . 




SiiiH> AIu.nuiuIki' . . . 


'. '. 11 llVi 


Siiiiii Woloh 


. :i II 


T,t. Ki.li- M.wr . , , 




K.lw«iil UiiwoU . , , . 




K|ili«< MiH.r, Jr , . , 


. . a «M 


.Inmioinnuoll 




MwwMuor 




Will" lltltfln 




A«ii.nM<H.r 




John U«««ll 




.liuu... S«iii»lvni . . . 


'. '. \ wyi 


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David C'lough . . . . 

Levi Cloiigb 

Jonatlmu Cloiigh . . 
Lt. Ellplialel BowlII . 

Ainasii Duw 

Joliii Dow 

Hi'Dry Ik'iiiplilll . . 
Henry lUiiiphill, Ji 
Will. Molly Uro» u . . 
Jubn IlouiphiU ' . . 



1 1014 
■I 3^ 



Son JCesitleiU Iitx-IM. 

Dr. Philip CarrlKali . . . 1 

Lt. Joaoph Hull : 

Ciipt. Jonhua Abbott . . . ( 

Koubcn Welch • 

Baruct Harvey 

.lobii Colby * 

Abmni Colby ; 

•Ion* Colby 



Lt. Wlllaby Colby . 
FMJulU Colby . . . 
Tho- Colby . . . 
John Sulloway . , 



W. Itcuy tlcnicnt . . . 

John ^'arter 

Neheniiab Slerrill . . . 
Clement N'oyes .... 

Nathni Uall 

Solomon llcath . . . . 

C^lcb Heath 

Capt. XuthniCavw . . 

Mosea N'oycs 

William Walker .... 
Samuel Walker .... 

Abial Walker 

Samuel Webb, Jr. . . . 
Capt. Jacob Creeu . . . 
Anthony 3Ianucl . . . 
"Thcalxive is a true 1 
1790. Errors Excepted. 



I Dow 



2 IH 
.11 6 



David Lufkln 2 2 

Wid. Jennet ISuutln ... 7 
Mrs. Sarah 'rhonii«<ri ,.10^ 
Walter Ilryaul, EBq. ... 7 8 
Lt. Sanii Tarrlntou ..08 
Jeremiah Page, Ew(. ... 6 

John Moor 2"4 

MaJ. .funieii Cochran . . . U lu 
Cajit. l)enj">Norrta. ... 2 1 

.fobn Whito 10 

Joel Farnam 10 

Bcnj» JellnesB 10 

Will" Currier U C 

Lt. Samuel Noj'es .... 2 
made by us on Bow for the year 

"Jacou GttEEsr, -V 

*'Ja«. Robeqt^ok, /-;?efcc/m«i." 

"Samuki. Gaili, J 

There were one hundred and ten resident tax-payers. 
The number of inhabitants at this time was five hun- 
dred and sixty-eight. 

The following names of signers of the Association 
Test have disappeared from the town records of to- 
day : 

'• Captain Aaron Kinman, Capt. Ephraim Foster, Italpli Crow, Capt. 
Benj" Dean, John Carr, David Carr, Samuel Wfnslow, Thomas Hardy, 
Leonard Harriman, Pcltiah Clement, John Brown, James Reddell, James 
Gariin, Edw" Carlton, David Foster. 

In 1791, after making choice of James Robertson, 
Timothy Dix and Jonathan Clement for selectmen, 
and choosing other town officers, thirty-three votes 
were cast for Josiah Bartlett for President of the 
State ; no opposition. " Voted ,£30 for schooling, 
each district to hire a master or mistress, as they see 
fit." The road from Wood Hill easterly between land 
of Abraham Colby and Willaby Colby, thence ex- 
tending by John Colby's to Dunbarton line, was laid 
out this year. Mr. Samuel Alexander was paid for 
boarding Mr. Stone and wife, five shillings. John 
Noyes was allowed six shillings for carrying them out 
of town and five shillings for warning persons out of 
town. An act was passed giving Jacob Green and 
Enoch Noyes, of Bow, and William Duncan and 
Daniel Livermore, their heirs and assigns, exclusive 
right to build a bridge at any place one mile above 
or below Isle Hooksett Falls. 

January 11th, Benjamin Noyes petitioned the Gen- 
eral Court, "Shewing that he has kept a ferry over 
the Merrimack River, near the mouth of Suncook 
River, ever since the year 1764, in all which time he 



has endeavored to give constant and satisfactory at- 
tendance, which he conceives bus been greatly for the 
benefit of the people of tiiis Slate ; and likewise thinks 
that a continuance of said ferry will be of great utility. 
And as he, from long occupancy, hath acquired, as ho 
humbly supposes, a natural right to the privilege of 
owning and keeping said ferry, he humbly prays the 
Honorable Court to grant him, his heirs and assigns, 
a right to said ferry exclusively." The petition being 
read, was referred to a committee who reported ftivor- 
ably, and February 14th, an act was passed granting 
said Noyes exclusive right to a ferry in any place 
within one mile above or below the mouth of the Sun- 
cook River. 

In 1792, James Robertson, Benjamin Noyes anil 
Eliphalet Rowell were chosen selectmen, and Jacob 
Green town clerk. Josiah Bartlett had twenty-seven 
votes for State President and John Pickering one. A 
committee was chosen to regulate the school districts, 
which numbered four, — No. 1, Heath District; No. 2, 
Centre; No. 3, East; No. 4, Wood Hill. 

A committee, con.sisting of Jacob Green and John 
Bryant, was appointed to carry on a pauper suit which 
Concord had brought against Bow for the mainten- 
ance of Sarah Stone, widow of Andrew Stone, who 
was in the French War in 1750 in John Gofl's com- 
pany, in 1757 in Jacob Bayley's company, and in Cap- 
tain Joshua Abbott's company in 1775. Stone resided 
in Concord, near the Ira Abbot place. While in the 
war his house was torn down because his daughter did 
not behave as well as some of the neighbors thought 
she should, and they took refuge in Bow and became 
a public charge. In 1780 the town of Concord " i'o/at 
to abate Andrew Stone his rates that are due, and ex- 
empt him from paying taxes for the future." She 
was the first pauper in town, and was set up tf> lie kept 
by the lowest bidder, who was Jonathan Clough, at 
four shillings per week The subject of building a 
meeting-house came up again this year. " Voted to 
reconsider all former proceedings concerning wild 
house, and that Lieutenant William Page, of Goffs- 
town, Colonel Henry Gerrish, of Boscowen, and Ben- 
jamin Wiggin, of Hopkinton, fix on a place to set said 
house, and chose Jacob Green, Ensign Benjamin 
Noyes and Mr. John Carter a committee to wait on 
them, and to draw papers obliging the inhabitants to 
put up a frame, and board and shingle and lay the 
under floor." The meeting was adjourned two weeks, 
when they " Voted that Captain Nathaniel Cavis and 
Lieutenant Willaby Colby be added to the aforesaid 
committee." They then adjourned to the 12th of No- 
vember, when it was voted to accej)! the report of 
committee — Page, Gerrish and Wiggin — that the 
house be built on the hill near where the old one stood. 
.Jacob Green was then chosen to set up the building 
of the house to the lowest bidder, who was Eliphalet 
Rowell, for £60 12*., lawful money. " Voted that 
Enoch Noyes, Willaby Colby and Timothy Dix be a 
committee to accept of the meeting-house." " Voted 



278 



HLSTOKY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



to raise 202 Dollare to defray the charges of building 
the house." "Chose Benj'". Noyes to defend the 
town on account of a complaint concerning Sowcook 
Bridge, near Foster's Mill, also to attend Court to shew 
cause why the town should not maintain the road 
laid by the committee on the westerly side of 
Merrimack River, near John Carter's mill." The vote 
for Presidential electors was thirty-two, unanimous 
lor the Federal candidates. Isaac Moor, Isaac Shepard 
and Ensign Benjamin Noyes were approbated for tav- 
ern-keepers, the first in town. 

In 1793, Benjamin Noyes, John Grushe and Eichard 
Clement were chosen selectmen. Hon. Josiah Bart- 
lett had fifty-eight votes for President of the State; 
no opposition. " Voted £45, L. Money, to repair high- 
ways, one-third of each surveyor's tax to be worked on 
the river road, the party to work all theirs as usual." 
The probability is that a freshet had damaged the road 
badly. Samuel Alexander kept Sarah Stone for 
15s. 2d. a week. Paid Benjamin Noyes for services 
to Portsmouth to prevent the road fi-oni being laid ; 
also the expense of building Soucook bridge, £7 8s. 
2d. Paid the committee to " Perfix a place to build 
the meeting-house " upon, £2 8s. The dissatisfaction 
of some at having the house on the hill instead of at 
the Centre is apparent in an article in the warrant to 
see if the town will vote to set off those that request 
it, for the convenience of the gospel, which was 
negatived. May 21st there was a meeting " to see if 
the town will vote to be divided by lines in order to be 
annexed to other towns, or to set ofTpartsof thetown 
by themselves, that they may consine themselves in 
other towns for the benefit of the Gospel," all of 
which was negatived by thirty voting against by way 
of poll. Richard Merrill was "approbated to sell or 
Retale Liker." No money raised for preaching since 
1781. 

At the annual meeting in 1794, Benjamin Noyes, 
Nathaniel Cavis and John Carter were chosen select- 
men. At " a meeting warned by the selectmen of 
Bow and Allenstown, holden at the house of Benj" 
Noyes, for the purpose of choosing a man to represent 
said towns in the General Court the present year, 
Benjamin Noyes was chosen the selectman of said 
towns to petition said Court that said Noyes be al- 
lowed a seat." November 3d a meeting was held " to 
see what method the town will take to raise eleven 
men to hold themselves in readiness to march at a 
minuite's warning." " Voted to make, with what the 
state and continental gives, seven dollars a month, 
with one dollar as a bounty, and if called for, two 
dollars more." It is supposed they were never called 
for. The probable cause for the order for these men 
was the resistance to the collection of taxes on dis- 
tilled spirits in Western Pennsylvania, called the 
Whiskey Rebellion. For representative to Congress 
Abial Foster had twenty-three votes ; Paine Wingate, 



Mav 



29lh the selectmen issiu 



ept to 



John Carter, constable, " requiring him forthwith to 
notify and warn the following persons to depart out 
of Bow to the last places of their abode within four- 
teen days after said warning, viz.: Kimball Colby 
and Sarah, his wife, and three children ; Widow 
Hannah Foster; Hannah, wife of Jacob Chisemore, 
and her daughter ; Jacob Perkins Buruham and 
Sarah, his wife ; also one James Clements ; all of 
wliom came into Bow to reside from Dunbartou less 
than one year ago ; also Jacob Wheeler, and Betsy, 
his wife, and Sirus Bradford, the said Wheeler's ser- 
vant from Deering; also Thomas Chandler and Sarah, 
his wife, and Sarah Goodnough, their grandchild, 
from Concord, less than one year ago, and have no 
visible means of support." This was done in the 
name of the State of New Hampshire, and the con- 
stable was to make return to the next Quarter Ses- 
sions for Rockingham County. By warning new- 
comers out of town he deprived them of gaining a 
residence, and the town was not liable for their sup- 
port if they became a public charge. 

In 1795 the selectmen were Thomas Robertson, 
Benjamin Noyes and Caleb Heath. " Voted that the 
lowest bidder be collector of taxes and constable." 
Willaby Colby bid three pounds and was chosen for 
the year. John Taylor Oilman had thirty-nine votes 
for Governor ; no opposition. In 1796, Jacob Green, 
Willaby Colby and Samuel Clement, Jr., were chosen 
selectmen ; John Carter, Jacob Green and James 
White, fish wardens. John T. Oilman had forty- 
nine votes for Governor. Jonathan Freeman had 
twenty-one votes for member of Congress ; Peleg 
Sprague, none. Benjamin Noyes was chosen to rep- 
resent Bow and Allenstown in General Court. In 
1797, Enoch Noyes, Jacob Green and Willaby Colby 
were chosen selectmen. Governor Oilman had forty- 
four votes this year; no party lines yet. " Voted the 
selectmen lay out the school districts and report at 
an adjourned meeting; also provide Guide Posts in 
town." "Paid Willaby Colby 14 shillings for a 
coffin and expense of burying Mrs. Stone, and Is. M. 
for Jury Box." 

American vessels had been captured by the French ; 
men were called for by Congress. A town-meeting 
was called January 1, 1798, "To see what method the 
town will take to get 16 men ordered by Congress." 
" Voted to give them a hansom treat for listing and 
ten dollars a month, with what Congress gives them, 
if orders come for marching, and one month's ad- 
vanced pay." It is not known that any went from 
Bow. At the annual meeting Enoch Noyes, Jacob 
Green and John Grushee were chosen selectmen. 
Forty-five votes were cast for Governor Oilman, and 
sixty pounds were ordered to be raised for the sup- 
port of the gospel, the first raised since 1781, proba- 
bly owing to the different views respecting the 
meeting-house and religious faith. " Voted that each 
district shall build a school-house, and that the 
selectmen build a pound near the Brook by the Cross 



house; Esqr. Bryant agrtes to give the hiud." At 
an adjourned meeting, 2>ai"ty feeling having been 
aroused, " Voted to reconsider the vote for Governor," 
and Timothy Walker had thirty-nine votes; Oliver 
Peabody, five. Then it was voted that the selectmen 
" purchase rum to give each man a good drink of 
grog, and each one to do as much as he sees fit to 
build the pound." Deacon James Robertson was 
chosen representative for Bow and Ailenstown. 

JIarch 2, 1799, " Then Lieut. Enoch Noyes re- 
ceived of John Grushee, Treasurer, five dollars, four 
of which was used to buy four gallons of rum to 
Iniild the pound, as by vote of the town. Chose 
Enoch Noyes, Caleb Heath and James Robertson 
selectmen. Jacob Green is yet town Clerk." John 
Taylor Gilman had forty-six votes for Governor ; 
Timothy Walker, one ; Oliver Peabody, one. Wil- 
liam A. Kent had fifty-five votes for recorder of 

deeds; ■ Brooks, two. "Voted that the selectmen 

purchase a burying-cloth and locate school-houses." 
There were seven school districts in town, viz. : Heath, 
Centre, two on the River road, Woodhill, South and 
Bogg. Number of inhabitants, seven hundred and 
nineteen. In 1800, Enoch Noyes, Jacob Green and 
James Robertson were chosen selectmen ; William 
Walker, pound-keeper; and nine-pence bounty was 
voted on crows killed in town. 

There were five licensed public-houses in town. 
In 1801 the selectmen were Enoch Noyes, Samuel 
Clement and James Robertson. Timothy Walker had 
twenty-nine votes ; John T. Gilman, twenty-eight; 
and John Langdon, eight. The meeting-house hav- 
ing been boarded and shingled and under floor laid, 
the town-meetings were now held there. In 1802 a 
meeting was held at the house Benjamin Noyes to 
choose a representative for Bow and Ailenstown ; 
no record of proceedings. At the annual meeting, 
March 2d, John Carter, Samuel Clement and Jona- 
than Clement were chosen selectmen. For Governor, 
John T. Gilman had twenty-eight votes, and John 
Langdon forty-five. " Voted to raise a sum suflicient 
to build school-houses in town, but not to build them 
this year, the selectmen to locate them and purchase 
the lands." In 1803 the selectmen were the same as 
the year before. For Governor, Gilman had thirty- 
five votes ; Langdon, twenty-nine ; whole number of 
votes, sixty-four. Jonathan Clement, Deacon Simeon 
Heath and Deacon James Robertson were chosen to 
lay out the thirty pounds for the support of the gos- 
pel. "Voted one shilling a head for crows, and three 
dollars for grey wild-cats killed in town or followed 
fi-om this town to any other town." Benjamin 
Noyes was chosen representative for Bow and 
Ailenstown. In 1804, Cxovernor John Langdon had 
fifty-three votes for Governor, and His Excellency 
John T. Gilman, twenty-seven. Joseph Baker, Samuel 
Clement and Jacob Green were chosen selectmen. 
The burying-cloth was ordered to be left at Jacob 
Oreen's. The heaviest tax-paver at this time was I 



Esquire John Bryant, the owner of mills and nearly 
one thousand acres of land ; next came Benjamin 
Noyes, Esq., the owner of one thousand acres. 
George Evans, of Ailenstown, was representative 
for that town and Bow. The electoral vote was 
forty-three and twenty-six. " Voted to Petition the 
General Court to make a county charge of Soucook 
bridge, and chose Joseph Baker to take charge of 
the matter." Eli Eastman was paid three dollars 
bounty for killing a wild-cat. 

June 20th, John Prentice, John Philips, Thomas 
W. Thompson, John Montgomery, William A. Kent, 
James Pinkerton, John Dinsmore, Isaac Thom and 
George Reid and their associates were authorized to 
build a turnpike road from Butler's Corner, in Con- 
cord, to the State line, near Andover bridge, four 
rods wide, on the most practicable route. 

The road was two years in building, taking a straight 
course through Bow from Main Street, Concord, to 
Hooksett bridge. The principal roads in town at this 
time was the River road and the road from South 
Street, Concord, to Bow Illills, over Meeting-House 
Hill and Wood Hill to Dunbarton line, at the Elliot 
place. Branch roads had been built from the meeting- 
house to Solomon Heath's, from Tom Merrill's bridge to 
the River road, from near the centre to Benjamin Noyes' 
ferry, from Wood Hill easterly to Dunbarton line. Au- 
gust 10th, John Bryant sold to Jacob Carter, of Con- 
cord, the land from Badger's Brook to Isaac White's and 
between the road past Isaac Moore's and the river, 
about thirty acres, with a small island in Garvin's 
Falls, ea.st of said land. John Carter had a grist-mill 
at the falls the year before. December 13th the north- 
erly Bow gore and the southerly to the Soucook were 
annexed to Concord, and that part southea.st of the Sou- 
cook was annexed to Pembroke. These gores were 
caused by the easterly line of Bow crossing the east- 
erly line of the Pennacook grant at an angle of about 
thirty degrees. A charter was granted for a bridge 
across the Merrimack, below Garvin's Falls, to John 
Carter, Philip Carrigan, Jr., and Nathaniel Cavis and 
their associates and successors. The bridge was built, 
but was of short duration. 

In 1805, Samuel Clement, John Carter and Jona- 
than Brown were chosen selectmen, and Nathaniel 
Cavis representative for Bow and Ailenstown. Philip 
Richardson's widow, Manuel, became a town charge. 
Isaac Moore, Masters Wood and Hardy are men- 
tioned as teachers this year. Votes for Governor: 
John T. Gilman had thirty-two and Governor John 
Langdon sixty-four. 

" Voted, To hire Rev. Thomas Waterman to preach 
in the meetinghouse one year from the first of May 
next. Chose Joseph Jones to search the proprietors' 
book to know if there is any ministerial land belong- 
ing to Bow." 

In 1806, Samuel Gault, Joseph Jones and John 
Colby, Jr., were chosen selectmen. Governor John 
Langdon had sixty-five votes, and John Taylor Gil- 



HISTORY OF MERIUMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



man eiglit for Governor. " Paid Thomas Waterman 
three hundred and sixty-four dollars for preaching 
last year." 

In 1807, Samuel Clement, George Colson and John 
Colby, Jr., were chosen selectmen ; John Carter, Esq., 
representative of Bow and Alleustovvn. John Lang- 
don had seventy-two votes for Governor, and John T. 
Gilman one. 

In 1808, John Langdon had fifty-three votes for 
Governor, and no opposition. Samuel Clement, Sam- 
uel Gault and John Colby, Jr., were chosen select- 
men, and John Evans, of Allenstovvu, representative. 

At the June session Israel Aldrich, George Colson^ 
John Carter, Jonathan Eastman, Richard Ay er, James 
White, Benjamin Noyes, John Eastman and their 
associates and successors were authorized to build a 
canal at Garvin's Falls, and to hold land adjoining 
Garvin's and Turkey Falls, as to them may appear 
necessary, not to exceed twenty acres ; also to con- 
struct such locks and dams as may be required to ad- 
mit the passage of boats, rafts, masts and lumber, the 
fish not to be obstructed, or lumber not intended by 
the owner, the canal to be completed within five years. 

In 1809, Samuel Clement, John Johnson and Andrew 
Gault were chosen selectmen, and Samuel Clement 
representative. John Langdon had sixty-five votes 
and Jeremiah Smith thirty-nine for Governor. Lieu- 
tenant Thomas Colby, Joseph Jones and Nathaniel 
Cavis were chosen fish wardens. 

In 1810, Samuel Clement, John Johnson and John 
Colby, Jr., were chosen selectmen. The census shows 
seven hundred and twenty inhabitants. Eight persons 
were licensed to sell spirituous liquors and keep pub- 
lic-house. John Carter paid nine dollars for getting 
the proprietors' book. Hall Burgiu, of Allentown, 
was chosen representative. 

On July 4th citizens of Bow, Concord, Pem- 
broke and Dunbarton assembled at the house of Ben- 
jamin Noyes, Esq. General Nathaniel Head was 
chosen president of the day and John Carter vice- 
president. The Declaration of Independence was 
read, an appropriate address was delivered by Obadiah 
Carrigan, a procession escorted hy the juvenile artil- 
lery of Pembroke (Captain Martin), under the direc- 
tion of Captain Whittemore and Lieutenant Gault as 
marshals. They marched to the bank of the Merri- 
mack, where they found a table furnished by Esquire 
Noyes with all the luxuries of the country. After 
dinner they drank to the following sentiment, by Dea- 
con Samuel Gault, a volunteer: " The American Eagle, 
may she soar over her foreign and domestic enemies." 

In 1811, for Governor, John Langdon had ninety- 
one, and Jeremiah Smith twenty -nine. John Brown^ 
Daniel Parker and Joseph Jones were chosen select- 
men, and Nathaniel Cavis, Esq., representative. 
" Voted, to pay the fourteen men ordered in 1807 
ten dollars a month, when they are called for." 

In 1812, William Plumer had eighty-six votes 
for Governor, John T. Gilman thirty-three, and 



John Brown one. John Brown, John Johnson 
and Daniel Parker were chosen selectmen. War 
was declared between Great Britain and the United 
States this year. Nathaniel Cavis was chosen repre- 
sentative. The branch turnpike from Hopkinton to 
Hooksett Falls, through Bow, was chartered June 
17th. 

In 1813, John Colby, Jr., Daniel Parker and John 
Johnson were chosen- selectmen. William Plumer 
had one hundred and seven votes for Governor and 
John T. Gilman forty-three, — one hundred and fifty 
votes in all. Samuel Clement was chosen represen- 
tative from Bow, which was no longer classed with 
Allenstown for that purpose. 

In 1814 John Colby Jr., Jonathan Cavis and Philip 
Colby were chosen selectmen, and Nathaniel Cavis re- 
presentative. For Governor, William Plumer had one 
hundred and seventeen, John T. Gilman forty-two. 

In 1815, Samuel Clement, Daniel Parker and John 
Johnson were chosen selectmen, and Nathaniel Cavis 
representative. " Voted to sell twenty-acre lot called 
the Lane land." It sold for one hundred and eighty 
dollars. A road was laid ft-om Bow centre to Captain 
William Walker's this year. That part of Bow south 
of the Suncook River was annexed to Allenstown. 

In 1816 the same board of selectmen served. Sam- 
uel Clement was chosen representative. For Governor, 
William Plumer had one hundred and fifteen, and 
James Sheaff' thirty-seven votes. This was the coldest 
summer ever known, — snow squalls the 6th and 8tli of 
June and heavy- frost on the night of the 11th ; the 
corn crop was nearly spoiled. 

In 1817, Samuel Clement, David White and Nathan- 
iel Cavis, Jr., were chosen selectmen ; Samuel Cle- 
ment, Esq., representative; Jeremiah Heath, collec- 
tor. 

In 1818 " Voted that Elder Henry Veazey he in- 
vited to open the town-meeting by prayer," the first 
instance of the kind on record. The selectmen were 
the same as last year. 

In 1819 the selectmen were Samuel Clement, Philip 
Colby and David White. " Voted unanimous for the 
new county of Merrimack." For Governor, Samuel 
Bell had thirty-six votes, William Hale seventeen, 
William Plumer forty-three, and 'Daniel L. Morrill 
twenty-six. 

In 1820, Philip Colby, John Johnson and Jonathan 
Cavis were chosen selectmen. Samuel Clement had 
been representative since 1816. The seventy-five votes 
cast for Presidential electors were all for the Republi- 
can candidates. 

In 1821, " Voted to build a pound, the selectmen to 
locate and let it out by vendue to the lowest bidder." 
William Pickering had the whole vote, one hundred 
and forty-five, for treasurer. 

In 1822, Gates & Rowell were paid forty-nine dol- 
lars for building the pound, and William Walker was 
chosen pound-keeper. 

In 1823, Rev. Henry Veasey was chosen insjiector of 



B(»\V 



281 



schools and to take care of the key to the meeting- 
liouse, for which he was paid nine dollars. " Voted 
that any one have liherty to put a stove in the meet- 
ing-house at their own expense." 

In 1824, Jeremiah Russell, Philip Colby and David 
White were chosen selectmen, and Stephen Webster 
collector. A road was laid out from Page corner to 
Farrintou's. John Brown was representative in 1822, 
'23 and '24. 

In 1820 there were no party lines. David L. Mor- 
rill had one hundred and forty-six votes for Governor, 
and Ruth Heath one. Jacob B. Moore had one hundred 
and forty -seven votes for register, — the whole vote. 
Samuel Clement was representative. The road south- 
west from the Bog, and from John Colby's to Hook- 
.«ett line, was laid out. David White, James Morgan 
and Edward C. Clement were chosen selectmen, and 
Jeremiah Russell collector. 

In 1826 David White reported the road laid out 
from the Cheever road to Wiliiani Walker's. 

In 1827, Samuel Clement, John Parker and Nathan- 
iel Goodhue, Jr., were chosen selectmen; Jonathan 
Cavis, collector; Isaac Clough, a merchant at the Cen- 
tre, town clerk. The removal of the meeting-house to 
the turnpike, near Clough's store, began to be agitated. 

In 1828 South School District was organized. John 
Parker, Nathaniel Carter and David White were 
chosen selectmen ; Jonathan Cavis, representative ; 
Philip Colby, collector. The electoral vote was as 
follows: one hundred and fifty-three Democratic, 
thirty-five Whig. 

In 1829, " Voted to divide the literary fund among 
the school districts, unless it can be used lor the es- 
tablishing of a public college." 

In 1830 the census returned one thousand and sixty- 
five inhabitants, the maximum number for the town. 
Philip Colby was chosen representative, and Mendel 
Samson collector. The first check-list used this year. 
Nathaniel Goodhue, Jr., Isaac Clough and Moses Mc- 
Cutchins were the superintending school committee, 
the first appointed. The ^Vood Hill District, No. 10, 
was formed. 

In 1831 the vote for Congressmen was as follows : 
one hundred and forty-seven Democratic, twenty- 
three Whig. David White was chosen representative. 

In 1832, John Farnum was choseu representative. 
Caj>tain John Brown, James Green and William 
Boynton were appointed a committee to lay out eighty 
dollars, with what had been raised, to repair the out- 
side of the meeting-house for a town-house. 

In 1833 the Baptist meeting-house was built at the 
Centre, at an expense of about sixteen hundred dollars, 
by Deacon Walter Bryant, Nathaniel Cavis, Obed 
Gault, Aaron Nichols, Robert W. Robertson and others. 
The Congressional vote was as follows : one hundred 
and forty-eight Democratic, twelve Whig. A weekly 
mail-route was established from Concord to Goffstown, 
through Bow, and Isaac Clough, a merchant of Bow 
Centre, was appointed postmaster and held the office 



until 1840, when Robert W. Robertson, another mer- 
chant near, held the office till 1842; Willaby C. Had- 
ley was postmaster from 1842 to 1850; John T. Mor- 
gan from 1850 to 1868; James Green 1869; George 
H. Elliot from 1870 to 1873, when Jonathan C. Ham- 
mond was appointed, and now holds the ofliee. .lona- 
than Brown, Jr., and James McCauley alternated in 
carrying the mail for what they could make as com- 
mon carriers. Our citizens had received their mail 
through the Concord office to this time. 

In 1834 the subject of buying a poor-farm was agi- 
tated, and Nathaniel Carter, Esq., John B. White 
and John Brown were appointed a committee to in- 
quire into the matter of the expediency of the pur- 
chase. William R. Parker was chosen representa- 
tive. 

In 1835 the Congressional vote stood : one hun- 
dred and fifty-two Democratic, twenty-four Whig. 
Isaac Clough has been town clerk from 1826. " Voted 
a road be laid out around Wood Hill." 

In 1836, Jonathan Cavis was chosen representa- 
tive. " Voted to lay out a road around Wood Hill 
whenever Dunbarton and GofFtown open a road to 
meet it," which was never done. " Voted to appropri- 
ate the non-resident highway tax for post guides, and 
to purchase the Branch turnpike through Bow of the 
proprietors and lay out a highway on the same." 

In 1837 it was voted not to buy a poor-farm. John 
Parker was chosen representative. 

lu 1838, David Putney was chosen representative. 
The vote for making town clerks register of deeds 
stood : fourteen for to eighty-three against it. " Voted 
to hire fifteen hundred dollars to defray the expense 
of the suit. Sandwich against Bow, in regard to the 
Matthew Gault family." In this year the Bog Dis- 
trict was divided. 

In 1839, " Voted to divide District No. 4, the river 
road to be one and the turnpike the other." Oliver 
Messer was chosen representative. 

In 1840 the electoral vote stood ." one hundred and 
eighty Democratic, twenty-four Whig. " Voted to au- 
thorize the selectmen to hire a sum, not exceeding 
ten thousand dollars, to carry on the law-suit between 
Bow and Sandwich," which was changed to one thou- 
sand dollars at a subsequent meeting. 

In 1841,AVilliam Messer was chosen representative. 
A road was laid out to the Quimby place, in the south 
part of the town. 

In 1842, Amos Morgan was chosen representative. 
The first vote for road commissioner stood one hun- 
dred and sixty-three to seven. 

In 1844, James Morgan was chosen representative. 
"Voted not to have capital punishment abolished." 
Tlie electoral vote stood one hundred and sixty to 
seven. Schuyler Walker had been town clerk since 
1838. 

In 1845 the boundaries of school di.striets were de- 
fined. 

In 1846, Samuel R.Green w:is chosen representa- 



HISTORY OF MEKRIMACK COUiNTY, x\EW HAMPSHIRE. 



tive. A road was laid out irom Brown's Mills to 
Turkey Falls. 

In 1847 all but two voted in favor of buying a 
county farm. " Voted to raise six hundred dollars to 
build a town-house, forty-four by thirty-four, the se- 
lectmen, with William Messer and George Wheeler, to 
be the building committee. Colonel James Green 
offers to give the land for the house to stand on, as 
long as wanted for that purpose, if the town will 
fence it. Voted to pay him thirty dollars, he to re- 
linquish all claim and extend the lot one rod on the 
southeast side, which he agreed to on condition that 
all sects and parties be allowed the use of the house 
when not interfering with previously posted notices 
on the door of the house." 

" Voted that the selectmen take a deed of the lot on 
the conditions specified." The electoral vote stood : 
one hundred and fifty-five Democratic, thirty-one 
Whig, nine Liberty, the first anti-slavery vote. 
Daniel K. Gault was chosen representative. 

In 1649, "Voted to raise seventy-five dollars more 
than the law requires for schooling." Enoch Alexan- 
der was chosen representative. 

By the census returns in 1850 there were one thou- 
sand and fifty-five inhabitants in town, ten less than 
in 1830. Some of the soldiers did not appear at the 
May training in consequence of the small-pox being 
in town, thus forfeiting the dollar due them ; but the 
town voted to pay them their dollar. "Voted one 
hundred and thirty-nine to thirty-six not to alter the 
Constitution ; " but the State voted otherwise, and 
Schuyler Walker was chosen delegate to the Consti- 
tutional Convention. 

In 1851, Amos Hadley, Jr., was chosen representa- 
tive. An emphatic nay was voted on all the amend- 
ments proposed by the convention. " Voted, that the 
selectmen purchase a hearse and harness, and erect a 
building for the same on the town-house lot." Eighty- 
three voted in favor and twenty-five against the home- 
stead exemption. 

In 1852 the electoral vote stood : one hundred and 
forty Democratic, twelve Whig, twenty-seven Free- 
Soil. There were fifteen school districts, with boun- 
daries defined. 

In 1853, Archibald Stark was chosen representative. 
In 1856, " Voted, that the selectmen purchase a poor- 
farm, to pay one thousand dollars down and pledge 
the credit of the town for the balance." Their be- 
ing so much opposition, a meeting was called, and it 
was voted to reconsider the former vote, ninety-one to 
thirty-two, and not to purchase a farm. 

In 1859, " Voted to buy a poor-farm," which was 
done, and in 1866, " Voted to sell the same." The 
representatives from 1864 to the present time, 1885, is 
given, viz. — 

1855, Benjamin A. Noyes; 1857, .\nclr6w Gault; 1869, Samuel E' 
Green ; 1860, Frederick Clough ; 1862, James ThomiMon ; 1804, John W' 
Goodhue ; 1866, William P. Short ; 1868, Benjamin Noyes ; 1870, Samuel 
C. Clement ; 1871, James Thompson ; 1873, Kidiard W. Goodhue ; 1874, 



Guilford Upton ; 1875, Ira Woodbury ; 1876, Iliram Colby; 1877, John 
Brown (2d) ; 1878, Sivmuel Gile ; 1879, Horace H. Parker ; 1880, Cains U. 
Brown ; 1881,1 Henry C. Clough ; 1883, Leonard Kendall ; 1885, Andrew 
Xoycs. 

In 1860 the census returns give 909; 1870, 745 in- 
habitants. In 1882 the town voted to exempt from 
taxation for ten years capital exceeding ten thousand 
dollars invested in manufacturing purposes. Brown, 
Moore & Co., built a pulp-mill the uext year at 
Garvin's Falls, which is doing an extensive business. 

The town of Bow, reduced to its present dimensions 
contains about sixteen thousand acres, bounded on 
the north by Concord, east by Merrimack Kiver, which 
separates it from Pembroke, south by Hooksett and 
west by Dunbarton. Its extent on the river is about 
five miles. The Concord Railroad runs through the 
town a few rods from the river; the Robin.son's station 
is the only stopping-place in town. Several fine farms 
are situated on the river. West of the river about a 
mile is the Parker range of hills, extending from Turee 
Pond to Hooksett Falls, aftbrding several excellent 
farms in a healthy location, overlooking Pembroke 
Street ; then comes a depression, called the Bog, — land 
fertile, but stony ; very well adapted to the growth of 
fruit. 

A range of hills extends the whole length of the 
westerly [lart of the town, the liiirliest elevations being 
about five liuiulrtd tV-et :il)ove tlie sea-level. 

Military History from 1767 to 1785— Bow pkior 

TO AND DURING THE KeVOLUTIONAEY Wak.— The 

military history of Bow prior to 1767 is comprised in 
the military history of the parishes of Pennacook 
and Suncook before town privileges were granted 
them. But few families occupied the soil now con- 
stituting the town of Bow. No military organization 
had been effected. Several who had served in the 
French War afterwards became residents, viz. ; 
Ephraim Foster, in Joseph Blanchard's compajiy, in 
1755 ; Andrew Stone, in the Crown Point expedition , 
in 1756 ; Samuel Winslow, in Captain Fogg's com- 
pany ; Henry Hemphill, in Crown Point expedition, 
1758; Samuel Clement, 1760, in Captain Harron's 
company ; and Amasa Dow, in Captain Ladd's com- 
pany, at No. 4. In 1773 Concord, Bow, Pembroke, 
Loudon, Canterbury and Northfield comprised the 
Eleventh Regiment, commanded by Colonel Thomas 
Stickney, with Benjamin Thompson (afterwards Count 
Rumford, as major. January 12, 1775, the town voted to 
buy astock of ammunition. After the battle of Lexing- 
ton, April 19th, pursuant to call, " Voted to send 
Benjamin Noyes as delegate to a convention, to lie 
holden at Exeter, 17th of May." Said convention 
voted to raise two thousand men besides those already 
in the field, and appointed a committee of supplies 
for the army. John Stark was commissioned colonel 
of the First New Hampshire Regiment, of ten com- 
panies. March 2, 1774, Aaron Kinsman was com- 
missioned captain, Ephraim Moor lieutenant, and 



BOW. 



R;i,l|ili Triiss rn-.ii;ii. When the First Regiment was 
ioriinil. ( 'M|.i:iiii Kinsman was selected as captain of 
tlif Seventh ( 'nni|Kiiiy. When the town militia, June 
•2:'j, 1775, cliose Ephraim Foster captain, with lieu- 
tenant and ensign the same, several of the citizens of 
How enlisted in Kinsman's company. Among them 
were David Clement, Ebenezer Bean, Benjamin 
Cotton, Jonathan Currier, Samuel Rogers and John 
Manuel, for three months, ending August 1st. Manuel 
was killed at the Bunker Hill, June 17th. Barnet 
Harvey and John Robertson were in Joshua Abbot's 
company ; Benjamin Bean, Jr., Ephraim Garvin and 
William Robertson, in Captain Parker's company; 
Colonel Bedell's regiment of rangers, in the north- 
ern Continental army ; Thomas Colby, in Captain 
Noyes' compamy ; James Moor (a fifer) and Moses 
Noyes, in Daniel Moor's company ; Reuben Currier 
and John Moor, in Captain James Osgood's company, 
of Conway, July 28, 1775. Samuel Winslow was in 
Captain Dearborn's company ; William Robertson, 
in Colonel Reed's regiment. In Colonel Baldwin's 
regiment the following Bow men were enlisted and 
were at the battle at White Plains in October, 1776 : 
Ephraim Moore, Ralph Cross, Ralph Cross, Jr., Aaron 
Kinsman. The officers of the town militia at this 
time were Captain, Benjamin Bean; First Lieutenant, 
John Grushe ; Second Lieutenant, Timothy Dix ; En- 
sign, William Rogers. Solomon Farley was returned 
as among the sick in Colonel Poor's regiment. Moses 
Cross was in Captain Shepherd's company April 3, 
1777. Captain Bean, James Moor, Esquire Bryant, 
John Noyes and Joseph Baker were appointed a 
Committee of Safety, and voted " to raise two hundred 
and seventy pounds to hire our proportion of three 
years' men for the Continental service, and give each 
man fifty dollars upon his enlisting." John Riddle, 
Stephen McCoy, Jonathan McCoy, Daniel McCoy, 
James Bowes, James Reddell, John Sulloway and 
Aaron Noyes accepted the offer. Early in July a 
party of eight men, consisting of David Carr, Willaby 
Colby, Richard Clough, David Clough, Benjamin 
Bean, Peter Manuel, John Dow and Samuel Manuel, 
all of Bow, marched for the relief of Ticonderoga. 
On their arrival at Charlestown they met the news of 
its evacuation and orders to return, being in service 
seven days, under Captain Bean, who soon died. 

Eli Colby was in Colonel Wyman's regiment, to re- 
inforce the army in Canada, in August, 1776. In 1777 
there were sixty-four men in town from sixteen to fifty 
years of age. Benjamin Noyes, Captain Ephraim 
Foster, Amasa Dow, Solomon Heath and David 
Elliot were appointed to set prices on sundry articles. 
Eliphas Reed was in Captain Wiggan's company. 

In 1778 the town " Voted 500 dollars to hire Con- 
tinental soldiers, and Chose Edward Carlton, Esqr. 
Bryant and Timothy Dix to provide for the families 
of those who hath or shall enlist." 

In 1779 seventy pounds were jmid to volunteers who 
went to Rhode Island. " Voted to raise •'iOO dollars as 



a bounty to the two men that will go into the army 
for this town during the war, and to give Moses 
Noyes 40s. Pr. month in produce, at the stated price, 
and the town receive his wages." John Noyes was 
commissioned as captain of Eighth Comi)any, Thir- 
teenth Regiment, March 17th, in consequence of the 
death of Captain Bean. Mr. Enoch Noyes hired 
Benjamin Cotton for three years' service, and Captain 
John Noyes hired Jonathan Sargent and Robert 
Martin to go to Portsmouth for two hundred and 
twenty dollars, in Colonel Stickney's regiment. Cap- 
tain Frye's company, June 2, 1779. 

Eliphas Reed and Stephen McCoy enlisted, during 
the war, in Captain Frye's company. In 1780, " Voted 
to pay Enoch Noyes 140 dollars for the depreciation 
of his money paid to Benj". Cotton, and to pay the 
soldiers hired this summer in Corn." John Robert- 
son served two months at Winter Hill, for which he 
was paid £1 Ss. 6d. 

In 1781, " Voted to give Benjn. Cotton SJ.J, Old 
way, annually, as long as he serves for the Town ; 
that the selectmen assess the town sufficient to buy 
our proportion of beef, and to hire a man to serve in 
the Continental army, and give him 20 neat cattle, 
3 years old, for 3 years' service, 2 years old for 2 
years' service, and 20 yearlings for one year's service ; 
also, that Lieut. Moor have the benefit of the services 
of his son James in the war, and that James Moor 
have the benefit of his son Ephraim's services in the 
war." The six months' men were paid seven hundred 
and twenty pounds. 

The three soldiers that served three months were 
paid one thousand and eighty pounds. " Voted that 
Capt. Noyes hire two soldiers cheap as he can, and 
that Ensign Noyes go to the committee on claims to 
prove our right to Benjamin Cotton and others who 
were non-residents, serving for the town of Bow." 
" Voted, that Enoch Noyes collect the corn due to his 
brother, Nathan Noyes." July 27th, " Voted the 
selectmen hire a soldier to serve 6 months in the Con- 
tinental army." The tax for corn and money for the 
soldiers was £2085 14s. 4d. ; three thousand five hun- 
dred and fifty weight of beef had been furnished at an 
expense of £4474 10s. Benjamin Jenness was a six 
months' man. 

James Moor and Moses Moor enlisted for three 
years, July 15, 1782; the town to pay tliem fifty 
shillings per month, in stock, at silver money price. 

In 1783, Benjamin Cotton was paid seventeen pounds 
and a half for three years and a half service, at five 
pounds per year, in the Continental army. 

In 1785, Peter Manuel was paid for services in the 
war, £1 7s. 2rf. 

NAME.? OF TUE REVOLrTIONARY SOI-DIEBS THAT HAVE 
SERVED FOB BOW. 

Aaron KinBiimn, David Clement, Ebeuezer Bean, Benjainin Cotton, 
.lonathan Currier, Samuel Eoget^, John Manuel, Barnet Harvey, John 
Robertson, Beu,iamin Bean, Ephraim Garvin, William Robertson, .Tames 
Muor, Moses Noyes, Reuben Currier, John Jloor, Samuel Winslow, 
Eliphas Reed, Stephen McCoy, Ephraim Moor, Ralph Crow, Ralph Cross, 



IISTOKY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Jr., .Soloiiiuii Farley, Moses Cross, Joliu Kiddle, Jonathan McCoy, Daniel 
McCoy, James Bower, James Beddell, John SuUoway, Aaron Noyes, 
David Carr, Wlllaby Colby, Hichard Clough, David Clongh, Benjamin 
Bean, Jr., Peter JIanuel, John Dow, Samuel Manuel], Eli Colby, 
Jonathan Sarp;out, Robert Martin, Moses Moor, Nathan Noyes, Uel^amin 
Jenness, Thomas Colby, Ephraim Kinsman and Jacob Rogers. 

Captain Aaron Kinsman settled in Bow prior to 
17G7. He was one of the selectmen in 1768 ; a grand 
juror in 1773 ; received a captain's commission March 
2, 1774; signed the test oath in Bow in 1776; from 
tliat time he was in the war to its close. July 31, 
1786, he sold his real estate in Bow, consisting of 
one hundred and twenty acres of land, bounded as 
follows : " Beginning on Concord line, 20 rods from 
Turkey river, runs easterly on said line 100 rods to 
the road; thence on the road southerly to opposite 
Reuben Currier's house; thence on Currier's line to 
the 8d Division lots ; thence westerly 140 rods ; thence 
to the first-mentioned bounds, with dwelling-house 
and barn, all the mills and privileges, except one- 
fourth part of an old saw-mill and one-fourth part of 
the privilege where the mill now stands." The pur- 
chaser was John Bryant, and the purchase included 
the lands where the village of Bow Mills now is. 

Captain Benjamin Bean, of Epping, bought of 
Kahum Larey, of Stratham, lot No. 5 and half of lot 
No. 4, in the thirteenth range, September 6, 1770, it 
being the farm at the foot of Wood Hill now owned 
by Cyrus Hadley (1885). He served in the French 
War and rendezvoused at Dover, and contracted an 
acquaintance with Mary Baker, of Brookfield, whom 
he married in 1753 ; she was born in 1725 or 1726. 
He was at the capture of Louisbourg and distinguished 
himself there. He was captain of the militia in 1776, 
and very active in obtaining recruits and furnishing 
supplies for the army. He, with his two sons, — 
Ebenezer, born in 1755, and Benjamin, born in 1757, — 
was at the capture of Burgoyne. Captain Bean died 
in 1777, aged about fifty years. Soon after the close 
of the war his son, Ebenezer, with his mother, went 
to Conway, N. H., where he died March 3, 1846. His 
mother died in 1826, lacking ten days of being one 
hundred years of age. Benjamin, the second son, 
married Susan Carr, of Bow, after the Revolution ; 
went to Piermont, where he died in 1835. Captain 
Bean was son of Benjamin Bean and Mebitable 
Mahew. 

Military History from 1785 to 1864.— By an act 
of the Legislature, in 1792, each regiment included 
two battalions. Bow, Concord and Pembroke formed 
the First Battalion in the Eleventh Regiment. 
Jacob Green was captain of the militia at this time ; 
also Captain Richard Dow is mentioned and Nathaniel 
Cavis. 

In 1794 eleven men were called fur, and in 179S 
sixteen ; but we have no means of knowing whether 
they were needed for active service. 

In 1807 fourteen men being called for, to be ready 
at a minute's warning, " Voled, to give each one dollar 
on enlisting and to make up ten dollars a month when 



called into actual service, each soldier to equip him- 
self." Fourteen dollars was paid, but to whom does 
not appear. 

In 1812, soon after the declaration of war, men were 
called for to defend Portsmouth harbor. August 17th, 
Governor Plumcr ordered a company of artillery from 
the Third Brigade, which was to be under the com- 
mand of Captain John Leonard, of Londonderry. 
The draft was for six months, unless sooner discharged, 
which was done November 30th. Bow was repre- 
sented by Corporal Elisha Clough, Samuel Robert- 
son, William Clough, John Carter, Jr. John Rowell 
and John Silver, Jr., had joined the Fourth United 
States Infantry, and were in General Harrison's army, 
in the West, at Vincennes, Prophetstown and Tii>- 
pecanoe, and were j^resent at Hull's surrender. The 
regiment was under command of Colonel Miller. 

June 27th the town voted to make up to the soldiers 
who were drafted the last time ten dollars a month. 

John Thompson and Moses T. Willard were in 
Captain John McNeal's company. Eleventh United 
States Infantry, from July 1 to August 17, 1813. James 
Goodhue was also in the service. Moses T. Willard 
was in the service, in Samuel Gordon's company, five 
years, from June 11, 1812. 

In Jonathan Buttcrfield's company, from April 1st 
to May 31st, was Ensign Wells Carter, Sergeant John 
Carter, Corporal John Elliot and George Colson. 
Joseph Flanders became captain January 1, 1814, 
when Isaac Silver, Richard Silver, Parker Brown and 
Benjamin Bailey enlisted until February 28, 1814, for 
the northern army at Champlain. 

In 1814, Alexander Colby, Benjamin Noyes, John 
P. Rowell and Andrew Buutin were in Captain Bart- 
lett's company ; John Nichols also. Bartholomew 
Heath, Samuel Quimby, James Bunting, David Mor- 
gan were, from August 6th, for three months, in Wil- 
liam Marshal's company; Robert Ordway, Willaby 
Colby; Benjamin Buntin, Jonathan Corliss, three 
months, from September loth. Aaron Colby, William 
Elliott and Asa Goodhue went as substitutes for Dun- 
barton men, for sixty days, from September 27th, in 
Captain Trevet's company. 

On the tax-list in 1790 those bearing the title of 
captain are Jacob Green, Richard Dow and Nathaniel 
Cavis; 1799, John Thompson; 1801, William Walker; 
1811, John Brown ; 1814, Walter Bryant; 1816, Na- 
thaniel Cavis; 1820, Aaron Colby ; 1824, Obed Gault ; 
1826, Francis W. Rogers; 1827, John Parker; 1832, 
Willia^ R. Parker; 1836, Enoch Clough; 1839, Isaac 
Whit^;. 1841, Emery Clough; 1842, Moses Colby; 
1845,iamuel Gile; 1850, Elijah Upton, Jr.; 1851, 
Joseph C. Kelly, when the Legislature enacted, "That 
the militia shall be subject to no active duty except in 
case of war." The above William R. Parker was 
promoted major of the Eleventh Regiment in 1836 ; 
lieutenant-colonel, 1837; colonel, 1839; brigadier- 
general of the Third Brigade, 1841 ; major-general of 
the First Division, 1S49. 



BOW. 



August 12, 1820, a liHe company was formed in 
liiuu. John Carter was commissioned captain, Zenas 
Wheeler lieutenant and Samuel Bnrnham ensign, 
who was promoted to captain in 1824 ; Samuel Gault 
was captain in 1827; Simeon Heath, in 1829; John 
r.rown, Jr., in 1831; Samuel Alexander, in 1S32; 
( n Mige W. Bancroft, in 1833; Benjamin A. Noyes, in 
I -;•'.: Enoch Alexander, 1838; Benjamin Page, 1839; 
:\u:\ I?eujamin J. Gile wheu the company was dis- 
bau.led. 

At the breaking out of the Eebellion our town re- 
sjiondcd nobly. Those who enlisted from this town 
wore as follows : 

FIRST REGIMENT. 
Chiiiloa L. Hall and Isajic A. Parker enlisted for tliree months ; niusterod 
ill Mav 4, ISOl 1 ru-unlisted in Fifth Regiment and dischiirged in 



REGIMENT. 

.\ugn9tus B. Farmer, Company B, mustered June 1, 1861; promoted to 
tl -at sergeant Febr an 1S62 wo nded June 3, 1S04 ; mustered out 
T e 1 l&6-t e-enl sted as fir»t 1 eutenant in Company A, Eigh- 
tee tl Te^ It 1 114 promoted to captain April 4, 



CI 



Ilol 



lanj I e 



three years from November 20, 

1864 no discharge furnished. 

ed November 11), 1803 ; pro- 

luLe 1 lb 4 transferred to Company 

1 eutenant Mav 1, 1865. 

i n \o en ber 14, 1803 ; transferred to 

ed f No e iber 20, 1803, to June 

f om No e le-20, 1863, to December 



THIRD RECIMENT 
Ha Ito first clasu m can se ed from August %, l.sol, 



4 186 
\ug t 3 ISri lied a 



FOIRTH BE&IMENT 



SIXTH BEGIMENT. 

John W. Wilkinson, Company D, mustered in November 27, 1861 ; dis- 
charged for disability at Newport News September 22, 1863. 
SEVENTH REGIMENT. 

Aloiizu Clougli, Company A, mustered in October 29, 1861 ; discharged 
for disability at Beaufort, S. C, July 28, 1862. 

William W. Gile, Company A, died of disease at St. Augustine, Fla., 
October 3, 1861 

Chinie.s H. Ordway, Company H, served from December 14, 1861 ; 
wounded July 18, 1363 ; discharged on account of wounds at Mc- 
Dougall General Hospital, N. Y., November 0, 1863. 

.\Iiiiond Mark, Company K, served from November 17, 1863. 

EIGHTH REGIMENT. 
Joseph Hall, Coini ,i:i\ \, iji-i 1 November 11,1863; discharged for 

disability ;il \ i 'i . ^ M . Jt. 1864. 
Eustace Le I'l;iiit, 'i i : I i v t.-ran battalion Eighth New Hamp- 
shire Voluiit. .1- .1 i:,ii H > I, l-i;;, ; mustered out October 28, 180.>. 
Cliarles Olsen, Coiniaiiy A, serveJ from November 11, 1863 ; transferred 
to the navy June 18, 1864. 

TWELFTH REGIMENT. 
Ciiarle= H. Taylor, Company C, mustered in September 5, 1802 ; wounded 
May 3, 1863 ; died of wounds at Potomac Creek, Va., May 2l8t. 
THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 
Charles E. Putney, Company C, mustered in September 19, 1862 ; pro- 
moted to sergeant Jlay, 1865 ; mustered out June 21, 1805. 



John W. Austin, Conipany C, served from SeptemlKT, 1S02, to .J\ino 
1865. 

Harris Clough, Company C, served from September, 1862, to 1805. 

Henry Dwinnels, Company C, died February 24, 1803. 

Harris K. Frost, Company C, served from September, 1802, to June, 
1805. 

John F. Guild, Company C, transfeiTcd to Invalid Cori>9 September 7, 
1803 ; discharged by order July 7, 1805. 

Nathan Harfly, Company C, died of disease in New Hampshire January 
15, 1805. 

Carter S. Morgan, Company C, discharged for disability September 7, 
1804. 

I/ewis Silver, Company C, discharged June 1865. 

William Morgan, Company F, served from SeptembL-r 21, lsr,2, 1.. June 
21, 1866. 

James ijnhvay. Company I, mustered in September 20, 1862 ; discharged 
for di.sability at Washington, D. C, March, 1863 ; re-enlisted in 
First Regiment Heavy Artillery in .\uguBt ; muatorod out Septem- 
ber, 1865. 

FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 

Erastus W. Forbes, Company E, served from September 23, 1862, to 
June 8, 1865. 

CharlesF. Heath, Oomp.iiiv II s.-rv « »i.| e.>nnf from 1864 to July, 1805. 

George H. Buiitm i .i,m,,> II .-. I i„ September 24, 1862; 

woundediirt I ; !■ i I , : I ' ' .ii.'ord July 26, 1865. 

William P. Paik.i , . mi.on l!,i,n, i, .-.iitember 24, 1862 ; pro- 
moted tOSergeaul i.^tj4 ; aisrli;irj;eii l.xi.i. 

David 0. Russell, Company H, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corpe, 

March, 1864, to June 30, 1865. 
Alonzo P. Saltniarsh, Company H, served from 1862 to July 8, 1865. 

FIRST NEW HAMPSHIRE CAVALRY. 

Lewis Porter, Troop B, mustered in March 24, 1864 ; missing in June ; 

gained from missing ; absent, sick, July 15, 1865. 
Joseph Slevin, Troop G, served to July 15, 1865. 
Frederick A. Chase, Troop K, served from Jlarch to July, 1SG5. 

In 1863 the town voted to authorize the selectmen 
to borrow five thousand eight hundred and eighty 
dollars for the encouragement of the enlisting of 
volunteers. Several furnished substitutes at a great 
expense. 

HEAVY ARTILLERY, SECOND COMPANY. 

Jiuiies Ordway and James ]' \\ ,1;,. i , . in ■. i \m;:i;-i i^, Isil.'j; trans- 
ferred to First Regiment \. II \,: I 

Christopher French, John I li ^i I : I'm.I A.Stevens 

and Edward T. Parker j-iir I n,- _ m, ; ■ -. | |. ml . , ;,. IS64. 

Charles H. Brown, enlisted as s-jr^eant in the Filial IleKiiiient of Sharp- 
shooters September 9, 1861 ; was killed at Bull Bun August 30, 1862. 

Joseph S. Austin, Company E, discharged for disability at Portsmouth 
Grove, R. I., March 4, 1863. 

William H. Shattuck, not officially accounted for. 

The enrollment contained 114 names, our quota 
under all calls being 52 ; number furnished, (50 ; sur- 
plus, 8. 

Samuel Alexander was born in Londonderry, N. H., 
in 1730 ; came to Bow in 1762 ; purchased fifty acres 
of land of John Koyes, now occupied and owned by 
his grandsons, Eli and Enoch, bounded on the east 
by Merrimack River. 

His children were Martha, born November 6, 1760, 
and married Jonathan Colby in 1783, died October 
28, 1844; William, who married Polly Putney, of 
Dunbarton, and went to Tunbridge, Vt. ; Enoch, 
born January 6, 1771, and married Merriam Colby 
(born March 16, 1775) on July 14, 1797 ; and Polly, 
who married James White. The children of Enoch 
were Betsey, horn November 2, 1797, and married 
Andrew B. Sargent, September 30, 1819; Samuel, born 



IILSTOllY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



January 19, 1800, and married Mary Nutt, March 26, 
1825; Sarah S., boru June 21, 1802, and married 
Sewell Haselton, May 8, 1828; Philip C, born 
August 22, 1804, and married Mary A. Taylor, May 
19, 1828 ; Merriam, born August 1 9, 1807, and married 
Jabez Glines, April 16, 1840 ; Enoch, born April 18, 
1810, and married Lois P. Hadley, November 27, 
1832; Eli, born August 6, 1812, never married; 
James G., born February 12, 1815, and married 
Aurelia Veasey, January 28, 1841 ; Willaby C, born 
May 18, 1818, and married Sarah Ann Blood, April 
13, 1848; Adaline, boru December 21, 1821, and 
married Aaron A. Samson, August 23, 1846. 

The children of Andrew B. Sargent (born January 
31, 1797) and Betsy Alexander are Merriam E, born 
January 23, 1822, and married Daniel Messer Novem- 
ber 30, 1843; Samuel A., born September, 1826, and 
married Adaline B. Holt, of Wilton, April 30, 1863 ; 
Simeon, born December 5, 1828, and married Mary 
E. Thorndike, October 14, 1858 ; Enoch A., born Feb- 
ruary 9, 1831 ; Lucy Jane, born May 28, 1833, and 
married John Morgan, January 22, 1852 ; Philip J., 
born May 6, 1839, and married Sarah E. Messer, 
September 14th, 1870. Andrew B. Sargent died 
September 28, 1868. His ivife Betsy died August 9, 
1872. 

The children of Samuel Alexander and Mary Nutt 
(born April 7, 1797) are Eliza Jane, born January 4, 
1826, and married Allen T. Hubbard, October 26, 
1856 ; Mary A., born October 25, 1829, and married 
C. Waterman Pratt, January 22, 1853 ; J. Bordman, 
born December 15, 1834, and married Mary Nyland, 
December 14, 1870 ; S. Judson, born June 23, 1837(he 
was captain of Company B, Ninth New Hampshire 
Regiment ; wounded severely in action July 13, 1863, at 
Jackson, Miss ; died of wounds July 23d). Samuel Al- 
exander died August, 1879, and his wife, Mary, died 
May 14, 1843. 

The children of Sewell Haselton (born January 7, 
1798) and Sarah S. Alexander are Rufus R., born 
August 13, 1831, and married Lydia S. Farnam, 
May 13, 1834; and Sarah M., born March 30, 1835, 
and married David Roberts, February 11, 1855. Ru- 
fus R. Haselton was a soldier in Company B, Ninth 
Regiment. Frank Manard, born April 2, 1853, mar- 
ried Harriet Rockwood. 

The children of Philip C. Alexander and Mary A. 
Taylor (born September 9, 1808) are George Warren, 
born May 9, 1829, and married Harriet Appleton; 
Elvira S., born December 2, 1830, and married John 
C. Morrison, November 30, 1854; Rosantha A., born 
October 14, 1832, and married Asa Strong, July 10, 
1855 ; Sarah R., born May 27, 1834, and married James 
N. Wright, July 16, 1854 ; Merriam A., born May 11, 
1836, and married Horatio B. Shoals, April 9, 1857 ; 
Lois P., born March 2, 1840, and married Justus Ly- 
man ; Dolly T., born April 20, 1842, and married Ze- 
diah Cooley, November 24, 1872 ; Ella J., born Sep- 
tember 4, 1850, and married Oscar Ward, August 25, 



1868; Edward F., twin of Ella; and Nettie Maria, 
born December 3, 1854. 

The children of Jabez Glines (born April 12, 1811, 
died June, 1867) and Merriam Alexander are Eras- 
tus O., born October 18, 1841, and married Rebecca J. 
Bunker, November 27,1862; and Alonzo W., born 
September 7, 1848, and married Hattie E. Corey, No- 
vember 17, 1867. He was delegated as drum-major 
to accompany the Third Regiment and band, as escort 
to Governor Bell and staff, to the Yorktown, Ya., 
centennial, in 1881. Enoch Alexander, the third son 
of Enoch, is a man of sterling integrity, enjoying the 
perfect confidence of his townsmen and all with whom 
he is acquainted ; was captain of the militia in 1838, a 
member of the House of Representatives in 1849 and 
1850, repeatedly chosen one of the selectmen, was 
town treasurer a score of years, and one of the most 
accurate surveyors of wood and lumber the countiy 
affords, and the town may well be proud of the por- 
trait of himself he has contributed to its history. 

The children of James G. Alexander and Aurelia 
Veasey (born March 20, 1816) are Charles H., born 
August 27, 1844, and married Sarah Abby Marsh, Sep- 
tember 30, 1870 ; he was register of deeds for Merri- 
mack County 1882 and 1883, and keeps a public-house 
in Henniker, N. H., since 1884. 

Edwin G., born June 22, 1849, is the only child of 
Willaby C. Alexander and his wife, Sarah Ann Blood, 
born November 21, 1S26. Willaby died April 8. 1884. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



AAKOX W. BAKER, ESQ. 

The early settlers of New Hampshire were sturdy 
pioneers from the mother-country or came from the 
older colonies, principally Massachusetts. Some of 
those who came from the colonies were originally 
from England, but many were native born. Of the 
latter class were the ancestors of the Bakers who 
settled in Bow. Their progenitors emigrated from 
Englaud to Massachusetts during the last half of the 
seventeenth century, and at once grappled with 
the difficulties and dangers of frontier-life. They 
were active, hardy, industrious, honest, pious and 
progressive citizens, and were prominent in the church 
and in the state. From that ancestry came the sub- 
ject of this sketch, Aaron W. Baker. His great- 
grandfather. Captain Joseph Baker, was a surveyor, 
and surveyed several townships in New Hampshire, 
among them Pembroke, where he settled in the early 
part of the eighteenth century and raised a family of 
eleven children. He was the first of this name to re- 
side in New Hampshire. His son, Joseph Baker, was 
born November 7, 1740. He married a descendant of 
the Scotch Covenanters and settled in Bow. Ten 
children blessed their home. One of tlicr^e. .James 




.^7/VV7 Wf/^^^^ 



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i 



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■i •M?' 




/&^,^^^5T5<^ f^.-^^7^^;Lrrz^/<2^ 



187 



Baker, married Juditl^ Whitteiuore, of Pembroke. 
He subdued a farm from the wild lands adjoining his 
father's estate, and resided there until he died, forty- 
three years old, from injuries received accidentally. 
He left a family of six children, the eldest of whom 
was Aaron W. Baker, who was born April 10, 1791), 
and was only twelve yeai-s of age when his father 
died. The farm was new and rough and required 
hard and continuous labor. This Mrs. Baker and her 
small children were compelled to render. Thus, from 
boyhood, Aaron W. Baker was accustomed to the 
hardest of farm-work. Early morning found him in 
the field, and darkness closed the labors of the day. 
His advantages for education were very limited. 
During the winter terms only could he secure even 
an irregular attendance upon the public schools. By 
the instructiou there received and by his home- 
studies he acquired a fair common-school education. 
To this he added a knowledge of vocal music, which 
he taught for several terms. He had a good voice, 
which he retained until old age. As he attained 
manhood he helped his brothers and sisters to better 
educational op[)ortunities than he enjoyed, and by 
constant labor improved and enlarged the cultivated 
portions of the farm. He bought out the heirs and 
became its owner. In later years he added to it un- 
til his farm included nearly all of the land originally 
owned by his father and grandfather and many acres 
besides. 

He married, March 10, 1825, Miss Nancy Dustin, 
who was born in Concord September 2, 1801. She 
was a descendant of the heroic Hannah Dustin, and 
was a lady of excellent character, good education and 
natural refinement. 

In politics Mr. Baker was first a Whig. When 
the Democratic party became the exponent of more 
liberal principles he joined it, and when it became 
allied with the slave-power of the South he as 
promptly abandoned it. He was an original Aboli- 
tionist, and acted with the Free-Soil party from its 
organization. When the Republican party was 
formed he, with the Free-Soilers generally, united 
with that party and ever after remained a Repub- 
lican. 

In religion, as in politics, he was thoughtful, studi- 
ous and progressive. He was trained in the faith of 
Orthodox Congregationalism, and until middle life 
never attended any but Orthodox preaching ; but as 
he read his Bible and pondered over the great ques- 
tions of duty and destiny he found both heart and 
mind protesting against its harsh doctrines, and in- 
adequate statements of the goodness, mercy and love 
of the Infinite Father. He became a Universalist. 
His wife, who had been educated a Baptist, joined 
him in his studies and reflections, and she, too, be- 
came a Universalist. Both died consoled and sus- 
tained by that cheering faith. 

Long before total abstinence, or even temperance 
principles were popular, Mr. Baker became their 



earnest advocate. He aided the circulation ainl 
adoption of temperance pledges, and by his influence 
many signed them. His example and encourage- 
ment assisted in the maintenance of jjledges and 
helped to render social or habitual drinking disrci)u- 
table. 

In all the transactions of his life Mr. Baker was 
noted for his honesty, integrity, energy and faithful- 
ness. He followed his convictions of duty, the logic 
of events and of principles, to their legitimate con- 
clusions, and did not flinch from their results. He 
enjoyed society, liked company and loved his friends 
and relatives. 

Although in the political minority of his town, lie 
held the offices of selectman and treasurer and <ithcr 
positions of responsibility and trust. i 

His children were four sons, — Francis M., who was 
born February 8, 1826, and died April 13, 183S; 
Rufus, who was born March 8, 1831, and died Febru- 
ary 15, 1861; John B., who was born April 6, 1834; 
and Henry M., who was born January 11, 1841. 

Rufus married Miss Lucy S. Cij.tt&p,-of^iyinervillc, 
Mass., October 20, 1858. ^She was born August 2i», 
1833, and died March 26, 1866. They had no chil- 
dren. 

John B. married Miss Sarah J. Locke, of East 
Concord, November 14, 1865. They have had two 
children, — Rufus Henry, born March 16, 1870, and 
John Perley, who was born August 21, 1871, and died 
June 28, 1884. John B. resides upon the femily 
homestead. Henry M. is a graduate of Dartmouth 
College and is a lawyer. 

Aaron W. Baker died July 12, 1876. In his life 
and character the honest yeomanry of the Granite 
State found a fitting exponent. His wife survived 
him but a few years. She died May 20, 1881. 



CAPTAIN ENOCH ALEXANDER. 

Traces his ancestry back to Samuel Alexander, who 
was born in Derry, N. H. He was born in 1737, and 
came to this town and located upon a farm, and was 
aresidentof this town until his death, which occurred 
June 25, 1835. He married Mary Bornton, and they 
had four children, — Enoch, William, Mary and Pat- 
tie. Enoch Alexander, Sr., was born in this town 
April 6, 1771. He married Miriam, daughter of Wil- 
loughby Colby, of this town, July 14, 1797. By this 
union there were ten children, — Betsey, Samuel, 
Philip C, Sarah, Miriam, Enoch, Eli, J. G., Wil- 
loughby C. and Adaline, — six of whom are now living- 
This family is noted for longevity, as nearly all have 
lived to an advanced age. Captain Enoch, the 
subject of this sketch, was born in Bow April 18, 
1810. His early days were spent with his father upon 
the farm, his only advantages for education being 
limited to common schools of his native town. He 
has spent his entire life upon the farm, but of later 
davs has been a survevor of wood nnil lumber, 



288 



HISTORY OF MKiatlMACK COUxVTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



to the satisfaction of all with whom he has been 
connected. Captain Alexander was married, at 
the age of twentj'-two, to Lois P., daughter of Amos 
and Sarah (Colby) Hadley. She died July 8, 
1878. Since then Mr. Alexander has lived alone. 
He is a Democrat in politics, having ca.st his first vote 
for Andrew Jackson, and has always advocated the 
principles of Democracy. The citizens of his town 
have entrusted him with every office within their 
gift, and he has always labored earnestly to advance 
the welfare of his native town. 



He was representative to the General Court in 1848 
and 1849 ; was made captain in the State militia. 
Mr. Alexander has always been a suppoiter of the 
Baptist Church, but severed his connection with it 
several years ago, although since that time he has de- 
voted a portion of his means toward the building of 
churches in Suncook, N. H. By his industry and 
economy he has provided himself with ample means 
for his support in his old age, and he enjoys the 
respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. 



HISTORY OF DANBURY. 



CHAPTER I. 

This town was set off from Alexandria by an aet of 
tlie Legislature, approved June IS, 1795, in answer to 
a petition from the inhabitants, with the following 
bounds : " Beginning at the beech-tree on the south- 
westerly corner of Alexandria and New Chester 
[Hill], southwest of Kagged mountain ; thence north, 
twelve degrees west, on the line between Alexandria 
and New London, about four miles and a half to a 
beech-tree marked, standing on the west line of Ma- 
son's patent, otherwise called the curve-line ; thence 
northeasterly on said curve-line, about seven miles 
to the range-line between lots numbered nine and 
ten, in second division ; thence south, twelve degrees 
east, about four miles and a half to the line between 
New Chester and said Alexandria, between lots num- 
bered one and eighteen on said line, in said second 
division ; thence south, fifty-three degrees west, to the 
bounds first mentioned, about six miles, on the line 
between Alexandria and New Chester." June 10, 
1808, the Legislature appointed " William Webster, 
Broadstreet Moody, and Enoch Colby, Esquires, to 
determine the jurisdictional lines between the towns 
of New Chester, Alexandria and Danbury." 

December 19, 1848, land of George W. Dudley and 
Archibald Ford was severed from Wilmot and an- 
nexed to Danbury. 

June 26, 1858, several lots of land were severed 
from Hill, and annexed to this town. 

July 10, 1874, this town was severed from Grafton 
County and annexed to Merrimack. 

July 26, 1878, another lot of land was severed from 
Wilmot and annexed to this town. 

For matters concerning the earlier history of the 
territory now comprised in the town, see Alexandria 
papers. 

Relative to a Tax for the Repair of Roads.— 
" To the Honorable Senate and House of Representa- 
tives in General Court convened. 

" Humbly shews, the Petition of sundry of the in- 
habitants of the Town of Danbury in the County of 
Grafton, that, ' An act for laying a Tax on the lands 
of Danbury,' aforesaid passed to be enacted by the 
Honorable Senate and Honorable House of Repre- 



sent.'itivc.-<, .Tiiiic M"' and Ifi"', A. D., 17%, agreeably 
to ail attr>tiMl I'ojiyof said act herewith exhibited, 
and (hut till' ^'rliH-tnien of said Danbury, by virtue of 
said act, assessed said Tax, and directed a warrant 
for collection thereof to the Collector of said Town 
for the time being, and that a part of said Tax has been 
collected and appropriated to the beneficial purposes 
intended by said act; and that certain clauses of said 
act not being sufficiently explicit and defined, your 
Petitioners are apprehensive that the said Collector 
has not proceeded according to the tnie spirit and 
meaning of said Act, whereby he is now unable by 
law to enforce the collection of the remainder of said 
Tax: Wherefore your Petitioners pray that the said 
Collector may be further empowered according to 
law to proceed to the collection and appropriation of 
the remainder of said Tax, agreeably to the true 
meaning and intent of said Act. As in duty bound, 
your Petitioners shall ever pray — 
" Danbury, November 26, 1798 — 

"Anthoxey Tayler, ) Selectmen 
" Samuel Pilsbdry, J of Danbury." 
In answer to the foregoing, an act was passed De- 
cember 7, 1798, authorizing the completion of the 
collection of the tax, and directing that it should be 
laid out on the road through " twelve-mile woods." 
Petition for a Town,— 

" State of New Hampshire. 
"To the Honb' the Senate and House of Repre- 
sentatives for said State, Convened at Concord, 
December 24•^ 1794, Humbly Shew. 
"The Subscribers, Inhabitants of the Town of 
Alexandria, that they labor under many Inconven- 
iencies by reason of the disagreeable form or manner 
in which said Town lies ; also by reason of a Large 
mountain that crosses said Town about midway of 
the length thereof— Said Town is nine miles in 
Length and about six miles in breadth, which makes 
it large enough for two towns, and the mountain in 
the middle of said Town renders it almost impossible 
for the inhabitants of the South part and those of the 
North part to assemble on any occasion whatever, 
without travelling a great length of way to get by said 
Mountain. They therefore pray that your Honours 



HISTORY OF iMERRIMACK COUxNTY, iNEW HAMPSHIRE. 



would take their ease under your wise consideration, 
and grant them relief by making a division of Said 
Town at or near the middle thereof, which your Pe- 
titioners conceive would be of public utility, as well 
as greatly contribute to relieve the embarrassments 
of your Petitioners, and as bound shall pray. 

"Anthony Taylor, Athmore hosking (his X mark), 
Daniel Reynolds, Peter Smith, George Niles, Samuel 
Pilsbery, John Tolford, Isaac Favour, Levi flanders, 
Samuel Piugry, Jonathan Tolford, Joseph Atwood, 
Obadiah Judkins, Ebenezer Williams, Daniel Wearc| 
John sinionds, Benjamin Emerson, Daniel Corliss, 
Enos Ferren, Samuel jr. Simons, David Atwood, 
Peter Ladd, thomas Reed, Robert M°Murphy, Chris- 
topher Bartlet, Jonathan Clark, Benj" Pinter, William 
Martin, Eleazer Taylor, Timothy Emerson, William 
Simonds, David M'Murphy, Moses Simonds, Eben- 
ezer Siraonds, Joshua Tolford, Jonathan Burpe, Wil- 
liam M'Murphy, Ziba Townsend, James Taylor, Eben 
Carletou, Sandrs M''Murphy, Josiah Emcreon, John 
Moor Corliss, Timothy Simonds, Jorg Corliss, Isaac 
Ladd, Jeremiah Ladd, Peter lugalls, Stephen Gale, 
David Morse, John Emons.'' 

Votes Relative to Division of the Town.— 

"Alexandria, March 30"' 1795. 

" then met agreable to said warrant 

" lly voted .roslma tolford, Modrator to govern said 
Meeting. 

" 21y voted to Divid the town. 



' Sly voted to Divid the town betwen the first and 
second Ranges of the second Divishion. 

'41y voted to Divid the town, begining at New 
Chester Line betwen the first and second Division, 
from thence to Run w&sterly at Right angle from' 
New Chester Line to the Patten Line. 

'51y voted to Divid the town betwen the second and 
third Ranges of the second Divishion. 

■ 61y voted to reconsider the two Last votes in Respect 
of Dividing the town, and that the first vote shall 
stand that is to Divid the town betwen the first and 
second ranges of the second Division— 

" a tru Cooppey, Attest, 

"Na.sox Cass, town Clark." 

In House of Representatives, December 29, 1794, 
a hearing was ordered for the next session ; mean- 
while, a notice was to be published in the New 
Hampshire Gazette, and one posted in some con- 
spicuous place in the town. June 18, 1795, an act 
passed dividing the town and incorporating the 
southerly part into a town by the name of Danbury. 

There are three churches in the town,— Baptist, 
Congregational and Christian. 

Danbury is thirty miles northwest from Concord ; 
on the Northern Railroad. 

Postmasters.— T>s,n\imy, G. H. Gordon; South Dan- 
bury, Alfred Sleeper. 



HISTORY OF DUNBARTON. 



BY COL. \V. 



CHAPTER I. 

ri fair Scotia's land of story, 
Noar the ocean's swelling tii 
tauds H castle, grim and hoar 
By the watere of the Clyde. 



' Here within New Hampshii-e's border, 
'Mong her mounts which proudly rise, 

And in wild, yet grand disorder. 
Lift their summits to the skies ; 



' Here was our Dunbarton foinuletl, 
By such sceneries surrounded, 

"SVliose resemblance gave her unuit 

—II. E. BlUNHAM, in I 



The first mention of the tract of territory after- 
wards called Dunbarton is-in the journal of Captain 
Pecker, who, with a small company, traversed the 
country late in the autumn of 1723, in a second 
journey after Indians. 

The next mention of the territory, and probably 
the first grant as a township, was in 1733, when it 
was granted and surveyed as a township, known as 
Narragansett, No. 6, by the General Court of 
Massachusetts, to soldiers in the French and Indian 
War. The surveyor's report is as follows : 

"This plan describeth a tract of Land Laid out for the Narraganset 
Soldiers, Being the Second Township for Said Soldiera' Land Laid out 
on Maramack, and contains the Contents of Six miles square, and fiftj' 
Acres Allowance for Fishing at Amoskeag Falls, and Three Thousand 
and Seventy acres allowed for Poor Lauds and Ponds. In the whole 
place is 20,lt»0 acres bounded as follows: Beginning at a pitch pine 
tree standing on the westerly side of Maramack Rirer at the foot of 
Hannah Hooksett's Falls, Being in Suncook Line, and running on said 
Suncuok Township four miles West, Seventeen Begrees South, to a 
white pine tree, being the South-West Corner of SuucooU ; Then Run- 
ning West four miles and 40 Rods, on a Township on the West of Sun- 
cook and Penycook, laid out for the Narragansett Soldiers (to a heap 
of stones ; then running North Five miles and one hundred and foity 
Rods on Province Land, to a white pine Tree, being the North-West 
Corner of ye 1st NaiTagansett Town on Maramack River ; then Kun- 
ning on Said Township Six miles and one hundred and ten rods (east) to 
Maramack River ; then on Maramack River, as s'd River Rune, Eight 
miles and 145 Rods to the pitch pine Tree at the foot of Hannah Hook- 
sett's falls before mentioned. 

"Sur\-eyed and Plan'd by order of the Great and General Coiu't's 
Committee. In October, A. P. 1733, pr. 



The grant lapsed to the commonwealth, and two 
years later, or in 1735, Captain Samuel Gorham, of 
Plymouth, England, obtained a grant of the same 
tract of territory, had it surveyed and affixed to it 
the name Gorhamtown. He afterwards relinquished 
his claim. 

In 1752, Archibald Stark and others purchased the 
same tract of territory from John Tufton Mason, and 
named it Starkstown. A transcript of the record of 
this first meeting is as follows : 

"At a meeting of the proprietor of the lands purchased of John Tuf- 
ton Mason, Esq , at Portsmouth, hold on Monday, the second day of 
Miirch, ill the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty- 
two, therefore, voted, That tht-re be and is hereby granted unto Archi- 
bald Stark, William Stark, John Stark, Archibald Stark, jr., all of a 
place called Amoskeag, iu the province of New Hampshire, the Rev. 
n Rankin, William Stinson, 
,John McCurdy, John Carr, 
nil, Joseph Scoby, Matthew 

III Cochran, Dr. Alexander 

IV id Leslie, George Clark, 



David McGregor, Robert McMurphy, \ 
John Cochran, James Evans, Hugh Pu 
John Cochran, Hugh JatiH-.[i, linvil 
Thornton, Daniel McCuni^ ' 
Todd, William Hogg, J:.in. \| .: 

William Ranldn, Wniiam Siin-.t,, I, i;M::rr3, JanK-s CoL-hiau, John 

McDuffie, James McGrego re, Samut-I Todd, li;n i.] i in.. ,i:i ii .ndi.n- 
derry, in said province ; Thomas Mills, Sannni m > i ■. ir, 

Samuel Richards, Thomas Follansbee, jr., all oi il : , i. n . i pi.-v- 
ince ; and Jeremiah Page of said place, M'illj;iiji I :ii 11,1 h„ Hull, 
Adam Dickey, all of Derryfield, in said province ; Joseph BUuchard, 
Esq., Joseph Blanchard, jr., both of Dunstable, in said province ; Joseph 
Putney, James Rogers (their eldest sons for one right), all living on a 
tract of land hereby granted, William Putney and Obadiah Foster, of 
the same place, for one hundred acres, and the remaining part of the 
share or right of Hugh Ramsey of said Londonderry, John Morten of 
Portsmouth, in said province, and George Mussey of said Portsmouth, 
William Stark (William Stark above-named having three rights, being 
the same man), and Archibald Stark above-named, Samuel Kmei-son, 
Esq., Janifts Varnum, both of Chester, in said province ; John Campbell 
of Haverhill, Willi;uii HYslop of Bor^toii, both in the province of Massn- 
clni-<rrt^ l;,l^ , Wiiit.iiii I. .Hill ..| < '.inr-diii-y, iu the province of New 
Haiiij - III: ,1 .i-ri(lerry, equally as except- 

ing;;!! 1: I' : .x'epting as heretofore ex- 

cqifrti, ■iM!;. t -. ..jrlii.-ii-- .1.,.; li[iiii.iii..ns hereinafter expressed, 

all the riglit, titlr, .-state and iiropnty <-t' the said proprietors of, in and 
unto all that tract or parcel of land, abovit five miles square, more or 
less, situated in the province of New Hampshire, and bounded as fol. 
lows: Beginning at the main river on the northerly side of a tract of 
land lately granted by the said proprietors to Thomas Parker and 
others, and running westward ajs far as that tract of laud runs, joining 
on the same ; then running north two degrees, west five miles and one 
hundred and eight rods ; thence north seventy-nine rods east, till it comes 
to Bow line ; then southerly by the township of Bow and continuing by 
that till it comes to said river ; then by that till it comes to the place 
where it begins." 

The first settlers, of whom there is any knowledge, 
21a 



292 



HISTOllY OF MEREIMACK COUNTV, xXPJW HAMPSHIRE. 



to enter the limits of the territory afterwards called 
Starkstown, were Joseph Putney and James Rogers, 
who came from Londonderry by tracing to its source 
a small stream which empties into the Merrimack, to 
the great meadow, in the fall of 1740. The luxuriant 
crop of grass attracted their attention. The ready 
facilities afforded for procuring fodder for cattle led 
them to regard it as a desirable spot for a permanent 
location. There they erected log-houses and planted 
apple-trees, which had so far advanced towards ma- 
turity as to produce fruit when the attack was made 
on Fort Rumford by the Indians, in 1746. They pro- 
cured no title to the land, but their possession was 
confirmed by the proprietors, who, in 1752, obtained 
a grant of the township from the assigns of John 
Tufton Mason. 

The "settlement" was exposed to the depredations 
of Indians, and great diligence was exercised to pro- 
tect themselves and their families from massacre by 
the wild sons of the forest. When the attack was 
made on Fort Rumford these brave pioneers were in 
imminent danger, but saved themselves and their 
families by flight to Fort Rumford. Stark, in his 
"History of Duubarton," says that " two friends from 
that place traced their way in the night by spotted 
trees through the forest to the 'great meadow,' to 
notify them of their impending danger. Upon re- 
ceipt of the intelligence they at once abandoned 
their homes and by a speedy retreat to Rumford the 
same night insured their safety. Returning, in the 
course of the next day, to drive their cattle to the 
Rumford garrison, they found them all slaughtered 
and lying scattered around in every direction. Their 
houses had becu plundered and burned, and their 
apple-trees, with one exception, cut down." 

They remained at Rumford till 1749, when they, 
with their families, returned and made permanent set- 
tlements ; the extensive range of meadow lands already 
cleared by the industry of the beaver and the abund- 
ant natural crop of tall blue-joint grass there pro- 
duced, influenced the pioneers in selecting their 
location at Montaloua. The drought of that year was 
probably never exceeded in New England. The 
preceding had been unusually dry, but this was ex- 
ceedingly so. 

There was but little rain in May, June and July. 
Hay in the Massachusetts colony was so scarce that 
it was imported from England. But it did not injure 
the great meadow, and in November the owners drove 
from Haverhill, Mass., eighteen head of young cattle, 
which they wintered " at the halves." 

From 1749 to 1752 few settlements were made. In 
the latter year came Thomas Mills, William Stinson 
and John Hogg from Londonderry. The first settled 
on lot 17, in the fifth range, the farm now owned by 
John C. Mills ; the second on lot No. 5, in the second 
range, the farm now in the possession of William C. 
Stinson; and the third on lot No. 18, in the first 
range, the estate formerly owned by Deacon John 



Church, but now in the possession of Charles Clif- 
ford. 

The motive that actuated these settlers to emigrate 
to this township was the vote passed at the first meet- 
ing of the proprietors, held at Londonderry, April 8, 
1751, " that of the thirty individuals who should 
first locate themselves under their grant, each person 
should have three acres of land cleared on or before 
the last day of October succeeding. To have the 
same fenced in and a dwelling-house not less than 
sixteen feet square erected, in which, also, their fami- 
lies were to be settled before the last day of May, 
1752." Their dwellings were situated several miles 
apart, and thus remained for some time without any 
intervening inhabitants. 

The situation of these pioneers could not have been 
otherwise than drear and lonely, in a wilderness 
abounding with wild and ferocious animals — bears, 
catamounts, wolves and wildcats — whose dismal howls 
disturbed their nightly repose and compelled them to 
maintain a vigilant watch over their flocks and lienls. 
If, during the night, they looked abroad from their 
timber-cabins through the darkness and gloom around 
them, no friendly lights gleamed from windows of 
distant dwellings to cheer their solitude and assure 
them that they were not entirely alone in their forest 
wilderness. 

The work of felling the forests and tilling the rug- 
ged soil was a laborious task ; their implements were 
few and of a rude pattern, and their means scanty ; 
yet, amidst the many discouragements, these noble 
sons of toil made the wilderness to blossom as the 
rose; but their well-provided and opulent descend- 
ants can but faintly picture to themselves in imagi- 
nation the stern realities met, endured, and overcome 
by the hardy foresters who located the now pleasant 
places in which they dwell in peace, security and 
happiness. 

Many of the original settlers of Starkstown were 
from Derryfield and Londonderry ; others came di- 
rectly from Ireland and Scotland. Several families 
from the vicinity of Ipswich, Mass., took up lauds 
near each other in the southern part of the town, 
while those from Haverhill, Hampstead and other 
towns of Massachusetts located in other parts of the 
township. The so-called Scotch-Irish emigrants who 
first settled in the town are not to be considered as 
blended with the natives of Ireland. The ancestors 
of these Scotch-Irish emigrants, who left Scotland for 
Ireland in 1619, and subsequently settled in London- 
derry, N. H., were a distinct people and unmingled 
with those of the country to which they emii;rated. 
The cause of their leaving their native soil and seek- 
ing a land of freedom was due to religious persecu- 
tion ; but their expectations were not realized, and not 
till they sought refuge in America did they enjoy the 
freedom they desired " to worship God according to 
the dictates of their own consciences." 

The Scotch-Irish, having been the first to settle in 



DUNBARTON. 



Stark's town, and having for a long period exerted a 
controlling influence in the management of its iifliiirs, 
and a large proportion of its present inhabitants be- 
ing their lineal descendants, it is highly proper that 
something of their history and the causes that led 
them to seek new homes in the wilds of America 
should be given, as in the foregoing. 

In J765, Governor Benning Wentwortli friMiilril a 
charter for the township to be called Duiiliailuii. 
The charter is as follows : 



province, as wul 
good order and c 



ati tile tiaUl intmbitants 
iicouraging the culture o1 



*■ Know ye therefore that we of our eaiwcial grace, certain Itn 
and for tlie encouragement and promotion of tllcir good deeds i 
poses, by and with tlie advice of our tniKty and woll-bflnv.^d 



" Beginning at a staltc and a 
the Goffslown, so called. 'I'l 



nt for the benefit of the inhabitants 

. . . hereby ilcclared, and that our 
or shall in any manner be construed to 
operty of the said . . . within the 



said !""'! I ■ • I ■ ■!' • " : 

annually. 

" In testimony whereof we have canst 
to be hereunto affixed. Witness, Bennii 
prnor and Commander-in-chief, in and o 
Hampshire, the tenth day of August, i 
Ainio Domini, nt>3. 

"By His E,vcellency*8 command with t 



I the seal of our said Province 
r Wentworth, Esqr., Our Gov- 
or our said Province of New 
1 the fifth year of our reign, 

' * B. Wkntworth. 



"Province of New Hampshire. 

"August 10, 1703, Kocordod in the book of charters, No. 1, Pagos 280 
and 281. 

"T. Atkinson, .lun'r, S«>." 

The boiind.s as made by the survey in 1803 are as 



The town of DuMbartoii is si(u:il(Ml in ilie cxtrnue 
.southwestern part of Merrimack County, but pre- 
vious to the incorporation of Merrimack County, in 
1852, it formed a part of Hillsborough County ; its 
latitude is 43° T)' ; its present area is twenty thou- 
sand nine hundred and sixty -six acres; there are 
many hills, but no mountains. Among the highest 
are Duncanowett, Mills, Putney, Prospect, Jameson 
and Abbott. The highest point of land is seven hun- 
dred and seventy-nine feet above the level of the sea. 
The situation is elevated, the air pure and the water 
good. The soil is of the best quality, and well 
adapted to agricultural and horticultural products. 
No river runs through the town, but several large 
streams drain it, among them Harris, One Stack, 
Leach, Teuny, Ray, Settlement and Chisamore 
Brooks. The largest pond is Gorham, having an area 
of eighty acres ; the other ponds are smaller, and 
bear the names of Woodbury (or Kimball), Long, 
Stark and Purgatory. Concerning the geology of the 
town. Prof. C. H. Hitchcock divides the formations 
into distinct groups, viz. : — 1, porphyritic gneiss; 2, 
lake gneiss ; 3, montalbon series, including the Con- 
cord granite ; 4, ferruginous schist ; 5, andalusite mica 
schist, with coarse granite veins; 6, Rockingham mica 
schist ; 7, Kearsarge andalusite group ; 8, ]\Icrrimack 
group, including a little clay slate. 

No minerals are found, but an arsenic mine exists 
in the eastern part. The arsenic ore is included, as a 
bed, between a strata of mica slate, resting directly 
in granite. It is from six to eight inches in thick- 
ness, and is very heavy and rich in arsenic. The bed 
with the strata is to the south 80°, east 20°, and runs 
north and south. Large quanties of loose pieces of the 
ore may be easily obtained on the surface and in the 
soil. Associated with the arsenical pyrites the green 
arsenic of ore is found, forming investing layers on 
the ore, andscorodite, or yellow arsenic of iron, occurs 
in concretionary masses and thin crusts between the 
joints and cavities. 

A little argentiferous galena was also found in dis- 
seminated branches and crystals. Radiated block 
tourmaline exists in the mica slate, and quartz crys- 
tals are found in the vein and in the soil. Kaoline, 
or clay from decomposed granite, fills up many spaces 
between the rocks. 

In 182.5, by act of the Legislature, the part border- 
ing on the Merrimack River was disannexed for the 
purpose of forming a part of the town of Hooksett. 



294 



HISTORY OF MKRKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The first census wiis taken in 1767,— Unmarried 
men, 16 to 60 years old, 25 ; married, 16 to 60 years 
old, 39 ; boys from 16 years and younger, 70 ; males 
over 60 years, 6; females unmarried, 80; married, 
45; widows, 4; male slaves, 2. Census, 1775, — 
Males under 16, 144; 16 to 50 not in the army, 92; 
over 50, 14 ; in the army, 14; females, 232; slaves, 1. 
1790,917; 1800,1222; 1810,1256; 1820,1450; 1880, 
711. 

The first saw-mill Imill in the town was by (ienenil 
John Stark, in the northwesterly section, a lot being 
granted him with this provision understood. The 
property and estate is still in the possession of the 
Stark family and owned by a granddaughter of the 
illustrious general, who resides in the grand old 
mansion. The family have a private cemetery near 
the estate where the remains of Jlajor Caleb Stark, 
a son of .Itiliii Stark, lie buried with those of other 
descendants. 

As a farming town Dunbarton holds an even rank, 
whose well-tilled farms and good farm-houses and 
buildings speak volumes for the thrift and enterprise 
of the people. 

On the 13th of September, 1865, the town cele- 
brated its centennial of incorporation with exercises 
of great interest, and the sons and daughters located 
in other states and sections came home again to 
mingle in and enjoy the festivities of the occasion, 
and the event will long be a treasured one to all who 
were present, and notable in the history of the town. 



CHAPTER II. 

DUNBART0N-(Oj„(t,i« 



RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION.? 



Closely identified with the town is the religious 
review, and first we give the 

History of the Congregational Church.— The 
history of the Congregational Church is largely the 
religious history of Dunbarton, for this organization 
is at once the oldest and largest Christian body in 
the town. The ancestors of many of the early in- 
habitants were men and women who, in 1619, had left 
fair Scotland, their native land, because of religious 
persecution, and had settled in the north of Ireland. 
Heing strict Prcsbx Inians, tlicy did not find there 
the freedom wliicli ili(\ li:i.l r\|.rcted, but were forced 
to contribute towar.ls i lir Mipport of the Established 
Church. A century later their descendants sought in 
America a home where they could freely worship 
God, and their children who came to Dunbarton 
brought with them the religious spirit of their 
fathers. They early felt their need of the preaching 
of the gospel and of public means of grace. 

In 1752 a vote was passed at the second meeting 
of the proprietors that a meeting-house should be 



erected ; but for some reason it was not finished till 
about 1767. This building was located at the Centre, 
in what is now the public common, and was a low- 
I'ramed structure, furnished only with seats of rough 
plank and a pulpit of rough boards. It was thirty 
feet square, and had no means by which it could be 
warmed. This house remained the only place of 
public worship for twenty years. Previous to the 
completion of this building the people enjoyed oc- 
casional opportunities of hearing the Word. The 
first sermon is said to have been preached by Rev. 
Mr. McGregor in the open air. At diflierent times 
several ministers were employed to preach ; but not 
till nineteen years after the erection of the first meet- 
ing-house was there a settled ministry. 

In 1773 an attempt was made to settle a minister. 
Rev. William Fessenden, but previous to his confer- 
ence with the committee which had been appointed by 
the town he had become established in another place. 
The Revolution placed a check upon religious effort. 
From 1780 to 1783 only twenty-four days' preaching 
were hired. In 1785 an attempt was made to settle 
Rev. Mr. Bradford, but his doctrinal views proved 
unsatisfactory. Again, in 1786, an unsuccessful at- 
tempt was made to settle Rev. Mr. Williams. On 
October 30, 1788, a committee was appointed to en- 
gage Rev. Walter Harris " for one year, or a shorter 
time, to preach on trial." On the 26th of January, 
1789, it was voted to extend him a call. 

On June 18, 1789, the Congregational Church of 
Dunbarton was organized with ten members. A 
church covenant was framed, and the Westminster 
Confession was adopted as the standard of faith, in 
the following words : " We do profess a firm belief of 
the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and 
understand them for the most part as they are ex- 
plained in the Westminster Confession of Faith ; at 
least, we view that as the best human system now ex- 
tant." Rev. Walter Harris was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor of the church on August 26th of the 
same year, and he held his charge for more than forty 
years, the leader of the people, not only in spiritual 
matters, but in all things essential to their welfare. 
So largely was Dr. Harris instrumental in moulding 
the character and determining the prosperity of the 
inhabitants of Dunbarton that no history of the town 
is complete which does not give him prominent 
notice. He was born June 8, 1761, in Lebanon, 
Conn. His father died shortly before his birth, and 
he was left, with his brother, to the care of his pious 
mother. Each day, taking her boys by the hand, she 
held them at her side while she read from the Bible 
and offered her fervent prayers to God. Thus was 
the seed of piety sown, afterwards to spring up and 
grow into a pure and noble character. When he was 
sixteen years old his mother died, and he and his 
brother were left to care for themselves. The War of 
the Revolution soon breaking out, the brothers en- 
listed to defend their country, and fought side by 



DUNBARTON. 



295 



side till the elder was killed by a British cannon-ball. 
Dr. Harris served uninjured in the war for three 
years. Having recei\'fcd an honorable discharge, he 
luirchased a lot of land in Lebanon, N. H., and began 
to clear it. While at this work the thought of a 
higher sphere of usefulness came to him. One day 
he sat down upon a tree which he had just felled, and 
there argued aloud his case. At length he declared, 
" I will go to college," and striking the axe into the 
tree, he left it there, a present to the finder, and 
started to execute hia new resolve. In 1787 he 
graduated with honor from Dartmouth College, 
having the Hebrew oration. He then studied theol- 
ogy under Dr. Emmons. In mental power and in 
ability to defend the truth he was nearly the equal 
of his illustrious teacher. On coming to Dunbarton, 
he found the people greatly needing instruction in 
evangelical doctrines, and he began his work by 
setting forth and expounding these. During his en- 
tire ministry his preaching was characterized as 
doctrinal, — " God's sovereignty, man's depravity, 
salvation through the blood of Christ, by the eflec- 
tual working of the Holy Ghost ; standing on 
this foundation, he preached." He was a natural 
orator, possessing a voice of great power and pathos. 
At first he would carry the judgment of his hearers 
by his convincing logic, and then persuade them with 
his eloquence. He possessed the power of impressing 
himself as well as what he uttered upon the people, 
and so had the two great essentials for leadership. 
All reverenced him. The inhabitants came to him 
for advice upon all matters. Rev. S. S. Parker says: 
" The impression he made upon my heart in child- 
hood was that God Almighty was first and Dr. Harris 
was second." Not only did he teach by word, but by 
example. In all things he tried to be a pattern for 
the people. His life was bl.ameless. He cultivated 
his farm with great care, kept all things in order and 
was a model farmer. As a winner of souls his Master 
owned him. In the third year of his ministry there 
was a great outpouring of the Spirit, and eighty per- 
sons were ad.Jed to the church. Dr. Harris believed 
in revivals and worked and prayed for them. 

In ISlti forty new converts were added to the 
church, and again, in 182G, eighty persons became 
members. Dr. Harris was always deeply interested 
in the cause of education, and for many years visited 
all the schools in town twice annually, and it was a 
long time before the people appreciated his labors and 
thought to thank or recompense him for this work. 
Dr. Harris' influence was felt throughout the State. 
In church aftairs and in the defense of evangelical 
doctrines he was an acknowledged leader. Declining 
health compelled him to resign his charge in 1830, 
but he still remained in Dunbarton an inspiration 
and a power. He died December 25, 1843. He was 
succeeded in the church by Rev. John M. Putnam, 
who was installed pastor by the same council that 
dismissed Dr. Harris, .Tuly 8, 1830. Mr. Putnam was 



born irf Sutton, Mass., February 2(), 1794. From 
eight until fourteen years of age he worked on a farm. 
Then he worked as a jeweler and in a printing-office 
till he was twenty-one. He studied at Kimball Union 
Academy from ISlo to 1817, and entered Brown Uni- 
versity at the age of twenty-four. Ill health pre- 
vented graduation. Having studied theology under 
Rev. Jacob Ide, D.D., of Medway, Mass., he was 
ordained December 13, 1820. His first pastorate was 
at Ashby, Mass. He remained there five years, and 
then became editor of the Repository and Observer. 
From 1827 to 1830 he was settled at Epsom, N. H., 
from which place he came to Dunbarton. He was a 
worthy successor to Dr. Harris, and for thirty-one 
years labored faithfully for both the spiritual and 
temporal welfare of the people. Under his ministry 
the church greatly prospered. Only eight months 
after his installation there was a revival which 
brought fifty new members into the church. In 1858 
another revival resulted in an addition of twenty- 
three persons to the church. These were nearly all 
heads of families. 

Mr. Putnam, like Dr. Harris, took great interest in 
education. For many years he visited the schools 
throughout the town. He also published two works 
on English grammar. His other publications are 
"Helps at the Mercy Seat" and several sermons. 
As a preacher, Mr. Putnam differed somewhat from 
Dr. Harris. His preaching was less legal, though 
scarcely less effective. He was a powerful speaker 
and a most excellent pastor. He resigned his charge 
from ill health, and was dismissed October 9, 1861. 
On the same day his successor. Rev. Sylvanus Hay- 
ward, was installed. He was pastor till April 12, 
1860. Thus for more than seventy-seven years the 
Congregational Church has the remarkable record of 
not being one day without a settled pastor. 

Rev. George I. Bard was installed pastor November 
20, 1866, and was dismissed December 3, 1872. 

The next pastor was Rev. William E. Spear, or- 
dained and installed October 16, 1873. His letter of 
resignation was accepted August 1, 1S7S. Mr. Spear 
is now a practicing attorney in Boston. 

Rev. James Wells succeeded him as acting pastor 
for nearly two years, and gave much acceptance. 

The present pastor, Rev. Tilton C. H. Bouton, was 
ordained and installed July 14, 1881, coming fresh 
from Andover Theological Seminary, and is an 
earnest preacher of the Word and a beloved pastor. 

In 1860 there were one hundred and twenty-nine 
members. Now the church-roll presents one hundred 
and twenty-three names. 

In the early years of the church the discipline of 
its members was of the strictest character. Many of 
the cases of church discipline would seem almost in- 
credible to the present generation. The following is 
quoted from the records : 



'Jan. 27, 1794.— A compla 
— agaiu^t uur brother, — 



for uucbristiau-like bebuv 



HISTORY OF MKRRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



light atid vaiu mauifer, upon : 



The church accepted this complaint, and sumnioned 
the brother before it. He appeared and confessed 
his fault and was pardoned. 

In 1789 it was " Voted to erect the second meeting- 
house." This vote was carried into effect. The 
building was erected on the spot where the first log 
church was built, at the centre of the common, where 
it still stands, now used a.s the town hall. 

In 1836 the present church edifice was built, which 
covers the spot where the house of Colonel William 
Stark, a brother to General John Stark, was located. 
It was repaired and remodeled in 1884, furnished with 
an elegant and costly set of pulpit furniture by repre- 
sentatives of one of the earliest families, and is now 
one of the most pleasant houses of worship to be found 
In our State, outside of the cities. The chiirch also 
owns a good parsonage, built in 1883, and a vestry. 

In the early years of the church the minister's 
salary was obtained by a tax levied upon all ratable 
polls and estates in the town. This system, in time, 
led into much difficulty, and was abolished. It was 
succeeded by a tax upon all members of the society 
which exists in connection with the church. It is 
now raised by subscription. The church is at present 
in a prosperous condition, and, with the blessing of 
God resting upon it, it will continue to be in the 
future, as it has been in the past, a mighty instrument 
for the teiiipmal and eternal good of the people. 

The Baptist Church.— In 1795, as the result of 
the visits of Rev. Hezekiah Smith, D.D., of Haverhill, 
Mass., there was a Baptist Church formed in Bow, 
several members of which lived in Dunbarton, and 
when the Bow Church disbanded, in 1816, the Dun- 
barton members united with the Baptist Church in 
Gofl'stown. In 1827 a young man who was working 
at Araoskeag village began to hold meetings in a 
school-house near Montalona on Sundays, attending 
to the work of his trade during the week. Soon the 
school-house could not contain his hearers, and a 
large, unfinished blacksmith-shop was floored and 
provided with seats for a congregation, which soon 
filled them to overflowing. 

Encouraged by these meetings, the r.aptists of Dun- 
bart(iii met November i), 1828, and voted to obtain 
letters of dismission from the chui'ches of which they 
were luendiers, and to petition the Baptist Churches 
of Uollstown, Bow, Weare and New Boston to send 
delegates to a council to be held December 15th, at 
nine o'clock a.m. Joel Wheeler and Jonathan Colby 
were chosen deacons, and Isaac Westcott (the young 
man who for several months had been their preacher 
and leader) was appointed to receive the hand of 
fellowship. To the request for a council were the 
signatures of nineteen persons. 

Two other subjects were also under consideration at 
this time, viz.: buildinga new meeting-house and the 
ordination of Mr. Westcott. The former was acted 



on immediately, and the new house was finished in 
the summer of 1830 ; the latter was postponed a few 
months, and though a council was called in the 
autumn of 1829, Mr. Westcott was not ordaiiied until 
after he left Dunbarton. 

The council of recognition met according to invita- 
tion at the liouse of Joel Wheeler, the churches o( 
Gortstown, Bow and Wcare being represented, and 
chose the Rev. Joseph Davis moderator, and Mr. 
Joseph Peacock clerk. It having been voted to ex- 
tend the hand of fellowship to those desiring it, ser- 
vices of recognition were held. Rev. Joseph Davis, of 
Weare, preaching the sermon. Immediately after the 
recognition services the church retired and receive<l 
two new members. 

During the first ten years of its history there are 
but few items of interest to be found in the records 
of the church. 

The church was supplied by Mr. Westcott until 
February 20, 1831, and afterwards by Rev. Messrs. 
Ellis, Strong and Wilmarth ; meanwhile licenses to 
preach had been granted to Christie Wheeler and to 
Joel Wheeler, Jr. 

Apparently the first settled pastor of the newly- 
gathered flock was Rev. Stephen Pillsbury, who was 
called and settled in the spring of 1835, and remained 
until the close of 1838. 

In July, 1839, Mr. Horace Eaton, then a student, 
agreed to supply the church until October. He found 
the state of religion very low, there being no attempt 
to sustain a prayer-meeting. In August he obtained 
a promise from one of the deacons to meet him at the 
place appointed for a prayer-meeting the next week. 

At the first meeting three were present, at the 
second, twelve, and at the third, a full house. These 
meetings were the beginning of a series, during the 
continuance .of. which several were converted and 
fifteen were baptized and joined the church. At the 
close of the year the total membership was fifty. Rev. 
Levi Walker was received by letter from Hanover 
April 15, 1840, and became pastor of the pulpit for a 
year, when he removed to Campton. After this Rev. 
Stephen Pillsbury supplied the jmlpit half the time 
for several months, and the iiieiiili<islii]Mirthe eluireh 
was increased to seventy. 

In accordance with an invitation from the church, 
a council assembled March 21, 1843, and ordained 
Abner Mason, a member of the Worthen Street Church, 
Lowell, Mass., to the work of the ministry and as 
pastor of the Dunbarton C!hnrch. 

In December, 1844, Jonathan Wheeler was chosen 
church clerk, a date worthy of mention, from the 
fact that he faithfully discharged the duties of his 
office for thirty-two consecutive years, during twenty- 
nine of which he lived four miles from the meeting- 
house. Rev. Abner Mason having been dismissed in 
November, 1844, he was succeeded by Rev. N. W. 
Smith, who acted as supply for about a year. 

The church had tlius lar. during nearlv twentv 



DUNBARTON. 



297 



years of its history, worshiped in the meetiug-house 
at ISIontalona ; but the members found it hard work 
to support preaching e\ien a portion of the time. Some 
members of the Baptist Ohurclies in Hopkinton and 
Bow, all of whom resided in Dunliarton, having ex- 
pressed a desire to attend chureh in their own town, 
and being willing to contribute toward building a new 
house of worship, the church met April 29, 18-17, in a 
hall, which, with a lot of laixl, bad been recently 
purchased at the centre of the lowii, ;\nd received by 
letter fourteen new iin'inbcis IViPiii the cburches in 
Hopkinton and Bow. 

The church having no pastor, Rev, J. W. Poland 
was received by letter June -1, 1S47, and became 
their pastor for a season. 

The failing health of Mr. Poland would not per- 
mit him to continue his labors, and February 3, 1848, 
Rev. H. D. Hodge was received by letter as member 
and pastor of the church, and remained during the 
year. Meanwhile, work was progressing on the new 
meeting-house, and the building was completed so 
that the first services were held in it Sunday, December 
1, 1848. 

In the spring of 1849, Rev. Samuel Cook became 
pastor, and remained until the latter part of 1853, 
when he removed to Concord. For about a year the 
church was without a pastor, but January 7, 18.55, Rev. 
Horace Eaton and wife were received by letter from 
the church in Wilton, and under his pastorate the 
following spring there were several additions. 

Mr. Eaton remained with the clnirch nearly five 
years. 

After irregular supplies for several months. Rev. .T. 
M. Coburn supplied the pulpit very acceptably fin- 
one year, and was succeeded by his brother. Rev. W. 
L. Coburn. who was ordained at Dunbarton Feliruary 
28, 18G1. 

For reasons which do uot appear in the records, this 
pastorate was a short one. In May or June, 1862, 
Rev. John Peacock was engaged as a supply, and 
continued with the church until September, 1863. 

In September, 1863, Mr. Stephen Pillsbury (son of 
the Rev. Stephen Pillsbury, who was settled in 1835) 
commenced his labors. He preached about a year as 
a licentiate from the New London Baptist Church, 
and, in October, 1864, was ordained and settled as 
pastor. Mr. Pillsbury remained with the church until 
the close of the year 1865, when he removed to Mt. 
Holly, Vt. During the year 1866 the church had no 
stated supply. 

Early in 1867, Rev. T. B. Eastman was called and 
settled as pastor. Mr. Eastman w;xs succeeded by 
Rev. E. J. Whittemore, who, in turn, was succeeded by 
Rev. Samuel Woodbury. Mr. Woodbury remained 
for two years and then removed to Pembroke, Me. 
In the summer and autumn of 1874 the church was 
supplied by Mr. A. S. Stowell, then a student at New- 
ton Centre, Mass., and afterwards ordained pastor of 
the church at Salem Depot. In May, 1875, Mr. A. J. 



Hopkins, at that time pursuing his studies in Newton 
Theological Institution, began as a supply for the 
summer, and, in accordance with the request of the 
church, continued, while pursuing his studies, to 
supply them through the following year. 

He was ordained pastor of the church September 
27, 1876, and remained with them until October, 
1879, when he accepted a call to the adjoining town 
of Hopkinton. During his pastorate twenty-five new 
members were received by the church,— seventeen by 
baptism and eight by letter. 

The first Sunday in October, 1879, Rev. L. Hayden, 
D.D., began to preach as a supply, and at the close of 
the year was formally recognized as pastor of the 
church. He remained until July, 1885, when he 
accepted a call to beconjc pustcir of ihc Baptist Church 
in Shutesbury, Mass. 

Doctor Hayden was one of the town's most respected 
citizens, ever taking an active interest in every good 
cause of public, educational or religious welfare, and 
his removal from town was an extended cause of deep 
regret, and that the remaining years of a well-spent 
life may be in green pa.stures and beside the still 
waters of a Father's love, is our benediction on this 
noble man and servant of God. 

In the autumn of 1882, owing to a bitterness of 
feeling engendered by political excitement, a portion 
of the members withdrew, thus seriously impairing 
the financial and spiritual strength of the church. 
The church is at present without a supply. 

The Universalist Society was formed in 1830, 
and the Methodist Society in 1847, both of which 
have been disbanded. 

St. John's Episcopal Chapel.— In the westerly 
part of the town, on land donated by the Stark family, 
stands the St. John's Episcopal Chapel, a very neat 
and inviting edifice. Services are held regularly, 
to the support of which the Starks lend cheerful 
aid. 

In the preparation of the history of the two larger 
religious societies, we acknowledge the kindly aid 
rendered by Rev. Mr. Bouton and Rev. JMr. Hopkins. 



CHAPTER III. 

DDNBARTON— (CoiKu.u.t/). 
SCHOOLS AND MILITARY. 

Is granting townships, the lords proprietors usually 
set apart a right called the "school lot." Such a 
right was reserved in this town. At the proprietors' 
meeting, March 2, 1 752, after voting the parsonage 
lot, another lot was voted, as the record states, " for 
the use and maintenance of a school forever." 

At the meeting in March, 1771, the sum of thirty 
dollars was appropriated for a town school, which ap- 
pears to be the first Ibr that purpose upon record. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NK^V HAMPSHIRE. 



The same amount was annually appropriated during 
the years 1772, 73, '74 and 75. In 1776 the school 
money wa,s voted down, as was the case from that 
date until March 22, 1788, when the sum of seventy- 
two dollars was voted for the town school. In 1788 
the town " Voted to raise eighty dollars for a town 
school, and that the selectmen divide the town into 
proper districts for a town school, and that no men 
send from one district to another." 

In 1789, " Voted to raise twenty-four pounds for a 
town school." 

In 1790, " Voted twenty-four pounds for a town 
school;" and in 1791 "thirty-five pounds were voted 
for the use of a school." 

The law of 1791, which directed a tax to be assessed, 
amounting to seven thousand five hundred pounds 
sterling, upon the several towns, in proportion to their 
taxable property, gave a direct impulse to the common 
schools throughout the State. 

Prior to the passage of the act of 1805 Dunbarton 
had been divided into three districts, each containing 
a school-house. 

At that time the town was divided into three 
school districts, viz., Page's Corner, Centre and Mon- 
talona. Robert Hogg, a native of England, was the 
first teacher in town, and bis many years' service gave 
him the sobrigtiet of Master Hogg. 

The first school-house at the Centre stood just south 
of the present Congregational Church. It was a plain 
structure, twenty feet square and ceiled instead ol 
plastered. The entrance was from the east ; the fire- 
place was at the west end. Two rows of benches 
were on either aide, and the master's desk .stood near 
the entrance. 

The only books used at that time were Dilworth's 
Spelling- Book, New Testament and Pike's Arithmetic. 
The branches taught were reading, writing and arith- 
metic. All copies for writing were set by the master, 
and only quill pens were used. 

The town is at present divided into eleven school 
districts. 

It is said that history repeats itself. The fir.st re- 
presentative to the General Court was Caleb Page, in 
1775 ; the representative in 1875 was Caleb Page also, 
but though the same in name, not in person. 

No town of like size can claim a more honorable 
record, and none a larger number of distinguished 
military men, than Dunbarton. 

The most famous of all engaged in the service was 
Major Robert Rogers, a brief biography of whom will 
be found in the following: 

Major linlii It Uui;! IS, who became famous as the 
commandri oi thr Nm England corps of rangers, 
was the elilrsi son of .hmics Rogers, and was born in 
Londonderry in 1727. llr u.is Urtrcii when he came 
with his father to the woo.l^ ..i Mm L^town, and nine- 
teen when the family mailr llnii loriniKite escape by 
night to Rumford. 

The ranger corps of the "Seven Years' War" was 



mostly made up of Massachusetts and New Hamp- 
shire men. Major Rogers had with him his two 
brothers — Richard, who died at Fort William Henry 
of small pox ; and James, a captain in the Provincial 
militia — William and Archibald Stark, Jr., Caleb 
Page, Nathaniel Martin, Adam Dickey ami John 
McCurdy, all of Starkstown. Rogers served through 
the war, and died in England in 1800. 

Another was John Stark, who received his first bap- 
tism of fire under the heroic Rogers, and who after- 
wards made the independence of the American 
colonies an accomplished fact upon the ever-historic 
battle-field of Bennington ; Joseph Blanchard, the 
gallant colonel was another who led the New Hamp- 
shire forces to victory in many a contest during the 
Seven Years' War ; Jeremiah Page, the surveyor of 
" Coos meadows, " and afterward surveyor assistant 
for His Majesty's government, George III. Captain 
Alexander Todd ; Richard Rogers, the ranger, and 
brother of the famous Robert, — these have written 
their names high on the roll of fame, and reflected 
honor on old StarJcstown, the town they represented. 

The following gives the names of officers and sold- 
iers in the Indian and French War, 1750-60: 

t'aptain Jobn Stark (afterward General), Ensign Caleb Page, Maj.ir 
Robert Rogers, Captain Joseph Blanchard, Captain James Rogers, Cap- 
tain Jonathan Burbank, Captain Richard Rogers, Lieutenant Nathaniel 
iturbank, Lieutenant John McCnrdy, Lieutenant Abmin Stark, Ijieu- 
tenant William Stark, Stephen Law, Andrew Dickey, John Foster, Jaiiips 
.Andrews, James McCnrdy, David Stinson (killed by the Indians at Stin- 
son's Pond, in Rnmney). 

The following are the names of those who served in 
the Revolutionary War, from 1775 to' 1783: 

Major Caleb .Stark, General .lulin Stark, Colonel William Stark, Captain 
Nathaniel Bnrbnnk, CHpf-iin .l»n,e.( l.-^acb, <'„],fiin l..l,n Fih'.-^.t-' .11, Cap- 
tain John Srliul,- ^!:m I .l"t:n "Mill-, lv\ w ■'' ■ II i- - I' tit,-nant 
Thomas Mill.s, l.i' "1' ii.nn « illi.ciH I. 1,11. V 1. 1 1. >l ■ .. I'.in.'IMc- 
Cin-dv. Calrl. I', . ,1 I, |;,,n ,t.i -,|,i . .1 1 - ,:,,i n ..i,-icol- 



tban Smith, Benjiiniiii 1 .11 '. 1. 1 '1 r. . 1, ' ■ 1 \ - . ' 1 1 1 i: < 

Preston, Ebeuezer I'li.i-.. I. hh II. - N I 11 \,.,l 

gent, Archelas Peikins, Abfl Siiig'iit, Nalliiiiii.i \\ t l.-i, \\ 

Wheeler, Winthrop Sargent. 

The following enlisted in time of peace, 1810 : 

Robert Miller, Nathaniel Hemphill and Jonathan Colby. 

The following enlisted in 1812-15 : 

Dr. James Stark, Thomas Ayer, Joseph Collins, John Mill<n-, Hci 
Bailey, .Tohn Ayer, Robert Sanborn, Ira Bailey, John Babson, 
Ladd, Charles Hart. 

The following were drafted in the War of 1 
15: 

Thomas Lord, Isaac Nichols, William Stark, John Stark, John 
bury, Luther Clement, Archibald Stinson, Daniel Clement, Stephe 
man, Jacob Ayer, Enoch Gile, Philip Kidder. 

Daniel •Stinson enlisted July 17, 1818, and E. 
man Harris in 1820. 

In 1846, in the war with Mexico, the following 
entered the army from Dunbarton : 



PUNHAHTON. 



Benjamin Whipple (3d), CharloB Clenienl, :Sinieou Cilly, Lieutenant 
Winslow (navy ; Berved in regiment of MassachuBotte Voluntoere). 

From the following it will be seen that the town 
displayed a truly loyal spirit in defending our gov- 
ernment and country, in il.s civil conflict of 1861 to 
1865.' 

The following is a copy of the vote passed at an- 
nual town-meeting in the town of Dunbarton, March 
14, 1865 : 

••Voted, tliat SilvanuB Haywaid lie a committee to obtain the names of 
all the men this town hai* furnished for the army as volunteorR, con- 
Bcripte or eubstitutee, and bounties paid to each, date of enlistment, 
length of service, and all the facts in relation thereto, which may be ot 
hlBtorical Taluo to the town, that the same may be recorded in the 
records of the town." 

The following is a report of committee appointed 
to procure and place on record the names and history 
of the soldiers furnished by the town of Dunbarton 
in the late war : 

"It were indeed base ioi- tiietuunt lust- or neglect tu put on jier 

manent record the uaniet; of Minbe of ilb own citizens who served in de- 
fense of our country in putting down the most causelcBS and infamous 
rebellion the world has ever known. Their names should be handed 
down with honor to the latest generation, that our children in years to 
come may read them with gratitude, and bless the names of those who 
gave their toil, and even, in many instances, their lives, to save them 
from the curse of harbarism and slavery. 

the town has done, the l.'ll .v^ iti in i i- pn-Fented : 

"I have not been aM- r. . . i i , .,r not any townsman en- 
listed at the first call f..i 1 1 .: ui.l men. Since that time 

the town has furnished iii >.lui,i.,i ,1,1 -iil.stitutes one hundred and 
one different men, three of wli.nii re enlisted after serving out their 

" According to the Adjutant-Oenerars Report, this gives an excess of 
eight men over all required by ttie i;„v.Tmi.ent. By the 



fur- 



5 is only one. 



nished the selectmen from (li. i^Muiti 

"The whole amount ol in n. \ 1 til m i-wii bounties has been twen- 
ty-four thousand eight IiiiihIi..! :in,[ n in. ■i\ -live dollars, of which tw'o 
thousand and twenty-two dollars hits nln-adybeen received back — eleven 
hundred dollars from the State and nine hundred and twenty-two dollars 
from the United States. From one to three thousand dollars (how nmch 
cannot yet be exactjy told) will be paid back by the general govern- 
ment, and several thousand dollars are still claimed from the State, ol 
receiving which there is s.mii- doubt. A large portion of this has been 
paid to substitutes picked up here and there, whiwe names I have not 
thought best to look up, as they can he of no interest to Dunbarton. The 
separate sums paid to Dunbarton volunteers I have given as shown by 
receipts in the hands of the selectmen. Two Dunbarton men, Henry S. 
Hammond and Frederick Waite, enlisted in Manchester,! the former of 
whom served his time out and returned in safety. The latter died of 
measles at Newborn, N. C, April 20, 1863. The following volunteered 
and received no town bounty : 

"Alonzo Barnard, enlisted in Second Regiment Sharpshooters, Com- 
pany F, November, 1861 ; re-enlisted December, 1863 ; promoted to cor- 
poral ; wounded May, 1864, and died soon after in the hospital at Phil- 
adelphia, Pa. 

" Peter Barnes, enlisted in Second Regiment, Company D, November, 
1863. 

*' Ira Briggs, enlisted in Sixth Regiment, Company I, November, 
1861 ; discharged for disability, 1862. 

" Wilbur F. Breni, enlisted in Second Regiment, Company B, June, 
1861 ; captured at Gettysburg, July, 1863, and died of starvation in An- 
dersonville prison, 1864. 

" Henry M. Caldwell, captain of Company F, Second Regiment of 
Sharpshooters, enlisted September, 1861 ; died of fever at Falmouth, 
Va., July 12, 1862. 

" Horace Caldwell, orderly-sergeant, same company, enlisted Novem- 
her, 1861 ; discharged for disability, 1863. 

J This is evidently a mistake, and should read Massachusetts. 



"Jeremiah Ulongh, enlisted in Second Regiment Sharpshiwters, Com- 
pany F, NoTomhor, 1861 ; discharged for disability, 1862. 

"William C. Flanders, enlisted in Fourth HcKimenI, Company K, 
September, 1861 ; discharged for disability January, 1862 ; nflerwarda 
re-enlisted and served three years. 

"Peter Gravelin, enlisted in Second Regimout, Company E.June, 



Hegil 



I lsr,4or'6,'i. 
•-harpshootors, 
III ijled in hosjii- 

t Sharpsliootors, 



'1-raiilvl!. -Mill.,, . I. liftlcd iu Second Regiment Shariishooters, Com- 
pany F, November, 18U1 ; wounded JIarcli, 1862, and discharged for 
disability May, 1862. 

" George Noyes, enlisted in Second Regiment, ComiMiiy C, Juno, 1861 ; 
discharged for disability July, 1861. 

"Daniel Ordway, enlisted in Seventh Regiment, Comiiany I, Decem- 

"MciKcs K. iinhiav, enlisted in First Regiment Sharpshooters, Com- 

pan.v i:, >i I I "I, i-'l , deserted and went west. 

"I I, III! \ I'liiii I .nil, ted in Fii-st Regiment Sharpshooters, Com- 



iiiety days and served in the Na- 
N. H. 

.Seventh Regiment, Company K, 
October?, 1864. 
Ii Regiment, Company U, .septem- 



1SI31 



First Regiment Shari'shooters, Coin- 



"HenryA. Waite, enlisted 
liany E, September, 1861. 

" Edward j;verett Whipple, enlisted in Second Regi; 
ers. Company F, November, 1861 ; died at home of consumption 
3, 1862. 

"David II. Wliipple, cnliMed in Tliinl r<.-t;iiiieiit, <\,mpany 
guBi, l^m , iln 'I "I ill-.. I-' II r :. ■■ j i.i . i i -■ 



"These two received one hundred dollars town bounty each, viz. ; 

"Bradford Buuhani, enlisted in Sixteenth Regiment, Company D, 
October, 1862. 

" David F. Heath, enlisted in Fourteenth Regiment, 1864. 

"The following individuals received a town bounty of two liiindred 
dollars each ; 

"Amos C. Bailey, enlistpl in K.init. . nth Regiment, Company H, 
September. 1862; wouudc.l in M i m I 1 i . 

"James .\. Baker, enlisti I I . -n ' I. l: iit, Company D, Octo- 



iM 1 I Kpiil 14, 1863. 
h He^iiiient, Company K,.\ngu6t, 

npany H, Fourteenth Regiment, 



" John R. Emerson, enlisted in Fourteenth Regiment, Company 11, 
.September, 1862 ; promoted to corporal. 

"Joseph H. Healey, enlisted in Sixteenth Regiment, Company D, 
October, 1862. 

" Marcus M. Holmes, sergeant in Fourteenth Regiment, Comitany H, 
September, 1862 ; promoted to lieutenant May, 1864. 

"Marceller A. Merrill, enlisted in Tenth Regiment, Comjiany C, 
September, 1862. 

" Chester L. Page, enlisted in Fifteenth Regiment, Company K, No- 
vember, 1862. 

" Wilson E. Poor, enlisted in Fourteenth Regiment, Company H, Sep- 
tember, 1862 ; promoted to corporal. 

" Daniel B. Roberts, enlisted in N'inth Regiment, Company E, May, 
1862. 

"John B. Samtou, enlisted in Tenth Regiment, Company H, Septem- 
ber, 1862 ; captured at Fair Oaks, Va., October, 1864. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUxXTY, XKW HAMPSHIRE. 



" Andrew J. stone, captain Comi»any F, Ninth Regimont, euliiited 

August. 18ti2; died of wi.un.lsal Krc.li<ri(kphiiri;, V;i., Miiy 'Jd, IHM. 

"Benjaniiu Twi«s, mli -t -I n l.niii i:.jiim. m, (,.nii..i.v II. .May. 

1862 ; was i-aptured in M ■ -■ i .. • tm.-.lto 

death in priwuL wan n I. ,i ■ i .■ ■ • !■ • ••>' ■ i li " i- 

"Kolievt K. Wlicrl,.,, . ..I I, I ml, I;. , m. i ..i,,|.;ui.v II, 

September, I ^'■. |i i i '|]'"|m1. 



September, l>i . i : ' i iMr-sergeaiit. 

"Lysander U.sja.m, ,'i.li.-(..l m Tllirteelli 
October, 18li2. 

'•The following are tliuse who received thr. 
from the town : 

•'Timothy Clarll, enlisted in Fiflli Regin 
1863. 

"John D. Houlihan, enlisted in Kilth liegii 



e wou a name and position in their 
ve give a brief slcetch of a few. 



rinii'nt. Company E, i 
Hired dollars bounty 



'Lemuel N. Barnard, t'harles W. IJrom, leaac P. Citllbrd, Alfred I 
\\ illirnii V l''lli"lf, Lanron P. Hadluy, .\aron Lurel, Johnson C. : 
iiv, i,l,„. Mill ,,l..|inMills, Nathan W. Wheeler, Jr. 
' I 1m 1 ii ■! 1 ■ i|i ' ting the above statistics lias not been small, i 

I - .III li iiiii li — I ill niauy errors and omissions, but it is as accui 



' Dunbarton, N. II., April 7, 18G6.' 



CHAPTER IV. 

]>VNB\KTON-{Co„tl,u,ed). 

Few towns have graduated from college and sent 
out into the world a more worthy list of sons tlian 
Dunbarton ; iifty-one natives have graduated 
from colleges, as follows: Dartmouth 41 ; Wabash, 
Indiana, 3; Union, N. Y. 2; Haivaid 2; Yale 1 ; 
Brown University 1 ; Amherst 1. 

Among the ministerial graduates we Bud Isaac 
Garvin, Abraham Burnham, D.D., Hosea Wheeler, 
Amos W. Burnham, D. D., Thomas Jameson, Har- 
rison 0. Paige, Charles H. Marshall, Abraham Burn- 
ham, Leonards. Parker, Ephraira O. Jameson, Oeorge 
A. Putnam, John P. Mills. Among the teachers, 
Samuel Burnham, William Parker, Prof. Caleb Mills, 
Prof. Charles (i. Burnham, Josejih Gibson Hoyt, 
LL. D., Prof. Mark Bail.y, William H. Burnham. 01 
journalists, William A. Putney, Henry I\I. Putney. 
John B. Mills. 

In the legal profession, the names of Jeremiah 
Stinson, William Stark, John Burnham, John Whip- 
ple, John Jameson, John Tenney, James H. Paige, 
Walter Harris Tenney, Caleb Stark, Jr., Amos Had- 
ley, Joseph M. Cavis, David B. Kimball, George H. 
Twiss, Wm. E. Bunten, Henry E. Burnham, Newton 
H. Wilson appear, while many others have made a 
good re(!ord in their chosen walks. 

It will be pardonable if, out of the honored list of 



those who hav 
chosen walks. 

Prof. Mark Bailey was born in Dunbarton May 
20th, 1827, and worked on his father's farm until he 
was fifteen yeans of age; he attended the academy at 
Pembroke, also at Danville, Vt., and was grad- 
uated at Dartmouth College in '49, in the same cla.ss 
with Judge Doe and the late Judge Stanley. His 
time was occupied winters by teaching, andhis elocu- 
tionary gift was further cultivated by training received 
from the late Prof. William Russell, of Reed's Ferry, 
and afterwards he became a partner of Prof. Russell's 
son in teaching the art in New York City. 

Prof. Bailey taught in the Andover, Bangor, Union 
and Princeton Seminaries, and in most of the New 
England colleges during the years 1852 and '53. In 
1855 he was appoiiilcd iiislruclor of clocutinn in 
Yale College, New llavni, Coiui., :i po.si(ion .-till re- 
tained. 

In 1863, Prof. Bailey lectured before The American 
Teachers' A.ssociation , and also prepared the " Intro- 
ductory Treatise on Elocution " for the popular Hill- 
iard readers ; his lessons on " Sound and Sense " 
have awakened a large degree of interest in the art. 

Several courses of lectures have been given before 
the public teachers at Washington, D. C, and at Cin- 
cinnati. In 1856, '60, and '61 he was active a-s a Re- 
publican, on the stump, for " Free Territories. " the 
" Union " and the freeing of the slaves. Prof. Bailey 
has a delightful home, and has accomplished much 
in his work in develojjing good readers and speakers, 
is one of the best elocutionists in the cnuiitiy ami re- 
tains a fond regard for his native town. 

JosF-PH G1B.SON Hoyt, LL.D., was born in 1815; 
graduated at Yale College in 1840; he won a high 
reputation iia a (dassical scholar and accurate teacher; 
was chancellor of Washington University, in the city 
of St. Louis, and in the midst of his splendid career 
he died suddenly, in 1862. He is spoken of as the 
most brilliant son of Dunbarton. 

Rev. Geouge' A. Putnam, born in 1835, has 
achieved renown in the clerical profession. Another 
worthy son is Rev. Ephraim O. Jameson, born Jan- 
uary 23, 1832. He prepared for college in Gilman- 
ton (N. H.) Academy, and graduated from Dartmouth 
in 1855, and Irom the Theological Seminary in An- 
dover in 1858. He was ordained to the gospel 
ministry March 1, 1860, and installed pastor of the 
East Congregational Church in Concord, N. H. He 
resigned and was installed November 9, 1865, pastor 
of the Union Evangelical Church at Salisbury, Mass., 
where he labored until July, 1871, when he resigned 
and was installed as pastor of the First Church of 
Christ in Medway, Mass., in 1871. The esteem in 
which this pastor is held by the people, is evidenced 
by his conti nuousserviceof nearly fourteen years among 
them. In addition to his duties as pastor, Mr. Jame- 
son does some literary work. He published, in 1844, 
a volume of family history, " The Cogswells in 



DUNBARTON. 



America. " The " History of Medway, Miiss.," he has 
ready for the press. 

Mr. Jameson married, Se])tember 20, l.sr)8. Miss 
iMary Cogswell, eldest daughter of tlie late l\cv. 
William Cogswell, D.IX, of (Jilmantun, X. II. Mr. 
.lameson is now settled at Millis, Mass. 

Henry Eben Buknham, son of Henry L. and 
Maria A. Burnham, was born in Dunbarton, N. H., 
Nov. 8, 1844; attended district school ; prepared for 
college at Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, N. H. ; 
graduated at Dartmouth College in the class of 1865 ; 
sliidied law in the offices of E. S. Cutter, Esq., and 
.lodge Lewis W. ("lark, in Manchester, N. H., and in 
the office of Minot & Mugridge, in Concord, N. IL; 
admitted to the bar in Merrimack County, April term, 
I 1868 ; began the i>ractice of law in the fall of 1868 at 
Manchester, and has continued in law practice at 
Manchester to the present time. He has been a part- 
ner for several yeare of Hon. David Cross, and is now 
in business with A. O. Brown, Esq., under the firm- 
name of Burnham & Brown. 

He has represented one of the wards of Manchester 
in the Legislature two terms, has held the office ol' 
treasurer of the county of Hillsborough two years, and 
was judge of Probate for that county in 1876, 1877 
and'l878. 

Mr. Burnham is one of the most pleasing public 
speakers in the State. A thorough lawyer, popular, 
honored, and most highly esteemed by his host of 
friends. His poem at the Centennial of the town was 
a model in arrangement, word and sentiment, from 
which we quote at the opening of this town sketch. 

He married Lizzie H. Patterson, daughter of John 
D. Patterson, Esq., of Manchester, October 22, 1874, 
and has three children,— Gertrude E., Alice M. and 
Edith D. Burnham. 

Colonel Carroll D. Wright, of Reading, Mass., 
was born in Dunbarton July 25, 1840. He is a son 
of Rev. Nathan R. Wright, a prominent Universalist 
clergyman, who was settled at different places in this 
State for many years, but has of late resided in Lynn, 
Mass. He attended the academies at Washington, 
Alstead and Chester, Vt., and in 1860 commenced 
the study of law in the office of the latc' II. mi. Williani 
P. Wheeler, of Keene, continuing tin' -:inii , -iilis,- 
quently.with P2rastus Worthington, of I )r.|liaiii, Mass., 
and Tolman Willey, of Boston. In August, 1862, 
while on a visit to Keene, and before completing his 
legal studies, he enlisted as a private in Company C, 
Fourteenth New Hampshire Volunteers, but wns 
commissioned second lieutenant before leaving for 
the seat of war. He filled various responsible posi- 
tions in the service; was appointed adjutant of his 
regiment in the fall of 1863, and was assistant adjutant- 
general in Louisiana and during Sheridan's campaign 
in the Shenandoah Valley, at the close of which cam- 
paign he was commissioned colonel of his regiment, 
but resigned in the following spring on account of ill 
health. He subsequently resumed the study of the 



law, and was admitted lo the bar at Keene in October, 
1865. Recurring ill health preventeil his engage- 
ment in active practice until the fall of 1867, when 
he opened an office in Boston, and soon succeeded in 
establishing a profitable business, making his resi- 
dence in the town of Reading, which has been his 
home up to the present time. 

In 1871, Colonel Wright was elected to the Massa- 
chusetts Senate by the Republicans of the Sixth Mid- 
dlesex District, and was re-elected the following year, 
serving with ability as chairman of the committees 
on insurance and military affiiirs, and secretary of the 
Judiciary committee. In 1873 he was appointed by 
(xovernor Washburn chief of the State Bureau of 
Statistics of Labor, which position he still holds, and 
io the work of which office he has devoted his atten- 
tion since that time, winning a reputation as a thor- 
ough statistician, excelled by that of no man in 
America. 

Colonel Wright was supervisor of tlic Icclcral cen- 
sus in 1880 for the State of Massachusclt.s, iierfonniiig 
his work with characteristic fullness and accurac y. 
He prepared for the Census Bureau an exhaustive 
special report upon "The Factory System of the Uni- 
ted States," visiting the principal factory centres of 
this country and of Europe in securing the informa- 
tion necessary to its thorough preparation. He also 
prepared, under authority of the Boston (/ity (\)uncil, 
a large volume embodying the .social, conmiercial and 
industrial statistics of that city, which was issued some 
two years since. 

Colonel Wright is a graceful and eloquent speaker, 
and won distinction as a popular lecturer upon war 
and other topics before entering upon his statistical 
work. He was prominently brought forward as a 
candidate for Congress by the young Republicans of 
his district in 1876, and received an earnest support 
in the nominating convention, which was only over- 
come by the peculiar influences brought to bear in 
the interests of a wealthier asjMrant. In December, 
1879, he delivered a course of lectures on social topics 
before the Lowell Institute, in Boston, and in 1881 
was chosen university lecturer on the factory system 
at Harvard College. 

After the passage of the measure by Congress, in 
the winter of 1885, instituting the United States Bu- 
reau of Labor, Colonel Wright was appointed the 
commissioner, and has rendered service of great and 
lasting value in inaugurating the initiative work of 
this valuable agency to aid the industrial and labor- 
ing interests of the country. 

Henry Larcom Burnham. — The only State Sena- 
tor the town hits furnished is Henry Larcom Burn- 
ham, son of Bradford and Hannah Dane (Whipple) 
Burnham, who was born in Dunbarton November 25, 
1814. He attended the district school, summer and win- 
ter terms, until twelve years of age; then only winter 
terms for six years. He commenced teaching when 
eighteen years of age, and continued teaching some 



302 



JIISTORY OF MHRRIMACK COUNTY, NEW EIAMPSHIRE. 



part of each year for thirty years. He generally 
taught winter terras and was engaged in farming the 
rest of the year. 

He was a student at Blanchard .\eademy. at Pem- 
broke, N. H., one and a half terms; was employed in 
land surveying more or less for forty-five years; was 
a justice of the peace nearly forty years, writing a 
large number of deeds, w ills and other legal instru- 
ments; has held nearly all of the various town 
offices; represented the town in the House of Repre- 
sentatives in 1858; was on the Board of County Com- 
missioners from 1860 to ]8t)3; a member of the State 
Senate in 1864 and 1865, and was sheriff of the county 
of Merrimack from 1867 to 1872. 

In March, 1842, Mr. Burnham married Maria A. 
Bailey, only daughter of Josiah Bailey, late of Dun- 
barton. Their only child, Henry E. Burnham, is a 
lawyer in Manchester, N. H. 

By reason of failing health, Mr. and Mrs. Burnham 
left the farm at Dunbarton nearly four years since 
and now reside with their son in Manchester. 

The scenery from our hills is extensive and grand, 
the air pure and invigorating, and those who have 
gone out to light the battle of life in other parts of the 
country and amid other surroundings ever remember 
their old ancestral home with kindly feelings of love 
and delight to return and revisit the scenes of their 
childhood, which can never, never be forgotten. 

In the hurried preparation of this sketch we ac- 
knowledge the kindly aid of Rev. Mr. Bouton, also of 
Rev. Mr. Hopkins, who have proved themselves 
friends in need, and for our many omissions we ask 
the reader's indulgence. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



MAJOR CALEB STARK. 

On the 20th of August 1758, Captain John Stark, 
of His Britannic Majesty's corps of American rangers, 
while on :i tiirlough from the army, was married to 
Elizalietli, daughter of Caleb Page, Esq., who also 
held His Majesty's commission as captain of provin- 
cial militia, and was one of the original grantees of 
Starkstown (now known as Dunbarton, N. H.) 

In the spring of 1759, his furlough having expired, 
and a new company having been enlisted, the hardy 
soldier returned to his post at Fort Edward, prepared 
to perform his part in the next campaign, which, un- 
der the vigorous direction of the Earl of Chatham, 
was destined to reduce Louisburg and Quebec, and 
open the way to the entire conquest of Canada. 

His wife was left at home with her father, one of the 
most prominent and wealthy pioneers of the settle- 
ment, under whose hospitable roof the subject of this 
notice was born December 3, 1759, during the absence 



of his father. The capitulation of Canada, in 1760, ter- 
minated the war in the north, and the provincial 
troops returned to their homes. 

Soon after these events, there being no immediate 
pro8j)eet of active .service. Captain Stark resigned his 
commission in the army and withdrew with his wife 
to his paternal acres at Derrvfield (now Manchester), 
N. H. 

The good Captain Page, entertaining a strong af- 
fection for the child who had been born under his 
roof, and had received his Christian name, was desir- 
ous of retaining and adopting him. To this propo- 
sition his father made no objection, and he remained 
under the indulgent care of his maternal grandfather 
until June 16, 1775.' 

The best works of the time were procured for his 
improvement, and he oljtaiued a good education for 
that period. The two principal books were Fenning's 
Dictionary and Salmon's Historical Grammar, which 
are still preserved in the family. 

The tragedy enacted at Lexington on the 19th of 
April, 1775, having aroused the martial spirit of New 
England, Captain Stark abandoned his domestic oc- 
cupations, and hastened to the theatre of action, in 
the vicinity of Boston, followed by most of the old 
corps of rangers who had served under his orders dur- 
ing the previous war, and others from the province 
who were eager to prove their devotion to the cause 
of liberty. 

The daring acts of valor which had so frequently 
distinguished the career of the veteran Stark, com- 
bined with his military experience and success, left 
him no competitor in the minds of his countrymen- 
in-arm.s,by whom he was unanimously elected colonel, 
and in a few hours a regiment of nearly nine hundred 
men was enlisted for one year. 

These proceedings were soon known in the north- 
ern settlements, and his son, then under sixteen years 
of age, whose memoir we are writing, made an earn- 
est application to his grand-parent for permission to 
repair to the camp at Medford. The latter remon- 
strated with him on account of his extreme youth, 
saying, that although his father was familiar with 
scenes of strife and carnage, the camp was not a fit 
place foroneofhis years ; and t here the matter for a sho rt 
time rested. Not, however, dissuaded by these repre- 
sentations, the young man resolved to go at all events ; 
and, having secretly collected his clothing in a valise, 
without the knowledge of the family, and before day- 
light on the morning of June 16, 1775, he mounted 
a horse which had been given him by his grandfather, 
and, with a musket on his shoulder, started for the 
American camp. 

After traveling a few miles he was joined by an- 
other horseman. The stranger was a tall, well-formed, 

1 This interest in the child of his adoption continued unabated until the 

close of his life, and in the division of hie large estate his favorite 

i\"a8 assigned an equal portion with his own children. 




4m^£a. 




DUNBARTON. 



303 



line-looking person, wearing the undress uuilbrm of a 
British officer. He inquired, politely, of our young 
adventurer wlio he was and where lie was going, and 
upon beinginfornied that he was proceeding to the camp 
at Medford, to join his father, Colonel Stark, the 
stranger said : " You are, then, the son of my old coiu- 
rade. Your father and I were fellow-soldiers for more 
than five years. I am traveling in the same direc- 
tion, and we will keep company." 

The stranger was the celebrated Major Kobert Rog- 
ers, of the " French War" notoriety. As they jour- 
neyed on, the major insisted on defraying all the road 
expenses, and toward evening took his leave, trans- 
mitting to his old associate-in-arms, Colonel Stark, a 
mess:i.jc s.ili. itiiii: an interview at a tavern in Medford.' 

I'l I lir :ii I ual of our youthful patriot at the reg- 

iuK'iilal 111 ail.jiiaiters, his father's first greeting was : 
"Well, sun, what are you here for? You should 
have remained at home." The answer was : "I can 
handle a musket, and have come to try my fortune as 
a volunteer." " Very well," said the colonel ; and, 
addressing Captain George Reid, he continued : " take 
him to your quarters; to-morrow may be a busy day. 
After that we will see what can be done with him." 

The morrow, in truth, was a " busy day." A force, 
composed of detachments from the Massachusetts and 
Connecticut lines, under the command of Colonel 
William Preseott, moved on the evening of the 16th 
of June, with instructions to fortify Bunker Hill; but, 
misapprehending their orders, proceeded about one mile 
farther, and commenced an intrenchment on Breed's 
Hill, a lesser eminence, which was commanded by 
the guns of the opposite battery on Copp's Hill, in 
Boston, as well as exposed to the fire of the ships-of- 
war at anchor in the harbor. At daylight on the 17th 
a furious cannonade opened upon the half-tinished 
" redoubt," and soon after, in compliance with an 
order from General Ward, two hundred men were de- 
tached by Colonel Stark to support the parties em- 
ployed on that rude field-work. Later in the day 
(about 2 P.M.) another order was received, directing 
him to march with his whole regiment to oppose the 
enemy, who were landing in great force at Morton's 
Point. 

As previously stated, the New Hampshire line, 
under Colonel Stark, formed the left wing of the 
American force on this ever-memorable occasion, and 
gallantly repelled the reiterated attacks of some of the 
choicest battalions of the British light infantry. 



1 We bave reason to suppose that the object of Major Rogers' visit to 
America, in 1776, was to sound public opinion ami asccrtuin the relative 
strength of the opposing parties, to enable him, in the choice of service, 
to make the best pei^sonal arrangement which circumstances would per. 
mit. At this interview, as we have been informed, Colonel Stark assured 
him that no proffers of tunk or wealth could induce him to abandon the 
cause of his oppressed country. " I have," he said, "tjiketi up arms in 
her defense and, God willing, I will never lay Ihcm down until she has 
become a free and independent nation." The veteran lived neaily forty 
years after this object of his most fervent wisbps and Uiboi-iuus luil^ in 
the field of honor had been accomplished. 



Our young volunteer proceeded with the company 
under Captain George Reid (to whose care he had 
been so summarily assigned by his father the previous 
evening) to the position occupied by the regiment at 
the rail-fence, extending from the redoubt to the beach 
of Mystic River, where an opportunity was soon af- 
forded for testing the skill and facility with which he 
could "handle a musket" in his country's cause. 
Side by side with some of the veteran rangers of the 
old French War, he stood at his post on that event- 
ful afternoon ; and when their ammunition was nearly 
expended, and the occupation of the redoubt by the 
British marines and grenadiers had decided the fate 
of the day, he returned, unharmed,^ to Winter Hill, 
where the regiment subsequently intrenched. 

On this pleasant eminence, a few miles from the 
city, were located the handsome residences of several 
wealthy Loyalists, whose opinions having rendered 
them obnoxious to the American party, on the com- 
mencement of hostilities, had abandoned their dwell- 
ings, and taken refuge in Boston. Among them was a 
gentleman named Royal, who, on retiring to the city, 
had left his lady with a family of beautiful and accom- 
plished daughters, in possession of his abode. The 
mansion being conveniently situated for his head- 
quarters, Colonel Stark called upon the family, and 
proposed, if agreeable to them, his occupancy of a 
few rooms for that purpose, to which Madame Royal 
most cheerfully assented, being well aware that the 
presence of an officer of his rank would afford her 
family and premise.s the best protection against any 
possililc insult 111 encroachment, not only from those 
under his iuiiiinliatr command, but also from other 
detucliiiii-nts III tlif patriot forces. His proposal was 
made, not with the tone of authority, but rather as 
the request of a private individual ; and it is almost 
unnecessary to add that, during the intercourse which 
ensued, the family were always treated by Colonel 
Stark and his officers with the utmost consideration 
and respect. 

During the remainder of this campaign our young 
soldier was acquiring, as a cadet in Captain Reid's 
company, the principles and practice of the military 
discipline of the day ; and when not actually engiiged 
with his new duties, many of his leisure hours were 
naturally passed at the headquarters of his father, 
where his association with the reiined and well- 
educated ladies of the house could not but exert, at 
his age, the most favorable influence over the forma- 
tion of his habits and manners; and when referring, 
in afler-years, to this period of his life, the subject of 
this memoir has frequently acknowledged the advan- 
tages-derived from the intercourse it waa then his 
privilege to hold with this amiable and interesting 
family. 

On the reorganization of the army, early in the 



i reported to 



304 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



succeeding year (1776), young Stark received his first 
commission as ensign in Captain George Beid's com- 
pany, and proceeded with the regiment, which con- 
stituted a portion of Sullivan's brigade, to New York, 
and thence, in May, to Canada, where our New Hamp- 
shire troops, under that able and resolute general, 
rendered important service in checking the advance 
of Sir Guy Carleton, and covering the retreat of the 
force, which had invaded that province the preceding 
season under Montgomery and Arnold. 

The retrograde movement of the army, always dis- 
couraging to the young soldier, was rendered more so 
on this occasion by the accompaniment of a dangerous 
and loathsome malady, the sraall-pox, which, as in- 
oculation wiis not in general use in those days, rap- 
idly spread among the officers and men, converting 
the camp into a vast hospital. Among the victims of 
this contagious disease was the adjutant of the First 
New Hampshire Regiment, who died at Chimney 
Point in July ; and Ensign Stark, who had been pre- 
viously performing', during a portion of the campaign, 
the duties of quartermaster, although then under 
seventeen years of age, was deemed qualified to suc- 
ceed to the vacancy, being already distinguished for 
his energy of character and promptness of action, as 
well as for the proficiency attained in all details of 
military discipline and duty. Promotion to the grade 
of lieutenant accompanied this appointment. 

After the retirement of Sir Guy Carleton to winter- 
quarters in Canada, the regiment, with others from 
the Nortliern Department, marched to reinforce the 
dispirited remnant of the main army, under General 
Washington, iTi Pennsylvania. Cheerfully sharing 
all tlie hardships and privations which were endured 
by the army at this gloomiest period of our Revolution- 
ary struggle. Adjutant Stark was also an active jiar- 
tioipatnr in the brilliant operations at Trenton and 
rrincetoii, with which the campaign was so sncccss- 
fiilly closed in New Jersey. 

In January, 1777, the army being cantoned on the 
high lands about Morristown, the First New Hamp- 
shire Regiment was dismissed, the term of enlistment 
of the men having expired. In company with his 
father, young Stark was now enabled to revisit his 
native State, where the next few months were em- 
ployed co-ojierating with the other officers of the reg- 
iment in raising recruits for the ensuing campaign. 

Several junior officers having been promoted to the 
rank of brigadier overthe heads of some of the veteran 
colonels of the army. Colonel Stark could not, con- 
sistently, with a decent self-respect, continue to retain a 
commission which compelled him to serve under officers 
of less experience than his own. On his resignation, 
the command of the regiment was assigned to Col- 
onel Jose|)_h Cilley, an officer of undoubted courage 
and firmness, in every respect qualified to succeed 
him; and Lieutenant Stark, having been reappointed 
adjutant, repaired with (lie troojis to Ticoiideroga in 
the spring of 1777. 



Those who are conversant with militaiy affairs will 
readily appreciate the important bearing of the adju- 
tant's duties on the discipline and efficiency of the 
regiment. It is no disparagement to the individual 
courage and conduct of the officers and men compos- 
ing the same to remark that the steadiness and 
precision with which all the evolutions of this reg- 
iment were performed, wlien in the presence of the 
enemy on various occasions during this campaign, 
afforded satisfactory evidence of the faithfulness with 
which the duties of his office were discharged by the 
subject of this memoir. 

After the evacuaticiii of Tii'innbTiiga, and tlie re- 
treat of the American army to tlie North River, Gen- 
eral Schuyler was superseded in the command of the 
Northern Department by General Gates. Y'oung Stark 
hap|iiri4il l.> 1m' |ircsent, on duty at the headquarters 
of tliiil L'l III i:il,' ulien the intelligence of the Ben- 
ninL'tcin siu'.i -, w.is received by express, and being 
permitted to accompany a small party sent to open a 
communication with General Stark, he was soon en- 
abled to congratulate his father, personally, on that 
brilliant achievement ; and after a few days' absence, 
rejoined his regiment, which was the first to come 
into action on the 19th of September. 

In the action of October 7, 1777, he was wounded 
in tlie left arm. Soon after the capitulation of Sara- 
toga, General Stark, having received from Congress 
the commission of brigadier-general, which had been 
justly due to him the year previous, selected his son 
for his aid-de-camp. During the years 1778 and 1781 
he discharged the duties of aid-de-camp, brigade 
major and adjutant-general of the Northern Depart- 
ment, then commanded by General Stark. He was a 
good writer for one of his years, and from the period 
of his appointment as aid-de-camp wrote the letters 
of the general's official correspondence. In the cam - 
liaign in Rhode Island, in 1779, he acted as aid-de- 



i While General Gates was rejoicinc at the reception of tidings 
nncing the flret success in Uic north, an aid-ile-camp meutionei 
in thar .H soil of ileiieral Stark was awaiting an interview with a 

;i-liiiii-l Iiill.\ " Is he?" said Gates; "callhiinin." W 

■ III II , I! i.il tiaid : "I'm glad to see you, my boy. 1 

]i. I I I i ■■, I 1 ^^.l\ for US nobly. In less than 



thsi 



thu ailillery lit lias taken fur the brush 1 sunn ex|.i-.t to have with 1 
goyiie." lie pl-oceeded with the iMirty. The houses along their rt 
were deserted by their ownei-s, but abounded in materials for pood ch 
From the residences of fugitive Toriei rti-y ..i.t mm...i .uMfl.' ^MpiilieM 

themselves and horses during tlieii mn h Mi i ih i 1. 1 

accompanied General Stark on a vi.si I f, i m iii m; -i 'i In 

(liiarters was introduced to all the Ibili-li i.ni . i i [.mi. smi ^s ■ i il 
assembled as the guests of the .\merii-aii ^eiuTtii-iii rhi.-l ol tlie iiMitb 
army. He said that Major Ackland and General Burgoyne were 
jiereonal apiiearance, two of the best-proportioned and haudfiumo.st i 
of their age he had ever seen. General llurgoyne held a long ronve 
lion with General Stark, apart from the other company, on llie eiili 
of the French War, of which the former then stated that he inteudei 
write a history. 



DUNBARTON. 



305 



camp to his father, in which capacity lie was iMescnt 
at tlie battle of Springfield, in 1780. 

After the close of the Revolutionary War his atten- 
tion was directed to mercantile pursuits, — first, at 
Haverhill, Mass., and afterwards at Dunbarton, 
N. H. He was for a time con(erne<l in navigation, 
and owned several ves.sels. 

In 1805-6 he became an imporlins mcnliMnl at 
Boston, in the English and East India trade. In the 
course of his commercial transactions he visited the 
West Indies in 1798 and Great Britain in 1810, wliere 
he spent a year, making purchases for himself and 
other merchants of Boston. 

While in England he traveled through a large por- 
tion of the kingdom, and his observations fuiiiislwd 
an interesting journal. He also ke]il :i joiniKil dm 
ing his residence in the West Indies. 

After the declaration of war, in LSI 2, he closed his 
mercantile attairs at Boston and purchased an 
establishment which a company had commenced at 
Pembroke, N. H., which he furnished with machinery 
for manufacturing cotton. To this he devoted his at- 
tention until 1830, when, having disposed of his 
interest in the concern, he proceeded to Ohio to 
prosecute his family's claims to lands granted for 
military services, which, in 1837, after a vexatious 
course of lawsuits, were recovered. He died upon 
his estate in Oxford township, Tuscarawas County, 
Ohio, August 26, 1838, aged seventy-eight years, 
eight months and twenty-three days. 

In 1787 he married Sarah, daughter of Dr. Williaai 
McKinstry, formerly of Taunton, Mass., who was, in 
1776, appointed surgeon -general of the British hos- 
pitals at Boston. She died September 11, 1839, aged 
seventy-two. Of their eleven children (five .sons and 
six daughters), five are now living. Major Stark's 
remains lie in his family cemetery at Dunbarton. His 
monument bears the following inscription : 

" In Blemory of 
Major Caleb Stark, 
Eldest .Son of 
Mnjor-General .lobn Stark, 
uuJer whose command he served his country in the Win- of tiie Ameri- 
can Independence. He entered the army at the :it;e nf sixlecn, ;i-s '|'i:u - 

termaster of First New Ham|>8hire Kegiment ; \v;i^ .ii,i«m|. u\ i 

of the same, and subsequently brigade-major and ,11 i I. . .| ' i. 

Stark. Hewaspresent at thebattle of Bunker's llill .11 : •> h i- 

in 1776, at Princeton, and in the actions of SepteiMlu I l.ll. .u.,1 u, i,Im 
7, 1777, which immediately preceded the surrender of Burgoylie. 
" Born December 3, 1769 ; died August 26, 18:i8." 

In person, Major Stark was rather above the 
middle height, of a slight but muscular frame, with 
strong features, deep-set, keen, blue eyes and a prom- 
inent forehead. He much resembled his father in 
personal appearance. His characteristics were in- 
domitable courage and perseverance, united with 
coolness and self-possession, which never deserted 
him on any emergency.' 



He was the youngest survivor of the action who 
appeared to witness the ceremony of laying the cor- 
ner-stone of the Bunker Hill Monument by the 
Marquis de Lafayette, by whom he was recognized at 
once as a fellow-soldier. 

During his tour to New HaiMpsbiic the illnslrions 
guest of the nation and his suite wcie entcrtaiiied at 
his mansion in Pembroke. 

Major Stark was one of the twelve Kevolutionary 
veterans who stood by General Jackson at the cere- 
mony of his fir.st inauguration as President of the 
United States, and was personally aciiiiiiiiitcil with 
all the Presidents from General Wnsliinolmi to 
General Harrison, inclusive. 



1 Starlc, nf New Hampshi 



' the regiment 
im who fell in 



'illey, grandfather ol 
He afterwards was 



"At the close. .r ilu 'All h. (. ti(, I I. |.i 
e.\ten8iveiy engiiged as an inip.irtiiif; ni.T.liant at Boston, and subse- 
iiuently as a manufacturer of cottons at Pembroke, N. H. He owned and 
cultivated a large farm, and contributed the resultij of many agricultural 

■' i!r p. ,....-.,., I ,, iii-hiv , ,iiiiv;.t.-.l Hhln.tn.' mind, for the improve- 

'■ llin HI, iiiii \ \. I- -ii.irj, ..hI Im- ^h.i. - -1 iiHnrmation, derived from 
travel ui f\lt:iiant-- ii-aihiiy, v\eie f\ei at cuinruanii. He had the repu- 
tation of being one of the best military critics of the nation, and was 
often consulted, especially during the War of 1812, when our army had 
hut few exiicriemej ofBiers. 



carried out. 

"Major Stark, in all his acts and movements, exhibited the prompt 
decision and encrgj- of the soldier. Indeed, his whole course appeared 
to he influenced by the habits accjnired while lighting the battles of 
freedom in the war of the Revolution. At the sca.son of life w hen habits 
are genei-ally formed, his education waa acquired in the tented held, in 
fhi' lil.i.ri-i: niari-hes, counter-marciies and privations of that fearful 
'I ! tiii^ his moments of leisure to useful study; unci in his 
1)1 1 ir.'ssing forward with indomilable resolution and cuuti- 



1 Wlien the pension act of 18211-21 
brigade-major) being pei-sonally ku 



issed. Major Stark (as 
a all the otiicers and 



306 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and suspeiiBiuii of hia faculties, 



and purse were ever open for their relief. No appeal 
tweiiu- ' ^''^^ ®^'^'' '""*^® '° ^^'" **• 1"^ benevolence ; he was 
most emphatically what Pope calls " the noblest work 
! of God, — an honest man." 



-^a.^tC^f--c/^!^^^ 






Caleb Stark, Jr., sou of Major Caleb Stark, was born 
in Dunbarton, N. H., November 24, 1804 ; died Feb- 
ruary 1, 1864. He was buried in the family cemetery, 
near the old Stark mansion, a most beautiful resting- 
place for the dead. 

He was a graduate of Harvard Colleare of the 
class of 1823. After completing his collegiate course 
he entered the Law School in Connecticut, where he 
remained about one year and then entered the law- 
office of Charles G. Haines, Esq., in New York City, 
where he finished his legal studies and was admitted 
as attorney-at-law. He soon after went to Ohio and 
opened an office iu the city of Cincinnati. The We-stern 
climate did not agree with his constitution, and his 
health becoming impaired, he closed his business there 
and returned to his native State and opened an office in 
Concord. Finding the practice of law unsuitedto his 
quiet, unobtrusive disposition and domestic habits, 
and being under no pecuniary necessity to continue 
the practice for a livelihood, he abandoned his profes- 
sion and returned to the old family homestead in 
Dunbarton, where he passed the remainder of his 
days in retirement. 

Although not engaged in active business, he was in 
no sense an idle man ; he represented his township in 
the State Legislature from 1834 to 1837, and was al- 
ways an earnest .and stremioiis advocate of the Demo- 
cratic principles, whicli lu- l\:id ;i(lo]ited at his first 
entrance into public lilc. 

He was an extensive reader, a closeobserver of men 
and of the events of life and a deep thinker, and was 
one of the finest classical scholars of his class, a writer 
of great ability and a liberal contributor to the politi- 
cal and literary journals of his day. He is the author of 
several works of great historical value ; among them 
is the "History of Dunbarton," and a valuable memoir 
of his illustrious grandfather, General John Stark, 
whose victory over the British and their Hessian and 
Indian allies at Bennington, Vt., in 1777, made his 
"one of the few immortal names that were not born to 
die." 

The subject of this sketch inherited from his an- 
cestors their patriotism and love of country. 

In private life he was justly and highly esteemed 
for his genial and social qualities ; for the poor and 
distressed his sympathies were ever alive, and his heart 



COLONEL JOHN STIX.SON.' 

As early as 1751 we find the name 
of Captain William Stinsou, the 
first settler in the south westerly 
part of Dunbarton, associated with 
the earlie.st settlement and records 
of the town, and whose original 
the possession of a grandson 



estate, in part, is i 
by lineal descent. 

Captain Stinson was born in Ireland March lo, 
1725, his parents, with other families, having removed 
from Scotland to escape the persecutions there en- 
dured, and which following them, they took passage 
for the New AVorld, where, on arrival, they went to 
Londonderry, N. H., where others of their people 
had settled. 

From this rugged ancestry came the subject of our 
sketch. Colonel John Stinson, who was the third son 
of James and Janette (Allison) Stinson, and born at 
Dunbarton November 13, 1789. 

James Stinson, the father, was a cousin to the Cap- 
tain Stinson mentioned, a man connected with the 
town's early history, as the records indicate, and 
known for his well-grounded and industrious 
character and habits. He inherited many of the 
Scottish traits and characteristics, and particu- 
larly was it noted in speech, while the reputation of 
the people from the land of Wallace and Bruce for 
honesty, uprightness and integrity of character were 
prominently upheld in all his walks and associations. 
A farmer by profession and occupation, his estate was 
cleared, cultivated and improved, and the home which 
had been established by his industry and economy, 
and in which he delighted, witnessed his closing 
days and was handed down to his son John, of whom 
we write. 

At the age of twenty-nine years John Stinson was 
married to his cousin, Betsey Stinson, the ceremony 
being performed February 18, 1819, by Rev. Walter 
Harris, D.D. From this union of hearts three chil- 
dren were born, — two daughters and one son. Mary 
Jane, the eldest daughter, married David Story, a 
representative farmer of the town. At her decease, 
and in the course of time, Mr. Story married the re- 
maining daughter, Nancy Chase, who died August 12, 
1865. The son, John Chase, completed his education 
at the High School in town, and subsequently went 
to Gloucester City, N. J., where he found employmeiu 
in the wood, lumber, hardware and coal business, and 
afterwards was admitted to the firm, where he still 
continues in business. 



iBy Wil 



>rNI{.\|{TON. 



307 



On May 2, 18(17, ho iiiairitHl Alice I!. tJo'iill, of 
Gloucester City. 

Colonel Stinson wjus a thrifty farmer, active in local 
affairs, a true Democrat and a town officer for many 
years; was selectman in 1846-47, and town clerk in 
1824, serving continuously in the latter office from 
1833 to 1845; and was commissioned colonel of the 
Ninth Regiment New Hampshire Militia, which po- 
s,ition he filled with much acceptance. The stirring 
times incident to old State musters and trainings 
had much interest to him. His truly hospitable 
home was ever free and inviting, and his fund of wit, 
humor and good-cheer rendered it a tempting place 
to call or visit; while his wife was a most excellent 
lady, and noted for those endearing traits of character 
which place woman high in our reverence and de- 
votion. 

Colonel Stinson survived his wife several years, 
and died at the old homestead where his life had 
been spent, and where his son had provided for his 
every want, on August 13, 1874, in his eighty-fifth 
year, respected and beloved by all who knew him. 



CAPTAIN CHARLES STINSON. 

The subject of this sketch was born April 18, ISOO, 
in Dunbarton, N. H. He was grandson ofWilliam(l) 
Stinson, one of the early settlers of this town under 
the Masonian grant of 1751 ; was born of Scottish 
parents in Ireland, March 15, 1725. From that 
country, while young, he emigrated with his father 
to Londonderry, N. H. In the year 1751-52 he com- 
menced a settlement in Starkstown (afterward Dun- 
barton), where for a time he lived alone in a log cabin, 
in which, on one occasion, he received as a visitor the 
Rev. David McGregore. " Not having a table," says 
the historian of Londonderry, "nor anything that 
would answer as a better substitute, he was obliged to 
make use of a basket, turned up." The Rev. Mr. 
McGregore, in asking a ble.Sbing, pertinently implored 
that his host might be " blessed in his basket and in 
his store." This blessing was literally fulfilled, as 
Mr. Stinson became one of the most wealthy persons 
in the vicinity. 

He was prominent in the settlement of the town- 
ship, and filled with credit many offices of trust and 
importance, and by industry and economy became 
one of the most substantial freeholders within twenty 
miles of his residence. 

William Stinson was married to Agnes Caldwell, 
March 26, 1754, and died August 21, 1803. She 
was born June 17, 1734, and died July 23, 1818. By 
this union there were twelve children. 

William (2) Stinson, Jr., second son of William Stin- 
son, Sr., born March 4, 1762, married Jane Cochran, 
of New Boston, N. H , who was boru in 1776. He was 
an excellent farmer and intelligent man. He was often 
employed in town affairs, was liberal and hospitable, 
especially to the jioor. In him they found a frieud. 



His wife was a superior woman, who looked well 
I to the ways of her household, and their house was 
one of the most agreeable visiting-places in town. 
From this union there were five children. William 
Stinson, Jr., died April 8, 1822. Jane C. Stinson 
died April 28, 1820. 

Captain Charles (3) Slinson was the oldest son of 
William Stinson, Jr. At an early age he displayed 
a love for farming, and made progress in tin .li-ni, i 
school. At Bradford Academy, Massacliu- 'i h. 
ultimately acquired what education it was his |.i i . 1 1.-. 
to obtain. When eighteen years of age he was 
a|)pointed commander of Dow's Troop. He was an 
active officer during the celebrated (ioffstown muster, 
where he obtained the title that followed him through 
life. He was well known in this section of the State 
for his good judgment and his sound integrity. 

As a farmer he was active, and naturally of a strong 
constitution, he was able to carry on a great amount 
of work, and as a reward of his industry, he added to 
his original inheritance a good property. 

Asa resident of Dunbarton, N. H.. he was active 
and prominent in its affairs. He was county com- 
missioner, selectman, treasurer and twice elected to 
the Legislature. In 1867 he sold his large estate and 
moved to Goffstown, where he spent the remainder of 
his days in quietness and attending to his business 
affairs. 

Captain Charles Stinson married Susan, (laughter 
of Robert and Prudence Cochran, of Sharon, Vt., 
May 15, 1831. Susan was born October 27, 1803, and 
died March 23, 1838. He married, second, Mary Ann, 
daughter of Moses and Sally Poore, of Goflstown, 
N. H., May 29, 1839, born August 28, 1811. 

Captain Charles Stinson died .\ugust 8, 1878. 
There were three children by the first union, and one 
by the second. 

Children. — Jane Stinson, born October 5, 1833, 
married Wallace Caldwell, Byfield, Mass., July 15, 
1858. 

Letitia C. Stinson, born March 9, 1835, married 
John M. Parker, of Goflstown, November 30, 1854. 

Susan C. Stinson, born October 22, 1837, married 
George Byron Moore, November 29, 1860. Mr. Moore 
died of pneumonia April 11, 1872. On aiay 17, 1877, 
she married Judge Edwin S. Jones, of Minneapolis, 
Minn., where she now resides. 

Mary A. Stinson, born August 1, \M\, married 
Charles A. Pillsbury, September 13, 1866, of Minue- 



lis, Minn., where she now resides. 



iipoi 



OLIVER BAILEY. 

Oliver Bailey was one of the independent farmers 
and substantial men who constitute the chief glory of 
a State. 

He was boru in 1797, in Dunbarton, N. II., and 
died in 1880, eighty-three years okl. 

His father, Captain Oliver Bailey, a man of great 



UlSTUItY OF MEliKlMACK COrNTV. NEW IIAMl'SHIRE. 



vigor and thrift, was descended from tlie Scolcii who 
migrated to the iiortli of Ireland to better their for- 
tunes, and thence to Londonderry, N. H., in tlie New 
World. His mother, Mary Thompson, was of ster- 
ling English blood and worth, from Charlestown, Mass. 
She was eight years old when the battle of Bunker 
Hill was fought, and saw, from their house-top, and 
remembered well, that famous struggle. 

liurn of this thrifty and hardy stock, young Oliver 
inherited a vigorous constitution, a fearless, active 
spirit, good brains to see and plan for himself, and 
the best muscle and nerve to execute his resolute will. 

Brought up on wholesome farmer's fare, beseemed to 
thrive best on the hard work and rough sports which 
added skill and .self-reliance to his growing strength, 
till, at opening manhood, he yielded to none in the 
field or the wrestling-ring, with the scythe or the 
drumsticks. 

He had little schooling, but karned to read the al- 
manac and the Bible, and had an apt use, always, of 
the wise sayings of " Poor Richard " and of Solomon ; 
learned to write a note, to keep his accounts and to 
figure in his head better than most can with pen or 
pencil, depending mainly, through life, on 

" A spark o' Nature's fire," 

which the poet Burns prized above all learning. 

In person, he was of medium stature and weight, 
with a large head, broad, high forehead, sandy hair 
and grey-blue eyes, with broad shoulders, a stout, 
straight back, strong, lithe limbs and a hand-grip 
from which nothing could escape, — a body, indeed, 
which seemed modeled to give hira the utmost 
strength and staying power, consistent with his 
natural quickness and ease of action. 

Thus favored by nature and home discipline, he 
set out at twenty-one for himself, with no capital but 
a few acres of tough, rocky laml, 1ml pMitly paid for, 
and an irrepressible ambition to earn lii^ ciwii inde- 
pendence in the world. 

By his untiring toil he soon cleared new fields, dug 
some of the rocks out of the old ones, built huge 
stone-walls, a small house and big barns, and was 
ready for a home of his own. Much of his pros- 
perity and happiness he made sure of by marrying 
wLsely. In 1821, at the age of twenty-four, he mar- 
ried Jane Mills, but seventeen, daughter of James and 
Jane Fulton Mills, of his native town. 

She was a wise and winning helpmate, comely in 
person, even-tempered and amiable, blessed with 
equal good sense and good nature, and, though so 
young, well trained in hou.seliold duties, apt at work 
and willing beyond her strength. Of this union four 
children were born, — a daughter, who died in infancy, 
and three sons, yet living, to bear grateful witness to 
her never-failing love and worth. In her unselfish 
devotion to her family she sacrificed, ere many years, 
her health, and life itself at the age of forty-five. 
Yet, in sickness and in health, she was ever the good 
angel of the home and the neighborhood. 



In 1850, Oliver Bailey married Mary D. Ryder, 
daughter of Ezekiel and Betsey Ryder, of Dunbarton. 
She had been trained in the best school for her new 
duties,— in that of an enlightened farmer's home. 
She was unusually well educated in the schools, too ; 
had been a teacher and enriched her house with good 
books, pictures and flowers, and to the essential vir- 
tues of u good wife she added the rarer grace of a 
good stepmother. 

Of this union one gifted son was born, — George, who 
died at eighteen, in the full spring and blossom of a 
]>romising manhood. 

By the hardest work and the most careful saving on 
the smaller farm, Oliver Bailey was able to buy the 
large, old homestead when his father. Captain Oliver 
Bailey, had outlived his three-score years and ten. 

This larger place, with its many hay-fields, natural 
runs, greiit meadows, large pastures and wood-lots, 
gave him a better chance to prove his superior man- 
agement and to keep a large stock. 

His judgment, at sight, of the weight and worth of 
cattle was extraordinarily accurate. This gift, with 
a persuasive tongue in his head, enabled him to luiy 
and sell to advantage. With plenty of hay and barn- 
room for the winter, and mountain-pastures for sum- 
mer, he wa.s able to hold his stock over, and so to take 
.advantage of the changing market, buying at the low- 
est and selling at higher prices. No very small 
part of his gains at this time came from the growth 
I and exchange of cattle. His wise policy was to en- 
rich the farm also by selling less hay and grain and 
more fatted cattle. 

He had a sleight-of-hand at all kinds of work, 
and could get more out of his boys and hired help 
than most farmers ; tor he led them himself, giving 
them more than enough to do to keep up, and his 
restless forethought kept ahead of any execution in 
plans for the morrow, so that no odd hour or stormy 
day caught him without some bit of side-work to fill 
the time. 

But it was not driving work and shrtwd liargains 
alone which made him comparatively rich ; it was 
the continual saving and wise investing of his small 
earnings for so many years. He bought only what 
he could not get on well without, and could pay down 
lor. He put his name to no man's paper. He took 
no stock in wild land .speculations or railroad prom- 
ises, however tempting. He invested his money in 
growing property, or loaned it on good mortgages, or 
put it into the soundest banks, rather than into 
those paying the most interest. 

Hence he lost none of the principal, and as he 
rarely disturbed the interest, his small sums naturally 
cumulated in the long years to a goodly amount 
lor a Dunbarton liirmer. But he was thus saving 
only to be liberal in a larger way. To his second 
son, Mark, when sixteen years old, he gave the choice 
of a farm at twenty-one or a college education, and 
he gladly took his chances in the schools. In 1859, 




^ i^^^^-i^ ^lycc^l'^'^ 



DUNHARTON. 



309 



when only sixty-twu, he divided the great farm lie- 
tvveen his oldest son, Oliver (who iiihoritti with his 
father's name much of his stirring ambition and 
luleiit to get on in the world), and his youngest son, 
.lames M. (who has a happy genius for living easier), 
hihI bought a small farm at Bow Mills, near Concord, 
built a nice house on it and deeded this place to his 
wife; here he spent the rest of his days, "merely 
phiying farmer," as he used to say. 

At his home he was hospitable to all comers. A 
good liver, though a light cater hiniselfaiul tenl]^er- 
ate in all things save only in hard work. 

He never had a doctor for himself till late in life, 
when he suffered greatly with the asthma. Though 
a private citizen, always devoted to " minding his 
own business," he was in his own way public-spirited 
an<l palriotic, interested in town. State and national 
affairs. 

In jiulilics lie was a staunch Webster Whig 
and Lincoln Kcpultlican. In religiim he held fast 
to the teachings of his early church, the Congrega- 
tional ist. 
20 



So marked a man had his faults, of course, but they 
were mostly the excessc-s of his robust virtues. 

Some will ask. Was such a life a success? Was so 
much toil and so little pleasure worth the while? 
Doubless there is a golden mean between work and 
play, but of the two extremes his, .surely, was the 
nobler one. .\nd the simple truth is, he took more 
pleasure in earning than in spending; and solid en- 
joyment in seeing his well-tilled lands, his full barns 
and wood-sheds, his sleek, fat cattle, and his comfort- 
able home. He enjoyed the manly sense of inde- 
pendence his honestly-earned dollars gave him while 
living; and the generous satisfaction at hist of leav- 
ing them to his widow and sons to help " keep the wolf 
from their door.s." At the ripe old age of eighty- 
three, with his mind clear apparently as in manhood's 
prime, he died as he had long lived, in the assured 
hope of a happier hereafter. 

His body rests in his family bui-ial bit in Dunliar- 
ton, where he had erected a plain granite inonunieiit, 
— a fit symbol of his solid and lasting work and 
character. 



HISTORY OF FRANKLIN. 



CHAPTER I. 



' The town of Franklin, lies in the northeastern 
part of the county, and is bounded as follows : 

On the North and East, by Hill, Belknap Co. and 
Northfield ; on the South, by Boscawen ; and on the 
West by Salisbury and Andover. 

The territory embraced within the bounds of the 
present town of Franklin originally comprised a 
portion of the towns of Sanbornton, Salisbury, An- 
dover and Northfield. 

The first settlement of the town was made in 1748, 
near the Webster place, where a fort was built and 
occupied for several months. To Philip Call and 
his son Stephen is ascribed the honor of having been 
the first permanent settlers within the bounds of the 
present town, at that time a portion of Salisbury. 
Nathaniel Malven and Sinkler Bean were pioneers 
in the western part of the town. In 1749 Malven, 
with his wife and three children, were captured by 
the Indians and taken to Canada, where they remained 
several years. The few pioneers were in constant dread 
of the Indians who roamed through this section, spar- 
ing neither women nor children from their murderous 
assaults. The wife of Philip Call was killed by the 
Indians in August, 1754, her husband witnessing the 
deed while secreted unarmed near by. It is said that 
her daughter-in-law, with her grandchild, escaped 
from the savages by concealment in the chimney. 
Peter and John Bowen settled on the " Burleigh 
place " in about 1748. 

John and Ezekiel Webster, cousins, settled in the 
town in 17-59 or '60. The latter was the father of 
Ezekiel and Daniel Webster. Ephraim Collins was 
also one of the pioneers. He settled in about 1752, 
and his grave-stone is the earliest in the lower grave- 
yard, near the Webster place. Jacob Morrill, Tris- 

1 For much of the early history of this town, early reconi history, 
Revolutionary history, etc., the reader is referreii to the histories of San- 
bornton, Northfield, Salisbury and AndoTer (elsewhere in this volume), 
of which this town formed a portion until 1828. 

310 



tan Quimby and Benjamin Sanborn were among the 
early settlers at the Lower village. " In 1767 there 
came from Epping, James Cate, Sr., whose wife had 
been saving seeds from their best apples all the win- 
ter before, for the orchard they would plant in their 
new home ! They settled on the late Edward Wyatt 
place, in Franklin. Some of the apple-trees from 
those seeds were still remaining a few years since." 
(Huimels.) 

The settlement at what is now known as the Upper 
village consisted of only one house and a grist-mill 
until after the Revolution. 

Ebenezer Eastman, of honored memory, was the 
founder of the village. He came here when only 
twenty -seven years of age; was a man of property, 
ability and great energy. He built a saw-mill, kept 
the village tavern, conducted a farm and was exten- 
sively engaged in lumbering. His homestead was 
the "Webster Home." He died in 1833. A few 
years later the village received an enterprising spirit 
in the person of Captain Ebenezer Blauchard, who 
came from Northfield. He was a nxan of great energy 
and contributed largely in advancing the material in- 
terests of the town. He was the father of Mrs. Ste- 
phen Kenrick. 

Among other settlers were .lames and Isaac Pnn- 
tor and James (iarland. 

The Manufacturing Interests.— The first mill in 
this town was the old " town-mill," of the original 
town of Sanbornton. By the provisions of the first 
Masonian charter, "twenty acres (says Mr. Runnels) 
were to be assigned in some suitable place for a saw- 
mill, and whoever should build the first mill within 
three years might own the land and have the privilege 
of sawing the ' loggs of share-owners and other in- 
habitants thare, to the halves for the teerm of ten 
years next after the said mill first starts.' If none 
should appear to build thus within three years, the 
owners of shares were to undertake to build the mill 
at their expense, and put it under such regulations 
that all the inhabitants might be 'seasonably and 
reasonably served with bords and other timber sawed ' 
for building purposes." 

The town-mill site was established on Salmon 



FRANKLIN. 



311 



Brook. First action of the grantees was April 21, 
17(53, — meeting held at Joseph Hoit's, in Stratham, — 
when it was voted tliat a saw-mill be built and main- 
tained on that first established site, "agreaibel to 
Charter ; " that it be completed by October 10th ; that 
" whoever builds it shall have £1000, old tenner, and 
the mill priviledg." At a n)eeting, June Cth, the 
privileges of mill-builder were accorded to Daniel 
Sanborn, under the oversight of the selectmen. 
Time extended to November 20th ; but even then the 
mill had not been built, iis February 6, 1764, " looted 
not to release Daniel Sanborn, Jun., from his obliga- 
tion to build a mill," which, accordingly, had been 
completed that spring, and was soon after carried 
away by a freshet. Hence the proprietors voted, 
July 9, 1764, to give Daniel Sanborn, Jr., five hun- 
dred pounds, old tenor, " to build a saw-mill in the 
rome of that which he lost ; " also that a grist-mill be 
built by the proprietors within fifteen months. But 
afterwards, October 8th, at a meeting in Exeter, per- 
mission was given Mr. Sanborn " to build his saw- 
mill in Sanbornton, on Winepisocke River, ner the 
brige [thus changing the location], provided he 
build a grist-mill, with or near the saw-mill, within 
the specified time." 

Tradition supplies an account of this first mill, on 
Salmon Brook, in what is now Franklin, as follows : 
That the foundation had been laid the fall before, — at 
site of bridge leading to the late Albert G. Morrison 
house, — without a dam, trees being simply felled 
from one ledge over to the other ; that Edward Shaw 
drew up the mill-irons from Exeter on a hand-sled, 
in March, only to find the foundation all washed 
away, and finally, that by June the mill thus " built 
between the ledges " was completed and went into 
operation, and that a log wa-s actually sawn before 
the fatal freshet alluded to, so the mill-site was 
claimed ! 

After standing neglected for several years, a Mr. 
Adams built the first permanent mill on or a little 
above this original town-mill site. It was, however, 
early purchased and enlarged by Mr. Bradbury 
Morrison, and being extensively used by three gene- 
rations in his family, — himself, several of his sons, 
and recently by his grandson, the late Albert 6., — 
the whole group has ever been known, and will be 
for years to come, as the Morrison Mills. Another 
saw-mill, with a gri.st-mill, tended by Bradbury 
Morrison, Sr., and a blacksmith's and trip-hammer 
shop for the ingenious Ebenezer Morrison, stood some 
twenty rods below the main dam, carried by water 
conveyed from the same by a sluice-way. Nathan S. 
Morrison and Captain Levi Thompson also had an 
interest in this mill and shop, which were burned in 
1886. Forty rods below these last, on the flat, Albert 
G. Morrison, with his uncles, Bradbury, Jr., and 
George W., had also a planing and shingle-mill, 
which were likewise burned about 18.50. 

At the main dam, the first planing-raill in this part 



of the country was erected by William Greene, its 
first starting being "celebrated," it is said, by large 
potations of potato whiskey. This was swept away 
l)y the February freshet of 1824. Of late years there 
iiave been a saw-mill above, and a shingle, lath and 
planing-niill below the bridge and original site, the 
hitter built by A. G. Morrison between 1845 and 1850. 
The present occupants and chief owners of the whole 
are Giles & Knapp. The privilege must always re- 
main a valuable one, as the fall is from seventy-five 
to one hundred feet between the upper mill and the 
IV.migewasset, at which it is not surprising that " im- 
mense quantities of lumber " were rafted from these 
mills in earlier times, when they were surrounded by 
"the heaviest and finest pine timber." 

When Jeremiah Sanborn settled at Franklin Falls, 
in 1778, the Folsom saw-mill was standing, erected, 
probably, in about 1772. This was at the upper 
liridge. 

The first mill (says Mr. Rvinnels) was soon carried 
down by a freshet, and Mr. Sanborn rebuilt on tlie 
Northfield side, where one of his old sills was, till 
very recently, to be seen imbedded in the wall just 
above the bridge. This mill, with an added grist- 
mill, was again transferred to the Sanbornton side, 
though extending over the edge of the river for some 
little distance, and its site was occupied, after 1810, 
by the Jonathan Sanborn fulling or clothing-mill, 
which was itself succeeded by the old " red mill," 
two- stories high, for making satinet and cotton yarn. 
This, after lying unused for several years, was burned. 
The same site was later occupied by the Sleeper 
Bros., door, sash and blind manufacturers. 

The Granite Mill was erected in 1822 by John 
Cavender, Thomas Baker, John Smith, John and 
Charles Tappen and John Long at Fratiklin Falls. 
This was burned in about 1855. 

The Franklin Mill.s (woolen), erected in 1863, 
gave a new impetus to the village. These mills are 
now leased by M. T. Stevens. 

The Winnipiseogee Paper Company.'— The 
so-called "Upper Dam," at Franklin Falls, was built 
about 1852 for a large hosiery-mill, two stories high, 
of stone, which was erected the same year, and 
operated by the Franklin Mills Company, also by the 
Nesmith Brothers (George W. and John N., of Low- 
ell, Mass.), associated with K. O. Peabody. The 
boarding-houses— two le.ss in number than at present 
— were built the next season. This mill was only 
run three or four years, and then burned. Its site is 
now occupied by one of the pulp-mills of the Win- 
nipiseogee Paper Company, which was first built in 
1868 for the grinding of poplar-wood, and was built 
over in 1879. 

A. W. Sulloway, Manufacturer of Hosiery. 
—This mill was built in 1864 by Frank H. Daniell 
and A. W. Sulloway. In the spring of 1865 it was 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



started under the name of SuUoway & Dauiell and 
ran two sets of cards, making Sbakei*a' socks. In 1867 
one set cards were added and run on Shaker flannel 
and hosiery. In 1869, Mr. Daniell sold his interest 
to Mr. SuUoway. In 1871 the mill ceased making 
flannel, and has made hosiery altogether ever since. 
In 1873 was added a fourth set of cards. The mill now 
manufactures three hundred dozens per day men's 
and boys' socks. Employs ninety-five to one hundred 
hands. 

For history of manufacturing interests of Walter 
Aiken, see biography. 



CHAPTER II. 

FRANKLIN~((7on(tfiHerf). 

CIVIL HISTORY. 

Petition of Ebenezer Eastman and others for Incorporation of Town — 
The Movement Oppoat-d by Andover, Salisbury, Sanbornton and 
North fie Id— Report of Legislative Committee— Incorporation of Town 
—First Town-Meeting— Officers Elected. 

In 1825 a petition was presented to the Legislature, 
signed by Ebenezer Eastman and others, praying for 
the organization of a new town from portions of An- 
dover, Salisbury, Sanbornton and Northfield, This 
was met with opposition from various persons in the 
towns; whose territory it was sought to curtail, and 
if not a long, certainly a sharp contest ensued. Dur- 
ing a portion of the time the subject was under discus- 
sion the old towns employed as counsel E. X.Wood- 
bury, while Parker Noyes guarded the interests of the 
embryo town. Hon. George W. Nesniitli also was 
interested in the organization of the new town. 

The following is a copy of the report of the com- 
mittee appointnl by the Legislature to act on the 
subject : 

" To the UoiwnthU- Siwalvr of ///.' Home of fi.;nr.*,-nMiri'f< : 

" The nndersigned, a connuittee appointed on tlu' petition of Ebenezer 
Eaatnian and others, pruyinR for the incorporation of a new town, to be 
formed outof parts of the town of Salisbury, Andover, Sanbornton and 
Northfield. 

" Rkpoiit, 

"That they met at Salisbnry on the twenty-ninth of September last, 
for the purpose, as required by the vote of tin- Ib.UM, .jf ' virwlnf,- tbt! 






of their territory ; that the people of Andover are divided on the ques 
tion, those who reside near the present centre of that town being for the 
most part opposed to the incorporation of a new town, and those in the 
M-estorn and eftstern parts in favor of it ; and that, of the inhabitants of 
the proposed new town itself, those belonging to Salisbury and Andover 
arc in favor of its incorporation, those in Northfield are divided an<l 
those in Sanbornton opposed to it. 

*' The objections on the part of these towns are very fully stated in 
the ro monstrances, and other papers, which accompany this report. 
Some of these objections appeared tn the roniiiiitte"- not to be sustained 
by the facts in the case, others tb.-v 1. .. ■ .1 ^^^ . ■ I i,. ..bviate by Uie 
limits which they have assigned (o rl^. t the remainder, 

such of them as have any real w- J > [ pinion, greatly 

overbulanced by other juul uun>- imi 1 . i : . n-m fnvoi .>fth6 



p:irycl with tin- ii(lviuilat;.-s vvlii.li will 11. rnie (u>m tin- pn.)i..s.il i;hunge. 
Within the limits iirujiiwed for the new town there is already a popula- 
rinn e«iu;il tu tb;it i.f the average number given by more than one-half of 
the towns in the St:ite. The nnmber of rateable polUi, as near as the 
committee could iiscertain, is 187, of which number 75 belong to .Salis- 
bury, 48 to Sanbornton, :i7 to Northfield and 27 to Andover. There have 
recently been erected on the banks of the Winnipissiogee river, within 
the limits of the proposed new town, a paper-mill and cotton manufac- 
tory, both of which are now in full and successful operation. From the 
great falls in this and other streams in that vicinity and the inexliausti- 
ble supply of water, there is reason to believe that very e\teiisi\ t- manu- 
facturing establishments and other works requii in- u.it'] piun will, at 
no distant period, be erected at or near this-^p't m ..iiiu n i.. those 
already there. Even without these conteraplat-il itii[.i.'\ r-m. ui-, \\ liich 
would of course bring along with them aconsidnail.' in< mi-.' .>i inhab- 
itants, the number at this time living within the proposed limits, ami the 
amount of business transacted at the villages along the river, seem tu 
entitle them to the ordinary privilege of being incorporated into a town 
by themselves. 

" Many of the petitioners live at a great distance fi"om the centre of 
business in their respective towns, and have far to go over rough roads 
to attend the annual and othfr public town -meetings. Their local situ - 
ation, on th.- >'ontrnry, i- <\h'h that they come easily and frequently lo- 
Lietli'M 111 Ml. . -nt-, .1 i.(, 111. ,i( I he village near the bridge. \i this 



, the 






bridge might be swept 
certainly true ; but it i 
both by po<)plp in the \ 
any doubt as to its beii 
inents on the Meninnu 






The 



opinion, on the paititf the tumuiittee, that tlie prayer of the petitioners 
is reasonable and ought to be granted. With respect to the several 
towns, out of which it is proposiMl that the now town should be taken, it 
may be stated, as the result of the committee's inqniries on this point, 
that those parts of Salisbury, Sanbornton and Northfield which are 
without the limits of the new town are generally opposed to the division 



I ! 1 I ^ ji, I institution to entitle towns 

I < I I ill- objection would have had 

I II I M,. ii ili,\ ii,ul found it well supported 

'. I I'.iit llRM-eitilicatf of the town clerk of North- 

I ;!i ih.k liHts, used at the annual meeting in that town 
M Miiril I lie names of 265 voters. From the same certi- 
.tli.il. ..1 this number, only thirty -seven voters live within 
limits of the new town, which would leave, after the 
> hundreil and twentj-eigbt legal voters in Northfield. 
Much woa also said before the committee res|>ecting the injury which 
would result from the division of farms and the destruction of school 
districts in the old towns by the incorporation of the new. That some- 
thing of this kind should occur in every new arrangement of town lines 



18 perbapy iuevitable. Tn 
deavoreil, as fai- as possili! 
they have so far siiccooil.-. 



injurious to the owner. 'VUr. oUl sclionl distriru in the several towns uro 
also left, for the most part, without change, and where any altomtion 
will become necessary in any of them, it can, without diftioulty, he 
eftect.'.i. 



I '■ ' I : III |wrt« of tho oKi townsof Sanbornton, Siilis- 
nil :i i:. \ihlMV(T. A survey of the territory inchuliiil within 
. ,'1 III. i.i..(.w.MHi now town, as doHipnated by the t'ominlttee, 
uiatlu luulei' their direction and i 
'All which ia respectfully submitted, 



1 KVM 



The towns of Salisbury, Andover, Saubornton iind 
Northfield then engaged E. X. Woodbury and peti- 
tioned the Legislature to be put back. Parker Noyes 
protested to the proceedings, as the town had not been 
notified. A committee reported in favor of the peti- 
tioners. Noyes then moved for an order of notice and 
postponement, which he secured. The following is a 
copy of the report of the coinmiltoo on towns and 
parishes for 1828 : 

"The standing Commitii > -u I . \^ n i^. i I'm Ih hiving had under 
their consideration the i"iiii h > > ! - i - i Mihei-s, praying 

for a new town to be tnUi II 1 1 I i. ! i .ni ii\ \iidover, San- 

bornton and Northfield, luil il ■ -mi.li_\ m, m. m li iih) r.- monstrances 
against the petitions and uthcr papui-^ ciiunifctuLl thi-nwitli, 
Report : 

"Thatnotii-e of tlip jirndenry of s.iid petition has been published, 



*' Stalemcut of Farts : 

"The original petition is signed by two hundred and t 

the petition which was refeiTed to 

is signed by thirty voters, making two hundred and forty petitioners i 

the whole, all, or nearly all of whom reside within the limits of the pn 



'The number of V 



1 Salialmry is 425 



in Noi-thfield . 



from Salisbury . , 
from Andover . . 
from Sanbornt«n . 
from Northfield . . 



included within the limits of tlie new town, of whi 
agaiuiJt the prayer uf the petition, and leaving the uld i 
of the new one, the following nuni 



n the event of incorporation 
oters, Tiz. : 

Salisbury . 

Sanbornton 
Northfield . 



"The wholes 



t of State ta,x, assessed i 



1 Andover, 1828 

I inbiibitant^ uiihin pr.. posed 1 
1 Sanborutuii, isiiS 



$11(3,79 
. 91.2G 
. 248.(K) 
. 21.r.:t 



I II .11 I Nurtlitluld isHunu'what above tho 
lii^ I'll iuis of tho rMjKH-tive towns. 
Ill I.) th.i committocthoyurosatisnod that 
lie limits uf tho new town contains a popu. 
.vill entitle It to a respectnblu rank among 
t. That this population is increasing, ap- 
January, 1820, the whole number of voters 
iialST, shewing un Increase of nearly one- 
1 less than throe years. 



io s:Uisfn'd that tin 



vithii 



tJiblishnieiilb, uu tl 
iif the proposed nei 
meeting in Northfi 



Ml I I II-.-.1 new centre, and most of them 
I I 11 Ml' meeting in that town. InNorth- 
iuiiKMiL, i^uiinected with the manufacturing es- 
\ji uf tho Winnipissitigee. This is within a mile 
e, and a little over four miles from the place of 

itv.rHi. I . 1 t- ih'M)i.w\pen»e of makingand 

I I ~ ' i ! I II 11. It was objected, cd 

. ll^lve r.Kul ill t!ie matheast part would be left 
u II, whereas it ought to be supiwrted by that 
. !i;ls petitioned to he set otf. It did not api>ear 
I, tlijit tlu- mei;t;re expense of repairing roads 

■ !■ ■iiii 1 1 I 1. IK' lu-w town, ia not equal to 

I I I iitidittee is »>pposcd to ex- 

VI .'Ml III. liiiuL i...i,it,.d out by the petition- 



" The fact being established that the proposed territory contains a 
popnlatinn and resources which entitle the pmyer of the petitioners to a 
respectful hearing, and that there are inconveniences which they at 
present suffer which ought to be redressed, the committee have proceeded 
lu the only remaining inquiry which seemed tv them necessary to be 
nuide, ill i.ider f.. i-..tne to a correct result as to the subject matter re- 



1 1 ^ riiiences can be removed, and these grievances 
H!i;idne regard to the interests and rights of 

til Ite affected by tie' iii'.i~.iii ■■ pntpused. 
remark, tlial Mi. |.i n ■■! ■ i il.. j.. ni i< <- .[■■ 



ferrei 



not pi-L>l>abb- iliut any arrangement, in i >< ^ i 'i i ^ . i 

the inliubitunlw of those towns, livini^ t ii,- j . ^ 1 \^un^■, i -i 

division. The town of Andover, also, oppuM.js tht- t-etitiun, unless tho 
line of the new town should extend north to New Chester, in which 
event, aa tho committee were informed, that town would make no fur- 
ther opposition. 

"The objeitions made by the several towns were urged by their agents, 
who were before the committee, with much zeal and ability. The com- 
mittee liiive utt>-ntivel.v considered these objections and the testimony iu 
tbeii -nipii ml uj^ i, ,, \ i,-\v of the wludu subject, a niiyority of the 
coiiiiiiin 1. I I u n iliHt the objections to the proposed measure 

are 11 .1 it'i . ' 1 uraeibalance the obnoufl benefits which would 



"1. The {general objection against all » 
This nbjecti(»n. in the opinion of the committee, ought to prevail only 
when a town is subjected to a losw, either in influence or resources, and 
when a party seeking a redress for grievances can find a different rem- 
edy. In this case, however, the committee have the satisfaction of believ- 
ing that a new town may be incori>orated and the old towns may still re- 
main, as they have always been, highly respectable in point of numbere, 
(haracter and resources of their inhabitants. The committee is further 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



of opiiiiun that tu constitute t\ new town I 
of each of tho towns mentioned. 
"2. Aiiotlier objection ni-.u'--i \v:us— Thii 



> take a portion 



'• It may !«■ liiTc ifrii.ii 1 i 'in •" - > ' i-imry and Antiov^r no sc)iool 
(li^tiict i> afl.Ttfil I.y til.' I.. ' .1 I n 1 ■ j .i.i lo Snnhornton and North- 

tk'UI, thp propu^.-ii hn<'<li\Hl.^ -1 1 .ii-ii ii_ta, and in some places, of 

course, inconveniently, iiiil fmm a cHr^fnl examination of the tetsti- 
mony in this particular, the committee in of the opinion that the pro- 
posed line in these towns iti as little inconvenient aa any that could well 
be adopted. In regard to Ihia objection, and others of a similar nature, 
the committee may with much propriety make use of the language of a 
highly respectable con»mittee, who, after viewing the ground and hear- 
ing the parties, made their report to the House of Representatives in 



was said,' say that committee, 'rtspectiug the injury that 
It fiom the division of farmsand destruction of scliool districts 






n.rpa.tirnlarly 



the owner. The old school districts, in the several towns, are left for 
the most part without change, and where any alteration will become 
necessary, in any of them, it can, withont difficulty, be etfected.' 

"It should he remarked, that in their investigations the committee 
have confined themselves to the limits defined by the viewing commit- 
tee in 1820. 

"Thi- innimittee report for the consideration of the House the foUow- 

'■ Rei^nlrea, That it ts expedient to establish a new town, to be taken 
frum StUisliury, Andover, Sanbornton and Northfield, and including in 
its limits the hounds pointed out by the petitionera, and that the |>eti- 
tiouery have leave to bring in a bill for that purpose. 



'Levi Chamberlai 



r the Com III if tee. 



'Decembers, 1828.' 



Franklin December 



The town was ineorporat 
24, 1828. 

What i)ertains t(» the setting off of the southwest 
portion of the original town, to form the town of 
Franklin (says Rev. Mr. Runnels, in an account of 
the action of Sanbornton in relation to this contro- 
versy), may now be safely treated as a matter of 
history; but in alluding to the later division, or at- 
tempts at division, we shall be treading upon delicate 
ground, and shall therefore confine ourselves almost 
exf^lusively to the recorded action of the town from 
time to time. The Sanbornton people were no doubt 
honest in their earliest strenuous opposition, though 
we now smile at tho arp:uments used, the fallacy of 
some of which, valid in tlu-ir diiy, is being proved by 
the lapse of time. 

In town-meeting, March 9, 1825, the subject of 
"setting oH" the southwest corner of town " first came 
up in the warrant, "by petition of Ebenezer Eastman 
and others, to form a new town." A *' polling of the 
House" resulted in "yeas, 4; nays, 402." At the 
same time a similar movement for the "northwest 
part of the town, on petition of Ebenezer Kimball 
and others," was disposed of in nearly as summary a 
way, — "nays, 379; yeas, 7." 

Next, from the Strafford Gazette of October 22, 
1825, we obtain this document, — 

"The inhabitants of the southwest part of this town presented to the 
appointed by the Legislutuiv to lay uut a new town, agree- 



ably to the petitii 



of Ebuiiezer Ettstmun and others, the 



"The undersigned, inhabitants of tluf town of S;iul... mioii, i.'hidu- 
strate against being setoff into a lu-u Imwi., .-i..,ii.|. i ■ il,. |i ■mi..n of 
K. Eastman and othoi'9, and rupros' lit ih.i n, \ u i, i ^ii i i^ auy 
great 'inconvenience,' nor do they Hiin r ,i,^ p ,i : ^ i lud re- 

ligious privileges by reason of tlifn >li-.i,in. > ir .m iIj< [.uMi. i.mMing' 
ill this town ; but, on the contrary, bfliovc ihi-ji * ivil an.) rehf^ious privi- 
leges are now far superior to any they might expect to ergoy in the new 

"That they now live in =■ t..un in wl.i.l. rh.-r.. i^ an.i l-.tiL' }.a^ iMjen 

an uncommon harmony In t w i, ii, iin, ,, ,,i ,, n , n. - n.-ither 

can they believe that lliii l ii i i i ^ unused 

]>,v their becoming meuilx'i- ..i iK- n.u imuh, .i,m.i..i ,.- iiu- u,m i,« by 
a large river, extending mm- imlrs iliionuh tin- i.:i-iurf .•! lii.- louri, im- 
passable but at one place, their neighborhoods divided in like manner, 
Ihe wants of its seveml parts unknown to the other in consequence of 

unfriendly dis|.ii-iii..ri .iril I n..Mu|. I' tu. I II ii.s several parts, not only 
in their civil ;uiil ii- >! i, .in- i m iui.!,i liU.-vvise engender the seeds 

of hatred an.i nniii.-it. m n-.u i. h. - .luti.-s. 

"That the t.iu II Hi ^\lMiii 111 1^ I. ^. In. ii .\.- it Mrhuul and piti-Bonage 
fund amounting Iuiumi, ii.n, ■ i, ,i,i i, i t ^^ l.n l. i- .nnnally 

appropriated towards ill' nii .i i n j i i ,i, [ ,i!i.four 

religions societies. K. tn ^ . i >i. i ^ n j.h.re us 

in a town having no fuud:^ , iii.i m-i. ._l..i .■! .. -ni.iun- a lu\ '>i, you im- 
pose upon us a tax annually exceeding our proportion of a S400() State 
tax. Remove us, and you deprive us of a rich legacy, fostered and en- 
larged by the parental (?) [obscure] and tender care of our fathei'S, and 
Mt by them not only for the instruction of our children in their civil 
and political duties, hut by it the vital principles of piety and evangeli- 
i!il knowledge are enforced, which are the only sure foundations of our 
jiresent, and the only hope of our future happinrs.-,. 

"That they now live in a town mostly sm i i, hi. I \.^ m r.iiTn<-nt8 
treated from the foundation of the world, will. I. . , .. i i mibula- 
(iim, admit of no doubtaud subject us to n. li \ - i ii.^ their 

authenticity. Remove us, and you subject vi-M i ■-> i. n. I . i.lii .iiffer- 
t-nt sets of selectmen to the expense of perambulating ..vei twenty-five 
miles of a zigzag line on this new town where we now have natural 
boundaries. 

"That we liavL' located and accommodated our farms to our seveml 
Willi- .1, I , 11. tiiN-i ,n, .-. Remove us, and you divide them, and leave 
a]t;iit 111 .iiflni I >Mi, tu be taxed as non-resident, depriving our chil- 
.ln u Hi 1 I hii. u 1 . 111. loss of our school and parsonage money, of the 
iHiiciii ol ii.« ^. loK,| tux of that partofour property, and giving it to 
f*trrtngei-s. Remove us, and you divide our school districts, subjecting 
those who now live near the school-house to travel more than two miles 
to attend school ; y«>u will lo.atf many of us fai-ther from our public 
building; you \\'\U lujiu.ni .>ur taxes; you will give us a great share 
of bridges ; >..ii \m1I ui.i.i n^ i.. the maintenance of several miles of 
highway, ill .1.1. liii 1, I .1,1 ■ miii. mi highway tax ; and we never have 



greater advantage to son 
10 ambition and pride of t 



Abraham Cross. 
David Clark, Jr. 

Dearborn Sanborn. 
Jonathan SanlMirn, Jr. 



Jonathan Prescott. 
William Thomi)son. 
David Gage. 
Nathan S. Morrison. 
Ebenezer Morriaun. 



Bradbury Morrison. 
Satchel W. Clark. 
Dearborn Sauboi'n, Jr. 



Da\ 



Joseph Tliompsur 
John Thompson. 
Levi Thompson. 
Joseph Sanborn.' 



FRANKLIN. 



315 



It would appear from the foregoing that the legal 
voters in that part of Sanboruton which is now 
Franklin were then, almost to a man, opposed to the 
division; while it must he remembered that Mr. 
Eastman and the few others who petitioned in its 
favor were living upon the west side of the river, in 
what was then Salisbury village. Accordingly, for 
three years longer, while eflbrts were continued for 
the formation of the new town, the dismemberment 
of its own territory was iis steadily opposed by the 
town of Sanbornton. Even " at the last moment," 
November 3, 1828, it was voted, on the motion, "that 
part of the town petitioned for be set oil' for the for- 
mation of a new town," yeas, twenty ; nays, three 
hundred and eighty ; and Charles Gilman, Esq., was 
chosen as an agent to oppose the petition of Dearborn 
Sanborn and others (for new town) before the com- 
mittee of the Legislature on towns and incorpora- 
tions. 

When, however, at the next annual meeting, March 
11, 1829, the town of Franklin had been constituted, 
there was a display of will, pertinacity and almost 
obstinacy on the part of the Sanbornton citizens, 
which seems hardly justifiable, in that they " would 
do nothing " in respect to " the proportion of the 
town funds claimed by Franklin, the town paupers 
of Sanbornton belonging to Franklin, or the annex- 
ing to most convenient schools districts of those dis- 
annexed by the forming of the new town." 

The controversy continued for several years, as in 
March, 1832, a special agent was chosen — Nathaniel 
Holmes, Esq. — to make arrangement with the town 
of Franklin and to obtain able counsel, whether the 
town of Sanbornton is holden to pay to Franklin any 
of its fund; and if holden, to make ftirther arrange- 
ments and lay the matter again before the town. At 
a meeting in October (same year) it was voted that 
the town agent and selectmen " obtain further coun- 
sel whether Franklin has a legal claim upon San- 
bornton for a proportion of the School and Parsonage 
Fund." The above agent never reported to the town 
(as appears from records) ; but at a special meeting, 
January 20, 1834, an action having been brought by 
the town of Franklin against Sanbornton to recover 
part of the funds belonging to said Sanbornton, 
Charles Lane, Esq., was appointed agent to attend to 
the suit, with instructions to continue the action so 
long as any probability of gaining it may exist; or 
otherwise, that he have power to settle the action and 
agree on a committee to say " how much of the town 
funds Franklin shall have, and what part of the poor 
it shall take." 

The Sanbornton fathers of that day were honest in 
the belief that no other town could ju.slly claim the 
funds which were left to their town ; hence they were 
sincere in resisting the claims of Franklin. But it 
was ultimately decided against them, as in 1836, of 
the "School and Parsonage Fund," whicli liad 
amounted to $6(558.78, $633.03 was paid to Franklin 



as "the share belonging to those persons who had 
been set off," leaving a balance of $6025.25. 



CHAPTER III. 

FKANKLlN-U'oNfuiuf,/). 



ECCLESIASritAL HISTORY. 



The First Unitarian Congregational Society of 
Franklin' was organized the 6th of December, 1879, 
" For the purpose of establishing and sustaining the 
worship of God in public and social religious ser- 
vices, and to secure for ourselves and our children the 
benefits of religious instruction, and as a means of 
illustrating and extending rational and practical 
Christianity." 

Fn the second article nl' tlie cimstitiilinti llieuh- 
jects of the society are dn-larcd to be "the cultiva- 
tion and diffusion of useful knowledge, the promotion 
of fraternal justice, and of a serious and intelligent 
public spirit, and the earnest endeavor to supply a 
centre and home of religious sympathy and of all 
good influences to those who seek and need our fel- 
lowship." 

On the occasion of the organization of the society 
the constitution was signed by the following persons: 
Rev. J. B. Harrison, Mrs. W. F. Daniell, Mrs. R. G. 
Burleigh, A. W. Sulloway, W. F. Daniell, Daniel 
Barnard, Charles H. Gould, R. G. Burleigh, G. B. 
Wheeler, F. H. Daniell, R. E. Bean, E. B. S. San- 
born. The following persons were elected officers of 
the .society: Clerk, George B.Wheeler; Treasurer, 
Alexis Proctor ; Pastor, Rev. J. B. Harrison ; Trus- 
tees, Warren F. Daniell, Daniel Barnard, A. W. Sul- 
loway, E. B. S. Sanborn, R. G. I5urleigh, Alexis 
Proctor, Frank H. Chapman. 

The board of trustees was constituted a cdniiiiiiiic 
to procure plans and consider other matters pcrlMin- 
ing to the building of a church. 

At a meeting of the trustees, held .\pril JOih, a 
communication was read by the pa.stor informing the 
trustees that Mrs. Persis Smith, of St. Loui.s, had 
offered the society the sum of four thousand dollars 
toward the erection of a church an<l one thousand 
toward building a parsonage, provided that a suitable 
building lot be given for the parsonage and a suitable 
home erected thereon within a reasonable time. 

At a meeting of the society, April 30, 1881, it was 
voted that the trustees proceed to build a church, to 
cost not less than ten thousand dollars. The trustees 
were also authorized to build a parsonage as soon as 
the necessary funds could be raised. At the annual 



8 By Kev. E. i 



HISTORY OF MEKKIMACK COUNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



meeting of the society, December 31, 1881, A. W. 
SuUoway reported that a parsonage had been built at 
a cost, exclusive of the lot, which had been given by 
W. F. l)anirll,of' two thousand five hundred dolhirs, of 
which amount Mrs. Smith had contributed one thou- 
sand dollars and Mr. Sulloway hiid advanced the re- 
maining fifteen hundred until the society could repay 
it. During the year the society received from its 
most generous benefactor, Mrs. Smith, three thousand 
dollars toward the foundation of a library, to whicli 
was added five hundred dollars contributed by mem- 
bers of the society, and two hundred and fifty dollars, 
a gift from an unknown friend, tlirough Hutchins & 
Wheeler, of Boston. At a meeting of trustees, held 
November 24, 1883, the building committee reported 
that the church was completed at a cost, including 
two thousand two hundred and fifty dollars i)aid 
for the land, of sixteen thousand one hundrcil and 
twenty dollars. 

It was voted that the church be dedicated Decem- 
ber 19th, and that Rev. M. J. Savage be invited to 
preach the dedication sermon. The clerk of the 
society was instructed to acknowledge the receij)! of 
one thousand dollars from Mrs. Charlotte E. Stevens, 
of North Andover, Mass., and the offer of whatever 
further sum might be needed to i)urchase and place 
in the church such an organ as Sirs. R. G. Burleigh 
and Mrs. W. F. Daniell might select. 

The church was dedicated December 19th, Rev. M. 
.T. Savage preaching the sermon. Among those 
present and participating in the services of the day 
was Rev. Horatio Wood who, fifty-one years before, 
had preached the first Unitarian sermon ever preached 
in Franklin. 

In January, 1884, Rev. J. B. Harrison, who, by 
earnestness and a high order of ability, had drawn a 
congregation together, and held them during nearly 
five years, withdrew from the pastorate of the society. 
In the following September the society extended a 
call to Rev. E. S. Elder to become their i)astor, which 
call was accepted. 

The foregoing narrative has been compiled from the 
church records. But little needs to be added. A his- 
tory of a church cannot be written in its infancy. 
The first six years of the life of the society have been 
extremely prosperous, and the present is full of 
promise. The society is indebted for its existence and 
prosperity to an unusually fortunate concurrence of 
favorable circumstances. It was no common talent 
that attracted, and no common ability that held to- 
gether, a congregation drawn fi-oni all the churches. 
It was no ordinary interest in a liberal church, and 
in what it stands for, that prompted the generous gifts 
of over nine thousand dollars from distant friends to- 
ward a church, an organ, a parsonage and a library, 
and this generosity was seconded by a corresponding 
liberality on the part of the society. And what is 
more siguificantand promising, those ideas, convictions 
and purposes of which the Unitarian Church is the 



I representative and exponent were heartily welcomed 
by a large portion of the community. There are at 
present (188.5) more than fifty families connected with 
the church. In its unusually excellent library of more 
than two thousand five hundred volumes, to which 
valuable additions are being made, it has an instru- 
ment of power and helpfulness to the entire com- 
munity. It is to be hoped that as an institution for 
the promotion of goodness and righteousness in the 
lives and characters of its members, and for the a<l- 
vancement of the kingdom of God in the community, 
the Unitarian Church of Franklin will abundantly 
justify the faith, fulfill the hopes and reward the 
endeavors of all who have in any way contributed to 
its estalilishniciit. 

The First Baptist Church of Franklin Falls.'— 
Owing to the rapiii growth of the village of East 
Franklin, as it was then called, there was an evident 
need of some place in which religious services could 
be held on the Sabbath for the benefit of many who 
could not go to churches in the neighboring villages. 

Accordingly, the business men of the community 
secured Lyceum Hall, the only place that was then 
available, and made arrangements for the support of 
weekly religious services on the Sabbath. Elder 
Burton, of Sanbornton, appears to have been the 
earlist regular preacher to this union congregation, 
and he was succeeded, in April, 1866, by Rev. N. P. 
Philbrook, who, in May, 1867, was followed by J. E. 
Dame, a student from the academy at New Hamp- 
ton. Mr. Dame preached his farewell sermon June 
28, 1868, and Rev. Charles A. Cooke preached most 
of the time for the ensuing year. 

Meanwhile, the question of organizing a Baptist 
t'hurch had been discussed, and upon the advice and 
encouragement of Rev. E. E. Cummings, D.D., of 
Concord, an organization was finally effected under 
the name of the First Baptist Church of East Frank- 
lin. The constituent members were twelve in num- 
ber, as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Shadrach Wadleigh, 
Mrs. Lydia Sanborn, Mr. and Mrs. T. M. Jenkins, 
Mrs. James Jenkins, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sumner, 
Mrs. Walter Aiken, Mrs. Fanny W. Sweatt, Miss 
Nettie Whittaker and Miss Laura McGloughlin. 

In November, 1869, Rev. Benjamin Wheeler, of 
Saco, Me., began to i)reach to the union congregation 
in Lyceum Hall, and in .Tune, 1870, he accepted a 
call from the Baptist Church to become its pastor. 

In the summer of 1869, Walter Aiken, Esq., one of 
the most generous supporters of the union services, 
began the erection, at his own personal expense, of a 
new meeting-house, which was completed the follow- 
ing spring, so that just at the time when the town 
changed Lyceum Hall into a school building the new 
church building w;is ready for occupancy. As soon 
as practicable after the church had secured a pastor, 
a council of neighboring churches was called to con- 

';B.v Rev. A. J. Hopkins. 



FRANKLIN. 



317 



sider the question of recognizing this church iis in 
good standing in the Baptist denomination. 

This council met June, 30, 1S70, and, after proper 
investigation, voted to prooooil with imlilic services 
of recognition of the new chiinli :iii(l didication of 
the new meeting-house. 

One year later Mr. Aiken, vvilli rare munificence, 
donated the meeting-house and land on which it 
stood to the First Baptist Society and ho has to the 
present time ever been a generous contributor tu the 
financial prosperity of the church. 

After a brief service of one year and nine mouths, 
Rev. Mr. Wheeler, on March 3, 1872, resigned his 
pastorate, leaving a church which, having been or- 
ganized less than three years, had made a net gain of 
seventy-five, and now contained eighty-seven mem- 
bers. Of this increase, forty had been received by 
baptism, and all became willing workers in the now 
vigorous and etiicient organization. 

Mr. Wheeler, in the following October, moved fnim 
Franklin to Randolph, Mass., though he remained a 
beloved member of this church until August 25, 187(i, 
the date of his death. 

Mr. J. F. Fielden began preaching for the church 
in May, after Rev. Mr. Wheeler's resignation, and 
June 7th it was voted to extend to him a call to 
ordination as pastor of this church. The call having 
been accepted, the public services of ordination were 
held July 5, 1872. During the next seven years the 
church enjoyed a season of great prosperity, increas- 
ing rapidly in numbers and influence, so that at the 
end of its first decade of years there were one hundred 
and ninety-six members. 

In 1875 the First Baptist Society, by iHiaMimous 
vote, transferred all its proi)erty to the First Baptist 
Church of Franklin Falls, a corporate body under the 
laws of the State. In April, 1875, a baptistery was 
placed in the church, and in July an additional and 
useful room was formed by connecting the church 
and chapel. In February, 1878, a fine-toned, fifteen 
hundred pounds bell was presented by George E. 
Buell, Esq., and placed in the church tower, where it 
yet remains, the only church bell in the village. 

Rev. Mr. Fielden resigned his pastorate in Franklin 
August 5, 1881, and immediately accepted a call to 
become pastor of the First Baptist Church in Win- 
chester, Mass. 

During this service of a little more than nine years 
Mr. Fielden made a record as pastor which has 
rarely excelled, for of the one hundred and forty-nine 
accessions during his ministry, one hundred and six 
were baptized by him and forty-three came from 
other churches. 

After an interval of about five months, on Decem- 
ber 16, 1881, a call was given to Mr. C. R. Brown, of 
Cambridge, Mass., to become pastor of the church 
after ordination. This call having been accepted, a 
council met in the church, on Friday, December SOth, 
and, after a satisfactory examination, i)roceeded to the 



public e.terci.ses of ordination and recognition. This 
l)astorate, though fruitful in accessions of new mem- 
bers, was quite brief, for in June, 1883, the pastor wiis 
invited by the trustees of Newton Theological Insti- 
tution to take the position of assistant professor of 
Hebrew and cognate languages in that seminary. 
He, having pursued those studies during a residence 
of two years in Germany, felt it to be his duty to 
accei)t the invitation, and accordingly resigned his 
pastoral charge after a service of but eighteen months. 

In July the church extended a call to Rev. A. J. 
1 lopkins, of Hopkinton, N. IL, to become their pastor, 
and he accepted, entering upon his labors at the be- 
ginning of October, 1883. During the period between 
Ihatand the present time (July, 1885) but few changes 
have taken place and little worthy of note luis oc- 
curred. The church now numbers one hundred and 
eighty members, has a flourishing Sunday-school and 
apjjears to be preparing for another period of marked 
s|)iritual development and rapid increa.se in numbers. 

Christian Church.' — The religious awakening out 
of which grew the Christian Church in Franklin, 
X. H., dates back to October, 1810, when Elijah 
Shaw, afterwards a prominent minister in the de- 
nomination, visited Andover and vicinity on an ex- 
horting tour, he being only seventeen years old. In 
the summer of 1811, and again in 1814, he visited the 
above-named towns. At this last visit the work began 
in earnest, he preaching in a barn, as no other building 
was large enough to hold the crowds that flocked to 
hear the good news. The work spread into the ad- 
joining towns of Salisbury aud Sanborutou. 

The pioneer church organized from Elder Elijah 
Shaw's labors was in Sanbornton. The organization 
was effected October 25, 1814, Elders Mose-s Cheney 
aud Elijah Shaw assisting. This church coutiuued 
its work with some efficiency till it fell to decay, in 
1827, the membership at that period being eighty- 
one persons, residing in Sanbornton, Salisbury, 
Andover, New Chester and Northfield. Their 
covenant was brief and comprehensive: " We, whose 
names are under-written, having submitted ourselves 
to God, agree to submit ourselves to one another, con- 
sidering ourselves a church of God, called to be saints, 
agreeing to take the New Testament, and that only, 
for our rule, — for name, belief and practice." 

Elders Galley and Morrison organized at different 
times, from 1820 to 1837. three churches in Andover 
and Salisbury village (now Franklin West village) 
and Sanbornton. These three churches united, March 
14, 1830, into a strong organization. They did not 
long continue in this united capacity. Little or no 
provision was made for supporting the minister, and 
the church soon went to ruin. In January, 1838, 
the members of the church living in Franklin decided 
to separate from the others and form a new church. 
The organization was completed January 21, 1838, at 



By R<'V. T. fi. Jlow8. 



318 



HISTORY OF MEimiMACK COUNTY, NKW HAMPSHIRE. 



the school-house in Franklin village, Elders Benja. 
min Calley and Richard Davis assisting. 

The movement toward the erection of the church 
edifice, in which the church have worshiped, was 
started January 14, 1838. A notice was posted that 
day for a meeting on the 20th, in the school-house in 
Franklin village, of all desirous of aiding in the 
erection of such a building. At that meeting Joshua 
Fifield, James Clark and Caleb Merrill were ap- 
pointed to procure a site, and report estimated expense 
to an adjourned meeting January 27th, when the re- 
ports were accepted, and Messrs. Fifield, Clark aud 
JohnRowell were appointed a building committee, and 
N. S. Morrison, Caleb Merrill, Daniel Herrick, a com- 
mittee to raise ftmds and sell pews. February 10, 
1838, all the arrangements were completed for the 
building. The foundation was put in, and the frame 
was put up June 27th, and so rapidly was the work 
carried forward by this energetic society, that the 
house was dedicated to the worship of the One God and 
His Son, Jesus Christ, November 7, 1838. Isaac 
Hale, Joshua Fifield and John Simonds were com- 
mittee of arrangements, Elder Elijah Shaw preaching 
the sermon (text, Isaiah xlv. 6-7). The house 
cost $3200. The pews sold and subscriptions paid 
amounted to $3003.73, leaving a debt of $197.27, which 
was raised at once, and the church given to the worship 
of God free from debt, and, what is quite remark- 
able in the history of churches, has never had an 
incumbrance upon it in the form of a debt ; and 
there have been no interruptions or lapses in the 
service held in the church. In 1859 some repairs were 
made at an expenseof one hundred and sixty dollars. 
In 1872 repairs and improvements in the interior of 
the church were made, amounting to eight hundred 
and fifty dollars, and a pipe-organ put in costing 
fifteen hundred dollars. The pastors that have been 
settled over this church since its organization are as 
follows : Benjamin Calley, one year, to 1839 ; Joseph 
Elliot, four years to 1843 ; Elijah Shaw, two years, to 
1845; J. C. Blodgett and E. Chadwick, one year, to 
1846; J. VV. Tilton, two years, to 1848; O. J. Wait, 
eight and a half years, to 1856 ; A. H. Martin, four 
and a half years, to 1861. During 1862 several preach- 
ers of different denominations supplied the pulpit. In 
1862, H. C. Dugan was settled, who remained to 1865; 
Rev. Mr. Syreans, to 1866; R. B. Eldridge, to 1868; 
O. J. Wait was again settled in 1868 and remained to 
April 1, 1883, when he resigned to become president 
of Antioch College, at Yellow Springs, Ohio. In 1883, 
T. G. Moses was called to the pastorate. In writing 
this sketch I have been impressed with this remark- 
able feature,— the unanimity which has characterized 
all the actions of this body of Christians. There have 
been no long and distracting church trials, no bick- 
erings among the membership, but love and harmony 
have prevailed for nearly fifty years. The present 
condition of the church is prosperous. The Sunday- 
school is in a flourishing condition, and its financial 



resources are sufficient for all the increased demands 
upon it. 

The Free Baptist Church was organized in 1870 
with sixteen members. The church edifice was erected 
in 1871 at a cost of about six thousand dollars. The 
first pastor of this church was Rev. James Rand. 
Among his successors have been the following: Revs. 
F. E. Davidson, J. AVillis, E. H. Prescott and G. N. 
Musgrove. 

The Methodist Church was organized in 1871, 
by Rev. J. H. Haines. The church is in a prosperous 
condition; Rev. S. 1'. Heath, pastor. 

The Roman Catholic Church was organized l\v 
Rev. Father Murphy, of Laconia. He was succeeded 
by Fathers Goodwin, Lambert and Galvin. 



CHAPTER IV. 

FRANKLIN— (Con<i»u«/). 

The Legal Profession— Physicians — Educational — The New Hampshire- 
Orphans' Home— The Press— The Transcript— The Merrimack Jour- 
nal—The Franklin National Bank— The Franklin Savings- Bank. 

Lawyers. — The legal profes-sion in Franklin, even 
from an early day, has numbered among its members 
some of the most distinguished lawyers and jurists in 
the State. The first lawyer in the town was Thomas 
W.Thompson,' agraduate ofHarvard, who commenced 
practice here in 1791. He was a member of Congress, 
State treasurer, etc. Parker Noyes,' an early lawyer 
of the town, was also an able man. He was promi- 
nent in securing the charter of the town in 1828. 
Hon. George W. Nesmith,' ex-judge of Supreme 
Court; Hon. Daniel Barnard;' Hon. Austin F. Pike,' 
United States Senator; and Hon. Isaac N. Blodgett,' 
associate justice of the Supreme Court. Other lawyers 
are E. B. S. Sanborn,' F. N. Parsons, William M. Bar- 
nard (son of Judge Daniel Barnard), G. R. Stone, 
E. G. Leach and W. D. Hardy. 

Physicians.— The medical profession has also been 
well represented. The oldest resident physician is 
Dr. Luther M. Knight, who located here in June, 
1845. Other physicians have been John H. Sanborn, 
H. W. Brockway, W. W. Sleeper, Austin Durkee 
(deceased), William E. Keith, C. B. Nichols and J. 
W. Staples. 

Educational. — The town is more liberal in its 
support of schools than any town in the State com- 
pared to its population. The present High School 
was erected at a cost of about forty thousand dollars. 

Two natives of Franklin are presidents of colleges, 
— Rev. N. J. Morrison, D.D., president of a college in 
Missouri, and John W. Simons, president of a col- 
lege in Dakota. 

The New Hampshire Orphans' Home.— The first 
meeting for the organization of this humane institu- 



ehapter on Bench and Bar. 



319 



tion was held in Eagle Hall, Concord, February 21, 
1871. 

At that meeting Hon. George W. Nesmith, of 
Franklin, was chosen president; Hon. Horton D. 
Walker, of Portsmouth, vice-president; Rev. C. W. 
Millen, of Tilton, secretary ; Hon. John Kimball, ol 
Concord, trea.surer ; and Rev. D. A. Mack, of Frank- 
lin, superintendent and agent. 

In June, 1871, the institution was incorporated. 
The persons authorized to call a legal meeting of the 
corporation did call it in July, and the aforesaid 
charter was duly accepted by the grantees. Officers 
were elected, and at that and a subsequent meeting, 
a board of directors was chosen, by-laws ordained 
and a committee was appointed to report upon the 
location of the institution. 

Part of the second section of the act of incorpora- 
tion gives in brief language the main objects of the 
Home, — 

■'The main object, ur purpose, of this Corporation is to procure a 
home for the destitute orphans and homeless children in this State ; to 
furnish substantial aid for a time by feeding and clothing them ; by 
teaching them habits of industry ; by giving them moral and intellectual 
impTX)vement, and, finally, to seek out for them suitable and permanent 
places of residence, where they may receive rewards for their labor, and 
ultimately become useful meiubers of society, and, consequently, be 
saved from pauperism, vice and crime." 

It was empowered to take and hold personal or 
real estate to the amount of three hundred thousand 
dollars. 

Also to make legal and binding contracts with the 
guardians or friends of the orphans in relation to 
their services and future employment, and were also 
authorized to make similar contracts with the over- 
seers of the poor, or county commissioners, who may 
have the legal control of any orphan for the time 
being. 

At a meeting of the board of directors, holden in 
August, 1871, the committee appointed to locate the 
institution reported in favor of establishing it upon 
the Daniel Webster farm, in Franklin, extensive, well 
located and full of historic interest. Their report 
was adopted by a vote of the directors. On the 28th 
of August the executive committee of the board 
purchased of Messrs. Joseph Eastman and John C. 
Morrison, of Concord, one hundred and eighty acres 
of the Webster farm, with the buildings thereon. 
The price demanded was ten thousand dollars, but 
the owners remitted eight hundred dollars of the pur- 
chase money to the corporation, leaving the price 
stipulated to be paid nine thousand two hundred 
dollars. 

This was adjusted by the payment of five thousand 
dollars drawn from the treasury ; also by contribu- 
tions of the citizens of the town of Franklin amount- 
ing to 12504.24, a portion of which had already been 
paid into the treasury ; also from money received 
from sundry citizens and religious societies of the 
towns of Amherst, Andover, Bristol, Canaan, Enfield, 
Exeter, Lebanon and Wilton, amounting in all to 



$1745.62, including a small balance of interest which 
had accrued on the purchase money. On the 19th 
day of October, 1871, the Home was duly opened 
and consecrated to the public use and to its pro- 
fessed objects by appropriate ceremonies. Interest- 
ing addresses were made in the presence of a large 
concourse of people by Professor K. D. Sanborn, 
Senator Patterson, Rev. Mr. Heath, Rev. Ur. Davis 
and others. On the same day a fair was holden for 
the benefit of the orphans by their friends from 
Concord, Fisherville, Lebanon, Andover, Salisbury, 
Tilton and other adjacent towns, from the avails of 
which the treasury realized the net income of about 
four hundred and fifty dollars. In the same month 
the trustees engaged the services of Rev. Mr. Mack 
as financial agent, his wife as matron and his daughter 
Jennie as teacher, all at the fixed salary of one 
thousand four hundred dollars, including also their 
board for the term of one year. The first orphan 
was admitted on the 26th day of October. 

The Home was opened with Rev. D. A. Mack as 
chaplain and Mrs. Mack as matron. Mr. Mack re- 
mained its efficient chaplain until his death, which 
occurred December 1, 1883. 

During the first three years the number (jf children 
averaged annually from thirty to forty. During these 
years all the current expenses were paid, the Home 
was furnished with furniture and the farm with stock 
and tools. Besides this, a new building was erected 
at a cost of eight thousand dollars, and five thousand 
dollars was left in the treasury and nearly one thou- 
sand dollars on subscription. This brings us to 1875. 
F'rom 1875 to 1878 the chaplain served as financial 
agent only six months. During this time the funds 
of the Home decreased nearly one thousand dollars 
annually. In May, 1878, there were only two thou- 
sand dollars on hand, and but little on subscription. 
During the last five years, from May 30, 1878, to May 
30, 1883, Mr. Mack was the only accredited agent. 

This institution was practically founded by Mr. 
Mack, and it was through his untiring eflbrts that it 
was made a success. He planted this institution here 
on a property for which a hundred per cent, bonus 
has since been offered. He was voted ten per cent, 
commission on the first ten thousand dollars, but 
received little less than eight per cent. The endow- 
ment of the Home invariably increased when he acted 
as agent, and at no other time. By much hard labor 
he procured furniture, furnishing for the dormitories, 
thirty thousand brick, boots, shoes, cloth, books, 
papers, farming tools, etc., for the institution. Over 
four hundred dollars was secured on the day of the 
dedication. On these donations he received no com- 
mission. 

The first president of the Home Wius the honored 
and venerable George W. Nesmith, who still occupies 
the position. His name has been a tower of strength 
to the institution and his counsels have been inval- 
uable. Mrs. Mack is the present matron. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The Franklin Transcript was started by Mr. 
John A. Hutchinson. The first number appeared 
July G, 1882. A seven-column folio, " patent outside," 
was u.sed. The paper was dated Franklin, N. H., and 
printed by O. A. Towne, at the Falls. Mr. Hutchin- 
son was a man of feeble health, who was able to put 
but little work into the paper, yet from the first it 
paid not only the running expenses, but a handsome 
sum beside. He was taken suddenly ill of congestion 
of the lungs September 26th, and died October 5, 
188.3. The paper was continued by his widow during 
October, and sold to O. A. Towne November 1st. Mr. 
Towne having other business which demanded his 
attention, as-sociated Mr. S. H. Robiewith himself in 
the enterprise, giving Mr. Robie the position of editor 
and general manager. In December of the .same year 
the paper was changed from a " patent " to a " home- 
print." The subscription list and advertising patron- 
age increased materially. Up to the present writing 
it has been constantly under the above management 
— in the firm-name of Transcript Puhlishing Com- 
pany. 

The Merrimack Journal was founded in February, 
1K72, by Hon. l>;iiiiel Barnard and Hon. Au.stin F. 
Pike, presumably with an idea of helping assist Pike 
to a re-election to Congress. He was defeated. The 
ostensible proprietors, whose names stood at the head 
of the paper, were Moses B. Goodwin, a Washington 
journalist, lawyer and " literary feller," and Frank 
M. Galley, a printer. In 1874, Omar A. Towne pur- 
chased Galley's interest, and in 1875, D. T. Elmer 
bought the paper. His successors were F. K. & G. 
B. Wheeler, who bought in May, 1876. G. B. Wheeler 
bought his brother's interest in 1877, and sold to 
Russell P. Eaton, who had published the New Eiujlaitd 
Fanner twenty-five years, in May, 1880. In October 
of the same year it was purchased by the present 
proprietor, Roscoe E. Collins, a practical printer and 
journalist of wide experience, who made it an inde- 
pendent paper in all things. It had been a twenty- 
eight column paper from its start. In May, 188.3, he 
enlarged it to a thirty-two column paper. It is read 
by six thousand pmple every week, and its circulation 
embraces most of the States and Territories of the 
Union. 

The Franklin National Bank was organized 
November 22, 187!l. Alvali W. Sulloway, Daniel Barn- 
ard, Warren F. Daniell, Isaac N. Blodgett, Walter 
Aiken, John Taylor, all of Franklin, and George E. 
Shepard, of Andover, were elected directors ; Alvah 
W. Sulloway was chosen president, Daniel Barnard 
vice-president and Frank Proctor clerk and cashier. 

The capital ($100,000) was fully paid on December 
6, 1879, and the charter of the bank (No. 2443) was 
issued December 20, 1879. 

The bank opened for business January 1, 1880, in 
the rooms of the Franklin Savings- Bank, which occu- 
pancy has continued to the present time. 

At each successive annual stockholders' meeting 



the same board of directors has been unanimously 
re-elected, and the officers of the bank remain the 
same as at the date of organization. 

The surplus and undivided profits of the association 
now aggregate one-fifth of the capital stock. 

Franklin Savings-Bank was incorporated June 
30, 18C9, with the following incorporators : Walter 
Aiken, N. H. Sanborn, Warren F. Daniell, Austin F. 
Pike, Jonas B. Aiken, Daniel Barnard, John Taylor, 
Frank H. Daniell, George W. Nesmith, James Tay- 
lor, Alexis Proctor, David ( ;ilclii i-t, Fdwiii C. Stone, 
Frank H. Aiken, Levi HiilKinUon, Sici.hcn Kenrick, 
John W. Sweat, Ephraim (J. U allar,-, A. S. Nesmith, 
A. W. Sulloway, John H. Ruwell, William Russell, 
William A. Russell, I. N. Blodgett, E. B. S. Sanborn, 
.\sa B. Glo.sson, Henry Burley, Benjamin S. Hancock, 
Orin B. Davis, Watson Dickerson, John Proctor. 

The following were the firet officers and trustees ; 
President, Austin F.Pike; Secretary and Treasurer, 
Nathaniel H. Sanborn ; Tru.stees, Austin F. Pike, 
George W. Nesmith, Daniel Barnard, David Gil- 
chri.st, AVarren F. Daniell, Watson Dickerson, Wil- 
liam A. Russell, John Taylor, Walter Aiken, Alexis 
Proctor, Joniis B. Aiken, Stephen Kenrick, A. W. 
Sulloway. 

Present officers : George W. Nesmith, president ; 
,\lexis Proctor, treasurer. Present trustees : George 
W. Nesmith, Daniel Barnard, Warren F. Daniell, 
John H. Rowell, Milton Gerrish, John Taylor, Wal- 
ter Aiken, G. C. Kenrick, A. W. Sulloway, H. A. 
Weymoutli, I. N. Blodgett, E. B. S. Sanborn, F. L. 
Morrison. 

The first deposit was made October 1, 1869, by 
Harry Hinds, of ten dollars. 

Deposits, April 4, 1885, $593,930. 

Presidents, Austin F. Pike and George W. Nes- 
mith ; Treasurers, N. H. Sanliorn and Alexis Proctor. 

Military Record, 1861-65.— The following men 
enlisted from Franklin under the call of 18G2 and 
subsequent calls : 



K. ('ochiani!, S. H. Cliiy, K. .Stcvons, G. U. Stevens, .1. L. French, A 
Pettongill, J. P. Simons, R. Kejsnr, .lames Rate, L. M. Clark. John 
»s..ll, .1. H. 'nioni, K. li. Ash, 1', l.ul/, A. K. 11..W,., G. s. Katon, 



|■..\]^ I l; 11 ,\l !■ I>,i ,,,:, I » r.,,1. ..in-e Green, J. H. 

Il.hi . II, \ r < n. I' 1 . ,1 - ' II II |i,,, IK \V. Fairhanks, 
.h.. il. 1. i,.u liiM. \\ . li K ,v-z, i_. I . \1 iii-.a, i'. \\. Parare, Joseph 
Tbomp»un, 1). K. NVuuJwaid, T. 1'. WhiUii.r, C. K. Thompson, J. P. .San- 
horn, H. n. Sargent, H. B. Ingalls, S. J, Sawjer, W. J. Foster, 0. Gard- 
ner, J. M. Otis, Thomas KeUey, J. Oinnoley. Joseph Bennett, Charles 
t'rawfonl, John Clanoey, George M r;;t,r l-i-.:il; c.ile, Thomas Ford, 
IVter Pliillips, J. O'Brien, Han> I I I <' I : I n , .lames Martin, 
John .Murphy, John Smith, J..-. |,l, i \\ ird, Henry Wil- 

liams, James W'hite, Thomas Ciilknu \ im ii\ I 'Im (Jardner, John 




/7//;., M...-''i^ 



321 



Huatore, William Hen 
Max Solnary, William \ 
John Flynn, P. Kell.v. ' 



WillLini lii-iJbo. 11. iM.i^ Ki.lM. Milli.i^ii \, Iv «,, J, in, "1.1 
Hajes, JoUn Maxwell. WiUiaui Haivej , John Wued, JoliU Ha 
O. H. Merrill, R. G. Burleigh, H. J. Williams, Patrick Sawyer. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

SSTEPHEX KEXRIf'K.' 

Stephen Kenrick, Esq., one of the oldest and most 
influential citizens of Franklin, died on the morning 
of the 4th of August, A.n. 18S4, after a lingering 
illness of several months. 

He wa.s born in Haverhill, Mas.s., June 15, a.d. 
1806; his age, therefore, e.xceeded seventy-eight 
years. He was the youngest member of a family of 
nine children, born to John Kenrick and Sarah Col- 
by. They were both natives of Amesbury, but be- 
came citizens of Haverhill .soon after their marriage. 
The husband was born December 10, 1764; the wife 
January 25, 1771. John died by a casualty in 1806. 
His widow subsequently became the wife of David 
Marsh, and the mother of two other children, viz.: 
Nathaniel, of Staten Island, N. Y., deceased, and 
Mary, wife of Rev. G. W. Kelley, resident in Haver- 
hill, Mass., now deceased. 

The name of Kenrick, or Kendriek, or Kendricke 
appears to be of early English origin. The name 
of John seems to have been adopted as an early fa- 
vorite by the family. We find the name of John 
Kendriek, sheriff in London, in 1645. The same 
name appears as Lord-Mayor of London in 1651. 
John Kenrick was in Ipswich, Mass., in 1657. 
John Kenrick, John Kenrick, Jr., and Elijah Kenrick 
were among the petitioners, in May, 1678, to the Leg- 
islature, to set off part of Cambridge and to establish 
the town of Newton. John Kenrick, Jr., of Newton, 
marched from that town, and was engaged in the 
Lexington battle, April 19, 1775. Among the many 
immediate descendants of John Kenrick, of Ames- 
bury, Ma.ss., who were distinguished in the walks of 
business and professional life, were Professors Henry 
L. Kendriek, of West Point Academy, and John 
Kendriek, of Marietta College, Ohio, both first cou- 
sins, and James R. Kendriek, superintendent of the 
Old Colony Railroad, who was also second cousin of 
Stephen Kenrick, Esq. These gentlemen were all 
natives of the town of Lebanon, in this State, and we 
might enumerate many others of the same family, 
and their "kith and kin," or collaterals, in diflTerent 
parts of the Union, as being prominent and successful 



Hon. Geo. W. Nei 



business men, and highly respected in their respective 
localities. 

Early in this century, and prior to 1820, Timothy 
Kiiuick, the elder brother of Stephen, had immi- 
iiiMird 111 (lie town of Lebanon, and established there 
:i pnititalile mercantile business. He had acquired 
early a good education, and was known and honored 
by his fellow-citizens as a man of integrity by several 
public trusts. He was town clerk thirty-seven con- 
secutive years, and was several times elected their 
representative to the Legislature. He was often em- 
ployed in the settlement of estates of his vicinity, 
and was for many years director of the Northern 
Railroad. He well discharged these important trusts. 
In the mean time his brother Stephen was with his 
kind father-in-law. Marsh, in Haverhill, where he 
received good paternal protection and the benefits of 
the best schools found there until he arrived at the age 
of fifteen years. He then was committed to the 
care of his brother Timothy, then of Lebanon, and 
was employed in his brother's store. Here he received 
that valuable systematic instruction which proved 
useful to him in after-life. We next find him for a 
short time in Bangoi-, Me. Afterwards he was en- 
gaged in trade for himself with Mr. James Howe, at 
Barnet, Vt. ; next, for a short time, at Boscawen 
Plain, N. H. Then, in 1831, he formed an advanta- 
geous co-partnership with Mr. Brewer, of Mclndoe's 
Falls village, Vt., and there continued in business until 
1836, when he came to Franklin, and ever since has 
made his permanent residence here, identifying him- 
self with the business of this town, and becoming one 
of its most active and prosperous citizens. 

For many years he was largely interested in various 
railroad projects and contracts, in connection with 
Joseph A. Gilmore and John A. Lyon. From these 
enterprises he derived much profit, and became a 
large proprietor in several railroads. He was president 
of the Concord and Portsmouth Railroad from about 
1861 to the time of his death. For many years before 
his death he was president of the national bank lo- 
cated at Hillsborough Bridge, and was interested in 
its stock. He was also trustee of the Franklin Sav- 
ings-Bank. He took also a deep interest in the man- 
agement of the prudential and financial matters of the 
town, occupyingmany of the official stations, conferred 
by his fellow-citizens. He was elected one of the 
selectmen of the town during the years 1849,1850, 
1851, 1854 and 1872. In 1859 and 1861 he represented 
the town in the House of Representatives in this 
State. For many years he was a member of the Con- 
gregational Church in Franklin, and was one of its 
most generous supporters. 

In 1833 he married Clarissa A., youngest daughter 
of Captain Ebenezer Blanchard, lateof Franklin, who 
still survives him. To them were born seven children, 
four of whom were removed in infancy by death. 
Another, Dr. Timothy G. Kenrick, died in Naples, 
Italy, January 29, 1879. He was born July 8, 1849 ; 



HISTORY OF iMERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



graduated at Dartmouth College in 1871; studied the 
medical profession, graduating at the Bellevue Hos- 
pital Medical College, New York, June 1, 1874. With 
much enthusiasm he applied hini.self to the study of 
insanity, and to the best mode of treating and man- 
aging those afl'ected with this unfortunate disease. 
His mild temper aud great power of self-control, 
united with his skill and learning, gave him signal 
success in this department of his profession. He was 
fortunate in early securing the patronage and friend- 
ship of Dr. I. W. Barstow, the eminent manager of 
the SandfordHall Asylum, at Flushing, X. Y. He 
had the full confidence of Dr. Barstow, and was em- 
ployed by him, to the mutual advantage of both par- 
ties, up to 1876, when Dr. Kenrick was called into a 
larger sphere of duties as assistant surgeon in the 
New York State Lunatic Asylum, at Utica. It is 
enough to say that his success here met the expecta- 
tions of his friends, and that his professional attain- 
ments commanded the respect and confidence of his 
associates and the managers of that institution. His 
life was sacrificed to the malarial climate of Naples 
while, in devotion to duty, he was traveling for the 
benefit of the health of one of his diseased and wealthy 
friends, who was very wisely committed to his profes- 
sional care. His early, premature death brought 
extreme sorrow to the hearts of his parents and his 
many friends, who had witnessed his progress and 
reasonably indulged high hopes of his future success 
in life. The lamentation over his loss at home was 
most sincere. Abroad " he was by strangers honored 
and by strangers mourned." 

Of the two surviving children, Stephen, the eldest, 
many years since removed to the West, where he has 
been extensively engaged in various railroad enter- 
prises. We find him now in Wisconsin, married, but 
without children, and prosperous in other respects, 
enjoying the income of the office ofgeneral .superinten- 
dent of the Fort Madison and Northwestern Railroad. 
He is cheerful, and apparently enjoys life well. 

The remaining child is a son, in the full vigor of 
life, under the name of Charles C. Kenrick, now very 
active, doing the labor of two men, being exten- 
sively engaged in building houses, barns, stables, 
shops. As a farmer, raising more hay and corn than 
any other person in town, improving largely, by judi- 
cious cultivation, his lands; selecting good breeds of 
cattle and horses, and increasing their number; giv- 
ing promptly a fair day's pay to a fair day's labor, 
thus rewarding a large number of laborers, and ex- 
pending profitably a good amount of capital daily ; 
improving the condition of his estates, and augment- 
ing the wealth of the town. We might here also, with 
propriety, refer to the extensive trafiic in wood and 
lumber recently canieil on Ijy him, not without 
profit. 

During the long life of his father, Charles has en- 
joyed the benefit of his advice, and followed it. There- 
by he gained his father's confidence, and before his 



death he received from him the conveyance of a large 
estate, under the sole obligation to render all needed 
aid to his aged mother in sickness and in health. 
This obligation his kind nature prompts him to obey 
to her entire satisfaction. 

We now leave the history of the children and again 
refer briefly to that of the father. While Mr. Kenrick 
was a citizen of Franklin we found him interested and 
well informed in the important interests of the town, 
State and nation. He had leisure and opportunity 
to inform himself .so as to discharge intelligently his 
own private trusts and duties, as well as those 
belonging to the good citizen. His knowledge and 
experience, acquired by him in trade, banking and 
railroad aft'airs, were of much value to himself and 
useful to others. We have already alluded to his 
great ability in acquiring and retaining successfully a 
large estate. We must not forget to give due credit 
to a diligent help-meet, in the name of his wife, who 
brought to him a considerable pecuniary inheritance 
that descended from her paternal estate. This inher- 
itance, coming down from a worthy ancestry, would, 
of course, be highly appreciated. It constituted a 
valuable accession to the estate, now constantly in- 
creasing through the harmonious action, kind care 
and economy of both husband and wife. It is an ac- 
knowledged fact that the accumulation of property 
generally requires much patience and great mental 
resources ; but a critical world tells us that a wise 
appropriation or disposition of a large estate requires 
the exercise of still more sagacity, good judgment 
and wisdom. 



HON. A. W. SULLOWAY. 

From an industrial as well asa political standpoint, 
the town of Franklin has long occupied a prominent 
position in the State. Highly favored by nature with 
the facilities most conducive to the development of 
manufacturing industry, there has grown up within 
its limits, or been attracted thereto from other locali- 
ties, a large class of citizens possessing the enterprise, 
energy and sagacity requisite to the most advantageous 
use of those facilities. 

There are, indeed, few among our New England 
towns of corresponding size which include among 
iheir inhabitants a larger number of active and suc- 
cessful business men, or whose progress has been 
signalized during the last quarter of a century by a 
more substantial industrial development. 

Alvah Woodbury Sulloway is one of the best known, 
most practical, energetic aud public-spirited among 
the enterprising business men of this prosperous and 
progressive town. 

While the State of Massachusetts has drawn from 
our midst a large proportion of the men whose labors 
have brought the prosperity and distinction which 
that proud old commonwealth enjoys, she has given 
New Hampshire, in return, some of her own sons, 







\ 



<L^ ^ 



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:i2:i 



whose efforts have contributed, in no small degree, to 
advance tlie honor and welfare of the State of their 
adoption. Among these is the subject of this sketch. 
|{()rn in Framingham, Masjs., December 25, 1838, Mr. 
SuUoway is now in his forty-seventh year. Ho is the 
only son and eldest child of Israel W. and Adeline 
Richardson SuUoway, to whom three daughters were 
also born, two of whom are living; — one unmarried, 
and the other the wife of Herbert Bailey, Rsq., a 
prominent manufacturer of the town of Claremont. 

Israel VV. SuUoway wa-s born in Salem, N. H., De- 
cember 24, 1812, and sprang from Revolutionary an- 
. r^try on b(»th the paternal and maternal sides, his 
Hiother being the daughter of Captain Israel Wood- 
biiry,of8alem, who served in the patriot army tlirnngh- 
nnt the war for independence. 

He engaged in manvifacturingserviii' In \<nn\\, and 
was for some time an overseer in the Saxonville 
woolen-mills. In 1848 he removed to Knfield, N. H., 
where he introduced tJic process of making the cele- 
brated Shaker socks by machinery, being the first i 
manufacturer to engage in this enterprise. He estab- 
lished a prosperous business, which he carried on 
about sixlecii years, when he sold out to his son-in- 
law, Mr. H:iili y, iind retired from active life, locating 
at WallliMMi, Mass. He died suddenly, November 20, 
1883, — a man of remarkably kind and benevolent dis- 
position, whose sterling qualities won the respect of 
all who enjoyed his acquaintance. 

In his father's mill at Enfield, Alvah W. SuUoway, 
fiained that practical knowledge of the business in 
which he has since been engaged, which constituted 
the sure foundation of the success he has attained 
therein. 

He secured a good academical education at t'anaan 
and Barre, Vt., and the (ireen Mountain Liberal In- 
stitute, at South Woodstock; but spent a considera- 
ble portion of his time, V)etween the ages of ten and 
iwenty-one years, in active labor in the mill, thor- 
oughly familiarizing himself with the various pro- 
I esses in hosiery manufacture and the general con- 
duct of business in that important line of industry. 

U|)on attaining his majority, with that ambitious 
and independent spiril whiib so t'cncrally character- 
izes Ihe youlli of New IJitrlaiid, anil lo which the de- 
velopment and prcisjierity of all sections of our coun- 
try are so largely due, Mr. SuUoway determined to go 
into business for himself. His purpose received the 
ready encouragement and sanction of his father, and, 
after due deliberation, he formed a partnershi|) with 
Walter Aiken, of Franklin, in the manufacture of 
hosiery. The partnership continued tor about four 
years, when it was dissolved by mutual consent, and 
another firm wa.s organized which put in operation a 
new mill. 

This firm consisted of Mr. SuUoway and Frank H. 
Daniell, of Franklin, who carried on business to- 
trcther until 18(it), when Mr. Daniell withdrew, and 
Mr. SuUoway has since been sole [iroprictcjr. The 



mill is sitiuited upon the lower powered' the Winni- 
piseogee, opposite the mills of the Paper Company, 
the power being used in common by the two estab- 
lishments. The building is of brick, three stories 
high, with basement, contains four sets of woolen nui- 
ehinery, with about seventy-live knitting-nnudnnes, 
and furnishes employment for about ninety opera- 
tives, besides a large number of women in the vicinity 
and surrounding towns, wbose labor is required in 
finishing the wnik wbieh llie luaebiiies leave ininni- 

plete. 

The goods matuil'actnred arc the Shaker socks, or 
half-hose, of which more than three hundred dozen 
piurs are produced daily, giving an aiiniud product of 
about (uic hundred and fifty thousand didlars. The 
monthly pay-roll averages about two thousand live 
hundred dollars, aside from the anujunt |)aid for out- 
side labor. 

Mr. SuUoway is a business man in Ihe line sense of 
the term, and lus such lie has been llins Car eniiin'iUly 
successful. But while devoting his energies and abil- 
ity to the development of his own business intcr&sts, 
and thereby indirectly conferring large benefit upon 
the community in which he moves, he has never 
failed to contribute by direct personal cUbrt to the 
advancement of all measures of public utility and ma- 
terial progress, and to his labor anil encouragement, 
personally and pecuniarily, as much as to any other 
among its many enterprising and public-spirited citi- 
zens, the town of Franklin is indebted for the ad- 
vanced position which it holds when regarded from a 
business, social or educational stand-point. He was 
a prime mover in the organization of the Franklin 
National Bank, which went into operation in Novem- 
ber, 1879, and has been president of the institution 
from the start. He has also been a trustee of the 
Franklin Savings-Bank ever since its establishment, 
and for several years past a member of the committee 
of investment. In 1880 he was chosen a member of 
the board of directors of the Northern Railroad, and 
in March, 1885, he was appointed prcsiileiit of the 
same corporation. 

In politics Mr. SuUoway is an ardent Demueral, 
an earnest and enthusiastic worker in tlie party 
cause, and his labors in this direction have been 
largely instrumental in bringing his party into as- 
cendancy in Franklin, which wsis for many years one 
of the hardest-contested political battle-grounds in 
the State, numbering, as it does, among its citizens 
several of the most active leaders of the two great par- 
ties. In 1871, although the town was then decidedly 
Republican, he was chosen a member of the State 
Legislature from Franklin, and was re-elected the 
following year. In 1874, and again in 1875, he was 
elected to the same position. 

In the Legislature, as everywhere else, he proved 
himself a thoroughly practical man, devoting himself 
actively to business and leaving speech-making to 
those inclined to talk rather than work. In 1871 he 



HISTOlli' OF MHKIUMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



served on the committee on elections; in 1872, upon 
railroads ; in 1874, was chairman of the committee on 
manufactiires, where his close acquaintance with 
manufacturing interests fitted him for most efficient 
service ; and in 1875 was again a member of the elec- 
tions committee. In 1874, when the Democratic party 
managers set to work systematically to win a victory 
in the State, Mr. Sulloway was nominated for rail- 
road commissioner upon the ticket headed by James 
A. Weston for Governor. 

Although there was no choice by the people in the 
election that year, the Democracy won a substantial 
victory in that they secured a majority in the Legisla- 
ture, and the election of their candidates for Governor 
and railroad commissioner followed at Ihe hands of 
that body. To the triumph of his party in the State 
the energetic labor of Mr. Sulloway in the general 
conduct of the campaign contributed in no small de- 
gree. 

As a member of the Board of Railroad Commis- 
sioners for the term of three years, the last year as 
chairman of the board, he rendered the State efficient 
service, carrying into his official labors, so far as they 
extended, the same practical sagacity and judgment 
exercised in his own private business. 

In January, 1877, Mr. Sulloway was nominated by 
the Democracy of the Second District as their candi- 
date for Congress against Major James F. Briggs, of 
Manchester, the Republican nominee. The district 
was strongly Republican, and that party had a popu- 
lar candidate in the field; yet Mr. Sulloway, with no 
expectation of an election, made a vigorous canvass 
and ran largely ahead of his ticket. He was also the 
candidate of his party in the district at the next elec- 
tion, and again in 1880, making lively work for his 
successful opponent, Major Briggs, on each occasion. 
He has been an active member of the Democratic State 
Committee for a number of years past, and for the 
greater portion of the time a member of the executive 
committee of that body, having direct charge of the 
campaign work. 

He was a member of the New Hampshire delega- 
tion in the National Convention at St. Louis, in 1876, 
which nominated Samuel J. Tilden for the Presi- 
dency, and was an enthusiastic supporter of Mr. Til- 
den, not only in convention, but also in the subse- 
quent campaign, in which he was actively engaged as 
a member of the Democratic National Committee 
from this State. In 1880 he was again a delegate to 
the National Convention of his -party at Cincinnati, 
where General Hancock was nominated ; and in 1884, 
at Chicago, he was a zealous supporter of Governor 
Cleveland. 

In religion Mr. Sulloway is an adherent of the lib- 
eral faith. He was reared a Universalist, and is now 
an active member of the Unitarian Society in Frank- 
lin. In this organization, as in business and politics, 
he is an earnest worker, and to his encouragement and 
material assistance is largely due the erection of the 



finest church edifice in the town. He has been trus- 
tee of this society from its beginning, and is also a 
member of the board of trustees of the Unitarian Edu- 
cational Society, under whose auspices Proctor Acad- 
emy, at Andover, is conducted. 

In 1866, Mr. Sulloway was united in marriage to 
Miss Susan K. Daniell, the youngest daughter of the 
late J. F. Daniell; and a sister of Hon. Warren F. and 
Frank H. Daniell. They have three children, — a 
daughter and two sons, — the eldest, Alice, born Au- 
gust 5, 1871 ; Richard Woodbury, born February 1.5, 
1876; and Frank Jones, born December 11, 1883. 

Their home is a fine modern residence, erected in 
1877, beautifully located in a bend of the Winnipi- 
seogee River, surrounded by handscmie grounds, with 
all its appointments conducive to the comfort of the 
family and the hosts of friends who share their gen- 
erous hospitality. 

Mr. Sulloway is a man of keen perceptive powers 
and ready judgment, so that he is enabled to form 
conclu.sions upon all practical questions presented 
with more than ordinary promptness and accuracy. 
His opinion in all matters of public interest and con- 
cern in the community in which he resides is as fre- 
quently sought and carries as great weight as that of 
any other man, to say the least, and the same also 
may be said of his advice in private business affairs. 

He is frank and outspoken at all times, and never 
hesitates to say just what he thinks when called upon 
to express himself in any direction. He has many 
warm friends, and enjoys a full measure of popularity 
in social as well as in public and business circles. He 
was a moving spirit in the organization of the New 
Hampshire Club, an association formed by New 
Hampshire men doing business in Boston, for social 
entertainment, and has been a leading member of the 
same from the start. Endowed with an active mind, 
and healthy and vigorous bodily powers, he has great 
capacity for labor, and will unquestionably accom- 
plish even more substantial results in the future than 
have already attended his efforts. 



WARKEN F. DANIKI.I,. 

In almost every instance, those who, during the 
first half of the present century, laid about the water- 
falls of New Hampshire the foundations of our 
manufacturing villages, builded better than they knew. 
They were generally men of limited ambitions and 
means, and established their factories without the ex- 
pectation that they were changing worthless plains and 
forests into cities or plain mechanics into millionaires. 
They aimed only to create productive industries and 
win a fair reward for their labor. But they were 
skillful workmen, and under their inspiration and 
direction their enteri)rises have grown into great 
]iroportious, which have made the fortunes of their 
owners and called into being communities that are 
models of the best that skill and thrift can produce. 



FRANKLIN. 



To this class belonged Kendall O. and James L. 
Peabody and Jeremiah F. Dauiell, who, over fifty 
years ago, built a paper-mill in the forest that then 
grew about the falls on the Winnipiseogee where 
the wealthy, wide-awake and beautiful village of 
Franklin Falls now stands. 

The Peabodys built a small mill at this point about 
the year 1828. Their knowledge of the paper busi- 
ness was very limited, their machinery of the most 
primitive kind and their experiment was not at first 
a success ; but they were men not easily turned from 
their purposes. They secured the services of a 
practical paper-maker, Jeremiah F. Daniell, who 
knew the business thoroughly, and was by education, 
as well as by natural abilities, well qualified to prove 
an efficient helper to men who, like the Peabodys, 
were trying to establish a new enterprise in the face 
of many discouragements. He had worked at his trade 
in Pepperell, Mass., also in Dorchester and Methuen. 
While at Pepperell, he married Sarah Eeed, of Har- 
vard, Mass., by whom he had two children, — Warren 
F., the subject of this sketch, who was born June 26, 
1826, and Mary, who died in infimcy. 

On going to Franklin he was given an interest in the 
business and became a jiermanent resident. In the 
face of many obstacles, he secured from South Wind- 
ham., Conn., a newly-invented paper-machine, which 
was transported across the country by two eight- 
horse teams and set up ready for business. Mr. Dauiell 
purchased the interest of J. L. Peabody, and the firm 
became Peabody & Daniell. The machinery was 
scarcely in position when a fire destroyed the factory 
and its contents, leaving the owners bankrupt in 
nearly everything but courage and a determination 
to succeed, which enabled them to finally rebuild and 
proceed in a small way with their business. 

The erection of the cotton-mills at Manchester gave 
them an opportunity to purchase large amounts of 
paper stock at low prices, and from that time they 
were moderately prosperous. The nest year after 
the removal of Mr. Daniell from Massachusetts his 
wife died, and a year later he married Annette East- 
man, of Concord. His son, Warren F., was at that 
time a wide-awake boy of ten years. He had picked 
up a little book-knowledge in the Massachusetts 
schools, and that he might be further educated with- 
out much expense, was sent to Concord, where he 
worked upon a farm for his board and clothes and the 
privilege of attending school a short time each winter, 
until, at the age of fourteen, he was called home and 
entered the paper-mill as an apprentice to learn the 
business with which his name is now so prominently 
identified. It was his purpose, at a later period, to 
attend the academy at Tilton ; but on the day on 
which the term began his father was severely burneii, 
and Warren F. was obliged to take his place in the 
mill, where he became master of the trade in all its 
branches. As a journeyman, his wages were one dollar 
and twenty-five cents per day. Warren F. was am- 



bitious at some time to have a mill of his own, and 
with this object in view, he went to Waterville, Me., 
and with other parties erected and ran a paper-mill 
at that place, when, a year later, he took charge of a 
mill at Pepperell, Mass., where he remained until 
1854, ut which time his father bought out Mr. Pea- 
body and asked his son to join him at Franklin, which 
he did, and the firm became J. F. Daniell & Son, 
and under that name w.ts for ten years prosperous 
and successful. In 1864, Warren F. bought his father's 
interest and became sole proprietor, and so continued 
until in 1870, when the mill property, which had 
grown to be one of the largest and best-known private 
manufacturing establishments in the State, was sold 
to a company of Massachusetts capitalists, who organ- 
ized as the Winnipisogee Paper Company. Mr. 
Daniell then became connected with a large paper- 
house in Boston ; but soon tiring of city life, returned 
to Franklin, and, with a large interest in the company, 
became its resident agent and manager, which 
position he still occupies. This company owns large 
paper-mills supplied with the best machinery, em- 
ploys three hundred hands and produces about twenty 
tons of paper daily, and in its large measure of suc- 
cess is a monument to the sagacity and enterprise of 
the man who plans and directs its operations, who, 
without the help of a liberal education, has won his 
way by hard and patient work to a first place among 
the business men of the State. While compassing his 
own success, Mr. Daniell has contributed much to 
that of other.s, and in his struggle upward has pulled 
no one down. 

The business world acknowledges him as a man 
of undoubted integrity, thoroughly responsible and 
eminently successful; a genial man whose good- 
fellowship never tires, and whose hospitality and 
generosity are inexhaustible. In 1850, Mr. Daniell 
married, Elizabeth D. Rundlett, of Stratham, and 
had one child, Harry W. She died in Pepperell 
in 1854. He married, second, Abbie A. Sanger, of 
Concord, October, 1860, from which union there are 
Eugene S., Otis, Warren F., Jr., and Jerie E. 

Mr. Daniell is much interested in agriculture, and 
owns a large farm, which is under a high state of 
cultivation. He has long been the owner of the best 
herd of Jersey cattle in the State. His stables con- 
tain some of the finest horses ; he admires a good dog, 
and is a skillful breeder of swine and poultry. He 
has contributed much to the introduction of improved 
stock, crops and farm machinery in his neighbor- 
hood ; has been active and liberal in sustaining the 
State and local agricultural societies, and in other- 
wise promoting the fiirming interest. 

In politics Mr. Daniell is a Democrat, and such has 
been his popularity at home that he has represented 
his town, which is Republican, several times in the 
Legislature, and was twice chosen Senator in a dis- 
trict which no other Democrat could have carried. 
He represented his party in the National Convention 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



of 1872, and has always been one of its trusted coun-, 
selors and efficient workers, and but for liis refusal 
would have been its candidate for Governor and for 
Congress. 

During the war he gave liimself to the cause of the 
Union as represented by the " boys in blue," voting 
to raise and equip all the men who were needed, 
giving liberally to provide for them and their families 
and supporting by word and deed on all occasions 
the cause for which they fought. 



WALTER AIKEN. 

The first ancestor, Edward (1), came from the north 
of Ireland about 1722, and settled in Londonderry, 
N. H., and became one of the proprietors. His son, 
Nathaniel (2), lived in Londonderry and was an ert- 
crgetic business man. One of his sons, Thomas (3), 
moved to Deeriug, N. H., and carried on farming 
there. His son, Matthew (4), was born in Deering, 
N. H., March 21, 1776, and moved to Pelham, N. H., 
and was a saddler and harness-maker there. He 
married Sally Hackett, daughter of Colonel Hackett, 
of Portsmouth, N. H., who built there the first frigate 
for the United States government that was engaged in 
the Revolutionary War. 

The children from this union were James Oilman 
(5), born May 10, 1795, who was a soldier in the War 
of 1812, and was last heard from by his family as an 
oificer at the battle of New Orleans, where it is sup- 
posed he fell, January 8, 1815. Herrick (5) was born 
in Peterborough, N. H., June 8, 1797. Sally (5), 
born May 10, 1799, married Phineas Stevens, who 
was an engineer and built a number of prominent 
mills in New Hampshire. Emma (5), born June 10, 
1802, married David Hamblett, a millwright, of Man- 
chester, N. H., died April 12, 1885. Alfred (5), born 
July 11, 1804, was a tanner, who lived first in Ben- 
nington, N. H., and removed to Beckett, Mass., and 
there died September 25, 1878. 

Herrick (5) first set up in business as a manufac- 
turer of machinery at Dracut, Mass., and moved to 
Franklin, N. H., and set up business in the old shop 
of Daniel Herrick, in 1838, which business he carried 
on in that vicinity for many years. He was an in- 
ventor and received letters patent on many useful 
and cunning machines, among which were a " spiral- 
brush " and a leather-splitting machine. He also re- 
ceived several medals for valuable inventions. He 
conceived the plan of using a cog-rail for steep 
grades on railroads and constructed a model at his 
shop that worked well. Thinking to apply his in- 
vention upon a road to the top of Mt. Washington, 
he rode up on horee-back, and although convinced in 
his own mind that by his plan the summit could be 
reached, he was unable to convince the railroad men 
and capitalists that his plan was feasible, and the 
honor of the achievement, a few years later, went to 
others. Mr. Aiken was a good citizen, a successful 



business man and a kind husband and father, and 
died November 7, 1866. 

At Dracut, M;iss., February 5, 1830, he married Ann 
Matilda, daughter of Isaac Bradley, of that place. 
She was born August 28, 1810, and was a descendant 
in the fifth generation of the renowned Hannah 
Dustan, of Haverhill, Mass. She died January 6, 
1884. 

The children from this union were Walter (6), 
born October 5, 1831, in Dracut, Mass. ; Jonas Brad- 
ley (6), born August 23, 1833, at the same place ; 
James Hackett (6), born June 20, 1835, died of chol- 
era in Calcutta. 

Francis Herrick (6), born June 10, 1843, in Frank- 
lin, N. H. He succeeded his father in business, 
carrying it on successfiilly. He built a fine residence 
in Franklin and died January 16, 1876. He was a 
prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, a thirty- 
two-degree Mason. He married Hannah A. Colby, 
of Hill, N. H., September, 1865. 

Charles Lowe (6) was born July 23, 1845. He re- 
sided in Elkhart, Ind., for several years and is 
now an employ^ of the Old Colony Railroad Com- 
pany,, at Taunton, Mass. He married Isabella Bur- 
leigh, of Thornton. 

Jonas Bradley (6), the second son, has been quite 
prominent among the business men of his time and 
had extensive business connections, although he retired 
from active business some years ago. He married, first, 
Helen M. Scribner, of Franklin, in 1864. She died 
April 14, 1865, the same day upon which President 
Lincoln died. He married, second, Addie G. Proctor, 
of Northfield, Vt. The only child from the first 
marriage, Alice Matilda (7), died in infancy. The 
children from the second marriage are Mary Louisa 
(7), born November 19, 1867; Charles Wilson (7), 
born August 21, 1869; and George Proctor (7), born 
December 5, 1873, who was drowned May 10, 1876. 

Walter, the subject of this sketch, passed his boy- 
hood at the old home, and, in addition to the advan- 
tages of the common schools, he attended for two 
years the Gilmanton Academy and also the institutes 
at New Hampton and Tilton. He entered his father's 
machine-shop at an early age, and, having a natural 
talent for mechanics, he rapidly developed, and at the 
age of twenty-two years started in business for him- 
self in an upper room in his father's shop, where he 
invented and built one of the first knitting-machines 
in the country. A pioneer in the invention and man- 
ufacture of knitting-machines, Mr. Aiken has taken 
out over forty patents, and his latest machine makes 
a perfect .stocking without seam in less than five min- 
utes and works automatically. He also invented a 
machine to make gimlet-pointed screws. Mr. Aiken 
is also a woolen manufacturer, producing as many as 
four hundred dozen pairs of stockings per day. 
He also built the house on the summit of Mt. Wash- 
ington, owning one-half of it; assisted in building 
the railroad up the mountain ; became the general 




oMc^-^ ^..^^L 



327 



manager at the opening of the road, in 1869, and has 
continued in that capacity, making the most complete 
success aa a financial venture. Mr. Aiken designed 
the locomotive in use on the Mt. Washington Kail- 
way. He, in connection with Sylvester Marsh, has 
perfected and carried into complete operation the 
work which Herrick Aiken had so many years before 
conceived, viz. : to build a railroad to the top of Mt. 
Washington. His residence, on a blutl' overlooking 
the village, is one of the finest in Franklin. Mr. 
Aiken owns the Hamilton Hotel, at the Bermuda Is- 
lands, with all the modern improvements and capable 
of entertaining two hundred and fifty guests. He 
built the signal station on Mt. Washington for the 



United States government in 1873; built the Summit 
House in 1872. Mr. Aiken is a Democrat; was in 
the War of the Rebellion ; ha.s been a representative 
to the General Court for four years and is a director of 
each of the banks in Franklin, and a prominent 
member of the Masonic fraternity and also of the Odd- 
Fellows. " The old Granite State " may well be 
proud of such sons. He married, first, Susan Colby, 
of Warner, in 1853 ; he married, second, Mary Dodge, 
of Hampton Falls, January 1, 1867. The children 
by the first marriage were .James (7), born February 
•5, 1854, and Frederick (7), born November 4, 1855. 
These children are now living. 



HISTORY OF ANDOVER. 



CHAPTER I. 

Early History. — The earliest or provincial history 
of the town of Andover cau be derived only from 
records so incomplete and often contradictory that it 
is difficult to settle many important questions regard- 
ing the first settlement of the town. Something was 
known of the location and peculiarities of this tract 
of land many years previous to the presentation of a 
petition to the Masonian owners for the grant in 1748. 

Whatever had been learned by exploring parties, 
so little had been recorded before this date that not 
only is an immense amount of research necessary, but 
some theory and speculation also for an intelligent 
statement of previous transactions in regard to this 
tract. But few facts are reasonably certain in rela- 
tion to it. The land was entirely devoid of a white 
man's habitation or the faintest indication of the 
same at the time of the grant. It was covered with 
the original forest, frequented by wild animals and 
diversified only by the unevenuess of its surface, the 
mountainous region existing on the northern and 
western boundaries. The hilly sections were covered 
with a dense growth of hard wood and the plains 
with an immense pine forest. The streams and 
ponds existed in all the grandeur of primitive wild- 
ness, and the entire tract now known as the town of 
Andover was an unbroken wilderness. 

This land had been previously purchased of John 
Tufton Mason, Esq., and to these proprietors did the 
original grantees petition. 

At a meeting held at Portsmouth, November 20, 
17.51, the grant was made to the following-named 
persons : 

K.lnmn.l Brown. WillNini -..nn, M.l.hn- I .,1 ,,,1 ui J.hu ll„yt. 



Jolin 



, Dan 



John Siinl.orn, Joso],!. .,1: , i : • I . ,, lluw, 

David Norton, WiilttT \M I h , I- m, 1 .-«.ii It , r...:,i,,i,,,!, Shaw, 

Eunjaniin Tiltou, Josoph Prt-Biott, 'riioiiias Sillia, Israel IllaUe, .lohu 
Ellia, Daniel Wearo, Niithaniel Healey, Benjamin Sanborn, Robert Mil- 
ler, Tol.ias Lakeman, of Ilampton Falls ; Edward Brown and Jonathan 
Beck, of Salisbury, fliass. ; Samuel Batlirick, of Portsmouth ; Ezekiel 
Worthen, Joseph Weare, Samuel Blake, Jr., John Chapman, Samuel 
Blake, Nathan Dow, Samuel French, William Brown (!lough, Jesse 
Prescott, Ebenezer Loverin, of Kensington ; 
Marston, Simeon Marston, Joshua Towle, Danit 
Jonathan Leavitt, Nathaniel Bacholder, of I hi 
Richard Smith, Benjamin Eaton, Joseph Frem I 
min French, of South Ilampton and Hampton i 



Kmen-, John 



Lowel, Nason Cass, .Joseph Rawlins, of Exeter ; Jonathan Sanborn, of 
Kingston ; Robert Calf, of Chester. 

Said tract of land was estimated to contain about 
forty square miles, and was bounded as follows : 

'• Beginning at a great rock on the westerly side of Pemigewasset 
River, which rock is the northeasterly bound of a tract of laud granted 
to Ebenezer Stevens, Jedediah Philbrick and others by said proprietors ; 
then running west seventeen degrees, south, ten miles ; then beginning 
again at said rock, running up said river so far as to contain four miles 
upon a straight line ; thence west seventeen degrees, south, ten miles ; 
thence on a straight line to the end of the first ten-mile line." 

Various conditions were imposed upon tbe grantees, 
among which were the following : 

*' That fifteen families be settled upon said tract of land, each having 
a house of sixteen feet square at least, or equal thereto, and four acres 
of land cleared and fitted for tillage or mowing upon their respective 
shares within four years nest after the granting hereof ; and Irfteeu 
families more so settled within six years of the granting hereof ; and 
thirty families more within ten years of the granting hereof. That 
within eight years from the granting hereof a meeting-house be built for 
the worship of God and titted for that purpose for the use of the inhabi- 
tants there : and that they maintain and support the constant preach- 
ing of the Gospel there after the expiration of ten yeai-s from the grant- 
ing hereof. That all white pine trees fit for masting the royal navy be 
and hereby are reserved and granted to bis Majesty, his heirs and suc- 
cessors forever for that purpose. Provided always that in case of an In- 
dian war within any of the terms of years above limited for the doing 
any of the said mattei-s and things aforesaid, by the said owners to bo 
done, the same number of years as such war shall last shall be i\llowed 
after that impediment shall be removed." 

According to the terms of the grant, the tract was 
divided into eighty-one shares, and each share di- 
vided into three lots. Two of the lots were to con- 
tain one hundred acres each, and the third the re- 
mainder of the land belonging to each respective 
share. Eighteen of these shares were reserved by the 
grantors. One was reserved for the first ordained 
minister, one for the parsonage and one for the sup- 
port of schools. The remaining sixty shares were to 
be the property of the sixty grantees. The pro- 
visions of the grant were such that the eighteen 
shares reserved by the grantors were to be free from 
any expense incurred in etfecting the settlement of 
the town. 

The township was first called New Breton, in honor 
of the brave men who achieved the capture of Cape 
Breton in 1745. A large number of the forces in this 
engagement came from the province of New Hani))- 
shire, and several of the grantees of New Breton were 
among the number. 



ANDOVER. 



329 



The early meetings of the proprietors of the town- 
ship were held at Hampton Falls, and for more than 
twenty years all business was transacted there. 
Committees were frequently appointed and sent up 
to the township, and their reports formed the basis 
of action. The first important business transacted 
at these meetings was to procure the drawing of a 
plan of the town, and May 28, 1753, a committee was 
appointed to lay said plan before the grantors and 
arrange when to have the lots drawn. According 
to this plan, the town was divided into four ranges, 
each commencing at the Pemigewasset River and 
extending across the town in a westerly direction. 
Land, four rods wide, for a road between each range 
was reserved and a centresquare surveyed, where, prob- 
ably, it was supposed the business interests of the 
town would be centred, and it is not unreasonable 
to conjecture that it was expected to become a cen- 
tral location for all leading interests. This town 
centre was west of Loon Pond about one-half mile, 
and located on land now owned by J. D. Philbrick, 
■\V. A. Bachelder and F. H. Flanders. Instead of be- 
ing the metropolis of the town, it is even remote 
from any highway. 

The ranges were divided into lots according to 
the terms of the grant, and measures were taken 
for spotting out the town as indicated by the plan. 
It is not certain how thoroughly this was done, for at 
a meeting in May, 1763, a committee was appointed 
" to run out said township anew and bound and num- 
ber every lot agreeable to the plan formerly exhibited 
and accepted by the grantors." This committee was 
David Norton, Richard Smith, Benjamin Eaton, Ben- 
jamin Tilton and Jeremiah Lane. They spent six days 
doing this work, and in November of the same year 
made a lengthy and interesting report of their pro- 
ceedings. This report occasionally mentions " old 
spotted lines," but nearly all the lines were newly 
spotted, with no reference to any previous survey, 
and the committee claim to have made a thorough 
division of the town according to the original plan. 
Undoubtedly, this was the first accurate survey with 
the boundaries distinctly marked. About the same 
time committees were appointed for establishing the 
lioundary lines between this and the adjoining town- 
ships, which seems to have been well and faithfully 
done. 

Proprietors' meetings were held very frequently, 
and after the boundary lines were fairly well estab- 
lished, the location of roads and bridges was the 
subject mainly considered. 

The range-ways which had been reserved for roads 
were not practical for this purpose, and we find the 
early records filled with reports of action taken in 
this matter. In September, 175.3, it was voted to clear 
a road to the Centre Square. Doubtless, this was the 
earliest projected road, and, like those afterwards 
surveyed, terminated at the Centre Square as the ob- 
jective-point. Although this road was spotted, we 



are unable to find any evidence that it was cut and 
cleared. At the meeting of July 21, 1761, a commit- 
tee previously appointed to look out and spot the 
most convenient place for a road to the Centre Square, 
and also to search out the most convenient place for 
a saw-mill and spot a road thereto, made report as 
follows : 

'* Wo liavo mado search, and, acoordinj^ to tlie best of our judgment, 
piirsuod the road from the fort in Stovcnstown (s.i-i-jill.d i u> I'eier 
Bowing's huuso, in said Stevenstown, aud from thru, i, ■ ,ii i, mImw 

(so-callod), and from thence the spotted way to I n r ;. , , \. u' 

Breton, and from thence to tho Centre Square, unJ i . , i , I in 

the southeasterly part of said Loon Pond, and li M. m i- nlniiy 

round said pond till we come to where said pond .-inpti^'B itself, and 
from thence down said stream to the first falls, next to Loon Pond, 
where wo apprehend to bo the most convenient place that we can find 
in said township of Now Breton for a saw-mill." 

The report of this committee was accepted, but no 
further action is recorded in regard to clearing the 
road thus spotted. 

The records indicate that the first road cut and 
cleared was known as the Centre road, leading from 
the Pemigewasset River to Chance Pond, around 
the northerly end of this pond, and from thence to 
the mill privilege and Loon Pond. 

At a meeting held November 3, 1762, a committee 
consisting of Anthony Emery, Nathaniel Healy, Jr., 
and Jeremiah Lane, who had been appointed at a 
previous meeting, reported the above-mentioned road 
completed, and were voted three hundred and eigh- 
teen pounds ten shillings, old tenor, in payment for cut- 
ting and clearing the same. 

As the town became settled, roads were necessary, 
and soon were cut in various directions through the 
forest, and their location has been a subject of con- 
troversy and contention as often as a new road was 
projected, even to the present day. In many in- 
stances roads were abandoned after a short time as 
some better way was suggested. 

Damages were awarded the owners of land through 
which roads passed, and frequently the range-ways 
adjoining the farm were voted in exchange for the 
land taken. The famous Fourth New Hampshire 
turnpike was surveyed through the town in 1804, 
and opened to travel in 1806. One of the most 
important toll-gates on the route of this turnpike 
was that at West Andover, where this road was in- 
tersected by the Grafton turnpike. 

This gate for many years was in charge of Thomas 
Clark, Esq., a man of some renown in hotel and store 
business, and also in public affiiirs. 

The turnpike was made a free road in 1839, and the 
town was required to pay the corporation five hun- 
dred and sixty-six dollars in consideration of the 
same. 

The early settlement of the town progressed very 
slowly. It required no little courage and powers of 
endurance to brave the dangers and privations of the 
wilderness. A narrow path cut through the forest 
was the road over which a man must bring on horse- 
back his family and household goods. 



330 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Reminiscences of the exploits and adventures of 
the earliest inhabitants would fill a lengthy chapter. 
Different sections of the town bear names taken 
from hunting adventures which are still fresh in 
memory and often told by the olde.^t inhabitants as 
related to them by the first settlers. 

Money was voted at the proprietors' meetings for 
the encouragement of those who first settled here; 
but not until 1761 did any one venture to make a 
home within the limits of the town. During that 
year Mr. Joseph Fellows moved from Boscawen into 
that part of Andover known as Flaghole, and settled 
on what is now the Royal Stone farm. Mr. Fellows 
died March 14, 1811, and his daughter, Peggy, was 
the first child born in town. Elias Raino was the 
next settler, building a house near the Joseph A. 
Rovve place. The house was long since destroyed, 
but traces of the cellar can still be seen. Mr. Raino 
died September 20, 1787. The third man to settle 
in the town was William Morey, who cleared the 
farm now owned by Jonathan Cilley, and built a 
house a few rods south of the one at present occupied 
by Mr. Cilley. Mr. Morey died in 1814. Edward 
Ladd was another of the early settlers. He lived 
upon the farm lately occupied by James Marston, and 
died in 1818, at the age of eighty-two years. 

With no inhabitants on the north from whom as- 
sistance could be had, and being unable to obtain 
supplies without a journey of a dozen miles, and then 
bring them home on their backs, it is no wonder 
that the early settlement was slow. In 1775 the 
number of inhabitants in the town was one hundred 
and seventy-nine. 

In the minds of the proprietors, next in importance 
to the clearing of roads seems to have been the 
building of a saw-mill, and the mill privilege was 
one of the first things looked for in the survey of the 
town. The place selected was where the Busiel hosiery- 
mill now stands, and here the first saw-mill was 
erected by Nathaniel Prescott in 1766. The proprie- 
tors of the township voted Mr. Prescott forty pounds, 
lawful money, towards the erection of the mill, he 
agreeing to keep it in good running order and to saw 
all logs hauled there by the inhabitants of the town 
at the halves for the next ten years. A large num- 
ber of .saw-mills have since that time been built in 
town, and in 1820 no less than five were in active 
operation. At this early date they were usually 
built on small streams, which now would not fur- 
nish sufiicient power, and upon very small streams 
do we frequently find traces of dams, mills and rude 
machinery in places now entirely given to the growth 
of wood and lumber. 

A grist-mill was needed, and its location was con- 
sidered at several meetings. Various places were 
favorably reported. In 1769, Mr. Prescott moved 
the saw-mill farther up the stream, and a committee 
contracted with Anthony Emery to build a grist- 
mill at the foot of the falls, and also made a contract 



with Mr. Prescott for drawing water for said grist-mill 
from his saw-mill gate for a period of twenty years 
by payment of seven pounds, lawful money. 

At a meeting February 2, 1774, this grist-mill, 
built by the proprietors of the township, was voted 
to be sold to Joseph Fellows for thirty-five pounds. 
It was used for many years, and was but one of sev- 
eral grist-mills in operation in the town a few years 
later. Carding-mills, clothing-mills, bark-mills and 
tanneries were built in various sections of the town, 
and in 1820 no less than two of each mentioned 
were operated. 

The first business meeting called in New Breton 
was by authority of the province of New Hampshire 
and for the purpose of choosing officers for assess- 
ing and collecting the province and county tax. 
This meeting was held at the house of Joseph Fel- 
lows, June 21, 1773, but after this, were annually 
held at the meeting-house. But little business was 
transacted, except the election of officers, which in- 
cluded a man to take care of the meeting-house, until 
the incorporation of the town, June 25, 1779, at which 
date the town took the present name of Andover. 

The first town-meeting after the incorporation, was 
held at the meeting-house July 13, 1779, and the fol- 
lowing were elected the first town officers: Moderatcjr, 
Samuel Blake; Clerk, Jonathan Weare ; Selectmen, 
Joseph Philbrick, Samuel Blake and Jabez Moriil ; 
Assessors, Peter Weare and Joseph Chandler; High- 
way Surveyors, Robert Wise, John Row, Joseph Phil- 
brick and Joseph Fellows; tithingmen, fence-viewers, 
surveyors of lumber and hog constables were also 
chosen. 

Meetings were held on August 16th and September 
1st to consider various questions for advancing the 
settlement of the town. Action was taken for the 
support of both school and church, and the incorpo- 
ration of the town marked a new era in its develop- 
ment. 

During the next years the town became rapidly 
settled, and all worthy objects of a public nature were 
supported. Old roads were repaired and new roads 
laid out and cleared. Bridges were built. Land was 
cleared and cultivated, and the large two-storied houses 
were erected. A new meeting-house was built, and 
a church organization established. 

Appropriations were almo.st annually made for 
schools, and later the school districts were formed 
and school-houses erected. In 1790 the town had 
six hundred and forty-five inhabitants, and in 1820 
the people of Andover numbered sixteen hundred 
and forty-two. 

October 10, 1828, Joseph C. Thomson was elected 
agent for the town in the formation of the new 
town of Franklin. Mr. Thomson was instructed to 
favor the formation of the contemplated town, pro- 
viding the tract of land taken from Andover for its 
formation should extend entirely across the town. 
A strip of land bordering upon the Pemigewasset 



ANDOVER. 



331 



River was taken from the easterly end of Aiulovor 
and incorporated in the town of Franklin by an act 
dated December 24, 1828. 

Following will be found the list of representatives 
and town clerks serving in the town to the year 
ISSt), and after this are given the more important 
events in the history of the leading interests of An- 
dover : 

KEPRESENTATIVES. 

lT!ii;-lsii.>, .Tuseph Philbrick; 1803, Jonathan \\ .n , l-"l i -i pli 

Pliill.riik, isd,-,, Jonathan Weai-o I 1800, Jacob I : M i ' ' i nu- 

tlmn \V..ar(. ; lSlO-12, James Tucker ; 1813, JoiKiiliu, w . u h l-U, 

Ja.in-s Tii.U.-i- ; 1815, Jonathan Wcare, Jr. ; ISlr-l., hi v ■ v.- ; 

ISIS. S:irtMP 1 (iraves; 1819, no representative: I ~ -' I l; I ii Tar- 
hi r ; Isjj-jl, .■<aniuel Bi-own ; 182o, Robert liai t. : I - i i -^n- 

tatix.' . I-j:, S.umifl Urowi] ; 1S2.S, Joseph C. Tli..: - - I - ' ' . ■ l ,m,.s 



1840 



J„li,il-ll>A : I I.L.. 1,1! ,~, IS4',l-an, Saimw.l 5[orrill ; ls.-.l-;-,2, 

K ■ I h. il.y K. Langley; 1855-56, Caleb T. 

>!.,,-, w I' I, ; 1659-60, John M. Shirley; 1801- 

(Ij, K.l,:, I'l 1 I , 1- I, ~ 1 Suftt; 186.5-66, Aaron Cilley, 1807- 

68, Georiit; W. Tlionisou ; ISO'i-T", Henry A. Weymouth; 1871-T2, John 
F. Emery ; 1873-74, John P. Can- ; 1875, Ziba Severence ; 1870, Ziba 
Severence and Clark Durgin ; 1877, ('lark Durgin and Gerry Morgan ; 
1878, Gerry Morgan and Clarence E. Carr ; 1870, Clarence E. Carr ; 1881, 
William E. Melendy; 1883, Robert C. Carr; 1885, George W. Stone. 
TOWN CLERKS. 

[At the organization of the town government, in 1773, Paul Smith 
Marston was chosen town clerk, and continued in the otfice until the 
incorporation of the town, in 1779.] 

1779-92, Jonathan Weare ; 1793-04, Silas Rirnard ; 170,-., jMhathan 
Weare ; 1790-97. Jacob B. Moore : IT'i^ ■ >, r, i, ,il, ,,, w ,,. i;ir-l, 
Jacob B. Moore ; 1805, Jonathan M.:i! < l '> l>11, 

Willard Emery; 1812-18, Robert Bail- ^ l : - I, l-i.",- 

31, Jesse Craves; 1832-33. NeheniiM, 1' - ■ I I - I ' . ,,, i. 1!. 

White ; ls:i7, Ivh.iii M--' 1 1 , 1 - : - . ' - . i .• ' - i: I ■> II Jiirub 
C. Hanson ; Is I i :-.,.,..■ • i v\ .,. 1; I ■.:. i > I.-47- 

48, Henry A. W -. J ■ i I i ■ '. '. . I l : II, nry 

A. Weymouth ; l-l ■ . J ,. •'■ I K.n.-.i,, I ■ ; -.-, M.,i I, lhn.t;in ; 
1SG1-(H, Nathan Woodbury ; IbCJ, lleiiiy 51. Boswurth ; lsi;(;-72, John 
W. Keniston ; 1873-79, George H. Jlorrill ; 188(1-84, Henry M. Bos- 
worth ; 1885, Nathan Woodbni-y. 

Ecclesiastical History— Church Building.s.— 

The early settlers inmiifested much interest in es- 
talilishini;- and supporting a religious meeting, and we 
tiiid action frequently taken during the period in 
which the religious affairs were controlled by vote of 
the town. Doubtless, it was the intention of the 
grantees to locate the first meeting-house at the 
Centre Square, for, being the geographical centre of 
the town, it was supposed that it would become the 
business centre also, and a vote was passed at onetime 
to build a meeting-house there. The "mills" having 
been located at the place now known as East An- 
dover, the proprietors of the township, for the better 
convenience of the inhabitants, decided to locate the 
first meeting-house there, and at a meeting held May 
18, 1772, the following action was recorded . 

" Voteil, That a meeting-house be built in said township of New Breton 
for the public worship of God ; said bouse to be 20 feet wide and 30 feet 
long and 9 feet stud ; to be one story high and well boarded on the sides 
and ends with feather-edged boards. The roof well boarded and 
shingled. Proper doors made, and double floor laid over the whole 
frame below. Plank laid lor the people to sit on and a decent desk for 
the minister." 



Benjamin Tilton and Benjamin Eaton had previ- 
ously agreed to furnish all material and build this 
house for sixty-four dollars, and were appointed a 
committee, with instructions " to locate said house as 
near to the mills now built in said township as they 
shall think most convenient, and to have it com- 
pleted in a workmanlike manner within one year." 
One-half of said amount was to be paid in six months 
and the remainder when the house was completed. 

It was located and built on the opposite side of the 
road from the school-house now standing, and within 
twenty rods of the first saw-mill and grist-mill built 
ill town. This building was used for religious meet- 
ings and for the business meetings of the town until 
1795, when, for some unknown reason, it was de- 
molished. Tradition says it was destroyed in the 
night, and it may have been done with the object of 
hastening the building of a new meeting-house ; for, as 
early as 1782, this subject was considered by the voters 
of the town, but they could not decide upon the place 
to build it. The location of the second meeting- 
house was a difficult question to settle, and for several 
years was agitated by the voters at each annual 
meeting. Various places were accepted and as often 
rejected by a reconsideration of the vote. 

At one time "it was voted to build a meeting- 
house on the hill by Captain Bachelder's." A com- 
mittee was appointed to build the house and settle for 
the land. Afterwards it was voted " to set a meeting- 
house on the plains near Mr. dough's," and at 
another time " on the plains near the pond." A vote 
was passed to build two meeting-houses. A commit- 
tee was chosen from outside the town, who located 
the house "near Mr. Nathan Row's," but the report 
of this committee was rejected. The house was 
finally built according to a vote passed May 10, 1790, 
" to build a meeting-house on the hill in Mr. Hilton's 
lot." This was on the exact location of the Congrega- 
tional Church at East Andover to-day, and the frame 
now in that building is the same as was originally 
raised May 3, 1796. The first sermon was preached 
in the house July 3d of the same year, and the church 
formally dedicated February 5, 1797. 

The building has been frequently remodeled, and 
at the present day has but little resemblance to that 
first erected. The greatest development of the re- 
sources of the town was made in the years following 
the erection of this building, and for more than 
twenty-five years it was the only church edifice 
within the limits of Andover. 

But very few records have been found regarding 
the third meeting-house built. It seems to have been 
erected by people of different religious beliefs, and 
was known as the Union Church. The frame was 
raised in June, 1822, and the building soon after 
completed. It was located at Andover Centre, and, 
as remodeled, is the present academy building. It 
was for a time regularly used for the meetings of the 
Universalist, Methodist, Congregational and Chris- 



332 



HISTORY OF MERKIMACK COUxNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE, 



tiau Societies, each occuijying it a stated Sabbath in 
a mouth. It was afterwards only used occasionally, 
and a fine hall finished in the building erected by 
Hon. John Proctor became the more usual place of 
holding religious meetings. 

The former church structure was divided into two 
stories, and the upper floor for many yeais used for the 
annual meetings of the town, and at present the entire 
building is devoted to the needs of Proctor Academy. 

The large and commodious hall in Proctor Block, 
Andover Centre, was fitted up by Mr. Proctor ex- 
pressly for religious services and furnished with pul- 
pit, organ, chairs and all necessary appointments and 
conveniences of a house of worship. At his death a 
provision of his will bequeathed the use of the hall 
for religious purposes to his native village. By this 
wise and generous forethought a most attractive place 
of worship is provided, rendering a church edifice 
unnecessary. 

The fourth meeting-house in town was built by the 
Free- Will Bapti-st Society of East Andover in 1839. 
The building committee were James Severens, Josiah 
Bachelder, Jonathan Cilley, James Bayley, Simeon 
Rollins, Dearborn Cilley and A. J. Tucker. The 
building was dedicated December 25, 1839, with 
appropriate exercises. A bell was purchased in 
1841. The building was entirely destroyed by 
fire May 23, 1871, and soon replaced by the present 
structure, which is neatly furnished and affords a very 
pleasant audience- room. 

In 1879 a building was commenced at West An- 
dover by the Union Enterjirise Society for religious 
meetings. The building was completed in March, 
1882, and dedicated August 31 of the same year, 
Eev. William Morrill preaching the dedicatory ser- 
mon. The society is non-sectarian and its members 
entertain different religious beliefs. The object of 
the society is the worship of God, and for this pur- 
pose was the building dedicated. The pastors have 
been : William Morrill, Christian ; William Love 
and James D. Legro, Methodist. 

A building was erected at Andover Centre by the 
Congregational Society during the summer of 1882. 
It is known as the Chapel, and built for religious 
worship by this church. This building was dedicated 
September 26, 1882, and affords the fifth place at 
present in the town where religious services are con- 
stantly held. 

Religious Societies. — According to the terms of 
the grant, " One of the said shares shall be for the 
first minister of the gospel who shall be settled on 
the said land, and continue there during his life or 
until he shall be regularly dismissed, to hold to him, 
his heirs and assigns ; and one other of the said 
shares to be for and towards the support of the gospel 
ministry there forever." This condition seems to 
have been complied with in the drawing of the lots, 
and we find lots numbered 19 and 62 reserved for 
these purposes. 



The income of these, known as the minister and 
parsonage lots, was appropriated to the support of 
preaching, together with such sums as were voted by 
the proprietors of the township. The entire amount 
was necessarily small, only at first enough to secure 
preaching a portion of the time. The noble character 
of the earliest settlers is in no way so clearly demon- 
strated as in the sacrifices made for the support of the 
gospel ministry. Whatever privations were endured, 
the minister was supported, not barely to clear the 
terms of the grant, but freely and generously, as will 
be seen. The first minister preaching regularly was 
Eev. Mr. Brown, of whom but little is known. He 
was here in 1774, two years after the building of the 
meeting-house, and it seems, for some reason, that the 
liberality of the inhabitants was not well tested this 
year, for he received but thirty dollars for his services. 
Congregidional Society. — Rev. Joaiah Badcock 
preached his first sermon in Andover, August 19, 
1781, and this commenced a new era in the religious 
history of the town. Mr. Badcock was called to 
Andover to preach regularly July 8, 1782 ; was or- 
dained October 30th of the same year, at East An- 
dover, and on that day the first Congregational 
Church was organized with six members. At the 
time Mr. Badcock was called to the town it was voted 
to give him one hundred and fifty dollars for the first 
year, with ten dollars added yearly until it should 
amount to two hundred dollars per year. It was also 
voted to build him a house " the bigness of Mr. Samuel 
Blake's," to give him the use of the parsonage, to 
give him twenty cords of wood yearly, to clear for 
him two acres of land each year for five years, to 
allow him to be absent three Sabbath days in each 
year. This was the contract under which Mr. Bad- 
cock came, and doubtless was a low compensation for 
a man of his- fine education and superior natural en- 
dowments. He was a graduate of Harvard College 
in 1772. It would also seem a liberal sum to be 
raised by the people of the township, who probably 
at this time did not number more than three hundred. 
The minister lot is now known as the Horace Clay 
farm, on Taunton Hill. The frame of the house now 
standing is probably that raised for Mr. Badcock, and 
there he lived the remainder of his life. The church 
over which he was the pastor increased to about 
thirty members, and during his pastorate the second 
meeting-house in town was built and occupied by 
this society. Mr. Badcock was an active and influen- 
tial man in the business affairs of the tow^n, and his 
bold signature is often found in the records. Perhaps 
no name in the early history of the town is more 
familiar than that of Rev. Josiah Badcock. He was 
formally dismissed as pastor in 1809, and died Decem- 
ber 7, 1831, at the age of seventy-nine years. 

After the dismissal of Mr. Badcock there was only 
occasional preaching, and after a time the Congrega- 
tional Society informally united with other denomi- 
nations, under the name of the Vnion Society. 



Juue 14, 1810, the town voted to sell the parsonage 
light. This right consisted of three lots, each num- 
bered 62. One was in the second range and sold to 
Elijah Hilton for nine hundred and seventeen dollars. 
The remaining two were in the fourth range. One 
was sold to Moses Fuller for five hundred dollars, and 
the other, containing eighty acres, to Philip Cilley for 
one hundred and ninety dollars. The amount re- 
ceived was sixteen hundred and seven dollars. The 
interest on this sum was voted for various purposes at 
subsequent meetings, and the disposition of both 
principal and interest frequently considered. Its 
proper division among the various religious denomi- 
nations soon after represented in town was a difficult 
question to determine, and finally, on March 8, 1831, 
the town voted to appropriate the parsonage fund, 
both ()rincipal and interest, for the use and benefit of 
the town, and this ended all controversy. 

January 13, 1829, a Congregational Church was 
formed, consisting of ten members, and Mr. Samuel 
Kingsbury settled as its pastor. At this time the 
church formerly organized was represented by its 
venerable pastor and one aged member. No records 
or church documents of any kind could be found. 
Mr. Kingsbury was dismissed by an ecclesiastical 
council January 11, 1831. 

June 25, 1841, another Congregational Church was 
formed. May 23, 1843, Eev. Nathan Howard was 
ordained pastor over the Congregational Churches of 
Andover and Wilmot, and remained until 1850, at 
which time the Congregational Society united with 
others, and employed Rev. Reuben Kimball, who re- 
mained two years. 

In January, 1853, Rev. Nathan Howard was again 
employed. He remained until the close of the year 
1 >"4. after which only occasional Congregational 
I'li'iiching was had until the organization of the First 
C 'iiigregational Church, at Ea.st Andover, in the early 
part of the year 1868. 

In January, 1869, Eev. Howard Moody was called 
to the pastorate, and a portion of the preceding facts 
in regard to the Congregational Church in Andover 
are taken from a historical sermon, preached July 9, 

\ Congregational Church was formed at Andover 
' litre November 16, 1880, with eighteen members. 
John R. Bates, George J. White and William Wood- 
bury were chosen trustees; Willis D. Thomson, clerk. 
Eev. Howard Moody was formally installed pastor of 
this and the church at East Andover September 26, 
1882, remaining until his death, April 20, 1885. 
During the year 1885 both churches were supplied 
by Rev. F. G. Chutter, of Andover, Mass. 

The meetings of the Congregational Society have 
been held in different parts of the town. 

'Sir. Kingsbury preached at Taunton Hill a portion 
of the time, and Mr. Howard at Andover Centre. 

It seems that this society, organized by Rev. Josiah 
I'.iulc'ock in 1782, has, with brief cessations, held re- 



ligious meetings in some section of the town since 
that date. 

Mr. Jloody reports one hundred and six united with 
the church previous to 1876, and several additions 
have been made since. 

Free- Will Baptist Society. — During the noted revi- 
val among the Free-Will Baptist denomination, in 
1801, interest was manifested here by those of this 
belief. The formation of the society was made and 
first meeting held in 1803, the association then organ- 
ized being known as a Monthly Conference, which 
existed and held religious meetings at East Andover. 
This association, although not bound by any secta- 
rian creed, was sustained by those of the Free-Will 
Baptist belief, and was productive of much good by 
the sincere worship of its members. The great 
revival of 1810 brought encouraging success to 
the work and numbers of this society, — forty addi- 
tions being made at one time and many others during 
the year. It was at this time that traces of a second 
Free Will Baptist Society are found in town, but the 
records are so meagre as to specify but little regard- 
ing its location and existence. 

Elder Elijah Watson was ordained here in 1803, 
and was afterwards a zealous worker in this society 
and church. Ebenezer Chase was also ordained and 
preached for .several years, beginning in 1810. He 
was afterward.s the editor of the only paper ever pub- 
lished in town. The Free-Will Baptist Church was 
formally organized at East Andover by Eev. Elijah 
Watson and Eev. Samuel Eobbins, January 7, 1830, 
with eighty-one members. Elder Watson was for 
many years the settled pastor, meetings being held in 
the same church with the Christian denomination 
until a house was built by this society, in 1839. The 
name- of Elder Watson is very familiar to those ac- 
quainted with the history of this church, and, per- 
haps, no one of the early preachers contributed more 
to its success. He was born in Nottingham, N. H., 
in 1777, and died in 1857. 

The preachers in this church since Mr. Watson 
have been as follows: Ebenezer Fisk, Cummins 
Paris, E. G. Knowles, D. Sidney Frost, Oliver Butler, 
D.Sidney Frost (second pastorate from 1856 to 1859), 
Uriah Chase, Samuel T. Frost, Alvah Buzzell, N. L. 
Eowell, W. M. Jenkins, J. F. Smith, C. B. Griffin, 
F. E. Davison and J. G. Munsey. Preaching has 
been held almost continually since the organization 
I of the church, in 1830, to the close of 1884. 

March 18, 1854, was organized in connection with 
I this church, a Free-Will Baptist society and due no- 
tice of the organization appeared in the Independent 
I Bemocrat, published at Concord, April 20th following. 
! "Notice is hereby given that Henry D. Cilley, Ziba 
I Severens, Henry A. Weymouth, Thomas Haley and 
their associates have formed themselves into a Reli- 
I gious Society to be known as the Free-Will Baptist 
I Society at East Andover, N. H., assuming all the 
' responsibilities, rights and privileges of the laws of 



HISTORY OF MERllIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



theState made and provided." William A. Baelielder 
was chosen clerk and a board of directors have been 
annually elected. William Emery, James Connor 
and Daniel Weymouth were the directors elected at 
the organization. 

This society has a large representation in the 
families of this community, and during its prosperous 
seasons has exerted a broad influence for Chris- 
tianity. 

Unitarian Society. — In September, 1879, the First 
Unitarian Society was organized in Andover. Pre- 
vious to this time there had been occasional Unita- 
rian preaching, but no organized society. John P. 
Carr, Amos H. Proctor, Joseph Baker, Calvin Camp- 
bell and J. W. Scales were elected as trustees of the 
organization, and Frank W. Proctor, clerk. The 
constitution declares the object of the society, 
"united eftbrt for the study and practice of Chris- 
tianity." Rev. Calvin Stebbins was the first pastor. 
Under his ministrations the interest and attendance 
increased and the society became firmly established 
as a religious organization. 

Mr. Stebbins continued with the society for two 
years, and was then called to a large and important 
field of labor. The society parted from him with re- 
gret, and he has continued to manifest an interest in 
its welfiire and prosperity, and to give it the benefit 
of his experience and counsel. 

Mr. Stebbins was succeeded by Rev. Crawford 
Nightingale, who remained with the society a year. 
For the next year the pulpit was supplied, and at 
the end of that time Rev. T. Thomson was settled. 
From its organization the society has sustained 
preaching continuously. About sixty families are 
represented in the society. 

The Sunday-school has a well-selected library. 
The Ladies' Industrial Society has rendered inval- 
uable assistance, having raised and contributed 
to the support of the society the sum of six- 
teen hundred and sixty dollars in six years; its 
social and benevolent work has been effective also. 
The choir, a well-trained quartette, is under the effi- 
cient direction of Professor Buswell ; few societies 
have expended so much upon the musical depart- 
ment of worship with such excellent and helpful 
results. The society has raised and expended for all 
purposes an average of twelve hundred dollars per 
year. 

The meetings of this society are held in Proctor 
Hall. Its present condition is good and its future 
well assured. Its influence and opportunities are in- 
creasing and it bids fair to continue an enduring 
power for the development and fostering of the moral 
and spiritual growth of the community. 

Methodist Society.— The Methodist Society was or- 
ganized at Andover Centre in 1827, Major William 
Proctor being a leading member at its organization 
and zealous in its support. Meetings were held in 
the meeting-house on certain specified Sabbaths in 



the year, and were largely attended. The church 
membership is estimated at thirty during the years 
in which the society was active. The first preachers 
were Matthew Newhall and Richard Newhall, in 
1827. Following is the complete list of preachers 
located in this society from 1827 to 1838: 1828, 
William Kimball and SerenoFisk ; 1829, John Adams 
and Caleb Bede , 1830, J. B. H. Norris and Sylvester 
Williams ; 1831, J. B. H. Norris and S. Harket ; 
1832, Nathaniel Ladd an4 S.P.Williams; 1833, J. 
W. Morey and M. Quimby ; 1834, Jonas Scott and H. 
Clark; 1835, E. H. Ladd; 1836, John L. Smith 
(Hallelujah .lohn); 18.37, John L. Smith; 1838, .\. 
Folsom and D. Jones. Occasional preaching wa.s 
held for several years later, but no great prosperity 
was witnessed by the society after this date. 

In 1832 the Andover Circuit was formed, which em- 
braced the Andover and Boscawen Churches. A grand 
camp-meeting was held in June, 1S34, on the plains 
near the school-house, by the societies of this de- 
nomination. Many tents were pitched, a large num- 
ber of speakers present, and the meeting continued 
four days. During the prosperous daj's of the so- 
ciety in Andover it was widely known for the zeal 
and interest manifested. 

In 1818 a Universalist Society was incorporated. 
In 1819 the first church was gathered in Andover, 
under the name of the Christian Denomination. The 
numbers of this society were large, and at its forma- 
tion had one hundred and seven members. A second 
church of this denomination was formed in May, 
1820, with twenty-five members, and these churches 
were under the pastoral care of Elder Peter Young 
and Elder Nehemiah Sleeper. A third Christian 
Church was organized at Andover Centre August 19, 
1843, with seventeen members. The meetings were 
held in the meeting-house in connection with other 
societies, and Elder Elijah Shaw will be remembered 
as a leading man in this church during its early days. 
The creed to which their signatures were attached 
was, "To recognize each other as the Church of Ood, 
receiving the New Testament as the rule of faith and 
practice." Other religious denominations have been 
represented in town, but if ever formally organized 
here, their records have not been found. 

Schools.— Perhaps no town in the State, with no 
larger population than Andover, has had better 
school advantages. Whatever diflference of opinion 
may have existed regarding other public atfiiirs, the 
necessity of providing for the intellectual training of 
the rising generation was realized by the original 
grantees, and the means of instruction have since 
been fully supported by the inhabitants of the town. 

We find in the grant of the township certain lots 
of land reserved for the maintenance of schools, and 
in the early days of the settlement of the town, be- 
fore school districts or school-houses had an exist- 
ence here, schools were kept in dwelling-houses and 
in barns. 



335 



Tlie character of the first settlers was such as to 
perceive the necessity of at least the rudiments of an 
education, and the first instructor in these prinutive 
schools is familiarly known as Master Randall. He 
taufjht school in the winter season, usually in barns, 
without the comforts of a fire or the luxury of doors 
to the building. Various places are pointed out as 
the location of these schools. This first instructor 
is buried in the southeastern part of the town, and 
in an unmarked grave. Other instructors followed 
Mv. Randall, and as early as 1783 the town voted 
seventy dollars for the support of schools, and for 
several years following, appropriations were almost 
annually made for this purpose. The division of the 
town into school districts, probably, was not contem- 
plated by the proprietors at the time of the grant. 
It was not until 1799, or nearly fifty years after, that 
the selectmen were voted a committee to divide the 
town into school districts, each district to build its 
own school-house. The town was divided into seven 
districts, and was afterwards kept in a state of con- 
stant perplexity by the changing of district lines. 
In 1779 the town voted to sell one of the .school lots 
at public auction, and expend the money for school- 
ing. Whether a school lot was sold and the money 
thus expended we have been unable to determine. 
Undoubtedly it was, for the second lot was sold in 
1810 for one hundred and ninety dollars, and the 
remaining lot in 1829, the proceeds of both being 
appropriated for the support of schools. 

In 1829 the town received its proportion of the 
literary fund, which, added to the amount realized 
from the sale of school lots, was placed at interest. 
In 1835 this had amounted to $1219.37, and the in- 
come of this has been annually expended in the sup- 
port of schools. 

At the time of districting the town, in 1799, eight 
hundred dollars was raised for building school-houses 
in the several districts. In 1808 the town was re- 
districted into eleven, and in 1863 into fifteen dis- 
tricts. In 1875 Districts Nos. 14 and 15 were annexed 
to No. 12, and Di-strict No. 6 was abolished by being 
united to the several districts adjoining. In 1884 
Nos. 12 and 13 were united, and eleven is the number 
of districts existing in the town to-day. 

The first superintending school committee was 
chosen in 1809, and consisted of Rev. Josiah Bad- 
cock, John Weare and Ephraim Eastman. A com- 
mittee was only occasionally elected until 1846, since 
which time they have been annually chosen by the 
town or appointed by the selectmen. 

The annual report of the superintendent of schools 
was first published in 1858, again in 1860, since which 
time they have been annually issued in printed form. 

In 1875 a history of the schools of the town was 
prepared by Rev. Howard Moody, the committee of 
that year, and published in the annual report of the 
State superintendent. For several years following 
1858 the schools of the town were under the super- 



intendency of Hon. John M. Shirley, who brought 
to them such invigorating discipline and system as 
to produce beneficial eflects for many years. Per- 
haps no superintendent has taken a greater interest 
or given more time to the welfare of our schools than 
did Clarence E. Can- in 1876. 

The citizens of the town have manife.sted great 
liberality in later years by appropriations for the 
support of schools, and have otherwise shown such a 
kindly interest in their success as to produce most 
gratifying results. 

At various times local schools have been successful 
and well supported. The Noyes High School, liber- 
ally endowed by Mr. Joseph Noyes, was, for a time, 
noted and prosperous in that part of the town now 
Franklin. Schools at East Andover, Taunton Hill, 
Andover Centre and West Andover have at different 
times been successful in aiding the district schools and 
academies in advancing the standard of education 
within the limits of the town. 

Proctor Academy. — The school association, from 
which Proctor Academy originated, dates its first for- 
mal meeting July 8, 1848, a list of thirty-six names 
having been previously obtained and duly chartered 
for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a 
school. Hon. Samuel Rutterfield was chosen pres- 
ident of the corporation, Wolcot Hamlin secretary, 
and the school named Andover Academy. The noted 
instructor. Dyer H. Sanborn, was the first i)riiicipal, 
and Miss Eliza Wingate preceptress. Four terms of 
twelve weeks each were held annually, and the in- 
struction included the languages, drawing, painting 
and needle-work. A catalogue, published at the 
close of the first term, gives an attendance of one 
hundred and five scholars. Professor Sanborn re- 
signed during the second year, and Moses L. Morse, 
A.M., was chosen, remaining in the school until 
August, 1851. The duties of preceptress were per- 
formed by Miss Louisa J. Clark and Miss Hannah J. 
Sanborn. During the two years of Mr. Morse's man- 
agement the school was exceedingly prosperous. 
Among those fitted for college was John Wesley 
Simonds, who entered the sophomore class from this 
school, graduated with honors, was afterwards an 
instructor here and a leading educator of the State. 
Two hundred and fifty-two scholars are reported for 
the two years. Thomas W. Bruce, A.B., was then 
chosen principal, and Miss Marcia E. Foster precep- 
tress, and at the expiration of two years Mr. Bruce 
was snr,,',.(l(d l.\ (Jeorge Dustan, A.B. The school 
was w. II -ii~i:iiii. il, the names of two hundred and 
five stii'li Ills :i|.iiriiiing in the catalogue issued April, 
1854. Jolm W. Allard, A.B., was the next principal, 
chosen in August of this year. Sickness soon after 
caused disturbance and excitement in the school, and 
finally produced its discontinuance. In July, 1856, 
the property and appurtenances of Andover Acad- 
emy, by vote of the trustees, were transferred to the 
members of the New England Christian Conference, 



HISTORY OF MKKlllMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and the name changed lo tlio Ntw Kiiglaiid Christian 
Literary and Biblical Institute. On the ISth of Feb- 
ruary, 1857, school was opened under the new or- 
ganization with John W. Simouds principal, 0. D. 
Barrett, A.B., and Miss D. E. Payne assistants. At 
the close of the first term JMr. Barrett and Miss 
Payne were succeeded by George O. Dodson, A.M., 
and Miss Mary J. Amljrose, who remained one year. 
The students number one hundred and ninety-six at 
this time. Mr. Simouds remained at the head of the 
school until the fall of 1858, effecting a thorough and 
systematic organization in the various departments 
of instruction. Rev. S. W. Whiting was principal 
until November 10, 1859, and was succeeded by John 
M. Haley, A.B. In October, 1860, the management 
of the school was restricted to the New Hampshire 
Christian Conference, and the name changed to the 
Andover Christian Institute. Rev. John Burden was 
chosen president of the trustees, and Rev. Thomas 
Bartlett elected principal. Mr. Bartlett retained his 
position until 1865, when the school was discontinued 
at Andover, and soon after removed to Wolf borough. 
This academic institution had been in operation in 
Andover, with only brief cessations, for seventeen 
years; and, although controlled by difierent parties 
and under different names, its methods and operation 
were not materially changed. It was well supported 
by the citizens of the town, and had an average an- 
nual attendance of one hundred and thirty scholars. 
For several years no school was regularly sustained. 
In 1874, having closed its work in Wolfborough, the 
liberality of the citizens of Andover induced the 
officers of the corporation to return the school to its 
former location. The school buildings and four thou- 
.sand dollars for repairing and enlarging were pre- 
sented to the a.ssociatiou, which was incorporated by 
the Legislature of New Hampshire, June 24, 1874, 
under the name of Proctor Academy. It was named 
in honor of Hon. John Proctor, a wealthy citizen of 
the town, one of the grantees of the charter and a 
liberal contributor to the school. It was organized 
here and managed, for a brief time, by Hon. J. W. 
Simonds. Following are the names of the principals 
in this academy since its reorganization in Andover: 
1874, Miss Annie P. Little; 1875, Frank P. Adams; 
1875-76, Alvah H. Morrill; 1876-77, Alvah H. Mor- 
rill; 1877-78, Alvah H. Morrill; 1878, Henry Mel- 
ville; 1878-79, B. A. Field; 1879-80, George W. 
Stone; 1880-81, Herbert B. Dow; 1881-82, W. J. 
Loyd; 1882-83, Herbert B. Dow; 1883-84, Herbert 
B. Dow; 1884-85, Herbert B. Dow. During this 
time one or more assistants have been employed. 
Mr. Dow is a graduate of Dartmouth in 1879, and his 
earnest efforts in this school are bringing gratifying 
results. 

Highland Lake Institute. — In the early part 
of the year 1850, citizens of East Andover, interested 
in education and emulated by the success of the school 
at Andover Centre, raised by subscription a sufficient 



fund lor the erection of a building for school purposes. 
The paper, to which about fifty people attached sig- 
natures, was dated March 23, 1850, and read as follows : 

" We, the subscribers, will pay the several sums set against our names 
respectively for the eroctiou of a building at Kast Andover of suitable 
size, furnished for an academy and other pui-poses, to be divided into 
shares of five doUare each, each shareholder to be entitled to vote, ac- 
cording to number of shares, in all matters in relation to the building 
and locating said house, and all other matters touching the interest of 
the same. No subscription to be paid unless a sufUcicnt amount be 
subscribed." 

The sum subscribed was paid either in money, 
labor or material, for which certificates of stock were 
issued. A deed of the land, on which the building 
still remains, was given May 28th, and an organization 
formed about this time known as the East Andover 
High School Association, with the following officers : 
President, Rev. D. Sydney Frost; Secretary, Geo. 
E. Emery ; Treasurer, Joseph Osgood ; Executive 
Committee, Jeremy Y. Bryant, Joseph A. Rowe, Ca- 
leb Cross, Thomas Haley, William A. Bachelder, 
Joseph Osgood and George E. Emery. 

The building was immediately erected, and in the 
fall of the same year the first term of school was held, 
known as the Highland Lake Institute, with instruct- 
ors as follows : Principal, Lyman Marshall, A.B. ; 
Preceptress, Miss Eliza Wingate ; Teacher of Chirog- 
raphy. Rev. D. Sidney Frost. The examining com- 
mittee consisted of N. B. Bryant, Esq., Bristol ; Rev. 
D.Sydney Frost, East Andover; David Cross, Esq., 
Manchester ; Rev. Reuben Dearborn, Andover ; iZ. 
G. Emery, Esq., Danvers, Mass. 

Connected with the institute was a reading-room 
containing a selection of daily and weekly papers, to 
which a library of considerable extent was afterwards 
added. Three literary societies were in prosperous 
condition, — "The Mountain Club," "The Y'. M. D. 
Society " and the young ladies' literary society, " The 
Conjunct* Germanse." Instruction was given in 
drawing, music and painting, and no pains spared 
for a first-class school. The natural attractions of the 
place, the interest of the citizens and energy of the 
officers of the association contributed in making the 
school a most gratifying success, the names of eighty- 
six scholars having been enrolled at the close of the 
first term, November 5, 1850. 

Willard Emery was chosen president of the associ- 
ation at this time. Rev. Reuben Dearborn and Watson 
Dickerson vice-presidents. To the faculty were added 
Thomas Marshall and Milan Graves as assistants ; 
George W. Murray, teacher of music; D. P. Putnam, 
M.D., lecturer on anatomy and physiology ; and Wil- 
liam P. Hammond was chosen teacher of chirography. 
A normal class was formed for instruction in the 
science of teaching. Various other advantages were 
offered, and the school continued to prosper, having 
one hundred and forty-three scholars, representing 
thirty towns of New Hampshire and four New Eng- 
land States in the year 1851. 

During the following year changes were made in 



the board of instruction. Eev. C. M. Dinsmore, 
A.B., was chosen principal ; Miss Letitia J. Shaw, 
preceptress ; George S. Rawson, M.D., lecturer on 
anatomy and physiology ; and S. G. Haley, teacher 
of penmanship. The previous prosperity of the 
school continued, the number of scliolars was slightly 
increased and its enviable reputation became more 
extended during 1852. 

At the close of the school year in November, W. 
A. Bachelder was elected secretary, to succeed Mr. 
Emery, and several changes were made in the execu- 
tive committee, Mr. Willard Emery still continuing 
as president of the organization. Nathan F. Carter, 
A.B., succeeded Mr. Dinsmore as principal. Miss 
Shaw remained as preceptress, assisted by Miss Mary 
J. Cross during the fall term, and Miss Marilla J. 
Butler was teacher of music. The catalogue issued 
in November, 1883, indicates the same thrifty condi- 
tion of the school, and the elevating and educational 
influence upon the entire community surrounding its 
location is conceded by all familiar with its history. 

Public meetings by the literary societies were fre- 
quently held and widely known for the drama- 
tic talent displayed. At this time, those interested 
in its organization, having either sought a higher 
education or entered business life, were compelled to 
relinquish further interest here. The school was 
not supported by others, and, after a lingering exist- 
ence, this institution, which had been successful and 
very productive of good in many ways, was entirely 
discontinued, and the building only occasionally 
used for a school by some transient instructor. In 
1867 a majority of the stock held in the building was 
purchased by C. A. Durgin, Esq. A litigation fol- 
lowed between Mr. Durgin and other owners in 
regard to the disposition to be made of the building, 
and was decided in 1873, the building having re- 
mained on its original location and used for such 
purposes as the needs of the town require. 

Religious Informer. — The Religiow Informer was 
published at Andover Centre by Rev. Ebenezer 
Chase. The first number was issued July 20, 1819, 
and commenced with a subscription-list of one hun- 
dred and forty. It was a small sheet of eight pages, 
published in pamphlet form, twice a month, at sev- 
enty-five cents per year. At the expiration of six 
months it was enlarged to sixteen pages, issued 
monthly and the price reduced. It soon after 
reached a circulation of eight hundred. It was de- 
voted to the interests of the Free-Will Baptist 
Church, and did valuable service in securing regu- 
larity and uniformity in the churches and Quarterly 
Meetings of this denomination. Mr. Chase was a 
practical printer. He owned the press and type, and, 
with the assistance of a journeyman printer, the 
labor was all performed by himself and family. 
This was one of the first religious papers published, 
and at the expiration of four years was removed to 
Enfield, and continued under the same management. 



337 



Various books and pamplilets were issued from tliis 
ofiice, and the ingenuity and skill of Mr. Chase as a 
printer are higlily commended by the newspapers of 
that day. He not only learned the trade without 
assistance, but made the press himself upon which 
his first work was executed. 

Physicians.— The first physician settled in An- 
dover was Dr. Silas Barnard. He was born in Bol- 
ton, Mass., a son of Francis Barnard, the common 
ancestor of the distinguished men of this name 
famous in early New England history. Dr. Barnard 
came to Andover in 1792 and practiced his profession 
here until his death, June 25, 1795. 

Dr. Jacob B. Moore, the second physician settled 
in Andover, was born September 5, 1772, at George- 
town, Me., and was of Scotch descent. He was a 
man of culture, and is said to have acquired a fine 
education by his own industry. He came to the 
town in 1796 and practiced his profession with great 
success until 1812, when he received the appointment 
as surgeon's mate in the United States army. He 
continued in the service until December of that year, 
when he returned to his family, his health destroyed, 
and died January 10, 1813. 

His two sons, Henry E. and Jacob B. Moore, are 
quite extensively known. Dr. Moore was a musician 
and poet of some note, and his remains are buried at 
East Andover. 

Dr. Silas Merrill moved to Andover about 1811 and 
was the successor of Dr. Moore. Dr. Merrill was 
born January 16, 1784, in Salem, N. H., and studied 
his profession with Dr. Morrill, of Epsom. He built 
a house, in 1819, on the place where Dr. H. A. Wey- 
mouth now lives, this place having been occupied by 
a physician since that time. Gaius Jenkins, who 
was deliberately shot by the Kansas Senator, Jim 
Lane, was a son-in-law of Dr. Merrill. Dr. Merrill 
remained in practice in Andover until 1837, when he 
moved to Peoria County, 111., and his house and 
practice were taken by Dr. James M. Buzzell. 

Dr. Buzzell remained until 1839, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Dr. .Jacob C. Hanson. Dr. Hanson re- 
mained until September, 1843, when Dr. Henry A. 
Weymouth moved to the town and to the place where 
he has since resided. 

This seems to be the line of physicians in direct 
succession since Dr. Barnard came to town, in 1792. 
Others have been located in town. Dr. Tilton Elkins 
was at West Andover from 1820 to 1854, except two 
years at Concord, about 1835. Mr. Elkins was born 
at Andover Centre in 1790. Dr. J. Allen Tibbetts 
was at Taunton Hill from 1842 to 1844. Dr. John 
P. Elkins, Dr. Nelson P. Clark, Dr. Simpson and 
others have been located in the town for brief periods. 
The earliest physicians, Dr. Barnard and Dr. Moore, 
were located at East Andover ; Doctors Merrill, Buz- 
zell, Hanson and Weymouth at Taunton Hill. Dr. 
Henry A. Weymouth has been in the practice of his 
ijrofession in xVndover fortv-two vears. It has not 



HISTOKY OF MEKMMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIKE. 



beeu confined to the limits of the town, and students 
of the profession in his office are now successful 
physicians in other sections. Dr. Weymouth is a 
member of the New Hampshire Medical Society and 
of the National Medical Association. He enjoys an 
extended acquaintance, has received all honors within 
the gift of the town and is still in the vigor of life. 

Lawyers. — The legal fraternity were first repre- 
sented in Andover in 1817 by John H. Slack. 

Samuel Butterfield opened a law-office at Andover 
Centre in 1829. In 1852, Wolcot Hamlin came to the 
town and formed a partnership with Mr. Butterfield, 
under the firm-name of Butterfield & Hamlin. Mr. 
Hamlin moved from town, and the partnership was 
dissolved in 1855. 

John M. Shirley came to Andover September 11, 
1855, and October 1, 1855, formed the partnership 
known as Butterfield & Shirley, and which existed 
until the death of Mr. Butterfield, in 1860. Mr. But- 
terfield was also connected with an office in Concord 
during the later years. John P. Carr, Jr., entered 
the firm with Mr. Shirley, January 1, 1867, and re- 
mained until May 8, 1869, Frank Kimball came to 
the town in the fall of 1869 and remained two years 
in the oflice of John M. Shirley. 

Clarence E. Carr was admitted to the bar in Au- 
gust, 1879, and a partnership was formed January 1, 
1880, under the firm-name of Shirley & Carr, and 
existed until January, 1882. George W. Stone was 
adniitt(:'d to the bar in August, 1882, and entered into 
partnership with Mr. Shirley, January 1, 1883, with 
the firm-name of Shirley & Stone, and this remains 
as the firm at the present time. 

Frank W. Proctor was admitted to the bar in 1876. 
Mr. Proctor was afterward in Kansas two years, when 
he returned to the town and practiced his profession 
at Andover Centre until near the close of 1881. At 
this time he moved to Boston, and is now in the prac- 
tice of his profession in that city, as a member of 
the firm of Upham & Proctor. Several students have 
beeu connected with the law-office at Andover and 
admitted to the bar elsewhere. 

Centennial Anniversary. — The one hundredth an- 
niversary of thf inrorporation of the town of Ando- 
ver was celebrated at Kast Andover June 25, 1879. 

It is estimated that two thousand five hundred people 
were in attendance, and it was the most noted day in 
the history of the town. Clark Durgin was chairman 
of the committee of arrangements, and the following 
were the permanent officers of the day : President, 
Hon. J. W. Fellows ; Vice-Presidents, William Dyer, 
James Marston, Henry D. Cilley, Joseph A. Kowe, 
Samuel Morrill, Ziba Severence, Herod Thompson, 
John Keniston, Silas C. Fifield, John Wadleigh, 
Elias Davis, Benjamin F. Scribner, Gilbert C. Kil- 
burn, Warren Rowell, Andrew J. Cilley ; Secretary, 
Henry M. Putney. 

Prayer was offered by Rev. Howard Moody. Mrs. 
K. G. Burleigh sang " Hurrah for Old New England," 



after which the president of the day made appropriate 
introductory remarks and felicitously introduced the 
speakers. George E. Emery, of Lynn, Mass., de- 
livered the historical address. The school children 
of Andover sang ''America." Hon. N. B. Bryant, of 
Boston, delivered an oration. The Gilford Cornet 
Baud was in attendance and furnished music for the 
occasion. A fine collation was served to all, after 
which the literary exercises were resumed, and the 
following toasts, announced by the president, were 
ably responded to by the persons named : 

" The President of the United States"— Hon. A. F. Pike. 

"The State of New Hampshire"— [A letter of regret was read from 
Governor Head, who was to respond to this sentiment, and an original 
poem by Edna Dean Proctor was read by Miss Mary A. Brown.] 

"The fnited States Nayy"— Prof. John R. Eastman. 

"Tlie Judiciary System of New Hampshire. "—Hon. N. B. Bryant. 

"Highland Lake Institute and Andover Academy "—Rev. C. M. 

"The Common-School System of New England" — George W. Stone, Esq. 

The exercises were held in the grove near the 
village, and perfect order prevailed throughout 
the day. A valuable and interesting collection of 
historical articles was exhibited in Academy Hall, 
and was visited by hundreds of people. It comprised 
a great variety of ancient articles, the oldest of which 
was a book loaned by George E. Emery, of Lynn, 
Mass., printed in 1546. The hall was in charge of 
Walter B. Durgin, and proved one of the most at- 
tractive features of the centennial. The occasion 
was a grand success and worthy the day cele- 
brated. 

Secret Organizations. — Kearsarge Lodge, No. 
81, F. and a. MAsdx.s. — The first meeting was held 
under a dispensation, April 28, 1866. The lodge was 
constituted, hall dedicated and first officers elected 
and installed June 23, 1866. 

Officers as follows : Master, George Sleeper ; S. 
Warden, Charles W. Quimby; J. Warden, William 
H. Huntoon ; Treasurer, Moses P. Thomson ; Secre- 
tary, George H. Morrill. 

The society has an elegantly furnished hall at An- 
dover Centre, and a good sum in the treasury. Pres- 
ent number of members sixty-three, and following 
are the names of the masters in order of service: 
George Sleeper, Charlton W. Woodbury, John B. 
Wadleigh, Joseph D. Philbrick, George H. Morrill, 
Frank P. Goss, Herbert B. Dow. 

Highland Lake Grange, No. 88, P. of H. — 
This society was organized December 14, 1876, with 
twenty-seven charter members. Officers elected : 
Master, J. B. Wadleigh ; Overseer, O. E. Eastman ; 
Lecturer, E. G. Emery. Masters, in order of service, 
J. B. Wadleigh, N. J. Bachelder, G. H. Haley. 
Present number of members, fifty-eight. 

The hall is located at East Andover, conveniently 
furnished, and meetings are held twice a month 
during the year. 

The Proctor House was erected at Andover Centre 
in 1874 by Hon. John Proctor. It was a magnifi- 



eoiit hotel, built and furnished in elegant style at 
ail expense of over one hundred thousand dollars. 
It became a noted summer resort under the manage- 
ment of W. S. Thomson, the popular landlord, and 
was patronized to its greatest capacity. This house 
vas destroyed by fire March 23, 1882, and proved a 
severe loss to the business interests of the town. 

ilany individuals of local note and eccentricities 
have livetfin the town whose personal history would 
prove interesting, while those of a broader influence 
juul reputation are already known to some extent. 
Richard Potter, the celebrated ventriloquist and 
juggler, resided in the town, and is buried at the 
Potter Place, a village named in his honor. 

Audover has representatives among the leading 
minds of the country in all honorable professions at 
the present day. Successful business men in the ac- 
cumulation of wealth, and professional men of dis- 
tinguished honors refer to Andover as their native 
town. Leading educators, noted authors and eminent 
jurists could be mentioned. 

Edna Dean Proctor, whose fame as a poetess is 
world-wide, has resided in the town. Napoleon Bona- 
parte Bryant, a power in the legal fraternity of Massa- 
chusetts and the country, was reared ou a farm in 
Andover. Perhaps there exists at the present day 
characters equally as grand, which the power of de- 
veloiunent will disclose. 

Present Condition.— The town of Andover is 
bounded by the towns of Hill on the north, Franklin 
<ju the east, Salisbury on the south and Wilmot on 
the west. The Northern Railroad traverses about 
thirteen miles of the town, and four stations are 
located within its limits : East Audover, Andover 
Centre, Potter Place and West Andover. 

Cilleyville is a small village supported by its water- 
power. 

Andover has a population of twelve hundred and 
four, mainly engaged in farming. The natural re- 
sources of the town are abundant, and the soil in the 
hilly sections is strong and well adapted to grass- 
culture, while the sides of the mountains aflbrd ex- 
cellent pasturage for the flocks and herds annually 
driven from the southern part of the State and from 
JIassachusetts. Its manufactories consist of two 
hosiery-mills and a hame manufactory. 

Harrison M. Busiel is making hosiery on the site 
of the first saw-mill in town, and the Murphey 
Brothers are operating, on a lease, a hosiery -factory 
on the place to which the first saw-mill was subse- 
quently moved. 

The manufacture of hames at Andover Centre is a 



peculiar business, these goods being nuide at but few 
places in the United States. The firm was estab- 
lished in Enfield February 10, 1860, by Robert C. 
Carr and Joseph Baker, under the firm-name of 
Baker & Carr. The business was moved to Andover 
in December, 1863, and several changes have since 
been made in the firm, which is now known as Baker, 
Carr & Co. The members of the firm at present are 
Joseph Baker, John P. Carr, Walter S. Carr and 
Clarence E. Carr. Within the memory of the senior 
partner, hames were made from old ox-bc ws which 
had become useless, and the work mainly done by 
hand. They now manufacture by machinery four 
hundred kinds of hames, and the styles are constantly 
changing. The trade-mark of the firm is " The Con- 
cord Hames." It is conceded by most, if not all 
manufacturers, that the best Concord hames manu- 
factured in this country are made here. The market 
is mainly confined to this country, with some export 
trade. An extensive wholesale and retail grain trade 
is carried on by Daniel Downes at the Potter Place. 

The natural attractions of Andover are a leading 
feature. The grand scenery of Kearsarge and Ragged 
Mountains on the west and north is afforded variety 
by the numerous ponds and innumerable streams 
abounding. Blackwater River flows in a southeasterly 
direction through the town. Elbo Pond, often known 
as Echo Lake, located at the base of Ragged Moun- 
tain, is surrounded by an irregular outline and 
densely -wooded shores. It is easily accessible, yet 
has wild natural attractions so much admired. It is 
well-known to sportsmen for its pickerel-fishing and 
is a noted resort for wild fowl in their spring and 
fall migrations. Adder and Cole Ponds are also in 
the vicinity of the mountain, but remote from any 
road or present habitation. The latter is stocked 
with trout of the gamest kind, bred in the pond and 
its tributary, and never displaced by the introduction 
of inferior fish. Bradley Pond is at the base of 
Kearsarge Mountain. Highland Lake is in the 
eastern section, contains nearly a square mile and 
has lately been stocked with land-locked salmon. It 
is noted for the purity of its water, and the dry and 
rocky shores adjoining well-kept groves, finely culti- 
vated farms and numerous dwellings. An island, 
known as Halcyon, adds to the picturcsqueness, and 
since before the memory of the oldest inhabitant a 
pair of loons have annually returned and reared their 
young on this beautiful lake. The black bass and 
pickerel-fishing attract sportsmen in its season, and 
many summer tourists fiud in the romantic surround- 
ings of this vicinity a pleasant annual sojourn. 



HISTORY OF HENNIKER. 



BY L. W. COGSWELL. 



CHAPTER I. 

Hexsiker is the most southwesterly town of Mer- 
rimack County, and is in form nearly a square. It is, 
in its extent, on its east line, adjoining Hopkinton, 
two thousand one hundred and fifty-two rods, the 
variation of lots being south eighteen degrees east. 
Its west line, adjoining Hillsborough, is two thousand 
one hundred and fifty -two rods in extent, the variation 
of the lots being the same as upon its west line. 

Its north line is, in extent, one thousand six hun- 
dred and thirteen rods adjoining Warner, and four hun- 
dred rods adjoining Bradford, the variation of lots 
being north eighty-two degrees east. The south line 
is one thousand two hundred and twenty-seven rods 
adjoining Weare, and seven hundred and eighty-six 
rods adjoining Deering, the variation of lots being the 
same as upon the north line. The township is, there- 
fore, seven-sixteenths of a mile longer upon its east 
and west lines than upon its north and south. The 
township contains about twenty-seven thousand acres, 
one-fifth of which is covered with water. 

The town is situated in latitude 43° 10' north, and 
in longitude 5° 10' east from Washington, and lies 
fifteen miles west from Concord, twenty-seven north 
from Amherst, thirty-four east from Keene and 
twenty-five northwesterly from Manchester. 

The Contoocook River enters the town at its south- 
western side, passing easterly through its centre, and 
leaving the town upon its eastern side. The course 
of the river is very circuitous, and presents, in many 
places, scenery of peculiar interest and beauty. Few 
places in the State have better water-power than is 
afibrded by this river within this township. The 
vicinity of the falls, in the southwesterly part of the 
town, presents as favorable a power as can well be 
found in any other town. The stream rises rapidly 
in the spring of the year and during heavy storms^ 
but as soon subsides when the cause is removed, and 
an even supply of water, the entire season, goes rip- 
pling and singing on its way to the ocean. 

The surface of the town is broken and in some parts 
hilly. The highest hill is Craney Hill, which, tradi- 
tion says, was so called for a family by that name 
who at one time resided upon its south side and near 
.340 



the Weare line. Its elevation is one thousand four 
hundred and twenty feet above the sea. Upon the 
southerly side of this hill are to be found some of the 
best farms of the town. A chain of hills extends from 
this hill westerly to the river, beyond which are some 
of the most hilly, but best cultivated farms. A chain 
of hills extends along the western line of the town 
aftbrding most excellent pasturage, and, in some 
places, excellent farms. Slight elevations, only, exist 
in the northern and eastern parts of the town. The 
land lying in the valley of the river was not consid- 
ered fit for settlement until long years after the town 
began to be peopled, the larger part of the inhabitants 
settling upon the hills. In this valley are situated 
the two villages, one mile apart, and many excellent 
farms. A large number of the early settlers com- 
menced living in the town, in its southeast part, in 
consequence of there being at that time quite a tract 
of low land, upon which grew a coarse grass, which 
assisted in sustaining the little stock that was kept 
until the land could be cleared. This natural meadow, 
now quite large, has furnished an immense amount of 
hay during the century and a quarter it has been 
mown. 

Few minerals have ever been found in the town, 
Craney Hill furnishing a little black lead. 

Besides the river, the town is well watered, quite a 
number of small streams rising in different parts of 
the town, and others still coming into town, and 
nearly all emptying into the river. 

Most of these small streams furnish water during 
the entire season, affording good fishing-grounds. 

Quite a number of ponds are to be found in differ- 
ent parts of the town, the largest of which is Long 
Pond, situated one mile and a half north of the main 
village. This pond was known for over half a cen- 
tury as Farnham's Pond, having been named for 
Baracas Farnham, the first settler near it. This pond 
is about one mile in length from east to west, and 
from sixty to eighty rods in width from north to 
south. 

Connecting with Long Pond is Middle Pond, a 
little pond lying easterly from Long Pond, being 
about eight rods across it, and nearly circular in 
form. Connected with this pond, and lying easterly. 



HENNIKEK. 



341 



is Upper Pond, about eighty rods across it and some 
half a mile in width. This pond was formerly known 
as North Outlet Pond. These ponds furnish a large 
aniiiunt of fishing-grounds, and are much sought 
alUr during the proper times for fishing. 

Besides these, there are VVhitaker's and Gove's 
Ponds, in the easterly part of the town, both of which 
were favorite resorts for fishing and camping by the 
Indians. A few years since the relics of an Indian 
were found buried near the first-named pond. 

Ple^isant Pond is situated in the south part of the 
town, from which flows a little stream, which has 
lii-en utilized for more than a century for milling 
])urposes. Craney Hill Pond is situated close under 
the hill, on its southern slope. Buxton's and Morrill's 
Ponds are also in the south part of the town, both 
small iu size. Mud Pond is situated in the southeast 
part of the town, and Clough's Pond in the northwest 

All the woods usually found iu this latitude are to 
be found in the town, as also are all the fruits 
growing here in large quantities. 

The scenery of the town is very fine as a whole. 
From the hills around some fine views maybe taken in. 
From the summit of Craney Hill a magnificent view 
is to be had. Several villages and innumerable farm- 
houses dot the landscape as far as the eye can reach. 
On a clear day the snowy peak of Mount Washington 
is to be seen. From the northernmost step of Federal 
Hill the eye takes in one of the finest panoramas of 
nature that exists in this vicinity. The valley can be 
seen for miles, through which can be traced the 
Contoocook in its various windings, the intervales 
and the plains, in the summer clothed with the most 
luxuriant green ; while close under the feet, as it 
were, stands the main village of the town, with its 
snowy-white buildings embowered behind the beauti- 
ful nuiples which adorn the streets. A little to the 
left can be seen the pretty little village of West 
Henniker, buried, seemingly, in shade. The town has 
become a popular resort for summer tourists, on ac- 
count of its pleasant location and its varied laud- 
scape. None better are to be found anywhere. 

The sons and the daughters who have gone out 
from these hills and these valleys, and have made 
themselves homes in different parts of the world, 
ever revert with pleasure to the good old town which 
gave them birth, and love it yet as the dearest spot 
on earth. 

First Grant of this Township by the Province 
of Massachusetts.— In lliiJU the colonies iu New 
Kiigland and New York, being aroused at the unpro- 
voked atrocities committed upon some of the in- 
habitants of the frontier towns during the year pre- 
vious by Indians and Canadian allies, determined 
U])on a speedy revenge, and united in an effort to 
invade Canada and, if possible, to conquer it. With 
this end in view, two expeditions were sent against 
that province — one, a land expedition from the New 
22 



York colonies, was sent against Montreal ; the other, 
a naval expedition, against Quebec. This latter 
expedition was furnished wholly by the Massachu- 
setts colony, and consisted of thirty-four vessels and 
two thousand men, under the command of Sir Wil- 
liam Phipps, a native of Pemacjuid (now Bristol), Me. 
Finding the city strongly fortified and an attack with 
the forces at his command useless he returned to Bos- 
ton, and the expedition w5s a failure. 

The soldiers in this expedition were paid for their 
services in paper money, the first ever seen in New 
England, which soon became so depreciated in value 
as to become almost worthless. Nearly forty years 
afterwards the soldiers of this expedition then living, 
petitioned the General Court of the province of 
Massachusetts for an additional compensation for 
their services in grants of land, which petitions were 
generally granted. Eight townships in New Hamp- 
shire, from territory claimed by Massachusetts, were 
granted these different petitioners. 

One of the companies in the expedition in 1690 
was composed of men from Middlesex and Worcester 
Counties, Mass., and was commanded by Captain 
Andrew Gardner. A large number of the men com- 
posing Captain Gardner's company were from Stowe, 
Marlborough and Westborough, Mass., and these men, 
headed by John Whitman, Esq. (at that time one of 
the most prominent men of Stowe, and a grandson of 
.John Whitman, who was in Weymouth, Mass., be- 
fore 1633), petitioned the General Court of Massachu- 
setts in 1728 for a grant of land six miles square. 
After various delays, for which the most trifling 
reasons were given, in 1734 the attention of the 
General Court was again directed to the prayer of 
these petitioners, and on January 14, 1735, the petition 
was referred to its appropriate committee, which 
committee, on the day following, January 15, 1785, 
reported through its chairman, Edward Quincy, as 
follows : 

" January 15, 1735, WiUiam Dudley, Esq., submitted a report from the 
Committee on the Petitions for Townships, &c. Ordered a survey of the 
lands between Merrimac & Connectieut Rivers, from the North Kast 
Corner of Kuniford on the Merrtmac to the Great Falls on the Conn., at 
least 12 miles iu breadth, and a connuittee of 11 was chosen to hay out 
the laud into townships of si-x miles square, no township to be more 
than SIX miles square from East to West, to make reports as soon as con- 
venient. 

" That John Whitman, Esq., and others that have not been heretofore 
admitted Grantees or settlers within the space of seven years last past, of, 
or iu, any former or other Grant of a township or particular Grant on 
condition of settling, and that shall appear and give security to the 
vahie of Forty Pounds to perform the Conditions that shall be enjoyned 
b\ this e,,urt, may, by the major part of the Committee, be admitted 
lauutees inlii one of the said Township, the Committee to give publick 
iiutiie of ilii- time and place of their meeting to admit Grantees, which 
( kuumittee shall be empowered to employ surveyors and chain-men to 
assist them iu surveying and laying out said township, the Province to be 
at the charge and be repaid by the Grantees (who may bo admittted) the 
whole charge they shall advance ; which f'ommitli>(^ w.- appr.Iuiid are 
to be directed and impowered to admit si V, 1 1 mii.i in ... 1, 'i'> a n l,i], 
and take their bonds payable to the (. i ; . i ,„ 

the said trust, to the use of theJ'ri^i. i i i; i . ; il,.- 

Conditions of the Grant, viz.: That earl, i ., mi. . iinl,] ,, ,i ,, liin_ I,, .m' 
of eighteen feet square and seven feet stud at the lea-^t on tln-ir 
respective House Lots, and fence in and break up for ploughing, or clear 



HISTORY OF .MKKIUMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and stock with English Gross, ttve Acres of Land within tliiee years 
next after their admittance, and cause their respective Lots to he inhab- 
ited, and that the Grantees do, within the space of three years from the 
time of their being admitted, build and finish a Convenient Meeting- 
House for the publick Worship of God and settle a learned Orthodox 
Minister— and in case any of the Grantees shall fail or neglect to per- 
form what is enjoined as above, the Conunlttee shall be obUged to put 
the bonds in suit and take possession of the Lots and Bights that shall 
become forfeit, and proceed to grant them to other Persons that will ap- 
pear to fumi tlie conditions within one year next after tlie said last- 
mentioned Grant. And if a suflicieut number of Petitioners that have 
hid no Grant within seven years as aforesaid, viz.: sixty to each Town- 
ship, do not appear, others may be admitted, provided they have ful- 
filled the Conditions of their former Grant, the Conmiittee to take care 
that there he sixty-three House Lois laid out in as regular, compact and 
defensible manner as the Land will allow of, one of which Lots shall bo 
for tlio fii-st settled Minister, one for second Minister and one for the 
Scliool, to each of which an equal proportion of Land shall accrue in all 
future divisions. Per order of the Conunlttee. 

"EDMUxnQl'ls-cv." 

This was concurred in in tlie Council the same day, 
J. Belcher, Governor. The loUowing order wus 
passed the same day : 

"Ordered, that Joseph Gerrish, Benjamin r: i:, J -i li « illard, 
.lob Almy, Esqs., Mr. Moses Pierson and i .,]. •■■\i such 

as tile honorable Board shall join, be a ' i ;.iiisaiid 

Purposes, to effect the business projected by Hit i i jii _! th i_ uniiiitteo 
of both Houses, to Consider the Petitions for Townships, which passed 
this Day, viz., on the proposed Line between Merrimao and Con- 
necticut Rivers, and on both sides of Connecticut River ; and that 
there be granted and allowed, to be paid out of the publick Treasury 
after the l-ate of fifteen Shillings per diem to each one of the Com- 
mittee fur every day he is in the Service in the Woods, and subsistence ; 
and ten .Shillings per diem for every day to each one of the said 
Committee while in the Service in admitting Settlers into the said Towns, 



The proposition to oblige the petitioners or grantees 
to give a bond for fifty pounds was nlicTwards stricken 
out, and the commonwealth a-siiuicd all expense 
under that sum. This coiumitler cai-fd the necessary 
survey to be made in accordance with the above order, 
and made their report at the next session of the Pro- 
vincial Assembly. 

The townships thus surveyed were assigned to the 
several parties petitioning, and this township, known 
then as No. 6 in the line of townships, was assigned 
to John Whitman, Esq., and others, of Stowe and 
Marlborough, as witness the following : 

"On the petition of John Whitman, Esi]., mi ..ilni-. ■■! ~l,.\ve and 
Marlborough, &c., praying for Lands, as , [ii. i I ili. ji .1 I'.rnubcr, 
1732, and referred, which was read ami iii,.pi,,l, ,1.1 ;!,. ll..n-i came 
into the Grant of aTownship of the contt■llt^ at.H'-..nl, in ~' m.- suitable 
place on the Coiltoocook Kivor, on the .same Cuu.lilious of .Seltlenifnt 
with the former. Sent up for Concurrence Dec. l;ith, 1735." 

Upon this order the grant was made as above given. 
Before completing all the necessary arrangements 
for the settling of this township the Provincial As- 
sembly adjourned, and it was not until December 4, 
173(J, that the following order was passed : 



The petitioners met at Concord, Mass., in Sep- 
tember, 1737, at which time sixty grantees were ad- 



mitted. Thus, after a delay of some ten years after the 
petition of Mr. Whitman and others was received 
by the Provincial Assembly, this tardy act of justice 
was done. These petitioners were well advanced in 
years when the grant was made, for nearly hall' a 
century had passed away since they were soldiers in 
the ill-fated expedition in which they were engaged. 
John Whitman was a grandson of John Wliil- 
man, of "Weymouth, Mass., who was in New England 
before 1633, and was the ancestor of the Whitman 
family in America, and settled in Stowe, Mass., about 
1675-80. He was a prominent man of the town, being 
a justice of the peace, and was empowered by the 
General Court of Massachusetts to settle all difficulties 
arising amongst the settlers about him, particularly 
those relating to land titles. He died in Stowe shortly 
alter reiei\ ini; this grant, and was the immediate an- 
ce-i'M III ihe Whitman family, which has existed in 
this town, lleiiniker, for nearly a century. There is 
no record yet discovered of the action taken by these 
grantees, but as will be seen further on, improvements 
were made in No. 6, — roads were laid out, which were 
"paths" through the wilderness, and preparations 
were made to erect a mill, and tradition says one w^as 
operated for a short time, but there is no definite 
proof of it. A few settlers came into the township, 
but theexact locality of their settlement is not known. 
Mr. Crane, with a large family, resided on the north 
shore of the pond south of Craney Hill, which hill 
was named for him ; but he, as well as the other set- 
tlers, were driven from the township by Indians. 
One or more settlers made a clearing in the southeast 
part of the township, and others in the southwest 
part, near Hillsborough line and in close proximity 
to the few settlers then in that town. None of the 
grantees of the township ever settled within its borders, 
and they were evidently deterred from doing so be- 
cause of the dispute between Massachusetts and New 
Hampshire as to the southern boundary line of New 
Hampshire which was in dispute from the early 
part of the eighteenth century until its final settle- 
ment, in 1740 ; and the French and Indian War 
followed so closely upon this settlement that perma- 
nent settlers were deterred from entering the township. 
By the terms of the settlement, all of the line of towns 
that had been surveyed were inclosed in New Hamp- 
shire, nearly all of the land in dispute being claimed 
by the heirs of Captain Mason, who finally succeeded 
in establishing their claim, and then disposed of their 
interest to a company of gentlemen of Portsmouth 
and vicinity, who were known afterwards as the 
" Masonian Proprietors." 

After the trouble between New Hampshire and 
Massachusetts had been adjusted, some of the grantees, 
whose titles to township had been vitiated by the 
cession of lands in this State back to the State, 
petitioned the General Court for township within its 
jurisdiction. 

Among those who made application were the heirs 



HENNIKER. 



343 



and assigns of the first grantees of this township. 
Under date of February 20, 1774, they petitioned the 
General Court of Massachusetts, as follows : 
" Pbovince or THE Massachusetts Bay. 
" To his Excellency, Thomsis Hutchinson, Captain General uiul Com- 
niamlor-in-Cbief in and over this Province. To the HononiliU> His 
M LM'>ty"s Council and to the Honorable House of Representatives in 
1.1 ii.i.il Court aforesaid Assembled, Feb. 2Gth, 1774. The petitions of 
Ml. subscribers in behalf of ourselves and othere, grantees of the town- 
»Jiip No. 6, in the line of towns, humbly showeth that the great and 
general Court of this Province, at their session 1735, granted a township 
of the contents of six miles square. No. 0, in th< 
the Connecticut and Slerriniack Rivers; that tb 
Mii.-ial.I-' i\j.rii-r in cl.aiiug Its roads, building nulls, Ac, in said ti 

-iM|. ; iliat ly i!,r 1,11 ■ I OS of the line between this government 

1(1. J. IV. I m . i Ni \v Hampshire the said township was taken 



lines of towns betwv-.' 



mouth to " Get a Charter." These men attended to 
their duty at once, and on July 16th, three days 
after, the following grant of hind was obtained, 
called No. 6: 

PROPRIETORS' GRANT. 
"PuovixCK ov New Hampsiuhe.— At a Mooting of the Propriotors 
of the Lands Purch.ised of .lohn Tufton Mason, Esqr., In the I'ruvenco 
of Newliainpshire, held at Portsmouth, in said Provence, on thti Six- 
teenth Day of July, in the year of our Lord ono thousand seven hundri'd 



man ; John Reside 



in the eastward part of the Province, 
oners as your excellency and your houi 
: proper, and your i)etitioners, as in duty I 



In answer to this petition was the following : 

"lifol.vedfTh&t in lieu thereof there be granted to the proprietoi-s 
and legal representatives or assigns of the original grantees, who were 
sufferers by losing their lands, a toivnship seven miles square in the un- 
appropriated lands belonging to this Province." 

This town is now known as Waterford, Me. 

The Masonian Grant and Charter. — November 
29, 1748, a meeting of the inhabitants of London- 
derry was held at the house of Joseph Scobey, to 
take action relative to a grant of land upon which to 
settle. At this meeting Captain Todd was chosen 
moderator. Captain Barr treasurer, and Robert Coch- 
ran clerk. Sixty-one persons joined the organiza- 
tion and paid the fee required of them towards defray- 
ing the necessary expenses that would be incurred in 
procuring the grant. Twenty more were admitted 
as members shortly after. The names of these men 
were, — 

"John McMurphy, Esq., Capt. And». Todd, Cap«. Sam". Barr, S. Will- 
son & Son, James Todd, Sam". Todd, Alex'. McCoUom, Joseph Willson, 
John Hillands, Henry Erwiu, William Forest, Rob'. Parkison, Sam". 
Alli.-i.n, jun'., Rob'. Wicar, Jo.*ph Hammell, John Robie, Tho«. Coch- 
! I II. Wm. Nickels, Ja». Thompson, Joseph Stewart, Black James w illson, 

» rge Addison, James Addison, rourge Robertson, James Rola-rtsoii, 

Nat". Hoalms, John Scolirv, .i.-hu I'inl . . lo,, J.Imi !iui,.aii, -.lur 
Taylor, Sen'., The'. Davidsn I ,, - -, m I- I' i , i ;. 

Bell, James Cochran, Joint \ i ' ^ ' I i : 



lines Petter- 
Fairservice, 
l.'. RodKcrs, 



lU.ice, Sen'., Joseph Boyes, James Smith." 

At a meeting of these proprietors, held at the 



Contano 




as foil. ■ 


l:. • 1 _ 


hopUi.,1 




ConiL-r . 


iliii- i-ii. -o 




illsboroui'li Lnu: 1 


posed to 


be Six Miles; then 


said Ne« 


hopkiutowu ; thei 


the Said Lines being suppos 


the said 


Granted Premese 


Shares o 


1 the following tci 


tliat the 


whole Tract of La 


Rights I 


■ K,|ual Slmif.s. an 


beso>o 
for I Mia 


"■■■'■''';' ■' ■" '" ' 


Laid oil 


"nZ Lol-'loai'i 


Made ai 


d lUllUUed lo til 



ations : that is to say 
Divided into Eightey 
le Lots, which are to 
ipiall as Posibal Both 
i-en the Lots for Con- 
and so Devided and 
in Kxact Plan therof 
months from the Deat 
'ts to be Oiuwn for in 
aforesaid, under the 
i o I. otf belonging 

^In.tebl Place 

' : 'le hereafter 



house of William Blaii 
ran and James Walla 



July 13, 1752, Robert Coch- 
• were chosen to go to Ports- 



hearof, and upon the Retui 
the Cusloinary maner in sii 
Derection of the Grantors \ 
to one of ths Reserved Sha 
for Setting a Mill, and be 
Disposed of as the Grant" 
be and hearby are Reser\ 
that one of the SaidShair- 
shall be Regularly Settled i 



I V.I II II I ^ ^ii.ires for theuse & Mentananceof a 

1 : I - i I. 1 III .-^hall be settled, to be kept thei-e 

i.,i, VI 1, tia.t Ilia 1-1 lU. Ivl^vi iliv ^haro for the use of the Ministrey be 
laid out in the Most Convenient Place for Building a Meeting hous 
Without Drawing for it, and the Meting hous to he built thereon, and 
Round about the Meeting hous. or near to it (as will be best, having Re- 
gard to the Place and quality of the Land), there shall be Left ten acres 
of the Said lot as a Common field for training, a Burying Place and any 
other Publick use ; that Eighteen of Said Shares be Exempted and 
Wholly E.vonerated of and from all Charges, Cost & Expenco in Making 
the Settloniont. and whatever charges may arise for the Suport of the 
Gospel, or otherways by auy means or ways whatever until the Same or 
Some part of Bach Respective Share Shall be Improved by the owner 
thereof; that the owners of the other Fifty Nine Shares make settle- 
ment upon the said Tract of Land In Maner following, vi/,. : that there 
be one acre of Laud Cleared, lit for tilling or mowing, on one of the Lotes 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Belonging to Kach of Said Shares nitliin one jear from the time of 
Drawing the Baid Lots so Cleared and fited within one year after that, 
and an hous bnilt on the same lit for a family to Dwell in, not less than 
Sixteen feet Square, or Eqiiall to that Donionshon ; that in one yeare 
after that one acre more on Each of the Said Lots be so Cleared and 
filed, and In one year after that there be a J'amily Living in Each of 
the Said houses, that is, a family on a Lolo belonging to £)ach of Said 
Shairs ; that a Sleeting hous be Built there, fit for the Publick worship, 
within one yeare After that ; That there be Constant Preaching Men- 
tained theire within Six years from this time ; That each owner of the 
said J'iftey nine Shares do Duly pay All such Sumc 4 Sums of Money as 
Shall be at uuey time Voted and agreed by the Jtajor part of the said 
owners to be Haised on Each Shaire to such Person or Persons as they 
Shall order to Carey on the Setellment, and Shall Do and Perform his 
Kespective Part and Dutey toward Malting the same in maner aforesaid, 
and in Default of so Dowing, his Right and Shaire who Shall be De- 
linqutnl llRTiiii ,-liaU be and beavby is Declaired to bo forflted to the 
.-111. ■ ;. 1^ .! -Ill siiitirs who Shall have duly Down and Performed 
rli ! i iiidDuley Conserning the same in Maner afore- 
N.i.i ,, I . ■ :i, i> inordor toCarey onandPerflct thosaidSettle- 
iiiiiii iiM , II. II. t.. time, as a occasion Shall Require, Make choice 

of a ilai k, u K.sivlt of the Money to be Raised as aforesaid, and any 
other Persons to aney office, duty and trust Necessary for the Purpose 
aforesaid, and when Aney of the Said Shares Shall be so forfited for 
Neglect & omission as aforesaid, the Said owners to whom the same 
shall be forfited May Proceed to Enter upon and Dispows of Such forfited 
Share as they or the Major part of them Shall agree. 

" That all the White Pine trees fit for his Majesties use & Service for 
Masts are hearby Reserved and Granted to his Majesty, his Heil-s & 
Successors forever, and in ease the Owners of the said fiftey nine Shares 
Shall fail of Making the Said Settlement of the Siiid Number of familes 
Within the tearm Hrant.d for that Purpos, and having the houses Bult 
and Land I'l.ai. .1 li\ tli.t nui... as alrove mentioned, then the Said tract 
of Land, will. .>!, u. ■. i ^h.ll )..■ .ju there on Short of the Completing 
the Said .Siltl. i i :ii -L.il : - i..rr..ited to the Grantors, their Heirs & 
Assigns, aii.l il >li..ll ;iii I ^l:i> l"- Lafull for thuin ur aii.-y IV-rsoii or Per- 
sons, in there Naai.% by their Oiilitr, into an. 1 uh n m- \\ LI .i an.-y 
partThereofIn the nameof the Whole, to H. . 1 . ■ i- ul-i-.n 

thereof as tho' this Grant had Never bei-ii m ' ,. ,,.ii 

Granted Premises Shall be Recovered from ll. 'in ■ , : i:i.yi.ait 
thereof, by any ways or means Whatsoever, llie GraulL-utf :;hall Keceive 
Nothing over against the Granlore for any Improvements or Labour by 
them or any of them don or that Shall Be-Dou thereon. But the Gran- 
tors hearby Promis and Ingage, upon being Properly Notified, to take 
upon them Selves the defense of aney action that Shall bo brought for 
the Recovery of the said Premises and aney Pairt Theiroff by any other 
title than that un.U-r Whitli tli...y hold or from which theirs is Derived 
against th.' *'i I: . ■ li,. i th.-iu. 

•'Thatln'i ,1 ., . t shall happen before the Experation Of 
aney of th.' >:.' i u. I.: , I i.i Doing Aney of the Said Mattel's and 
things aluiiwiil, ii: ' u. i in uf time Shall be allowed after that Im- 
pediment Shall !.<• K.-nu.vi..l. 

" Lastly, the Granthes Shall, as soon as may be Don with Convenience, 
hold a Regular Meeting and pass a Vote In Writing that they agree, 
assent and Consent to Accept of this Grant to hold the Premises on the 
Terras hcarin Expressed, and to Ratify and Confirm this agreement and 
Ingagement on their Parts and Behalf Accordingly and Transmit an 
attested Copey thereof to the Grantors. 

" Copey of Record Ecamined and Attested per G". Jaffroy, Prop'. Clerk. 

" Recorded and Examined feberaary the T", 1754. 

"Pr. Robert W.iLi.ACE, Grantees^ Clerk.^' 

Upon the receipt of this grant, the grantees held a 
meeting July 20, 1752, and took action as follows : 

"At a legal meeting. Legally named and held by tho Grantors of No. 
6, the 20>'' day of July, lTo2. 

" 1. Voted, for Moderator, Cap'. And". Todd. 

"21y. Voted, that tho Grantees Do Accept off and Consent to Receive 
their Cliarter on the tearnis prescribed and set forth in the Charter. 

•'31y. Voted, for Clerk, Kob'. Cochran. 

"+ly. Voted, that Cap'. Barr bo treasurer this year, and he is to be al- 
lowed Reasonable wages for his trouble. 

"fily. Voted, for Counters, John Duncan, John Mack and Robert 
Wallace. 

"61y. Voted, that their shall be a Com'**, now Chosen to Lay out the 
town, and their wages is to bo 1 P, 10«. old tenor p'. Day each of them 



while they are Gone, they fitting and finding themselves ; their is to be 
five men in the Com'" Besides a survior, and the Com'«. must agree 
witli tho survior, and they are to have Liberty to hire a band some Days 
if needful ; the Com'**' Chosen to cary on Said afair is Cap'. And". Todd, 
Cap'. Sanii. Barr, David .Archibald, James Willsoii & Sam'. Todd. 

" 7ly. VotctI, that this Com"", is Impowercd that in case that any of 
them (viz.), the Com'"., shall be taken sick or lame, that then the 
Com'**, shall hire hands to finish the Bussiness before they Come home. 

"Sly. Voted, that each Grantee Shall pay five pounds old tenor in the 
following manner, viz. : two pounds ten shillings by the last of .\ugust 
next, & two pounds ten shillings more by the Last of September next. 

"9ly, VoJed, for a Comitee to call or warn meetings, Robert Cochran." 

The surveyors employed were Matthew Patten, of 
Bedford, and Daniel Leslie, of Londonderry. Several 
meetings of the grantees were held before the sur- 
vey was completed, and on July 11, 1753, the 
committee drew the lots at Portsmouth. Some 
changes had been made in the number compo- 
sing the grantees, but the lots were drawn for sub- 
stantially those petitioning for the grant. Prepara- 
tions were at once made for erecting a saw-mill and 
making settlements in the township ; paths were 
cleared, but the French and Indian War, which in- 
volved the colonies in all the calamities of a war 
with the Indians of Canada and the neighboring 
tribes, suspended operations for years. Up to 1761 
no settlement had been made in the township. A 
good many of the original proprietors were dead, 
some had disposed of their rights, while others still 
took but little interest in the grant. It is a singular 
fact th:it but one of the proprietors, James Peters, 
rvi r settled in the town. In the spring of 1758 a 
Icjuiidatiiin was laid for the first saw-mill in the 
township, to use the water from Long Pond. Tradi- 
tion says that when the mill was near its completion 
Indians appeared, and the workmen left for their 
homes in Londonderry, and the project was aban- 
doned. 

First Settlers. — In the spring of 1760, Kev. James 
Scales, having come into possession of some land in the 
easterly part of the township, built a log cabin under 
the hill known as Foster Hill. Mr. Scales was a native 
of Roxford, Mass. He graduated at Harvard in 1733, 
settled in Rumford in 1737, and was teacher of the 
first school taught in that town. He was shortly 
afterwards licensed to preach, and was the first min- 
ister at Canterbury. He moved from that town to 
Hopkintou, and was the first preacher in that town, 
being ordained as pastor of the church there Novem- 
ber 23, 1757. It was while he was residing in Hop- 
kinton that he built his log house in this town. He 
resided here some six months, then disposed of his 
claim and resumed his residence in Hopkinton. The 
hill near his cabin was known for half a century as 
" Scales' Hill." In the spring of 1761, Mr. James 
Peters and his family moved into town from Hopkin- 
ton, and built a log house near the one occupied by 
Mr. Scales. There were no neighbors nearer him 
than on Putney's Hill, Hopkinton, and no mill or 
store nearer than Rumford, fifteen miles east. To 
the westward a few families had commenced a settle- 



HENNIKER. 



345 



nu'iit in Hillsborough, while to the north it was an 
uiibioken forest for fifty miles. 

In this wilderness Mr. Peters made his home. 
In June, 1763, Eliakim Howe, Amos Gould and 
Thomas Stone moved into town from Marlborough, 
Mass. They settled in the southeast part of the 
township, and were joined, in September of the same 
year, by Jonas Bowman, of Lexington, Mass., who 
settled near them. In the same year William Peters, 
a sou of James, the first settler, moved into town 
from Hopkinton, and settled easterly and near his 
father. He was killed by a falling tree July 5, 1775. 
Josiah Ward and his family moved into town from 
Marlborough, Mass., in September of the same year, 
17G3. In 1764, Deacon Ebenezer Harthorn came 
from Marlborough, Mass., and was the thirteenth set- 
tler in the township. In 1765, Annas Campbell came 
from Hawke (now Danville) and became a large land- 
owner. He erected the first two-story frame house 
in the township, in 1766, Deacon Harthorn erecting 
the second one in 1768. Eliakim Howe erected the 
first frame house in the township, one story and a half 
in height in front, with a long, slanting roof on the 
back side, reaching near to the ground. In 1765 
came Alexander Patterson and his family, including 
his sons Joseph and Isaac, who settled on what is 
known as " Goss Hill." Ezra Tucker and family 
came in this year and settled in the westerly part of 
the town. Mr. Tucker was from i\Iarlborough, Mass. 
Cornelius Bean settled near him during the same 
year. 

In 1764, Charles and Jacob ^Vhitcomb moved 
into town from Stowe, Mass., and Timothy and Jesse 
Ross, also from Stowe. Francis Withington, also of 
Stowe, came this same year. In 1766, William Pres- 
hury came from Stowe, Mass., and settled in the 
southwest part of the town, where he resided a few 
years, and then removed to Bradford and was the first 
settler there. During this year came the three 
brothers, Ebenezer, Xoah and Joshua Gile, from 
JIarlborough, Mass., and settled in the southeast part 
of the township. Ezekiel Smith and Solomon 
Childs came from Grafton, Mass. ; Hezekiah Newton 
came from Marlborough, Mass., and Ephraim Merrill 
from Stowe. The brothers Adouijah and Jephthah 
Tyler came from Marlborough in 1767. Thoma-s 
Howlett came from Stowe in 1766 ; also William 
Powers from the same town, and William Eastman 
ill 1765. David Connor settled in the northeast part 
<il' the township in 1766, and Silas Barnes came from 
Marlborough. Ephraim Goss, in 1767, came from 
Lancaster, Ma.ss., and Samuel Wadsworth, in 1768, 
came from Grafton, Mass. Abraham Morrison and 
Moses Duston came in 1768 from Hopkinton, and 
Moses Huse in 1766. During the years these settle- 
ments were being made the proprietors at London- 
derry held several meetings, and took measures, in 
co-operation with the settlers here, to lay out roads, 
raise money, etc., and the last meeting of the propri- 



etors was held January 1, 1768, which, without trans- 
acting any business, adjourned without date. 

In 1768, the township having become settled in 
various places, a move was made for an act of incor- 
poration of the township, which was secured, under 
date of November 10, 1768. 



" To his Excellency, John Weutworth, Esq., Captain-General, Gov- 
ernor and Commander-in-chief in and over his Majesty's Province of 
New Hampshire, in New England ; And To his Mnjesty's Council in the 
Province aforesaid— 

" Tlie Petition of the Inhabitants of the Place called Number Six of 
the Lino of Towns, or New Marlborough, in the Province aforesaid, 
humbly Sheweth, That wheras your humble Potitiollera, whoso Names 
are hereunto subscribed, tind oui-selves under great Inconveniences & 
Diflicnlties for waut of the Powers and Privileges which incorporate 
Towns in this Province enjoy ; And we, your humble Petitioners, hum- 
bly pray your E.\cellency & your Honours to take our Case into your 
wise and compassionate consideration ; and if you think it proper & 
necessary, you would incorporate into a Town, indued with the Powers & 
Privileges of other Terms in the Province, that Tract of Land which is the 
sixth in Number of the Line of Towns which was first laid out by Or- 
der of the General Court of the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay, & 
grauted to some of the Inhabitants of Marlborough, in said Province ; 
and was since granted by the Masonian Proprietors to some of the In- 
habitauts of Londonderry, in this Province of New Hampshire (Said 
Tract of Land lies between Hopkinton & Hillsborough). We, your 
humble Petitionei-s, humbly pray that your Excellency & your Honours 
would incorporate the said Tract of Land, with the Inhabitants, present 
& future, their Polls & Estates, into a Town, included within the same 
Bounds and Limits wherein it w.is included when it was first granted by 
the General Court of the Massachusetts Province ; and when it was 
granted by the Slasonian Proprietoi-s (not infringing or hurting any 
private Property) ; and that your Excelleui.y, uud your llonoui-s will be 
pleased to appoint & impowerBIr. Eleukiii] 1 1 w , \| i l.h 1-..1 Hawthorn 
and Mr. Jonas Bowman (now InhaliUi ;,, [ 11 I 1 ' it Land) or 
any othei-s whom your Excellency A y.!i[ II 1 .- 1 hink proper, 

as a Committee to call the firstMeetingul ilij licLliul'l 1. a Inhabitauts 
in said town. 

" For which Goodness, your humble Petitioners, for your Excellency 
& your Honours, as in Duty bound, shall ever pray. 

"Dated at No. G, or New ?IarIbourgh, afores,aid, the fourteenth Day 



■Willia 



Dauiel Wills. 
Eliakim How 
David Pope, 



Jephthah Tyler, 
Hezekiah Newton, 
Thoin;i3 Pope, 



ulouija 



I Bowii 



.loseph Williams, 
Silas Barnes, 
James Joslin, 
Timothy Boss, 
.John Johnson." 



This act of incorporation was as follows : 

COPY OF THE CirAIiTEK OF HENNIKER. 
"Pkovinti: -I \l A II \ii,.|iil;|-,. 



these prt"^"Mt< -li;tl! .^..nti '.i >' 1- "n L.y.-i I subjects, in- 

habitant- ' 'I' t I !' I > : ., r • r \.vv Ibiinpshire, 

knou II li . I !. : -ir : ^ . ' ^ ..:.■'. !::.' : 1 . .\ ;. ni'l r,,iitaining 

six iiiil.-s -.lu.ni. .11.-1 I-., ,.- h. I In. 1,11 ■. I. i]a\e humbly 

Petitiolie'l iV l;*-<nif^te<i u^ Iliat Uii-\ iii;i.v be i-rrctfil anil incorporated 
into a Township and infranchised witli the same privileges which other 
towns within our said Province have A Enjoy by law ; and it appearing 
unto us to be conducive to the geneial good of oui said province, as well 
as of the said Inhabitants in partRul.ir, b\ maintaining good order & 
encouraging the culture of Hie lind. that the same should be done ; 



f yv, tliut'ormii, thtil >^ 
iiI^iiowOil, nitil ultli 



ItlMACK (lOHN'I'V, NKW 11 Wll'Sl 



(if tliu uitiuil inil'pniioit I 
Ti'iiNly aittl witlMiolii 



.liitiH WitiHwiiiili. Kiti|.,i»n' lliivt>ntiii'uiiilOuiiiii)Hii>li'r-lu>('l(liil'tiriMii'Hii 
I'i'tivliiiMi, mill uC iitii' (Viitiii'll iif llui MUiiii, tiiivii unH'ti'il unit iiitliiliiiMl, 
hy iliiii.li I'liwxniK, Hii' 11", 1)111' luilni iiinl 8iioiJii»«ii«, |)u will ,V oiiliilii, tin 
lliii liihiililliiiila iif Mm Tl'iinl III' I.11111I iil'iiiioiilil, .tiilliiua Willi uliiill I 
linlill iiiiil liii|iriivii lliiimiii lioruftnui', tliomiiiiiilinliiiiliiilliiiluiiil Iniiiiiili 
iw riilliina, vU.i lliiKliiiiliiK III till! Niirlli Wiml (Hiriiiir (iiuiiriiiiO iif Nii 

llupliliiiii nillint, lliiHii'ii on 11 Kli'iill lliiii lu lliii iiiii'lli iwal uiii'iiiii' 

IIIIM imh nii'i'illliill, IlKlllls li.V ualllimlliill «l\ llllllia ; tllim li.V aii 

UIIInI tiKh llliti lu tlioaiiUlll fllal iioninl' iliui'iior, Imltiu alipiHWiiil to 1 

aU inll.'n; lliiUl ull II almll liliu In lllu aiilltll w>>al liiiniiir of allUI Nuw llu 
titiilnii I lliiui liy lliiil III lliii iwiiiu' nliKi'o II Imtilna, iill iif Hill wilil llii 
Imllllt alipiiiiHint III lilt alx lillli^a uiuiti, bii iiliil linl'iiliy iil'u iIocIiu'ikI tii tm 
liiwii l'ur|iiiiiilii,.V iini Imroliy liiiii'lnil lulu ii lloily I'ullllu .t: I <iii'|u>riiiii, 



I lliii 



I'hla.'. 



Iiwia wlili'li mil III' aliitll III! Iiiiiiiil uriivviiig miil linlui,' uii (liu aiilit Triii'i 
l.miil ni liiilliu iiao nf .1111' lliiyiil Nnvy, nwni'vliiK In ii«, uiii' lioli'a i 
«uii>twai>i'», Mm piivvoi' iiiul I'ltslil i>l' iIIvIiIIiik wIiI 'I'uwii wli.ui II alinll 
liDiii' iiiwaaiiry mill I'liiivi'iilniil riir tlu' liilmlilliiiila lliomil'. I'l'nvtit 
iiHvtirlliiiliiMi, iV 'llu li.iroliy ilurliiriiil, lliiil llita rlimU'r iiiid kiiiiiI la 
llllliilil.itl iilitt aliilll lint III iiuy lillllllinl' Im I'tiiiHtrilntl In ilft'm'l lllo prlv 
|ll1i|ni|'tvV lit' I till anil wlllllll lllu l.llllllH iil'nriwilil I Ami lia llin aovi 
Tiiwiia wlllllll iillV Willi I'liivlliw lll'ii by Mill l.liwa IIiki'iiiiI' iiiuiIiIiuI i 
miUi.ii'lmut III Aaaiiiulilii, luul by Ilin iiiiijiirlly nf Itii' Viilnrn |iii'»i.ii 
xllllan illl litlli'Klil .« llllllMtlil alinll illllilra lia In Mm niIiI Iiivvm ilnnliiiinl, 
iln by Itnwi lu'iianllla liiiliilimlu llll.t ii|i|inlllt Kllilkllil llnw, In null tlln I 

lliin' Miililn llirnn iiiniillin hnlll llin iliilii llnrnnl', kIvIiik l«K"l <l<'l>>'i 



Ml'. III.,: Ill mill Tnwil aliilll lin linlil I'lir lllu uhnl' 

|>lll'|niau»iil'ni'naillil, nil Iliu lll'nl Mullilliy nf Mllivl 

" lll'rualliunliy wliui'tiuf \vu Illivti nilllaiJil tllii Sii 

'* NN'lltiiinM mil' iil'ni'uHiitil Ouvurimi' iiiiil (Viiiimiii: 
liny III' Nnvi'lubuv, In tlln Miilli yniii' nf niii' UuIk 
l.nl'il Clillal. rillH, 



",l, WKNU'Willmi 
mil, Niiv, 10, 17IW, 



('iilidiiti Kliiiliiiii lliivM' |ii',i|Mw 
of 111.' ii.'W li.vvii 111- N.'W Alm'llii 
orMiii'll.i.i'i.nuli, MiixH., iV.iiinvliii'li 

W.'iilw.ii'lli iivi'i'iuli'il hiiii mill 
IVi.'iiil .ii.liii lli'iiiiikn, I-;-!, ,n uc'ii 
Liiii.li.ii. 



lull (iiivot'imi' 
ii'il i( lor lii.s 

, llU'll'lllllll 111' 



lliiil>l' 

W'iiiIhWiiI'IIi wi't'x .vmiiiK HU'ii iiliollt In lui iiiiiii'it'il. 
'I'lii' liml cliilil liorii ill llid lii\vtiHlii|i \vm IVrniN, 
iliiiiniili'i' ill' (!ii|iliiiii I'',liiikltii iiiul Kolu'i'cii llowo, 
Dcrcmlirf;!, 17i;:!. Shi. iiiiiifi.'d iMirliiiiiilim WIiocUt. 
Ill' Miii'IImii'oukIi, Miihh.. iiti.l M'llli'.l ill llill>4liiii'<>ii)(li. 

'I'll.' Ill'Kl lllm'lill); III' Ihc illllllllillUlIrt III' Illl' lilWII 

nam' ilK iiu'iii'iiiii'iiliim wim liclil Nnvi'iiilirr 'jr), I7<i8, 
iiMil SiliiH Itiii'tU't* wax fliimmi rlcrk, luiil Mlmiio/.or 
dill', VVillliini I'l'onliiii'v iiiiil .liiiiiiH lliiwiiian hi'UicI- 
nuiii. TliK Ili'Hi. iitiiuial mci'liiin- in Ihc lowii wii.s liclil 
Maivli (i, 17(i!l, wlu'ii Aimm (Joiild wiih cliom'ti il.M'k, 
anil Klinnoitri' (iiln. I'lliaUini Howe ami Kliitu'/.i'i- 
llai'lhiii'ii Ni'liM'tiiii'ii. 

First Saw-Mill. Il.\ \Uv l.'nimn|- llio ).':niiil, mu' 
Illl wiiM li. Ill' f^ivi'iilii llii'|.iiil.v III' |iiii'li.'nlluil I'l'i'i-lnl 
ami ii|ii'nili'il llir lii'sl miw-iiiIII In llu' IdWti. 'I'lu- 
I'lilliiuinu iv.'i.nl was luailr; 



"Wii, lli.- 
I'l'nvllin. nl 
tlin(!niinly. 



lb.. 



li.V Hull iiiiiiu'. 

Tlu' I'.illowinj'' wi'to I'csi.li'iilM of III,' town al llu' 
liim'ol'il.sin('oi'|iiii'iiliuii,\villillu>ii'raiiiilit'.s:l{t'v..lan>li 
Uii'c, Di'ai'iin Kht'iio/.tM' llarlhoi'ii, ('ajitain Kliakiin 
llowo, K/.okii'l Smilli, TlioiimM Slotio, Amos OoiiUI, 
Mom's lliir..', K/ia ■l-iuk,'i', .loliii .lolinson. Ailonijah 
TvK'i', .l.'iililliah ■{') l.'i', .laiiU'M IVI.'i's, William IVIvrs, 
.loniuli Waiil, Cliai'K'S W'lliU'onili, .liu'oli Wliitvonih, 
Tiinotliy lloHH, .liw.10 \Umh, Klioiu'/.m' Oilo, .liwlniu 
Olli', KriMU'iM WithinKtoii, Silaa nanios, 'rhumii« I'opo, 
.loiias liownmn, Aloxamlcr l'iilti>i'Him,Saiiiiiol I'owoll, 
Annas ("ain|.lu'll, William I'owi'i-s, William l'i'.'Nl.iii-y, 
Momvs l>ii«toii, William K.istmati, Daviil I'oiinoi',— 



II . .null. Itiiit.lnii» 'l'uin|ilii,iil' Mmlbiii'ii', In 

III ^. .1 mill I'uinplniuil II (liinilXiiw Mill lu 

Willi lIuuiilK.'i, II I.. Ml,. Uii' lir.l Huw Mill 111 Willi liiwii; llii'au iiro 
tlii'll'iiIVii'u tu alunll'y mil' u|i|iruliiillun uf Siilil Mill, iiiiil In ICnlltlu aiilil 
'l'iini|ilu III llio I'lulil nf liinil iilvoii I'.v liiiint, Wo iictini'.lliiKly niHlur tlio 
'I'oM'ii (lliii'k 10 H.iooril tlila In lliu Town Honk of Hm'oiila «a wllii.'«« .'iii' 

" KllltNlt«l!ll lliut, 'I Stlwl 

".toNAa IIOWMAN, > t.l 

" SVlM.lAH I'llRaiU UY, /faflMlA. < 

Tlio to\vtlMlii|i HCttli'il ullilii rapiillv, mill wlu'ii tlio 
livHt ci'iimiH was taken, in 177^'', I In' |'o|iiilaiioii was 
I'onii.t 111 1..' Illl'.',' Iitiii.li'i'il aii,l sixli s.'viii ; in 17S!!, 
Hi'v.'ii liiimlml ami lnrly iiiii,'. lUiiiiin' lli.'s,' ycai-s 

willi'in il, im'Uulinn Uo' Wallac's of Lomloiiil.'tiy, 
llio (JilwoiiM, ll\,i Kii'i'saml Wanls from W'i',tlliof,iiinli, 
MiiMs,, ami vii'iiiily, Sawyor.i, CloiigliH, Ailams, Kim- 
lialls, liowmans ami ,.|li,''i's. 

Eoolesiastioill,- In aci'iii'ilam,' Willi 111,' ti'iiii'^ III 
Illl' n'l'iiiil. III,' in'oiirii'tiii's lii'lil 11 iiii'i'linn' in May, 
17lili, al whicli it was voli'il lo ra'iso lialf a ,l,illai' on 
,'ai'li liKliI in li.H'iHlii|. to hiro pi'oiidiinK i" ll«" town, 
ami in .Iiiiio, 171)7, it wii.s " voli'il to riiisoiiix sliilliii^ss 
on cai'ii I'i^slil lor llu' siiiiply of llio jiospol lor tlio your 
I'lisiiln^." Itiit il \va.-< not until tho siiininor of I7U8 
lliat iho sotllors snlisoriliotl a sum of iiionoy to liiro a 
[n'oaolior, ami ('a|itain Kliakim llowo sooiirod Iho 
sorvioosof Kov. .laool. Uiio, of Northlioroii)-'h, Mass., 
a rolalivo of his, li> |iroai'h to Iho sottlois of Iho town- 
.sliip. Sovoi'nl nuH'tiiifis wor,i liohl at tho hoiisos of 
Silas Itanios ami t'aplain llowo, ami ill n moolinn' of 
Iho sotllors, holil Soptomlior 1:2, l7tiS, Mr. Uioo was 
inviloil lo hooomo tlioir sottlotl pastor, to which li,' 
rolnnu'il an allirmativo answor Ootohor 20, 17ti.s, pr,i- 
viiloil Iho tonus of lii.s salary, yot to lio ilotormiiuil 
upon, shoiilil ho satisfaotory to him, Chiiroh ami 
sUito woi'o not yot .soparato. Miniators woio sottloil 
liy tho town, ami ovory porson taxoil for his siipporl ; 
hut if any poi'son ilissoiiloil from sottlinj;; this or llml 
imin as a proaohor, ho was roliovuil from payiiitc n\\\ 



:m7 



minister's tax at liis uwii ]ci|iir,sl. To Ik^ viilul, his 
dissent must be given :il llir iiuctiMf; at wliieli siicli 
action was talcen and nidnlcil npnii iliere(X)rds oftlic 
I own. 

SlOTTLEMENT OF FlKST Mr N ISTHlt.— At a nicclillg 

lifld Novendjer 2.'5, 17(iS, Mr. Uicc's saliu-y wits 
ostaldislied as follows : 

" Tho conrlltioils of liln soUIomcnt. iiro, thirty puunils «rtlli'iiumt anil 
thirty potniilB salary for tho first four yciirH, and thon thirty-llvo iioutiilH 
for four yours riioro, ami tlioli forty pomulrt it yoar till tlioro 1m Movouly 
fiiiiiiiic'H in town, and tlion to Im Hfty puundii yoarly till tlioru Ik ninety 
fntiillioN ill town, thon Wf will civo hlin «lxty ponndn yearly tilt there 



The terms were satisfactory, save in iiniUcr ol' the 
standard of silver, Mr. Rice wishing his salary to rise 
or fall as silver rose or fell, which was quite an 
iin|)ortant item in those olden days. The town 
acieded to his re(]ucst, and at a meeting held De- 
cember 16, 1768, Silas Barnes, Ebenczer Harthorn 
and KbenezerGile were chosen a committee "to agree 
anil appoint with Mr. Jacob Kice for his Solom Or- 
ilination in this town." June 7, 1769, was the day 
lixiil upon for that purpose, when a council was con- 
vi!ncd, a church embodied, consisting of nine male 
iiictnbers and six female, and Mr. Kiec was duly 
ordained their pastor. 

The names of the nine males were Rev. .fac^ob Rice, 
Silas Barnes, Ebenezer Harthorn, Thomas Howlett, 
William Presbury, Timothy Ross, Josiah Ward, 
< 'liarles Whitcomb and Ezekiel Smith ; the names of 
(he females are not known. A church covenant was 
adopted and signed by all of the members, which 
continued in use without amendment or alteration 
until April 1, 1835, a period of sixty-five years. In 
the spring of 1773, Mr. Rice experienced a severe 
al lack of measles, which impaired his eyesight and 
othtTwise incapacitated him from ministerial labor, 
and he only occupied the pulpit a portion of the 
tiiiK! until his dismissal, February 20, 1782. Difl'erent 
persons were employed to preach for many years, 
months passing at a time without any meeting until 
aftir Mr. Rice's dismissal. Among the clergymen 
that efforts were made to settle were Rev. Aaron 
lliiirliiiison, of Grafton, Mass.; Rev Ebenezer Allen, 
ol KiiiL'sioM, this State; Rev. Josiah Carpenter, Rev. 
Mr. Williuiiis, Rev. Jabe/. P. Fisher and Rev. Xa- 
Ihaniel Hall. None of these eflorte were succe.ssful ; 
but at a meeting of the town held August 12, 1801, 
Ri;v. Moses Sawyer was invited to become the 
minister. More than one-third of the voters of the 
town dissented from this vote, and another meeting 
was held, December 9, 1801, to reconsider the vote, 
which was not done, allhough the majority in favor 



of the seltlcmeiit ol' Mr. Sawyer wius small. In con- 
sequence of the large number of people opjiosed to 
settling Mr. Sawyer, his friends determined to sepa- 
rate church from state, and on this same day formed 
themselves into a society to be called "The Calvin- 
istic Congregational Society of Ilenniker." Over 
this society and church Mr. Sawyer was regularly 
ordained May 20, 1802. Those dissatisfied with Mr. 
Sawyer held another town-meeting, and voted nintni- 
mously to give the Rev. Pliny Diekerson a (tail ; but 
he did not see fit to accejit it, and that was the last 
effort made by them to settle any minister. 

Mr. Sawyer continued as pastor of the chiireli and 
society until April 9, 1820, when he preached his 
farewell discourse, having sustained his relation with 
the church for nearly twenty-four years. 

Rev. Jacob Scales, of Colchester, Ct., was ordained 
pastor of the church January 17, 1827. Rev. Justin 
Edwards, of Andover, Mass., preached the sermon, 
having woolen mittens upon his hands because of the 
severity of the weather. Mr. Scales was dismissed 
January 2, 1839, after a pastorate of twelve years, 
and the pulpit was occupied by difl'erent clergymen, 
none of whom saw fit to accept a call. July 12, 1841, 
Rev. Eden B. Foster, of Hanover, received a unani- 
mous call to become pastcn-, which he accepted, and 
was ordained August 17, 1841. He was dismissed at 
his own request January 7, 1847, and December 1, 1847, 
Rev. Richard T. Searle was ordained, and was dis- 
missed February 1, 1850. January 6, 1851, Rev. 
J()se|ib M. R. Eaton, of Fitchburg, Mass., received a 
ciiU, which he accepted, and was installed Feliruary 
0, 1851, and disinissed May 14, 1808, after a pastorate 
of over seventeen yeai'S. September 1, 1870, Rev. 
Stephen S. Morrill, of Hillsborough, was installed 
pastor, and dismissed, at his own request, August 18, 
1873. Rev. George H. Moss, of Townsend, Mass., 
occupied the pulpit from November 21, 1873, lo .Inly 
30, 1870, but was not settled. 

Rev. John H. Hoffman commenced jireaehin^- lor 
the church June 10,1877; ordained August 27th,. same 
year, and installed pastor .lune 7, 1878, and dismissed 
October 6, 1884, and Rev. F. L. Allen, of White 
River Junction, was installed pastor. 

During the first one hundred years from the em- 
bodiment of this church more than five hundi-eil [ler- 
soiis became members of it, and .raiinary 1, I8K0, the 
total number then belonging Lo the church was om; 
hundred and seventy-six. 

Baptist Ciiuncii,— Shortly after the Jievoluiion 
a Baptist Church was formed in this town, which was 
considered as a branch of the church at Sutton. It 
prospered for a while, but soon became extinct. 
February 23, 1832, an ecclesiastical council was con- 
vened to consider the ex[)ediency of forming another 
Baptist Church in this town, and, after due delibera- 
tion ten persons were embodied as a branch of the 
church of Bradford. In Sejitember of I8:i3 this 
branch was severed from tin- chureh at BiadCord, and 



348 



IIISrORV OK MKRRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMrSHIRE. 



became kuowu as the Baptist Church of Hcnniker, 
and Rev. Enoch T. Winter was duly installed as 
pastor, which position lie held until 1838, and was 
succeeded by Rev. Jairus E. Strong, who remained 
one year ; and the ne.xt settled pastor was Rev. John 
Peacock, who remained but a short time, and Rev. 
David G. Mason became the pastor, being ordained 
May 15, 1845, and was dismissed in 1847, being the 
last settled minister the church had. 

The whole number of communicants of this church 
during its existence was one hundred. 

Mktiiodist. — During the summer of 1814 the first 
Methodist meeting was held in this town by Rev. Mr. 
Bates, the preacher upon the circuit that included 
Henniker. Meetings were occasionally held at 
private houses and at school-houses until 1832, when 
the first church was formed, consisting of ten mem- 
bers, — six males and four females. Rev. George 
Pickering was the second preacher, followed until the 
present time by Caleb Duston, Michael Quimby, 
Moses Chase, William T. Cass, Abram Folsom, John 
C. Haseltine, Samuel Prescott, Joseph Palmer, 
Abram M. Osgood, John Gould, Elijah R. Wilkins, 
William Iscariot, G. W. S. Rogers, L. H. Gordon, G. 
W.Norris, Josiah Hooper, N. M. Bailey, Otis Cole, H. 
S. Maid, William H. Jones, Watson \V. .Smith, 
George C. Powell, George H. Hardv, .f<>hn H. [Steele, 
W. W. Le Seur and E. L. House. 

The whole number admitted to communion in this 
church has been about three hundred and seventy- 
five, with a present membershipof nearly one hundred. 

Quakers. — A Friends' Meeting was established in 
this town, as a branch of the Weare Meeting, in 1799. 
Timothy Peasley, Pelatiah Penington, Nathaniel 
Chase, Aaron Foster, Daniel B. Alley, Joseph Huzzey 
and Samuel Morrison were the founders. The meet- 
ing flourished for more than half a century ; but the 
older members died, many of the younger ones moved 
from the town, and others still partook of the ways of 
those outside of the sect. Meetings are still regularly 
held, though the numbers are few. The whole num- 
ber of members of the meeting has been about three 
hundred and forty, with a present membership of 
about twenty. 

UxiVERS.iLlSTS. — Meetings connected with this 
sect began to be held here as early as the eommence- 
uieiil of the present century by Revs. Mr. Murray, 
Sebastian Streeter and Edward Evans ; still later by 
Revs. Adam Ballou and Alonzo A. Miner. In 
1876 and 1877 meetings began to be held at intervals 
until 1880, when regular preaching was had, and in 
1881, Rev. W. H. Fiske became pastor of a society then 
formed, which is still in a flourishing condition. 

Meeting-House.s. — Before the incorporation of 
the town, steps were taken to erect a house of worehip, 
aM<l ill the proprietors' records we find this, — 
*'Puo-\'rNC'K OK Nkw Hampshire. 

"Number Six, October ye 22, ITMi. 
" We, tlic under Subscribei-s, being apointed a Coium-tee by the 



Prop rs' of said Number Six to fix some Conveuient Place on the Sentor 
Lutt in said town to Build a Steeling Hou6 on, and for a buring Place 
and Comons for a training field, 4c. And the Place We have agried 
upon Ih at a hemlock tree, Marlcod, Where the Laid out highway Corns 
into s;iid Lott, thence Knning North twiutey four Bbods to a Stake 
marked ; thence West twintey Rbods to a Stake, thence South twintcy 
four Khods to a Stake, thence East twintey Rhods to the Bounds fli-st 
mentioned. 
'* Kleakim How, Josiah Ward, James Wallace, Thomas Wallace, Propers 

At a meeting of the people of the town, hold IMan-li 
2(), 1770, it was 

"Voted, to build a meeting house. 

" Voted, to build the said house on the Clisby lot, so called, on the 
north side of the highway, on the east side of the lot, near the pot ash. 

"]\>tcd, that said house shall be thirty feet long and twenty feet wide. 

"Voted, twenty dollars to build said house. 

"V;tcd, KbeupKer gile, thomas stono and William presbury is a Com- 
nietc to SCO tlie work done on said house. 

" Voted, th&t the men shall have two shillings and sixpence per day and 
find themselves, lawful monej', that work on said house." 

The house was built the same .season, of log.s, 
and it was used for public worship some weeks be- 
fore it was covered with a roof. All the religious 
meetings, as well as meetings of the town, were held 
in this humble log house for ten years, when, on or 
about the 19th of May, 1780, the evening of the 
" dark day," it was burned to the ground, having been 
fired, as is supposed, by an incendiary, as no fire had 
ever been in the little house, save what was carried in 
in little foot-stoves upon the Sabbath, which were 
then in use by those who could afford them. 

Several eflbrts were made to erect another meeting- 
house, which proved of no avail; but at a meeting of 
the town, held January 9, 1786, it was " Voteil to 
Build a Meeting-House." Committees were chosen 
for the purpose; but the same difliculty arose that had 
so long hindered a house being erected, and that was 
the proper selection of a spot upon which to erect it 
which would best accommodate the people of the 
town. As early as 1783 efforts were made to select a 
place, — by far the larger part desiring to have it 
built upon the centre lot,— and it was finally agreed 
that a committee of three disinterested persons out- 
side of the town should determine the place, and 
they made the following report at a meeting of the 
town, held October 27, 1783: 

"We, the Subscribers liiiim n,,,..n l',_\ 'I lir 'I'-iuii . -f ll.rniiki-r .\ 
(Jomity to Examine andai;.- \v I., i. .i 11. . 1 1,,^ l,>,ii,. >l ,i l'„. Set To 

Commode tlie S'l Town <.r llrniuK.i \\. Ii,(v. Ihi-ll:i\ :ir liri-ly Mot 

to repoi-tc that ll i-.m ..|.| .i, i !.,,i .| i- li,. I 

ing'HoUSO Tm ' : M , ,!.,[:,: ; \ ; I 

tcr Lot on tli.- r: .i, ■. ,^ : .i ;- -: 

meeting By AdjnuMPn. Ml, .>i,,, h ,. .,,11 



These three men were residents of Warner. But a 
portion of the people were not satisfied with this re- 
port, and, as a last resort, the following petition was 
sent to the General Assembly of the State, then in 
session at Exeter : 

"[5-nO.] [Pelition for tlie .\]>i)i.intiiiiMit of ii Couimitteo to locate a 



i>.Msai.l .Meet- 



HENNIKER. 



349 



tho Monourablo Senate and Iloiiao of Representatives of tlie 
New llainpshire, now setting at Exeter, in Said Stote, 
, the Snbscribors, Inhabitants of tlic Town of Houniker, Ilnni- 



the storms and blasts of nearly a century, with its 
timbers as perfect as the day they were raised. 

It was used for religious meetings by tlie tdwii 
until the separation that took place in 1801 and 
more or less for that purpose by diflerent de- 
nominations for half a century afterwards, and has 
:ilu;iv-, Ih I'll used by the town in wliicli lo hold its 
iiirHiMLj,-. cilice 1787. 



ice, Josliua Heath, Nathan Putney, 
Duvid McKillip, William Sargent, 

-lit, John Campbell, Jesse Campbell, 
I, HavidPoop, Isaac Putney, Stephen 

^ y.s, David Clough, .John Chadwick, 



lehas Ward, Nalium Nni " 

iam Morrison, Jolin 1:1111]' , 1 
.L.siah Waitl, Tini,.tlij K' -, K 

II H. of Eep., September 13, 1"SC, 
iMiiiff of the following men : Majo; 

III AikcD, Ksq., of Ilomng ; and ! 



I committee was appinted, con- 
Isaac Chandler, of Hopkinton ; 



Xo report of the action of this committee, if any 
was ever taken, has been found. 

Whilst the dispute as to location was in progress, 
1 1 reparations for the erection of a meeting-house were 
lieing pushed actively forward, and at the time of this 
action by the General Assembly the frame of the 
building was nearly ready for raising. At a meeting 
of the town, held August 30, 1786, it was " Voted, to 
Provide three Barrels of Rum to Raise the Meeting- 
house with," and with this and the aid of the strong 
arms of the men of this and neighboring towns the 
fi-ame was raised early in the month of October of this 
yi'ar, 1786, upon the spot that had been originally 
selected. The other place selected was nearer the 
centre of the township, but not as good a location 
for building. Nothing more was done to the frame 
until the next season. At the annual meeting, held 
Jfarch 5, 1787, it was voted to pay the men who as- 
sisted in the two days' work of raising the meeting- 
house, and amongst other items the town voted to 
pay were the following: 



" Voted Gideon Adams tl 4». for Sugar. 
" Voted Sam. Kiniliall ,t5 los. for Beef. 
" Voted Ilr. Hunter i;i'3 5s. 1 2-4 P. fc 
fiuartor of Kum and tliree empty Barrels." 



The work upon the building progressed rapidly, 
and the first meeting held in it was on November 14, 
1787, for the purpose of choosing a grand and petit 
juryman. The ground floor was marked off and sold, 
each purchaser to build his own pew ; but this was 
reconsidered, and a committee chosen to build the 
jiews and sell them. The inside was finished in ac- 
cordance with the style then prevalent, and when 
I'liiipleted was a noble structure, and has withstood 



Ooiigi'cgalional Church and Society, finding tlicm- 
selves without a regular place in which to hold their 
meetings, resolved to erect another mecting-huuse. 
A committee was chosen to take the matter into con- 
sideration and decide upon what should be done. A 
spot was selected, and in 1804 a meeting-house was 
erected, and dedicated in 1805. This house was 
about the length of the town's meeting-house, without 
the porches, and about its width, sixty-five by forty- 
five feet. 

There was a porch at the south end, surmounted 
with a low belfry, the first one seen iu the town. In 
this house the meetings of the church were held until 
its destruction by fire, August 23, 1833, when the 
church and society found itself again without a 
church-home. In 1834 the present structure was 
erected, and dedicated August 27, 1834. This house 
was furnished with a bell, the first one in the town, a 
clock and an organ, and with a new communion ser- 
vice in place of the one destroyed by fire when the 
church was burned. This building has been kept in 
excellent repair, and in 1882 was thoroughly modern- 
ized, and is at present one of the most complete and 
commodious churches to be found in any rural dis- 
trict. 

Baptist ChuPvCH Meeting-House.— The Baptist 
Church held their meetings in private houses and in 
school-houses until 1834, wheu they erected a very 
neat and commodious building of brick. This house 
was finished very comfortably, and was used as a 
house of worship as long as the church existed. In 
1856 it was purchased by the Methodist Church, who 
still occupy it. 

Methodist Meeting-Houses.— Like their breth- 
ren of the Baptist Church, the members of the Meth- 
odist Church were without a church-home until 1834, 
when they, too, erected a meeting-house. This house 
was very plain in its architecture, without any bel- 
fry or ornamentation whatever, but very substantial. 
The pews were straight slips without doors; there was 
a very small pulpit at one end, and equally small seats 
for the choir at the other. Meetings were held in 
this building until 1856, when it was sold and con- 
verted into a large and commodious barn, and the 
society purchased the brick church, which has been 
their home since. In 1882 the building was modern- 
ized in its interior, and provided with an organ and 
very hepy and elegant memorial windows. 

Univeksalist Meeti-vg-IIouse.— This society 
lield its meetings in the town-house, in Academy 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Hall and other halls until 1883, when it erected a 
very neat and substantial building for its home. This 
building is of the Gothic style, with a seating capacity 
of upwards of one hundred and fifty. It is supplied 
with an organ and heated with a furnace. 

FiUExns' MEKTiX(;-Hor.sE. — For three-fourths of 
a century the Friends have had a meeting-house. 
These people always having lived in the south part of 
the town by themselves largely, have always had their 
meeting-house in their neighborhood. It is a plain 
structure, partaking severely of the simplicity of the 
sect who have ever been some of the best farmers 
and most worthy citizens of Henniker. 

Military History. — The settlers of Henniker were 
in strong sympathy with the efforts made by the 
colonics to throw oif the tyranny of the home 
government, that was continually seeking new means 
to oppress them. When the fight at Lexington took 
place, April 19, 1775, and help was called for, several 
of the sturdy settlers of this town responded by 
hastening to the scene of action, leaving their plows 
in the furrow and their oxen unyoked; one man who 
was mending fence, laying down his axe, and seizing 
his gun left his home never to return, having been 
killed at Bunker Hill shortly afterwards. 

Joseph Kimball, Esq., one of the prominent citizens 
of the town and one of the selectmen of the town at 
the time, was suspected of disloyalty and charges 
were preferred against him. His case was referred to 
the Committee of Safety, who ordered him to appear 
before them and make answer to these charges. The 
meeting was held in the log meeting-house, where a 
hearing was had, and this was their report,^ 

" Hen.vikek, June ye V>, 177.5. 
" The Resolves of the Committee met to discouree Joseph Kimbnll, 
Ksquire, concerning bis political principals in the dispute betwixt 
Brittain and this North America. Accusations as follows, viz. : the sii 
Kimball did say that he did not hlame General Gage for coming to this 
North America, But did not justify or approve his evil conduct since he 
has been in j.- Country. Turther, the s'' Kimliall is for keeping up 
civil aulhu]ii> l!:;i1i. 1, II;. s' Kimball being accused of speaking 
favorably -.1 '■ v^ ;: i.iit discoursing the Committee before 

the body (.1 111 ' ,:nu- the people disaffected, tile s<l Kimball 

saith heis^<>M\ iIm; ih | . |.l'' ;ire uneasy with liim, and that he is 
sorry if hi- luitli given any provocation of offence, But means to do all, 
i\s far as lies in his power, to Propegate ye liberty cause, and we, the 8<i 
Committee of Safety, do Receive ye said Kunball as a friend to tlie Com- 



wounded. Pursuant to an order issued by the Con- 
tinental Congress, a census was taken, with this 
result, — 



' Males under 16 years of age 

do from 10 years of ago to 50 not i 
All males above 60 years of age ... . 

Persons gone in the army 

All Females 

Negroes and Slaves for life 



307 



Total 

" Henniker, Sep' ye lo". 1775. 
In obedience to your Rcq'', we have taken atnie number of the lu- 
of this Town and annies, and have set them in their CoUonis, 
according to your directions. We have made search for Powder, but find 
there is none of any value. 

"Joseph Kimuall, 

"A.iEOx Adams, 

'* SeUctmen of Henniker.'' 

By order of the Continental Congress, an enumeration 
of the inhabitants liable for military duty was ordered. 
By the law of New Hampshire, two classes of soldiers 
were provided for,—" a training-band and an alarm- 
list."' The former included all able-bodied male 
persons between the ages of sixteen and fifty, except 
persons in office, negroes, Indians and mulattoes. 
The latter included all males between the ages of 
sixteen and sixty-five, not included in the training- 
band and not exempted by law. Under this order 
an enumeration was made in the town, with this re- 
sult,— 

"ROLL OF CAPT. AARON ADAMS' COMPANY, 177S. 

"Sarg' BoiU" Clark, Sarg' Jon" Barford, Sarg' Phinehas Wanl, Sarg' 

.Toseph Patereon, Fifer Joseph WUliams, Corp' Joshua Heath, Corp' 

Samin-1 Stf.-l, ('..r))' Tliu* Touiisfinl, Corpi James Stone, Drum' Josiah 

r;ii.i. li, J n. M ,11 : :, w illiam Chambers, William Clark, James 

l,i,i.i,,, ^,1,11., I ii ^ l.', Otis How, Thomas Howlet, James 

J,, -I; I , , I ii II iiii Newton, Moses Powell, Jonathan 

1;.,-- 1,1-: I ^mttli, Charles Whitcomb, Alexander 

\\'li,i; 1 ! \ I i; hiU't Colby, Solomon Childs, Jon» East- 

„i;,,i I , i I , II 1 1, William Heath, Sargent Heath, Joseph 

Liwi- \,ii!i,i i >l.iriil. N. mum Newton, Isaac Paterson, Lemuel Rose, 

Jl.jscs suutli, Bi!iioiii luikcr, Ruben Whitcomb, Samuel Wadsworth, 
Abcathal Bowman, Moses Huse, Benj" Currier, Robert Campbel, Aaron 
Eastman, Timothy Gibson, .lohn Hartliorn, Joshua Kimball, Ephraim 
Morri;!, S;iiiiu.l M-.n-isun, Ilavi.l Pope, Jesse Boss, Daniel Rice, Samuel 
Srnii'i .1 ■ '• \^ 111 I'. ,1 I'" NMiitriiige. 

• I , ; ( I , , 111 ii.:e to your orders, I have warn'd my 

i;,M„,,.,iu I , \[, ,1 ,11 1, jl In.ii.iit to view the Cituation of the Com- 
j,aiij, but til.- iii.Ti- piirt did ji..t Apear, but, Acording to the Best Acoinpt 



Tlio f(illi>wini;-n;uned men were at the battle of 
I'.uiik.r Hill, June 17, 1775: 

.MrxiLii.l.i- Patterson, James Dunlap, John Gordon, Johu Stone, 
<:uiiii. I llavlinan, Cornelius Bean, Joseph. Marsh, Charles 'miiteombe, 
ICIij.ih l;ii;c, George Beniain, Samuel Wadsworth, Amos Gould, Isaac 
I'atturson, James Carr, James Palmer, Johu Barues, James Stone, 
Joseph Clough, Abraham Kimball, Ephraim Goss and James Reed. 

These men, twenty-one in number, were in Captain 
Hutchins' company and General Stark's brigade. 
Alexander Patterson and Abraham Kimball were 



Above half I 



:Xot 



' Aarok Adams, Cap"." 
" Henniker, May the 21", 1776. 
"Alarm list for said Henniker : Ecclesiastical Clark, Jacob Rice, Cap- 
tain Eliakim Howe, Lieutenant Jonas Bowman, Ensign William Heath, 
Captain Josiah Ward, Esquire Joseph Kimball, Coroner Samuel Kim- 
ball, Thomas Stone, John Putney, Alexander Patterson, Uriah Amsden, 
Timothy Ross, Thomas Pope, Stephen Simlding, Francis Withington, 
James Peters, Elyah Rice, John Estman, Deacon Ebenezer Harthorn." 

A.ssociATiON Test.— The " Association Test " was 
a pledge of loyalty for the citizens of each town to 
afiix their signatures or not, as they were disposed. 

" To the Seleclmen of Haumieor : 

" Colony of New Hampshire, in Committee of Safety, April ye 12th, 
1770 in order to carry the underwritten resolve to the Hon'ble Continen- 
tal Congress into execution, you arc requested to desire all males above 
twenty-one years of age (lunatics, idiots, negroes excepted) to sign to 
the declaration on this paper, and when so done, to make return hereof. 



HENNIKER. 



351 



together with the Name or Names of all who shall refuse to sign the 
same, to the General Assembly or Committee of Safety of tlio Colony. 
" M. We.vke, Clitiiriiian. 

" Is CoSORESS, March 14, 177G. 

" Besoliied, that it be recommended to the several Assemblies, Conven- 
tions and Councils, or Committees of Safety of the United Colonies, 
immediately to cause all persons to be disarmed within the respective 
I iiirs who are notoriously disaffected to the cause of America, or who 
not associated, or refused to associate, to defend by arms the Vnitcd 
lii. s against the hostile attempts of the British Heetsand armies. 

■ t I .py extract from the minutes. 

" C«.\Ri-ES Thompson, Scc'ry, 

" In consequence of the above resolution of the Hon. Continental Con- 
gress, and to shew our determination in joining our American brethren 
in defending the lives, liberties and properties of the injiabitants of the 
United Colonies, we, the subscribers, do hereby solemnly engage and 
promise that we will, to the utmost of our power, at the risque of our 
lives and fortunes, with arms oppose the hostile procot-dingri "f the Urit- 

iah fleets and armies against the United Americiin ■ i -.- I; i\ i ,-..!, 

Bice, Thomas PoiM, Alexander Whitney, Jonas r.\ ^> I w- 

ers, Ebenezer Harthorn, Amos Gould, Elijah Kir-.' i - ni*, 

David Pope, Eliakim Howe, Jonas Alexander, A-i 1'i,iim\. n ii l.nii.l 
Joslyn, Abel Gibson, Ezekiel Stone, Samuel Twizzel, David Campliell, 
Thomas Hewlett, James Joslyn, Joseph Williams, Ephraim Morrill,.rcsSB 
Ross, Thomas Townsend, Phinies Ward, William Clark, timothy Ross, 
William Heath, Stephen Spalding, Ezekiel Smith, Alexander Patterson, 
Moses Smith, Timo. Gibson, Jr., Joseph Lewis, Joshua Heath, Samuel 
Wadsworth, Francis Withington, Jacob Wliitcomb, Benjamin Whitcomb, 
Reuben Whitcomb, Uriah Amsdin, ,Tanu:s Peters, Otis How, Thomas 
Stone, Jonathan Wood, Is;.;., n, I-. I .;;.: l:;.., John Putney, Eliphalet 
Colby, Benjamin Clark, Tim , :, ;...nenames. 

"Those Persons Refus. t i i in Declaration are under- 

written : Joseph Kimball, -l.-l.u,. ImihImI', William Kimball, Corporal 
Suiiiii-I iviiiii.iil, \\ illi:.!.. Chambers, S;tniu«_'l Morrison, Ezra Tucker, 
11.. .r I: ,11, ,1,1. ^l - Howe, Captain James Duston, &xmuel Bar- 
-',.. ll.iii,!- -■ ! ■ li,. Ebenezer Haraman, Josiah AVard, Sergent 
ll.jlli--, Ensi^'ii r..:i.j .i.iin Currier, Nathaniel Merrick, Amos Eastman, 
Noah Gile, Robert Campbell, Aaron Adams, Captain James Stone, — 
twenty-one names. 

"Jox.\s Bowman, ■) Setectmt^n 

" Samuel WAnwoEni. ) of Uenmlier." 

Of the twenty-one who refused to sign, over two- 
thirds of them were afterwards in the American 
service, and did their duty faithfully, and to the honor 
of the town it can be said that although upon a ques- 
tion of expediency there were various and conflicting 
opinions, yet upon the main question of defending 
their homes and supporting the cause of liberty 
against any and all ibes the people of this town were 
a unit, and obtained for themselves the reputation of 
being amongst the most patriotic in the State. 

The following-named men were in the battle of 
Bennington, August 16, 1777 : 

Cap< Jonas Bowman, Serg< Peter How, .<erg« Joshua Uile, Thomas 
Pope, Jonathan Eastman, Corporal MosesSmifh, Sargent Heath, William 
Heath, Za.ariab Bowman, Ezekiel Stone, David Colby, Zadok Bowman, 
Jabez Alexander, Samuel Eastman, Abraham Kimball, Levi Colby^ 
Lemuel Boss, Is;iac Patterson, Moses Powell, James Duston, Levi Harri- 
nian, John Putney, Joshua Whitney. 

Four men from this town participated in the battle 
of Monmouth, N. J., ou Sunday, June 28, 1778, — 
Jesse Campbell, Joseph Marsh, James Peters, Jr., 
and Daniel Squire. 

In all the important conflicts of the Revolutionary 
War Henniker was well represented, and before the 
war had ended, as near as can be ascertained, the 
whole number of enlistments for the town were one 
hundred and thirty-two. So frequent were the 



calls for men that at one time there was hardly an 
able-bodied man left in thetown, save Rev. Jacob Kice. 
Even the boys over sixteen years of age were called 
upon not only to perform military duty, but also to pay 
taxes. All through the seven long years of the war 
almost continual calls were made upon the town for 
men and for rations. The little bands of patriots 
who were thus hastily collected together usually as- 
sembled in the log meeting-house (until it was burned), 
and listened to an appropriate address or prayer, as 
the time admitted, by Rev. Mr. Rice, who was one of 
the foremost citizens of the town in helping on the 
cause of liberty. Few, if any, towns can show a 
better record, in proportion to their population, than 
can Henniker. 

War of 1812.— In the War of 1812 fully one hun- 
dred men bore an honorable part. Large numbers 
enlisted together and served under various com- 
manders, and were at various points where their 
services were most needed. Two of the men of the 
town were in the regular army when the war broke 
out, and were in the battle of Tippecanoe, November 
7, 1811. Not only those liable for military duty were 
ready for enlistment, but those exempt from such 
duty formed themselves into a company and volun- 
teered their services, if needed. 

Mexican War. — One man from this town was a 
grenadier in Captain Charles N. Bodfish's company, 
which was composed of the men of the greatest 
height, selected from the Ninth Regiment United 
States Infantry, which wa.s recruited in New England 
and commanded by Colonel Truman B. Ransom, of 
Vermont. Two men also enlisted in Cajjtain Daniel 
Batchelder's company, belonging to the same regi- 
ment, one of whom was killed at the storming of 
Chapultepec. 

The War of the Reiuclmon.— The commence- 
ment of the Rebellion found the people of Hen- 
niker still patriotic. One of the first men to enlist 
when the call was made for volunteers to fill up 
the First Regiment was Enoch W. Goss, who was at 
the time quietly pursuing the avocation of a machin- 
ist at Concord. He was commissioned second lieu- 
tenant in Company I, First Regiment, New Hamp- 
shire Volunteers, and upon the formation of the 
Thirteenth Regiment, he was commissioned first lieu- 
tenant of Company K, in that regiment, and was 
shortly afterwards promoted to be captain of Com- 
pany I. He was killed October 27, 1864, in Virginia, 
whilst in command of a battalion of sharpshooters 
attached to the First Division of the Eighteenth Army 
Corps. The following roll contains the names of men 
who enlisted from Henniker, in the several regiments 
of this State and of other States: 

FIRST REGIMENT. 
Captain Enoch W. Goss, Company I. 

SECOND REGIMENT. 

Nelson Hurd, Company O ; Proctor Collins, Company H ; Charles E. 

Goodwin, Company H ; Henry Bowman, Company U ; Clarence M. 



HISTORY OF MEIUIIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



HiU, Coinpauy H ; George L. Chase, Compauy H ; Horace Pago, ( 
pany H ; Charles Brown, Company B ; Cliarles Wilkins, Compan; 
lioron V. Hemphill, Compauy B. 



SIXTH UKGIMENT. 
AlphonsoPage, Coniiiaiiy I ; William W. Heard, Company I. 

SEVENTH KEGIUENT. 
James H. C^MwclI, Cuniiiiiiiy I) ; Lyman H. Cheney, Company D ; 

John S. Ellinit, I iq-inl. ;,'<! W. Elliott, Company E ; AVilliara 

P. Dwinnel^, I - n 1 : i ,,. Connor, Company E ; Lewis Sey- 

moTir, Comp;iii\ i . w I 1 ; pl.-y, Company E ; Charles Seymour, 

Company E; Al|.h.i ' . .-luiih, i ..uiiianyE ; Frederick H. Barues.lCom- 



NINTH KEGIMENT. 

Orlando Flanders, Company F ; William H. Stone, Company F ; Hiram 
H. Clark, Company G ; Horace Page, Company G (second enlistment) » 
Samuel E. Tucker, Company F ; Lendall A. Conner, Company G ; George 
W. Gove, Company G. 

ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 

Leander W. Cogswell, Tliomas L. Sanborn. .Ii'smii .\. M..'liia, Al- 
phonso B. Mood, Hamilton F. Green, Bol»-rr n i:, . I-; i. ; A.liim.s, 
Rufus S. Howe, George E. Barnes, Alfred .\ n l i I. II. 

Barnes, Tompkins Baker. Charlos \. Bean, Mil r. : \ linn .\. 



Wood, William II. \VadMv,.itli, all .if r,i„,,,a,„ n. 

THIRTEENTH KEGIMENT. 
Enoch W. Gobs, Company I (second enljstmc-ntl. 

FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 
Charles O. Carr, Company D ; Edward W. Barnes, Company II. 

SIXTEENTH REGIMENT. 
Jonathan Flanders, Company D ; Francis B. Srrihner, Company D 
Nelson D. Knight, Company D ; Frank B. Modica, Compauy K ; George 
M. Wilkins, Company K. 

EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT. 
Charles H. .\ndrews, George H. Ordway, Charles Seymour (second 
enlistment), all of ComiKiny A ; Lewis Gibson, Company E ; Daniel 
McDole, Company B. 

SHARPSHOOTERS. 
Frank H. Carr, Company G ; Charles F. Stevens, Company G ; Clioster 
Bailey, Company B. 

FIRST KEGIMENT CAV.VLRT. 
Henry C. Goodwin, Troop C ; Reuben M. Gregg, Troop M. 
FIRST NEW ENGLAND CAVALRY, NEW HAMPSHIRE BAT- 
TALION. 
Robert Campbell, Troop I. 
FIRST RKGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY. 
Ilein-y W. Gordon and George A. Gordon, Company C 

UNITED STATES NAVY. 
Robert Wallaiu anil William Wallace. 



MfSTCl 



Jacob R. Foster, Secoi 



\\S. 
.Vdams, Le 



Robert Campbell, ( hn< ; -l I 

Frank H. Carr, Thoma^ 11 l: _. i i .. i ^ w . Kllintt. 

ENLISTED IN UTUKK STATES. 

Daniel E. Nichols, William Breed, Ezra T. Folsom. Edson Tucker, 
G)4prge Morrill, Jonas Bacon, Thomas A. Gorman, .James II. Ellis, Gawn 
Wilkin.*, Freeman E. Colby, Newton 0. Colby. 



' Discharged soon after ] 



Number enlisted for the town 92 

Kumber enlisted in the navy 2 

Number re-enlisted 7 

Number enlisted in other States 11 

Number of substitutes .^1 

Whole number furnished by the town 103 

Under a vote of the town : 

45 men were imid S150 each S0,750 

44 men were paid S300 each l:i,200 

15 men were paid $475 each 7,10) 

8 men were paid S1,000 each 8,0l»J 

3 men were paid $200 each 000 

Total amount paid Sl.-.,r,75 

Of the number of men who enlisted for the town, 
thirty were killed in action or died in the service. 
Of the thirty-one original men from Henniker in 
the Eleventh Regiment when it left the State, only 
nine were present when it was mustered out. 

Educational. — The first money raised by the town 
after its incorporation was at the annual meeting 
held March 1, 1773, when the town " Voted Nine 
Pounds Raised to support a Schule." " Voted to have 
a Schule this year." 

For the first eighteen years after the incorpora- 
tion of the town only two hundred and thirty dollars 
was raised by the town for schooling. During this 
time, however, many private schools were taught. 
The first school-houses were built of logs. The town 
was districted first in 1788, and in 1800 again dis- 
tricted, substantially as they have remained since. 
In 1808 the first female teacher was employed. Lib- 
eral sums have, from time to time, been appropriated 
by the town in addition to the amount required by 
law, and much interest has been manifested in pro- 
viding suitable school buildings, and at this time 
every district in the town, save one, has an excellent 
school-house — most of them being new — and the valu- 
ation of the school property of the town is exceeded 
by only two towns in Merrimack County. 

Henniker Acade.my. — Henniker Academy was 
erected in 1836. The matter, of having such an 
institution in the town had been under discussion for 
some years, to a certain extent, but not until this 
year did it culminate. The building was erected by 
voluntary subscription, the people contributing very 
liberally towards it. A committee wiis chosen early 
in this year to procure a plan and contract for its 
erection. Horace Childs was its builder, and an act 
of incorporation was obtained from the Legislature, 
and the following-named gentlemen were chosen the 
first board of trustees : Rev. Jacob Scales, Dr. Nathan 
Sanborn, Hon. Joshua Darling, Samuel Smith, Esc|., 
Page Eaten, Abel Connor and Horace Childs, of 
Henniker; Col. Stephen H. Long, of Hoi)kinton; 
Rev. Jubilee Wellman, of Warner ; John Grimes, 
Esq., of Deering ; Rev. Orlando G. Thatcher, of 
Bradford ; and Gen. Anthony Colby, of New London. 
Tht first term was taught in the spring of 1837, Breed 
Batchekler, teacher. 

For thirty years, save two, the school was continued, 



HKNxNIKER. 



one to three terms being taught yearly. From 18(37 
until 1884 several terms were taught by ditrerent 
teachers, but not continuously. In 1884 an arrange- 
ment was made with the trustees whereby the town ob- 
ligated itsell'to appropriate a fixedsum for the purpose 
of modernizing the upper school-rooms in the build- 
ing, and appropriate five hundred dollars yearly, for 
five years, towards paying the salaries of competent 
teachers, and an excellent school is again in progress. 
Notwithstanding all the hindrances, a large number 
of students have pursued their studies in this institu- 
tion and become graduates of some college. Amongst 
the more prominently known graduates of this insti- 
tution are Hon. James W. Patterson, ex-Senator in 
United States Senate ; Hon. James W. Childs, State 
Senator of Michigan ; Rev. Addison Childs ; Rev. 
AugustusBerry, five years principal of the institution ; 
Rev. Nathan F. Carter, Rev. Henry E. Sawyer, Rev. 
Addison P. Foster and Edna Dean Proctor. 

The towns of Henniker, Hillsborough, Deering 
and Society Laud (now Bennington) were classed for 
the purpose of choosing a representative, and No- 
vember 14, 1774, Captain Joseph Simonds, of Hills- 
borough, was chosen for one year, and Captain Tim- 
othy Gibson, of Henniker, was then chosen ; then 
Captain Simonds, who was succeeded by Isaac An- 
drews and James MeCalley, respectively, of Hills- 
borough, by Robert Alcock, of Deering; then Cap- 
tain Simonds was again chosen. Hon. Robert Wal- 
lace was then chosen for the next four years ; then 
Gen. Benjamin Pierce, of Hillsborough, for two years ; 
then William Wallace, Esq., of Henniker, for the 
ensuing two years, since which time the town has 
had one or more representatives yearly, as foUow-s : 

Willi, im W.ilhice, Francis Bownian, Aaron Adams, Jonas Boniiian, 
Tiiu.iili;, I. il.s..ij, Joshua Darling, John Smith, John Sawyer, Oliver 
>ny. -. ^[ -,^ Uruwn, Robert M. Wallace, Artemas Rogers, Enoch Dar- 
liii_-, J..... I. Kite, William L. Woods, Lewis Smith, James Straw, Oliver 
PiUsbury, Harris Campbell, Carleton S. Dodge, Israel P. Chase, Lean- 
der W'. Cogswell, William E. Cogswell, Henry A. Kmei-son, John H. 
Albin, Cii-orge W. S. Dow, Col. Imri Woods, Jacob Straw, Daniel C. 
Gould, I'arrott Marsh, Micah'Howe, Zebulon Foster, Jr., John S. Craig, 
Kathan Sawyer, Titus Wadsworth, Oliver C. Fisher, Alfred W'insbip, 
Jeremiah Foster, Jonas Wallace, Cyrus Goss, Zadok Duston, George W'. 
Rice, Oliver H. Noyes, Walter B. Barnes, Harrison Menill, Francis Hills, 
Daniel F. Wyraan, Leonard M. Peabody. 

TOWN CLERKS FROM 1768 TO 1885. 

Silas Barnes, Amos Gould, William Presbury, Aaron Adams, Timothy 
Gibson, David Clough (nineteen years), William Wallace, Joshua Darling, 
John C. Proctor, Isaac Rice, Josiah Morse, Imri Woods (sixteen years), 
Daniel V. Gould, James Caldwell (sixteen years), Horace Gibson, Hiram 
?Iarsh, William E. Cogswell (twelve years), David S. Carr, George C. 
ri-tou, Walter!. Sargent. 

PUYSICIAN.S. 

• .lorge Morgan, Dr. Roberts, John Hunter, Amos Whitney, John 
rlements, Thomas Eaton, William Dinsmore, Jacob Whitromb, Thomas 
D. Brooks, Daniel Hough, Zadok Bowman, Dr. Cook, Paschal P. Brooks, 
John Stafford, Dr. Barnard, Dr. Johnson, Solomon Warde, Dr. Tubbs, 
George W. Cook, William H. Hackett, Nathan Sanborn, Jacob Straw, 
Israel P. Chase, John Hul-d, William Gaylord, WVsley W'. Wilkjns, 
Leonard "W. Peabody, George H. Sanborn. 

GRADUATES. 

TilliusHowe, Elisha Morrill, Benjamin Darling, David C. Pioctor, .Jacob 
C. Goss, Aaron Foster, Nathaniel B. Baker, Josiah \V. Pillsbury, tJiibert 



Pillsbiny, William Wood, Socrates Saiitli, .Vdihson P. Foster, James W*. 
Patterson, Henry E. Sawyer, Nathan F. Carter, Edward P. Scales, 
Thomas L. .Sanborn, William B. Fisher, Frank B. Modica, Robert M. 
Wallace, Solomon Warde, Timothy Darling, Augustus \\. Berry, Oliver 
Gould. 

Clergymen. — The following natives or resiiU'iits 
became clergymen : 

Tillius Howe, David C. Proctor, Solomon Wanle, Jacob C. Goss, Parker 
Pillsbury, Stephen Whitaker, Joshua Colby, Silas Gove, Aaron Foster, 
Josiah Hill, Nathan Page, James W. Patterson, Nathan F. Carter, 
Addison Childs, Richard T. Searle, Addison P. Foster, Augustus M. 
Berry, Henry E. Sawyer, S. Knight. 

MISSIONARIES. 
Timothy Darling, William Wood, Socrates Smith, Elizabeth Darling, 
Cassandra Sawyer, Mary L. Wadsworth, M.D., Emma Sanborn, Abigail 
Hill. 

TEACHERS OF MUSIC. 
Samuel MansBeld, John Connor, Imri Woods, Daniel C. Gould, Fred- 
erick Whitney, Imri S. Whitney, Harris W. Campbell, John Jackman, 
Enoch L. 0. Colby, Oliver Pillsbury. 

LiLWYEES. 
John Kelley, Artemas Rogers, Samuel Smith, Lewis Smith, Jolin H. 
Albiu, John J. Prentiss, Timothy Darling, E. B. S. Sanborn, Warren 
Clark, Robert M. Wallace. 

JUDGES. 
Robert Wallace, Luther J. Howe, William Conner, .lo.^hua Oarliug. 

TRIAL JUSTICES. 

Jonathan Sawyer, William Wallace, Imri Woods, David Clough, Jacob 

Straw, Oliver C. Trisher and William 0. Folsom, who was also the very 

ethcient i-egister of deeds for Merrimack County from April, 18G7, to 

April, ISOn, and High Priest of Woods Chapter, No. 14, K.A. Masons. 

Social Organizations. — Aurora Lodge, No. 43, A. 
F. and A. Mason:^, was instituted June 24, 1825, and 
has been in continuous existence since. Enoch Dar- 
ling, first W. M. 

Woods Royal Arch Chapter was instituted June 7, 
1867. Judge Horace Chase, First High Priest. 

Bear Hill Grange, No. 39, was instituted December 
4, 1874, and is a prosperous organization. 

Crescent Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 60, was instituted 
July 28, 1876, and an encampment was instituted in 
1879, both of which are prosperous organizations. 

Heuniker Division, Sons of Temperance, is a flour- 
ishing organization. 

Business Industries — Contoocook Valley Pa- 
per Co.MPASY. — This company purchased the water- 
power at West Henniker in 1871. Extensive im- 
provements were made, including a large, new dam 
and an entire new mill, at an outlay of fifty thousand 
dollars, and the company was incorporated June, 
1872. Large additions have been made to the prop- 
erty since, and although some changes have been 
made in the members of incorporation, it has, with 
the exception of a few months, been substantially 
under the management of Henry A. Emerson, one of 
the three original owners of the property, assisted, 
since 1881, by William N. Johnson, a member of the 
company. 

The goods manufactured at this mill have taken a 
high rank in the markets of New England and the 
Middle States, their book-paper being pronounced by 
experienced and competent judges to be of the very 
first class. The value of the goods manufactured 
yearly is fully one hundred thousand dollars. 



354 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



This company now own the entire water-power at 
West Henniker, which is one of the most valuable 
on the Contoocook River. 

Flouuixo-Mills. — John Gutterson purchaseil the 
lower mill property in 1862, and erected thereon a 
first-clas.s grist and flouring-mill. In November of 
1864, Mr. Gutterson purchased and brought to town 
a car-load of corn, containing four hundred and six- 
teen bushels, the first car-load of corn ever brought 
into the town. He now averages sales of corn of 
seven tliousand to ten thousand bushels, and fifty 
tons of shorts. Connected with his mill is a saw-mill, 
where half a million feet of lumber are manufactured 
yearly. 

CouRSEK & Son are owners of a first-class mill on 
the upper inill Pond, disposing of large amounts of 
grain and shorts yearly. Connected with their mill 
is a thresher, with which they thresh several thousand 
bushels of grain yearly ; and also they make cider, 
and saw shingles and clapboards. They are also 
owners of the water-power on the opposite side of the 
river from them, upon which they have erected 
a building used as a saw-mill. The largest part of 
the wheat raised within a radius of fifteen miles is 
manufactured into flour at these two flouring-mills. 

Dry MEAsrRES. — Gage & Co. have a large mill 
near Long Pond, at which a very large amount of 
dry measures, nest boxes, piggins, covers, etc., are 
manufactured yearly, which find their way into the 
far West and South, as well as to the nearer home 
markets. The saw-mill attached to their mill man- 
ufactures half a million feet of lumber annually. 

Kit Manufactory. — George W. S. Dow has a 
large, first-class mill and machinery, in which 
seventy-five thousand kits are made yearly ; he also 
has machinery for dressing lumber and for sawing 
shingles. 

George E. Barnes has a shingle, clapboard and 
cider-mill, near Long Pond, at which two hundred 
thousand shingles and a large amount of clapboards 
are sawed yearly, and hundreds of barrels of cider 
made. 

James Wilkinh & Daniel E. Putney have 
carriage-shops, manufacturing and repairing carriages 
and sleighs. 

C. C. Richards has an extensive tin, iron and cop- 
per establishment. 

Traders.- William O. Folsom, G. C. & A. G. Pres- 
ton, Oliver H. Noyes and Samuel M. Currier, as 
traders, dispose of goods to the amount of one hun- 
dred and fifty thousand dollars yearly. 

The several industries of the town furnish employ- 
ment for a large number of hands, and manufacture 
and dispose of goods yearly to the amount of two 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 

Tlie productions of the soil amount annually to 
one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 

The inhabitants of the town have on deposit in the 
different saving-banks of the State two hundred and 



twenty-five thousand dollars, are the ownere of rail- 
road bonds and stocks of the value of thirty thousand 
dollars, and have invested in government and State 
bonds and other securities not mentioned above 
fully one hundred thou.sand dollars, and the people 
receive yearly from summer tourists several thousand 
dollars. 

Any improvements of the water-power or any en- 
terprise bringing capital and business into the town 
is exempted from taxation for ten years. 

Early Families. — In addition to the early families 
already mentioned, are the following: 

Adains, Alley, Bowman, Breed, Brown, Cha^, Connor, Cogswoll, 
Colby, Clough. Dodge, Darling, Foster, Tnichem, Gove, Gould, Gilit^ou, 
Goodnow, Gordon, llarriinan, Howe, Huntington, Kimball, Livingston, 
Merrick, Marsh, Morse, Morrison, Newton, Noyes, Page, Fatten, Pear- 
ley, Pillsbury, Proctor, Pluniincr, Ray, Rogers, Rice, Sawyer, Simmons, 
Temple, Tucker, Wallace, Whitney, Wilson, Whitman, Wood, Woods. 

Cemeteries. — At a meeting of the inhabitants of 
the town held March 26, 1770, it was " Voted that the 
burying-place shall be upon the Senter lot." " Voted 
that Josiar Ward, Ezra tucker, Silas Barns is a Com- 
mete to look out the spot of ground to bury the Ded 
in." " Voted that Josiar Ward should Dig the graves 
this year." The lot selected was the only burial-place 
for many years, and in it lies a large number of the 
early settlers, very many of them having no tablets 
to mark the spot where they are buried. Burial- 
yards in the southeast, southwest and northeast parts 
of the ^own were established : but the old cemetery, 
near the old meeting-house, which was laid out in 
1810, was the chief place of burial until the new 
cemetery was laid out. In this old yard lie the re- 
mains of a larger number than the entire population 
of the town at this date. The Friends have a burial- 
place near their meeting-house, in the south part of 
the tovpn. 

New Cemetery. — An effort was made, in 1862, to 
enlarge the old burial-yard by adding to it a portion 
of the common adjoining it ; but no favorable action 
was taken, and a number of individuals incorporated 
themselves into an organization known as the Henniker 
Cemetery Association, and purchased several acres of 
land east of the main village, of which association 
Jeremiah Foster was president, George W. Rice vice- 
president, William O. Folsom clerk, James Straw 
treasurer. The lot was laid out into avenues and 
burial-lots, a large proportion of which have been sold. 
A large receiving vault was erected, and the associa- 
tion voted that it should be forever under the control 
of its membere. The members of the association are 
never to exceed thirty. A large sum of money has 
been expended in monuments and improvements, 
and it is indeed a place " beautiful for situation." 

Census. — The first census of the town was taken in 
1775, and the population was three hundred and 
sixty-seven. In 1783 another census was taken, and 
there were found to be 749; in 1790, 1127; in 1800, 
1476; in 1810, 1608; in 1820, 1900; in 1830, 1725; 




yLi^^.... 



HENNIKER. 



ill 1S35, 1709; in 1840, 1715; iu 1850, 1690; in 1860, 
1500; iu 1870, 1288; in 1880, 1326. 

The mortuary records of the town show the average 
of deaths, yearly, since 1775, to be twenty-five; that 
one-third of the deaths have been children under ten 
years of age, and more than one-half under thirty 
years of age. Hannah Hardy died at the age of one 
liuadred and three years; Mrs. Kuth Hemphill, one 
hundred years and three months; Jeremiah Crocker 
(colored), one hundred years. Nearly or quite fifty 
persons have died in the town aged over ninety 
years, and nearly two hundred persons have reached 
tlie age of eighty years and upwards. 

Musicians. — Christopher C. Gibson, the emiuent 
viulinist, was a native of this town. He gave concerts 
in his best days in many large cities of this country, 
and at the Peace Jubilee held in Boston, in 1872. 
Mr. Gibson was the only American first violinist re- 
tained through its entire session, receiving many 
encomiums for his wonderful melody, which fully 
earned for him the title given him,— the "Ole Bull 
of America." 

Emma Abbott. — Seth Abbott, the father of Emma 
Abbott, the celebrated prima donna, was born iu 
Henniker, resided there many years, and then settled 
ill lUiuois. Her grandfather. Dyer Abbott, was a 
. .li-brated singer and teacher of music and chorister 
i-i ( Ducord and Henniker very many years. 

Henniker has furnished one Governor of this State 
— Hon. Nathaniel B. Baker ; one United States Sena- 
tor— Hon. James W. Patterson; two Representatives 
in Congress for the Stateof Maine — Hons. Eufus King 
Goodenow, in the Thirty-first Congress in 1849, and 
Eobert G. Goodenow, in the Thirty-second Congress 
in 1851. Another brother, Hon. Daniel Goodenow, 
was Speaker of the House of Eepresentatives in Maine 
in 1830, was Attorney-General of the State in 1838, aud 
a justice of the Supreme Court of the State from 1855 
to 1862. Two other brothers, John B. and William 
G , were eminent lawyers in Maine. Henniker has 
furnished several State Senators for other States ; one 
judge for Michigan, aud one for New York — the 
former, Hon. William Conner, and the latter, Hon. 
Luther J. Howe. Hon. Robert Wallace was a judge 
in this State I'rom 1803 to 1815, and Hon. Joshua 
Darling was a judge for many years, from 1816. Hon. 
Timothy Gibson, Hon. Robert Wallace and Captain 
Jonas Bowman were prominent men in the councils 
of the town aud the State during the Revolutionary 
war. Hon. Samuel Tyler, a son of Henniker, made 
his home in the Argentine Republic, in South Amer- 
ica, aud was the pioneer of the South American trade, 
and shipped the first cargo of wool brought from 
Buenos Ayres to an American port, amassing a large 
fortune in the trade, and settled in Portland, Me, 
where he died in 1879. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



William (1), the original ancestor of the Connor 
family, came from England in the ship "Fortune" 
in 1621. The Plymouth records mention his division 
of land in 1623. The name was then spelled Coner. 
Cornelius (2), his son, was in Exeter in 1637. Thence 

removed to Salisbury, Mass., and married Sarah ■, 

by whom he had Sarah, born August 23, 1656 ; John, 
born December 8, 1G60 ; Samuel, born February 12, 
1662; Mary, born December 27, 1663; Elizabeth, born 
February 27, 1665 ; Rebecca, born April 10, 1668 ; 
Ruth, born May 16, 1669 ; Jeremiah (3), born No- 
vember 6, 1672 ; and a daughter, probably Ursula. 
Jeremiah (3), one of the proprietors of Exeter, mar- 
ried, July 3, 1696, Ann Gove, daughter of Edmund 
Gove, and their children were Jeremiah, Jonathan 
(4), Philip, Samuel, Benjamin, Hannah and Ann. 

Jonathan (4) married Mehitable Thing, born July 
19, 1706, daughter of John and Mehitable Thing. 
Their children were Anne, born September 15, 1724; 
Mehitable, born December 5, 1726, died August 30, 
1736 ; Jeremiah, born February 8, 1730-31 ; Jonathan, 
born October 14, 1737 ; Anne, born December 10, 
1739; Mehitable, born July 27,1742; John Thing, 
born July 18, 1745. These two daughters became 
Mehitable Thing and Anne Giddings. 

Jeremiah, sou of Jeremiah the proprietor, settled 
with his family iu Gilmanton, January 19, 1763, and 
was the eleventh family in that township. Jonathan 
(4), his brother, was a practical surveyor of lands 
and gave much assistance in surveying the lots in Gil- 
manton. Jonathan (4) was born in Exeter Decem- 
ber 5, 1699. He was commander of a scouting com- 
pany during the French and Indian Wars. Thursday 
December 4, 1746, the Houseof Representatives, then 
in session at Portsmouth, passed the following vote 

" Yoted that there be allowed eight pounds, eleveu shillings & three 
pence in full, to Capt. Jonathan Connor A fourteen others under his 
command, scouting at JSfottingham ten days from ye 7th Aug. last, to be 
pa out of ye money in ye Treasury for ye Defence of yo Government." 

John (5) Thing Connor, son of Captain Jonathan 
(4), born in Exeter July 18, 1745, married Susanna 
Kimball, of Exeter, and removed to Hopkinton, where 
' his children were born, and where he resided until 
near the close of the Revolution, when he came to 
Henniker and settled upon the farm where his grand- 
son, A. D. L. F. Connor, now resides. He was a sol- 
dier in the Revolutionary War, and the powder-horn 
carried by him is in the [lossession of his grandson, . 
John K. Connor. We copy his discharge from the 
service, — 

"Corp. Jn» thing Connor, a soldier of the first N. Uampshire.Kegt., for- 
merly an Inhabitant of Hopkinton, County of Hillsboro, and State of N. 
Hamiishire, having honorably and faithfully served Three years in the 
service of the United States, being the term of his inlistuieut, is hereby 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



discharged from the Army and is permitted to return to the State of N. 
Hampshire. 

".fx». ClLLEV, Col. 
" Camp Danbury, April 5, 1780. To whom it may concern." 

The children of John Thing and Susanna, born in 
Hopkinton, were Mehitable, born April 13, 1770; 
George, born August 9, 1773 ; Anna, born July 9, 
1775 ; John, born September 28, 1779; Abel (6), born 
November 23, 1782; Susan C, born March 8, 1789, in 
Henniker. 

Abel Connor married, April 2{), 1808, Hannah, 
daughter of Alexander and Lois Whitney, of Henni- 
ker, who died November 23, 1828, and he married, 
September 27, 1830, Martha Greeley, of Hopkinton, 
who died November 13, 1831, and he married. May 3, 
1833, Mary L. Nichols, also of Hopkinton, who died 
July 11, 1881. His children were by his first wife, and 
were Hannah, born January 18, 1809, died February 
9,1809; John Thing, born December 9, 1809, died 
June 20, 1816 ; Liva, born June 26, 1811, married 
Solomon Heath, of Bow ; Liza, born April 25, 1813, 
died September 18, 1838 ; Alexander W., born Feb- 
ruary 6, 1815, married Harriet Spoilbrd, of Barre, Vt., 
died December 11, 1880; Alvira, born January 8, 
1817, married J. G. M. Foss, of Hopkinton, died 
August 9, 1882 ; Eunice C, born November 26, 1818, 
married E. P. Leach, of Dunbartou ; John K., born 
June 6, 1820, married Mary J. Darling, of Henniker; 
Hannah C, born March U, 1822, marriedP.M. Flan- 
ders, of Hopkinton ; and Abel De La Fayette, born 
April 16, 1824, married, first, Louisa Bacon, of Henni- 
ker, who died June 27, 1859, and, second, Lucy S. 
Goodell, of Hillsborough. Daniel Connor, of Exeter, 
once warden of New Hampshire State Prison, was a 
cousin of Abel Connor. 

Abel Connor was no ordinary man. Future genera- 
tions have a right to know what manner of men pre- 
ceded them, who, by their genius, thrift, energy and 
enterprise, gave form and stability to the town in 
which they lived. Henniker has had many of these 
men, but, perhaps, among them all, no name is more 
closely identified with the prosperity of the town than 
that of Abel Connor, who, by his honesty, energy and 
upright Christian character has left a history which 
will continue far into the future. When all who knew 
him personally shall have passed to the other shore, 
his name will be fresh in the minds of the generations 
left, for his life stamped its impress on the town 
itself. 

The youngest son of the family, he remained with 
his father upon the homestead, caring for his parents 
while they lived, performing his share of the hard 
work required upon the farm in clearing the forests 
and turning the land into fruitful fields, and his 
chances for acquiring much of an education from books 
were very limited, a few weeks at the district school, 
during the winter term for a few winters, being his 
only opportunity ; but his innate force of character 
early developed his wonderful observation, and his 
aptness to benefit himself by what he saw and heard 
assisted him vcrv much to form those habits and fix 



within him those principles which were the guide of 
his life. 

In his mature years, recognizing his individual re- 
sponsibility to God, humbly and cheerfully consecra- 
ting liimself and all that he had to Christ, he, Novem- 
ber 13, 1831, publicly confessed his faith and united 
with the Congregational Church in Henniker. For 
several years preceding this event he had been a 
strong support of the society connected with thi* 
church, holding many responsible positions. From 
the time of his union with the church till the day of 
his death he was an earnest Christian worker, atteml- 
ing the meetings of the church punctually upon the 
Sabbath and upon week-days, giving words of encour- 
agement and admonition without stint, often presiding 
at the meetings of both church and society, serving 
as collector and treasurer (treasurer seventeen years, 
which position he held at the time of his death). 

A man of strong and right convictions, he was 
prompted to corresponding actions. His question al- 
ways was " What is my duty under existing circum- 
stances?" So far as man can, he marked out his own 
course, seeking light from every possible source, and 
then, acting upon his best judgment,generally accom- 
plished his object. Without seeking to be popular, 
he was respected by all who knew him. He possessed 
the knowledge of human nature in a marked degree, 
and usually read the true character of those around 
him. 

His biographer has said of him: "Mr. Connor 
was not an isolated man ; he was a citizen. And a man 
of his promptness and precision in transacting his own 
private business would, almost as a matter of course, 
be called out from the retirement of private life to 
look after the interests of others. A very large pro- 
portion of the public moneys of the town for a third 
of a century passed through his hands. He transacted 
the business of the public with such perfect accuracy 
as to secure the utmost confidence of all." 

Mr. Connor never sought preferment at the hands 
of his fellow-townsmen ; but they knew him well, and, 
becau.se of this knowledge and the confidence reposed 
in him, great responsibilities, requiring sound judg- 
ment, skill and great executive powers, were placed 
upon him, and he always handed back these trusts 
after their execution, accomplished in so faithful a 
manner that the only answer that could be given him 
by his fellow-citizens was, — " Well done, good and 
faithful servant." 

Presiding ofiicers of town-meetings often called 
upon him to assist in preserving order, and he was 
always obeyed promptly. He was an abiding law and 
order man ; indeed, his whole life was one system of 
order. He did what his hands found to do with a pre- 
cision almost remarkable, allowing nothing to swerve 
him from the line of duty marked out by him when 
any responsibility was placed upon him, and no obsta- 
cle was too great for him to overcome when once he 
saw the end desired. 

He was collector of the taxes of the town for over 



HENNIKER. 



367 



twonty years, ;iiiil though the collector's book was 
never eorrcet wlieii placed in his hands, it was always 
i'oiiiid correet when he returned it, and this position, 
at the time Mr. Connor held it, was one of great re- 
sponsibility. He ever proved true in this, as in all 
other business intrusted to him. 

Though many people sought his advice and as- 
sistance in the placing of money in safe and remun- 
erative investments, and his advice was ever freely 
given, yet it is remarkable that no loan he advised 
proved a poor or losing investment. To him, more 
than to any one else, were the poor and unfortunate 
of the town indebted for the comfort they enjoyed in 
their declining years, for it was largely through his 
etlbrts that, after years of discussion, it was finally 
voted to have a town farm, where all could be well 
jirovided for, instead of being sold to the lowest bid- 
der yearly, as had been the custom for so long a 
time. Mr. Connor was chosen one of the committee 
to purchase a farm. The one bought was objection- 
able to some, and in a few years it was thought wise 
to change it. Mr. Connor made no objection ; but 
when it was suggested that the committee paid too 
nmeh for the first farm, he offered to take it at what 
it had cost, in order that the poor could be better 
provided for, which offer the town accepted and re- 
ceived the money. He was, ])erhaps, more conver- 
sant with the landed property of Henniker than any 
other man, having assisted in measuring and lining 
a large portion of the town, being especially fitted for 
this work by his well-known habits of accuracy. His 
life was full of little incidents that illustrate the 
marked characteristics of the man and the principles 
he had laid down for the government of his life. 

Promptness and decision were two great traits of 
his daily action. While collector of taxes he met at 
one time, at a store, a strong, stalwart man, who de- 
fied his authority to execute the law then existing in 
regard to taking the body for taxes. After listening 
for a few moments to the talk and threats of the man, 
he asked all present to assist in placing him in his 
wagon, and in an almost incredibly short space of 
time the man found himself within the walls of the 
county jail. In 1833, when some of Mr. Connor's 
friends, earnest workers in the cause of temperance, 
were endeavoring to persuade some hard drinkers to 
give up the cup, they were met with the objection, 
" If we had Uncle Abel's cider orchard, we would give 
up drinking rum." When this was reported to Mr. 
Connor, he immediately said : ' ' Does my cider orchard 
stand in the way '? It shall be cut down !" and, suiting 
the action to the word, he passed through his orchard, 
marking every tree whose fruit was fit only for cider, 
and felled them all to the ground, heavily laden with 
half-grown apples. 

Another incident illustrates the generosity and jus- 
tice that governed him. He had many chestnut- 
trees, the nuts from which he always gathered him- 
self; but one season two needy young men applied 



for the privilege of picking them on equal shares. It 
was granted, and when all (several bushels) were gath- 
ered, Mr. Connor was called upon to divide them, and 
did so, giving the young men too-//«Vrf.< instead of one- 
half When reminded that they expected only one- 
half, he said: "You have gathered these chestnuts 
and have requested me to divide them ; I am satisfied 
with the division and I have done you no harm ; you 
have been faithful." 

Mr. Connor became an early friend of the cause of 
temperance. In the earliest years of his life it was 
the custom of almost every one to indulge in the use 
of intoxicating drinks, and he was not an exception ; 
but having some conversation upon the matter with 
true and trusted friends, he resolved to do what lay in 
his power to stay the demon of intemperance, and was 
one of four men and eight women who organized the 
first temperance society in Henniker, July 6, 1829. 
When the Washingtonian movement swept over the 
land, in 1843, Mr. Connor was among its earliest and 
most ardent advocates, and, largely through his un- 
bounded zeal and great personal interest in the cause, 
Henniker was moved as never before in this work, 
and good effects were produced that have never been 
effaced. Besides all he did for the church and Sab- 
bath-school, with which he was connected, he was a 
warm advocate of, and dispenser of many gifts to dif- 
ferent charitable organizations engaged in missionary 
work, both in this and foreign lands, and a certain 
portion of the products of his farm was set aside 
yea;-ly for this generous purpose. One of these ob- 
jects was the Colonization Society, which assisted 
slaves who could obtain their freedom to establish 
homes in Liberia. 

As early as 1824 his attention was called to the 
raising of grafted fruit, and in a few years his orchards 
were bending with their luscious burden, and Mr. 
Connor was known throughout this and the neighbor- 
ing States as one of the first to introduce grafted fruit 
into Central New Hampshire, and one of the most 
successful raisers of good fruits in 'New England at 
that time ; and when it found its way to market, it 
was only necessary to say by whom it was raised to 
secure for it a ready sale. 

Living and dying upon the old homestead, Mr. 
Connor was a progressive, hard-working farmer, .se- 
curing his bountiful harvests by earnest, f>iithful 
labor, and it was in the privacy of his own home that 
he, as a husband and father, was the best-known, 
setting an example to his family safe for them to fol- 
low. The first act of every day was to acknowledge 
his dependence upon the overruling power of God, 
and to seek His guidance. That he had faults need 
not be said ; for had he not, something more than hu- 
man must he have been ; but he knew them all, and, 
through the grace of God, sought to overcome them, 
teaching his children to shun them, and by so doing 
became the loved and honored head of the fivmily 
making his home one of comfort, peace and happiness. 



358 



HISTORY OF MEREIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Mr. Connor died October 20, 1854. On the day 
preceding the night in which he was attacked with 
his last illness he was in his accustomed place in the 
church, and addressed the Sabbath-school in his 
usual earnest manner. The progress of his disease 
was rapid, and he passed peacefully away, surrounded 
by his loving family, to whom he gave faithful ad- 
monitions to be prepared to follow him. 

And not only in his own sorrowing family, but 
throughout the town and community where he had 
been so long known and highly respected, there was 
great sadness and a feeling that a faithful, aflectionate 
husband and father, a trusted, reliable, honorable 
citizen, had passed on to his reward. 



JOHN GUTTERSOX. 

John Gutterson was born June 16, 1832, in Dun- 
liarton, Jlerrimack County, N. H. He is the son of 
Nathan and Sarah (Atwood) Gutterson, and grandson 
of Josiah and Rachel (Sawyer) Gutterson. Josiah 
was born in Pelham, N. H., while his wife, Rachel, 
was a native of Draout, Mass. He was by occupa- 
tion a blacksmith. When a young man, soon after 
his marriage, he went to Francestown, and remained 
there ten or twelve years, when he removed to 
Weare, N. H., where the remainder of his life was 
spent. He died aged fifty-seven. Mrs. Gutterson 
lived to be sixty-nine years of age. 

Nathan Gutterson was born in Francestown March 
8, 1796. He learned blacksmithing with his father, 
and remained with him till twenty-one years of age. 
His tastes did not incline him to follow blacksmith- 
ing as a pursuit, and for some years after attaining 
his majority he clerked in a store, and at intervals 
taught school. He also did a considerable business 
at potash-making, which in those days was quite an 
industry. He married, March 25, 1821, Sarah, 
daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Cross) Atwood, of 
Atkinson, N. H. In 1825 he removed from Weare 
(whither he had gone with his parents) to Dunbar- 
ton, N. H., where he engaged in farming and butch- 
ering till 1830, when he took charge of Stark's 
Mills, and continued in charge till 1856, and from 
1844 to 1850 he also had charge of the Stark farm; 
he then removed to a farm of his own, but still re- 
tained charge of the mills. In 1863 he removed to 
llenuiker, N. H., where he resided in the village, 
and spent his time — whenever he chose to be em- 
ployed — in tending his son John's grist-mill. In 
his younger days he was a captain of militia, and 
retained the title among his acquaintances as long as 
he lived. He was frequently chosen to town offices, 
and in 1841 and 1842 was representative to the State 
Legislature. He was a life-long Democrat, and in 
religious belief was a Universalist, although he never 
united with any church. 

He had four children : William W., resides in 
Menniker. Sarah J., married, first, Alfred L, Boynton, 



of Weare ; had two children ; married, second, Otis 
Hanson, of Henniker; no issue; she died May 25, 
1871. Maria L., married David S. Carr, of Gofistown ; 
now resides in Henniker ; has three children. John 
whose portrait accompanies this sketch. Natliaii 
Gutterson died December 2, 1872. Mrs. Gutterson 
died November 22, 1873. 

John Gutterson received his education at the com- 
mon schools, supplemented by an attendance of three 
terms at a select school. 

When a lad he assisted his father in the mill and 
on the farm. When in his nineteenth year he went 
to Lynn, Mass., to learn the carpenter's trade, and 
remained there most of the time for about three 
years. In the spring of his twenty-second year lie 
went to Goftstown, and engaged in a sash and blin<l- 
factory. Blay 23d of this same year, 1854, he married 
S. Frances, daughter of Dr. Isaac Stearns, of Dun- 
barton. Her mother was Eunice P. Marshall, of Dun- 
barton. The following year Mr. Gutterson removed 
to Dunbarton and took charge of the Stark Mills, 
succeeding his father in their management. In 1860 
he superintended the remodeling and rebuilding of 
the mills. October 1, 1862, he removed to Henniker, 
having purchased the property known as the old 
Howe Mill and privilege on Contoocook River. This 
place he has made his home to the present time. 
The year following his purchase of the property he 
rebuilt the mill and remodeled it throughout. In 
1866 he built the pleasant and commodious dwelling 
in which he now resides. In 1868 he purchased a 
half-interest with John Gage in the manufacture of 
bent dry measures. This interest he retained seven 
or eight years, when he sold out. He has always con- 
tinued his grist and saw-mill, and does quite a con- 
siderable business purchasing grain, grinding it ami 
selling the product. 

In politics he has until recently affiliated with llic 
Democratic party; but, being an earnest advocate <jI' 
temperance, he has cast his vote and influence with 
the Prohibition party, and been somewhat prominent 
as a temperance worker in connection with the Re- 
form Club and, more recently, the Sons of Temper- 
ance. 

In the summer of 1862 he received the Blue Lodge 
degrees in Masonry in Blazing Star Lodge, No. 11, of 
Concord, N. H., and that fall he became a member 
of Aurora Lodge, No. 43, of Henniker. A few years 
later he took the Chapter degrees in Woods Chapter, 
No. 14, of Henniker. He has held various offices in 
both, and was Master of Aurora Lodge, 1883-84. 

He united with the Congregational Church in 1870, 
and in 1872 was chosen superintendent of the Sunday- 
school, which position he still holds. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gutterson have four children : Kate 
M., married Richard L. Childs, of Henniker; has 
three children, — Anna L., Emily F. and Francis L. 
Clara C, unmarried, a teacher in the Francestown 
Academy. Alice M., resides with her parents. 





€,:f:d^^f^ 



~\^^<^2><u^ Pi^<^^WiP 




^"^'iyABBxtchic. 



J^d-c^-,-^c.£^ ^^ifl-i^^-^-^^^ 



TIENNIKKIl. 



Sarah B., who has been alternately atteiiiliiig and 
teaching school. 

Mr. Gutterson is one of the substantial, respectable 
and influential citizens of Henniker, industrious, 
earnest and persevering, of genial nature, with a 
pleasant word for all. lie is of the type of man who 
will win and retain a friemlshiii, let his lot be cast 
where it mav. 



Horace Chikls, son of Solomon Childs, Jr., and 
Mary (Long) Child, was born August 10, 1807, in 
Henniker, N. H., and is a descendant of an old English 
family of honor, entitled to bear a coat-of-arms. The 
first date we have of the appearance of the family in 
America is in 1630, when Ephraim Child and his 
brother William emigrated to Watertown, Mass. 
They were men earnest in character, distinguished for 
piety, methodical and exact in their habits, and the 
American family bearing the name of Child or Childs 
has always taken a prominent part in the progressive 
movements of the day. AVilliam ( 1) was made a freeman 
in 1634; was a man of note, and possessed of much 
landed estate. John (2), son of William, was born in 
Watertown, Mass. He married, for his second wife, 
May 29, 1668, Mary Warren, born November 29,1651, 
grand-daughter of John Warren, who came to America 
in the " Arabella" with Governor Winthrop, in 1630 
(Mr. Warren was a selectman of Watertown, a man 
independent and eccentric in character). Mr. John 
Child, although dying at the age of forty, had been 
representative to the General Court, and was con- 
spicuous in town affairs. John (3), born In Water- 
town April 25, 1669, married Hannah, daughter of 
Captain William French. He was an intelligent and 
representative man. Jonathan (4), born in Water- 
town April 26, 1696, married Abigail Parker, October 
2, 1729 ; they settled in Grafton, Worcester County, 
Mass., where Mr. Child died September 8, 1787, in his 

ninety-second year. Josiah (5) married Ruth . 

Solomon (6) was born in Grafton January 3, 1743. 
He married, April 16, 1767, Martha, daughter of Elijah 
Rice, of Westborough, Mass., and sister of Elijah and 
Deacon Daniel Rice. Animated by the restless spirit 
and tireless energy which marks the pioneer, soon 
after his marriage, Solomon left Massachusetts, came 
to New Hampshire and settled in Henniker, when 
the whole northwestern portion of the town was a 
wilderness. Mrs. Martha (Rice) Childs was a woman 
of sterling worth, and well fitted to be a helpmeet for 
this sturdy pioneer. She died August 26, 1804, leav- 
ing children. Mr. Childs married, second, Mrs. 
Sarah (Goodell) Ward. He lived to see the town 
reach its maximum population. He was a farmer all 
his days, and his original farm is now occupied by his 
grandson, Carlos Childs. He died February 27, 1827, 
leaving a large family to honor his memory and 
emulate his virtues, which gave him a high place in 



the esteem of the community. Solomon (7), Jr., 
was born in Henniker July 30, 1781. He acquired 
the trades of carpenter and cabinet-maker, and was 
prominent as a builder, and when the large factories 
in Dover, N. H., were being erected his services were 
in requisition, and he passed five years there. He 
married, first, September 21, 1806, Miss Mary Long, 
of llopkinton, N. H. She died in 1823, having been 
the mother of eleven children. Mr. Childs married, 
second, Lucinda, daughter of William and Mary 
(Ileaton) Child. She died January 20, 1852. Mr. 
Childs was also a farmer, having inherited a part of 
his father's farm, and carried it on in connection with 
his other business. He was a Whig in politics, a 
member of the Congregational Church and a very in- 
dustrious and worthy citizen. Affable and courteous, 
with a smile and good word for all, he will be long re- 
membered with pleasure by those who knew him. 
He was a very vigorous man, and after he was eighty 
years old walked fi-om Concord to Henniker, adistance 
of fifteen miles. He died October 19, 1865. Horace 
Childs (7) passed his childhood, and until he was 
eighteen years old, attending school and assisting 
his father on the farm. He then accompanied his 
parent to Dover, N. H., and engaged in the carpenter- 
ing business, remaining there a few years. At the 
age of twenty -two he returned to Henniker, and spent 
two years in house-building, when, on account of a 
severe illness, he was compelled to relinquish active 
labor for a time, and in the interim, a year or more, 
attended school and fitted himself for future work. 
At this time his cousin. Colonel S. H. Long, who had 
invented a new design for bridges, prevailed upon 
him to go to Boston, where he engaged in building 
bridges on the Boston and Worcester and Boston and 
Providence Railroads. After he had acquired suffi- 
cient knowledge of the business he engaged as a 
master-builder to superintend the building of a bridge 
across the Connecticut River at Haverhill, N. H. This 
bridge, after half a century of constant usage, stands 
to-day a testimony of the fidelity with which the 
work was done. He built three other bridges at vari- 
ous places on the Connecticut River; also three over 
White River. All the bridges on the line of the 
Hartford and New Haven Railroad were originally 
builtunder his supervision and contract, he paying Col- 
onel Long a royalty for the use of his patent. The plan 
of Colonel Long was found to be deficient in strength 
for heavy railroad bridges, and Mr. Childs studied to 
devise one that would be satisfactory. His labor was 
successful, and he patented his improvement, which 
was followed in nearly all of his subsequent work, 
which comprised most of the bridges on the Northern 
Railroad from Concord to White River Junction, many 
on the Providence and Worcester Railroad, a large 
one on the Erie Railroad at Port Jervis, N. Y., and 
some smaller ones on the same road. The bridges on 
the New Hamjishire Central Railroad also were of 
his construction. While building one across the 



360 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW IIAMPSIIIRE. 



Merrimack at Manchester he liad a limb broken by a 
falling timber, which disabled him for some time, but 
he entirely recovered its use. During this period of 
inactivity his brothers, Enoch and Warren, took 
charge of his business, and were engaged in the work 
in Maine, on the Kennebeck and other roads. 

In 1851 a train from Boston to Concord, having on 
board President-elect Franklin Pierce and family, was 
wrecked, and the only child of Mr. Pierce was killed 
and many passengers injured, among them Mr. 
Childs. He was badly hurt about the head and 
rendered insensible for some time. For several years 
the effects of this accident were seriously felt, and lie 
has never fully recovered from it. During all tliese 
years of active labor Mr. Childs has made Henniker 
his home, and after he gave up bridge-building he 
purchased a small ftirm on which to occupy himself, 
and he has continued until the present time to over- 
look its cultivation. The house in which he now re- 
sides in the village has been the home of himself and 
wife for nearly fifty years. 

Mr. Childs married, January 11, 1837, Matilda R., 
daughter of John and Sally (Jones) Taylor, of Demp- 
ster. Mrs. Childs is descended, paternally, from 
William Taylor, who came to America in 1642. The 
line is William (1), Abraham (2), Deacon Samuel (3), 
Thaddeus (4), John (5), Matilda R. (6). Her 
uncle, Rev. Oliver Swaine Taylor, M. D., died in 
February, 1875, at Auburn, N. Y., at the remarkable 
age of over one hundred years and four months. He 
was born December 17, 1784 ; graduated at Dart- 
mouth, in 1809 ; was appointed missionary physician 
to Ceylon in 1815, but circumstances prevented his 
going ; he assisted in editing the Panoplist, and was 
ordained as au evangelist at the age of sixty-three. 
Mrs. Childs' father lived to be nearly ninety-two, 
and one of his brothers reached the age of ninety-six. 



Maternally, she is descended from the Lockcs, the 
first American ancestor being Deacon William Locke, 
who came from Stepney Parish, London, England, in 
ship "Planter," and settled at Woburn, Mass., in 
which place and Winchester there are many of his 
descendants, who, at present, are good and prosperous 
citizens. 

Mr. and Mrs. Childs have had no children, but they 
have cared for those of others. 

Mr. Childs has taken an active part in the edu- 
cational interests of his native town, and has assisted 
young men in obtaining an education. In 1836 he 
was chosen one of a committee to report a plan for 
locating and building an academy. The site decided 
upon was given by Mr. Childs, and the academy was 
built by him under contract. He was also one of its 
incorporators. He has been all his life an earnest 
advocate of temperance, making it a point, when em- 
ploying men upon public works, that no ardent spirits 
should be used in or about the works. He is a stamh 
Republican, and has always voted that ticket. In 
1831 he united with the Congregational Church in 
Henniker, and has been one of the deacons of the 
church since February 19, 1855, and faithfully fulfilled 
the duties of that position. He has done much to 
sustain the church in all of its relations, and is a 
valuable member of the society. He has also been 
personally very active in making improvements about 
the church and vestry. He is a life-member of the 
American Board of Foreign Missions. 

Mr. Childs is a man of strict integrity, marked 
generosity and liberality of character. As a business 
man successful, as a citizen respected and beloved, 
and as one who has done much to further and pro- 
mote the improvement and prosperity of his native 
town, he stands among her representative men, and is 
a worthy descendant of the "old pioneer." 



HISTORY OF HOOKSETT. 



BY SAMUEL llEAI 



(2nd). 



CHAPTER I. 

HooKSETT is located in the lUdSt southerly iinrtion 
o( Merrimack County, being bounded on the north by 
IJciw and Allenstown,on the east by Deerfield,Candia, 
and Auburn, on the south by Auburn and Manches- 
ter, and on the west by Goffstown. The surface is very 
uneven and is not generally adapted for agriculture, 
but in some sections of the town, especially bordering 
the Merrimack River, the soil is fertile, of an alluvial 
and aluminous nature, which affords some well-culti- 
vated farms. The Merrimack River flows in a wind- 
ing manner through the westerly part of the town 
nearly its entire length from north to south. The 
river, from the early primitive times, has changed its 
channel in a number of instances according to the 
geographical and geological construction of the sur- 
face of the valley of the beautiful Merrimack. The 
banks of the river are high and dry above the surface 
of the w^ater in a large portion of the territory that 
the river meanders through, thus protecting the ad- 
joining country from being overflowed with the turgid 
stream in times of floods and high water. Wher- 
ever such barriers exist the land is of a sandy nature, 
which is not succe.ssfully cultivated at the present 
time. Between the Merrimack River, back from the 
valley, and the eastern part of the town the soil is 
sandy, with a gravelly subsoil, and is almost entirely 
covered with scrub oaks and underbrush growing into 
a slight growth of woodland. About three-fifths of 
the acreage of the town of Hooksett is wild, unfit for 
tilling or grazing, and consequently the land is de- 
voted to growing wood and timber. Throughout this 
whole territory solid ledges and high boulders of 
granite crop out in every direction, giving the land an 
ungainly and impracticable appearance. The early 
growth originally cut and marketed was mostly white 
and hard pine. Most of the original territory now- 
embraced in the town of Hooksett, on the east side of 
the river, was formerly called Chester Woods. As 
early as October, 1719, about eighty persons, chiefly 
from Hampton and Portsmouth, associated for the 
purpose of obtaining a grant of a township in the 
" Chestnut Country." In every reference in early his- 
tory made to the northerly part of the old town of 



Chester it was called " White Pine Country " or 
" Chester Woods." Thus, to this late day, the country 
remains the same, only the territory is at some points 
in a thorough state of denudation. This whole coun- 
try, according to the original map prepared by Benja- 
min Chase' of the town of Chester, places it in the 
fifth and fourth divisions. The lots were made out 
running north and south, and numbered east and 
west. In the eastern part of the town there are a 
number of ponds, now called Lakin's Pond, Clay Pond 
and Sawyer's Pond, and they are interlinked by brooks 
at the north part, having their outlet from Lakin's 
Pond through Brown's Brook into the Merrimack 
River, and in the southerly part via Lake Massabesic. 
In the early history of old Cheshire, when the primeval 
forests were undisturbed, this part of tlie township 
abounded in beavers, that built dams across the various 
streams, and the growth of wood waa destroyed by 
constant flowage, but when the country became settled 
the beavers were destroyed, and the land came into 
natural grass, which was of great use to the early set- 
tlers. These meadows extended into all parts of the 
original township, including the territory lying be- 
tween the AVhite Hall Mill, near Rowe's Corner, and 
old Derryfield (now Manchester). 

Another most prominent meadow commenced in 
what is now the village of Auburn, and extended to 
the Londonderry line, and was called the "Long 
Meadows." As late as February 5, 1721-22, the 
proprietors " Voted that the Lott Layers survey the 
principle meadows and Reserve them out of the 
Second Division for the Publick use until the Prop" 
See Cause to Divide 'em." 

April, 1727, it was " Voted that the Inhabitants, 
and those that are coming to Settle, divide ye Cutting 
of ye meadows in Equal Proportion among Them- 
selves for ye Year Ensuing, and that none Cutt any 
before the Last day of July, on the penalty of 208., to be 
paid by each person for every day y' he or they shall 
offend, to be paid to the Selectmen for ye use of the 
Poor of the Town." 

March 28, 1728, it was " Voted That there shall be 



1 Benjumin Chase is the author of "Chase's History of the Town of 
Chester," publisheti iu the year of 1809. 



HISTORY OF IIILLSBOllOUGII COUNTY, NEW IIAMPSHIRK. 



a Division ol' meadow to Every lliglit according as it 
will hold out in quantity & quality, according to y" 
goodness or badness of y" Meadow, to make every 
man's share as Etjual as can be." 

At the present time, whatever meadow there is in the 
town of Hooksett that could be classed in the above 
is not valued so much for cropping as then, for the 
larraers now devote more attention to English grass, 
and use meadow hay for cheap foddering purposes. 
In a number of instances the old original meadows 
are entirely obliterated, being now covered with a 
growth of trees, and if, in the march of modern prog- 
ress, the farmers should improve these lands, they 
would find, in time, land of great natural fertility. 
On the west side of the Merrimack River the land is 
very uneven, and rises to quite an elevation where 
the boundary line divides us from Goffstown, Dun- 
barton and Bow. The soil is good and farming is 
successflilly carried on. 

The origin of the name of Hooksett dates back to 
an early period in the history of this country. Isaac 
W. Hammond, in his compilation of State papers, 
says, " The name ' Isle au Hooksett ' and ' Isle au 
Hooksett Falls ' was attached to the locality many 
years before the incorporation and naming of the 
town, but it is impossible to ascertain its derivation." 
He refers to Captain Ladd's scouts, who camped near 
a pond in the north part of Chester, called Isle Hooks 
Pond, which is now supposed to be Lakin's Pond. 
The above facts were gleaned from Abner Clough's 
journal, containing an account of the march of Cap- 
tain Daniel Ladd and his men, who were sent by the 
Governor and Council of New Hampshire on July 
14, 1746,— 

" Marched from Exeter to Beach plain, is Kingston. On the loth day 
marched to Chester and there toolv more men. On the 16th day enlisted 
more men. On the 17th day marched from Chester town to a place 
called Isle Hooks pond, and scouted round the Pond and then camped 
about 11 miles. On the 18th day, early iu the morning, ranged the 
woods till .almost night, anil could make no discovery of the Enemy 
then marched to Suncook and there camped." 

During these years the early settlers were having 
much trouble from the small bands of Indians that 
were scouting the entire province. The French, 
through their mercenary modes of warfare, were the 
instigators of these scenes of devastation and cruelty, 
and during the years 1745, '46, '47, ' '48 and '49 
a great many settlers were killed or taken captives. 
These proceedings were constantly taking place until 
the year 1749, when peace was declared. 

Chase, in his " History of Chester," .says that in the 
year 1748 there was a man killed by the Indians 
near Head's Mill (now Hooksett). This man was prob- 
ably a McQuade, who was going to mill with a bag of 
corn. He was shot from behind a tree. W. H. Otter- 
son, of Hooksett, remembers that in his boyhood, his 
mother knew the location of the stump when it was 
called the McQuade stump. At that time the old 
Gault house, now the premises of Norris C. Gault, was 
a garrison. From other historical sources we learn 



that soon alter 1745, the year that the French war 
broke out, a man hy the name of Buntin was shot 
by the Indians near Head's tavern, in Hooksett. 
He was a Pelham man and was on his way to 
Pennacook. According to Jeremy Belknap, D.D., 
iu his " History of New Hampshire," a man was 
killed at Suncook in the year 1747. Undoubtedly the 
circumstance to which Belknap refers is the same as 
that mentioned by Chase and other historians, but 
Belknap is mpre correct as to data, etc. In the year 
of 1772, according to Capt.ain Pecker's journal, who 
was with a surveying-party prospecting in the Merri- 
mack Valley,- after going up the Black Brook into 
(ioffstown, where they camped, it says, — 

•■On Dec. lO* Marched from .\nna hookset hill, Croat Merrimack 
itiver & So, Steering a South Easterly Course, marched to Great Massce- 
pcscet pond, to the northermost part of Cheshire,— 16 miles." 

It seems by this record that some hill now in Hook- 
sett, west of the Merrimack River, had the appel- 
lation of Hooksett connected with its history. At an 
earlier period, in the journal kept by John Wain- 
wright, clerk of a committee appointed by the Great 
and General Court or Assembly to lay out a new 
town.ship of seven miles square at Pennacook, it is 
said, — 

•' May lO'l', 1726.— This day the Committee met at the House of Ebcu- 
ezer Eastman, in Haverhill, in order to go to Penny Cook to lay (tut the 
Township according to order. 

" Wednesday, May 11">.— Present, The HonU* William Tailor, Esq'., 
Jno. Wainwright, Esq'., Capt. .In". Shipley, Eleazer Tyngs, Esq'., and 
M'. Joseph W'ilder. This day the Committee received, of several of ye 
SettleT-s, forty shillings each, a list where of was taken ; being to defmy 
the charge of surveying the Lands, &c., and prepared the necessary pro- 
visions for their Journey and their Attendants to Penny Cook. 

" Thuraday, May 12.— liowry Weather with some rain ... At 
.\moskeag Falls we found several Irisli people catching fish, which that 
place aflbrds in great abundance. We travelled in a cart path from 
Nuttield to Anioskeag, but it was very indifferent travelling. Cloudy 
Wealli.-r. 

■■ 1 n iix \| i\ I :''' -This Morning we proceeded on our Journey. 
\'i II : \i inifiiinouB Land. About Eight a Clock we passed by 

a 1 ' kline, in Merrimack River, which is taken from a 

llill I I' i I II h uii. , Abi-ut Nine a dock we forded a pretty deep 

HruiiknrKivulettrall.il i Mm i i.|- after we came upon a large 

Tract of Intervale Latiil i ■ k liiver, where we baited and 

refreshed our selves aiiil II \ i, ti ur eleven a clock we forded 

Suncook River, which i^ i iini I -n im, and many loose Stones, of 
some Considerable Bigness in it, making it dificult to pass. One of our 
meu going over, having a heavy load on his Horse, was thrown off into 
the River and lost one of the Buggs of provisions which we lost, not hav- 
ing time to look after it. Another of our fell into ye River. Here we met 
with two men Col". Tyng sent up before us with stores (Ben" Nicolls and 
Eben'. Virgin, two of ye Settlers), and about one a Clock we passed 
Penny Cook River (alias Shin Brook or Sow Cook), pretty deep and very 

We find, by reading the above description, tliat 
the name Onna Hookline is applied to the falls, and 
other points are familiarly described in this journey. 
Again, in the year of 1638, eighty-eight years before 
the above, and only nineteen after the landing of the 
Pilgrims, the General Court of Massachusetts or- 
dered a survey of the Merrimack River to be made, 
which was done by Nathaniel Woodward in the 



HOOKSETT. 



spring of 1639, and made out as Gardner's map. On 
this mapi the Pinnacle or hills in the vicinity where 
Hooksett village now is was called Hanna-ko-Kees 
Hills. According to the map the whole country from 
the mouth of the river to the Lake Winnipiseogee is 
almost a perfect survey, and to the familiar eye, ex- 
cepting the early names, it looks reasonable. Thus 
we find, by the names early given our falls, that they 
were derived from Hanna-ko-Kees, a mountain in this 
vicinity. The hills of Hooksett are not prominently 
numerous, but in some parts of the town quite an 
elevation can be reached. In the early history of 
the State the Peunacook Indians were numerous and 
powerfiil. Their hunting-grounds were in the Merri- 
mack Valley. They were a very harmless people 
naturally, and friendly to the settlers. The writer of 
this has heard of some old people speak of recollect- 
ing of their fathers' telling about a number of Indian 
families living within the limits of Chester. The race 
has become extinct, excepting the transmitted inter- 
mixture of Indian and white blood. There are a 
few cases in this State where fiimilies have multiplied 
and become numerouii and noted by partially spring- 
ing from the Pennacook Indian tribe. 

In the southeast part of the town, near the boun- 
dary, is Hall's Mountain, which is elevated, and can 
be seen from the west a great distance. In the western 
part of the town is Hacket's Hill. At the south, east 
and north sides a very extended view can be obtained, 
reaching as far as Mount Chicorua, in Albany, Sand- 
wich Mountains and Mount Moosilunke. 

From an eminence called the Pinnacle a delightful 
view of the Merrimack Valley is seen. At your feet is 
the thriving village of Hooksett, which makes an en- 
chanting scene. On the east side is an abrupt preci- 
pice more than two hundred feet high. At the foot 
of the mountain, on the west side, is a beautiful sheet 
of water, transparent, with a greenish tinge, and show- 
ing no visible outlet. In the year of 1859-60 about 
seven thousand dollars was expended in blasting an<l 
digging for silver and gold on the west side of the 
hill. Some was discovered, but not in such quanti- 
ties as to make it pay. Tradition says that this point 
was a lurking-place for the Indians, A fine view 
could be had of the river in both directions, so that 
the approach of a foe was discerned at once. Just op- 
posite, on the east side of the mountain, is Otterson's 
Hill. On this elevation a fine northwesterly view is 
enjoyed. This point also was a place of rendezvous for 
signal purposes. On the plain between this point and 
the river Indian relics of numerous varieties are 
found, and vestiges of their wigwams are very evident 
at the present day. Around Hooksett Falls was a 
famous place for salmon, and wherever those fish were 
abundant the Indians prevailed. 

Of the early settlers little is known except what is 



ITlie ropy of the originul uiap 
chcbter, and is a great curiosity. 



found in common with the towns that Hooksett was 
made from. In that part of Chester now Hooksett 
one of the early settlers was Daniel Martin, who 
had a grant from Kin- (irci'jc. Hi-; il. sc.inl.-uits live 
in Hooksett anil rl~rn\,r,.' In Im-r ninnli.rs. It is 
said when the roail l.i Marlin's l''criy wiis laid out, in 
1776, it crossed land owned by "several of the Mar- 
tins." In the year of 1791 there was a tornado, which 
blew down the buildings of Daniel Martin, carrying 
him more than twelve rods. A large piece of timber 
was lodged on the body of Mr. Martin. David Mar- 
tin, then a child three weeks old, was held between 
the knees of an aunt, and saved from being blown 
away. This woman removed the timber from the 
body of Mr. Martin by her herculean strength. In 
the year of 1826, in July, two girls, daughters of 
David Martin, were drowned from the Dalton rock in 
the Merrimack River. They followed after their 
father to get the cows, but while playing, they slipped 
in, and the current carried them out. Mr. Martin 
narrowly escaped drowning himself in trying to save 
them. 

Jesse Kimball lived near Martin's Ferry ; had a son 
Jedediah, who lived on lot 117, fourth division ; his 
descendants are numerous throughout New England. 
John Dustin was a physician and was at Martin's 
Ferry in 1775. He was probably the first doctor that 
ever located within our territory. Thomas Wicom 
lived on the Mammoth road, and some of the people 
now living, remember the old "Smoke-house," so 
called. D. Harper, on lot 82, andS. Rowell, on lot 81, 
Auburn road. On the old road now located between 
the river and the present highway were Dalton's and 
Arwine's taverns. On Samuel Holland's map, made 
about the year of 1784, a point is indicated near this 
location called Kars ; it is supposed to be an early set- 
tlement where travelers were put up. At the junc- 
tion of the White Hall and Londonderry turnpike 
was the .1. Martin settlement. Further on was the 
White Hall, and Chase, in the History of Chester, 
places it on lot No. 123, fourth division, and J. Tal- 
ford beyond, on lot 121. According to investigation, 
the location of the White Hall was the original J. 
Talford settlement. Chase says " that in May, 1724, 
John Packer, of Haverhill, Mass., conveyed to John 
Talford, of Bradford, the home lot No. 66, and one- 
half of all of the other divisions, on condition that he 
should make a settlement. He accordingly settled on 
that lot on Walnut Hill. He was a major in the 
militia and held many civil offices. He became a 
largo land-holder and was an enterprising man. He 
built the first saw-mill at White Hall, in Hooksett." 
This Talford lot, now called the Sawyer place, con- 
tained eight hundred acres, and it was heavily covered 
with white pine timber, and as Talford in that day 
was a speculator in land, it is presumed that he loca- 
ted here for the attractions it offered for speculation. 

Mr. Talford died May, 1700, aged ninety years. 
Near the White Hall place the first path to Pennr.- 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUiNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



cook was traversed, following the same direction from 
that point as the Concord and Portsmouth Railroad 
was laid out. In the extreme eastern part of the 
fifth division, on lot 104, was the Wiggins settlement. 
On the old Chester turnpike, on lot 62, was the toll- 
house, but later the Langley tavern, which was a 
famous stojJiiing-point for the stages. This Ijuilding 
was burned in the year 1878. Ou lot No. 113, fourth 
division, Joseph Whittier settled at what is now 
Clark's tavern, or Stearns' hotel. He owned a large 
tract of land. Simeon Carr lived on the Boyes land, 
half a mile southeast of the Head tavern, in Hooksett, 
where is now the old Ledge boarding-house. He had 
a daughter born about 1778, who married Major Na- 
thaniel Head, who sold to Mark Whittier and moved 
West. The Head tavern was settled at a later date, 
about the year 1802, and a tavern was opened soon 
after by Samuel Head. It was formerly the Boyes 
lands. The original homestead is now owned by James 
Thompson. Just above was the Harriman place. 
Laban Harriman came from Hampstead about 1780 ; 
in a few years went back, and a brother, Rufiis Har- 
riman took his place, and in a few years sold. After- 
wards Richard Head owned it, dying in 1831, leaving 
it to his son, John Head, who died about the year 
1850. The place has since been owned by Henry H. 
Thompson, and the buildings were burned in Sep- 
tember, 1883. 

There was a family named Abrams that settled in 
this vicinity, of which little is known. Then theR. Gor- 
don place, which is of a later date. He is remembered 
by many people living. Hon. Jesse Gault now lives 
on the old site. The Otterson place was settled by 
William Otterson, who bought of Robert Boyes No. 
128, fifth division, where Martin L. Otterson now 
lives. William was drowned while crossing Lake 
Champlain in the year of 1760 ; he was a soldier in 
the army. He left one son, James, who served as a 
soldier at Rhode Island in 1778. The old original 
house was located a few rods north of the present Ot- 
terson house, which supplanted one that was burned 
in the year 1860. 

Samuel Brown settled on No. 28, fifth division, which 
is now owned by Hon. Jesse Gault; it was formerly 
the Hooksett poor farm. Joseph Brown settled near 
where is now Head's mill. William Brown located 
on lot No. 30, in that vicinity. Nathaniel Head came 
from Pembroke about 1780, and built a log house on 
the same spot where his grandson, the late ex-Gov- 
ernor, lived. He was an energetic business man, a 
good counselor, and was a much-respected justice of 
the peace. His daughter Polly married Thomas 
Cochrane, of Pembroke, who settled on Buck Street. 
One Sunday, about the year 1800, Thomas said to his 
wife, " Let us go and see father and mother Head to- 
day." After the chores were finished they took an 
infant baby and crossed the Suncook River, taking a 
footpath through the woods. When arriving at the 
Inmestead the mother greeted them cordially. Mr. 



Cochrane went into the main room where Esquire Head 
sat studiously reading the Bible. The reception was 
not very cordial, as he soon turned his attention from 
the book and said, — " Thomas I shall be glad to havt- 
you come to our house on any week-day, but I do not 
want you to visit us on the Sabbath." Thomas imme- 
diately notified his wife, Polly, and they returned to 
their home, never to repeat again a visit to the Hea<l 
place on the Lord's day. This characteristic sentiment 
prevailed to a larger degree with our forefathers than 
at the present time. It is said that Mr. Head kept a 
public inn at the time when the incident occurred, and 
if any person called for spirituous drams, he was suji- 
plied and it was drank on the prrmiscs. l.ni tlir T'.il>le- 
reading went right on wit)i iln -.Minr [.miouiMl regard 
for its teachings and Puritanic nspcci l.irtlic Sal)liath. 
Nathaniel Head died October 4, l.S,30. He was a trial 
justice, and many cases of litigation, etc., were left to 
him for decision. Noah M. Coffran, of Pembroke, 
now over eighty years old, relates that at one time, 
when a mere boy, he was drawing logs with oxen to the 
Merrimack River. Esquire Head was there unload- 
ing some logs, but became greatly troubled about 
landing them. Young Cotfran helped him out of the 
difticulty, and the esquire frankly acknowledged it 
was the first time in his life that he had learned any- 
thing from a boy. Mr. Coffran relates that he was 
surprised in receiving such a compliment from the 
respected, dignified man. There was a family by the 
name of Lakin, which Chase, in his " History of Ches- 
tcr,"overlooked. Theirsettlement was on the east side 
of Lakin's Pond. Some of their descendants live in 
Hooksett at the present time. The pond was a famous 
one for pickerel. The original Lakin always spoke of 
it as his " Pork Barrel." 

Just above the Head settlement was S. Gault's. He 
was born in Scotland ; married Elsie Carlton, of Wales. 
They had three children born in Scotland. He 
moved to Londonderry, Ireland, and had two children 
born there. He came to this country, and settled on 
the land now owned by his great-great-grandson, 
Norris C. Gault. 

The original house was a garrison, and the land was 
on the Suncook grant. The descendants of this fam- 
ily are numerous, becoming successful and noted. 
On the west side of the river, which was formerly 
Dunbarton, according to a plan drawn by David Ten- 
ney in October, 1803, and one drawn at Portsmouth 
in 1749, the lots were allotted as follows: 1st lot, 
11th range, Mark H. Wentworth ; 12th range, lots 1 
and 2, Jeremiah Page ; 13th range, lots 1 and 2, com- 
mon lot 3, John Wallingford and John Wentworth ; 
1st lot sold in 1764 to Bond Little ; 2d lot sold in 1764 
to Martin ; 14th range, 1st lot sold to Alexan- 
der Todd ; 2d lot, school lot ; 3d lot, John Went- 
worth ; 4th lot, vacant. Lots running along the bank 
of the Merrimack : owners, Jacob Green, Jeremiah 
Page, Thomas Upham ; sold in 1795 to Benjamin Noyes. 
The proprietors' meeting September, 1704, " Voted 



HOOKSETT. 



Jeremiah Page, Thomas Caldwell and John Hogg be 
a committee to plan out the common that lays on the 
Jlerrimack Kiver." In June, 1771, " Fote/, that Caleb 
Page go to Portsmouth and try to make a settlement 
with the Lords Proprietors about their common lands 
in Duubarton." The most of these common lands 
were situated in what is now Hooksett. On the 11th 
day of September the proprietors of more than seven 
rights in the common and undivided lands in Dun- 
barton called a meeting " to see if the proprietors would 
vote that every proprietor who is settled on common 
land in said town shall have his share or shares laid 
out when they have done their work in quantity and 
ijuality as said proprietors shall vote, or that the 
proprietors shall make a division of the common 
lands as they shall think best when met." This was 
signed by Thomas Cochran, William Cochran, James 
McColley, James Cochran y° 3d, James Cochran, 
William Page, William Wheeler, Nicholas Dodge, 
Ephraim Kinsman, EbenezeivHacket. These men were 
mostly inhabitants where Hooksett is now located. 
From 1751 to 1802 the proprietors were constantly 
having meetings, the records showing the names of 
those who were residents of the territory of Dunbarton 
(now Hooksett). 

Among the proprietors' rights were Thomas Coch- 
ran, four rights of land where he lived, near the river 
(supposed Merrimack), fifty-one acres each, one hun- 
dred and three acres, two rights including the Hooksett 
Falls; Deacon Cochran, one right of land adjoining 
Thomiis Cochran's land, thirty acres ; Farrington and 
Abbot, five rights where Abbott lives, seventy acres. 
This was one of the original settled places, called the 
Joshua Abbott place, near the head of Hooksett 
Falls, on the lot where the John Prescott place is 
nf)w situated. In the year 1813 the selectmen of 
Dunbarton notified Eobert Cochrane, a surveyor in 
what is now west village of Hooksett and outskirts, 
which composed Dunbarton, to give notice to the fol- 
lowing tax -payers of the amount of their highway tax : 
Eobert Cochrane, Eichard H. Ayer, Joshua Abbot, 
Philip Abbot, Henry Moulton, Captain John Hoyt, 
Lieutenant John Baker, Ensign Samuel Flanders, 
Luman Lincoln, Josiah Barnes, Sirus Baker, Abel 
Dow, Samuel Hosmer, Winthrop Knight, Samuel 
Martin, Luther Shattuck, William Otterson. The 
whole amount assessed was $05.15. 

A valuable collection of papers that have been 
kept in good condition, that belonged to the Cochrane 
and Abbot families, the first settlers in above district, 
are interesting on account of their age and curiosity. 
An original deed as follows : 

" Phovince of New Hamp. : At the annual meeting of the Proprietors 
of Bow, in said Province, lield at Stratham, in said Province, on Tues- 
day, the 30th Day of May, 17(;9, By adjournment from the first Thurs- 
day in April last past, Voted to Thomas Cochran, his Heirs and assigns 
(for and in Ctonsideration of Thirty-six Shillings, Lawful money, paid at 
the meeting), a small Island Lying at the mouth of the Suncook River, 
in Bow, containing one acre and Sixty-Six Rods, be it more or le&s. 

" A true copy from said Proprietors' Record. 

"Attest, Sam'l Lane, Prop* Clerk." 



"Know all men by these presents, til ;if I, !:■ 
in the Province of New Hamp., in N('\\ i ■ 
Pound five Shillings, Law full money, > i i ■. 
in the Province affor«aid, yooni;iii, in lull ' ; 
Presbyterian meeting-houss in !■ mi t 
house, it Being that Pertiniiii i'. i , ,; i i 

Daniel moor and SamuoU im' i 1 ' i It.: 

of Lt. Samuel Connor, in s;ii>i IViitta^uk, lu 
hereunto set my hand and Seal this 13th Day c 



i< Imsed of .lohn Bryaul 
I; N'endue at the hous 
Wituoss whereof I havi 
January, 17G0. 
" Besja. Habris." 



" LrrcuFiEtn, August 2G, 1765. 
'Sir. Thos. Ooffrin, please to pay toThos. Russ two Shillings, LawfuH 
ney, and this shall be your Discharge of all Demands from yours, sir, 
" Obadiau Uawse." 



AHENSTOW.V, Sept. 29, 17G5. 
shillings, Lawfull money, 
ither Debts from ye Begining of ye 



" This Day Received of 
it Being in Full of this or 
World to this Date. 

" Witness whereof. 



Tlic following is a copy of a letter written to Eobert 
Paterson, of New Boston, N. H., from a soldier in the 
Revolutionary War : 

"Meuforo, Juneyeia, 177.-.. 
" Honored father, — I take this opportunity to let you know that I and 
brother Samuel is well — Blessed Be God for it!— hoping you all enjoy the 
Same Blessing. I have Reason to Bles god at all times For preserving 
Mercies, But especialy in the Day of Battle, when I escaped So near. I 
have nothing Remarkahle to write to you, But I like my Uving very well 
and we enjoy pease and plenty at present. Remember My Love to 
Thomas Colum and his Famely and all enquiring friends. Not forgeting 
Tlio I'retoy gearls, So Sad no more but Remain you Dutyfull Son till 
death. 

" Ai.exandeu Paterson." 

The above papers, consisting of aboxfull, containing 
receipts, deeds, contracts and two or three copies, sys- 
tematically kept, of account-books, with dates from 
1764 to 1800, are in the hands of the writer. They 
contain interesting references to our early settlers, 
which want of space will not allow us to publish. 

The following documents, which were found in the 
New Hampshire State papers compiled by Hamond, 
relate to Hooksett anterior to the organization of 
the town. 

PETITION 01' JOSHUA ABBOTT FOR A FERRY IN 1782. 

" To the Honorable the Council and House of Representatives of the 
State of Now Hampshire, in General Court Convened at Concord, the 
nth Diiy of June, 1782. 

" We, the Subscribers, inhabiting near Isle a Hucksett Falls, on mer- 
rimack River, apprehend a Ferry is much wanted at or near said Falls, 
which would greatly accomodate the Public ; and Joshua Abbott, having 
purchased a Piece of Land and bargained for a Boat, in order to keep 
sjiid FeiTy. "Wherefore your petitions humbly pray that your Honors 
would make a Grant of said Ferry to said Abbot, and your Petitioners, as 
in Duty bound, shall ever pray : 

" Laban Hariman, John Hart, John Carter, Ephraim Kinsman, Abner 
nandcrs, Moses Moor, Richard flanders, Joshua Abbott, N. C. Abbott, 
David guoge, Stephen farington, Nath. Greene, John Blanchard, WilUam 
Mestin, Juner, Joseph Hazeltiue, Sam. Davis, Joseph Carter, John Brown, 

Robert Davis, David Carter, Thomas Cochrane, Jonathan , Daniel 

Brown, Eben' Hall, Timothy Hall, Richard Banders, Tim» Walker, Jun'., 

Phines , Joseph Abbott, Benj. Hanaford, Enoch Brown, Enoch 

Coffin, Nathan Green, Moses Carter, Thomas Stickney, Samuel Farring- 
ton, James Walkar, Stephen Kimball, Simeon Carr, Sm. Willard, Fran- 
cis Mitchel, Nath« Abbott, James Moore, Ephraim moor, Luther Clay, 
OUve flanders, Daniel Abbott, Rob. Harris, Aaron Stevens, Timothy 
Bradley, Daniel Hall, Richard Ayer, Stephen Hall, John Odiin, Brnco 
Walker, William Brown, Benja. Fifield, Micah Flanders, Philip Abbot 

Patiah , William Fifleld, Thomas Chandler, Ephraim Colby, Stephen 

Abbott, John Lear, Dau. Stickney." 



HISTORY OF JIERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



In the mean time Dustin an<l Martin petitioned for 
a ferry about four miles below (now called Martin's 
Ferry), in Hooksett, as follows : 

"To tbo Honerable, the Council and Assembly of tbo State of New 
Hamptibire, now convened at Concord, in said State : 

** We, tlie Petitioners, Jobn Dustin & Daniel martin, of Cbester, In tbe 
County of Rockingham, in said State, humbly Sbewoth that your Peti- 
tioners has lived many years in Said Chester, on tbi> Bank ..rilcrrinmck 
Biver, In such a situation for keeping a Fen.v i- ;- v, n t,v. uliiit to 
accomodate a great Number of the InhabiUml- M . i : i > ,i.i..irton 
and of many other towns above who have 0'<:i; m L.^wcr 

Part of this and the uiassachusette State, that hi 'l. ..^, h n i,.,, i.uid 
out by the town, Joining on both sides of the River to said Placo, and 
well made and Kepaired, and that Your Petitioners has been at a con 
Biderable Kxpence In building and maintaining of boats and giving con- 
stant attendence to Fen-y People across for more than sixteen years 
when tbe profits was Very Inconsiderable and In No wise Equal to the 
Expense, and that there is now Considemble travilling and dayly in- 
creasing. Being found to be Very advantageous to tbo Public, and that 
your Petitioners suspects that a petition will be prefered to your Honors 
for a Licence to Keep a Ferry on said River, about two or three miles up 
said River, from where your petitioners Keeps their ferry (where there 
is no Koad Laid out on neither side of the River to the place), with an 
Intent to prevent your petitioners from any profit by their ferry, where- 
fore your petitioners humbly prays that you would grant them a License 
to Keep a Ferry where they now Does, and that if a petition shall be 
prefered, as suspected, that you would Dismiss the same or appoint a Com- 
mittee In tbe vicinity to view the place proposed for a ferry with the 
place for Koads on both sides of the river, as well as your petitioners' ferry 
and the Roads leading to and from the Same, and make Report that 
your petitioners may have an opportunity of appearing on Any future 
day you may appoint to shew cause, and your petitioners, as in duty 
bound, will ever pray. 



' Chester, June 14th, 1782.' 



'John Dustin. 
'Da.viel Marti 



In the House of Representatives, November 19, 
1782, a committee having viewed the premises, re- 
ported in favor of establishing the ferry asked for by 
Dustin and Martin instead of the one asked for by 
Abbott, et ah. A vote giving leave in accordance 
therewith passed the Assembly. The locality is still 
called Martin's Ferry. 

The following is a copy of the McGregore and Dun- 
can petition for the exclusive privilege of locking 
Hooksett Falls, 1794 : 



! and bouse of Representiitives for the State of 
J at Exeter on Wednesday, the 25th of Dec, 
petitioners that they conceive tbo advantages 
riMiud the falls of Rivers in a Country of such 
at a great distance from the S«a porls, to bo 
the enterprise and public spirit .i ih. i i . i,i 
•oofs of this and have inspiri'il \ i m 
imencinp a work of such uiir> 

1 ' ' I'l I i Ainoskeag Falls, the bouev- 

! iMlered quite useless unlessa 

I I M' " ' i'> i-' '! ksett Falls, upon the said 

ilisol Anioskeag. Your petitioners are sensible 
iture is hazardous and expensive, and attended 
le difficulties. But that the public may be ac- 



lispatcli, and that they would allow them such reasonable 
toll to coiupeusate tlieir trouble and exponce as they think proper, and 
that they may have leave to bring in a bill accordingly, and, aa in duty 
bound, will ever pray. 

"Robert MoGreoore. 
"Exeter, January 1st, 1794." "William Duncan. 



" To the Hon! the Senat 
New Ilampshire, convent 
1703. Unmbly show youi 

vast extent as ours, and 
almost Innumerable ; thai 
age have afforded ample p 
with an intention of coi 
That, should the River n; 
for boats, timber, etc., fn 
olont intention of the li-i 
canal was also cut for tliut 
river, and above the said 1' 
that undertaking of this n 



with safet. 



In the House of Representatives, January 4, 1794, 
the petitioners were granted leave to bring in a bill. 
Subsequently the privilege asked for was granted, 
and the same was extended in 1797. This canal, or 
" locks," as it was sometimes called, was a very im- 
portant enterprise in those times. It facilitated mer- 
chantable traffic between the people above and the 
country below. They were kept in general use until 
about 1840, when the railroads commenced to be 
built into the central part of New Hampshire. 
Hooksett Falls, since the earliest settlements along 
the river, have been considered important. They 
have also been dangerous to boatmen who plied the 
river in the capacity as common carriers. The chan- 
nel and ragged rocks through which the water flows 
was deceitful and very precipitous. About fifteen lives 
have been lost on these falls. One of the saddest ac- 
cidents that ever occurred on the falls was about the 
year 1840. Three children, the oldest about ten years, 
in the temporary absence of their mother, wandered 
to the head of the falls, finding an unlocked boat, 
and while innocently playing in the same, the boat 
was cast upon the waters and floated into the stream 
and went over the falls. They were all three lost. 
These children belonged to Milo L. Whitney, lately 
deceased. The annual "drive" of logs, which at the 
present time is not so large, sometimes receives a se- 
rious "set back" at these falls. Huge jams have oc- 
curred, when it would take weeks to get them oft'. 
Quite a number of log-drivers have been killed and 
drowned while working on them. The descent of the 
water is about eighteen feet in a distance of thirty 
rods. They afford excellent facilities for additional 
manufacturing. Only about two-tenths of the power 
is at present utilized. The Concord Railroad built, 
about the year 1868, three spans of bridges over the 
fiiUs to the east side of the river. This gives to the 
occupants of the cars a grand, romantic view. 

In the year of 1799 an attempt to have the upper 
end of the town of Chester annexed to Pembroke 
was made through a petition of Nathaniel Head ami 
others, on account of long distance from church ami 
I own business privileges. In 1818 a petition wius 
1 'resented to the legal voters in the north part of 
I liester and the east part of Dunbarton and Aliens- 
town, but was not acted upon. In the year of 1818, 
Henry Moulton and thirty others of Dunbarton 
petitioned the Legislature for a new town. In the 
year of 1821, Samuel Head and thirty-two others 
presented a petition ; also Nathaniel Head and seven- 
ty-two others, inhabitants of Chester, Dunbarton 
and the easterly part of Gotfstown. These petitions, 
80 strongly representing the inhabitants of the above 
locality, were presented to the General Court. The 
committee on the part of the House reported to 
postpone action until the next session, and the report 
was accepted. 

It was voted by the House of Representatives, m 
this session, 1821, "That the petitioners be heard nu. 



367 



I lu'ir petition before the standing committee on in- 
(•(.(■[lorations on the first Tuesday of the next session 
oitlie Legishxture, and that the petitioners cause the 
selectmen of the towns of Chester, Goffstown and 
Omibarton to be notified of the substance of the peti- 
tion, etc." At the next spring meeting the towns of 
Dunbarton and Chester voted to grant the favor, and 
( Mtllstown voted to remonstrate, by a majority of one 
hun(h*ed and ten legal votes against twenty-two in fa- 
vor. The selectmen accordingly sent in a remon- 
stnince in long detail. Caleb Austin, Caleb Her- 
si'v and Daniel Straw, of Dunbarton, put in a remon- 
stance. Their principal reason was that the river 
ni lining through the town would be a great inconve- 
nience, and that it would derange school districts. 
Hugh J, Taggart and Andrew Mclntire, of Goffs- 
town, also sent in a remonstrance, voicing, in the 
main, the same objections that those from Dunbarton 
gave. On June 20, 1822, the standing committee on 
incorporations, after hearing all the parties interested, 
reported favorably to the project, and that the peti- 
tioners have leave to bring in a bill. The following 
is the copy of the original bill, as passed by the legis- 
lature— 

"State of New Hampshire. 
" In the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-two, 
Ad act to incorporate the town of Hooksett. 

^'Whereas petitions signed by a number of the inhabitants of Chester, 
Dunbarton and Goffstown have been presented to the General Court, 
praying to be incorporated into a separate town, and the prayer thereof 
appearing reasonable, Therefore, Section 1st. Be it enacted by the Senate 
and House of Representatives in General Court convened that all the 
lauds and inhabitants within those parts of the towns of Chester, Dun- 
barton and Goffstown herein described, to wit : Beginning at the north- 
easterly corner of Manchester ; thence on a straight line to the south- 
east corner of lot No. 60, in the fourth range of lote in Chester ; thence 
on the easterly line of said lot No. 60 and lots No. 71 and 80, northerly 
to the southeast corner of lot No. 95 ; thence across a part of said lot No. 
95 and lot No. 94 south, 70 degrees east, to the south head-Iiue of said lot 
No. 9i ; thence north, 23 degrees east, to the southwest corner of Candia ; 
thence northerly on Candia line to AUenstown south line ; thence west- 
erly on AUenstown to Merrimack river ; thence across said river to the 
southeasterly comer of Bow ; thence by Bow line to the southerly cor- 
ner of said Bow; thence running a line due south until it strikes the 
northerly line of Goffstown ; thence westerly on Goffstown line to the 
northwest corner of Hugh J. Taggart's land ; thence southerly to the 
southwest corner of lot No. 4, in Goffstown, formerly owned by Col. 
Robert McGregore ; thence easterly on the southerly line of said lot No. 
4, and continuing the same course, until it strikes the highway leading 
from Samuel Poor's to Merrimack river ; thence by said highway, and 
including the same, to said river ; thence by said river to the northwest 
corner of Manchester ; and thence to the place uf bt-sinning, be and the 

same hereby are incorporated into a tnw II Iv ih. tj, f Tlnoksett, and 

the inhabitants who now reside, or h ,i .. ■ .ir, within the 

aforesaid boundaries are madeand cuTi-hiii i i link and corpo- 

rate, and vested with all the powers, |iii^il : ~ I'll iiiniiiiities which 
other towns in this State are entitled to ..-njuy, to remain a distinct town 
and have continuance and succession forever. 

'•Section 2d. And be it further enacted that all names that are 
assessed for schools in the towns of Chester, Dunbarton and Goffstown 
shall be divided between the said towns and the several parts of the said 
town of Hooksett, disannexed from said towns, according to their pro- 
portion of the public taxes, and all funds belonging to said towns of 
Chester, Dunbarton and Goffstown shall be in like manner divided, re- 
serving to said town of Goffstown the donation given by James Aiken to 
said Goffstown, and the inhabitants of the town of Hooksett shall pay as 
a)l taxes now assessed on them by the towns of Chester, Dunbarton and 
Goffstown respectively, and the said town of Hooksett shall, after the 
next annual meeting, support all the present poor, including all those 



who are supported in whole or in part who have gained a settlement in 
the towns of Chester, Dunbarton or Goffstown, by living in that part of 
either of said towns that is now included in the town of Hooksett, and 
shall support any poor now residing in any other towns, which by law 
the towns of Chester, Dunbarton and Goffstown may respectively bo liu- 
ble to rcliiivc or support that Iiave gained a settlement in either of said 
towns by residing within the boundaries now constituting the town of 
Hooksett, provided, nevertheless, that this act shall not effect the inter- 
est of any of the inhabitants of Chester, Dunbarton and Goffstown, or of 
the town of Hooksett, in any school-house now erected within the 



piirpu.r ..I . lM...-nij ,ili t ".iix |..^^^ -.11,.. . -. 1 ;i.. ■ ill ■ uiMil 

theaniUKil meeting of said town in Maixh n.Nt , ,n,. i , ,i l,.i ,,| ilnni 
may preside in said meeting until a moderator slml I hr . h. -. n i>. ji^irii 

the same, which meeting shall bo holdcn suiim' Inm m \\u- mh .j 

September next, and shall be warned by pastinji^ up ' mi in :ii i-n iiMmi 
days pi-ior to the time of holding the same at Niillinii. i ii. i i, i-. , 
in Chester, at William Hall's house, in Dunl.ari.i, i , i ■ i-, \\,- 
bott's house, in Goffstown, provided that all town .iih. ■ . m i i. ._ Mihm 
the limits of the town of Hooksett, who were (.iliuson hy the lown of 
Chester, Dunbarton or Goffstown, shall continue in their respective offices 
during the time for which they were elected, with full powers to execute 
the .same, and provided, further, that all the public taxes which the towns 

of Chester, Dunbarton and Goffstown .sliull -t miv i mprlh-d to assess 

before a new act for proportioning tlir | ., ir i , nj tlie several 

towns in the state shall pass, may be a.s- 1 i ^ . i IKrtedbythe 

proper officers of the said towns of <'Ih-i.i . iMini.ii n ;nid Goffstown 
upon the inhabitants of the town of HooUsetf in ease the selectmen of 
said Hooksett neglect to assess, levy and collect their proportion of such 
public taxes and pay the same seasonably unto the treasurers of the 
towns of Chester, Dunbarton and Goffstown in the same way and man- 
ner as if the act had not passed, anything herein to the contrary notwith- 
standing. 

"Section 4th. And be it further enacted that said town of Hooksett 

shall be, and hereby is, annexed to and considered a part of the county 

of Hillsborough, and that said town be annexed to Senatorial district 

number three and to the eleventh Regiment of Militia in this State. 

"State of New Hampshire. 

" In the House of Representatives June 25th, 1822 : This bill, having 
had three several readings, passed to be enacted. Sent up for concur- 

" Charles Woodman, Speaker. 
" In Senate, Je. 29, 1822 : The foregoing bill was brought up, read a 
third time and enacted. 

"Jonathan Harvey, President. 
" July 2d, 1822, Approved, 

"Samuel Bell. 
"A true copy. Attest, 

"Samuel Si-arhawk, Secretary.^'' 

The following is a copy of the petition and a list of 
the signers. 

" To the Hon. the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
State of New Hampshire, in General Court convened, Humbly shew— 
The petition of the undersigned that they are inhabitants of the nortli- 
westerly part of the town of Chester, in the County of Rockingham and 
the easterly part of Dunbarton, and the easterly part of Goffstown, in 
the County of Hillsborough, that their places of residence are at tin- 
distances of from ten to sixteen miles from the places establicih'd for tin- 
transaction of town business and for holding public woiiship in said 
towns. By reason whereof they are in a measure deprived of the ccni- 
mon rights and privileges enjoyed generally by the good citizens of 
this State. They therefore pray the legislature, in their goodness, to 
relieve them of the inconveniences to which they are now subjected by 
granting an act incorporating all the lands and inhabitants of said Ches- 
ter, Dunbarton and Goffstown hereinafter described to wit : beginning 
northerly and northwesterly of a line drawn from the northeasterly 
corner of Manchester, in the County of Hillsborough, across said Chester, 
in such course as may be thought most proper, to the southwesterly cor- 
ner of the town of Candia: thence by Candia line to AUenstown line ; 
thence by AUenstown line to Mei'rimack river ; thence across the Merri- 
mac river to the southeasterly corner of Bow ; thence by Bow line to 
the southerly corner of said Bow ; thence running a line due south 
until it strikes Goffstown line; thence through Goffstown southeasterly till 



3G8 



ITTSTORY OF MP^RRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRH 



it strikes Merrimack river oppusite the „ortl,wo8terly corner ofthe tow.; 
ur Manchester ; thence from the northwesterly corner of the town of 
Manchester to the bounds first mentioned, Into a town, with all the 
powers, privileges and immnnitii* to which other towns in this state are 
l,y law entitled, and to be annexed to the County of Ilillsborongh, and 
as in duty bound, will ever pray. 

■' Nathaniel Head, Samuel Head, Henry Moulton, Jno. Whipple, Wni. 
Hall, .lames Ottel^on. .Ir.. Sle,,l,.-n .:o.,dridge, Jno. Johnson, Joseph 
Whitier, Joseph AVinn,., i, i. '.- U.bott, Daniel Allen, Richard 
Straw, David LakiiO I. i .: l ..luT Shattnck, Wm. Ottorson, 

Winthrop Knight, .r. I., u i '■ .,„,, Mitchell Josiah George, 

Nath-1 Mitchell, Job,, .i.,„„l., .I..> i'U JU.wu, Knos Ela, Wells Carter, 
James Oughterson, George A. Louchli,,, James Brown. Nathan Hawse, 
Joseph Hawse, Richard Head, John Kimball, Simeon Bradlord, Mark 
Johns. Wheili-,. -^iroli M. Farnum, Joseph Mitchell, James 
'" I. - I', . , Tiiohard Davis, John Prescott. 



Kimball, licnman Lincoln, David Lakii 



Samuel Lakii 
Benjamin ^li' 
Henry Mimli- 



11, Samuel Martin, Israel Ela, 
riHon, Peter C. Bowell, Josiah 
liordon, Samuel Huston, E/.ra 
Jr., John M. Farnum, Henry 



Mitchell, Mroham Jlihl' n ' - ' '-' 

(Jharles Flanders, SiuiM. i 
Taggart, .Tones HiKki, ' i M 
.John Head, Robert lli i t, i i.i '. " 
Rowell, JohnKno.\, Matln-w liuult. Asa 
Kimball, Roger Dutton, Joshua Martin, 
Dutton, Elijah Colby." 

We see, by producing the names of the signers of 
theabove'petition, whothe principal residents were 
at the time the town was incorporated. It contained 
all the principal real estate owners, with the excep- 
tion of a few living in these parts who would not be di- 
rectly benefited. In the southeast part of the town a 
few inhabitants were indifferent to the matter, as they 
were, perhaps, as near Chester proper as they would 
be at Hooksett village. Hooksett village, as origi- 
nally located, was almost to the extreme limit in the 
northwest part of the town, which, fortunately, ac- 
commodated the major part of the population, and 
since the formation of the town, people in the remote 
sections have quite a distance to travel to do town 
business. For post-office accommodations and com- 
mercial transactions the people living contiguous to 
Manchester patronize that city. In the year of 1823 
the following persons, residents in town, were assessed 
for taxes. It was the first inventory taken, and will 
show the complete family record in the whole town at 
that time, — 

Kichard H. Ayer, Joshua Abbott, Caleb Austin, David Abbott, Daniel 
All m.'^ W.'i- William .U.bott,Dominicus Abbott, James Brown, 

1 'i'-" i\ 111. 'ill I'i "" Robert Brown, James Buntin, Samuel 
John l.^':^ I > j,^_^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^^ |,^^^j,_ WellsCarter, 

''°"' I I ' ^> i, , , I . Juhn Clay, James Calbert, Moses Collins, 
■'"" , F , !, I '••. r I, ,.iiL„ Gushing, Richard Davis, John Davis, 
^"""''n i luni-l IHvi. Roger Dutton, Henry Dutton, Joshua Dus- 
«risrael Ela,'Enos Ela.'paniel Ela, Stephen Eames, J"™* «■ F"" 
wVlliam Farnum, Nathaniel Farnum, Moses Fnren, Frederick 
Ceh "^en L. O^odridgh, Robert Gordon, Mathew Ganlt Asa 
r rdon Je^e^GaiUt, Joseph Glines, James W. Hubbard, Nathaniel 
« dSamu^l Head, William Hall, John Head, Richard Head, Nathan- 
^, Hill Moses Hill, Caleb Hearsey. Samuel Heai^ey, James Hacket, 
JamTs Hacket. Jr., Moses Hacket, Nathan Hawse, Samuel Huston, 
James Hutchison, 



Otterson, James OtUnnul,, .1,,, \\ ,lhaiilULU:l=L;i,, i^.i-1 *- -- I- 1. 

Parker, Jonathan Prescott, Samuel i'oor, John I'rescutt, James Prescutt, 
Ira Poor, Eri Poor, Jesso Poor, James Putnam, James H. Page, David 
Page, David Page, Jr., Richard Palmer. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 
1822. -The first meeting of the legal voters qualified to vote was held 
on the ICth day of September, 1822, at the house of William Wall. 
"Chose Hon. Richard H. Ayer, moderator; Gideon Flandere, town 
clerk ; chose Hon. Richard H. Ayer, Samuel Head and Samuel Poor, 
selectmen ; chose Captain Daniel Sawyer, Colonel John Head, Captain 
John Prescott, constables ; chose Abram Mitchell. John Clay, hog reefs ; 
chose Josiah McGoon, Roger Dutton, surveyors of lumber ; chose Jacob 
T. Wallace, John Begley, cutters of staves; chose John Whipple, Robert 
Davis and Nathaniel Mitehell, school committee ; chose Robert Brown, 



„.>;„.=... James Hawse. Benjamin Hill, Larheriah Heath, 
Thomas Johnson, Richard Quimby, John Quimby Samuel Rowell 
wfRowell, Peter C. Rowell, John P. Rowell, Daniel Rowe, I,ev, 
Bo„e William Roach, Benjamin Ring, Nathaniel Rea, Benjamin Saw- 
yer Abbott Saltma«h, Thomas Saltmarsh, Daniel Straw, Daniel sawyei-, 
» Sherman, -^^^ <-»n,a„h. Josiah Shipley, Hugh J. Taggart, 
William Taggart, 
Tarbox, John W 



182;i.— The first annual meeting was held at the house of Samuel 
He.ad, March 11, 182:i. Elected Hon, Richard H. Ayer, moderator ; 
Gideon Flanders, clerk ; for Governor: Samuel Dinsmore, 7:! ; 
Levi Woodbury, 07 ; Hon, Richard H. Ayer, representaUve ; Rich- 
anl H. Ayer, Captain Daniel Sawyer, Samuel Poor, selectmen; 
Samuel Head, treasurer; Dr. Samuel H.mston, collector of taxes; 
Gideon Flanders, Dr. Samuel Houston, William Hall, school committee. 
"Folerf, that two days' labor be raised on a single PoU and other prop, 
erty in proportion for a highway tax, one-half of which to be worked 
out in the winter." "Voled, to accept the road laid out by the Select- 
i„in r,oi., the SAutb end of Hooksett Bridge to the highway that leads 
I,,,,,, l,,,i, -ih o land to the saw-million Hooksett Palls." "Voted, 
II,, , 111 1 , ,f .lacob M. Farnum and Richard H. Ayer be con- 
„,,, 1 I, , Jacob M. Farnum and Roger Dutton were ap. 

lsi;4.— IticharJ H. Ayer, moderator ; John Head, clerk ; for Governor 
David L. Morrill, 71 ; Levi Woodbury, 36; Samuel Head, representative 
Richard H. Ayer, Daniel Sawyer, Samuel Poor, selectmen ; Sainue 
Head, treasurer. 

1825.— Richard H. Ayer, moderator ; John Head, clerk ; Richard H 
Ayer, Daniel Sawyer, Thomas B. Taggart, selectmen ; for Governor 
Benjamin Peirce, 76 ; David L. Morrill, 50 ; Samuel Head, lepresenta 
live; John Head, treasurer; Dr. Asa Sawyer, Henry Moulton, Samue 
Head, school committee ; Asa Gordon, tax collector. 

1826.— Richard H, Ayer, moderator ; John Head, clerk ; R. H. Ayer 
Thomas R. Taggart, Jonathan Davis, selectmen ; for Governor: Benji, 
min Peirce, 86; David L. Morrill, 53; Dr. Asa Sawyer, representative 
Samuel Head, Thomas R. Taggart, Asa Sawyer, school committee 
Joseph Mitchell, tax collector, 

1827 —Ri.hanl 11. A.vii, moderator ; John Head, clerk ; B. H. Ayei 
Thomas K. I ' _,ii i iii'ii D.i vis, selectmen ; for Governor: Benjami 
Pei„e, liM I 1 I ;, i ; Dr. Asa Sawyer, representative ; San 

uel Henil I I I ' I itterson, tax collector; Hiram Browi 

AsaSan\, I r i. 1^ i ,irt, school committee. "Voted, to Uy o\ 
thepul.lii I I 1 ■" I ' ■ "' ' liiwn-House, and that the Selectmen r, 

^gj,,g ,„,,|. rtsaid houseon and lay the same befoi 

the Town .•: .1 I "f 'h'S meeting that may adopt the be 

place to lot,ii. il). =,.ii.'.. At the adjourned meeting, .\pril 2, 1827, i 
the Boston and Concord Boating Company's store-house, it was voted 
locate the ground on the west side of the river. The vote stood 74 : 
favor 47 against. Henry Moulton, Samuel Head and Samuel Poi 
were 'chosen committee to build the town-house, of brick, fifty by six 
feet and they were authorized and empowered to collect all the pub) 
money due the town to defray the expense of said building, and th 
the said committee be authorized to cut wood on any land belonging 
the town to burn brick for said house. On the 15th of September 
meeting was held to see if the town would reconsider the previous vol 
relative to the location of the town-house, and see if the town would locc 
on a piece of land, to be given by Nathaniel Head to the town, near t 
south end of the Hooksett bridge. It was voted not to reconsider, 
was voted that the committee should build a town-house not lees th 
forty feet wide, nor less than fifty feet long. Samuel Head was excus 
of the committee and Asa Sawyer was elected in 1 



Jr., \N , 



Walton, John 
Wicom, Daniel 



rn Whittier, James from being 

lliam Wells, Gilbert place. 

,,,nn Welch. Thomas 1828.— Town-meeting was held 

;;;;:bairJohnC.Kim. I H. Ayer, moderator; John Head, clerk ; Thomas R, Taggart, Hir. 



I of Rowe & Da 



Ilrnd 






82 against. It was vuti-.l tu linisli tlio insiiie witli pews ami sfll tlu.-m 
at public vendue on conditions not less than forty dollars, tlio town 
reserving the right for town-meetings. 

1829. — Thomas R. Taggart, moderator ; Mathew Gault, clerk ; Thonuw 
R. Taggart, William Otterson, Robert Davis, selectmen ; for Governor : 
John Bell, 56; Benjamin Peirce, 108; Dr. Asa Sawyer, representative; 
Henry MoiiUon, tnusurer; Isaac C. Otterson, tax collector. 

IS?.'< r,i . !i I' r, I ri.s, moderator ; Mathew Gault, clerk ; Hiriun 
Bfnwh I; I 1 ll.-nry Moulton, selectmen; for Governor: 

Miitlh u II I ^ iniiothy Upham, 50; Thomas R. Taggart, rop- 



1>;U.— Enucl' B. Baiuos, moderator; Mathew Gault, town clerk; 
Ijhuli B. Barnes, Henry Moulton, Philip Jones, selectmen; for Gov- 
-I nor: Samuel Dinsmore, 95; ilchabod Bartlett, 51; Thomas R. Tiig- 
u.irt, representative ; William Otterson, tax collector. 

1S32.— Enoch B. Barnes, moderator ; Mathew Gault, clerk ; Philip 
Jones, William Otterson, Thomas Shannon, selectmen ; for Govenhn-: 
Samuel Dinsmore, 88 ; Ichabod Bartlett, 39 ; Enoch B. Barnes, repre- 
sentative ; Henry Moulton, treasurer; Joseph Poor, tax collector. 
" Voted at this meeting and chose a committee, consisting of Thomas R. 
Taggart and Samuel Head, to examine the Wicom Farm, or any other 
une that ran be bought cheaper, for a poor farm, and report at an ad- 

I ! h M ], ij. Barnes, moderator ; Mathew Gault, clerk ; Thomas 

i; I i_ Ml llinim Brown, John P. Rowell, selectmen ; for Governor ; 
s ii/iu-l iMn-iJiMre, 104; and 5 scattering; Mathew Gault, representative; 
luiia (iile, tax collector. 

1834.— Philip Jones, moderator ; Mathew Gault, clerk ; Philip Jones, 
John P. Rowell, Retype Mitchell, selectmen ; for Governor: William 
Badger, 111 ; Foster Gowns, 2 ; Mathew Gault, representative ; Henry 
Moulton, treasurer ; Manly H. Brown, tax collector. 

1835.— Amos C. Gale, moderator; Seth K. Jones, clerk ; Mathew Gault, 
Retyre Mitchell, Hiram Austin, selectmen; for Governor: William 
Badger, 86 ; Joseph Healey, 48 ; Mathew Gault, representative ; Henry 
Moulton, treasurer; Isaac C. Otterson, tax collector. 

1836.— Amos C. Gale, moderator ; Seth K. Jones, clerk ; Mathew 
Gault, Hiram Austin, Thomas R. Taggart, selectmen ; Thomas R. Tag- 
gert, representative; for Governor: Isaac Hill, 88; scattering, 11; Setli 
K. Jones, treasurer ; Isaac C. Otterson, collector. 

1837.- Mathew Gault, moderator ; Seth K. Jones, clerk ; Thomas R. 
Taggart, Mathew Gault, Hiram Brown, selectmen ; for Governor: Isasic 
Hill, 50 ; Frederick G. Stark, 19 ; Thomas R. Taggart, representative ; 
Seth K. Jones, treasurer ; Isaac C. Ottereon, collector. 

1838. — Richard U. Ayer, moderator; Seth K. Jones, clerk; Thomas 
R. Taggart, William H. Mitchell, Joseph Blanchard, selectmen; Seth K. 
Jones, representative ; Seth K. Jones, treasurer ; Isaac C. Otterson, col- 



1839.— Richard H. Ayer, moderator ; Seth K. Jones, clerk ; Thomas 
R. Taggart, William H. Mitchell, selectmen ; for Governor : John Page, 
134; James Wilson, 72 ; Seth K. Jones, representative ; Richard H. Ayer, 
treasurer ; Isaac C. Otterson, collector. 

1840.— Richard H. Ayer, moderator ; Seth K. Jones, clerk ; Thomas 
R. Taggart, Isaac C. Otterson, John P. Rowell, selectmen ; for Gov- 
ernor : John Page, 113 ; Enoa Stevens, 53 ; Richard H. Ayer, repre- 
sentative and treasurer; Isaac C. Otterson, collector. 

1841.— Richard H. Ayer, modeiutor ; Seth K. Jones, clerk ; Thomas R. 
Taggart, Isaac C. Ottei-son, Eri Poor, selectmen; for Governor : John 
Page, lOG ; Enus Stevens, G2 ; Rirhard H. Ayer, representative ; Seth K. 
Jones, treasurer; Isaac C. Otterson, collector. 

1842.— Nathaniel Ambrose, moderator ; Seth K. Jones, clerk ; Isaac C. 
Otterson, Eri Poor, Henry Saltmarsh, selectmen ; for Governor: Henry 
Hubbard, 95 ; Enos Stevens, 52; John H. White, 30 ; Hiram Austin, 
representative; Seth K. Jones, treasurer; Isaac C. Otterson, col- 

1843.— George W. F. Converse, moderator ; Amos G. Gale, clerk ; 
Henry Saltmareh, Benjamin J. Gile, William Parker, selectmen ; for 
Governor: Henry Hubbard, 80 ; John H. White, 50 ; Anthony Colby, 
68 ; Richard H. Ayer, representative; Samuel Head, treasurer. " Voted 
to purchase the Jabez Green farm for two thousand dollars." 

1844. — George W. F. Converse, moderator ; Amos G. Gale, clerk ; Thomas 
R. Taggart, George W. F. Converse, Samuel Melvin, selectmen ; for Gover- 
nor: John H. Steele, 129; Anthony Colby, 57 ; John .H. White, 14 ; 



i K. Ayer, moderator ; Amos G. Gale, clerk ; Thomas 
rge W. F. Converao, Isaac Lewis, selectmen ; for Gov- 
Steele, 114 ; Anthony Colby, 65 ; William H. Mitchell, 
Samuel Head, Jr., treasurer; John H. Mitchell, col- 

1846.— .Tosoph Blanchard, moderator ; Mathew Gault, clerk ; Eri Poor, 
Isaac Lewis, Jesse Gault, Jr., selectmen ; for Governor : Jared W. 
Williams, 134 ; Anthony Colby, 73 ; N. S. Bony, 20 ; Samuel Head, Jr., 
treasurer; John H. Mitchell, collector. " 7o(erf not to send representa- 
tive." 

1847. — John Marshall, moderator; for Governor: J. W. Williams, 
159; Anthony Colby, 84; William H. Mitchell, representative; Seth K. 
Jones, clerk; Mathew Gault, Stephen Kimbull. (moi-.- W. Davis, select- 
men ; Roger Dutton, treasurer ; John I! ^i m r.i ii .:i. i.>r. 

1848.— John Marshall; modeiutui ; i > i w . Williams, 

1G6; N. S. Berry, 100 ; John H. Mh > ji ;iiM.';Soth K. 

Jones, clerk ; Mathew Gault, Stephen Knu ill, („ I'.ims, helectmen ; 

Roger Dutton, treasurer. 

1849.— John Marshall, moderator ; Seth K. Jones, clerk ; John Mar- 
shall, John H. Mitchel!, Eri Poor, selertmen ; for Governor: Samuel 
Dinsmore, 160 ; T.--vi Oli;nni'fr!;thi -; - .t.lm U '\Trtrlinit. representa- 
tive ; SethK. .h')\' II ^ II I \ ill...- .■! \lii. I,. !■ . ..r. . lur. 

1850.— .John .Mh . I I >i ,,.,,,,,, ,.„tative; f..r 

Governor: Samiir I hm-iii i., m.. ; l..\ i ih.Mni.. ) i.iin, >.,. ; Kri Poor, 
John L. Garland, Horace Cage. seleitnuMi ; 8eth K. Jnnes, treasurer ; 
Jesse Gault, Jr., clerk. On October 8, 1850, Jesse Gault, Jr., was elected 
a delegate to the convention to revise the Constitution. 

1851.- .ln3oph Blanchard. moderator; for Governor: Samuel Dins- 
more, iji. , .1 .liii \iN\ i, 70; Thomas E. Sawyer, 69; George Thomp- 
son, M. i ■ ' ' i.M^ p. Ela, selectmen ; Jesse Gault, Jr., clerk ; 
Setli K I ;. Nathaniel Mitchell, collector; John Marshall, 
repreMiii.iii\. , ■ l / Mo pay the soldiers of the Eighth Company of 
infantrj' filly cents, and as returned by Captain Converee." 

1852. — Joseph Blanchard, moderator ; for Governor: Noah Martin, 
133; Thomas E. Sawyer, 68 ; John Atwood, 54 ; John Marshall, repre- 
sentative ; Mathew Gault, HoraceGage, Francis B. Watson, selectmen ; 
Seth K. Jones, clerk and treasurer ; Eri Poor, collector. 

1853.— Horace Gage, moderator ; Nathan W. Gove, clerk; Jesse Gault, 
Jr., Samuel Head, Jr., Stephen Kimball, selectmen ; for Governor: Noah 
Martin, 123 ; John H. Whit«, 49 ; James Bell, 46 ; Joseph T. Gosb, 
treasurer ; Nathaniel Mitchell, collector ; Eri Poor, representative. 

1854. — Joseph Blanchard, moderator; Savory T. Burbank, represen- 
tative; for Governor: X. B, Baki-r, 117; Janu-^Bell, .'m'; Jared Perkins, 
G5;N. W. Gov, I'-.. L- rh V .,..^^. \ II.m.I. Ilm.m Kimball, 



1855.— Joseph i;; .. i i i i.,:i , . I. ik; Josei.h 

T. Goss, Nathani-I 1 1. ,..L 1 1 u .mh KiliImM, ..i. , nn. n , s. T. Burbank, 
representative ; for Goveruur : Ralph Metcalf, VK* ; Nathaniel B. Baker, 
103 ; James Bell, 16 ; Asa Fowler, 10; Joseph T. Goss, treasurer ; May- 
hew Clark, collector. 

1856.— Joseph Blanchard, moderator ; Roger A. Dutton, clerk ; John 
B. Hall, John W. Prescott, Mawhew Clark, selectmen ; Jesse Gault, 
representative; for Governor: John S.Wells, 139 ; Ralph Metcalf, 124 ; 
Joseph T. Goss, treasurer; Isaac Lewis, collector. 

1857.— Joseph Blanchard, moderator ; John W. Prescott, clerk ; 
Joseph T. Goss, John W. Prescott, Enoch Johnson, selectmen ; voted not 
to send representative; for Governor: William Haile, 1.38 ; John S. 
Wells, 117 ; J. T. Goss, treasurer ; A. H. Converse, collector. 

1858.— Joseph Blanchard, moderator ; John W. Prescott, clerk ; 
Samuel Head, William Shute, Enoch Johnson, selectmen ; J. T. Goss, 
treasurer ; A. H. Converse, collector ; Jesse Gault, representative ; for 
Governor: William Haile, 155 ; Asa P. Cate, 110. 

1859.— Joseph Blanchard, moderator ; John W. Prescott, clerk ; 
Samuel Head, William F. Head, Henry Saltmarsh, selectmen ; Joseph 
T. Goss, representative ; for Governor: Ichabod Goodwin, 129; Asa P. 
Cate, 99 ; Joseph T. Goss, treasurer. 

1860. ^esse "Gault, moderator ; John W. Prescott, clerk ; Samuel 
Head, William F. Head, Henry Saltmarsh, selectmen ; Joseph T. Goss, 
representative ; for Governor : Ichabod Goodwin, 132 ; Asa P. Cate, 106 ; 
Joseph T. Goss, treasurer ; Isaac C. Otterson, collector. 

1861.— Jesse Gault, moderator; John W. Prescott, clerk ; Jesso Gault, 
William Sanborn, Nathaniel Mitchell, selectmen ; Nathaniel Head, 
representative ; Joseph T. Goss, treasurer ; Isaac C. Otterson, collector ; 
for Governor : N. ^. Berry, 102 ; George Stark, 97. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



18G2. — Joseph Blancbard, moderator; 
Poor, William Suiil~.in, Cli^irl.s \V, .I:iiiie 



Robie, clerk ; Eri 
; Thomas J. Otter- 
iriii'l Head, repre- 

i.nU, 87. 



1863.— .Imb^ii I:;., ,, I , \ i;"i.ii-, clerk ; John 

L. Gai-lau'l, i' \v - II mv I'l^ni -. i,, inn-n ; Thomas W. 

Nicholson, representative; I'm- <e'\ri nor : \V, H.-urinmii, 48; Joseph A. 
Gilmore 81 ; Ira H. Eastman, 100 ; 0. T. Marshall, treasurer ; Josiali 
Clark, collector. 

18ti4. — Joseph Bluuchard, moderator; George A. Robie, clerk; John 
L. Garland, Harvey Denniion, John H. Hand, selectmen ; Thomas W. 
■escntative ; O. T. Marshall, treasurer; John W. Prescott, 
Governor : Joseph A. Gilmore, 126 ; E. W. Harrington, 



1865. —Joseph Blunchard, moderator ; George A. Eobie, clerk ; Harvey 
Deunison, Martin L. Ottereon, David A. Kimball, selectmen ; Joseph 
Hlanclmid, repicse.italive ; .T. T. Goss, treaiiurer; H. B. Otteraon, col- 

I.Ti. I i.i(..i M, I I. u llnrington, 7.5; F. Smyth, 120. 

I- I I .: I i lerator ; George A. Robie, clerk ; Eri 

r.> 1 \| 1 't I',.. I \ Kimball, selectmen ; Amos G. Prescott, 

n.|.Tv.. „i,,i,, ,1 ,K.|,]iG. Sinclair, Kill; F. Smyth, 119; 



..rge I 



. ■ . .1 ■ - • • - l.'Ml.ie, clerk ; Eri 

Poor, .John \s I I i, 1 M :,:,, I :.M Norris C. Gault, 

125 ; Daniel M". Garland, eullcctor ; Geurge 11. L. Head, treasurer. 

1868.— J. Blaiichard, moderator ; George A. Robie, clerk ; John W. 
Prescott, A. W. Prescott, J. F. Putnam, selectmen ; B. J. Gile, repre- 
sentative ; for Governor: J. G. Sinclair, 135 ; W. Harriman, 157 ; J. T. 
Goss, treasurer ; A. F. Davis, collector. 

1809. — Joseph Blancbard, moderator ; George A. Robie, clerk ; J. F. 
Putnam, R. L. Pingree, J. H. Mitchell, selectmen ; B. J. Gile, repre- 
sentative ; for Governor : John Bedel, 101 ; Onslow Stearns, 134 ; H. B. 
Otterson, treasurer; Henry H. Gile, collector. 

1870. — Joseph Blancbard, moderator ; George A. Robie, clerk ; J. F. 
Putnam, R. L. Pingree, J. H. Mitchell, selectmen ; H. B. Otterson, 
treasurer ; H. E. Robie, collector ; W. F. Head, representative ; for 
Governor : John Bedel, 77 ; Onslow Stearns, 142. 

1871.— J. H. Mitchell, moderator ; George A. Robie, clerk ; R. L. Pin- 
gree, J. H. Mitchell, A. T. Martin, selectmen ; W. F. Head, represen- 
tative ; for Governor: James Pike, 102 ; James A. Weston, 135 ; H. E. 
ILiliii', collector; H. B. Otterson, treasurer. 

1S7J.— X.athaniel Head, moderator ; Seth Mitchell, clerk ; Jesse Gault, 
A. \V, Prescott, D. A. Kimball, selectmen ; George A. Robie, representa- 
tive ; for Governor: J. A. Weston, 122 ; E. A. Straw, 158 ; H. B. Otter- 
son, treasurer ; H. E. Robie, ;collector. 

1873. — Nathaniel Head, moderator ; George A. Robie, clerk ; Jesse 
Gault, A. W. Prescott, D. A. Kimball, selectmen ; H. B. Otterson, 
treasurer ; Henry E. Robie, collector ; George A. Robie, representative ; 
for Governor : J. A. Weston, 112 ; E. A. Straw, 142. 

lN7t.~Nathunii-I Head, moderator; B. A. Ham, clerk ; George A. 
HmI I. |i \ K fiiii ill, A. Y. Martin, selectmen ; H. B. Otterson, treas- 
111. I! II ' II. rtur ; Hiram Kimball, representative: for Gov- 

.|. I . > i, 1 1 7 ; Luther McCutchions, 143. 

I-. \iii. i Iliad, moderator ; for Governor: P. C. Cheney, 179 ; 

n. B. Roberts, 131 ; H. Kimball, representative ; B. A. Ham, clerk ; 
George A. Robie, D. A. Kimball, A. F. Davis, selectmen ; H. H. Gile, 
collector ; H. B. Otterson, treasurer. 

1870. — Nathaniel Head, moderator ; for Governor: Daniel Marcy, 122 ; 
P. C. Cheney, 193 ; B. A. Ham, clerk ; Samuel Head, representative ; 
George A, Robie, A. F. Davis, M. L. Whitney, selectmen ; H. B. Otter- 
son, treasurer; H. H. Gile, collector. 

1877.— Nathaniel Head, moderator; James W. Convei-se, clerk; 
Samuel Head, representative ; George A. Robie, M. L. Whitney, J. S. 
Cole, selectmen ; H. B. Otterson, treasurer ; II. H. Gile, collector ; for 
i;..v.rn.ir; B. F. Pnsintt, ISC; Daniel Many, '.15. 



I.anti7, treasurer ; Joseph O. Ingalls, representative ; for Governor : 
George D. Dodge, 14 ; Fiauk lunes, 120; Charles H. Bell, 168. 

1881.— Jess,, i: III, I III I Hi.-liard A. Lantrj-, clerk; M. L. Ot- 
terson, R. IV N V I .' ■ V, selectmen ; R. A. Lantry, collector. 

1882.^Je!-. I . r K. A. Lantry, clerk and treasurer; 

George A. Kill ii, I: I: Ni ii I 1 1 use, selectmen ; R. A. Fass, collector; 
Nathaniel Clark, ni.res.ntati v.- ; for Governor: Samuel W. Hale, 119 : 
M. V. B. Edgerly, 104. 

1883.— Edwin Pronk, moderator; R. A. Lantry, clerk and treasurer; 
R. B. Neal, Edwin Pronk, James Huse, selectmen ; R. B. Fass, col- 



1884.— Edwin Pronk, moderator ; R. A. Lantry, clerk and treasurer ; 
Edwin Pronk, N. C. Gault, E. G. Libby, selectmen ; R. B. Pass, col- 
lector ; Josiah Clark, representative ; for Governor : Moody Currier, 
191 ; J. M. Hill, 93 ; L. D. Mason, 13. 

1885.— Edwin Pronk, moderator ; R. A. Lantry, clerk and treasurer ; 
Edwin Pronk, E. G. Libby, E. J. Robie, selectmen ; W. II. Otterson, 
collector. 



CHAPTER II. 

IIOOKSETT— (Co«/i,i»erf\ 
ECCLESIASTICAL. 

The Congregational Church was the first es- 
tablished society in town, but Methodism was proba- 
bly preached by itinerant ministers at as early a date. 
Early in the history of the first settlers of our locality 
church privileges were enjoyed only by traveling 
a long distance to Chester, Dunbarton or Pembroke. 
As early as 1770, Samuel Martin, Daniel Martin, 
John Martin, Caleb Dalton and Daniel Foster had 
their parish rates given in on account of living so 
far from the meeting-house. This was an important 
reason, prior to the formation of the town, for its 
incorporation. Rev. Joseph A. E. Long first minis- 
tered to the people of Hooksett in the year 1824. 
He held meetings in different places in town, at 
periods up to the year 1828. He then being called 
very eloquent, and in the capacity of an evangelist, 
was instrumental in forming a sentiment to organize 
a Congregational Society. Bo, accordingly, on Janu- 
ary 22, 1828, an organization was perfected. The 
following proceedings occurred at the council : 

"Hooksett, Jan. 22, IS2.'i. 

"At an Ecclesiastical Council, convened by virtue of letters from sev- 
eral individuals in Hooksett for the purpose of taking into considenitiun 
the expediency of organizing a church of the Congregational order iti 
this place. 

"Present: Rev. Abraham Burnham, Josiah Kittredge, delegates 
from church in Pembroke ; Rev. Roger C. Hatch, from church in Hop- 
kinton ; Rev. William R. Talhert, Elder Foster Towns, from church in 
Nottingham West ; Rev. Nathaniel Bouton, Rev. Nathaniel Abbott, 
fi-om church in Concord ; Rev. Henry Wood, Elder Jonathan .\iken, 
from church in Goflstown. 



Nathaniel Head, 193 ; D. A. Kimball, representative. 

1879.^e8se Gault, moderator ; J. W. Converse, clerk ; B. A. Ham, 
A. T. Martin, M. L. Whitney, selectmen; H. B. Otterson, treasurer; 
R. B. Fass, collector. 

1880. — Jesse Gault, moderator ; J. W. Converse, clerk ; B. A. Ham, 
A. T. Martin, M. L. Wllitney, solectnien ; R. B. Fass, collector ; R. A. 



I ..I .|iM,ii--i. I ii. 11.1. II II..III III. . Iiiii. Ii III Weld, 

Mrs. Zeliial] anil Miss Jleliitable Hersey l.resented a letter of 
and recommendation from the church in Dunbarton. Sarah 
Head and Mary Otteraon communicated their Christian experience in 
writing. Susan Moulton expressed the reasons of her hope in Christ 
and Arria Mitchell did the same. Whereupon, ' Vottd, unanimously, 
that it is expedient to embody the above individuals into a church of 
Christ." " 



Agreeably to the foregoing vote, the above-named 
iinlividuiils were acknowledged as a regularly consti- 
tuted Church of Christ in connection with the follow- 
ing exercises. Hymns were sung and prayer offered 
by the Rev. Mr. Hatch. Sermon preached by Rev. 
Mr. Bouton from Acts ii. 47. Confession of faith 
and covenant administered by Rev. Mr. Burnham ; 
the fellowship of the church expressed by him. 
Tlu' Rev. Mr. Talbot offered the concluding prayer. 
" ]'<)lrd, that the council be dissolved." It was voted 
by the above council that J. A. E. Long act as modera- 
tor of the church. The following members composed 
the church at its organization who subscribed to the 
Articles of Faith and Covenant: Roger Button^ 
Susan Moul ton, Sarah Head, Zebiah Hersey, M. Her- 
sey, Mary Ottersou, Arria Mitchell, Mrs. Poor, all of 
whom have since deceased. The following have 
since been admitted : 

1S28.— Feb. 15, Nancy Towns by profession ; Feb. 17, Eachel Button 
and Rebecca Batchelder by profession ; Feb. 23, Marj- Sawj-er by profes- 
sion ; Mar. 29, Hugh Taggart, Elizabeth Taggaii. 1 > I- li i , Ihim Jl, 
.Toanna Saltmarsh, Sally Sawyer, by letter; Autr, ; ' I: \^ ' r. 

Phebe Hawee, and Eunice Kimball by letter; C»i t. - ^l M . < il. h 

Johnson, Jason Johnson and Foster Townes, by Irtii I , h _-, \i.u-;i- 
ret Brown and .\una Poor by letter, and Hannah Ipliani by pr..fissi,in. 
1829. — Hannah Taggart by profession ; Joseph Blauchard, Polly 
Blanchord, died July 4, 1843 ; April 26,; Dolly Ames, died Aug. 3, 1829; 
June 28, Nathan Kimball, excommunicated, and Maria Davis, Mary 
Abbott Austin and Ann Brown ; July 25, John Osgood and Mary 
Osgood, by letter. 

1830.— April 25, Sarah Brown, died April 3, 1831, Hiram Brown 
and Mary Brown ; June 25, Sally Head ; June 27, Ruth Baker ; Oct. 24, 

Dolly Whittier and Dollof. 

1831. — April 24, Nancy Bradley Cleasby ; Sept. 4, Martha Otterson. 
1832. — Jotham D. Otterson. 

1833.— Jan. (i, Malvina Straw, Sophronia Tucker and Clharles Bayles 
and Harriet Bayles. 

183G.— Hazeu Saltmarsh ; Nov. 5, Mrs. Hazen Saltmarsh, died Jan. 
17, 1855. 

1837. — July 14, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Simpson, letter from church in 
Dorchester, N. H. ; Oct. C, Calvin Guild, Jr., letter from church in 
Uxbridge, Mass., and Margaret Guild, letter from church in Ux- 
bridge, Mass ; Oct. 13, Parla P. Warren, letter from church in Na.shua, 
N. H. 

1838.— June 3, Willis 
Ann Chase, died ; An 
Parker. 

1839.— Feb. 10, Mra. Mary Ann Gage ; Mar. 3, Charles Gault and 
wife, by letter from church in W'est Parish, Concord. 
1844. — April, Nancy Whittemore, by letter from Lowell, Mass. 
1846.— Aug. 29, James W. Perkins and wife, by letter from Warner, 
N. H. ; James Putnam and wife, by letter from Goflstown ; Mrs. Sam- 
uel Noyes, by letter from Pembroke ; Oct. 30, Charles A. Daniels, by 
letter from FrankUn, Mass. ; Mrs. Nugul, by letter truin .Vlexandria. 
1847.— Jan. 1, Mrs. Charles A. Diiui. 1- l\ i li i h .m Pembroke; 

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ballard, by lei I. \ I i>s. 

1848.— Feb. 17, Mr. and Mrs LutheiM I i i : ,i mAmoskeag; 
Miss E. Shedd, by letter from New V.il. , I . i. ji, Mrs. .Tulia Ann 
Head, by letter from liowell, Mass., Sirs. Sarah Sultmui-sh and Miss 
Abigail L. Goss ; May 14, Mrs. Jabez Green, by letter from Pembroke ; 
Mrs. Lydia S. Goss, by letter from Winchendon, Mass.; Mrs. Ann 
l^rown, by letter from Amoskeag ; June 25, Miss Mary M'hinden ; July 
- Miss Nancy Brown, by letter from Milton, Vt. 
I vMi.— Mar. 10, Mr. J. C. Gile ; July 14, E. A. Saltmarsh. 
l^'.-J,— Mr. and Mrs. Edwin A. Russel ; May 2, Mr. and Mrs. John 
Dnua, Miss Anna M. Eastman, Jane Whidon, Elizabeth B. Saltmarsh 
and Rebecca \V. Saltmarsh. 

1856. — .Ian. 5, Wm. Forbes and wife, by letter from Oakham, Blaas. ; 
Thomas M. Bacon and wife, by letter from Franklin, JIass. ; July 6, 
Martha Noyes ; Nov. 9, Elizabeth Converse. 
1857.— Mary Young, by letter from Dcerfield, N. II. ; Jlay 3, Mrs. 



Mrs. Phirbo J. Ku 



1802.— Sept. 7, Mrs. Lucy A. Morgan. 

1SG3.— Oct. 30, Mr. and Mrs. James P. Kla, by letter from Mi'tliodiM 
Church in town. 

1804,— Mr. and Mrs. William 0. Gordon, from church in Danbury. 

1866. — May 6, A. Burnham and wife, from Haverhill, Mass. ; Nov. 2, 
Mra. Sarah M. Russel, from Chichester. 

1872.— March 18, Mrs. Susan G. Goss and Mrs. .Mai7 B. Otterson, from 
church in Chichester. 

1S8U. — July 1, Mrs. Persis Ciiurch and Mra. Sarah Pronk, from 
Campton, N. H. ; Sept. 2, Mrs. Eliza Sykcs, IVoci JIaiiclR-stcr, N. 11. ; 
Sept. 12, EH Walker; Nov. 4, W. H. (ni.i .m, limii rlmivl, m w ,.>i 

Concord ; Mi-s. Ida W. Lakin, from chill, h m I'liiii.M, s II , \ 

Ordway, Nellie Gordon, Lucy Hammoui I :ui 1 Mi .1 w li. ...it. p.. 
30, Mr. Pierce Porter, Frank II. Colby, -Mi.s. ^.uuh 11. urau,i.\, .N.mtj (.'. 
Converse, Mary C. Walker, Nettie M. Colby, Nettie K. Jouus, Nora .11. 
Kimball and Lizzie E. Thompson. 

1881.— March 3, Charles A. Tenney, letter from Nashua; Mrs. Emery 
Austin, letter from Henniker ; Mrs. Lizzie J. Tenney, Miss Lydia J. 
Wyman, Miss Myra J. Gordon and Miss Nancy C. Rowell ; April 28, 
Eben C. Chase ; July 3, Maria A. Clark. 

1883.— Mrs. F. E. Stevens ; April 29, John C. Kolline and Mis. M. L. 

1884.— Jan. 0, Orrin J. Prescott and wife, Mrs. Eben J. Bucket ; July 
6, Miss Susan C. Eowell ; Sept. 7, Rosetta M. Ordway and Angelina D. 
Mitchell, from church in Manchester ; W'infield S. Head, Mr. and Mrs. 
Mr. L. Otterson, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Towle, Mrs. Julia A. Hazeltine, 
Mrs. Ruth Head, Mr. Henry Otterson and Mr. Geo. A. Lakin. 

All the above is a complete record, as far as can be 
ascertained, of the membership of the Congrega- 
tional Church since its formation. Of the clergymen 
who have ministered to the church a full account 
cannot be given. Sometimes, at periods intervening 
between the resignations and ordinations of differ- 
ent pastors, the pulpit was supplied for a year 
or less by clergymen of whom there is no record. 
The first clergyman was the Rev. J. A. E. Long. 
He was born in Amesbury, Mass., and was a son of 
Nathan Long. He graduated at Harvard College in 
1818, and afterwards at the Cambridge Divinity 
School ; was ordained as an evangelist in Kensing- 
ton, N. H., in April, 1822. After preaching a year 
he removed and labored as an evangelist in different 
places, and quite successfully in Hooksett a few years 
prior to the formation of the Congregational Church, 
when he was accepted as a settled jireacher. He 
was in Lyman, Me., in 1836, and afterwards la- 
bored a short time in Kensington. He afterwards 
settled in Hooksett, and for a number of years was a 
conspicuous person, known as "Priest Long." 
Many people living can relate pleasing anecdotes 
of his suave temperament, polished manner and 
somewhat eccentric habits. He died suddenly in 
1859, leaving a wife, son and daughter. His widow 
is now living at the age of eighty-seven, in Chelsea, 
Mass. Mr. Long wa-s succeeded by Rev. Charles 
Boyter. Mr. Boyter was a missionary and was first 
installed at Springfield, N. H.. in June, 1828. After 
preaching there two years, he preached at difterent 
parts until his location in Hooksett, in 1833, where 
he labored until 183-5. He afterwards preached in 
Acworth, X. H. April 30, IS.i-'), Rev. Humphrey 



372 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Moore was ordained as pastor, and acted until 1836. 
He afterwards preached in Merrimack, Amherst, 
Greenfield. He was succeeded by Rev. W. C. Green- 
lief, iu 1837, and he, in 1838, by Rev. S. E. Jewett, who 
preached an indefinite period with some other cler- 
gymen of whom no record is made. On the last 
Sabbath of February, 1846, Rev. James W. Perkins 
commenced his labors. August 30, 1846, the present 
house of worship was dedicated. It was erected this 
year by contributions, the largest contributors being 
Samuel Head and wife. The Rev. Mr. Perkins 
labored until 1848. He preached in Francestown in 
1844 ; in Alstead, 1846 ; Hillsborough in 1852, where 
his health gave out June 16, 1852. 

Rev. John Lawrence became pastor in 1848. He 
ministered to the people until 1850. Mr. Lawrence 
is still living at an old age iu Cambridge, Mass. On 
December 5, 1850, Rev. J. W. Tarlton was ordained. 
Mr. Tarlton was a son of William and Comfort 
(Wallace) Tarlton; was born in Epsom, N. H., February 
19, 1817 ; prepared for college at Homer, N. Y. ; gradu- 
ated at Dartmouth College, 1842; teacher in Boston 
1842-44 ; student at Yale Theological Seminary two 
years and Andover Theological School one year. He 
was without charge at Boston, Mass., 1855-68, and 
Watertown, Mass., from 1868 till death. Sometimes en- 
gaged in evangelistic labors, and acting pastor at North 
Chelsea (Revere), two years. Married, February 3, 
1854, Betsey Dutton, daughter of Deacon Roger and 
Rachel (Sawyer) Dutton, of Hooksctt, N. H. Died 
in Watertown, of congestion of the liver and lungs, 
February 27, 1883, aged sixty -six years. Rev. William 
Forbes was ordained November 8, 1855, and was 
supported until May 2, 1857, when he sent in his 
resignation, but continued to serve until December 
23, 1858, when he was dismissed. He afterwards 
preached in Deerfield. Mr. Forbes was succeeded by 
the Rev. E. H. Caswell, who occupied the pulpit one 
year, until May 31, 1860, when he ceased his labors. 
On July 8, 1860, Rev. Marvin Leffingwell commenced 
to supply the pulpit ; after preaching two years Sab- 
baths, was engaged for one year. Mr. Leffingwell 
preached until the year 1865. During this time he 
strongly advocated the cause of the Union in the 
pulpit and out. He was succeeded by Rev. A. Burn- 
ham, who jierformed the duties of pastor from July 
16, 1865, until March 31, 1872. Mr. Burnham was a 
devoted Christian, a thorough scholar, and his memory 
is indelibly imjjrinted on the minds of many who live 
in Hooksctt. He died a few years ago in West 
Stewartstown, N. H. The church was supplied by 
diflerent preachers until the year 1873, when the 
Methodist and Congregational Churches were united. 
This departure wns fdllowivl In- nn ora of great suc- 
cess, whenchun-li nnih i~ :iihl ;iii( inhiiice were greatly 
enhanced. Thr • '■nm. L;,iiiMii:ili-t in.inbers earnestly 
acquiesced in supimrliiii;' Mrlliudial preachers. The 
Rev. J. E. Robbins was the fii-st pastor under the 
new order of things, he serving until 1876 with great 



success. Mr. Robbins has preached in Plymouth, 
Lebanon and Portsmouth since, and is now presiding 
elder in the Claremont District. The next Was Rev. 
B. W. Chase (Methodist), who served one year, after- 
wards j)reaching in Sunapee and the West. Mr. 
Chase was succeeded by Rev. S. G. Kellogg (Metho- 
dist), three years. Rev. Mr. Kellogg is a distinguished 
minister, has been presiding elder, and since has 
preached in Marlow three years, and is now at Suna- 
pee, N. H. The next call was made to Rev. Charles 
H. Taintor (Congregationalist). Mr. Taintor preached 
in Weare, N. H., one year, before locating in Hook- 
sett, and prior to that period was an evangelist. Mr. 
Taintor's administration, from 1880 to 1882, was a 
fruitful one. He labored with much zeal and earnest- 
ness. The records show more accessions of new 
members by profession than under any administration 
of his predecessors. His estimable wife was an earnest 
colaborer in the cause. Mr. Taintor, after deliberate 
consideration was very pronounced and earnest, and 
he did much towards shaping and perfecting the 
affairs and records of the Congregational Church. Mr. 
Taintor was called to Milford, N. H., where he labored 
with his usual success for two years. He is now 
secretary of the Congregational Church Building 
Society in the West, with headquarters at Chicago. 
Mr. Taintor was succeeded by Rev. J. C. Rollins, who 
commenced to supply the pulpit in November, 1882. 
He was previously located in Webster two years, 
supplying the Methodist Episcopal Church. In June, 
1883, he received a call from the Union Church to set- 
tle with them as their pastor, being ordained and in- 
stalled June 27, 1883. Rev. C. W. Wallace, D.D., 
preached the sermon. In the words of one of the 
council, "the examination was more than satis- 
factory.'' During ^Mr. Rollins' term the church was 
remodeled inside and out at an expense of about 
fifteen hundred dollars, and before the close of his 
work every cent of debt of church, society and Sunday- 
school was paid in full. Mr. Rollins was called to the 
pa.storate of the Milford Church December, 1884, and 
was installed February 27, 1885. Mr. Rollins' service 
in Hooksett was successful, displaying rare talent as 
a preacher of power and worth. His ministrations 
in Milford are successful, and large congregations 
assemble to hear his brilliant pleadings. Since the 
building of the church numerous improvements have 
been made. A bell was given the church in the 
year 1852 by a number of contributors. In the year 
1879, Deacon Hiram Austin, Martin L. Otterson and 
Frank C. Towle were appointed trustees to receive a 
legacy of five hundred dollars bequeathed to the 
church by Mary Young. In the year 1882, Jabez 
Green presented a deed to the society of the parsonage 
lot and building, valued at about fifteen hundred 
dollars; also, Mrs. Jabez Green, the same year, 
donated a silver communion service, costing seventy- 
five dollars. These monuments of philanthropy speak 
praises to the noble benefactors, who are still living 



:{7;{ 



at this time. The following ilraiims have sorveci the 
church : Roger Diitton, Hush ragninl, l.iilhor Shedd, 
Hiram Austin, Sfartiti L. Oltrrson. 

Methodist Church.— The earliest reeollectiou of 
Methodist ]ireacliing was between the years 1820- 
30. An (Jrlhodox sentiment had been established 
before any organization took pbicc in the Methodist 
creed. Methodism, with its customs and forms of 
worsliip, in the olden times, was somewhat generally 
ridiculed by believers in Ortbodo.xy and I'resby- 
terianisni. \ healthy senlinienl had generally become 
aroused in the Methodist faith, and a large society 
was organized. The first preaching that wa.s regularly 
sustained was held in the brick building now owned 
by George A. Colby. It was then owned by Hall & 
Rowe. Afterwards meetings were held in the hall of 
the old tavern-stand, now the residence of Widow 
M'alter B. Jones. After the town-house was built, in 
1828, the inside was fitted with pews, and a great 
many came into possession of members of the Metho- 
dist Society. As there was no accessible record, a 
complete history of the society cannot be given. In 
the year 18.S1, Rev. Orlando Hinds was the pastor. 
In the year 18.32, Rev. Nahum Howe supplied the 
church. Again, in the year 1835, Rev. Mr. Hinds 
sui^ilicd the puljiit. The church was for a number of 
years sui)plied from the Methodist Episcopal College at 
Concord. In the year 185(5 there was a great re- 
ligious revival, conducted by a man by the name of 
Fox. Many accessions to the church membership 
took place during this period. In the early history 
of the church Rev. James Pike supplied the pulpit for 
two years. While he acted as pastor a camp-meeting 
was held in the woods formerly standing on the tVirm 
of the late Thomas N. Head. It was an important 
event at that time. In the records, of which there are 
only some fragments to be found, the names of the 
following persons asi' members of the board" appear: 
Alvah Colby, George Davis, Nathaniel Mitchel, 
C. H. Wheeler, J. R. Hall, Simeon Batchelder, Sum- 
ner Ordway, Josiah Prescott. In 1857, Joseph Scott 
and Gilbert H. Winans supplied the church with 
forty-three members. In 1858, preacher in charge, 
Rev. Truman Caster ; membership, sixty-three. 
In ISGO, Rev. Charles H. Vinton, pastor; member- 
shij), .sixty-seven. In 1862, Rev. C. R. Haman, pastor; 
membership, fifty-four. In 1863, Rev. Jos. T. Hand, 
pastor; in 1864, S. Donaldson, pastor ; in 1870-71, Rev. 
H. H. Hartwell, pastor ; in 1872-73, Rev. C. W. Taylor, 
pastor. In the year 1873 the Methodists joined with 
the Congregationalists and formed a Union Society. 
On May 18, 1885, Rev. N. M. Learned, late of Los 
Angeles, C'al. (Methodist), was engaged to supply the 
Union Church in Hooksett for one year. He is now 
the acting pastor, and has met with a kind reception. 
TTniversalist Society. — There was no regular or- 
ganized society of the Universalists until the year 
1858. There were meetings held previously, and 
such noted clergymen as Rev. Silvanus Cobb and Rev. i 
24 



I'hilip Brooks have [ireachcd herein Hookseltin earlier 
days. The first regular settled pjistor was the Key. 
Samuel Thompson. He was a native of Nova Scotia, 
and was a preacher of ability. He resided in town until 
1863. The meetings were held in the company's hall. 
The composition of the society embraced many of the 
best people in town. Mr. Thompson had two sons, 
who enlisted in the War of the Rebellion, and were 
credited to this town. There are many residents who 
arc firm believers in the Universalist creed, but wor- 
ship with other sectarian denominations. 

Adventism. — The Advent doctrine has been preach- 
ed in town about thirty years. In the year 1858 
there were a few people in town who prepared for the 
second coming of Christ. There is no organized so- 
ciety, but preaching has been held publicly in halls, 
school-houses and groves in different sections of the 
town. Many remember the local expounders of this 
doctrine in the persons of Enoch Holt and wife, Or- 
lando Marshall and wife, and, at the present time, 
Daniel C. Elliott and others. The Bible is their study, 
and passage alter passage can be repeated by the fol- 
lowers of this religious belief. 

Catholic— There is no Catholic Church in town, 
but there is an estimated population of over six hun- 
dred who are followers of this faith. About two miles 
from Hooksett village is a Catholic Church. It is in 
the limits of Allenstown, more properly called (South 
Side) Suncook. In the erection of this church, the 
expense was approximately borne by the Catholic 
l)eople in this town. Since the establishment of this 
church the moral standard has improved, and the 
\vh(de community is more law-abiding. 

Physicians.— The first regular doctor who resided 
within our boundaries before the formation of the town 
was Dr. John Dustin, who lived at Martin's Ferry in 
1775. His widow lived there in 1818. He was a physician 
of some note, and traveled considerably to find pa- 
tients. The next of whom there is any record was Dr. 
Samuel Huston. He located some time before the 
town was incorporated, about the year 1817. He had 
an office in the house of Hon. Richard H. Ayer, and 
lived in his family. He continued to practice, with 
great succe.ss, until 1824. After the town was incor- 
porated, in 1822, there arose two political factions 
in the dominant party, called the Ayer and Hall 
factions. Dr. Huston was an active supporter of 
Ayer, but through some family trouble he left the 
house of Ayer and went to William Hall's to live. 
In the mean time he supported Hall. This bitterness 
of feeling was carried into politics with much earnest- 
ness, which created family fetuls. Scandalous reports 
were soon circulated about an irregular intimacy be- 
tween Huston and Hall's wife. One morning the fire of 
the Hall family became extinguished, and as it was the 
custom in those days to borrow fire, a member went 
to the house of Henry Moulton to procure the same. 
A feeling of hatred existed previously between the 
families. A nephew, whose name was Moulton, who 



HISTOKV (IK MKKItlMACK COUNTY, NEW HAM 



lltK. 



W!is a blacksmith, nccosted the borrower of the lire 
with the insinujition that Dr. Huston was paying too 
many attentions toMr. Hall's wife. This was immediate- 
ly reported to the Hall family. Soon afterwards William 
Hall, Dr. Hu.ston and iSamuel Roach and other mem- 
bers of tlie family repaired tothe Moulton blacksmith- 
shop, armed with hoop-poles, to castigate him for cir- 
culating such stories. A bloody fight ensued, when 
more than a dozen men became involved. No lives 
were lost, but .some serious flesh-wounds were made. 
The result of this fight ended with a complicated law- 
suit between the Moultons and Halls. The Halls 
were embarrassed financially by this litigation, and 
quietly, iu the year 1824, the Halls, Dr. Huston 
and Samuel Roach disappeared, and were uot heard 
from afterwards. Jt is supjjosed that they emigrated to 
Ohio. This ended the most noted family fight that has 
ever occurred in Hook.sett. Dr. Samuel Huston was 
called a skillful ])hysician, with a fine physique, aftii- 
ble iu manner, and in the ))rime of manhood when 
living in town al that time. The next regular physi- 
cian was Dr. Asa Sawyer. He was born in Sandown, 
N. H., and educated at the Atkinson Academy, and 
studied nii'iliiiiir willi Dr. Amos Gale, of Kingston. 
He conniiciHcd to |,niclice in Dillsburg, Pa. He 
practiced there liftteu years, selling out his practice, 
and came to Hooksett with a competence, and bought 
the McCounell farm in How, on the River road, after- 
wards purchasing the Hall land in Hooksett. He 
afterwards purchased the Merrill place, in Pembroke, 
where he moved to educate his children. He went 
into business in Pittsfield a short time. He then 
moverl to Keysville, N. Y., where he was engaged in 
the brewery business, when he died about the year 
185!). Dr. Enoch B. Barnes practiced in Hooksett 
until the year 1834. He was a successfiil practi- 
tioner. Dr. Barnes, like Dr. vSawyer, was a public- 
spirited man. He held many offices in the gift of the 
town. He married a daughter of Hon. Richard H. 
Ayer. A complete sketch could not be made, as in- 
formation regarding him could not easily be collected. 
Dr. A. B. Story practiced after Dr. Gale, in the years 
1845-46, and was succeeded by Dr. Horace Gage. 

Dr. Amos G. Gale was the next established doctor. 
He was a son of Dr. Amos Gale, of Kingston, and 
was born in that town February 17, 1807. He was a 
grandson of Dr. Josiah Bartlett, one of the signers of 
the Declaration of Independence and one of the ear- 
liest (iovernors of New Hampshire after the adoption 
of the State Constitution. His grandfather on his 
paternal side was also a physician. For over one 
hundred yeais his ancestors were connected with the 
medical profession, and each of his four brothers 
were practitioncre. The subject of this notice studied 
medicine with his brother, Dr. Ezra Gale, of Kings- 
ton, and Dr. Levi B. Gale, of Boston, and took the 
degree of M.D. at the medical school connected with 
Dartmouth College. He commenced practice in 
Hooksett in 1833 and remained here until 1845. 



During his residence in town he married Mary 
Greene Ayer, a daughter of Hon. Richard H. Ayer. 
He removed to Manchester about the year 1846, 
where he was in active practice until his death. Dr. 
Gale while in Hooksett was beloved by all, was in- 
terested in town afiairs, was postmaster from 1833 
to 1845, and was actively engaged in business with 
Mr. Ayer. The following appeared in the Daily 
American on January 25, 1861 : 

" Ah a physician, Dr. Gale wmt among the highest in rank, and wa« a 
vcrj' HucccBeful pnictiUoner. As a niun and a citizen, he was upright in 
all his dealings, and in all his intercourse with others he was remarkably 
simple in his manners and courteous to all, whatever might be their 
rank iu life. He was always ready to rosiHind to all reasonable demands 
ujion his gcncTOBity, unci tmdc .i livil.v int. rout in (lie pruhpi-rily and rop- 

!"■ ^' ■' '■■I"'-- ■ ' " • ■' II ..i I !■ . ■' t .11, rights, 

lii'i III I'll i.i-i 1' " > ■'■ ■■ ' ■ !■■ I- I',', i, •- • i.ri.,1 wiUi 



-i'l> I It. I, ^'. li.i... M ,1. ,. I Imjh from making a candid 

;|\.'^^ il -I ill ...MM nil- II. II. \. I V. i-.h...l to be esteemed beyond 

it is but jiuitice to sjiy that our city hjw lost one of its most worthy 
citizens, and the poor and unfortunate a beucfactorand friend." 

Horace Gage, M.D., succeeded Dr. Gale about the 
year 1845. He was born in Hopkinton, N. H., Feb- 
ruary 14,1811. He was left an orphan at the early 
age of four years. He was bound out to farming a 
few years and then learned the wheelwright trade. 
He worked at this business a while in Lowell, Mass., 
then went on a voyage to the South ; was on a whale- 
ship. He had then a good common-school education, 
but on' his return from sea spent two years at the 
Hoi)kinton Academy and in teaching school. In 
1835 he commenced the study of medicine; attended 
a course of lectures at the Berkshire Medical College ; 
also, in 1837, attended a course at the Cincinnati 
Medical College, and was in the hospitals in that 
city one year. He afterwards returned to Berkshire 
College and took another course of lectures and 
graduated in 1838. He then commenced to practice 
in Wilmot, N. H. ; afterwards settled in F2ast Weare. 
He settled in Hooksett in the year 1845, where he 
remained until his death, in the year 1875. He 
married Miss Louise Putney, of Duubarton, by whom 
he had one son, Horace P. Gage, now living. Dr. 
Gage was all his life a close student, and at the time 
of his death there were few better read medical men 
in the State. He was a sympathetic man, indu.strious, 
in politics a strong Democrat, and acquired a large 
practice, leaving a snug little fortune. During Dr. 
Gage's residence in town a number of physicians 
located for the purpose of business, but their stay was 
transient. 

On April 7, 1872, Dr. .Vlvah M. Dam opened an 
office in town. He wjis born at Springvale, Me., on 
February 10, 1851. Graduated at the University of 
New York (Medical Department) February 21, 1872. 



HOOKSETT. 



375 



He coiitiiiueil here until the fall of 1873. He was a 
native of Maine, and a young man of ability. He 
moved from here to Sutieook, where he gained a wide ! 
reputation as a teniperanee orator and agitator. He 
is now in business in Boston as manager of a medicine 
company. Ira H. Adams, M.D., bought out the 
practice of Dr. Dam, and commenced to practice in 
Hooksett November 17, 1S74. He was born in Pom- j 
fret, Windsor County, Vt., August 10, 1841J ; attended 
the common schools ; took a course of study at the ; 
State Normal School, Randolph, Vt. ; was licensed to 
teach in that State, and followed the business five 
years. He again entered school, as a pupil, at Kim- 
ball Union Academy, where he graduated in the class 
of 1872. He studied medicine with Hubert Sleeper, 
M.D., of Meriden, N. H.; also at the Dartmouth 
Medical College, from which he graduated in Novem- 
ber, 1874. He immediately commenced to practice in 
Hooksett, where he remained until March 15, 1882, 
when he moved to Derry Depot, N. H., where he is 
still in active practice. August 31, 1875, he was 
married to Louise S. Perley, of Lempster, N. H. 
They have two children born to them. Dr. Adams 
was public-spirited, took an interest in public 
schools and was a valuable man in the community. 
He has a large practice in Derry. Dr. Adams was 
succeeded by Francis D. Randall, M.D. Dr. Randall 
was a native of Deerfield, and was educated at the 
Pembroke and New Hampton Academies. He read 
medicine with Dr. E. S. Berry, of Candia, and grad- 
uated from the Burlington Medical College in 1880, 
He practiced in Deerfield one year, and located in 
Hooksett in March, 1882. He is considered a skillful 
physician, and promises to rank high in the medical 
fraternity. He married Fannie Prescott, of Deer- 
field. 

Schools. — Schoiils were suiiportcd as early as the 
exigencies of the times demanded. Long before the 
incorporation of the town, Chester amply supplied 
the inhabitants within her jurisdiction with school 
privileges. The early settlers in New England, 
as long back a.s November 11, 1047, enacted laws 
in the interest of schooling. In the year 1759 
£10.00 was allowed for the expenses of a school in 
what is now District No. 1, in the selectmen's ac- 
cnuiits of the town of Chester. This was probably 
the first school established in our locality. In 177(1 
Joseph Brown was paid £10 10«. for services as school 
teacher for what is now Hooksett (formerly Chester) 
In the year 1805 an act was passed authorizing towns 
to divide into school districts. In the town of Ches 
ter (in that part now Hooksett) Districts No. 18, 11 
and 21 composed the districts that make now Nos. 1 
2, 3 and 4 in Hooksett. The first school-house built 
in No. 1 wa.s probably erected in the year 1805, ami 
was burned in 1808. A tax was assessed of two hun 
dred and fifteen dollars, and the house was rebuilt in 
1808. This building was burned in 1839, and a good 
brick one was built in its place, costing five humlred 



dollars. About the year 1845 the Factory District 
was made from No. 1, and a house built in 1848, cost- 
ing over five hundred dollars. This district was 
called No. 7. In 1858 another district was made 
from No. 1, called No. 9, and a house built at a cost 
of six hundred dollars. In the year 1872, Nos. 7, 
9 and 5 were united, and a school building erected at 
a cost of seven thousand dollars. This includes the 
whole of Hooksett village. The old buildings were 
sold at auction, and afterwards fitted into private 
houses. The original school-house of No. 1 was 
torn down and a new one erecteil near the Hooksett 
Cemetery. The first house in No. 2 was built in the 
year 1808 at a cost of one hundred and eight dol- 
lars. Before that time there was a log school-house 
near Martin's Ferry that accommodated that part of 
Chester. In this district at the present time there is 
a convenient new building recently erected at a cost 
of about fifteen hundred dollars. In No. 3 a house 
was built in 1821. There have been two buildings 
burned in this district. At the present time a conve- 
nient house exists. On the west side of the river, 
near Hooksett Falls, the first school was kept in pri-, 
vate buildings. There was a school kept in the old 
"Locks "house a number of years. The family of 
Joshua Abbott, the first settler near the falls, had to 
travel by foot-path through the woods into the town 
of Bow for school privileges. After the town was in- 
corporated, Joseph Wilkins, of Suncook, deeded a 
piece of land for a school-house lot and a building 
was erected. This district was afterwards consoli- 
dated with Nos. 7 and 9, and formed the Village Dis- 
tricts. Nos. 5, 6 and 7, which now constitute the re- 
maining districts of the town, have commodious 
buildings. This territory was formerly Dunbarton and 
Goftstown. The estimated value of the school-houses 
and lots in town is thirteen thousand five hundrc<l 
dollars ; the number of scholars, two hundred and 
fifty; and about sixteen hundred dollars is appropri- 
ated annually for expenses. The larger portion of 
the school population in the village is made up of 
French extraction. They are constantly transient in 
a place, utilizing all their family quota in the employ 
of factories, and thus evading the statutes in regard 
to attending schools. 

War of the RebeHio" — The following is a list of 
I sol licrs wh ) i\cre mustirc. I into tht mimil diinno- 
the late Rebellion from Hooksett 

GkUHi'"! r""- i*^ II Ml til, 1 

Biall J Cld Regii nt i us 



iM ria\ ( ou pan} U !• t,'"' ^ > Ha iiwli re \ ul 
1 Dlcci il er '0 18G1 pr n t d serg ant 1 td of ^ 



HISTORY OF MKKRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



tered in Doceiiibcr 2U, 18C1 ; disclmrgcil i 



Francis Lakin, Company H, Eighth New Hampshire Volunteera, nms- 
terei] in December 31, 1861 ; Irauflferred to Veteran Reserve Corits May, 



. French, Company F, Eighth New Hampsllii 
u December 20, 1861 ■, discharged for ( 



Amos Baker, Company H, Eighth New Hampshire Volunteers, nn 
tered iu December 20, 1861 ; dibchnrged at Camp Kearney, La., Septei 
ber 12, 18C2-, also served in the Me.vican War ; died in Hookactt 



1868. 



Hiimpshii 



Joseph St. John, Company H, Kightli N 
mustered in December 20, 1861. 

Samuel Poor, Company H, Second New Hampshire Volunteers, mus- 
tered iu June 5, 1861 ; promoted corporal ; captured at Gettysburg, Pa., 
July 2, 1863. 

Sullivan Silver, wagoner, Second New Hampshire Volunteers, mus- 
tered in June 1, 1861 ; discharged for disability July 10, 1861. 

Charles L. Tabor, Company C, Second New Hampshire Volunteers, 
mustered iu June 1, 1861 ; discharged Februarj- 4, 18G3. 

Horace Dearborn, Company C, Second New Hampshire Volunteers, 
mustered in June 1, 1861 ; dis. on account of wounds September 26, 1862. 

Woodbury Brooks, Company E, Second New Hampshire Volunteers, 
mustered in June 3, 1861 ; missing in action February, 1863. 

Daniels. Martin, Company H, S'-'-mthI \-.\v H:iiii[.sin're Volunteers, 
mustered in August 12, 1SG2; di. I I' ' i i- !'J 

Frederick Martin, Ck>mpany I :, I ;. . n Hu[...hire Volunteers, 
mustered in Si-iitcinJiiT IS, isr.l , t.. , i i , : ^ i mhi-r 27, l«t'.4. 

Jolin A :M.,.in,'' |..ui\ < )..i,iiL \ \> II iiii|..sbire Voluiiteei-s, 



■.sliire Voluntooi-s, 
lisubility July 14, 



George H. Robertson, Company F, Fourth New Hampshire Vol 
mnstered in September 18, 1861 ; ro-onlistud February 17, 1804. 



Dennis Keafe, Company G, 
ered in September IS, 18111 ; ( 



Edwu 



Third New Harapshii 
nUod slightly May 14, 1 






Allien l; '.--.;. ' 
nmstered iu .\ii;;ii...l J.l, 1 

Joseph Oruiston, Comimny A, Third New Hampshire Volunteers, nms- 
tered in August 23, M<n ; killed at Druo's niull, Va., May 13. lSG-1. 

Ransom 1' ' o i- ' .i,i|.jn r 'll.n.l N. w 1 1, nii|isliiro Volunteers, 
mustered in \ii_ii i ', l-it l,ill...l ,ii |iiiir\ . Itlnff, Va., May 13, 
1864. 

America Briggs, Company H, Third Now Hampshire Volunteers, mus- 
tered in August 22, 1861 ; ro-enlisted Januaiy 1, 1864. 

Jerald Fitts, Company C, Third New llam|)shire Volunteers, nmstered 
in August 22, bsol ; unknown. 

Byron Kichardstin, Company A, Ninth New llainpsliii-e ^'olinitei.r-. 
mustered iu July 16, 1802. 

Cliarles W. James, wagoner. Ninth New Hampshire Volunteei~s n,ns- 
tered in July 9, 1862 ; discharged for disability November 1, 1802. 

James T. Prescott, Company B, Ninth New Hampshire Volunteers, 
1 July 9, 1802 ; wounded May 12th ; died of wounds June 14, 






Dennis Carlia, ( 
tered in July 9, 1802. 

John Quimby, Jr., Comimny K, Seventh New Hampshire Volunteers, 
mustered in December 11, 1861 ; re-enlisted February 28,180*. 

Eli Poor, Jr., Company A, Seventh New Hampshire Volunteore, nms- 
tered in October 29, 1861 ; re-enlisted February 28, 1864. 

William R. Thompson, Company A, Seventh New Hampshire Voluu- 
teeni, mustered in Octoljer 29, 1861 ; re-*nli«ted February 28, 1804. 

Parker Carr, Company A, Seventh New Hampshire Volunteers, mus- 
tered in October 29, 1861 ; transferred to Invalid Corps February 0, 
1864. 

Peter Oritfiu, Seventh New Hampshire Volunteers. 

Samuel Thompson, Seventh New Hampshire Volunteei-s, mustered in 
August 18, 1862 ; missing at Fort Wagner, S. C, July 18, 1863, 

Joseph Verville, Company C, Third New Hampshire Volunteers, mus- 
tered in August 23, 1861 ; wounded slightly May 13, 1864 ; mustered out 
September 27, 1864. 

Daniel Riley, Company C, Sixth New Hampshire Volunteere; missing 
at Bull Run, .August 29, 1862. 

George F. Porter, First Regiment, (California Volunteers. 

Henry Blodgett, Twcnty-Secoml Massachusetts Volunteei-s. 

Mayhew CTark, Company C, Eleventh New Hampshire Volunteers, 
mustered in August 21, 1862; wounded slightly Deccndier 13, .1862 ; 
discharged for disability at Concord. 

Philip E. Crooker, Company D, Tenth New Hampshire Volunteers, 
UOiSte,,.,! i„ Sepf,.,„l,er 1 i<e..-; ,„i,.i„.. i,T Mction JuDB 3, 1804. 

'■■■' II I II' ii ' ■ .; ■'.■. I' I ■ •• New Hampshire Vo 



' first lieutenant Sejiteniber 



. I'jirm.T, Comiiaiiy l>, Teiitii New Hami>8liire Volunteers, 
September 1, 1802 ; died nt F.ilmouth, Va., January 2, 



npany D, Tenth New Hamiiahire Volunteers, nms- 



ripany D, Tenth New Ham]whire Volunteers, 






.Silvaims B. I'ntnam, Coini>any D, Tenth New Haniiahire Volunteers, 
nustered in September 1, 1862 ; wounded severely June 3, 1804. 

Silas T. Goodale, Company D, Tenth New Hami>shire Volnnteei-s, 
nustered in September 1, 1802 ; promoted sergeant ; wounded sevei'ely 
rune 3, 1864. 

John A. Hall, Company D, Tenth New Hampshire Volunteere, nuis- 
ered in September 1, 1862 ; promoted to fii-st sergeant ; killed in action 
lune 27, 1864. 

Iliihis K. George, t^ompany D, Tenth New Hampshire Volunteer>i, 

\* iiii i". H . ill , ill, Cc.mpaiiy D, Tenth New Hampshire Volunteers, 
w \l K II \ ' iiijuiny 11, Tenth New Hampshire Volunteers; cap- 

I'iiiil pericii. Tenlli New Hampshire Volunteers, Company D, mustered 

II September 1, 1862. 

Stephen Dunbar, (.'umpany D, Tenth New Hampshire Volunteere, 
imstored in .September 1, 1862; discharged for disability Nov. 27,1802. 

Lewis Terrier, Company D, Tenth New Hampshire Volunteers, iiius- 
ered in .September 1, 1862. 

William R. Kistnmn, Com]iany D, Tenth New Hampshire Volunteei-s, 
III! I i . I :,, J |,|. :„),, I 1, 1862 ; wounded severely May 16, 1864. 

\1 I ^1 ■ nii'iiny D, Tenth Now Hampshire Volunteers, mus- 

l.i I II r |.iiny D, Tenth New Hampshire Vcduuteers, 

li'! ^1 I ;: ' I' liiilh New nauipshire Vi.luntei'rs. rims- 

- II !i,iiL;ed for disability March 2:1, 1S0:{. 

• e, 1.1 ,i , i h l. nth New Hampshire Volunteers, mus- 



M i .. I , , . i:,,.,,.. Iv, Tenth New Hampshire Volunteei-s, 
mil. e. ;. a .1. .-. J 1. lulj. 1 __, l.M.j, wui.nded severely June 4, 1804. 

Warren G, liuwell. Company K, Tenth New Hampshire Volunteers, 
mustered in September 22, 1862. 

S, Stone Smith, Company H, Twelfth New Hampshire Volunteers, 
mustered in September 22, 1802, 

Otis B. Lincoln, Company H, Tenth New Hampshire Volunteers, mus- 
tered in September 4, 1862. 



HOOKSETT. 



377 



A. Eugeue Fisk, Tliirtoenlb Kfgiment Maaaacliusetts Volunteer 

John S. Wattles, Fourteenth Regiment Now Hampshire Volu 
Company H ; died at Poolesville, Md., January 11, 1803. 

John Bennett, Second New llampahi 
tered in November 13, 1S(>:J. 

John liavtlett. Second New llaninslii 






Miiber 13, 1S03 ; 



re Vdlunteerrt, rnnipany A, mus- 

ire Volnnteers, Company D, mufl- 

lune,3, 1804. 

le Volunteers, Company D, mus- 

pshire Volunteers, Company H, 

n- Volunteers, Company K, mus- 

iipshire Volunteer, Company F, 



.uii il. lU..ilv^, .N, ...ii.l ,Nci* lliimpshire Volunteel-s, Cnjnipany K, 
■d in November 13, 18ti3 ; pi-omuted to corporal ; promoted to 
lieutenant Thirty-sixth United States Colored Troops, December 



\S illiam Smith, Second New Hampshire Volunteers, Company E. mus- 
tered in November 13, 18D3 ; discharged for disability September 7, 



:wm\ 



V'lwnrd Cltirk, Second New flampshi 
t.nd in January 1, ISM. 

-\lden G. George, Third New Ham]>shirc Volnnteei-s, Comp.any A, niiis 
tered in August Si, 1801; wounded slightly May 14, 1SG4 ; missing lu 



' Volnnteers, Company B, 



lSfi4. 



w Hampshire Volunteers, Company H, mns- 

Ilampshire Volunteers, Company C, nnis- 

■ " M ""I'-i \ '! ' i- Tompany E, 

I : . !■ i 1 t. 1SG2. 

> 1 1 r ' ,11 . \ il, ' , < '..mpany G, 



Peter White, Company D, Seventh New Hampshire Volunteers, mus- 
tered in August 19, 1863 ; missing at Olustee, Fla., February 20, 1864. 

Christopher Abbott, Company E, Eighth New Hampshire Yolunteei-s, 
mustered in September 1, 1863 ; captured at Sabine Cross-Koads. La., 
April 8, 1864 ; died of disease in hands of enemy. 

John Howard, Ouiiipany *', KJLiliIh New Hampshire Volunteers, mus- 
tered ill \n J II I I I I • ■ ;■(!!. I ill\ accounted for. 

Willi I - .1:1: hih New Hampshire Volunteers, 

Jiiiii. - I M III 111 [ l: I X.'w Ilimipshire Cavalry, mnster- 

■■il ill .III I - I, i -111 , I i|i I li w III. liiMi r, Vh., AngristlT, 1864. 

rill,-.. .1 \\.iii,> Il I iin \ ; iiiri.-nt New Hampshire 



Il..iiv> \ l>, 

Xalli.iii h. L.r.' 
Artillfiy, iiui.-lLii 

Edward P. Kii 
Artillery, nmstfr. 

Charles H. Ini;. 
tillery, nmstereil 

Ch.irlesN. Dim 
tillerv, niiist.-icil 



i.ii.|..u,,i Iv, N..U ll.iiiiinliire Volunteer Heav 

i>ii)|iany K, New HainpHliire Volunteer Ileiiv 

itembi'rlT, 1864. 

i|.iii\ TC Xi'W Ham]whire Volunteer Heavy Al 

III ! \. ^^ Ilauipsbire Volunteer Heavy Al 

I \ M.iiiipshire Volunteer Heavy Art! 

I I ^ u Hampshire Volunteer Heavy A] 



Benjamin F. Funiiun, rnmpiiny K, New HampBhire Volunteer Heavy 
Artillery, mustered in September 17, 1864. 

Clinton Jones, Company K, New Hampshire Volunteer Heavy Ar- 
tillery, mustered in September 17, 18C4. 






Frank C. Jewell, Company K, New llamiishire Vol 
tillery, mustered iu September 17, 1864. 

John B. Leightou, Company K, New Hampshire 
Artillery, mustered in September 17, 1804. 

Charles H. Moulton, Company K, New Hani|>shire 
Artillery, mustered in September 17, 1804. 

Frank D. Ordway, Company K, New Hampshire Volunteer Heavy Ar 
tillery, mustered in September 17, 1864. 

John H. Prescott, Company K, New Hampshire Volunteer Heavy Ar- 
tillery, mustered in September 17, 1864. 

Franklin Senior, Company K, New Hampshire Volunteer Heavy Ar- 
tillery, miistenil in September 17, 1804. 

John liii 1 I V < iii|.in\ >], New Hampshire Volunteer Heavy Artil- 
lery, mu-i ■ I \ > ■..■! 13,1863. 

JeioMi I: I I in M, New Hamiishire Volunteer Heavy Ar- 
tillery, - I III \ii,ji.i -II, 1863. 

Henry A. T,:iwii'ii.e, I'nited States service. Fort Constitution, mus- 
tered in July 25, 1804 ; commissioned second lieutenant Heavy Artil- 
lery Septomhor 15, 1804. 

Henry H. Oile, United States service. Fort Constitution, mnstered 
in July 25, 1804. 

Horace P. Gage, United States service, Fort (_'onstitution, mustered in 
July 25, 1804. 

Edward A. Uobie, United States service. Fort Constitution, mustered 
in July 25, 1864. 

The following soldiers who served in the late Re- 
bellion are prominent citizens of Hooksett. 

Ehenener H. Nutting, Company C, Fourth New Hampshire Volun- 
teers ; eiilisleil September 18,1801; promoted sergeant; mustered out 
Si-iiiiiiili. 1 :':, iMil Mr N'utting is the resident agent of Hooksett 



Edwin Pronk, a native of Boston, went from Boston to Oxford, 
when eight years old ; lived there twenty-five years ; held 



I has held 









.1 September 18, 1801, Company K, Fourth 
mustered out September 18, 1864. Mr. Psr- 
hi- year 1881 ; he represented the town of 
.1 held other important offices. He is an 



erved in First Company Heavy Artillery, Vermont, 
an active business man in town. 
Company G, Thirty-sixth Maine Regiment ; an 



Henry C. Cai 
through the wi 

Nathan B. i 
active farmer in town. 

William H. Robinson enlisted in the Eighteenth Regiment New 
Hampshire Volunteers in 1864, and was discharged on the 29th day of 
August, 1805. He is Commander of Geo. W. Gordon Grand Army of 
the Reimblic Post, Suncook. 

LIST OF PENSIONERS CREDITED TO HOOKSETT IN 1883. 

Ward M.-,s.«r, wi.ii.ideil in left kn.e ; Sin on ; Arthur I. Lawrence 



$8.00; Sarah Osmm \i. r i. i ' -,ii> 

A. Ordway, widi-'" nl I - 1 _'. - - n ' i' .!i ;. \ n ii . .\ \| i . .m v\ . j. .-, ..i 1 -]■_■, 

m.m. 

Of the families in Hooksett, concerning which a 
war record can be produced, is the Poor family. 
Samuel Poor was born iu Rowley, Mass., December 13, 
1758, when that part of the town was called New 
Rowley, and in 1838 incorporated with the name of 



378 



liisroUV OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



(ieorgetown. He was a brave lievolutionary soldier, 
and served with lieiieral Gates at Saratoga, N. Y., 
October 17, 1777, wlieii tiiey took General Burgoyue. 
Resettled in what was originally Gortstown, and his 
farm was in the southwesterly part of the town, made, 
in 1822, from a portion of Dnnbarton, Gotl'stown and 
ancient Chester, and called by the name of Hooksett. 
He married, October 21, 17S4, Anna liriilgcs, of Row- 
ley, born February 1, 17()2 ; tiiey lived Ujgether a long 
time. He died August 21,1841. She survived him 
until she reached ninety -one years, dying April 21, 
1858. Mr. Poor was a good citizen with sound judg- 
ment, and honored with being called to hold office in 
the management of town affairs. Eri, son of Samuel 
Poor, was born November 21,1800; married, April 
14, 1825, Susan Sallmarsh, of Gollstown. He died 
January 28, 1874; she in 1879. He wiis county com- 
missioner three years, and held all the important 
offices in town. Of his large family of children, 
he had two sons in the war of the Rebellion. 
Samuel Poor eil listed in Company H, Second Regi- 
ment, New Hampshire Volunteers. He died in the 
Andersonville prison. At the battle of Bull Run was 
not wounded, although a man was shot down on each 
side of him and two bullets passed through his clothes. 

Eri Poor, enlisted in Company A, Seventh Regi- 
ment of New Hampshire Volunteers, June 14, 1862- 
Only five men of his company of one hundred and 
one came home, and he was one of those five. He 
was in the army four years, and was always on duty 
there, excepting when he received a thirty days' fur- 
lough to cdinr home mid visit his family ; partici- 
pated in :ill llir li:illlrs (illhr Srvriilb Regiment; 
was a bcilil snl.li,!, :ui.| liMik the rrbcl Hag at Fort 
Fisher ; was commissioned corporiii. and advanced 
step by step to first lieutenant before he left the ser- 
vice. Governor Natt. Head, before and since the 
Rebellion, has employed liir\i for his biick burner. 
(See Poor genealogy.) 

Among other families in tnwii with an old war 
record are the Olterson ami Head families (sec adju- 
tant-general's report). In the late Rebellion William 
H. Otterson served in the Tenth New Hampshire 
Volunteers, and was a -..nd soldirr. (ieorge H. J.. 
Head ros,. In ih,- iMiik nf ca|.liiin, Iveing a brave 
officer. 

LIST OF SOLDIKUS THAT AliK HUHIKI) IN IIOOKSKTT. 

Houkselt C«we(*T//.— Gooi'geW. Gonloii, (captain) Socom] Now Uainpsliire 
VoIiiii()M*fs, Kl-HHtiis W. Farmer (Cumiiuiiy T), Telitli New Ilainiialiire 
Voliuitoei-H), AiiiljroHo Jones. WarriMi IC. Rowull (Tuntli New Iluin|>sllire 
VoUuiteors), Jolm Laiigley, Klliw Taj-lor, Daniel A. Wells, .losepli 
Lewis, Ilein-y W. Sargent, AnguHtim P. Emery, John Berry, Jame8 
Ordway (1812), Parl<er I'arr, Bonjainln F. Brown, Amos Baker, Sterling 
Sargent (ISI2), Alft-eil Towna, Nathaniel Head (Uovolutlon). 

Racket iWl C>inf/«;i^.— Daniel J. George anil Aiun'zt) I*. Saltmai'tili. 

Itim R„.i,l i„ \l„„k^rll. rlimlos W. Kiiss (OomiwMy D, Tenth Now 
II I'-liij. I, fill \ II ill i.Hiv P r.'iitl) New Hampshire), Daviil 

" ' ' ID, .loshiia Martin (1812), Ed- 

\\Af\ l.iiiL I. \ iijin l: nhiiIi n. .V I hinipshiro Volunteer). 

('(„,/ Ji„(,i,r ,„ tlM,k,ell.- WAM riiiy I1S12), George Cuswell (Kighlh 
New Uampshire Volnuleers). 



In the Wars of the Revolution and of 1812 the true 
character and history of the participants can only W 
found in the records concerning the towns from which 
Hooksett was made. Many residents who live at 
this time can recall the names of ancestors who took 
part in those struggles. In the year 1840 pension- 
ers were living in Hooksett as follows : Ebenezer 
Currier, aged seventy-seven years, living at home : 
James Otterson, aged eighty-three; Alice Mitchell, 
aged seventy-one, living with .loseph Mitchell; 
Samuel Poor, eighty-two years old ; Anna Abbott, 
aged seventy-three years. Currier was a son of 
Thomas Currier and Sarah Coburu, married a Dresser 
for first wife, and for second wife Nancy, widow of 
Ehen Blaisdell. James Otterson married Mary 
Chase, of Sutton ; died December 22, 1846, aged 
eighty-nine; his wife died in 1845, aged eighty-three. 
He was a soldier in Rhode Island, 1778. 

Hooksett responded promptly to the calls for troops 
during the Rebellion, and furnished nearly one hun- 
dred and thirty men. The spirit of true patriotism 
early in war was the incentive for scores to enlist 
without any inducements of large bounties. The im- 
pulse stirred all alike, and representatives of families 
of both political parties who were the social and mater- 
ial leaders in forming local history, went to the war. 
The town was liberal throughout the whole war in pro- 
viding town aid to soldiers' families and in voting boun- 
ties. On AugustO, 1862, " Voted that theselectmcn be 
authorized to pay one hundred dollars to each volmi- 
teer." On September 26, 1863, " Voted to pay eiub 
drafted man or his substitute the sum of three hun- 
dred dollars." On December 22, 1863, " Voted to have 
fifty-six hundred and twenty-eight dollars to pay for 
our quota of men." " Voted that the selectmen be 
authorized to pay the recruiting ofticer four hundred 
dollars apiece for each man recruited." On the 6th 
day of Angiist, 1864, " Voted that the selectmen be 
authorized to hire sixteen thousand dollars to fill the 
quota under the call of the President for five liiiii- 
dred thousand volunteers, made .Tuly 18, 1864." " Voted 
that the selectmen be authorized to fill the quota 
and act :is agents ; " also " Votwl that T. B. Wattles 
and Jesse Gault act with them." On September 1, 
1864, " Voted to pay our citizens who may enlist live 
hundred dollars for one year, six hundred for two 
years and seven hundred dollars for three years." On 
December 28, 1864, " Voted that the town furnish 
volunteer substitutes for any call that may be luade 
upon said town for troops." " Voted, that the town 
pay one hundred dollars for one year, two hundred 
dollars for two years, three hundred dollars for three 
years." " Voted to pay any inhabitant of said town 
who shall furnish a representative substitute three 
hundred dollars." On March 14, 1865, " Voted to pay 
Chase Wentworth, C. W. James, Byron Richardson 
one hundred dollars as a bounty, if it be legal." 
"I'd/iv/td pay all who never received any bounty the 



HOOKSETT. 



379 



llouksett, if it is legal." The town of Hooksett 
wvnt Id the expciise of about tweaty-five thousand 
ilollais ill ilelrayiiis the expense of bounties, etc., 
whiili iiRurii'il a heavy debt, but, by judicious mau- 
a5,'enicnt, the debt has since been wiped out, and in 
the year 1.885 the treasury had a balance in favor of 
the town. Within a few years the town has voted fifty 
dollars annually for the decoration of the graves of 
soldiers who have fallen by the wayside of life's jour- 
ney since the war, and of those whose bodies were 
brought from the scene of the great conflict. There 
was no full company recruited in this town during 
the Rebellion ; but in September, 1862, upon the call 
made by the President for troops, enthusiastic pa- 
triotism jiervadedthe community and a great number 
of men enlisted from Hooksett. These men com- 
bined toi;;ether and joined the Tenth New Hanip.shire 
Volunteers. A company was formed, and from the 
Hooksett squad a captain wjus elected, who was com- 
missioneil September 17, 1862. This officer was War- 
ren M. Kelly, captain of Company D. He served 
throughout the war and commanded the regiment 
three months the last part of the service. Captain 
Kelly was a direct descendant of fighting stock, with 
good war records. He was born in the town of New 
Hampton, N. H., in 1821 ; wa.s a grandson of 
Lieutenant Samuel Kelly, a Revolutionary officer, 
and a near relative of Captain Thoniiis Sampson, who 
commanded a company at Bunker Hill. He was a 
son of Michael B. Kelly, a member of Light Artillery 
in the War of 1812. Mr. Kelly has been a citizen of 
Hooksett twenty-eight years. He was a brave ofli- 
cer, frank and generous, and beloved by all his com- 
panions-in-arms. There were twenty-one men who 
enlisted under Captain Kelly from Hooksett. These 
men acquitted themselves with honor to their country. 
On the 10th of September, 1885, the annual reunion 
of the Tenth New Hampshire Volunteers was held in 
Hooksett. This gathering of war-searred veterans, 
in commemoration of the sad past, and in exchanging 
kind greetings of the present, was a day long to be 
remembered by the people of Hooksett. A kind re- 
ception was given them, which brought to memory the 
sad " good-byes " given them when they departed 
from Manchester on that bright September morning 
for the seat of war, twenty-three years ago. 

Since the formation of the town of Hooksett the 
local military history is not without interest. Hook- 
sett's quota of men who were liable to do military 
service were generally given opportunity to train at 
the annual trainings. The last muster held in town 
was about the year 1850. It was held north of 
Hooksett Falls, on the west side of the river. This 
was under the old military regime. New Hampshire 
could muster then four brigades of well-drilled militia. 
Hooksett formerly mustered some crack companies. 
One of the first companies which displayed merit 
was the Hooksett Light Infantry. One of its last 
captains was A. H. Converse ; he was a military 



genius and a thorough disciplinarian. This company 
was disbanded before 1850. Many recollect their 
gaudy uniforms. Another company was organized 
since the war, also called the Hooksett Light Infan- 
try. It had for officers : Captain, George H. L. Head ; 
First Lieutenant, William H. Otterson ; Second Lieu- 
tenant, Silas T. Goodale. This company was organ- 
ized in 1866 and became a part of the State militia. 
It was disbanded in the fall of 1869. In 1859 an en- 
gine company was organized, called the Eagle Engine 
Company. It was composed of the best young men 
in the village. It paraded on important occasions 
and did whatever service it had occiision to do at 
tires. 

About the year 1842 there was organized a baud 
called the Hooksett Brass Band. It had at one time 
for leader Alonzo Bond, who has since become famous 
as a band-leader and director in Boston. Ex-Gover- 
nor Head was a prominent member, and was its 
leader before disbanding. 

In the year 1861, in September, a band was or- 
ganized with sixteen members, under the leadership 
of Benjamin A. Ham. Five members enlisted in 
the Tenth New Hampshire Regiment, but it con- 
tinued to play until 1868, when they disbanded. At 
one time the band was called one of the best in the 
State. 

October 6, 1884, a band was again organized, which 
is also called the Hooksett Cornet Rand, with twenty- 
two members. Professor B. A. Ham is the leader and 
director. The citizens of the town contributed a sum 
of money to defray the cost of procuring instruments, 
etc. This association is based on local interest, and 
the instruments, etc., are always tu be kepi in town, 
in the hands of the association. 

Temperance reform has more or less been agitated 
in town since the incorporation. Early in the history 
of the town Hooksett was called a great place for 
liquor. There was a number of taverns and dram- 
shops. In the old stage-times from ten to fifteen stages 
arrived every day. Boatmen who plied the river 
rendezvoused at Hooksett. Dram-drinking, which 
was a custom in those days, and gambling was carried 
on to a large extent. Hooksett was sometimes called 
the " Second Vicksburg." Between the years of 1840 
and 1850 a Sons of Temperance Society was formed, 
which aroused a temperance sentiment. This or- 
ganization was sustained a number of years. About 
the year 1854, when the Maine Liquor Law created 
a wide-spread interest, the sentiment struck this 
town. Liquor-selling was indefinitely suppressed. 
Later on the matter was constantly agitated. Savory 
T. Burbank, a prominent co-worker in the cause, was 
persecuted by having a large, fine apple orchard 
girdled by miscreants of the opposite belief. This 
was in the year 1861. A large gathering of people 
assembled at his house afterwards, regaled by stirring 
music from the Manchester Cornet Band, and re- 
placed the orchard. Soon afterwards the interest 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



waned, and during the war reformatory questions 
were out of order. The suppression of the Rebellion 
was the main thing in the minds of the people. 
After the war a space of great business prosperity was 
enjoyed. 

In the year 1875, December 30th, a Reform Club 
was organized in town. Noted agitators from differ- 
ent parts of the country spoke to the people. The 
sentiment permeated most every household, until the 
pledge was signed by over six hundred. Much ap- 
parent good was accomplished. Heads of families, 
who, prior to the movement, had not seen many sober 
days for years, took the pledge. They became sober 
men, and from that time until now are respected for 
their sobriety. A larger portion went back to their 
cups, becoming again intemperate. The club kept up 
their meetings for about five years. One of the out- 
comes of the Reform Club was the Good Templars' 
Lodge, which was organized April 5, J876, with 
Joseph <). lugalls and wife, C. H. Ingalls and wife, 
N. C. Gault and wife, K. T. Head and wife, W. H. 
Robinson, H. P. Gage and others as charter members. 
They increased their membership up to one hundred 
and three. This organization flourished for a number 
of years. They gave up their charter in October, 
1883. 

In the year 1873 a Patron of Husbandry Grange wiis 
instituted with Natt. Head as Master. This society 
flourished for a season, but soon became defunct. A 
number of people who reside in town are members of 
this society in Manchester. 

Political.— From the commencement of the his- 
tory of the town up to the year 1853 the Republican 
Democratic party was in the ascendancy. Since that 
time, for thirty-two years, the Republican party, de- 
rived from the old Whig and Abolition, ha.s con- 
tinually ruled the town. After the town was first 
formed there was not a strong opposing vote against 
the dominant party. 

In the year 1833, Mathew Gault was elected as 
representative without an opposing vote; William 
Badger, candidate for Governor, had all the votes but 
two. Since the Republicans have ruled the town the 
Democrats have, in the years of 1867 and 1882, been 
able to elect representatives in the persons of Norris 
C. Gault and Nathaniel Clark. 

In the year 1871, James A. Weston, Democratic 
candidate for Governor, had more votes than the Re- 
publican standard-bearer. 

Longevity.— The following is a record of some 
of the people who have died at age above seventy 
years: 

ThomM Wicom, died 1853, aged 101 ; Peter Williauw, died 1«63, ngcd 
79 ; Samuel Head, died 185.'), aged 77 ; Saraii Uead, died 185.% aged 71 ; 
Mary llndj;.-, dud 1S,'..h, ug...l T:i ; .I"lin I)avi«, died ISOli, ;i|;ed Wl ; Sam- 



L:ndcrliill, died ISOl, ageil 74 ; .Mosea Collins, i 
b Kimball, died 1863, aged 84 ; Aiiua Kolly, 



Sarali Shuto, died 18G7, aged 72 ; Polly .\blK)tt, died 1869, aged 81 ; Betsy 
Silver, died 1869, aged 77 ; Nicholan Dollof, died 1869, aged 75 ; Josejih 
Fuller, died 1869, aged 86 ; Eri Poor, died 1874, aged 73 ; Susan G. Goss, 
died 1873, aged 78 ; MaMiew Gault, died 1873, aged 70 ; Dolly Gault, 
died 1873, aged 79 ; Lucy B. Morgan, died 1872, aged 73 ; William 
Otteraon, died 1873, aged 84; Isaac C.Ottorson, died 1874, aged 76 ; Han- 
nah 0. Colby, died 1875, aged 76 ; Peter C. Rowell, died 1876, aged 83 ; 
Plui-lie Taggart, died 1880, aged 96 ; Joseph Ordway, died 1881, aged 72 ; 
J. (lark, died 1881, aged 77 ; Aldon George, died 1882, aged 77 ; Edwin 
E, GoodHle, died 1883, aged 71 ; Stephen C. Eaatraan, died 18f3, aged 80 ; 
Kecia Wheeler, died 1883, agod 70 ; James Fisk, died 18SJ, aged 77 ; 
Polly O. Morgan, died 1884, aged 86 ; Darius Wilson, died 1881, aged 8li ; 
Joseph Blanchanl, died 1884, aged 87. 

Postmasters. — The first establishment of a |)ost- 
office in town could not easily be ascertained. John 
Whipple wiis postmaster in 1822-23 ; William Hall, 
1824; Richard H. Ayer, 1825-29; Hamlin Davis, 
18.30-31; Dr. Enoch H. Barnes, 1832; Dr. .Vmos G. 
(iale, 1833 to September 30, 1842 ; Richard H. Ayer 
to April 1, 1843; Amos G. (iale, 184-5-47; Seth K. 
Jones, 1848-51 ; Samuel Head, Jr., August 31, 1851 ; 
Albert S. Rowell, 18.55; Walter B. .Tones, 1859-fil ; 
Joseph T- Goss, 1861-73 ; Frank C. Towle, 1873-82 ; 
George A. Robie, 1882-85 ; John Wheeler, August 20, 
1885. When John Whipple was postmaster, in 1822, 
the salary for services amounted to $7.32, and in the 
year 1884 to between five and six hundred dollars. A 
post-oftice was established at Martin's Ferry in 1883, 
with Thomas Blanchard postmaster, which is called 
Mai-tin-s. 

Brick-Making.- Brick-muking in HoukMtt is a 
very important industry. The composition of the 
clay and the singular location of this aluminous de- 
posit along the banks of the Merrimack River make it 
an object of thoughtful study for the geologist. The 
brick manufactured from day in Hooksett has gained 
a re])utation for hardness and color not excelled any- 
where in New England. Early in the primeval period 
of the earth's formation the disintegrated crust, 
through the constant action of the waters, left a de- 
composition" of sandstone, mica and feldspar, which 
gives us a rich deposit of sand and clay. This valu- 
able deposit of clay, on the east side of the Merrimack, 
was discovered in the early settlement of the town. 
About the year 1810 the late Captain Rice Dud- 
ley, of Pembroke, who had worked at brick-making 
in Massachusetts some, prospected, in company with 
Samuel Head, the clay-banks now worked by Jesse 
Gault and W. F. Head. Mr. Dudley prophesied that 
the banks would be developed some time, but Jlr. 
Head scouted the idea, for the reason that it would be 
difficult to transport them to market. Since that 
time the clay-banks have been utilized ; a railroad, 
with its side-tracks, has been extended up near the 
kilns, and it is no uncommon thing to see twenty-five 
cars of brick loaded in one day. 

The first brick made in town was about the year 
1820, at the Ayer brick-yard. At that time it was 
not a special industry, but different individuals united 
together to make for home use. In the year 1828 
a kiln was made, which was used to Iniild the town- 
house, and the town voted to cut wood from off the 



HOOKSETT. 



381 



town lots to burn the same with. When the city of 
Manchester commenced to grow, a great demand for 
bricks occurred. 

A Mr. Saltmarsh was the first extensive brick-maker 
in the Ayer brick-yard. Richard H. Ayer was the 
principal pioneer in extensive brick -making, employ- 
ing David A. Leach as his foreman. Millions of 
bricks have been made from this yard, and the mills 
in Manchester were erected principally from material 
manulactured in Hooksett. 

In the year 1837, Jabez Green, now living in Aliens- 
town, was the pioneer in brick-making in the Head 
brick-yard. Mr. Green was a native of Westford, 
Mass., but came from Bedford, prospecting for clay- 
banks. He had made a contract with a Mr. I>owell, 
agent of the Amoskeag Company, to supply one hun- 
dred thousand bricks. The old Manchester House 
was made that year with brick furnished in thiit con- 
tract. These bricks were boated to Manchester, 
loaded above the falls and locked over through the 
canal. Charles Stark was then lock-keeper. Peter 
C. Rowell and Henry Saltmarsh took the contract to 
boat them to Manchester. A Mr. Wallace and Sam- 
uel Prescott made bricks afterwards in the yard. Mr. 
Wallace went to California during the gold fever ex- 
citement, and since died there. Mathew Gault and 
Philip Sargent also operated this yard. About the 
year 1850 the late ex-Governor Head commenced 
to operate, and since that time, in company with his 
brother, W. F. Head, they have gradually developed 
the capacity, and they make on an average seven 
million a year. Jesse Gault commenced about the 
year 1842. He has become a successful manufac- 
turer, and makes annually about six million. About 
three thousand cords of wood are now annually con- 
sumed in burning bricks. The large area of wild 
woodland that a large portion of Hooksett is made 
up of has been profitably utilized in furnishing 
wood for this purpose. The descendants of the early 
settlers who gained jiossession of these tracts of land 
were mostly made affluent by the rise in value of this 
natural growth. Other brick-makers have done busi- 
ness rather extensively in late years, — Charles Daily, 
Samuel Head, David A. Kimball, John Shirley and 
Joseph O. Ingalls. This important industry furnishes 
labor to about one hundred men annually. The help 
are mainly French-Canadians. In -some seasons it 
necessitates sendingagents to Upper Canada to pro- 
cure help. Early in the history of this country, when 
brick-making was profitably done in the vicinity of 
Boston and New York, the help was principally fur- 
nished from the hardy sons of our forefathers. At 
that time, as well as now, it required specimens 
of vigorous manhood to stand the strain, and, there- 
fore, it is necessary to procure men with sound con- 
stitutions to do this work. The advantages of machine- 
work have weakened the physical inclinations of the 
rising generation to perform this service, and it is 
necessary to look to Canada for reinforcements. There 



are two men — Nathaniel Clark, the foreman of Head's 
yard, and Charles Rowell, of Jesse Gault's yard — 
who have been constantly making bricks for over 
thirty years. 

Mills.— The first mill built at Hooksett Falls was 
about the year 1770 ,by Thomas Cochrane, then of Dun- 
barton. Mr. Cochrane was an extensive dealer in 
lumber at that time. According to his books, kept 
at that time, numerous charges for salmon were made 
to different people. He caught them by the barrel 
when they would come up into his sluice-way to the 
mill. This mill was afterwards carried away by a 
freshet. Rufus Harriman afterwards owned the 
privilege. William Reside and Isaac Rowell after- 
wards built two mills, one on each side of the river, 
which they owned in 1803. William Reside was 
afterward drowned in the falls. William Otterson 
afterwards bought and sold to the Hooksett Manu- 
facturing Company, in 1823, when they built a cotton 
and grist-mill. About the year ITM the Browns 
built a mill below where Head's mill is now. In 
1790, Nathaniel Head and Dr. James Brown owned 
it together. In 1802, Nathaniel Head built above the 
road, and since that time improvements have been con- 
stantly made on it, where W. F. Head now owns a 
complete improved lumber-mill. Probably the first 
mill built in town was by John Talford. about the 
year of 1750. This is at what is now the Sawyer 
place, and, in 1834, Captain Asa Sawyer added a 
grist and shingle-mill. In 1789, Nathaniel Martin 
and Laban Harriman built a mill on Lansy Brook. 
About the year 1790 there was a saw-mill built on the 
same stream, near Martin's Ferry, by a man named 
Thompson, for John Stark, a son of General Stark. 
Benjamin Hall had a mill on the stream just above 
the Chester turnpike previous to 1800. It passed in- 
to the hands of James Sargent and went down. In 
1822 it was rebuilt by a Mr. Greer and afterwards 
burnt. Joseph Whittier built a mill on Dalton's 
Brook about 1810. The most extensive mill ever 
erected in town was the steam-mill by Samuel Head ; 
it cost about eight thousand dollars. It contained a 
grist-mill. About the years 1857 to 1801, John 
Dennison was largely engaged in kit manufacturing 
in this mill. This mill was afterwards sold to a Low- 
ell manufacturing company, which they operated a 
year or two, when the machinery, engine, etc., was 
removed, shipped to Florida, but lost in the ocean on 
its way. 

Manufactories. — Cotton manufacturing in Hook- 
sett dates back to 1823, when, in July of that year, 
the Hooksett Blanufacturing Company was organized. 
The original mill is supposed to be the oldest one in 
the State. Among its grantees were more eminent men 
than were ever connected with any other cotton-mill 
in the State. In the organization of the company may 
be found the names of Governor John Bell, Isaac Hill 
and Samuel Bell, who have since been Governors, and 
Hon. Richard H. Ayer, a former resident ; these men 



382 



:V or MKKKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



were some of the most prominent that New Hamp- 
shire has ever produced. This mill continued to run, 
sometimes under difficulties, under the agency of Gov- 
ernor l?ell till 1834, lie then being succeeded by Hon. 
.John Ncsmith, .iftcrwards Lieutenant-Governor of 
Massacliu.setts. In 1835 it pjussed into the hands of 
the Amoskeag Company, which continued to run it, 
excepting a short time in the commencement of the 
late Hebollion. uj) to the year 1865. In that year it 
was purchased by Robert M. Bailey and others, of 
Boston, when it Avas enlarged and a new mill was 
finished in lS(i6. This company has continued to 
run the mill since, and now owns the entire water- 
power at this point. The capital of this ct)mpany is 
two hundred thousand dollars, and the annual pay- 
roll is about eighty thousand dollars. They manu- 
factured in the year 1880 about five million yards 
of cloth, tlie annual value of which is three hundred 
thousand dollars. The company employ about three 
h iindred hands. A mong the agents who have been res- 
idents of the town and who deserve mention were Joth- 
am D. (Jttei-son, afterward a successftil manufacturer in 
Nashua, mayor of the city and since deceased ; Stephen 
Ballard was agent from 1846 to about the year 1859. 
Mr. Ballard is now a successful business man in New 
York City. Thomas B. Wattles was agent afterwards 
and continued to serve until the company changed 
hands, in 1865. Mr. Wattles is ufiw agent of the 
Chicopee (Mass.) Manufacturing Company. In 1866 
Charles Nealley became agent ; he continued to serve 
until about the year 1867. Mr. Nealley was a prac- 
tical manufacturer, and since his removal from town 
has died. Mr. Nealley was succeeded by Eben H. 
Nutting, who continues to act and is interested in all 
questions appertaining to the moral and religious 
welfare of the town. The company which operates 
the mills in Hooksett at the present time offer flatter- 
ing inducements to manufacturers to utilize the un- 
improved water-power. They will build buildings 
and furnish power at low rates of rentals. 

Granite Quarries. — Themanufacture of cutgranite 
and the opcratinn of (|uarries was formerly carried (m 
to a large extent in this town. Previous to the build- 
ing of the Concord Railroad it was boated down the 
Merrimack River to all the large towns below. Some 
of the old buildings in Boston, especially the Faneuil 
Hall, was partiilly erected from granite taken out of 
our ledges. The most extensive and successful 
dealer was the late Moses D. Stokes. He commenced 
about the year 1854, and followed the business a 
number of years. He constantly employed a large 
number of men, and did a business of many thou- 
sand dollars a year. He was succeeded by a Mr. 
Gay, who operated up to the year 1875, when the New 
Hampshire Granite Company was organized with 
fifty thousand dollars capital. This company operated 
extensively, with a Mr. Wait as business manager, 
until the year 1878, when it succumbed to financial 
embarrassment. The granite ledges are remaining 



unoperated at the jircsent time. The Amoskeag Com- 
pany, of Manchester, are owners of the principal quar- 
ries that have been worked. On Silver Hill, on the 
west side of the river, is an important ledge, which 
has been worked up to within a few years. The time 



lite will be 



orclathers, 
inhabited, 
uer, which 



is not far distant when again Hooksett grai 
sought and the industry flourish. 

Roads. — In the early history of our I 
when the settled sections was sparsely 
highways were built in an economical mar 
simply answered for a horse or cart-path, but as the 
population increased, stage travel was heavier and 
improved roads were built. Probably the first road 
that was made through the town of Hooksett was in 
the year 1726. At a meeting held at Ipswich, 
September 9, 1726, John Chandler, John Ayer and 
William Barker were chosen a committee " to go out 
and clear a sufficient cart-way to Penny Cook the 
nighest and best way they can from Haverhill." Ac- 
cording to Bouton's " History of Concord," Ebenezer 
Eastman, with six yokes of cattle and cart, was the 
first that crossed the wilderness from Haverhill to 
Penny Cook. This road, in passing over Hooksett's 
territory, passed the White Hall, following a direct 
route alongside of Lakiu's Pond, by Head's saw-mill, 
through Suncook, etc. This was a traveled road to 
Penny Cook up to 1738. 

On January 8, 1762, at the reqviest of Joseph Brown 
and others, the main road now from Suncook, ria 
Hind's tavern to Chester, was laid out. This road 
went farther west ; and, in 1801, on account of the 
banks of Peter's Brook being gullied out, it was laid out 
east of the pond, with a direct course to Lieutenant 
Joseph Whitcher's house (now the Stearns Hotel). 
The road leading to Hooksett village from this road 
was made in 1816. The road leading from Ottersim's 
to the mills in Hooksett was laid out April 4, 1804. 
The White Hall road, leading from Martin's Ferry to 
Candia High Street, was laid out December 26, 1805. 
It was indicted September, 1815, discontinued Sep- 
tember, 1816, to evade the indictment, and laid out 
again as a private way October 13, 1820. The Chester 
turnpike was incorporated June 19, 1804. It cost 
twenty-seven thousand dollars. On July 4, 1838, the 
Legislature passed an act repealing the turn])ike, which 
made a public highway of it. The Londonderry 
turnpike was built in the year 1806. The Mam- 
moth road was laid out in the year 1831, and it 
cost the town of Hooksett between three and four 
thousand dollars. The road leading from the Factory 
village to Natt. Head's was laid out in 1840. It 
was impossible to get the dates and facts concerning 
the highways on the west side of the river. Hook- 
sett has at the present time an improved system 
of highways, and owns a road-inachine. 

Hooksett Bridge. — Hooksett bridge wiis built about 
the year 1805. In 1836, when the Londonderry 
turnpike was laid out as a free ro.-id, Hooksett bridge 
was reserved bv them, which the town purchased, in 



1853, for sixteen hundred and forty dollars. This 
was a toU-hridge up to that time. On the evening 
of September 30, 1857, this bridge, with the Concord 
Railroad bridge, was consumed by fire. It also 
burned the store building occupied by Joseph T. 
Gos.s. This was the most extensive conflagration tliat 
ever visited Hooksett. The total loss was about 
thirty thousand dollars. The bridges were replaced 
by better and more substantial ones, the town 
bridge costing seven thousand dollars. On March 
20, 1859, this bridge was carried off by an ice 
freshet. A new one was built at a cost of eight thou- 
sand dollars, wirK-li remains to the present time. 

Friendship Lodge, No. 19, 1. 0. 0. F.,' was institu- 
ted Septt-inber 2i!, 1870, by George A. Cummings, of 
Concord, (Jrand Master, assisted by his associated 
Grand Officers. The petition for the charter of the 
lodge contained thirty-onenames, the most of which 
were members of Howard Lodge, No. 31, of Suncook. 
The lodge wa.s instituted in what was known as Com- 
pany's Hall, and continued to hold its meetings there 
until the Odd-Fellow.s' building was completed. The 
first oflicers of the lodge were James W. Converse, 
Noble Grand ; George W. Haselton, Vice-Grand ; 
Warren C. Saltmarsh, Secretary ; Daniel W. Peaslee, 
Treasurer. The first lodge-meeting was held in the 
new hall January 31, 1877, and was dedicated to the 
business and purposes of Odd-Fellowship, February 
20th, by Grand Master A. F. Craig, of Portsmouth. 
The present membership is one hundred and three. 
The lodge is free from financial embarrassment and 
has a cash investment of eight hundred dollars, and 
five thousand dollars invested in lot and buildings. 
The men who compose the lodge are properly included 
among the best citizens of the town. As an organi- 
zation in the field of benevolent labor, it has few 
equals, and perhaps none superior in the State. Never 
were its prospects for future useftilness and honorable 
position mure liriUiant than at the present time. 

United Order Golden Cross.— On the evening of 
October JS, issi. by the earnest effort of C. F. Pres- 
sing, I). G. C, a number of residents of Hooksett as- 
sembled in the Odd-Fellows' Hall to listen to an ex- 
planation of the benefits derived from the United 
Order Golden Cross, from Sir Knight Joseph Kidder 
\ and othei-s, of Manchester. The result of the meeting 
was the institution of a Commandery with eleven 
charter members. The oflicers elected were Ira H. 
Adams, P. N. C; John W. Prescott, N. C; C.Juliette 
Colby, V. N. C; Samuel Head (2d), W. H.; Minnie 
M. Head, K. of R.; David A. Colby, Prelate; W. M. 
Davis, F. K. of R.; Benjamin J. Gile, Treasurer ; W. 
H. Putnam, W. of I. G.; James B. Ordway, W. of O. 
G. The membership at the present time is twenty- 
five. The following members have become Past Noble 
rmrimanders : Ira H. Adams, John W. Prescott, 
Samuel Head (2d), David A. Colby, Warren M. Davis, 



By lieorge A. RoWe, P. G. M. 



Jacob F. Martin, George A. Harriman, James 15. 
Ordway. D. Juliette Colby, Minnie M. Head and 
Nancy M. Davis are Emeritus Past Commanders. 
The present Noble C'ommander is Dr. F. D. Randall. 

Justices of the Peace. — In the year 1825, Samuel 
Head and Xatluiniel Head were justices of the peace. 
In 1829, Samuel Head, Foster Towns, Hugh J. Tag- 
gart, Enoch B. Barnes, Thomas R. Taggart. In 1833, 
Samuel Head, Foster Towns, Hugh J. Taggart, Enoch 
B. Barnes, Thomas R. Taggart. In 1834, Thomas R. 
Taggai't was justice of the peace and quorum. In the 
year 1840, Richard H. Ayer, Thomas R. Taggart, 
Samuel Head, Hugh J. Taggart, Xatlnin Gault, John 
Parker, Philip Jones, Amos G, ( iiilc, .lolni V. Kowrll, 
Charles Stark. 

Lawyer. — Hooksett never had but one lawyer 
settled in town, and his name was John Whipple ; he 
located in town prior to the incorporation. He Wiis 
in Hooksett in 1822, '23, '24, '25. He afterwards 
practiced in Concord, and was there in 1835. 

Taverns. — Hooksett has been famous in the early 
days of this century as having a number of taverns. 
In the village near the falls were located a number 
which received considerable patronage from boatmen, 
who were constantly plying the river. The sale of 
spirituous liquors was one of the principal sources of 
income. About the year 1780, Thomas Cochrane 
lodged people, and his books show a systematic list of 
charges for liquors, etc. Joshua Abbot, who lived at 
the head of Hooksett Falls, entertained strangers. He 
afterwards projected the tavern which came into the 
hands of John Prescott. One of the first tavern- 
keepers in the village was a Mr. Jackmun. He kept 
in the house now occupied by Mrs. AV alter 15. Jones. 
He was succeeded by a man named Rix. A man named 
Simmons has kept the house since ; also, Inda Gile. 
William Hall and Henry Moulton were tavern-keep- 
ers in the village. One of the most famous tavern- 
keepers in town was Sanmel Head. " Head's tavern " 
was known far and near as a model one. It was 
opened about the year 1805. Jlr. Head was the 
pioneer in building and rslaMi^liinii ilic same. He 
continued to run the hoii.-.- imlil thr Near 1 s:;.->. This 
point wasachanging-placelorliorscs. HI llir Ki.stonand 
Concord stage-line. Mr. and Mrs. Head were widely 
known as people of worth and great social qualities. 
Their extensive acquaintance attracted many visitors 
to the house, and it was the constant scene of great 
activity. Mr. Head was aji active business man, 
dealing in lumber, speculating in lands, etc., and when 
he died, in 1854, he was called one of the largest real- 
estate owners in Merrimack County. Some time about 
the year 1848 he projected a large steam mill, which 
was completed at a cost of about eight thou.sand dol- 
lars. He continued to manage it until September 29, 
1854, when he was accidentally killed. He was in 
the act of reaching for something and fell upon the 
circular saw. His left hand was sawed in an angle 
c(mimencing on the lower side near the wrist and end- 



384 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



ing through the knuckle of the forefinger, which was 
thrown twenty feet. The right arm was also com- 
pletely sawed oft" near the elbow-joint and his right leg 
cut nearly otV directly near the knee-joint. He lived 
about two hours. Drs. Crosby and Gale, of Manches- 
ter, were called, but he was dead before they arrived. 
His widowsurvived him until the next November, when 
she suddenly died sitting in a chair. She was seventy- 
one years old. Mrs. Head was a lady of sincere piety, 
kind and generou.s, with great conversational gifts. 
Other taverns were kept by William J'arkor on the 
River road, also one by Joseph Mitchell. 

In the year 1S23 the selectmen gave their approba- 
tion to the following parties to mix and sell spirituous 
liquors at their places of business: Captain Aaron 
Carter, .lacob I''. Farnum, Gideon Flanders, Josiah 
Magoon, Benjamin Hill, Israel Fla, . I r., Samuel Head, 
William Hall, Cha.se & Rowe, Henry Moulton, Robert 
Davis was permitted to mix and sell spirituous liquors, 
at or near Samuel Head's, on the 9th day of March. 
On June 2(i, 1824, the selectmen approbated the Hook- 
sett Manufacturing Company to sell spirituous liquors. 
One of the prominent taverns of recent years is the 
Clark tavern, or the Branch Hotel. This was the 
original Whittier tavern. It has been kept by Eben- 
ezer Clark. Horace Bonuey leased it of Clark in 1858. 
It was kept by Bonney & Brother up to 1864, when 
Mr. Bonney opened the Ayer House, on February 18, 
1864. Since, it was kept by Clark, and recent years 
by John Stearns, and called the Stearns House. 

Since the opening of this house Mr. Bonney has 
continued to be its proprietor, excepting the year of 
1883, when it was leased to Mr. Frank Richards for 
one year. In the fall of 1882, Mrs. Bouncy died, which 
directly was the reason of the change. This house 
has gained a reputation which is wide-spread for its 
excellent management, the ewisine and generous 
tables and the great hospitality and social enjoyments 
that the surroundings afford. Mr. Horace Bonney 
was born in Winthrop, Me., in 1815, which was a part 
of Massachusetts at that time. He enlisted in the 
United States army September 26, 1833 ; was honor- 
ably discharged in 1836 ; afterwards went to Texas 
and served under Sam Houston ; served in Florida 
about two years, and then went into the dragoon ser- 
vice for five years, with headquarters at New York 
most of the time. Mr. Bonney kept the American 
House from 1855 to 1859, in Manchester. The Ayer 
House is the original homestead of Hon. Richard H. 
Ayer. During Mr. Ayer's residence, and since, it has 
been the abode of great social cheer. Many distin- 
guished people visited Esquire Ayer, among whom 
was Governor Isaac Hill and family, who sustained 
intimate relations. Another prominent hotel proprie- 
tor was Edwin E. Goodale, of the Pinnacle House. 
Mr. Goodale came to Hooksett in 1840. Previous to 
that time he was engaged in the teaming business 
between Canada and Boston. He was proprietor of 
this house for twentv-five vears, and in 1865 took in 



his sign. During the time between 1848 to 1858 he 
was proprietor of the stage-route between Pembroke 
and Hooksett. This Pinnacle House was the old 
original Hall stand. Mr. Goodale built an elegant 
hall with an arranged spring floor, which was con- 
stantly occupied with balls and dances, being well 
patronized by people from the neighboring towns. 
Mr. Goodale died November 22, 1883, aged seventy- 
one years. In June, 1833, President Andrew Jack- 
son, with other distinguished men, psissed through this 
town. He came direct from Nashua, leaving there in 
the morning and arriving at Inda Gile's tavern about 
11 A. M. The party made a short stop at Hon. Rich- 
ard H. Ayer's, who accompanied them to C!oncord. At 
Gile's tavern the horses were changed and six mag- 
nificent white horses were hitched up. Mr. Benjamin 
J. Gile, now a successful business man, was barten- 
der at the time, and he had the honor to make Presi- 
dent Jacksr)n two glasses of lemonade. The reception 
given the President was entirely unconventional. 
Mr. Jackson stepped into the kitchen, where the cook 
was frying some doughnuts, and he a-sked the liberty 
to eat some. She offered him some cheese, which he 
took, and stepped to the back side of the house to look 
at Hooksett Falls. Mr. Jackson was given a rousing 
reception at Concord, and a committee of reception 
met the party between Hooksett and Concord. lu the 
summer of 1877, President Hayes, accompanied by a 
part of his Cabinet, made a short stop at Hooksett. 
A large crowd of people a.ssembled to see them. 
Mr. Hayes was introduced by ex-Governor Natt. 
Head, who, in return, introduced William M. Evarts 
and David M. Key, members of his Cabinet. 

The resources of the town of Hooksett in the year 
isso aiv 11- t'oU.iu^ : Airricultural products, $125,000; 
iii(( liMiiinil ImIm.i-, .-^ins^ddO ; stocks and money at in- 
Icnst, .^|:;,4iMi: ,l.'i.(isit in savings-bank, $116,217; 
stock in trade, $52,816. Among the manufactur- 
ers is the harness-shop of B. J. Gile. He established 
the business in 1837. Mr. Gile gives constant em- 
ployment to from ten to fifteen men. His goods are 
sent to all parts of the country. Gile's collars have a 
reputation for durabililty that equal any other make. 
Among the natives of Hooksett who have become pro- 
minent was the late Hon. Henry W. Fuller, judge of 
the Roxbury Municipal Court, Boston ; he was the son 
of David G. and Jane Fuller and was born in this 
town June 30, 1839. He was a graduate of Dartmouth 
College, served during the war and was breveted briga- 
dier-general by President Lincoln. He was a mem- 
ber of the Massachusetts State Senate. He died in 
Boston, in 1884, of pneumonia. 

Hon. Richard H. Ayer was born in Concord Janu- 
ary 12, 1778; died in Manchester February 5, 1853, 
aged seventy-five. He settled near Isle Hooksett 
Falls, within the limits of Dunbarton, in the year 
1807. He was a man of great strength of will and 
force of character. He represented the town of Dun- 
barton in the Lesislature seven vears, Hooksett four 




"^^ly/ attl^Wca.^^ 



HOOKSETT. 



years; was moderator of Dunbarton fi'om 1812 to 
1823 ; in Hooksett a number of years ; Presidential 
elector in 1816 and 1848; councilor five years; was 
the first high sheriff of Merrimack County, from 1823 
to 1 828 ; naval store-keeper at Portsmouth from 1829 
to 1837; delegate to the convention for amending 
till' Constitution of New Hampshire in 18r)0. He was 
the principal agent in organizing the town of Hooksett, 
anil establishing the county of Merrimack. Richard H. 
Aver moved from this town, in 1845, to Afanchester. 
He was a good citizen, generous to the poor and public- 
spirited. He accumulated a large property, and was 
extensively engaged in the lumber and brick business. 
He left a legacy of .seven thousand <lollars to the Uni- 
tarian Society in Manchester, of which he was a 
member. While a resident of Hooksett his house was 
the abode of good cheer and hosjiitality. His wife, 
the daughter of Peter Green, Esq., of Concord, 
was a very superior woman. He h.ad two daughters, 
one of whom, Su.san R., was the wife of Dr. Enoch 
B. Barnes, and the other, Mary G., the wife of Dr. 
Amos (Jr. Gale. Among the prominent men who have 
resided in this town, and become a part of her history, 
was David R. Leach. He was born in Londonderry 
August 8, 1806, and died at Manchester April 1, 
1878. His great wealth was founded in Hooksett, 
where he was a number of years engaged in business. 
He left a legacy of three thousand dollars to the town 
of Londonderry for a library. Another man, Seth K. 
Jones, was a prominent merchant. He nxoved to Con- 
cord in tlie year 18r)4, where he ha,s since died. 
He left a large fijrtune, part of which was accumulated 
in Hooksett. Many natives of the town, who have 
located in different sections of the country, have be- 
come noted and wealthy. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETOHER. 



GOVERNOR XATT HEAI>. 

New Hampshire has raised up within her borders 
and sent abroad many noble men who, by their char- 
acter and energy, have reflected honor upon their na- 
tive State. Among those who have been thus active 
and deserving and who attained positions of promi- 
nence, the subject of this sketch has place. Most men 
have friends, but few have gone to their graves leav- 
ing so many as Natt Head. Wherever he went, 
among all classes of people, without effort and seem- 
ingly without purpose, he won the hearty and lasting 
friendship of all with whom he came in contact. He 
had a warm heart and a face always beaming with 
good humor, and was ever courteous, genial and gen- 
erous. 

He was of Scotch and Welsh ancestry, John and 
Nathaniel Head, brothers, bavin" emiyratcd fri)m 



Wales and settled in Bradford, Mass., afterwards 
moving to Pembroke, N. H. 

James Head, the great-grandfather of the subject of 
this sketch, became an influential and patriotic citi- 
zen of his adopted town. Early in the period of 
trouble with the mother-country he enlisted in the 
military service, and served with fidelity and bravery 
through the war, and was killed at Bennington in 1777, 
holding the rank of lieutenant-colonel. 

His son, Nathaniel Head, born in Bradford, Mass.. 
March li, 17ol, was llie irrandfitiier of(iovernor Natt 
Head. 

When a young man, the son paid his addresses to 
Miss Anna Knox, daughter of Timothy Knox, of 
Pembroke. She was of Scotch- Irish blood, and 
one day, as the father and son were ploughing, the 
former said, "Nathaniel, do you intend to marry 
that Iri.sh girl?" The reply was, firmly, but decidedly, 
"Yes, sir." Added the father, "Then understand 
you can never share in my property." Young Nathan- 
iel's answer was, " Very well, I can take care of 
myself." And dropping the goad-stick, he left the 
paternal roof in a few hours to take up a farm in the 
wilderness and build a home for himself. The father 
made good his threat, leaving, at his death, one dollar 
to Nathaniel and to the other brothers the remainder 
of his property. Nathaniel built a log house, carry- 
ing Anna Knox to it as his wife. He soon rose to po- 
sition and influence. The reports of the battle of 
Lexington show him to have been a second lieutenant 
in the Ninth Company of Volunteers from New Hamp- 
shire at Winter Hill, in the cold season of 1775-76 ; 
ensign in Captain Sias' company. Colonel Nichols' 
regiment, in the expedition to Rhode Island in 1778, 
and captain in Colonel Reynolds' regiment in 1781. 
After the close of the war he became prominently 
connected with the State troops and was colonel of 
the Eleventh Regiment. 

His seventh son, born May 30, 1791, was the father 
of the subject of this sketch. He remained at the 
homestead, being associated with his father in the 
works of the farm and mill, and after his death, by 
purchasing the interest of his brothers, succeeded to 
the estate. He inherited the military spirit of his 
father and w.is elected lieutenant-colonel of the Sev- 
enteenth Regiment. Colonel Head married Anna 
Brown, whose home was near his. She was a woman 
of great energy and executive ability, a member of 
the Congregational Church in Pembroke and was 
much beloved by all who knew her. Her father was 
a sea-captain who made numerous voyages round the 
world. 

By the death of her husband, August, 1835, the 
widow was left in the management of a large and val- 
uable estate, as well as the care of a family. She died 
April 3, 1849, leaving five children— Hannah A., Sallie 
B., Natt, John A. and W. E., the latter the business 
partner of Natt, who for many years carried on a suc- 
cessful business in the manufacture of bricks, and also 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



a very heavy lumber traiie. Jnheriting military traits 
from his father, we find Xatt following in the footsteps 
of his (liatinguished ancestors. He was one of the first 
members of the Hooksett Light Infantry, which was 
one of the best in the State. He served four years as 
drum-major of the Eleventh Regiment, being elected 
September ], 1847. He was an original member of the 
" Governor's Horse Guards " and chief bugler during 
the existence of the corps. He was many years com- 
mander of the Amoskeag Veterans of Manchester, an 
honorary member of the Boston Lancers, also an ex- 
sergeant of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery. He 
was chief on the statfof Governor Joseph A. Gilmore 
and the Head Guards of Manchester. A military or- 
ganization formed at tlie close of the war was named 
in his honor. When the Soldiers' Asylum wa-s burned 
at Augusta, General Head wa.s appointed to the charge 
ofthe institution during theillncssot I he I >( |>iily Gov- 
ernor, and subsequently herebuili iIk r-iidili.-liment. 
He built several miles of Concmil ami I'mtsniouth 
Railroad between Suncook and Concord and also the 
branch line from Suncook to Pittsfield. He was elec- 
ted to numerous town offices and commissioned dep- 
uty sherift'and representative in the Legislature from 
Hooksett in 1861-62. 

In 1863 he married Miss AbbieM. Sanford, of Low- 
ell, Mass., an accomplished and educated lady, who 
ever dispensed, with her husband, the generous hospi- 
tality of their home and ever encouraged him in all 
good work. Three children were born to them, — 
Annie Sanford, Lewis Fisher and Alice Perley, — of 
whom tlie eldest only remains, Lewis having died 
in 1870, at the age of foiir years, :ind Alice in IS7!I, 
at the age of nine years. 

In 1864 Natt rccciv.-d llir ai'piiintment by Governor 
Gilmore of adjiilnni in-piitur and quartermaster- 
general of the Stall', uliirli jiiisition he filled with 
acceptance until 1S70. Ouring his term of office as 
adjutant-general he accomplished the work which 
was to him the proudest and noblest of his public life, 
and in this capacity he made his most brilliant and 
enduring record. The war had already lasted three 
years when he was called to that office, and the nation 
was in one of the most important crises of its history. 
The loyal North was straining every nerve to answer 
the President's proclamation for more men to recruit 
the depleted ranks of the Union army. New Hamp- 
shire had up to that time sent to the front twenty-six 
thousand soldiers, and yet not a complete set of the 
muster-rolls of a single organization could be found 
in the adjutant-general's office, nor was there any rec- 
ord of the heroic deeds of New Hampshire's sons 
upon the battle-fields of the South, whicli had won 
for them and her imperishable renown. 

General Head brought to his work a natural love of 
the military and everything connected with it, as well 
as business methods formed during his life of activity 
in the marts of trade, wliich he brought to bear in 
brimriiig "order out of chaos" in his new tield of 



labor. Entering at once upon his duties, he employed 
three clerks upon his own responsibility, procuring the 
necessary outfit, trusting in the Legislature to reim- 
burse him, which it promptly did, and made liberal 
appropriations for continuing the work. It is scarcely 
possible to conceive the magnitude of the task which 
General Head had undertaken, nor its apparent hope- 
lessness. He had no data from which to work, no 
record, no files of correspondence. Beginning at tlie 
very commencement of the war, the records of every 
officer and every enlisted man was persistently hunted 
up, special clerks were dispatched to Washington, and 
after repeated rebuils, overcome only by the jicrsist- 
eucy of the adjutant-general, permission was obtained 
from the War Department to copy from its records the 
needed information, and forseveral weeks these clerks 
labcred in sea.son and out of season until they had 
secured the records sought. This information was 
compiled in the office at Concord, corrected as far as 
possible, and now appears in four volumes for the years 
186r) and 1866. These reports give the name and the 
military history of every officer and soldier who went 
from New Hampshire to serve in the Union army 
Crom 1861 to 186.'). They also contain biographical 
sketches of all the field officers from the State who 
were killed in service or who died from disease or 
wounds during the war, brief sketches of all the regi- 
ments and battalions in wliich these men served, their 
date of departure, principal movements, battles en- 
gaged in and date of return home and final "muster- 
out." These reports are invaluable, not only as a con- 
tribution to history, which the State could not affiird 
to lose, but also to the thousands of soldiers, their 
wives and children, as a positive help in securing the 
information necessary for the procurement of pensions 
and bounty-money. Had his labors ended here, Natt 
Head would have richly earned the warm feeliugs of 
admiration and love which every true soldier enter- 
tains for his memory. But he supplemented the cler- 
ical labors of his position by active and earnest per- 
sonal work in behalf of the-soldiersand their families 
during the latter part of the war and at its close ; and 
betook a pardonable pride in gathering all the precious 
relics of " the bitter struggle " which he could obtain, 
and placed them under the dome of the State-House in 
Concord. 

The significance of the labor of love was fully rec- 
ognized by Governor Smyth at the time, and in his 
valedictory address to the Legislature in 1S67 he paid 
General Head the following tribute: 

" In the difficult adjustment of our military all'airs. 
yon will agree with me in a warm ajqinival of the 
energy and efficiency of the adjutant-general, whose 
work has been, in all cases, well performed. When it 
has been my grateful duty to extend a welcoming 
hand, in behalf of the people of this State, to our 
brave returning soldiers, he has forwarded my purpose 
witli unflagging interest and zeal. You will not tbr- 
L'ct that around bis department all the memories of 



HOOKSETT. 



387 



tlu' contest now cluster. The long roll of honor is 
there. There are gathered the blooil-stained battle- 
flags and there will always be (bund those associations 
which should inspire us with love of country and an 
appreciation of those who gave their lives and shed 
their blood for the blessings which God bestowed when 
he gave us the victory." 
In addition to the compilation of the I'ivilWar records 
General Head, not satisfied with what he had accom- 
plished, proceeded to compile the military records of 
the State from 1823 to 1861, and amid discourage- 
ments that would have deterred one less persistent, the 
records were completed and jmblished in the report 
for 1866. This part of the report is a valuable con- 
tribution to the military history of the State and 
nation, and of priceless worth to posterity. In 1867, 
General Head conceived the idea of issuing the "Sol- 
dier's Certificate " to the honorably discharged soldiers 
of the StAte, and to the families of those who had fal- 
len, and to-day thousands of these memorials in 
mail}' homes bear mute but touching testimony to the 
truth and earnestness of the love born by the defend- 
ers of the flag by that generous and patriotic heart 
now stilled in death. Nothing ever plensed him more 
tlian to be present with the cnniradcs of the Grand 
Army at their social gatherings, llcunuld sacrifice 
every other engagement to meet tlii'iii. 

He had a personal acquaintance with Generals 
Grant, Sherman and Sheridan, and was several times 
invited to join them in their trips through the coun- 
try. In the financial world Governor Head stood 
high, and he had established for himself a reputation 
for energy and tact in business which gave him at all 
times the confidence of the people- Associated with 

I his brother, William F. Head, and Frank Uoust, of 
Manchester, the firm have taken some of the heav- 
iest building contracts ever made in New Hampshire. 
In the financial world Governor Head was chosen to 
many responsible positions. He was director of Sun- 
cook Valley Railroad, First National Bank, Manches- 

' ter, also of Merrimack River Savings-Bank,M.anches- 
tci. He was a prominent member of several secret 
iiiLiaiiizations and was especially active in Free-Ma- 
sonry, being a member of Washington Lodge, Mt. 
Horeb Royal Arch Chapter, Adoniram Council and 
Trinity Commandery of Manchester. 

He was also a member of the Supreme Council, 
having received all the degrees of the " Ancient and 
Accepted Scottish Rite " and all in the Rite of Mem- 
phis : also a member of the Massachusetts Con.-iistory, 
^ r. E. S., 32°, Boston. He was a member of Friend- 
-liip Lodge, Hooksett, Hildreth Encampment, ofSun- 

k, I. O. O. F., Oriental Lodge, K. of P., Alpha 

l.nijcre, K. ofH., of Manchester, and had been Master 
nl Hooksett Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. As a 
leading member or president of the State Agricultural 

j Society, he labored zealously to promote its interests, 
and originated the plan of holding farmers' conven- 
tions, the first one being held in Manchester in 1868. 



In 1875 he was a candidate for the State vSenate, when 
the controversy occurred over the spelling of his name 
upon the ballots. He was, however, elected to that 
body in 1866-77, in the latter year becoming the pre- 
siding ofticer, discharging the duties of that office with 
admirable tact and ability. This position added to 
his popularity and gave his name such a prestige that 
in September, 1878, at the Republican Gubernatorial 
Convention, he was nominated on the first ballot by a 
decided majority and was elected for two years, being the 
first Governor to serve in the biennial term, and so was 
not a candidate for re-election. During his term of 
office there were many important questions which 
arose whose consideration demanded good sense, wis- 
dom and impartial judgment, and it was generally 
acknowledged by all that his term was eminently suc- 
cessful, creditable alike to his own ability and fidelity 
and to the fame of the State in which he so honorably 
served. 

The well-known Buzzell murder case, wliirh linnlly 
became one of the most celebrated in the criininal 
records of the world, had been tried twice when Gov- 
ernor Head took the executive chair. His R.xcellency 
gave a long and patient hearing to counsel for State 
as well as defense, and denied the prayers of the pe- 
titioners for a commutation of his sentence. Buzzell 
suHered the " extreme penalty of the law," and the 
conclusion in his case was sustained alike by legal 
and public opinion. The project of anew State prison, 
inaugurated by his predecessor, was successfully car- 
ried forward to its completion. The commissioners 
selected to superintend the work consulted with the 
Governor at every step, and the building stands to-day, 
in thoroughness of structure and excellence of arrange- 
ments, second to none in the country. During his term 
of office Governor Head made many official trips, and 
wherever he traveled he received marked attentions, 
which he personally, and as chief executive of the 
State, merited. He was usually accompanied by his 
start'ofticers, of whom he was justly proud, as they were 
all gentlemen of high standing and of irreproachable 
character. Their names were Colonel W. N. Dow, 
of Exeter; Colonel D. L.Jewell, Suncook; Colonel 
Charles E. Balch, Manchester ; Colonel F. C. Church- 
ill, Lebanon ; General B. F. Rachley, Dover; Gen- 
eral J. W. Sturtevaut, Keene; General C. H. Burns, 
Wilton ; General Cruft, of Bethlehem ; and Generals 
A. D. Ayliug and J. H. Gallinger, of C(mcord. Among 
other occasions, the Governor and staff were present 
at the inauguration of President Garfield, the two 
hundred and fiftieth aniversary of Boston, and 
military encam]>ments in different States. It was 
also his pleasure to entertain Govirnors Tal'iiot 
and Long, of Massachusetts, Governor Van Zandt, 
of Rhode Island, as well as many other distinguished 
persons, being invited to join in traveling, at differ- 
ent times, Generals Grant, Sherman and Sheridan, 
Admiral Farragut and others. 

And so, although he seemed to have almost every 



HISTOKY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



office of any value in the Slate, the work which he 
had done as adjutant-general seemed to make him the 
happiest, so dearly did he love the soldiers. The many 
years of public life and close attention to business 
gradually impaired his health, and the last two years 
of his life were marked by weariness and inability to 
attend fully tu business. Physicians of known ability 
were called to prescribe, kind friends and loving ones 
at home cared tenderly for him, but of no avail. He 
passed away November 12, 1883, at the age of fifty- 
five years. His funeral was largely attended by people 
from Concord, Manchester and adjoining towns, and 
many hundreds came to look for the last time upon 
the face of one " who had many friends." 

The most distinguished citizens of the common- 
wealth were present and joined with neighbors and 
friends in expressions of sorrow for the departed. Dif- 
I'erent JMasonic bodies were present, and Sir George P. 
CUuves, of Mt. Horeb Commandery, officiated as 
liintnil director. At twelve o'clock the sad rites began. 
The remains rested in a rich casket of black, stationed 
in the lower hall-way. Upon the casket were the Tem- 
plar chapeau and sword of the deceased. Beautiful 
floral offerings were about the casket. Mrs. Head's 
tribute was a large wreath bearing the word " Hus- 
band " in the centre, while from the daughter 
Annie, was a handsome ])illow with the inscription 
" Father." 

Colonel and Mrs. Balch sent a crescent. General 
iSturtevant a bouquet, employes of Head & Doust an 
anchor bearing the word " Rest," and many others 
from friends. 

Rev. Mr. Rollins, of Hooksett, performed the ser- 
vices, consisting of a touching prayer, and a male 
quartet furnished the music. The singers were J. J. 
Kimball, D. J. Hurlbert, J. F. Gordon, F. Y. E. Rich- 
ardson. The selections were of a Masonic character: 
" Our days on Earth are as a shadow," " Heavenly 
Father, wilt thou lead us?" Peace to the memory of 
the dead ! Many Masonic organizations were present 
and delegations from different parts of the State 
joined in the funeral |)rocession to the cemetery, about 
a half-mile from the house. At the grave Trinity 
Commandery conducted the Ma.sonic burial .service, 
the office being performed by Sir B. (J. Cumner, E. 
C, and Sir. L. F. McKinney, Prelate. The pall- 
bearers were selected from Trinity Commandery, and 
were Sirs Daniel F. Straw, David O. Fernald.John 
Hosley, George S. Holmes, David B. Varney and 
James S. Briggs. 

And so passed away nnc whu li;id many I'riemls. 
Letters of sympathy and kiinlly c.\piessions of the 
worth of the departed were received by Mrs. Head, 
but space allotted here will not allow their publication. 
The editorial of Colonel John B. Clarke, of the Man- 
chester Mirror, is perhaps an expression of the people 
generally throughout the State, which we quote below, 
— " Other men may have been greater and stronger 
than he ; may have lived longer and accomplished 



more ; have died and been respectfully buried. Their 
death has been counted a loss to the State, to the 
profession in which they were leaders; but it caused 
no deep grief among those who were not bound to 
them by family ties. They are remembered as Gov- 
ernors, Senators, millionaires, not as men, and when 
once their places arc filled and their estates distributed 
they have been well-nigh forgotten. The hold they 
had was upon the brain, not upon the heart. It was 
not so with Natt Head. People who knew him loved 
him while he lived and mourn for him because he is 
dead." 

Colonel Moore, editor of the Manchester Union, one 
of the leading Democratic organs of the State, in al- 
luding to his death, spoke of him as one "generous to 
a fault." His life was flavored with that quality in all 
those relations where he touched the concerns of oth- 
ers and in his attitude towards all public institutions 
that encompassed the betterment of society. He 
never did anything by halves, and that cause which 
attracted his support received the benefit of his able 
and untiring efforts. As a public officer, he could say 
with Othello, " I have done the State some service and 
they know it." No man in New Hampshire knew .so 
many people personally, and few, if any, had so strong 
ahold upon the popular good-will. His word needed 
no writing to make it gooil. 

He is survived by a widow and uno daughter, .\nnie 
S. Head. 



WILLIAM FERXALD HEAD. 

According to a tradition of the family, the Heads 
are descendants of Welsh ancestry. They originally 
settled in this country, in Bradford, Mass. Tradition 
also asserts that the pioneers were two brothers, John 
and Nathaniel Head. Certain it is that at lea.st two 
families of the name had settled in Pembroke some 
years before the Revolution. On the northerly side 
of Pembroke Street, and to the west of a cross-road 
leading to the site of the old town-house, is a field ou 
the side hill in which stood the Head garrison-house, 
one of the four of the town, where the inhabitants 
sought protection from marauding bands of savages 
in the old French and Indian Wars. James Head 
was in command of the jiost and was of a military 
turn of mind ; for, some years afterwards, we find 
him commis-sioned lieutenant-colonel in the forces 
under General John Stark. He was killed at the 
liattle of Bennington while dciirig noble service lor 
his country. 

Nathaniel Head, son of Colonel James Head, was 
born in Bradford, Mass., March 6, 1754. On arriving 
at man's estate he married Anna Knox, and settled 
in what was then a part of Chester, now in Hooksett. 
Here he built a log house, cleared a farm and com- 
menced life's battle. At the breaking out of the 
Revolution his patriotic zeal was aroused, and the old 
muster-rolls of the State-House show that he was at 




'j^rc a 



c 




,u^^ 



TTOOKSETT. 



Winter Hill, as second lieutenant, tliirini; the sici;c ol' 
Boston; as ensign in Captain Sias' company, Toloiul 
Nichols' regiment, in the expedition to Klimle Island 
in 177S ; and asca|)tain in Colonel licynolds' rcirimcnt 
in I7S1. 

Willi lln' ivIuiM ol' |nMfo his fniidiiiss for iiiililui-y 
pursuits led him to take a deej) interest in the mililiu, 
and he rose in rank to the command of a regiment. 
His military ardor, however, did not interfere with 
his Imsiness. He soon hecame extensively engaged 
ill lumbering, at the same time carrying on his large 
liiriM. He was a justice of the peace, which in those 
days was an office of high trust, responsibility and 
honor, and was held in the highest esteem by his 
neighbors and fellow-citizens. 

.lohii Head, seventh child of Colonel Nathaniel 
and Anna (Knox) Head, was born May 3U, 17!U ; 
married Anna Brown, daughter of William Brown, a 
ship-master, famed for his early voyages. The mili- 
tary fever developed in John Head, and he, too, be- 
came colonel, having command of the Seventeenth 
Kegiment. At the death of his father he bought out 
the other heirs, and carried on the home farm and the 
lumber business inaugurated by his father. He died 
in the prime of life, August 7, 1835, leaving his family 
and large property to the care of his widow. She 
accejited the responsibility, and with fidelity and 
conscientiousness attended to the duties until her 
death, April 3, 1849. She was a member of the Con- 
gregational Church of Pembroke, and took a deep 
interest in religious and educational afl'airs. 

William F. Head, sou of John and Anna (Brown) 
Head, a brother of Governor Natt. Head, was born 
in Hooksett, on the old Head homestead, September 
25, 1832. In early childhood the boy lost his father, 
and was guided through the perils of boyhood by his 
mother's care. Well he repaid her, lor he was a duti- 
ful son, eager to jilease her. He attended the district 
school in the little red school-house, and pursued his 
studies for a few months at the Pembroke Gymnasium ; 
but his education as a man has been acquired by con- 
tact with men and reading, — a fondness for books all 
through life being a trait. His mother died when he 
was seventeen ; but the character which she had 
moulded was founded on good principles, and the 
habits of industry, acquired in youth under her 
teaching, were well established. At the age of twenty 
years — in 1852 — he went into business with his 
brother, Governor Natt. Head, and for over thirty 
years this business relation existed, or until the death 
of his brother and partner. 

Mr. Head is a quiet, unostentatious business man, — 
a man who plans great business enterprises and suc- 
cessfully executes his undertakings. He has men at 
work in his brick-yards, in his mills, in his fields, in j 
his woods and on extensive contracts ; each carry out ! 
the ideas of their employer, who directs them for the j 
common good ; yet, to meet him on the cars, in his j 
office, on the street or in his library, one would sup- ' 
25 



Ills cares wear upon mm. 

In lS5il, Mr. Head wa.s chosen s.^lccl 111:111, :iiid was 
re-elected the following year. He wus chosen to 
represent the town in the State Legislature in the 
years 1869-70, and in 1876 was a member of the Con- 
stitutional Convention. He is a director of the Sun- 
cook Valley Kailroad Company, atid a trustee of the 
Merrimack River Savings-Bank, of Manchester; also 
trustee of the New England Agricultural Society. 

Mr. Head has been for many years prominently 
identified with the Masonic fraternity. He joined 
the Eagle Lodge, of Manchester, in 1863, and was a 
charter member of the Jewell Lodge, of Suncook. 
He is also a member of the Council, Chapter and En- 
campment, at Manchester. 

The mansion where Mr. Head resides occujiies the 
site of the log cabin where his grandfather settled 
with his bonnie Scotch-Irish bride. The home-farm, 
of some two hundred and fifty acres, extends along 
the banks of the Merrimack River for about half a 
mile, and includes rich intervale land and fertile hill- 
side fields. The chief crop is hay, of which two 
hundred and fifty tons are cut annually. There are 
kept on the farm seventy-five head of neat stcjck and 
twenty horses. 

The lumber business, commenced many years ago 
by the grandfather. Colonel Nathaniel Head, has 
grown to large proportions, under the firm-name of 
Head & Doust. Mr. Head has been engaged in 
many large building contracts. In times past he has 
bought many hundred acres of forest-land, from 
which he has cleared the timber and cord-wood, and 
still owns the land, utilized for pasturage or for pro- 
ducing a second growth of trees. 

On the home-farm are the celebrated Head clay- 
banks, from which six million bricks arc made aiiiiu- 
idly. 

Mr. Head was maYried, November 4, 1858, to Mary 
H. Sargent, of Allenstown, daughter of Major Ster- 
ling Sargent. Their children are Eugene S. Head, 
now actively engaged in business with his father^ and 
Sallie Head, who is being educated at Lasell Semi- 
nary in Auburndale, Mass. 



HON. JESSE GAULT.' 

Hon. Jesse Gault was born in Hooksett, N. H., Sep- 
tember 20, 1823, and is a direct descendant, in the fifth 
generation, of Samuel Gault, who was born in Scot- 
land, and emigrated to the northern part of Chester, 
now included in Hooksett, and settled on the " Sun- 
cook Grant," so called. Matthew Gault, who was 
born in 1755, on the old Gault homestead in Chester, 
and who married Elizabeth Bunton, was the grand- 
father of the subject of this sketch. They had 
twelve children, nine living to be married, of whom 



1 Written by J. E. Peclier. 



HISTOKV OF MHHIUM ACK rOUXTY, NKW HAMl'SinUK. 



Jesse, the second son, who was born October 22, 
1790, while the family was temporarily residing in 
Springfield, N. H., and who died in Hooksett Sep- 
tember 2.0, 1855, aged sixty-five, was the father of 
Hon. Jesse Gault. He was a successful farmer and 
a man of property, and his homestead was one of 
the finest in his town or county. He married Dolly 
Clement, who wa.s born in Pembroke April 21, 1794, 
and died March 30, 1873, her father being Joshua 
Clement, who was born in Goshen June 12, 1764, 
and died in Concord December 26, 1840. Mr. 
Clement was a clothier, and was many years in 
business in what is now Suncook, where he was a 
large owner of real estate, including considerable 
water-power. He married Abbie Head, daughter of 
General Nathaniel Head, of Pembroke, September 
26, 1790, and on the nuiternal side was of English 
descent. 

Jesse Gault, 8r., luul four cliilclrcn, two sons and 
two daughters. Matthew, the older son, was born 
September 23, 1817, and died December 2, 1846. Of 
the daughters, Almira C, born December 2, 1819, 
and died February 20, 1853, married Harlan P. Ger- 
rish, of Boscawen. She left a son, John C. Gerrish, 
now living in Missouri. The remaining sister, 
Martha H., was born July 3, 1828, and died April 
23, 1863. 

Hon. Jesse Gault was brought up on his father's 
farm, and his opportunities for obtaining an educa- 
tion were the public school and Pembroke Academy. 
4t the age of sixteen he began teaching in his own 
district, where he taught the winter school for four 
consecutive years, working on the farm in summer. 
Subsequently he was an instructor in Suncook and 
Hooksett village. On reaching twenty-two he left 
home to commence life's work for himself, and went 
to Baltimore, Md., where he engaged as a book- 
keeper and surveyor for the Messrs. Abbott & Jones, 
ship lumber merchants. His health becoming im- 
paired, he was forced, in less than a year, to relin- 
quish his situation, which had already become a most 
promising one, and returned home. After regaining 
his strength he, upon the solicitation of his aged 
parents, consented to remain in Hooksett. April 23, 
1846, he married Miss Martha A., daughter of Isaac 
C. Otterson, of Hooksett, whose wife was Margaret 
Head, an aunt of ex-Governor Nathaniel Head. 
The same year Mr. Gault opened a brick-yard in 
Hooksett on a small scale, which he has developed 
until its production is about six millions yearly, 
affording employment to sixty men. This extensive 
business nece.s.sitatcs the purchase of large tracts of 



woodland for obtaining fuel, while the lumber is sold 
in the market. In this way he has bought some three 
thousand acres of forest domain. In addition, 
he owns several farms, the one upon which he 
lives cutting seventy-five tons of hay annually, and 
producing largely of other crops. His residence on 
the old stage-road from Concord to Haverhill, Mass., 
was built some five years ago, and is one of the most 
expensive in that sectiou. 

Mr. Gault was early active in civil affairs. Aftei 
filling various local positions, including chairman ol 
the Board of Selectmen for many years, he was 
chosen delegate from Hooksett to the Constitutional 
Convention of 1851, being the youngest member ol 
that body. Mr. Gault was then a Whig, and Hook- 
sett was at that time Democratic by more than twc 
to one. In 1857 and 1858 he represented his town ir 
the lower branch of the Jjcgislature, and in 1867 was 
elected a railroad commissioner for a triennial term 
being chairman of the board the last year. In 187f 
he was a delegate to the Republican National Con- 
vention at Cincinnati, and has, for many years, been 
a member of the Republican State Committee. He 
was chosen from the ].,ondonderry District to the 
State Senate in 1885, and was chairman of the com- 
mittee on claims, and a member of those on tht 
revision of the statutes and the asylum for th( 
insane. Mr. (iault, by great industry and persever 
ance, has accumulated a large property, and is exten 
sively interested in ownership and officially in rail 
way, banking and other corporations. He is a regu 
lar attendant at the Union Church in Hooksett, ii 
universally respected in private life for the purit; 
and uprightness of his character, and is a member o 
the Masonic fraternity. Of the five children, (tw( 
sons and three daughters) born to Mr. and JIrs 
Gault, four have died, the oldest, a son, reaching 
sixteen. The surviving child is the wife of Frank C 
Towle, a young business man of Suncook. Senato 
Gault is a gentleman of commanding persona 
presence, is a fine speaker, and often presides ove 
public assemblages. Possessing executive abilities o 
the highest order and excellent judgment, his opin 
ion upon important matters, both private and public 
is often sought. Although, as will be seen above 
he has already filled many responsible civil offices 
yet his host of friends are confident that higher po 
litical honors will hereafter be bestowed upon him 
His home, presided over by his refined and accom 
plished wife, is widely known, no less for its ele 
gance than for its generous hospitality, and attract 
many visitors. 



HISTORY OF HOPKINTON. 



BY C. C. LORD. 



CHATTER I. 

Geography of the Town.— Tlip town of Hopkin- 
toii is located in the smitheni portion of Merrimack 
County, touching its southern liorder in a middle posi- 
tion. Hopkinton is bounded on the north by Warner 
and Webster, on the east by Concord, on the south by 
Bow, Dunbarton and Wears, and on the west by 
Henniker. The area of Hopkinton is said to be 
26,967 acres. The town lies nearly square. Its sur- 
face is irregular, but undulating rather than rugged. 
Its scenery partakes more of the picturesque than of 
the sublime and grand. Near the geographical centre 
of the town is an elevated ridge of land, about three 
miles in length, running somewhat northeasterly and 
southwesterly, and having a slight depression in the 
middle, making two brows, tlic southerly of which is 
known as Putney's Hill, the northerly being called 
Gould's Hill. In the eastern part of the town, and 
partly included in Concord, is another ridge, some- 
what parallel to the first, and which is known as 
Beech Hill. These two ridges aftbrd the highest 
elevations of land in the town. The scenery from 
many points of these elevations is very attractive 
and beautiful. The view from Putney's Hill, on a 
clear day, showing land in every county of the State, 
is extensively known to and admired by tourists. 
There are numerous minor elevations in the township. 

The soil of Hopkinton is granitic, and for the 
most part fertile. In the northern portion of the 
town is some sandy, plain land of inferior quality. 
The soil is well watered. The Contoocook River 
enters the town of Hopkinton near the middle of 
its western boundary, traversing it in a tortuous 
course and passing into Concord near the north- 
eastern corner of Hopkinton. On its way, this river 
receives numerous tributaries, the most important of 
which are the Warner and Blackwater Rivers on the 
north, and Paul and Dolloft's Brooks on the south. 
Numerous acres of valuable intervale land lie on the 
Contoocook River in Hopkinton. There are several 
natural ponds in this town, as Smith's Pond, near the 
centre, and Clement's and Clough's Ponds, in the 
northwest. Most of the natural drainage of Hopkin- 
ton finds its way into the Contoocook River, which, 
with its tributaries, affords a large supply of water 
power. Most of the surface of this town is under- 



laid with a hard, clayey subsoil, and in various por- 
tions there is a small distribution of granular 
iron. There is much less solid rock in Hopkinton 
Ihan in many other New Hampshire towns. 

Hopkinton is to-day pre-eminently a rural town, 
and its surface is principally devoted to agricultural 
purposes, being divided mainly into field, pasture and 
forest land. All the staple crops of New Hampshire 
are raised here. We shall speak further of the in- 
dustrial and popular situation of the town hereafter. 
Primitive Facts.— Previously to the occupation of 
the territory of Hopkinton by white settlers, there was 
little primitive life that was locally distinctive. 
There were heavy forests of mixed growth, in which 
oak, a.sh, beech, birch, chestnut, maple, pine, hem- 
lock, spruce, etc., — trees everywhere indigenous to 
New Hampshire, — were in various degrees of admix- 
ture intermingled. Upon the lower, plain lands there 
] was a greater predominance of the softer woods. 
j There wa.s also more or less wild grasses of inferior 
{ quality. The streams and ponds abounded with 
i fish. The streams were also in some instances larger 
j than now. All the wild beasts and birds indigenous 
to our State probably roamed more or less over this 
1 local wilderness. The same may be said of reptiles, 
among which the rattlesnake was the only venomous 
i one.' 

! The wild red man was also here before the advent 
j of civilization. The regular Indian inhabitants of 
I this locality appear to have belonged to the tribe of 
I Penacooks, or Pawtuckets. They had their favorite 
j local haunts. On the intervale land of the Warner 
! River, near its entrance into the Contoocook, w.is a 
famous resort. Numerous Indian relics have been 
I recovered from this locality. On the northern bank 
of the natural outlet of Smith's Pond (now known a.s 
Chase's Brook), at a point near the present main 
I village of the town, was formerly a huge rock, cleft 
in such a manner that an additional rude contrivance 
j afforded considerable shelter from the weather. It 
is said that here was a somewhat favorite winter re- 



1 In tlw yeai- 1740, the town of Hopkiutown " Voted that Hierc be 
^ight shillings pr. Bay allowed to those that have spent tlieir time in 
killing Kattlesnakes in sd Town." In 1782 it "Voted that ovei-y Pei-aon 
liis town that sliall kill a wulf shall have five 
Tj- Such wolf Head that be Shall Kill Paid By this 



391 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMrSHIRE. 



sort of some of the Iiiilians of this vicinity. Scat- 
tering Indian relics have been picked up in various 
parts of the town, but, upon tlie whole, the local traces 
of the [last uncivilized human life are meagre. 

White Settlement of the Town.— The town of 
Hopkinton was settled by virtue of an act of the 
"(treat and General (/ourt or Assembly for His 
Majesty's Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New 
England." On Thunsday, January 15, 1736, Edmund 
Quincy, for a committee of both Houses, rendered a 
report "on the Petitions for Townships." Among 
others, the " Petition of Hopkinton " is mentioned in 
this report. The climax of this matter, so far as it 
relates to the township now known as Hopkinton, 
N. H., i.s expressed in an act of which the following 
is a record : 



bet 



■ 111.- ' 



velie the Uruiitiies, or J'rupnet* 
in tlie Line of Towns bntweon tlie Riven* of Connecticut and Merri- 
mack, in Biidi Place ns tlioy .Shall lie N.itified and Warned to Convene 
and Assenilile at, iu Order to CliuBC a Moderator and Clerk, and Com- 
mittee to Allot and Divide their Tjjnui, and to Dispose of the same, aTid 
to Pass snch Votea and Orders as liy them may be thonglit Condncive 
fur till- .«|«Mly fidnilnienl ..f lli.- Cciidilinnii uf Uie Grant, and also to 



each was voted to Daniel Claflin and Richard Potter, 
provided that they settled before winter. There is a 
tradition that Potter was the first one of the grantees 
to begin domestic operations in the new territory. A 
call for a meeting, dated at Hopkinton, September 
30, 1738,_declares,— 

" These are to Notify all the Projirietora of tlie New Township Num- 
ber Five, bordering on Kumford, to meet at the house of Mr. Henry 
Mellen.in the said Townslilp, near the Meeting-house Spot, on Thiraday, 
the nineteenth day of October next ensuing, at nine of tin- Clock in Ibe 
morning, there to act on the following articles," etc. 

This call evidently anticipates the first public 
meeting in the new township Number Five, whicli 
soon began to be euphoniously known as New Hop- 
kinton and to be indicated in the public records as 
" New Hopkinton (so called)." A prefatory note to 
the incorporating charter declares as follows : 

•■Tliiw Township was taken up to be settled, after it was granted A 

ill I > I iider of the General ftjurt of the Province of Masaai^husetta 

if Hopkinton, in .said Province, under the name 
ine of Towns, and was by them called New 



The following is 
proprietors of Nunil 



p list of the original bonded 
Five: 



Township Number Five wasnruMil'a line oftduiiships 
extending in a line from Runii'ord (now Coiiconl), 
on the Merrimack River, to the Great Falls, on the 
Connecticut. Each township wa.s decreed to be six 
miles square. Briefly expressed, the conditions im- 
posed upon the grantees by the court's committee 
were as follows : There were to be sixty settlers in 
a township, bonded to the committee for the perform- 
ance of certain conditions, as that each grantee 
build a dwelling-house eighteen feet square, and of 
seven feet stud at the least, on his lot, and fence in 
for plowing, or clear and stock to English grass, five 
acres of land within three years after being admitted 
to settlement; and the grantees together were to build 
and finish a suitable meeting-house, and settle a 
learned and orthodox minister within the same num- 
ber of years. In every sen.se of the term, settleraent.s 
were to be actual. 

In pursuance of the conditions above described, a 
meeting of the proprietors of Number Five was held 
at the tavern of James Morris, in Hopkinton, Mass., 
on the 14th day of February, 1837. Captain John 
Jones was chosen moderator ; Charles Morris, clerk ; 
Ebenezer Kimball, treasurer. It would seem that at 
this time the township had been surveyed and located ; 
but the several lots of the grantees had not been 
established. The projirietorship was for some time 
ociiijiied with the preliminaries of settlement. On 
the olst day of May, 1737, a gratuity of five pounds 



Troubles Incident to the French Wars.— The 
new settlement in Number Five was early subjected 
to various trials. One of these was incident to the pros- 
ecution of the so-called French Wars. The conflict 
known as King George's War lasted from 1744 to 1748 ; 
that sometimes called the Seven Years' War from 1754 
to 171)3. The English residents of the New England 
colonies were involved in an interest adverse to the 
French nation, in common with the mother-country. 
Consequently, in addition to the liability to active 
military service, the colonies were subjected to attacks 
from the Indians, instigated by the French, in the 
hope of securing captives, to be redeemed by their 
friends, thus aiding the treasuries of the French cap- 
tors. The St. Francis Indians performed an import- 
ant part in the work of securing English captives. 
These Indians were located upon the border of, or in, 
Canada. 

In anticipation of predatory incursions by Indians, 
three forts, or garrison-houses, were early built in 
Number Five. They were Kimball's, Putney's and 
Woodwell'a garrisons. The first of these was located 
about a mile from the present village of Hopkinton, 
on the road to Rumlbrd, near the present residence 
of Mr. James K. Story, and was built by Aaron and 



HOl^KTNTON. 



393 



Jeremiuh KiinbiiU. The second stood uiioii tlii' lop 
of Putney's Hill, near the present house of the de- 
sceiidiiut-s of Moses Rowell, and was erected by Sam- 
uel and John Putney. The third occupied a spot 
about half a mile from the present village of Contoo- 
cook, in the north part of the town, and^ near the 
present residence of Mr. Ebenez.er Morrill, and wa.s 
constructed by David Woodwell. The situation in 
Nunjber Five during the period of the French War.s 
was more or less unsettled. On this account, im- 
portant changes were made in the plans of some of 
the proprietors. Doubtless, some transferred their 
interests ; some settled and then returned to Massa- 
chusetts ; others stayed in the new township. One 
thing is certain : domestic and social life were never 
suspended wholly in the new settlement, though in- 
dividual circumstances, doubtless, were in many in- 
stances modified. In consequence of the disturbed 
condition of aftairs, there are no proprietary records 
extant for the years from 1743 to \~!>0, inclusively; 
nor for 1752 ; nor from 1754 to 175G, inclusively ; nor 
for 1759; nor for 1762 to 1764, inclusively. 

Tlie inhabitants of Number Five also suft'ered per- 
sonal violence at the hands of their Indian enemies. 
On the 22d of April, 1740, Woodwell's garrison was 
surprised by a party of Indians and eight persons 
were taken captive. The captives were David Wood- 
well, his wife, two sons, Benjamin and Thomas, and a 
daughter, Mary ; Samuel Burbank, and Caleb and 
Jonathan, his sons. Woodwell and three children 
returned to Boston under a flag of truce. Mary 
Woodwell was held captive three years and was then 
redeemed, after spending six months with the French, 
at Montreal,, waiting for a passport. Samuel Bur- 
bank and Mrs. Woodwell died in captivity. Jonathan 
Burbank was redeemed, but wa.s afterwards killed by 
the Indiana, who mistook him for the famous Robert 
Rogers. Mary Woodwell, in 1755, married Jesse 
Corbett, of Uxbridge, Mass., and they settled in 
Number Five (or New Hopkinton), on the .scene of 
the capture of 1746. In 1759, Mr. Corbett was 
drowned in the Warner River, then called Almsbury 
River. In 1761, Mary Woodwell Corbett married 
Jeremiah Fowler, who died in 1802, and his widow 
immediately joined the Shaker community at Canter- 
bury, when she died in 1829, in the one hundredth 
year of her age. By her first marriage, Mary Wood- 
well had two sons, and by her second, five children. 
A detailed account of the capture at Woodwell's gar- 
rison was written by the late General Walter Harri- 
man and published in vol. iv., No. 6, of the Granite 
Monthly. On the 10th of November, 1746, a Mr. 
Estabrooks, of Number Five, was killed by Indians, 
on his return from Ruraford, where he had been for 
the medical services of Dr. Ezra Carter. Estabrooks 
was killed about a mile from the present Concord 
Main Street, on the present highway to Hopkinton. 

On the morning of April 13, 1753, Abraham Kim- 
ball and Samuel Putney was captured by Indians. 



Their capture occurred on the eastern slope of Put- 
ney's Hill, not far from Putney's garrison. Kimball 
and Putney were both young men. They were taken 
to Contoocook (afterwards Boseawen), on their way 
to Canada, when, on the next day after the capture, 
the Indians were surprised by some famous Indian 
hunters of the name of Flanders, and both the cap- 
tives escaped. Putney escaped by the aid of a dog 
that seized the neck of an Indian who attempted to 
tomahawk Putney. Abraham Kimball was the first/ 
white male child born in NiiimIkt Five, he being a 
son of Jeremiah Kimball. 

The military records oi' colonial New Hampshire, 
during the period of the French Wars, contain the 
following n.ames of residents of Number Five, though 
the identification of the parties is not sure: 

JoBeph Eastman (probably of Eumford), Stephen Hoyt, Matthew 
Stanley, Ebt^nezer Eastman, Joseph Putney, .Tohn Annia, Enoch East, 
man, John Burbank, William Peters, Nathaniel Smith, Sampson Colby, 
Isaac Chandler, Tlionias Merrill, Samuel Barrett, Jame.s Lock, John 
Nntt, John Jones, Thomas Eastman. 

The Mason Claim. — A second source of trial to 
the proprietors of Number Five resulted from the 
Ma-son claim. The original royal patent, given to 
Sir Ferdinando Gorges and John Mason, embraced 
all the line of the Atlantic coast between the Merri- 
mack and St. Lawrence Rivers, and extended many 
miles inland. The country was named Laconia, and 
the patent was given in 1622. Subsequently, Mason 
obtained a second patent of a considerable territory 
lying between the Merrimack and Piscataqua Rivers, 
and which he called New Hampshire. Having at- 
tempted settlement and a development of resources, 
Mason failed, and, dying, his heirs at length realized 
nothing but the naked soil. In the year 1691, the 
Mason estate passed into the hands of Samuel Allen. 
The original title became involved in dispute, and 
subsequently, by a fiction of law, that the estate 
might be under the command of the King's Court, the 
land wa,s assumed to be in England, and, by the con- 
nivance of the Massachusetts colonial authorities, 
John Tufton Mason, lineal descendant of John Ma- 
son, laid claim to the whole. John Tufton Mason 
was successful, and at length sold out to twelve lead- 
ing men of Portsmouth for fifteen hundred pounds. 

The new proprietors were liberal in disposition, and 
made regraiits of townships upon favorable terms, 
usually reserving fifteen rights for themselves. The 
conditions upon which Number Five was regranted 
are briefly expressed as follows : 

The township was granted in equal shares to Henry Melien, yeo- 
man, Thomas Walker, cooper, and Thomas Mcllen, cordwainer, all of 
Hopkinton, in the county of Middlese.\. 

K reservation of one-fifth, in the westerly part of the township, was 
set otf fur the proprietors. 

One whole share in the remaining four-flfths was to be set off for Uic 
first settled minister, to be his in fee simple. 

One whole share of the said four-fifths was to be set off for the use of 
the ministry forever. 

One whole share in the said four-fifths was to be set off for the use of 
a school forever. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



That thirty acres of laud, and tbo 
served for a saw-mill, 'at the iiluce wham t 
that the gmnteea and their associates huild 

Tliat there be thirty families in the township within three years, 
each liouse being at least sixteen feet square, and provided with a 
cellar ; and that there be Ave acres of land cleared and fitted for mowing 
or tillage in each case. 

That there be sixty families within seven years, with other condi- 

That a meetiug-house be bnill uithin tlii.-e vftirs, and constant 
preaching be maintained at th.- . \| n-. ,.i tl,, .1 uii^.-s. 

That all the suitable pine in. 1 1 : , hi^ Miyesty's use. 

That in case uf an Indian >vnr 1 . 1 u.v time limited for 

the pei-formanco of conditions, tli.- i.iu.; ^li.uid 1 . . xit-nded to the close 
of the war. 

That in case Bow took any territory from the township, the loss be 
made up from other and ungranted lands. 

Tlie foregoing conditions were by an act of the 
Mason proprietors on the 30th day of November, 
1750. The reservation of one-fiftli in the western 
part of the township suggests the remark tliat the 
earlier settlement.s liad not extended far in that di- 
rection. The reservation ultimately reverted to the 
inhabitants of the township, but upon what specific 
terms the writer does not know. 

In November, 1762, the following parties were de- 
clared legal grantees under the conditions of the 
Mason grant. The figures given indicate instances 
of a plurality of shares in possession : 

John Jones, Esq. (2), Joseph Haven, Esq., Rev. Samuel Haven, John 
Haven, Thomas Byxby, Peter How, Joseph Haven, Timothy Townsend, 



Pill 



before 1765. Adjudged in the New Hampshire courts, 
the controverted points seemed to be decided in favor 
of the local colonial interest. It seemed as if Bow 
wa.s to win her case. This was the condition of things 
on the 7th of May, 1761, when Deacon Henry Mellen, 
Adjutant Thomas Mellen and Timothy Clement were 
chosen a committee of Number Five, " to go down to 
the land proprietors and the proprietors of Bow to see 
if the matter can be agreed upon." However, largely 
by the activity of the inhabitants of Rumford, the 
matter was brought before the King's Court. At the 
Court of St. James, on the 29th day of September, 
1762, the King and his counselors reversed a judgment 
of the Inferior Court of the Common Pleas of the prov- 
ince of New Hampshire, of the 2d of September, 17G0, 
and also one of the Superior Court of Judicature, of the 
second Tuesday in November, 1760, and the principle 
was established that defeated Bow and gave the other 
townships their land. 

In 1763, on the 13th of December, an act of the 
New Hampshire Legislature joined the following per- 
sons and their estates to tlie " District of New Hop- 
kinton," thus acknowledging the validity of their 
claim as residents of the disputed territory of Num- 
ber Five : 

\^il h';iTi>.-.ll, Tliii Up Kiinl ,1' T:.,,..tl., .'! ,...u! T'l] 1, ,I.'t Colby, 
'■'■ ■ " ' I • 1. 'i I .li :, ' I, ..I , I I, \ 1 . lI, I , L ,,, ■ , I , I ,:, jwmball, 



lUill O'clls), 
How, Jr. (2), 
1 and Ezra 
1 Mellen (4), 



Walker, 

The Bow Controversy. — The reader will remember 
that, in discussing the Mason grant, an incidental 
mention was made of Bow. The Bow controversy 
agitated the residents of Number Five during a period 
of years. The origin of the trouble will be briefly 
stated. We have already seen that Number Five was 
originally granted by the authorities of Massachusetts 
Bay. Bow was granted to Jonathan Wiggin and 
others, in 1727, by the government of New Hamp- 
shire. A conflict of boundaries ensued between Bow 
and Number Five. Bow was also in controversy with 
several other townships upon the subject of bounda- 
ries. Bow claimed a section of Number Five in the 
southeast part of the township. The disputed section 
was wedge-.shaped, with its apex lying very near the 
present village of Hopkinton. 

The contest between Bow and Number Five was, in 
a sense, a conflict of colonial governments. It was but 
natural that both Massachusetts and New Hampshire 
should be zealous of their prerogatives. All the boun- 
daries involved in this ciiiitroversv were not adjusted 



I .11, Parker Flanders, Isaac Colby, Thomas Hoitt, Widow 

> Kimball. 

ill 1772, in consequence of the incorporation of the 
county of Hillsborough, of which Hopkinton was a 
part till 1823, it became necessary for the provincial 
authority of New Hampshire to enact that the ]ior- 
tion of Hopkinton formerly claimed by Bow should 
be disannexed from Rockingham County, of which 
Bow was once a part, and annexed to the new couiily. 



CHAPTER II. 

HOPKINTON — (CoiiMniiei/). 

Incoi'poratioii of Hopkinton and Incidental Mat- 
ters. — The legal incorporation of Number Five, by the 
name of Hopkinton, was efl'ected in 1765. The in- 
corporating a('t passed the New Hampshire Provin- 
cial Legislature on the 10th of January. The ap- 
proval of the Council and the consent of Governor 
Benning Wentworth were given the next day. Hop- 
kinton was a town with all the implied legal rights 
and privileges. The subject of the legal incorporation 
of the township was agitated as early as 1757. On 
October 27th of that year a petition for incorporation 
was addressed "To His Excellency, Benning Went- 
worth, Esq., Captain-General & Governor-in-C'hief 
in aii<l over his Majesty's Province of New Hamp- 



HOI'KINTON. 



shire, and to the Hon""' his Majesty's Council in llif 
rrovince aforesaid." This petition was signed l)y 
the following persons; 

" Samuel I'luliiey, Josiiph Eiiotmuu, Aaron Kimball, Jonciih I'lulmy, 
Enuch Eatitmaii, John IMulnt'y, Daniel AniSjl^aleb DurbanU, IVttT How, 
Joseph Ordway, Matthew Stanley, 
Joseph Eastman, Jr., John Chadwi 



There were probably w 
.lie in Hopkinton at 



pe< 

tion. Let us consider some of the conditions oi 
local society at this time. Although nearly twenty 
years had passed since the original grant of the town- 
ship, yet the originally implied conditions of the 
grant were not all fulttlled. Part of the neglect was 
due to the troublous scene* through which the inhab- 
itants had passed. A minister had been settled. Rev. 
James Scales w:is ordained on the 23d of November, 
1757.' No meeting-house had been built, though 
numerous votes to build had been passed. Rev. Mr. 
Scales was ordained at Putney's garrison, which was 
a place of regular public worship. A meeting-house 
lot and a minister's lot had been located. Land had 
lieen set apart for educational pur|)oses, but there is 
only slight evidence that a school had been taught. 
In March, 1765, the town voted to have a school two 
months of the ensuing year. 

Local society was in a very primitive state up to 
the lime of the incorporation of Hopkinton. The 
incident of Mr. Estabrooks, in 1746, leads to the in- 
ference that there was no physician in this town. 
Of lawyers there were apparently none. There are 
no data of the conditions of trade at this time. A 
vote of the early proprietors, passed February 14, 1737, 
appropriating twenty pounds for clearing a road from 
Rumford to the new township, and also for clearing 
other roads as far as the sum would allow, suggests 
that Rumford was a dependence for commercial sup- 
plies. There was probably no tavern in Hopkinton, 
though there may have been people who had special 
accommodations for travelers or visitors. A hint is 
afforded upon this subject by the action of the town in 
anticipation of the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Scales. 
It was voted to provide entertainment at six places, — 
the houses of Aaron Kimball, Matthew Stanley, 
Stephen Hoyt, Peter How, Samuel Putney and Joseph 
Putney. Some progress had probably been made in 
the erection of framed houses. In 1737, the propriettjrs 
voted a gratuity of twenty-five pounds to any one who 
would build a saw-mill near the " reservation," the 
mill to be completed by the next December. Subse- 
quently the same gratuity was offered to Henry Mellen 
personally, and, still later, the inducement of thirty 
pounds was made general. It is believed that Henry 
Mellen erected a saw-mill on Paul Brook, in the 



1 A rliurch was organized at the eanie time. 'Die following were 
the original members ; James Scales, David Woodwcll, .\arou Kimball, 
Jonathan Straw, William Peters, Joseph Eastman, Jr., Peter How, 
Abraham Colebe, JIatthew Stanley, Enoch Eastman. William Petci-s 
was afterwards made the lii-st deacon. 



westerly part of the town. The existence of such a 
mill provided lumber for building. The first framed 
house is said to have been built near Kimball's garri- 
son. The ancient Rowell house, now standing on 
Putney's Hill, near the site of Putney's garrison, was 
built for the Rev. James Scales. A grist-mill may or 
may not have been in operation in town previously 
to the incorporation, but, in 1765, Nathaniel Clement 
was allowed a gratuity of eighty acres of land, on the 
north side of the road to Rumford, so long as he kept 
a corn-mill in repair. The site of the Clement mill 
is just east of Hopkinton village, at the outlet of 
Mills' Pond, so called. Money was apparently plenty, 
though the currency was depreciated, being largely in 
provincial bills of credit, sometimes called "old 
tenor." The town appropriated four hundred and 
fifty pounds for the expense of the Rev. Mr. Scales' 
ordination, but this sum was probably worth no more 
than two hundred dollars in hard money. 

Previously to the incorporation, the township had 
limited political i)rivileges. It had a representative 
power at the General Court. In 1738, October 23, 
lsaa(. Whitney, Thomas Walker and Ebenezer God- 
dard were made a committee to present the votes of 
the proprietors at the seat of provincial government. 
In 1740, the township became a part of New Hamp- 
shire. Local meetings were called by special com- 
mittees. Jacob Gibbs and Charles Morris were the 
first committee to call meetings. The first meeting 
in the new territory ^vas called by Joseph Haven 
Isaac Whitney and Thomas Walker. The township 
could not take its own inventory, which was taken by 
the selectmen of some corporate township. In 1761, 
the selectmen of Boscawen were paid five pounds for 
taking the inventory of Number Five. 

The incorporation of Hopkinton gave a decided im- 
pulse to local public enterprise. Affairs seemed to as- 
sume a new and substantial basis. Various improved 
conditions resulted. A church was built in 1766. The 
edifice was fifty feet long, thirty-eight feet broad and 
the posts were twenty-two feet. The expense of its 
erection was five hundred pounds, old tenor. The 
same year it was voted to have two .schools in town. 
In 1768 it was decided to build two .school " housen " 
— one near Esquire Townsend's and the other in the 
centre, between Jonathan How's and Moses Gould's, 
—but this act was afterwards rescinded. Educational 
matters progressed, however, and, in 1784, a provision 
was made for dividing the town " into eight parts for 
schooling." In 1766 a vote was passed to build a 
boat in the Contoocook River for the accommodation 
of people pas.sing between Hopkinton and New Ames- 
bury (now Warner), said boat to be as large as Deacon 
Merrill's boat in Concord. . In 1772, an appropriation 
of thirty pounds was made for a bridge across the 
Contoocook. The same year the town obtained pos- 
session of two lots of laud where the people had be- 
gun to bury their dead, and public legal cemeteries 
were established. 



iiisToiiv OF Mi:i;i;iM.\('K county, new Hampshire. 



Hopkinton. being incorponik'fl, soon became a 
thriving and prosperous town. The business centre 
was at the site of the present village of Hopkinton. 
The church was built there, its site being identical 
with that of the present Congregational house. This 
was the situation of public afl'airs on the eve of the 
Revolution. 

The first selechiicii i,f the incorporatpd township 
wore Captain Matllicw iStanley, Knsign Jonathan 
Straw anil Scifriant Isaac Chandler. 

The Revolution. — The people of Hoi)kiuton were 
alive to all public event.s anticij)ative of the great 
struggle called the Revolution. At a town-meeting 
on the 18th of .'uly, 1774, Captain Jonathan Straw 
was choisen a delegate to the E.xcter Convention of 
the 21st of the same month, which was called to 
succeed the Assembly dispersed by Governor John 
Wentworth, and which also chose Nathaniel Folsom 
and John Hullivan delegates to the Provincial Con- 
gress. On the i>th of January, 1775, Joshua Bailey 
was chosen delegate from Hopkinton to a second 
convention at K.teter, which convention chose 
John Sullivan and John Langdon as delegates to 
another Provincial Congress. On the same day the 
town voted " to accept what the Grand Congress has 
resolved." t)n the Uth of December, 1775, (\aptain 
Stephen Harriman was chosen a representative to 
Exeter forone year, in anticipation of the convocation 
of the 21st of the .same month, designed for the 
elaboration of a plan of civil government. 

In 1775, in compliance with the demand of the 
local colonial authority, an enumeration of people 
and of war materials was taken in Hopkinton. The 
following is the official rclurii : 

" MjiIos under Hi yoare of Age :i;i2 

Mules from 16 years of .\ge to 50 not in Uie Army . . 160 " 

Males above r>il years of .\ge 31) 

Persons gone in the army 42 ' 

All females 619 

Negroes and slaves for Life i 2 

lllS.'i 
" Gnne that are wanting are Hlly-six. 
*' Powder, six pounds in town. 
"The above account taken by us, tiie subs'-ribei^, is true, errors ex- 

".InNATUAN STRAW, i Selcfiineu 

" lsA\.' CnAxm.ER, ) jor Hoiikiiiton." 
On Ihc lib (if Maiili, 177(i, Major Chandler, Joshua 
Bailey and Moses Hill were made a local Committee 
of Safety. On the 14th of the same month, the Colonial 
Congress |)iujsed a resolution, recommending that all 
assemblies, conventions, councils or Committees of 
Safety immediately cause all persons " notoriously 
disaft'ected to the cause of America" to be disarmed. 
In view of compliance, Mesech Weare, chairman of 

1 There were never but two slaves in Hopkinton. One of these was 
owned by .Ins.'j.b Hstnun-.l ; the otiier belonged to Thomas Webber. 
They were I'.'Mi u> il ^. l - H.unaixl, as ho waa called, on the event 
of hisenti^ir^i Im i i i . the vicinity af Amesbury, Mass., mar- 
ried and hpi'm. i r m, !■. ifii. - rM.-.i. (Vsar \VeM>er, as be wa* known, 
renirtin<-d in H.'i'ktuMn iilt tn> ileatli. He wssa member of the (?ongre- 



the New Hampshire Committee of Safety, issued a 
circular, requesting the signatures of all males over 
twenty-one years of age, " Lunaticks, Idiots and 
Negroes excepted," to the " Declaration on this 
Paper," and also desiring the names of "all who 
shall refuse to sign the same." This circular was 
dated April 12, 1776, and was presented to the select- 
men of towns. The selectmen of Hopkinton returned 
one hundred and sixty-one name's subscribed to the 
declaration, and the iianu's of fourteen who " refused 
to sign." 

On the 14th of January, 1777, the town voted to 
procure shovels, spades, one hundred pounds of gun- 
powder and lead and flinte. An existing law reipiired 
each town to maintain a regular supply of one barrel 
of gunpowder, two hundred pounds of lead and three 
hundred flints. On the 31st of March an ai>proi>ria- 
tion sufficient to raise twenty-six men for the army 
was voted. On the 14th of April it was voted that 
service already done should be considered equal to 
service to come; on the 9th of June, that militia 
should have the same pay as soldiers ; on the 15th of 
January, 177S, that the selectmen be agents to pro- 
vide for the families of non-commi.ssioned officers 
and soldiers; on the 1st of March, 1771>, that the sol- 
diers " should be made good as to the depreciation of 
money;" on the 20th of November, 1780, that sol- 
diers' rates should be payable in corn as well a-^ in 
nu)ney; on the 5th of February, 1781, that Major 
Chandler and the commissioned officers have author- 
ity to employ soldiers and hire money for the purpose. 
The following votes, passed on the 15th of May, 1777, 
shed some light upon the [irice paiti for Kevolutionary 
soldiers from this town : 



At home and in the Held, Hopkinton diil her part 
well during the trying Revolutionary times. A num- 
ber of the soldiers from this town lost their lives in 
the service. Hopkinton men were in nearly, or (piite, 
every important campaign of that war. Their names 
are now only imperfectly remembered. In attempting 
to recover the names of the Revolutionary soldiers of 
Hopkinton, we have been greatly assisted by Hon. 
George W. Nesmith, of Franklin, to whom we are 
indebted for many of the particulars given below. 

The following were at Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775, 
in Captain Gorden Hutchins' company: Nathaniel 
Clement, Abraham Kimball, William Darling, Thomas 
Mathews, Jonathan Judkins. John Gordon, Elisha 
Corliss, Nath. Perkins and Micha Flanders are of 
doubtfur residence, though some of them were proba- 
bly from Weare. Most of the Hopkinttiu men at 
Bunker Hill were enrolled in the company of Cap- 
tain Isaac Baldwin, of Hillsborough, who wa.s killed 
upon the field, and whose. command devolved upon 



HOPKINTON. 



Lieutenant John Hale, of this town, who served witli 1777, at Saratoga). Most of these men were enlisted 
the following others: Second Lieutenant Stephen in April, some for less than three years. 



Hoyt, Sergeant Moses Kimball, Corporals Moses 
Bailey, Moses Connor, Reuben Kimball and Moses 
l>:irling; Moses Tru.ssell, ,Tohn Putney, Samuel Hil- 
<lr(lli, Peter Howe, Timothy Clements, Daniel Cressy, ' 
Joseph Putney, CliH'ord Chase, Richard Straw, Thomas 
Eastman, Thomas Hills, Benjamin Stanley^ John 
Stanley, Enoch Eastman. Trussell Tost an arm on 
this field, as well as his coat and knapsack. Hildreth, 
Hills, Chase and Thomas Eastman lost a coat each. 
Lieutenant Hoyt and John Putney each lost a coat 
and a knapsack. Caleb Smart was also at Bunker 
Hill, in Stark's regiment, and was wounded. 

The following privates were enlisted August 2, 
1775, and served under Captain John Parker, of Litch- 
field, in the northern campaign : Samuel Smith, John 
T. Connor, Ebenezer Collins, James Judkins, David 
Ciough, Jedediah Jewett, Daniel Murray, Josepli 
S tanle y. 



The following men were with Captain Joshua Bai- 
ley, of this town, at Bennington, beingenlistedon the 
20th of July, 1777, and discharged at Stillwater on the, 
2(lth of the next September : Quartermaster Joseph 
Stanley, Second Lieutenant Timothy Farnum, Second 
Sergeant Joshua (iile, Fourth Sergeant Peter Howe, 
First Corporal John Burbank, Fourth Corporal Eben- 
ezer Eaton, Christopher Could, Richard Smith, Sam- 
uel Howe, David Howe, Jonathan Straw, Jr., Stephen 
Harriman, Jr., Jonathan Hunt, Josiah Corbet, Moses 
Emenson, Moses Jones, Daniel French, Abraham 
Kimball (severely wounded), Caleb Burbank, Eben- 
ezer Rider. 

The following men were enrolled in Captain John 
Hale's company. Colonel Henry Gerrish's regiment, 
called out to reinforce General Gates, enlisted in 
August, 1777; they performed twenty-eight day.s' ser- 
ice : Captain John Hale, Sergeant Daniel Flanders, 



In Colonel Benedict Arnold's regiment, that cut I Corporal Jacob Straw, Jonathan Chase, Stephen Hoit, 
through the wilderness of Maine to Quebec, in 1775, I Philip Greeley, Jacob Hoit, Nathan Sargent, Richard 
in Captain Henry Dearborn's company, were Lieu- ' Carr Rogers, Joseph Chadwick, Moses Hills, Thomas 
tenant Nathaniel Hutchins and a private named Hills, Samuel Farrington, David Fellows, Joseph 
Carr. 1 Corbett, Enoch Long, David Kimball, Moses Bur- 

in the latter part of 1775, thirty-one companies of I bank, 
soldiers were sent from New Hampshire to reinforce The following men enlisted in a company comman- 
General Sullivan at Charlestown. The officers of the j ded by Captain Joshua Bailey, and served twenty-five 
Twentieth Company were Timothy Clements, Hop- i days in August and September, 1778, in Rhode Is- 



kiiiton, captain; Joseph Chandler, first lieutenant; 
Amos Gould, second lieutenant. 

The following enlisted in Colonel Pierce Long's 
regiment on the 8th of August, 1776, and served four 
months, or one hundred and twenty-one days: Cap- 
tain Timothy Clements, Sergeant Moses Darling, Dan- 
iel Blaisdell, Isaac Clements. Lieutenant Nathaniel 
Hutchins also belonged to this regiment, being pro- 
moted to captain, and on the expiration of the term 
of enlistment, in the spring of 1777, recruited a com- 
pany and joined Colonel Joseph Cilley's regiment in 
April. Captain Hutchins retired from .service in Jan- 
uary, 1781. 

The following soldiers were enlisted into the Con- 
tinental service by the authority' of Colonel Stickney, 
generally for a service of three years. The enlist- 
ments began early in 1777. In Scammel's regiment, 
in Captain Daniel Livermore'scompany,wereSergeant 
Samuel Smith, Joseph Biekford (died .lune 20, 1778), 
B.Sargent, Samuel Judkins; in Cilley's regiment, in 
Captain James Gregg's company, Ebenezer Blaisdell, 
Jr. (died August 15,1777); in Captain Hutchins' 
company, Sergeant Eben Collins (wounded October 7, 
atStillwater.anddiedOctdber 2(>, 1777), Sergeant John 
Chadwick, Moses Colby, Daniel Crea.sy, ,Iohn Eastman 
(killed July 8, 1777, at Hubbardton), James Edgerly, 
William Hodgkins, Jonathan .Judkins, Samuel Stocker, 
Enoch Hoyt, David Smith (died August 4, 1778), 
Caleb Smart, Elijah Smart, Jonathan Sawyer, Benja- 
min Williams, Joseph Eastman (died October ,30, 



land : Lieutenant Thomas Rowell, Sergeant Moses 
Darling, Sergeant Abner Chase, Corporal Reuben 
Kimball, Corporal Levi Hildreth, Oliver Dow, 
Moses Hills, Joseph Hastings, Jacob Choat, Jona- 
than Straw, Ezekiel Straw, Samuel Hoit, Timothy 
Darling, David Kimball, Samuel Chase, Richard 
Smith, William Putney, Timothy Farnum, David 
Howe, William Barnard, Joshua Morse, .fohn Clem- 
ent, William Ayres, Moses Clark, Joseph Currier, 
Moses Clement, Jacob Tucker, Ezekiel Goodwin, Ira 
Waldron. These men were in the regiment of Col- 
onel Moses Kelley, of Goftstown. Corporal John S. 
Farnham enlisted into the army on the 5th of May, 
1779 ; John Eaton and Timothy Farnham, on the 5th 
of April, 1781 ; they were all discharged in Decem- 
ber, 1781. Benjamin Creasy enlisted on the 6th of 
April, 1781, and was discharged on the 17th of March, 
1782; he was claimed by Henniker. The following 
men were new levies from and for Hopkinton, en- 
listed before or during 1781, and distributed among 
different Continental regiments : Sergeant Isaac Clem- 
ent (died December, 1780), Richard Smith, Ebenezer 
Dustin, David Howe, Daniel Eaton, Alvaro Currier, 
.Mose-s Chase, .Jonathan Howe, Daniel .^tickney, Moses 
'Flanders, Benjaniin (^iiimby. Samuel Howe, Kpbraim 
Hildreth. 

The following are additional names of Hopkinton 
men engaged in the Revolutionary War: Abram 
Currier, Samuel French, Michael Stocker, John Rob- 
Moses Flanders, Benjamin Flanders, Daniel 



HISTORY OK MKKHI.MACK COUNTV, NKW HAMPSHIRE. 



Kimball, Stephen Putney, Jeremiah Tyler, William 
Stocker, Isaac Walker. Captain Jonathan Straw 
waa at Cambridge in 177r). and diiw a pay-mil ot'£{jO 
17». 9(/. 

During the Revolutionary inriod the people of 
Hopkinton were zealous of the public honor and im- 
patient of the conduct of the Tories. The following 
act, passed in 1770, illustrates the prevailing state of 
mind : 

" T'ofefl, tliat oiir Rupresenlalive Should Use his Eiifliiclico that the 
two Greens Should Bo I'ul Down from thiire offlco anil that if any Per- 
son Should go to I'etcr Green to git a Kit ho Should lie Looked niK)ii an 
ineniy to h's Country." 

In common with the rest of the people of the Amer- 
ican colonies, the residents of Hopkinton suflered 
in consequence of the depreciation of the colonial 
currency. In 1775, the Continental notes were nearly 
at par with gold, but very soon fell to a most insignifi- 
cant value. Tlie effect of the collapse is amply attested 
in the records of this town. At a town-meeting in 
1781, it was voted that the price of a day's work by a 
man on the highway should be thirty dollars ; the 
price of the same, by a yoke of oxen, also thirty dol- 
lars ; the price of a plow and cart one day, ten dol- 
lars each. The salary of the Rev. Elijah Fletcher, 
minister of the town, was voted t<i be four thousand 
dollars for the year, but the reverend gentleman pre- 
ferred to accept seventy-five dollars in gold. The suc- 
cess of the American cause and the estalilisbiiicnl of 

The Project of Constitutional Government— Tin 
War of the Revolution was succeeded by a conflict of 
ideas. It is not difficult to ascribe a cause for this 
conflict. The colonies had thrown oft' the yoke of 
Great Britain. Every form of action seems to exhibit 
a tendency to reaction. Nor is the whole truth ex- 
pressed when we say that the dominant sentiment of 
the colonists favored a republic. lu casting off their 
allegiance to the mother-country, the colonists exjier- 
ienced a reaction against monarchical government that 
threatened an abnegation of a necessary constitu- 
tional political compact. Hence it became hard for 
the masses to agree upon any effective fornt of govern- 
ment. Hopkinton bore its part in this exigency. It 
is probable that the local governmental reactive ten- 
dency was gradual in its manifestation. The colonial 
Articles of Confederation, implying a weaker compact 
between colonial sections, seems to have excited no 
special opposition in this town, since they were ac- 
cepted at once and for all on the 13th of January, 
1778 ; but, on the 14th of January, 1788, Lieutenant 
Morse was chosen a delegate to the convention de- 
signed to consider the eligibility of tlie Constitution 
of the United States, and was supplied witli instruc- 
tions to " Regect " the same, though on the 14th of 
the following June the town formally conceded his 
right to act as he thought best for the public good. 
Very mucli liesil:iiicy was sbnwn towanls tlie idea dl 
acceptiiiL' aSliite ( '(iiHliHiliiui. (in Ibc -|.>llii)l May. 



1778, Captain Harriman waa chosen a delegate to the 
approaching Constitutional Convention ; but, on the 
•22d of July, 1779, the town "Tryed a vote for receiv- 
ing the Plan of Government— none for, but one hun- 
dred and six against it." On the 30th of May, 1781, 
Joshua Bailey was chosen a delegate to the Constitu- 
tional Convention of that year. A numberof attempts 
were made to decide the attitude of this town towards 
the work of the convention before a final result wius 
reached. On the 8d of June, 1782, it was voted to pass 
over the article taking cognizance of the matter. On 
the nth of November, the work of the convention was 
rejected. This action was reversed on the 23d of the 
next December. On the .3d of March, 1783, Joshua 
Bailey, Deacon Kimball, Captain Moore, Mr. Aaron 
Greeley and Mr. Nathan Sargent were chosen a com- 
mittee to examine the plan of government and rei>ort 
to the town, which accepted the plan on the 8th of 
the following September. Esquire Greeley, on the 8th 
of August, 1791, was chosen a delegate to the Constitu- 
tional Convention of that year, but the work of the 
Assembly was rejected in toio on the 7th of August, 
1792. It is a singular fact that both on the 7th of 
May and on the 21st of the same month, 1792, the 
town appears to have considered proposed amend- 
ments to the Constitution, but there is no record of 
the result. 

The Constitutional Convention of 1781, wbicli was 
in existence two years, proposed lostreiintbeii the arm 
i]|' State government by creaiiiiL' the i.llieeof President. 
It was not until an ameiicliiieiit to the original plan 
made the chief executive elective by the peo]ile that 
the work of the convention was accepted by the State. 
In 1783, under the new condition of aflairs, Mesech 
Weare, of Hampton Falls, was elected President of 
the State of New Hampshire. The vote of Hopkin- 
ton that year was fifty-six for Josiah Bartlett, of 
Kingston, two for Timothy Walker, of Concord, but 
nonefor Weare. The great struggle with the problem of 
local constitutional government was apparently over. 
The records of the town give few hints of the actual 
objections to the various phases of constitutional plans 
during the period from 1778 to 1792. Our conclusions 
upon this jioint are general. They are already ex- 
pressed. 

Controversy over the Meeting-House.— The local 
events recounted in the last division of this sketch 
cover a period in which an excited controversy over 
the meeting-house occurred. The meeting-house was 
a town institution ; consequently, the entire population 
was interested in its location, erection and manage- 
ment. As we have seen, the meeting-house was 
erected in 1766, or about twenty years after the grant 
of the township by the Legislature of Massachusetts. 
In the first instance, it was intended to locate the 
meeting-house as near the geographical centre of the 
town as was practicable. "Meeting-house lot" was 
laid out on Putney's Hill, The "minister's lot" 
was also located there. The minister's house was 



HOl'KTNTON. 



there ereclwl. However, in the year 1766 the title ol 
circumstances and events had a])piirently located the 
business centre of the town at the site of the present 
village of Hopkinton, where the meeting-house, as 
we have seen, was erected. 

A public act often incurs controversy, and a public 
controversy is a hard thing to quell. The meeting- 
house, being erected, became a constant source of dis- 
pute. The subject of a new location was at length 
mooted. On the 2d of Febuary, 1789, a select com- 
mittee of the town reported upon the subject in con- 
troversy. The committee were Nathan Sargent, 
Samuel Farrington, John Jewett, John Moore, Isaac 
Chandler, James Buswell, Benjamin B. Darli.ig, 
Enoch Eastman and Joshua Morse. The following 
is their report : 

" AfttT wo hjivo considoriMl ttir iii.illrr r.s|M-. tin;; II l^etiIlg-lutll^.■ 

-v.' h iM- .■Miminorl tho rates, aiul \vu lllul tlu' ami vm\ of the town iin>> 
it., ut iijltt i".iiri.N ill fifty in tho ministor tux more thiiu thu wost oml, 
,i,,li .i^iii I .11, ill numlicr more. .\l80, tho tvavol is thirty-six lllill■^ 

I, Mill. I I.. 11 i.iiiinon lot on tho hiU, so callotl, than whero it now 

stauiis, arconluig to our computfttion. Xa thoso two places ai-o tho only 
ones picked upon by tho committee, therefore we think tho nieetinp:- 
houBC ought not to be moved." 

Three day.s after the presentation of this report u 
young man set fire to the meeting-house and it wius 
burned to the ground. The meeting-house destroyed, 
the old controversy revived afresh. In three days 
more the town held a meeting at the j)ublic-hoi.ise of 
Mr. Babson, which meeting, it is presumed to accom- 
modate the attendance, was adjourned to the " barn- 
yard." By this time at least four sites were proposed 
for locations for the meeting-house. The town voted 
to refer the matter to the " chairmen of the select- 
men " of the towns of Gilmanton, Linesborough and 
Washington. These gentlemen, — being Peter Clark, 
Ezekiel Hoit and Jeremiah Biicon," — on the 20th of 
February, reported that they had examined foursi)ots, 
— " the Common near Mr. Burbank's, the Hill, the Spot 
by the School-Huuse and the old Meeting-House 
Spot," — and decided that they were " unanimous of 
the opinion that near the Spot wheare the old Meet- 
ing-Hous Stood will be the most Convenient Place 
fur you to build a Meeting-House upon.'' 

The meeting-house controversy practically ended 
here. The new building was promptly erected upon 
the old site. The edifice was sixty-two feet long and 
forty-six feet wide. A tower twelve feet square stood 
at each end. There were seven entrances to it, — two 
in each tower and three in front. Inside were a high 
pulpit, a sounding-board, a gallery on three sides and 
pews built square. A few front pews, designed for 
the use of church dignitaries, were of better finish 
than the others. About 1811, a belfry and bell were 
added. In 1829, the structure wa.s remodeled into the 
present church, and a clock was put in the steeple. 

1 Peter Clarke was from Lyndoborongh, Ezekiel Hoit from Oilmanton, 
and Jeremiah Bacon from Washington. There seems to be a doubt that 
in each particular instAnro the numbers of the committee were ebair- 
men of their respective Boards of Selectmen, though they may liavc 
been. 



iJuring the time in which there was no niecling- 
liouse, on account of the fire of 178'J, the church wor- 
shiped in the barnof Benjamin Wiggin.on the premises 
now between the Episcopal Church and the old post- 
office building, and in front of which are the two 
largest elms in Hopkinton village. In front of these 
premises, in the open air, on the :2r)tli oT l<'cl)ruaiy, 
1789, the Rev. Jacob Ciuin, tbc tliird iiiiriislcr in the 
town, was ordained. 

The meeting-house was used l)y the town for its 
public meetings till the 4th of March, 1799, when a 
meeting was adjourned from the meeting-house to the 
" upper Part of the Town-house in Said Town, to meet 
at that Place again in one hour." The "town-house" 
in this instance is identical with the old Hillsborough 
Countv court-house. 



CHAPTER III. 



HOPKINTO.N 



AC, 



The Begiiming of a New Century.—Tbe Uni- 
ted States census of the year l.HOIl found the 
population of Hopkinton to be two thousand and 
fifteen, thus demonstrating a decided advancement in 
public prosperity since the complete legal establish- 
ment of the township. A number of circumstances 
combined to produce this prosperity. Hopkinton 
occupied a position upon a great line of travel. It 
was one of the most important st.iliniis Iictwcen Bos- 
ton, in Massachusetts, and Moiiiir.-il, in I'miada. It 
was also an important place of \r:u\v. I'.isiiies being 
a local commercial centre, it w;is an important point 
of trade and market exchange to the more northern 
townships that were less advanced in local privileges. 
Itwas, further, an important judicial location. Upon 
the incorporation of Hillsborough County, Hojikinton 
became one of it« shire-towns. A court-house was 
built here, occupying the site of the present town- 
house. Hopkinton had also become a political centre. 
When the State of New Hampshire had no fixed 
capital town the Legislature met here four times, — in 
1798, 1801, 1806 and 1807. In anticipation of State 
legislative needs, an addition was made to the court- 
house. At the beginning of the present century Hop- 
kinton had become a point of attraction for persons 
of all professions and callings, as it were, and a fair 
number of them had here found a residence. The 
local business enterprise had also become fairly dis- 
tributed over the town. The present village of Con- 
toocook, once known as Hill's Bridge, was in a pro- 
gressive stage of growth. Contoocook largely resulted 
from the water-power there afforded by the river of 
the same name. About 1787, Eliphalet Poor built the 
first mill at this place. In time, Poor was succeeded 
by numerous others. Population, trade' and other 

'Ebenezer Wyman, now of Hennikcr, traded longer in Contoocook 
than hM any ntherpcrson, beginning in 1831 and continuing almost with- 
out interruption for over forty years. 



Mi;i:i;i.MA('K cocnty, nkw Hampshire. 



lornis of enterprise lolluwcd a- a inatU'r ul lonse- 
<)uence. Previous to 17!M, Alirahani Rinvell luid a 
mill on tlieCoiitoocook Kiver, at the place once known 
as RoHcU's Hridjre, but now more commonly called 
West Hopkinton, where there is a hamlet result- 
ing from the continued utilization of the water- 
|50wer at this [loint. Lastly, there were various mills, 
taverns, shops, stores, etc., of greater or less import- 
ance, in various .sections of the township. Upon the 
whole, Hopkinton, at the beginning of the present 
century, was advancing to a degree of prosperity of 
wliicli we sliall say more alter noticing an occurrence 

The War of 1812.-rhc War oC I.SIJ aroused the 
patriotism of the people of Hoi)kinlon to deeds of 
sa. rilice and valor that made the public record credil- 
al)lc. The war had hardly begun when public steps 
were taken for a vigorous prosecution of local warlike 
preparation. On the Glh of July, 1812, the town voted 
to allow a compensation of seven dollars a month to 
all soldiers detached from their regiments as a relay 
corps, by order of the government. It will be re- 
membered that at this time all able-bodied males of 
military age were enrolled and regularly marshaled 
and trained as militiamen of the State. Ten dollars 
of each man's wages was to be paid in advance by the 
town to each detached siddier, who was to receive two 
dollars upon "signing his name." On the oth of 
October, 1814, twelve dollars a month was voted to all 
soldiers put under special governmental requisition, 
with two dollars upon entering actual service. The 
last clause of this provision, however, was afterwards 
rescinded. 

Numerous Hopkinton soldiers were engaged in the 
,-( rviri during this war. The First Regimeutof New 
lliiiiipsliire Infantry, commanded by Colonel Aquilla 
DaM-, of Warner, went into camp at Concord early 
in February, 1813, and early in the spring marched to 
Burliiigton, Vt., in anticipation of service on the 
northern frontier. On its way to Burlington this 
regiment marched through Hopkinton. In this regi- 
ment were Hopkinton soldiers, as follows : 

Thomas Bailey, ilrum-major. In Captain Joseph 
Smith's company were Jeremiah Silver (musician), 
(Charles Colby, Zadoc Dow, Stephen G. Eaton, Moses 
C. Eaton, David Hardy, James Hastings, Richard 
Hunt, Isaiah Hoyt, Ezra Jewell, John Morrill, 
Samuel G. Titcomb, all enlisting on the 1st of Febru- 
ary, 1818. In Captain Elisha Smith's company were 
Moses (?) Eastman, Amri Foster, James Hastings, 
Samuel Straw. Eastman died in the service. These 
men were probably also enlisted on the 1st of the 
same month of February, and, like the others, for a 
service of one year. We remark, in this connection, 
that the above names of Hopkinton soldiers of Captain 
Elisha Smith's company do not appear in the roll of 
the company published in the report of the Adjutant- 
General of New Hampshire. The nanios were given 
us by an aged resident of this town, JMr. John M. 



Bailey, who remembers the fact of their enlistment 
and the location of their command. 

The First Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteers 
was soon disbanded. On the 2!)th of January, 1813, 
Congress repealed the V(dunteer .\cl, and the 
soldiers enlisting under it were re-enlisted into the 
regular United States army, or reformed into new 
regiments, to serve till the time of their enlistment 
expired. The soldiers of the First New Hampshire 
Regiment who were not re-enlisted into the United 
States army were consolidated in Cohmel Denny 
McCobb's regiment from Maine. The following 
Hopkinton men were in this regiment: 

In Captain Benjamin Bradford's company were 
Isaiah Hoyt and Stephen G. Eaton, corporals, en- 
listed December 15, 1813, for one year ; Jonathan 
Burbank, April 15, 1814, for the war; Henry T. 
Hildreth, January 24, 1814, one year; James A. 
Hastings, December 15, 1813, one year ; John Morrill, 
December 15, 1813, one year; Benjamin Putney, 
February 28, 1814, for the war, and died in service ; 
Buswell Silver, March 23, 1814, for the war ; Moses 
Tenney, .January 14, 1814, one year. 

The record of enlistments in Colonel McCobb's 
regiment appears to show that some Hopkinton 
soldiers renewed their obligations before their original 
terms had expired, while others were recruits. 

The operations of the British fleet off the Atlantic 
coast of the United States during the winter of 1813 
and 1814 created much alarm. On the night of June 
21, 1814, an alarm at Portsmouth, occiwioned by a 
report that the British were landing at Rye, induced 
the Governor of New Hampshire to order out detach- 
ments from twenty-three regiments for the stronger 
defense of Portsmouth, when the detachments were 
organized into a brigade of five regiments and one 
battalion, under the command of Brigadier-General 
John Montgomery. The following Hopkinton soldiers 
were in Lieutenant-Colonel Nathaniel Fisk's First Reg- 
iment, in Captain Jonathan Bean's company: Thomas 
Town, first lieutenant, acting quartermaster from 
September 18th; Moses Gould, sergeant ; Robert A. 
Bradley, Samuel Burbank, Barrach Cass, David C. 
Currier, Amos Eastman, John J. Emerson, Ebenezer 
Morrill, John Morey, Isaac Pearce, Hazen Putney, 
Jacob Straw, William Wheeler. These men were all 
enlisted for a term of ninety days from September 11. 
1814. 

The following men from Hopkinton were in Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel John Steele's Second Regiment, in 
Captain Silas Call's company : Nathaniel Morgan, 
sergeant; Jacob Chase, Amos Frye, John Johnson, 
John Hastings, Alvin Hastings, Francis Stanley, 
James Eastman, Amos Sawyer, Jonathan Gove, 
William M. Crillis and John Burnham. These men 
were all enlisted on the 2d of October, 1814, to dates 
running from November 8th to November 19th. 
Stanley died in service. 

None of the men ordered from this town to Ports- 



HOPKTNTON. 



401 



enemy. 

The Acme of Local Prosperity. — \\\- h-.iw alnaily 
mentioned tlie progressive prosperity of Hopkiulon 
from the time of tiie complete Icgul establishment of 
the township to the beginning of the present century. 
We also noted the causes of this prosperity. We will 
now observe with reference to its culminating point. 
Hopkinton once became what it had never been, aa 
well as what it is not now. In 1830, the United 8tates 
census found the inhabitants of Hopkinton to be 
2774. In 17()7 there were only 47.3. The increase 
till 1830 appears to have been constant, l>iil sinic 
then there has been apparently almo.st a slrady dc 
dine. In 1880 there were 1836. 

In the time of Hopkinton's greatest prosperity 
there were multiple signs of activity and enterprise. 
In the main village were as many as seven stores, 
with a corresponding number of miscellaneous shops. 
Some of these stores were places of wholesale trade. 
Among them were the business-houses of Towns & 
Ballard, Nathaniel Curtis and Thomas Williams. 
Wholesale trade and barter were extensively carried 
on in Hopkinton village. The teams of those who 
came from other places to traffic often filled the large 
village square. The position of Hopkinton as a .seat 
of county judicature, a position it held till the for- 
mation of Merrimack County, in 1823, made it an 
important centre of legal professional interest and 
influence. Here lived Baruch Chase, John Harris, 
Matthew Harvey and Horace Chase, lawyers. The 
local prosperity also demanded places of public 
entertainment. There were several hotels in the vil- 
lage, kept by Birasley Perkins, Theophilus Stanley and 
others. Bimsley Perkins' tavern, which stood on the 
now unoccupied site just west of the village square, was 
one of the best-known public-houses in the State. 
There was also about this time a tavern in Contoocook, 
kept by Daniel Page, and soon after another erected 
by Sleeper & Wheeler. On Putney's Hill was a fam- 
ous rustic tavern, kept by .loseph Putney. According 
to the demands of this busy time, post-oflices were 
established. The lirst iwst-office in town was estab- 
lished in 1811. John Harris was the first post- 
master. A post-office was established in Contoocook 
iu 1831. Thomas Burnham was the lirst postmaster. 
During this prosperous period a bank existed in Hop- 
kinton a few years. This institution was known as the 
Franklin Bank, and was incorporated in 1833. The 
grantees were Horace Chase, Nathaniel Gilman, Isaac 
Long, Jr., William Little, Joseph Stanwood, Matthew 
Harvey, Andrew Leach, Moses Gould, Ebenezer 
Dustin, Timothy Chandler, Stephen Darling and 
James Huse. The management of this bank seems 
to have been of a bungling character, and the insti- 
tution finally settled with its creditors at a discount. 
The Franklin Bank ocLUjiied tlie old jiost-oftice 
building. 

At the time of which we speak, there were three 



churches in existence in Hopkinton village. They 
are also now in existence. We have already given 
some account of the Congregational ("hurch, which 
ceased to be under the special patroiuigc of the town 
about 1811. A Baptist Church had been formed in 
1769.' A meeting-house was partially completed in 
171>5. It stood about a mile southwest of the village, 
near the present residence of George W. French. In 
1831, the present Baptist Church was built. An 
Episcopal Church was formed here in 1803. It was 
known as Christ's Church, and the congregation 
worshiped in the court-house. In 1827 , a new or- 
s^aiiization, known as St. Andrew's Church, was 
Icii iiR'd. The same year, the erection of the present 
cliiircli was begun, and the edifice was dedicated in 
1828. In 1823, a Free-Will Baptist Church ' was 
organized at Contoocook, and a church was erected 
in 1827. About 1803, a West Congregational meeting- 
house was built at Campbell's Corner, but no regular 
.society appears to have been formed. This meeting- 
house stood but a few years.^ The Universaiists had 
an active foothold in Hopkinton in its most prosperous 
period. In 18.36, a small church was built in the west 
part of the town, near the present residence of 
Charles Barton. In 1837 a second church was erected 
in Contoocook. There appears to have been no 
regular church membership in either instance.* 

In its palmy days, Hopkinton had a creditable edu- 
cational record. In the earlier part of the present 
century, considerable attention was paid to improved 
public instruction. Select tuitional schools were fre- 
quently taught in the old court-house. A famous 
select school of about twenty-five years' duration was 
taught in Hopkinton village by John 0. Ballard, 
better known as Master Ballard, who lived and taught 
in the house now used as a Congregational parsonage. 
Master Ballard was a native of Warner, who came to 
Hopkinton and engaged in trade, and, in consequence 
of the war of 1812, failed in business, and thereafter 
devoted himself to teaching. The branches taught 
in his school were mostly English, but something of 
the classics was introduced in later years, when he 
was assisted by his son, the Rev. Edward Ballard, a 
late widely-known Protestant Episcopal clergyman of 



I The Baptist Church was gathered by Dr. Hezokiah f 
aiich of tlie Haverhill (Maes.) Church II h.'.ain.- 

71. In consequence of a laxnegs of il." T ii -. p 

ate Asiociation. Iu 1822, Sev. Michar I i n 1 1 1 1 i. i 

Hied the Calvinistic element, hy whieli ii h i- ■ i ■ 

-This church wa^ tl -nil -f i -■ lii-i ■ !• 1 1 n i 

this town. The I- 1 '> l' r i 



■*The Kev. J. F. Witherel, a resident Universalist luiuistcr at Contoo- 
cook, in company with Kev, J, Sargent, of Sutton, for a time published 
the riiiiieritalM Family Vfst/or, a monthly periodical of twelve [Mges of a 
common tract size. The flrst number was issued in .\pril, 1841, 



HISTORY OF MKKKIMACK COUNTY, NKVV HA^II'SHTRE. 



Brunswick, Me. Master Balliird's pupils came from 
far aud near, and his sdiool was of re|)Ute abroad as 
well as at home. John O. Ballard died April 27, 
1854, aged eighty-six years. His remains lie in the 
old village cemetery of Hopkiiiton. 

Hopkintoii Academy wtis established in 1827. The 
first organization of trustees was as follows : Ebenczer 
Lerned, president; Abram Brown, Stephen Sibley, 
Matthew Harvey, Phineas Clough, Roger C. Hatch, 
^Michael Carlton. The old court-house was re- 
modeled and its uiiper story reconstructed for the use 
of the academy. The first term of school began on 
the first Wednesday in Miiy. Hopkinton Academy 
was incorporated on the 26th of the next June. The 
first teacher was (leorge Peck, who remained but a 
short time. The catalogue of the fall term an- 
nounced the following board of instruction : Jeremiah 
Russell, A.B., preceptor; Mr. Jeremiah Gates, as- 
sistant preceptor; Mr. Luther Cro.ss, lecturer on 
chemistry. The whole number of pupils was seventy- 
three, — gentlemen, forty-seven ; ladies, twenty-six. 
The next year separate male and female departments 
of instruction were established. The catalogue ol 
the fall term then announced the following instruc- 
tors : Rev. John Xash, A.M., preceptor; Miss Judith 
D. Peabody, iireceptress. The students were : Gen- 
tlemen, forty-five; ladies, thirty-two, — total, seventy- 
seven. Hopkinton Academy advanced rapidly in 
success and popularity. In 1830, there were one hun 
dred and thirteen students; in 1831, one hundred and 
fifty-nine ; and in 1835, one hundred and sixty-two. 
In the list of teachers were Enoch Colby, Enoch L. 
Childs, Moody Currier, MLss Caroline Knight, Miss 
Mary L. Childs, Miss Lucy Adams, Miss Mary Y. 
Beau and many others ; in later times, M. B. Steb- 
bens. Dyer H. Sanborn, William K. Rowell and 
others. In 1843, Hopkinton Academy experienced a 
heavy reverse, its financial affairs showing a deficit of 
over seventeen hundred dollars, arising from bad 
notes and expenditures above the income. The in- 
stitution took a new lease of life in 1851, when a new 
charter was secured ; but the old and famous institu- 
tion succumbed again to modern innovations in public 
educational plans, ami the structure it occupied went 
u]) on the wings of thiiue in .March, 1873.' 

Incidents of the Prosperous Period.— For the 
sake of the convenience of the narrative, we will say 
that Hopkinton was in her palmy days from 17!)0 to 
1840. The turning-point of the tide of prosperity 
was the effect of an act of the New Hampshire Legis 
lature of 1814, the progressive result of which was 
the location of the State capital at Concord. Hop- 
kinton had hoped for the honor of becoming the seat 
of State government. The organization of Merri- 



iThe town-Iiunsu aiul thu aciuU^niy were burned on the onrly morning 
of the 29tli of March. \ new building, including Ljclmuu Hall, con- 
etnicted by private contributione, wa« soon erected by an appropriation 
of twcnty-nve hundred dollars by the town. Tlie new edilico was didi- 
cated on the evening of the 3d of Marrh, IsTl. 



mack County, in 1823, and the location of the county- 
seat at Concord, was another blow to Hopkinton's 
prosperity. Yet this town exhibited many of the 
traits of an active and prosperous community for 
years after its population began to decrease. 

One of the incidents of the prosperous jjeriod was 
the improvement of the accommodations afliirded by 
public highways. In 1805, an important accommoda- 
tion was effected by constructing the present main 
line of highway from Hopkinton village to Putney's 
Hill, greatly improving the traveling connection be- 
tween the two villages, Hopkinton and Contoocook. 
In 1815, the so-called turnpike was constructed, being 
a ])art of a main line to Concord, avoiding toilsome 
Dimond Hill on the east and north. In 1827, the so- 
called new road from Hojikintou to Dunbarton was 
built to accommodate a stage-line from Boston, Mass., 
to Hanover, N. H. The Basset Mill road, from Con- 
toocook to Weare, was made in 1836. The so-called 
new road to Concord, was opened about 1841, to 
shorten distance and also avoid Dimond Hill on the 
south and west. Hopkinton was upon the routes of 
several important stages till the introduction of the 
railroad, of which we shall speak hereafter, and many 
of its roads were projected with reference to this 
fact. 

Though Hopkinton ha;s been a centre of judicial 
and legislative influence, this town can hardly be 
said to have had a local political history of very great 
importance. In the early days of the independence 
of the United States, Hopkinton conceived a pref- 
erence for the Republican, or Jeftersonian party, and 
the principles of that party were dominant in all 
State questions till 1865, when a majority vote was 
given to Walter Harriman for Governor. Till this 
time, whether called Republicans, as at first, or 
Democrats, as in later times, the reactionary party 
never yielded in Hopkinton, except upon mere local 
or subsidiary questions. The agitation caused by the 
repeal of the Missouri Compromise seriously affected 
the old Democratic majority, but the War <)f the Re- 
bellion was in its last year before Hopkinton gave a 
majority to an anti-Democratic candidate on the Slate 
ticket. 

Since we had occasion to speak of the part this 
town has borne in earlier wars, wc may now say 
something of the local militia. In the year 1792, a 
State law was enacted for the government of the State 
militia, and, with some modifications and amend- 
ments, it continued till the abolition of the old 
militia system, in 1851. In I si;), ih,. militia of Hop- 
kinton was cliissed in a Twenty- First Regiment; in 
1842, in a Fortieth Regiment. There were, in the 
palmy days of this town, two companies of infantry, 
with uniformed oificers. There was also a company 
I of uniformed riflemen and another of uniformed in- 
fantry, known in later times as the "Cold Water 
I riiMbuix." There was also a section of uniformod 
' cavalry, known as "The Troop," of the same regi- 



HOPKINTON. 



403 



mental classification as tlie other town militia. Dur- 
ing the existence of the local militia, training-days 
and muster-days were notable occasions to the popu- 
lace. A large number of military titles were locally 
incurred. Some of the militia officers developed 
considerable efficiency in a peaceful way. A few of 
the old commanders are now living. Perhaps the 
oldest of these is Captain Moses Hoyt. Jonah 
Campbell was celebrated as a drummer of the former 
days; he died in May, 1880, at the age of eighty- 
four years. George C'hoat, a celebrated lifer, is now 
living at an advanced age. 

There are several financial- incidents that may be 
mentioned in this connection. One of these was the 
purchase of the town poor farm, in pursuance of a 
vote of the town, in 1833. This purchase was made 
by a committee consisting of Stephen Sibley, John 
Silver and Daniel Chase. The poor farm was the 
former property of Mr. Chase, of the committee, and 
was located on Dimond Hill, where now lives Walter F. 
Hoyt. The town sold the property in 1872. In 
1837-38, Stephen Sibley, a committee for the town, 
received the " surplus money," being paid $2.17 for 
his services the first time and .|4.31 for the same the 
second. The sum of about six thousan<l dollars ac- 
crued from the two installments. 

In the earlier part of this sketch, we mentioned the 
appropriation of lands to religious and educational 
purposes. There was also a tract near Putney's 
garrison that was laid out for a training-field. In 
time, all these lots became of no practical utility ; but, 
since the town could not sell what was perpetually 
devoted to a particular use, each lot was leased in 
practical perpetuity, or for nine hundred and ninety- 
nine years, or " as long as wood shall grow and water 
run." The .school land was leased in 178G, the train- 
ing-field in 1796 and the parsonage land in 1798. In 
the end, the funds from these leases worked into the 
|iulp|ic treasury, though, for a time, the interest was 
lii \nted to the respective public uses indicated by the 
iiiijjiiial intention of the town. The "literary fund " 
from the State accumulated till 1857, when the 
schools began to take the principal, continuing till it 
was gone. 

A great temperance reform was effected in Hopkin- 
ton during the period of its greatest public pros- 
perity. Drinking had been an almost universal 
habit. Liquor was sold at all public places at all 
times. On holidays and other occasions of public 
gathering, the sales were enormous. There was a 
time when thirty-six hogsheads of rum were put into 
one store in Hopkinton village in one week, but a 
portion of this quantity was doubtless disposed of at 
wholesale and went out of the town again. A radical 
change was eflected, and liquor-selling was abolished. 
The conflict was vigorous and prolonged, but temjier- 
ance principles triumphed." Among the stanch 



local apostles of temperance during this reform were 
Rev. Roger C. Hatch, of the Congregational Church, 
Rev. Michael Carlton, of the Baptist Church, Rev. 
Arthur Caverno, of the Free-Will Baptist Church, 
and Dr. James A. Gregg. 

Hopkinton can hardly be said to have ever been a 
manufacturing town, but in the days of its highest 
prosperity there were many mills of various kinds 
within its limits. The most important of these were 
at Contoocook, where, for many years, Joab & 
David N. Patterson (brothers) manufactured woolen 
cloths. Abram Brown and John Burnham manufac- 
tured lumber, and ground corn and grain. Hamilton 
E. Perkins also manufactured lumber. There were 
numerous smaller works at Contoocook. 

This town having been a seat of county judica- 
ture, there are some interesting penal facts that may 
be mentioned here. The county jail was located on 
the South road, so-called, a short distance out of the 
village towards Weare. The same building is now 
occupied as a residence by Benjamin O. Kimball. 
There was also a stocks and whipping-post on the 
village square in earlier times. In 1818, Captain 
Benjamin Pierce, of Hill.sborough, publicly whipped 
a culprit in Hopkinton. This was the last instance 
of the kind in town. On the 6th of January, 1836, 
Abraham Prescott, convicted of the murder of Mrs. 
Chauncey Cochran, of Pembroke, was executed upon 
the gallows in Hopkinton, the execution taking place 
on a lot just north of the village, now owned by 
George W. Currier and occupied by him as a pasture. 
The execution being public, a large concourse of 
people was assembled. 

During the peaiod under remark, there were various 
local enterprises of minor mention. The Hopkinton 
Engine Company was incorporated in 1814; it existed 
about fifty years. The Contoocook Village Engine 
Company was incorporated in 1831 ; this organization 
is still in existence. The Hopkinton Aqueduct As- 
sociation was incorporated in 1840. The village 
aqueduct is supplied with fresh, pure water from 
several springs on the eastern slope of Putney's 
Hill. 

We must not omit, in this connection, a reception 
to General Lafayette, given in 1825, under the two 
huge elms in Hopkinton village already mentioned, 
when the distinguished guest of the United States 
was making a tour of the county. Very few particu- 
lars of this reception have been locally preserved. 
Miss Betsey P. Eaton, a school-teacher in Hopkinton 
village, is entitled to credit for preserving so much of 



dollar each, and 



The organization 



Nicholas Quinibj-, u ll..i.kj,a,.]., .u..l ,S;al..uii. 1 luvis, of Warner, were 
prosecuting olticers t.l this society, which was very effective in enforcing 
the provisions of the State law providing for the suppression of the 
liquor traffic. The Gun-Cotton Society died out after the local trade in 
li.iuors was practicallv aTjolished. 



HTSTOliY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



a relation as 
dum : 

'■JiiiR-JL', l-jr. - 



etoilir 



,itl. ,H,, 



embodied in the following memoran- 

;.-<-|.inL' s.-lHtul in this village this suiiimur, and 

M ilir '\ suying LiifuyBtt^; wa« htjre, and wIdIuhI 

>'<l. ili,>i wiMuiglit all Imvc the pleasure of shaking 
in^li.'l ;i |ii-rsonage. His aiiis were Ignutins Sar- 



Miss Eaton afterwards became Mrs. Stephen B. 
Sargent, and later, Mrs. .Fohn Brockway. 

The Ma.sonic fraternity was influential in Hopkin- 
ton in the earlier part of the present century. In 
1807, Trinity Chapter was formed, being the second 
in priority in the State. In IH'irj, Masonic Hall was 
dedicated. It occupied a position on the corner of 
Main Street and South Road, its site being on the lot 
now occupied by Willard T. (ireene. Trinity Chap- 
ter was transferred to Concord in 1847, and Masonic 
Hall was soon afterwards moved to Fishersville (now 
Penacook). 

The Railroad.— Til p Cniiconl and Claremont Rail- 
road passes throu;.di this town. Its chief business 
station is at Contoocook, where there is a junction with 
the Concord and Peterborough line. Cars first ran 
regularly to and from Contoocook in the fall of the 
year 1850, in anticipation of a line of travel that at 
first extended only to Bradford on the one hand and 
to Hillsborough' on the other. There was a day of 
great festivity in Contoocook on the opening of local 
railroail travel. A subscription was raised, a public 
dinner provided and music and artillery employed. 
A thousand persons sat down to eat. The tables were 
spread under a temporary shed. A free ride to and 
from Concord was given by the railroad officials. The 
Warner Artillery came with music and one gun to do 
the military honors. The gun was posted on the in- 
tervale on the north side of the river and just below 
the railroad bridge. vSpeeches were made, the band 
played, the cannon thundered and people were happy. 

Many people of this town paid dearly for this en- 
joyment. The assessments on original stock made an 
indescribable consternation. To be rid of their obliga- 
tions, stock was disposed of at ruinous rates. Disap- 
pointment and chagrin was on every hand. Yet the 
railroad has been a public benefit, though apart of its 
intrnductnrv m.TnatroniPiit was disastrous. 



C H A r T E 11 I \- . 
IlnPKINTON ~(C„„ti,u,e,l). 

The War of 1861.— Fort Smnter w.as bombarded 
April 18, ]8(il, and the North flew to arras to suppress 
the great Rebellion. The town of Hopkinton sustained 
its share of the excitement of the time. Bells sverc 



^ The rlivision of railroad extending from Contoocook to Hillsborough, 
I distance of fifteen miles, was built by Joseph Barnard, of Hopkinton, 
:iow living, and one of our iuHncntial citizens. Ml-. Garuiird coliBtruded 
;hi8 line in 1K49. 



rung, flags suspended, processions formed and speeches 
weremade. When President Lincoln asked for seventy- 
five thousand volunteers, a response was heard from 
Hopkinton. Joah X. Patterson, of Contoocook, a 
volunteer, soon began enlistments in town. The first 
man he enlisted was James B. Silver; he was enlisted 
in Deacon Nathaniel Evans' store, where Kimball & 
Co. now trade. One or more parties from Hopkinton 
had already enlisted in Concord. Patterson enlisted a 
considerable number of men, who were stationed at 
Contoocook till they were ordered to the camp of the 
New Hampshire Second Regiment, at Portsmouth. 
The Hopkinton Cornet Band escorted them to camp. 
Previously to departing by a special train, the volun- 
teers marched through the main .street of Contoocook 
from the square to the P'ree-Will Baptist Cliureh and 
remarched to the depot. Their departure was wit- 
nessed with many tears by a large collection of peo- 
ple. 

During the progress of the war, Hopkinton did her 
part towards maintaining the cause of the Union. On 
the 29th of October, ISlil, the town adopted the pro- 
visions of an act of the State Legislature of the pre- 
vious June, authorizing towns to iissist the families of 
volunteers. On the 2()th of August, 1862, the town 
voted to pay one hundred and fifty dollars each to all 
soldiers who had enlisted for the war since the last 
call for troops ; to all who, subsequently to the 1st of 
August, had enlisted to fill up the quota, two hundred 
dollars each ; to all who would enlist for nine months, 
seventy-five dollars each ; and to all who would from 
that date enlist for three years, or during the war, 
two hundred dollars each. By two calls in July and 
one in August, the government had asked for six 
hundred thousand men. On the same 26th of August, 
a vote was passed to assist the families of soldiers to 
an extent not exceeding twelve dollars a week, — a sum 
equivalent to four dollars for a wife and the same 
amount to each of not more than two children. Soon 
after, Patrick H. Stark and Daniel E. Howard were 
made enlisting officers. On the 2d of October of the 
same 3'ear, another vote was passed, giving one hun- 
dred and fifty dollars each to all soldiers enlisting for 
nine months, or two hundred dollars if the entire 
quota was filled. In 18(54, during the intense con- 
cern for the Union then prevailing, the town voted, 
on the 4th of June, to raise forty thousand dollars for 
the encouragement of voluntary enlistments, juid also 
to pay three hundi-ed dollars eat^h to drafted men or 
their substitutes. The bust public action of the town, 
in anticipation of the future needs of the war, was on 
the 8th of November, ].St!4, when the town anthor- 
ized the selectmen to nilisl m- (.llierwisi' joM.ciire men 
in prospect of any in II. 

The sums approjuiated by this town during the 
war, excluding benefits to soldiers' families, amounted 
to something over one hundred thousand dollars. 
The report nf the Adjiitiiiil-t ieneral of New Hamj)- 
shire for 1<S7.'), vobiuic ii., thus states the suninuirv 



DI'KrNTON. 



of Hopkinton's war record: Erirolliiiciil, April ;i(), 
1865, 180 ; total of quota under all calls from July, 
1863, 86; total credits by enlistments or drafts, 115; 
surplus, 29. 

In endeavoring to recover the names of the lutiiul 
residents of Hopkinton who were engaged in inili 
tary service during the war of 1861, we have met 
many difficulties. The imperfect nature of the rec- 
ords within our reach, the doubtful location of some 
individuals, and the difficulty of resuscitating facts 
that have passed into only a little more than twenty 
years of history, make the work of identification 
irksome and partially fruitless. The records of New 
Hampshire soldiers, so far as they are officially pub- 
lished, are found in the reports of the Adjutant-Gen- 
eral of the State, ami these reports are so accessible 
that we refrain from the labor of reproducing per- 
sonal notes in full. In the list of names we give, it is 
proper to remember that not all of them are of sol- 
diers officially credited to Hopkinton, nor have we 
admitted into our list the names of non-resident sub- 
stitutes. The names we give are classified with suffi- 
cient distinctness to guide the search of those wishing 
to investigate further personal histories. The follow- 
ing list of Hopkinton soldiers is aiii)ro.\im;aely cor- 



E. w . 

forth, I. 
Dimoii'l 



Ml. MM), Thouia.s W. ripcL- (si-ifiui 
Mnlici 1', Rowull, .\biuui(l. Itowi 

U. Tyler, Cliarles Tylur, Uiiliiinl 



SIXTH NEW JIAMPSIIIKK VOLUNTEEB INF.\NTUY. 
James M. Uook, f.'liavlos H. Smart. 
SEVKNTH .NEW H.\Ml'SUIKE VOUINTEEB INKANTK 
Herman Burt, Lucius H. Chaiuller, .lain-'i'^l ^'}^:\^<■ (--Mi'tant), (in 
.\. Curtice (captaiu), Clwrk'8 n. Danf.'i tli, i.ill. 1 1 r P(isini(fii 
geaut), Jouaii Fouter (sergeant), Tbi>i]i...~ II. uli, \\.,,,,„ K. Ki 
Warren Lewis, Kilmuurl C. Lewis, Jiust'i.ii t 1,. \m^, \\,iii-'ii K. ] 



THIRTEENTH NEW H.\MPSHIRE VOLUNTEER INFANTRY 



SIXTKKNTII NEW IIAMrSIItRI' 

(.'liarlos Ash, Au^^u-^tu^ li.ii ti.ii'l i -. t 

Orriu Cliaae, Gourg<' I: t ( .^v.ll, i 



.TRY. 



II, I \ ( MMHi, [i;i, K. Diniond, El)on 

II. Dustin, Hansun I' Ihm, .n,h .> ,.mI i, aptain), Ilyron E. 

K.-iiiptnii, Tliomiis K. I i| Ml. ihnl. N. Ke'/,ar, Donjaniin 

l.M„.^,N,.ul.,n (i, 11, \I,H,. ,.,. , I M. K.^n/,io, George W. 

MilN ,.Mi|».rali. .1.1111. - I Mill ,1.. I. H M .. ■ .1 1, lleury E. Moulton, 

|.;.l«:inl c, l:Mini..l-, ll..i:i.. >iii.,M, J., u. Smart, Brnckett B. 

Wi..-lis, William H. Weeks, N. Oi.gswcll W eck-s .iacol) Wlilttier {mu- 

EIGHTEENTH NKW IIAMRSHIllE VOI.UNTKKIl INFANTRY. 

David M ••\v,'-, F.lw.inl F I'h-.i-^'-. Hinun i'mH.t (."r|...i-U), Charles 
F. Hanii.Li ., .-.,...' .'! II K,im1.,.I1 .. .|.i ,.n . Tii,Hith.y G. 

Muoresi..... . il .1 li I 11.1.1... II .itiirir ,,.n I i . i . K ,~l . > ,.|is, MoSCS 

C. Tyleri...i|...i..l. I..I-..I, 1 iii..H Mi„iH.,;n,i, ll,.il..« iiiM.sician). 



iVAl.l 



AIon-/.o Burlianit, Williaiu H. Dowuiug, John 11. Kiiiiliall, liyioii E, 

FIESr NEW UAMPSIIIRK HEAVY ARTILLERY. 

Samuel B. Orowell, Hanson D. Emerson (corporal), George W. Jlills, 

.loseph r. Morrill, Adoniram J. Sawyer (sergeant), Frederick 1". Scott, 

Horace Smart, William S. Smart, George H. Straw (corporal). Barlow 

L'plou, George N. Watkins (sergeant). 

FIRST UNITED STATES Sll A Rl'SIIOl ITERS. 
George N. Wjttkiii.;. 



FIFTH MAINE VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 

Frederick G. Sanljoru (See Biographical Notices). 

FIRST .AIASS.\(:H|ISKTTS VoMVTKFH INFANTRY. 

Hurati.. l: 11 ,, |, , , , ,.,! 

TWKNTV-FOl RTU MA.SSM IM I I I- \.i| I \ TliER INFANTRY. 
Edgar ri....^!, ,.i,..„i. „.,.,! , 

SECOND MASS.^CHUSET'K LIGHT IIA'I'TKRY. 
Ezra Folsoni. 

ELEVENTH MASSACIU'SETTS VOLINTEHR INFANTRY. 

Jouathan G. Enierson. 

OM.; IILNDRED AND FORTV-SEGOND ILLINOIS VOLUNTEEB 

INFANTRY. 

.L«..|,l, B. Dustin (sergeant). 

Later Facts and Incidents.— The town nt Hop- 
kinton is to-day, iu an eminent sense, a rural one. 
Possessing a soil favorable to cultivation, its agricul- 
tural standard is a high one. The i)roxiinity of the 
markets aflbrded by Concord and Manchester and 
their suburbs has encouraged specialties in products. 
The dairy interest of this town is a in-ominent one. 
The farmers of Hopkinton have adopted most or all 
of the improved kinds of stock, iraplemciits and vari- 
eties of produce that are ada|)ted to this soil. 

There is very little manufacturing in Hojjkintou 
at the present time, if we exclude the various mills 
and shops that are always considered necessary ap- 
purtenances of a complete rural community. There 
are a machine-shop, a grist-mill, a hub-factory and a 
lumber-mill on the water-power at Contoocook, and a 
kit and pail manuftictory is there run by steam. 
There is also a kit-mill and hub-factory on the water- 
power at West Hopkinton. In 1873, a fire was very 
disastrous to the manufacturing interests of Contoo- 
cook, in burning all the works on the south side of 
the river. The Contoocook water-power is now owned 



HISTOKY OF MKIlllTMACK COUNTY, XKW HAMPSHIKE 



by Colonel Edwin C. Bailey, who, in Lss;;, Imilliincw 
clam across the river. 

The proximity of Mopkinton to large markets , 
affects local trade to its damage. There are two gen- 
eral stores in Hopkinton village and four general 
and special ones in Oontoocook. There is one hotel 
in Contoocook. There are three post-offices in 
the town, — Ho])kinton, Contoocook and West Hop- 
kinton. There arc three railroad stations in town,— 
Contoocook, West Hopkinton and Tyler's. There is 
a telegraph-oflice at Contoocook, first opened in 1866. 
There are two telephone-offices, — at Hopkinton vil- 
lage and Contoocook, opened in 1884. 

There is a Congregational, a Baptist and an E[)is- 
copal Church at Hopkinton village, and a Free- Will 
Baptist, a Svvedenborgian and a Methodist at Contoo- 
cook. A Swedenborgiau Church was organized in 
Contoocook in 1857,' but it is not now active. A 
Methodist Church was organized in Contoocook in 
1871.'' 

A grange was organized in Hopkinton in 1875 ; a 
lodge of Odd-Fellows in Contoocook in 1876; a lodge 
of Good Templars in Hoi)kiuton in 1878 ; a Grand 
Army post in Hopkinton in 1882 ; a Kebecca Degree 
lodge in Contoocook in 1884. These societies are all 
now active. 

In June, 1880, the Hopkinton Times, a weekly news- 
paper, was started in Hopkinton village by H. Sumner 
Chase. In the fall of the same year the office was 
moved to Contoocook. In January, 1885, the paper 
was consolidated with the Kearsarye Independent, of 
Warner. A job printing office is still at Contoocook. 
The Contoocook Library, founded in 1871, has 
over one thousand volumes. The Hopkinton Village 
Library, established also in 1871, has nearly nine hun- 
dred volumes. The New Hampshire Antiquarian 
Society, incorporated in 1875, has its headquarters in 
Coutoocook, where it has very many thousands of an- 
tique and curious articles, besides numerous volumes 
of books and also pamphlets and papers. In Jones' 
building, where this society has rooms, there are 
nearly fifty thousand collected articles of all kinds. 

Among the present residents of Hopkinton are 
Joseph Barnard, commissioner of forestry for Merri- 
mack County; Herman W. Greene, solicitor of 
Merrimack County from 1876 to 1881 ; Carlos G. 
Hawthorne, formerly assistant United States pro- 
vost-marshal and attorney for the board of enroll- 
ment at Dubuque, Iowa, during the late war; 
John Stevens Kimball, register of deeds for Merri- 
mack County from 1879 to 1881. In Contoocook are 
Colonel Edwin C. Bailey, formerly a proprietor and 
editor of the Boston Herald; Edward D. Burnham, 



1 This church waa the result uf the missionary activity of tho Rev. 
Abiel Silver, a native of this town, and tho congregation occupied the 
old Union or UniversaliBt house, liuilt in 1837. 

s There was a Methodist society operative for a brief period in Hopkin- 
ton village. The academy was used as a plncp of worsliip. rrcaching 
was in part supplied by the stiulents of tho Biblical liistituto at Concord. 
This society ceased active work about ISoO. 



member of the E.xecutive Council in 1875 ; Captain 
Grovenor A. Curtice, State Senator from 1881 to 1883, 
and member of the Executive Council from 1883 to 
1885 ; Walter S. Davis, State Senator ; John F. Jom s, 
treasurer of Merrimack County from 1881 to 1883. 

The inventory of Hopkinton, taken in the spring 
of 1885, showed 397 horses, 177 oxen, 780 cows, 355 
neat stock, 710 sheep. The total value of real 
estate wa> s,i,.in.ii; ,,( ^tock in trade, $12,776; of 
mills and mi' Imn i\ , -1:^.776 ; of cash and miscella- 
neous invL>uii. ill-. -1 1 .,7'.i8. The total valuation of 
the town was sl,iiui;,33.) 



CHAPTER V. 

HOPKINTON— (Co«i7„.W). 

Biographical Sketches.— Jamks Sc.\ij;s, being the 
first minister of Hopkinton, is entitled to further men- 
tion. He was a graduate of Harvard College in 1733. 
He canie from Boxford, Mass., to Rumford, where he 
was received by letter into the Congregational Church 
in 1737. He afterwards became town clerk of Canter- 
bury. Being licensed to preach, in 1743, he was paid 
twenty pounds for preaching in Canterbury. Being 
ordained in Hopkinton in 1757 he continued here as 
minister till 1770, and is said to have died in 1776. 
He was of versatile mind, and practiced, with greater 
or less regularity, both medicine and law'. Being 
public-spirited, he was prominently influential in se- 
curing Hopkinton's charter of incorporation, being 
paid twenty-five pounds by the town for his services. 
In his later years he preached in Henniker. His re- 
mains are said to lie in the old cemetery on Putney's 
Hill, in this town. 

James Scales had a wife, Susanna. In the clerk's 
record of this town are the follow ing data of tlieir 
children : 

John, born in Rumford, August 4,1737; died at 
Canterbury, August 13, 1752. Joseph, born in Rum- 
ford, April 15, 1740; died July 10,1740. Stephen, 
born in Rumford October 16, 1741. Susanna, born in 
Canterbury, October 26, 1744. 

Rev. James Scales' first salary in Hopkinton was 
the equivalent of sixty Spanish milled dollars. 
While in Canterbury in 1746 he was twenty-three 
days in the colonial military service, under Captain 
Jeremiah Clough. 

John Clement was tlie first public physician in 
Hopkinton. He was a former resident, and perhaps 
a native, of Haverhill, Mass. The site of his first 
Hopkiuton home is on Putney's Hill, a few rods 
south of the graveyard, on the opposite side of the 
road. It is indicated by a slight depression and a 
quantity of stone. Later in life. Dr. Clement, in con- 
nection with a son, built a two-storied house on the 
western slope of the hill, on the road from Hopkin- 



HOPKINTON. 



407 



tiiii village to West Hopkinton, a little farther north 
than hia first residence. He seema to have been a 
populiir physician, as his practice is said to have ex- 
tended to fourteen towns. He had five sons, — John, 
Timothy, Phineas, Benjamin and James ; also four 
daughters, — Ruth, Polly, Sally and Betsey. Socially, 
he is said to have been genial and mirthful. His 
wife, Molly, was probably from Salisbury, Mass. Dr. 
Clement died November 20, 1804, aged sixty-one. 
His wife died February 12, 1817, aged seventy -two. 
Their remains lie in the old cemetery on Putney's 
Hill. 

BARrr'H Chase was probably the first lawyer res- 
ident in Hopkinton. He is said to have been a native 
of Cornish. He came to Hopkinton before 1785. He 
was solicitor of Hillsborough County from 1808 to 
1817. He built the house now occupied by Mrs. 
Louisa A. P. Stanwood, next east of the Episcopal 
Church. He married Ellen, daughter of Benjamin 
Wiggin, of Hopkinton. T.wo sons lived to old age, — 
Samuel died March 12, 1875, aged seventy-one ; Ben- 
jamin Wiggin, January 6, 1878, aged eighty-two. 
Baruch Chase was an uncle of the late Chief Justice 
Salmon P. Chase. He died March 5, 1841, aged 
seventy-seven. His wife died March 17, 1868, aged 
ninety-two. 

Benjamin Wiggin was the most noted of the early 
taverners of Hopkinton. His tavern stood next 
building west of the Episcopal Church. He began 
business here as early as 1744, coming from Stratham. 
He was landlord, merchant, justice and public servant 
generally. He gave the site of the old Hillsborough 
County court-house, where now is the Hopkinton 
town-house. In a time of scarcity, he sold corn cheaply 
to favor his poorer neighbors and townsmen. He was 
twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth Clement ; 
I his second, Mrs. Sarah Holt. He had children, — 
i Timothy, Benjamin, Mary, Ellen, and Joseph and 
; Elizabeth, twins. He died October .31, 1822, aged 
eighty ; his first wife, May 24, 1782, aged thirty-one ; 
his second, Ojtober 31, 1824, aged sixty-five. Mrs. 
Ellea C. Ciroeiie, now living, is a grandchild of Es- 
quire Wiggin. Herman W. Greene is his great- 
grandchild. 

Joshua Baii.ey has already been mentioned 
as a captain in the Revolutionary War. Captain 
Bailey was a native of England, and was born about 
1738. He came to Hopkinton from Massachusetts, 
and lived about a mile east of Hopkinton village, 
where now resides Carlos CI. Hawthorne. He was 
one of the most useful citizens of the early times, 
holding nearly or quite every important office within 
the gift of the town. He seems to have been twice 
married. The following were children of Joshua 
and Anna Bailey: John, born February 23, 1769; 
Joshua, born November 13, 1770 ; Elijah, born Feb- 
uary 27, 1773; Betty, born May 8, 1780; Rachel, 
born August 16, 1782 ; Esther, born March 18, 1785. 
Joshua Bailey died Ai>ril ii, 1800, aged sixty-eight 



years. Sarah, his wife, died January 29, 1816, aged 
sixty-four years. 

Mrs. Seth Webber, now living, is a grandchild of 
Captain Bailey. 

William Weeks was a native of Greenland, 
where he was born in 1755, being a son of William 
and Eleanor Weeks. He was a graduate of Harvard 
College, and adopted the life of a merchant and 
farmer. He came to Hopkinton about 1792 and re- 
mained there till he died, in 1843. He was a soldier of 
the Revolution, entering the army as a quartermaster 
and leaving as a major. During a considerable por- 
tion of the time he was an aid-de-camp of General 
Washington. In Hopkinton he built a house that is 
now standing in the district known as Farrington's 
Corner. Deacon Thomas J. Weeks, a son, is now 
living in the same neighborhood. Major Weeks was 
twice married. His first wife was Abigail Rogers, 
whom he married in 1780 ; his second wife was Sally 
Cotta Cotton Weeks, daughter of Dr. Ichabod 
Weeks, of Greenland. There were thirteen children 
of Major Weeks. Their names were William, George, 
Charles, Abigail Rogers, Mary, Jacob, Washington, 
Thomas Jefferson, Sarah Ann, Susan, Hannah, Emily, 
John. 

Ebenezer Leened, a native of Medford, Mass., 
was born October 6, 1762, being a son of Thomas 
Lerned and Hannah Brooks. He graduated at Har- 
vard College in 1787; studied medicine with Dr. E. 
A. Holyoke, of Salem, Mass. ; received the degree of 
M.D. from Dartmouth College. He practiced a 
short time in Leominster, Mass.; and then came to 
Hopkinton, where he practiced medicine and pursued 
trade. He was the first delegate to Dartmouth Col- 
lege from the New Hampshire Medical Society, of 
which he was vice-president at the time of his de- 
cease, in 1831. He founded the New Hamphire Ag- 
ricultural Society and was its first president. He 
was active in all the public interests of the town of 
Hopkinton, and left bequests to its schools and to its 
poor, and to the town itself. He was the first liber- 
ally educated physician in town. He was twice mar- 
ried. His first wife was Mary Hall, of Londonderry, 
whom he married in 1802. They had four children, — 
Louisa, Mary Eliza, Margaret, Brooks Holyoke. His 
first wife died November 22, 1813, aged thirty-two. 
His .second wife was Catharine, daughter of Timothy 
Perkins and Hannah Trowbridge, whom he married 
in 1814. They, had five children, — Catharine Crosby 
Perkins, Edward Augustus, Hannah Brooks, Lucy 
Ann, Elizabeth Trowbridge. His second wife died 
September 30, 1869. Mrs. Mary Eliza Flanders, his 
daughter, is living in this town. Misses Catharine 
C. P., Hannah B. and Lucy A., his daughters, occui)y 
his former residence in Hopkinton village. 

John Harris, a native of Harvard, Mass., was 
born October 13, 1769, being a son of Richard Har- 
ris and Lydia Atherton. He graduated at Harvard 
College in 1791 ; read law with Simeon Strong, of 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Amherst, Mass., and Timothy Bigelow, of Groton, 
Mass. In 1794, he came to Hopkinton ; in 1799, he 
married Mary Poor, a native of Hampstead, and 
daughter of Eliphalet Poor and Elizal)eth Little. 
They had four children, — George, Catharine, Eliza 
Poor, Ann. Catharine became the wife of Timothy 
Wiggin Little, of Hopkinton. John Harris lived in 
the hoii.se now occupied by Reuben E. French. In 
1810, lie was inade captain of the Fourth Company of 
the Twenty-tirst liegimerit of New Hampshire Militia. 
He was the first ])ostmaster in Hopkinton, holding 
office from ISll 10 1825. In ISIO, he was ni.ade a 
trustee of Dartmouth College. He was solicitor of 
Hillsborough County from 1817 to 1823, judge of 
probate from 1812 to 1823 and the same of Merri- 
mack County from 1823 to 1843. He was a.ssociate 
justice of the Supreme Court of New Hampshire 
from 1823 to 1833. The probate laws of Hillsborough 
County were revised by Judge Harris and Charles 
H. Atherton, the commission being established in 
1820. In June, 1814, Judge Harris was made chair- 
man of a committee of the Legislature to locate a 
state capital. He was a prominent Free-Ma.son. He 
was the founder of Trinity Chapter in 1807. He 
was also founder of Tyrian Council and of the 
Mount Horel) Commandary of Knights Templar. 
He was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, Crrand 
High Priest of the Grand Chapter at its formation, in 
1819, and first Grand Ma.ster of the Grand Encamp- 
ment of Knights Templar of New Hamp.shire at its 
formation in 182(5. He was one of the sub.scribers 
to the ecclesiastical constitution of Christ's Church 
in 1803, and was one of the first wardens of St. An- 
drew's Church in 1827. He was a skillful farmer. 
Judge Harris died on the 23d of April, 1845; his 
wife died March 6, 1843, aged sixty-four. There is 
no descendant of theirs living. 

Samuel Greene, son of Nathaniel, was born in 
Concord, March 7, 1770. He read law with his bro- 
ther Peter, and began practice in Concord in 1793. 
He was associate justice of the New Hampshire Su- 
preme Court from 1819 to 1840. He came to Hop- 
kinton about 1883 and remained here till about 1837. 
After leaving the justice's bench he accepted a clerk- 
ship in Washington, D. C, where he died in 1851, aged 
eighty-one. His remains are buried in Hopkinton 
village, in the old cemetery. He was thrice married. 
One wife, Ann N., who died in 1834, is buried by his 
side. Herman H. Greene was a son of Judge Greene, 
and was born in Concord in 1802. In early life he 
entered the counting-room of Alexander Ladd, of 
Portsmouth. Soon after he became a sailor, rising to 
the command of an East Indianman. He left the 
sea about 1838, and then traded in Bangor, Me., a few 
years, and next came to Hopkinton, where he died in 
18G2. In 1851, he took a company by sea to Califor- 
nia in the ship "I^eonora," also taking along the first 
steamboat used on theC'alifurnia i-oasl. In ( 'aliliiniia. 
Captain Greene gave attcntidii to iiniiiuL'. Imt inadc 



one trip to Australia. He returned to Hopkinton 
after four or five years. He married Ellen C. Wiggin, 
of Hopkinton, in 1837, who is now living. Herman 
W. Greene is his son. 

Matthew Harvey, a son of Matthew, was born 
in Sutton, June 21, 1781. He prepared for college 
under the tuition of Rev. Dr. Sauuiel Wood, of Bos- 
cawen, and graduated at Dartmouth in 1806. He 
studied law with John Harris, was admitted to the 
bar in 1809 and opened an office in Hopkinton. He 
was thirteen years a moderator of Hopkinton's 
town-meeting. In 1814, he was elected a State rep- 
re.sentativc from Hopkinton, and continued one for 
seven successive years ; was Speaker of the House 
from 1818 to 1820. In 1821, he was sent to the 
United States House of Representatives, where he 
served four years ; he then entered the State Senate 
and served three years, being president of that 
body the whole time. In 1828 and 1829, he was a 
member of the New Hampshire Executive Council. 
In 1830 be was Governor of the State, and was the 
same year appointed a United States district judge. 
He was a prominent member of the Episcopal 
Church, and was a trustee of Hopkinton Academy. 
He was vice-president of the New Hampshire His- 
torical Society from 1829 to 1831, and its president 
from 1832 to 1834. Judge Harvey moved from Hop- 
kinton to Concord about 1850, and died there Ajiril 
7, IStiO, aged eighty- five. His wife was Margaret 
Rowe, a native of Ncwburyport, Mass. They had 
two children. His only daughter, Margaret Elizabeth, 
died in 183(5; his only son, Frederick, in Louisiana, 
in 18t;f). 

Grace Fletcher, noted for her personal beauty, 
and celebrated in being the first wife of Daniel Web- 
ster, is said to have been born in Hopkinton in 1781. 
Her Christian name was Gratia. She was the 
daughter of Rev. Elijah and Rebecca Fletcher. Her 
father was a native of Westford, Mass., and the pas- 
tor of the Congregational Church in Hopkinton 
from 1773 to his death, in 178(5. Grace Fletcher's 
Hopkinton home was about a mile east of the village, 
on the road to Concord, the ancient house being now 
occupied by Mrs. Stephen Abbott. Grace was edu- 
cated at Atkinson Academy, leaving that institution 
in 1801, her mother having married the Rev. Chris- 
topher Paige. Grace married Daniel Webster at 
Salisbury in 1808, while making a home with her 
sister Rebecca, the wife of Judge Israel Kelly. Her 
monumental record at Marshfield asserts that she 
was born January 16, 1782, and died January 21, 
1828. 

Horace Chase was born in Unity, December 14, 
1788. He graduated at Dartmouth College in 1814. 
He studied law with Matthew Harvey, of Hopkinton, 
and opened an office in Goshen in 1818. He returned 
to Hopkinton in 1821 and formed a law partnership 
with ;\latthew Harvey. He represented Hopkinton 
in the l,ci;islatnrc in 1829, and was assistant clerk of 



HOPKINTON. 



the House from 1830 to 1832. He was postmaster of | 
Hopkinton from 1829 to 1850. He was judge of 
probate of Merrimack County from 183.3 to 18.55, and 
published tlie Probate IHreclorij in 1845. He was 
casliier of tlie Franklin Bank. He was prominent in 
Free-JIa.sonry ; he was made a Master-Mason in 1815, | 
aKoyal Arch Mason in 1817 and a Knight Templar ' 
in 182(j. He was Grand Recorder of the Grand Com- 
mandery from 1860 to 1870. He compiled and pub- 
lished the records of the Grand Lodge from 1789 to 
1856. He died March 1,1875. He was thrice mar- 
ried. His first wife was Betsey Blanchard, of Hop- 
kinton, by whom he had four children, — a daughter 
■.\\u\ three sons. His second wife was Lucy Blan- 
(•liaid, sister of his first. His third wife was Mrs. 
Ruhama Clarke, of .Manchester, who is now living. 
His only daughter, Mary Elizabeth, died in 1843, 
aired twenty-one yeai-s. Samuel B. and Charles (1, 
his sons, reside at Wright's Grove, 111. ; Horace G.. 
al-o his son, resides in New Haven, Conn. 

C\KLTON Chase, the son of Charles Chase and 
Sarah Currier, was born in Hopkinton January 20, 
1794. He finished preparation for college at Salisbury 
Academy in 1813, and graduated at Dartmouth in 
1817. While in college, he became an Episcopalian. 
After leaving college, he studied theology with Bishop 
Griswold at Bristol, R. I. In 1818, he was ordained 
a deacon at Bristol, and, in 1820, a priest, at New- 
port. He first became rector of Immanuel Church, 
Bellows Falls, Vt., in 1819, where he remained about 
twenty-five years. He received the degree of D.D. 
from the University of Vermont in 1839, and was 
subsequently admitted ad eunclem at Bishop's College, 
Lenoxville, Canada. In October, 1843, he was chosen 
bishop of New Hampshire, and was consecrated in 
Philadelphia in October, 1844. His diocesan resi- 
dence was at Claremont, where he had accepted the 
rectorship of Trinity Church, and which he held till 
1863. He died January 18, 1870. Bishop Chase 
married Harriet, daughter of Dr. Cutter, of Bellows 
Falls, in 1820, by whom he had eight children. 

Dyer H. Saxbors, a native of Gilmanton, was 
born July 29, 1799, being a son of David E. Sanborn 
and Hannah Hook. He was educated at Gilford 
Academy and Dartmouth College, from which he re- 
ceived the degree of A.M. He followed the profes- 
sion of a teacher the larger part of his life, assuming 
numerous responsible positions in New Hampshire 
and Massachusetts. He came to Hopkinton as the 
preceptor of Hopkinton Academy in 1854, and he re- 
sided here till his death, in 1871. He held numerous 
civil offices. He was commissioner of schools of Sul- 
livan County in 18-50 and 1851. He represented 
Sanbornton in the Legislature in 1845 and lS4fi, 
and also Washington in 18.50, being also a member of 
the Constitutional Convention of that year. He was 
many years a local Methodist preacher. He was 
chaplain of the New Hampshire House of Repre 
sentatives in 1S46. He was a Roval Arch Ma.son, and 



chaplain of the Grand Lodge from 1849 to 1856. In 
1836, he published an " Analytical Grammar," which 
piissed through seven editions in ten years ; in 1846, 
he published a " Normal School Grammar," which 
passed through eight editions in five years. He was 
postniiister of Hopkinton from 1858 till his death. 
During the Presidency of Franklin Pierce, he was for 
a time a clerk in the Interior Department of the gov- 
ernment. Professor Sanborn wa.s twice married. His 
first wife was Harriet W. Tucker, of Deerfield ; his 
second, Mrs. Abigail Glidden, of Sanbornton Bridge 
(now Tilton). He had one son by his first wife; he 
died at Washington, in 1852, aged ten years. 

Franklin W. Fisk, a son of Ebenezer T'isk and 
Hannah Proctor, was born in Hopkinton in 1820. He 
lived in Hopkinton till the age of thirteen. From 
1835 to 1841, he was a student at Phillips Academy, 
Exeter, being at times a teacher. He was in Yale 
College from 1845 to 1849 ; in Yale Theological Sem- 
inary from 1849 to 1852 ; tutor in college in 1851 and 
1852. He wa-s licensed to preach in 1852; was a stu- 
dent in Andover Theological Seminary a portion of 
1853 ; traveled in Europe the same year. While 
abroad he was appointed to the position of professor 
in Beloit College, Wisconsin ; was professor of 
rhetoric and English literature from 1854 to 1859. 
He was ordained to the ministry in 1859. He 
was Wisconsin professor of sacred rhetoric in the 
Chicago Theological Seminary from 1859 to 1869. In 
1871-72, he visited Europe again and attended lectures 
three months at the University of Berlin. He has 
the degree of D.D. from Olivet College, Michigan. 
He is now professor in the Chicago Theological Sem- 
inary. Professor Fisk married Mrs. Amelia Allen 
.\ustin, of Woodstock, Ct.,in 1854 ; she died in 1881 ; 
they had three children. 

Jo.4B N. Patterson, son of Joab Patterson and 
Mary Lovering, was born in Contoocook January 2, 
1835. He graduated at Dartmouth College in 1860. 
In 1861, on the breaking out of the war, he enlisted 
and took out papers as an enlisting oflicer. He en- 
listed a company of men at Contoocook and took 
them to Portsmouth, where they were massed in the 
Second Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteers. 
Patterson was commissioned a first lieutenant; in 
1862, he was promoted to captain ; in 1864 to lieuten- 
ant-colonel ; in 1865, to colonel ; in 1865, also, he was 
made brevet brigadier-general of United States Vol- 
unteers. In 1866, he represented Hopkinton in the 
State Legislature; in 1867, he was appointed United 
States marshal of New Hampshire. Tn 1866-67, he 
was colonel of the First Regiment of New Hampshire 
Militia, and was brigadier-general of the First Bri- 
gade from 1868 to 1870. He became colonel of the 
First Regiment of the New Hampshire National 
Guard in 1878. General Patterson married Sarah 
Cilley Bouton, daughter of Rev. Nathaniel Bouton, 
D.D., of Concord, in 1867, and by whom he has three 
children. He has resided in Concord since 1868. 



410 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COITNTy, NFAV IIAMI'SHIUK. 



Silas Ketcham, a native of Barre, Vt., was born 
December 4, 1835, being a son of Silas Ketcham and I 
Cynthia Doty. In 1851, his father moved to Hopkin- 
ton, where the son learned the trade of a shoemaker, 
following it till 1858. He then entered Hopkinton 
Academy and began a course of intellectual study, 
which he continued till his death, in 1880. He was 
prevented from entering collcfre by ill health, but he 
graduated from Bangor Thc<.ln^i,al S.iniiKiry in 18()3, 
pursuing the full course un.l -u,.,. "niu I, is family by 
his trade. He studied hi-li. i imitli. nuuics and ac- 
quired a knowledge of French, Spanish and Italian. 
He was first settled atWardsborough.Vt., and also oc- 
cupied pastoral charges in Bristol, Maplewood, Mass., 
and Windsor, Ct. He at one time resided in Brattle- 
borough, Vt., and was lussociated editorially in the 
conduct' of the Vermont Weekly, and Semi- Weekly 
Record, and the Vermont School Journal, leaving Brat- 
tleborough to go to Bristol. He was chaplain of 
the Grand Lodge of Free-Masons of New Hamp- 
shire from 1871 to 1875. He was an omnivorous reader 
and collected thousands of books and pamphlets. 
He was connected with various societies devoted 
to benevolence and the promotion of historic and 
genealogical research, and published numerous dis- 
courses and pamphlets. He was the founder of the 
New Hampshire Antiquarian Society and was its 
president a short time before his death. He left an 
unfinished" Dictionary of New Hampshire Biogra- 
phy." Rev. Mr. Ketcham died in Boston, Mass., 
while on a temporary visit to his friend. Rev. Harlan 
P. Gage. His remains were buried in Contoocook, 
where his brother, George H. Ketcham, now lives. In 
1860, Silas Ketcham married Georgia C, daughter ol 
Elbridge Hardy, of Amherst, N. H.,by whom he had 
twosons,— George C. and Edmund. Mrs. Ketcham now 
resides in Newport. 

Frederick G. Sanborn, a native of Sanborton 
Bridge (now Tilton), was born January 22, 1836, be- 
ing the son of Eliphalet and Abigail Glidden. His 
father dying, his mother afterwards became the second 
wife of Professor Dyer H. Sanborn. Frederick Glid- 
den received an academic education and became a 
clerk in a store in Hopkinton and afterwards a book- 
keeper in Chicago, 111. Again he became a clerk in 
Sherbrook, Ct., and a commercial agent for a com- 
mission-house in Portland, Me. Upon the event of 
the war of 1861, he enlisted in the Fifth Maine Vol- 
unteers, and was promoted through all the grades of 
non-commissioned office to the position of captain. 
He was detailed as brigade inspector and adjutant-gen- 
eral oftheSecond Brigade, First Division, Sixth Corps, 
and was in all the principal battles of the Army of the 
Potomac. In 1S64, in autumn, he had charge of 
eighty men in Tenne.ssee, getting timber of the Cum- 
berland liiver for General Sherman's bridges. He 
was in the F'irst Battalion of Massachusetts Cavalry 
ill tlic winter and spring of 1865, and was transferred, 
bv order of the Secretary of War, to the United 



States army, and detailed for duty as clerk in the 
Surgeon-General's office at Washington, D. C. He 
was wounded at Gaines' Hill and Cold Harbor. Since 
the war. Captain Sanborn has resided much of the 
time in Hopkinton. In 1880, he married Sophia W. 
Rogers, of Ho]>kinton. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



CAPTAIN PAII, R. GEORGE.' 

The New England of the early part of this cen- 
tury, and its men and events, are naturally subjects of 
a sort of filial regard to its resident sons, as well as to 
the men of New England descent in whatever part of 
this broad land they may be citizens ; for New Eng- 
land, to borrow the phrase of Hawthorne, is to all 
intents and purposes the "Old Home" of a vast 
fraction of the energetic population of the Western 
and Middle States. To them it is historic soil, in 
which lies the dust of their ancestors, and whither 
they make pilgrimages of sentiment and recreation. 

The New England of the first part of this century 
was a homogeneous community. Its people were 
mostly of English stock, but with such peculiarities 
and traits as generations born and reared in a New 
World environment would naturally take on and ex- 
hibit. There was not then the constant intercourse 
with Europe which is now so seriously sophisticating 
and affecting a multitude of Americans. In the 
early part of the century there was the genuine Yan- 
kee, pure and simple, the true son of the New World 
soil. Immigration had not then seriously diluted the 
population, which wsus socially, morally and intel- 
lectually of a higher average than any other commu- 
nity ever attained. It is no wonder, then, that this 
old-fashioned New England and its noteworthy men 
have become the subjects of so much historic and bio- 
graphic thought. They were then, indeed, New 
Englanders who were racy of the soil. Every section 
of Yankeeland then produced its quota of remarkable 
characters who deserved commemoration ; for old- 
fashioned New England was as rich and fertile in its 
productions of such original characters as Scotland 
has been at any period of its history. 

It is the duty of the ready writei-s of to-day to see 
to it that every such character of native growth shall 
have its due meed of biographic notice, so that future 
generations may know what manner of men preceded 
them on this Novanglian soil, who hav.' made it 
famous by their genius, thrift, energy :imiI enter- 
prise. 

Prominent in this class of New England men was 
Captain Paul Rolfe George, who Wiis born in Con- 
cord, N. H., on the 2.5th of August, 1807. He was 




^^^f^^^X-^ 



HOI'KTNTON. 



iiaiinid for I'aul liulle, son of Beiijamiu Uollo, both 
very promiuent citi/.enfe in the early days of Concord. 
The latter married Sarah, eldest daughter of the Rev. 
Timothy Walker. After hi* de:ith lii> widow mar- 
ried Benjamin Thoinpsoii, widi'ly known as Connt 
Kuinford. 

Captain fieorge's father, John (ieori^'e, Ivsq., lived 
in early life in the adjoiuiug town of Hopkinton, 
where he wa.s born May 2(), 1780. His grandfather 
moved to that town after the middle of the last cen- 
tury from Haverhill, Mass., to which place his ances- 
tors had emigrated from England in the preceding 
century. Early in the present century his grand- 
father, having in 1784 moved' to Warner, N. H., lo- 
cated in Topsham, Vt., then a wilderness, with such 
of a large family as were then too young to be self- 
supporting. He cleared and subsequently cultivated 
a large farm on what is known iis " George's Hill," in 
that town, where he died February 4, 1822. Captain 
George'.s paternal grandmother was the daughter of 
Captain Harriman, a retired sea-captain, who settled 
in Hopkinton from Salem, Mass., about the time his 
father came from Haverhill. These ancestors, on 
both sides, were noted for self-reliance, persistence 
and force of character. 

Captain George's mother, Ruth Bradley, was a de- 
scendant of one of the representative families of the 
early settlers of Concord, from whom he inherited, 
with a somewhat delicate constitution, a quickness 
and brightness of intellect and clearness of percep- 
tion which became in after-life his almost marvelous 
characteristics. 

His father was from childhood thoroughly self-de- 

i pendent. Learning the hatters' trade, he followed 

\ that vocation through his early life. He was also for 

many years an inn-keeper, a director of a leading 

i bank, a deputy-sheriff, an administrator of estates 

and a practical farmer, displaying in all his business 

■ affairs great energy, fidelity and unswerving integrity. 

He had by his first wife three children,— Paul Rolfe, 

i the subject of this sketch ; Clarissa Bartlett, wife of 

Hon. Hamilton E. Perkins ; and Susan Emery, who 

died in early life. By his second wife, Mary Hatch, 

I he had one son, John Hatch, who still resides at the 

i family homestead. He died at Concord, N. H., 

' where he had lived for nearly fifty years, January 9, 

; 1843. 

I Captain George was educated in the public schools 
I; of Concord, but he was too nervously restive in his 
boyhood and early youth to devote himself to study. 
|i His love of trade, embracing in its subjects his jack- 
'. knife, clothing and boots in daily use, as well as the 
i most valuable property he possessed in after-life, w.is 
I a passion with him. An intimate friend and associ- 
ate of his youth says that after he was fifteen years 
' old he had scarcely ever the same suit of clothes or 
Ij i)air of boots two days in succession. Many ludicrous 
anecdotes are told of this marked peculiarity, which 
was apparently founded not so ranch in a desire for 



gain as in the love of trade. Among his purchases 
and swappings before he was twenty -one years of age 
could be reckoned, besides almost innumerable horses, 
carriages and various kinds of other property, an en- 
tire circus and its accompanying paraphernalia. 

Soon after he came of age he leased the old Co- 
lumbian, then the most noted hotel in Concord, which 
he himself kept for a considerable time. His clerk 
was Nathaniel White, and Charles H. Norton had 
charge of his stable. The former subsequently be- 
came one of the proprietors of the United States and 
Canada Express, distinguished alike for his great 
wealth and liberality, while the latter was owner for 
many years of the principal livery st;il)le in Concord. 
Messrs. White and Norton were through life intimate 
friends and neighbors, and it is not exaggeration to 
say that no two citizens of Concord ever died more 
generally beloved or more sincerely lamented. Their 
afi'ection for Captain George was lifelong and unwa- 
vering, and wiis heartily reciprocated. 

Soon after the sale of his interest in the Columbian 
Hotel he removed to Lowell, then rapidly growing in- 
to importance as the chief manufacturing locality of 
New England, and there opened a large dry-goods 
store in company with his cousin, Charles L. Emery, 
under the firm-name of George & Emery. Subse- 
quently his health began to fail, and he disposed of 
his store, and by the advice of his physician went 
South to avert the tendency to pulmonary consump- 
tion, with which he was seriously threatened, and 
from which his pluck and will-power alone rescued 
him. He spent several months at Washington, 
where he made the intimate acquaintance of many 
men of i)rominence from all parts of the country. 
Upon his return he was appointed to a position in 
the Boston custom-house, under the collectorship of 
Hon. David Henshaw. 

Captain George had a natural taste for politics, and 
a special love for the excitement incident to political 
controversy ; and the bitter quarrel which followed 
the veto of the bank charter by President Tyler gave 
him the special opportunity to display his peculiar 
power. He became an ardent defender of the Presi- 
dent and the intimate of Caleb Cushing, Henry A. 
Wise and other young and vigorous statesmen who 
constituted what was then known as the TylerGuard. 
He was appointed by the President naval store-keep- 
er at Brooklyn, N. Y., a position which he held until 
his active and openly-expressed sympathy with the 
employes of the navy-yard, in their opposition to an 
official order that a government vessel should be sent 
elsewhere for repairs, caused a quarrel with the de- 
partment which resulted in his removal from office. 
Subsequently, in company with Caleb Cushing, 
Robert Rantoul and a few other intimate friends, he 
made the journey up the Mississippi River to the 
present sites of St. Paul and Minneapolis, then a 
wilderness with scarcely a single white inhabitant. 
They also visited St. Croix Falls, and continued their 




',y/;n^C^^^ 



?7>' 



IIOPKINTON. 



413 



Iriiiids and associates of his boyhood and youth. It 
u:is his farewell visit to his birth-place. Soon after 
hi.M return home he was taken suddenly ill, and on 
thi' l"Jth of February he closed a life of constant ac- 
tivity at his farm in Hopkinton, surrounded by his 
relatives and friends, in the fifty-seventh year of his 
iim>. He was buried in the family lot, in Blossom 
11 ill Cemetery, in Concord, where a fine granite nion- 
iiiiunt marks his resting-place. 

Such is a brief account of the life, and some of its 
iiiciilents, of the subject of this sketch. It will be 
s. .11 that Captain George's career was a checkered 
iihI varied one, full of the variety of pursuit, specu- 
lative ventures and political incidents which mark 
till' career of an able and energetic American during 
till' period in which he lived. But, after all, he was 
cliii'fly interesting on his own personal account, aad 
fur himself, for he was, in his psychological organi- 
zation, a man of genius. He had an element of 
-Miking individuality which differentiated him from 
' \ iivbody else. There was no mistaking him for any 
Hi li.r person than himself. His conversational powers 
were remarkable, and as a talker on the current men 
.Tiid politics of his time he could not be surpassed. 
His talk was like the effervescence of champagne. It 
sparkled with wit, sarcasm and irony. 

llut he was not merely an eloquent and most inter- 
esting talker. He was full of practical sense and 
Kiidwledge, the result of a life's experience in both 
peace and war. He was the intimate friend and asso- 
eiate of such remarkable public men as Franklin 
I'ieree, Williarn L. Marcy, Caleb Gushing, Levi 
^Viiodbury, Robert Rantoul, David K. Cartter, Hen- 
ry A. Wise, Isaac Hill and B. F. Butler, and it is 
n it too much to say, that though they were his supe- 
riiirs in reputation and in social and political influ- 
eiiee, they were under special obligations to him for 
sii^Lrestions and advice which his almost intuitive 
knowledge of the state of public feeling at any given 
emergency enabled him to give, and which they fully 
appreciated. He was in every way qualified to be 
the "guide, philosopher and friend" of great political 
■ami party leaders, for he thoroughly understood the 
varying moods of the people, being a man of the 

I pie himself. He was not debarred from popular 

intercourse by too much personal greatness and con- 
ceit of himself. His wit and brilliant conversational 
])owers made him a favorite in all places of popular 
resiirt : thus he knew the masses from his own knowl- 
edsje, and not at second-hand. 

A list of his life-long friends and associates will 
best convey a proper idea of the appreciation and es- 
timation in which he was held by those intimate with 
him. In addition to the distinguished men already 
mentioned, the late Theodore H. Sweetser may be in- 
stanced, who, in his day, had no superior at the Massa- 
chusetts bar. Mr. Sweetser's face was wont to be 
liirhted up with a glow of pleasure whenever Captain 
I ie.irge was a visitor at his office. He would listen 



with delight while the captain indulged in his bril- 
liant arrow-flights of comment on current men and 
events, if he happened to be in one of his effervescent 
moods, which, indeed, constituted his normal mental 
state. 

Richard S. SpofTord, of Newburyport, himself also 
a man of brilliant intellect, and therefore well quali- 
fied to appreciate intellectual brilliancy in his a.ssoci- 
ates, cherishes the memory of his whilom friend. Cap- 
tain George, with peculiar tenacity and warmth of 
recollection and regard. 

Among his intimate friends still living, whose 
youthful recollections of Captain George are cher- 
ished with special tenacity, the names of Charles 
Levi Woodbury, of Boston, Sidney Webster, of New 
York, and Daniel S. Richardson, of Lowell, — all 
representative men of marked capacity, — should not 
be omitted. 

Among his friends and associates, who, like himself, 
have departed to that " still country whither all are 
bound," may be mentioned Charles H. Peaslee, mem- 
ber of Congress, and Ira Perley, chief justice, of New 
Hampshire ; James S. Whitney, remarkable for his 
political as well as business capacity ; the genial and 
witty Isaac O. Barnes, whose intimacy with Captain 
George left a doubt in the minds of their personal 
friends which excelled in brilliancy of conversational 
powers ; Tappan Wentworth, prominent as a lawyer 
and member of Congress ; and Fisher A. Hildreth, 
the cool, philosophic politician, — all of Massachu- 
setts. 

Captain George's life covered a period of only fifty- 
seven years, but it was a most eventful one in the 
history of the country. He was born in the adminis- 
tration of Thomas Jefferson, and died during that of 
Abraham Lincoln. When he reached his majority 
John Quincy Adams was in the White House. Mean- 
time in his childhood had occurred the War of 1812 
with Great Britain. He began to take personal in- 
terest in political affairs during the administrations of 
Jackson and Van Buren ; but during the administra- 
tion of John Tyler he was himself a power in federal 
politics. He lived to see the agitation of the slavery 
question culminate in a gigantic civil war, near the 
close of which he ended his career. The United 
States, as it was in the early part of his life, is now a 
tradition ; for what may be called the better and 
purer as well as the younger days of the great repub- 
lic were over in 1845. We .ire as a nation unspeaka- 
bly greater, richer and more populous and powerful 
than we then were; but greatness of wealth and 
power is by no means synonymous with popular hap- 
piness and national honor. 

HOX. WALTER SCOTT DAVIS.' 

Captain Francis (4) Davis, "The Pioneer," w.is 
born in Amesbury, Mass., October 26, 1723. He was 



r Colonel L. \V. Cogswell. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the son of Francis (3) and Joanna Davis, who was 
the son of Francis (2), who was the son of Philip (1), 
who, when a lad of twelve years of age, sailed from 
Southampton, England, for New England, April 24, 
1638, in the ship " Confidence," of London, Eng., 
John Jobson, master, as servant of John Binson, of 
Cavershara, Oxfordshire, Eng., husbandman. 

Francis (2) Davis took the oath of allegiance and 
fidelity at Amesbury December 20, 1(577. 

Captain Francis (4) Davis married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Jonathan and Sarah Ferrin, who was 
born February 20, 1724, and their children were 
Gertrude, born December 22, 1746 ; Zebulon, born 
June 2, 1748; Jeremiah, born October 22, 1751; 
Wells, born March 22, 1753; Ichabod, born February 
21, 1755; Francis, born May 27, 1757; Elizabeth, 
born February 1,1759; Aquila, June 27, 1760 ; Paine, 
born March 28, 1762; Nathan, born November 9, 
1764; all born in Amesbury, Mass. Captain Francis (4) 
cameto Warner amongst the earliest settlers, and loca- 
ted at what is now known as Davisville, and was the 
foremost man in that town from the time of his arrival 
to the time of his death. His name appears upon al- 
most every page of Warner's history from 1768 until 
1785, being prominent in all town affairs, in church 
matters, and in all industrial, mechanical, milling and 
landed interests. He was the foremost military man 
of the town, his commission as captain of the militia 
beingdated A.D. 1773, and signed by John Wentworth. 
He had three sons in the Revolution, two of whom 
were at Bunker Hill. 

He was a man of the strictest integrity, and pos- 
sessed the confidence of his fellow-townsmen in a re- 
markable degree. His was the first grist-mill in the 
township. He was one of the committee to secure 
the incorporation of the town, which was incorporated 
in September, 1774, and assisted in the division of the 
lots of the township, and was chairman of the Com- 
mittee of Safety in 1775. In Harriman's "History of 
Warner " is this paragraph : " In this first legislative 
body, chosen by the suffrages of a free peoj>!e, Francis 
Davis appears the accredited representative of the 
town of Warner. It is a distinction and an honor to 
be remembered with pride by his numerous descend- 
ants." 

Captain Davis was at this time in the vigor of his 
manhood, being fifty-three years of age. The Legis- 
lature was composed of men of rare ability, John 
Langdon being Speaker of the Assembly, and Me- 
shcch Weare president of the Council. In 1781 he 
was chosen delegate to the Constitutional Convention 
which framed the Constitution which was in force, 
with slight amendments, until 1878, a period of nine- 
ty-four years. He was chosen representative the last 
time in 1784, and served in two sessions in that Leg- 
islature, one at Concord in June, the other at Ports- 
mouth the October following, and whilst on his way 
home from this session he lost his life, which date was 
November 26, 1784. A heavy rainstorm had swollen 



Beaver Brook, in Derry, so much that the bridge, 
which was safe at nightfall, had been swept 
away when he arrived, later in the evening The 
horse which he rode plunged into the stream, and 
Mr. Davis was drowned. When the body was found, 
several days later, a mark on the temple showed that 
the horse had struck him with his foot while strug- 
gling in the water ; otherwise he would undoubtedly 
have swam ashore, as he was an expert swimmer. He 
was buried at Davisville, and just one hundred years 
after his death a monument was erected at his grave, 
bearing this inscription, "Captain Francis Davis, the 
Pioneer, and Warner's First Representative. Born 
Oct. 26, 1723; Died Nov. 26, 1784." This monument 
was erected by some of his great-grandchildren, prin- 
cipally by Walter Scott Davis and his uncle, Charles 
Davis, who, in the summer of 1883, agreed to erect it 
upon the one hundredth anniversary of his death. 
Charles died suddenly before the work was begun, 
but at his funeral his heirs agreed that the work 
should be done, which was finished agreeably to the 
original design. 

Captain Francis Davis had five sons, amongst 
whom was Aquila (5), who was born in Amesbury, 
Mass., June 27, 1760, and came to Warner with his 
father. He enlisted as a soldier of the Revolution at 
the age of seventeen years, and saw much hard service, 
being present at the surrender of Burgoyne, and was 
honorably discharged May 10, 1780. After the Rev- 
olution he took an active part in the State militia, 
commanding the Thirtieth Regiment from 1799 to 1807. 
and was brigadier-general of the Fourth Brigade from 
1807 to 1809, and in 1812 raised the first regiment oi' 
men for one year enlisted in the State, of which regi- 
ment he was chosen colonel. He was a man of sound 
judgment and of marked ability, and was often chosen 
a representative from his town. He resided in the 
homestead built by his father, his new brick residence 
not being completed at the time of his death, which 
occurred Feburary 27, 1835, while on a journey to 
Sharon, Me., where he had large landed interests. 
He was buried at Davisville with Masonic honors. 

His wife was Abigail Stevens, daughter of Theodore 
and Abigail (Watts) Stevens, of Concord. Abigail 
Watts was a cousin of the celebrated Dr. Isaac Watts, 
and the general's wife possessed and exemplified the 
Christian virtues to a degree that w-ould have done 
honor to her celebrated relative. Sally Watts, a sister 
of Abigail, lived many years and died at the general's. 
A brother, John Watts, was killed in the Revolution. 

The general's children were Paine, born 1786, dicil 
1822; Sarah A. (married a Virgin), born 1788, died 
1822 ; Abigail W. (married a Davis), born 1790, died 
1869; Theodore S., born 1792, died 1835; Nathaniel 
A., born 1794, died 1866; Persis H. (married a Cur- 
rier), born 1796, died 1841 ; Nathan, born 1799, died 
1841; female child, born and died 1801; Charles, 
born 1803, died 1883 ; Aquila, born 1806, died 18G6 ; 
James, born 1809, died 1842. 



HOPKINTON. 



U4 a 



Nathaniel (6) A., married Mary Clougli, of Bos- 
cawcu, and their children were Stephen C. and 
Lucretia A., born 1830 ; Walter (7) Scott, born 1834 ; 
Oilman, born 1836; Lucretia A., born 1842; Mary E., 
born 1844; Stillman C, born 1846; Henry C, born 
1850. Lucretia (1) died in 1840, and Oilman who 
was killed in Calilornia in 1883 ; the others survive. 

Nathaniel A. was of a roving disposition in his 
earlier years, and having learned the trade of a silver- 
smith, he made a tour of the United States, working 
at his trade in the largest cities, making gold beads 
and silver spoons. Passing through Virginia, the 
Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana, as far as 
New Orleans, he retraced his steps to Mobile, and then 
turned northward and remained some time at Nash- 
ville, and whilst at work at the forge at this place 
he was attacked by a drunken half-breed Indian, and 
only saved his life by using in his defence a heated 
bar of silver. He was at Louisville and Cincinnati 
several years, and then returned, in 1824, to his native 
town, and engaged in the lumbering business. After 
the death of his father the mills owned by him were 
distributed amongst his sons, and Nathaniel, with 
his brother James, became owners of the saw-mill. 

Amongst the most interesting and important sub- 
jects which the historian in New Hampshire is called 
upon to investigate and chronicle is the early occu- 
pation, later development and improvement of the 
numerous water-powers contained within the borders 
of the State. 

Though not the greatest, yet, in some respects, as 
remarkable, perhaps, as any in the county, is the 
water-power at Davisville. The use, occupation and 
ownership of this power has been in the uninterrupted 
possession of the Davis family for one hundred and 
twenty years, although portions of the property have 
at times been in the hands of other parties ; at the 
present time, and for several years past, the whole 
falls have been in the possession of this family. 
Among the earliest industries at these falls were the 
saw-mill erected by Francis Davis in 1763, a grist- 
mill built by him in 1768, a clothing-mill built by 
Moses Carleton in 1796, afterwards occupied by 
Nicholas Fowler, and carried away by the August 
freshet of 1826. An iron foundry was also carried away 
at the same time, and other property destroyed by 
that rise of water were the bridge and the black- 
smith-shop, and the lower dam, built by Charles and 
one other son of General Davis. There was also 
a mill for grinding lead, a plaster-mill, a brick-yard 
and a tannery near by. A woolen-mill was contem- 
plated at one time at the eddy ; a dam was built and 
a canal partly dug, but upon the death of the gene- 
ral the scheme was abandoned. The grist-mill was 
rebuilt, together with the old house erected by Cap- 
tain Francis before the Revolution, making it a tavern. 
James died before the work was completed, and 
Natlianiel took the whole and carried on the work to 
completion. 



The grist-mill was a model for the times, and its 
reputation for making good flour was widespread. 

The saw-mill was sold to Samuel H. Dow, who 
operated it extensively for several years, and sold it 
to Daniel Milton, who operated it several years as 
a custom mill, and finally disposed of it to the Messrs. 
Davis. The grist-mill was sold to Henry C. Carter 
for a paper-mill, who operated it as such until it was 
burned, in 1869. 

Nathaniel A. Davis was of a judicial mind, and 
made the laws of the State a practical study, and no 
man ever enjoyed the confidence of a community 
for honesty and good judgment to a fuller extent 
than he. As an administrator of estates, a justice 
in petty trial cases, a conveyancer and drawer of 
legal documents, a guardian of minors and un- 
fortunates, and an adviser in legal proceedings, espe- 
cially of the estates of deceased persons, he was 
largely sought. His inherent love of justice, and 
belief in the equality of all men before the law, were 
so outraged by the barbarisms of slavery which he 
had observed in his travels through the South, that 
he became a pronounced Free-Soiler and consistent 
Abolitionist. His sympathy for the oppressed rendered 
more substantial aid than cold senlimentalism would 
offer, and to him the consummation of the age was 
the proclamation of Abraham Lincoln of January 1, 
1863. He moved from the Fowler house to the old 
homestead of his ancestors in 1843, and died there 
October 24, 1866, from the effects of a fall from a 
pile of lumber, which dislocated his neck. His widow 
survives and lives on the old place. 

The subject of this sketch, Walter Scott Davis, was 
born in Warner July 29, 1834. In his early boyhood 
days he was a lad of prominence amongst his associ- 
ates, full of life and good humor, and became a leader 
in all boyish sports, — roguish in the extreme, without 
any thought of malice, yet doing many things that 
subjected him to a free application of the birch from 
his ever-faithful parents ; but the inbred generosity 
and honesty of his heart never suffered the punish' 
ment to rancor in his bosom for a moment, and the 
justice of his father's punishment was never ques- 
tioned by him. Born and reared in close proximity 
to the river, it was natural that he should be in the 
water about as much as out of it, to the constant ter- 
ror of his mother's life, who often followed him with 
unremitting vigilance in his aquatic sports, securing 
his clothes at one time and marching him home with- 
out them, amidst the jeers of his comrades. 

When four years of age a circumstance happened 
that came near proving the fallacy of the adage " that 
a Davis could not be drowned." The saw-mill had 
been rebuilt, and a plank was laid to pass from it to 
the shingle-mill, directly over the flume. Making an 
excuse to get some oven-wood for his mother, he 
passed his Uncle Nathan, who was at work on the 
front of the mill, and crossing the plank, was unseen 
by him. shortly after, the uncle hearing a splash in 



\ 



414 b 



HISTORY OF MERllIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the water, went below to see wliat produced it. Seeing 
nothing, he returned to liiswork ; but, feeling uneasy, 
went down again, and was just in time to see the boy 
fast sinking out of sight, and was undoubtedly sink- 
ing for the last time when rescued ; and when taken 
to his home, his mother, to show that her word must 
be obeyed, as he had already been in the river once 
that morning, and was promised a whipping if he ven- 
tured in again, kept her promise, though it seemed 
quite hard on the lad who had come so near drowning; 
but he never laid it away in his little heart, but loved 
his mother all the more for her watchful care over 
him. 

His inventive genius began to develop at a very 
early age, mending his mother's dust-pan with a piece 
sawed from the handle of the barn shovel, for which 
act another punishment was liis. He was strong, 
robust and healthy, though tall and slim, and was 
proof against the usual epidemics so prevalent 
amongst children, never having them at all ; or, if at 
all, in so slight degree as never to be noticed. In 
his youth he was a good scholar ; not studious, be- 
cause his mind readily retained the lessons set before 
him, so that he did not require so much study, but 
was always ready to do his part, mindful of the dis- 
cipline, assisted in this to" a large degree, perhaps, by 
the admonition of his father as to what would take 
place at home if he was punished at school ; for he 
knew exactly what his father meant, for with 
" Squire Nat " his word was sufficient, as all knew 
who knew him. His father being extensively en- 
gaged in milling and lumber business, his sons were 
not kept steadily at work, but were brought up under 
as perfect an example of honesty, fidelity and justice 
as was ever set by a father to a family of children, 
and not the least prevarication or dishonesty was al- 
lowed, and although no ceremonial forms of religion 
were inculcated, yet the cardinal virtues of Christi- 
anity were rigidly adhered to, as in the home of the 
most Pharisaical, devout professor. From the age of 
three to thirteen the summer and winter terms of the 
district school were attended by Walter, supplemented 
by several terms in the High School at Contoocook, 
after ten years of age. 

The summer he was fourteen years of age he 
worked on a farm at seven dollars per month, and 
earned money enough to pay the expense of a term at 
Gilmanton Academy the same fall of 1848. Teach- 
ing school in winter after he was sixteen years of age, 
working at haying in the summer and tending the 
grist-mill the balance of the year, he was enabled to 
attend school one term at Washington Academy, in 
1850, a term at Thetford, Vt., in 1852, and three terms 
at New London in 1853 and 1854. 

This finished his schooling, but not his education. 
He has been a constant student, as his Cyclopedia, 
Dictionary, Geography and mathematical books show 
the marks of every-day usage. He has a remarkble 
faculty for mathematics, every rule and formula be- 



ing as fresh in his mind as though he had the books 
before him ; and yet, he cannot repeat a single rule of 
arithmetic, and never wishes a child of his to learn 
one, his policy being to establish the principles of 
analysis, fixing in the mind the proportions which 
certain things bear to each other, storing the mind 
permanently with as many stubborn facts and figures 
as can readily be recalled, as, for instance, the 
weight of a cubic foot of water, the specific gravity of 
the more common metals, the pressure of the atmos- 
phere, etc., and let the rules be manufactured as they 
are needed. 

Mr. Davis had excellent success as a teacher, but 
discontinued teaching at the age of twenty to enter 
business for himself, forming a partnership, in the 
winter of 1854-55, with Samuel H. Dow, under the 
firm-name of Dow & Davis, for the purpose of carry- 
ing on the bark, lumber and wood business, and 
they were in partnership ten years, their business 
being large and successful, with the exception of 1860, 
which proved disastrous. The general depression 
in business, and loss incurred from investing in alarge 
tannery in Lowell, Mass., resulting in a law-suit, in 
which B. F. Butler and William E. Chandler were 
counsel, swept away all the savings for the five years 
previous, leaving him penniless, with a wife and young 
child to care for; but without a murmur, and no one 
but himself knowing the extent of his loss, he kept 
steadily at work, and when the partnership ended 
had recovered what had been lost. In 1865 he 
formed a partnership with Paine Davis, under the 
firm-name of W. S. Davis & Co., for the purpose of 
carrying on the same business, with farming added. 
In 1866 the old mills at Davisville were taken down, 
and a large circular saw mill was erected, with ma- 
chines for sawing clapboards, shingles, laths, etc. 
This mill was burned in 1869, and a new one was im- 
mediately erected. This firm was dissolved in 1872, 
W. S. Davis retaining the mills and Paine Davis the 
farm. In 1871, Mr. Davis formed a partnership with 
George W. Dow, of Bristol, under the name of Dow 
& Davis, purchased the ruins of the burned paper- 
mill at Davisville, and erected a straw-board mill 
capable of making two thousand five hundred pounds 
of board per day in the summer-time, drying it in 
the fiekLs by sunshine. This business, so depend- 
ent upon the season and the weather, and requir- 
ing so much help at certain times and so little at 
others, proved very unsatisfactory, and the mill was 
changed to a steam-dried mill. A Fourdrinier ma- 
chine and three large driers were added in the fall of 
1872 ; the machine was run through the day, the 
driers during the twenty-four hours. This was an 
improvement on the air-dried process, but it was 
slow and tedious work, only about one ton being 
manufactured daily. In 1873, Henry C. Davis and 
Lestou Rollins were admitted to the firm, and improve- 
ments made in the machinery, by which nearly 
double the amount of board was made daily than 



HOPKINTON. 



414 c 



lormerly. In 1875, Mr. Davis became the owner of 
the entire mill, and formed a partnership with his 
brother, Henry C. Davis, under the name of Davis 
Brothers. 

The entire mill was rebuilt, making of it a tirst- 
class mill, capable of making six tons of lined straw- 
board per day. The rebuilding was begun in 1879 
and completed in 1883, though the mill was kept 
running the larger part of these years, and so perfectly 
has it been changed that scarcely a vestige of the old 
mill is to be seen save the foundation. The power at 
the mill has been doubled by using the water at a 
distance of three hundred and fifty feet below the 
mill and connecting it with a line of shafting. The 
gate of the water-wheel is operated in the mill by 
w^ires as easily as though it was situated there. The 
mill at the present time is capable of making six tons 
of lined board per day, consuming ten tons of straw 
and employing fifteen hands. The lumber business 
carried on by Davis Brothers is quite large, having 
sawed half a million feet this year for their own 
use for boxes, which is a new enterprise they are 
about engaging in, hoping to make employment for 
a large number of hands in the near future. 

In Mr. Davis we find the sterling characteristics of 
his ancestors fully perpetuated and maintained. He 
has the absolute confidence of the entire community 
as a gentleman in every respect, and has not a known 
enemy in the world, and his business correspondents 
all bear high testimony to his integrity as a business 
man, and are unbounded in their expressions of 
pleasure in associating with him as a genial, whole- 
souled, upright man. He has unbounded generosity 
and kindness of heart; his patience is proverbial; 
no unkind word or look ever escapes from him. No 
matter how great the provocation, he has a good word 
for all ; is strictly temperate in all things, not a glass 
ofliquor, ale or beer even, or the useof tobacco in any 
form ever polluting his breath. He is a consistent 
member of the Swedenborgian denomination of Chris- 
tians, and carries his religion into every transaction 
of life. 

Amidst all the cares and burdens of his busy life 
he has not been allowed to sit idly by in the field of 
politics, but has been sought out by his fellow-towns- 
men and friends for political promotion. 

Descended from Free-Soil, Whig, Republican stock, 
and from one of the most patriotic families in Kew 
Hampshire, he has always been a stanch Republi- 
can from principle. Whilst residing in his native 
town of Waruer he was often voted for for prominent 
and responsible positions, and, although the majority 
of the opposite party was large, yet, because of his 
great popularity, he at one election came near being 
elected a representative from the town. He held 
many minor oflices, — was one of the committee to 
locate and build the Kearsargc Mountain road; was 
line of the committee to locate the High School build- 
in-, and was one of the first prudential committees 



and organized and started 



intheHigbSrhnnl I 
theSymond- lli-li S, 1 1. 

He was Worsliipliil Muster of Harris Lodge, Free 
and Accepted Masons, in 1882-3 ; E. King in Wood's 
Chapter, No. 14, of which he has been a worthy mem- 
ber for many years, and is also a member of Horace 
Chase Council at Concord. In all of these Masonic 
bodies Mr. Davis is held in the highest esteem for 
his exemplary life and his daily practice of the great 
tenets of Masonry. Mr. Davis took up his residence 
in Contoocook in 1874, and since his residence there 
he has been for many years president of Contoocook 
Academy and one of the property trustees; has been 
curator of the New Hampshire Antiquarian Society 
and is now its honored president; has been the pre- 
siding officer in the town-meetings of Hopkinton 
many years, always being elected without opposition, 
and is an admirable presiding ofiicer, prompt in his 
decisions and rapid in the discharge of business. He 
was chosen a representative from Hopkinton in 1878 
and took an active part in the Legislature in revis- 
ing and preparing the General Laws ; was chosen 
county auditor and was one of the building com- 
mittee to rebuild the buildings at the County Farm, 
and opposed the extravagant plans for the present 
buildings, because the expense was unauthorized by 
the convention, but was overruled by a majority of 
the committee. 

In 1884, Mr. Davis was placed in nomination as a 
candidate for State Senator in the Merrimack District, 
and was handsomely elected, making a net Repub- 
lican gain of nearly one thousand over the vote of 
1882. In the Senate he became at once an active 
member, and took a prominent part, serving upon 
several important committees, and was efficient in 
procuring the passage of several important measures, 
and in defeating others, and was the only Senator 
who refused to vote for the bill entitled, "Purity of 
Elections Bill." He was called to preside over the 
Senate upon several occasions, and did so with 
marked ability, and won the esteem and confidence 
of his associates to a degree that will ever be a great 
pleasure to him. 

Mr. Davis is a man of great ingenuity and mechan- 
ical skill and engineering. His is the mind tliat 
made all the plans and laid out the work for all the 
mills at Davisville and for all that have been re- 
built there within the last quarter of a century, and 
has made many valuable inventions and improve- 
ments in machinery. He invented and patented an 
ingenious and valuable gate-arrangement for turbine 
water-wheels, and is now perfecting a complicated 
machine for making paper boxes. He has spent 
many leisure hours in the past few years inventing a 
calculating device composed of adjustable concentric 
circles, divided into nine spaces each, the spaces 
being in inverse ratio to each other as the ratios of 
the nine digits, and .subdivided decimally. 

The soapstone ledge at Davisville, which was dis- 



414 f 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



loaded for another voyage. All this I have done in 
four days, during which time, you will allow, I must 
have been very busy. Our returns are molasse.s and 
specie ; my sales of molasses amount to over three 
thousand dollars, besides what I want to retail ; I had 
returned in specie one thousand five hundred and 
seventy five-franc pieces, amounting, in our money, 
to one thousand four hundred and sixty dollars, 
which gives us a very good profit, amounting to 
something like one thousand dollars each." 

In 1832 he changed his place of business and took 
a store at the wharf, where he continued to do a 
profitable business for several months; but, early in 
1834, he writes of misfortunes in business; the last 
voyages of his vessels proved unprofitable, so that, 
owing to these losses, the scarcity of money and the 
depression of business, he was compelled to make an 
assignment of his projierty for the benefit of his 
creditors. He writes : " Mother must not be an.xious 
on my account, for 1 am as happy as ever, and shall 
have the same courage to commence again as if I had 
met with no misfortunes." 

In April, 1834, he writes that he never saw business 
so dull ; people are failing every day, so that he is not 
alone in his misfortunes, and he has no de.sire to 
engage in business immediately ; he also refers to 
ofiers to send him as supercargo, and wants to know 
what his mother and other friends think of his going 
to sea for a voyage of six months. He thus briefly 
defines the duties of a supercargo : " My duty would 
be to dispose of the outward cargo and purchase a 
homeward cargo ; on the voyage 1 should have no- 
thing to do, but could carry books and amuse myself 
in reading." 

In May, 1 834, he sailed as supercargo on a voyage 
of seven months, and his first letter on his return 
refers to his good health during the entire voyage 
and to his grief at hearing of the death of his brother 
Seth. 

About the middle of 1835 he is fearing a war be- 
tween France and the United States, and says no in- 
surance on vessels can at present be secured. He 
writes a little later, that when he goes to sea again 
he intends to be owner of the ship and cargo. Still 
later in the year, he considered a proposition from 
Mr. David Pingree to go to the Bay of Bengal and, 
locating at Madras, to buy goods, consisting of goat- 
Bkins,-cow and buffalo-hides, cloths and silk goods, 
difl'erent kinds of gums, etc., and ship them to this 
country. December 23, 1835, when about to sail for 
Calcutta, he writes that Mr. Pingree agrees to insure 
his expenses from the time of leaving until his return, 
and to give him a good share of the commissions, and 
adds : " I shall carry with me, in specie and bills on 
London, about fifty thousand dollars, and he is to 
send me more." 

After a voyage of almost five mouths he arrived 
safely in Calcutta, and found the city much more im- 
pressive in its size and splendor than he had antici- 



pated ; to him it seemed " well worthy of the ancient 
appellation, the City of Palaces." 

The thermometer ranged from eighty to eighty-six 
degrees above zero, but in an airy house and with 
plenty of servants, he managed to keep comfortable, 
never going out except in a carriage or palanquin. 
He was much interested in the manner of living made 
necessary by the climate, the superstition of the native 
servants and the beautiful country-seats of English 
noblemen. He found several Americans, agents of 
merchants in the United States, and soon became 
well acquainted with them. When he arrived there 
were four American vessels in the harbor which were 
goon to sail for the United States. 

• The observance of the Sabbath was as strict as could 
be expected among such people, and he was told by 
English gentlemen that our missionaries stood in very 
good repute in India. He soon become absorbed in 
business and enjoyed his new life, the climate thor- 
oughly agreeing with him. The expense of living at 
this time, including servants and table, with house- 
rent, palanquin, etc., he estimated at not more than 
eighty-seven dollars per month. He was much im- 
pressed by the contrast between the condition of the 
rich and poor, the former princely in their living and 
the latter miserable in their poverty, with no possible 
chance of improving their condition. He described 
a visit he made upon invitation of one of the rich 
natives. " It was," he wrote, " a splendid place in all 
respects ; the floors of his house were all of marble, 
and his rooms were furnished in a costly manner. He 
had for natural curiosities four rhinoceroses, which 
were tame and feeding about his house, one elephant, 
one ostrich, one ourang-outang and numerous other 
small animals." The wages of the coolies or laborers 
who, in crowds, were to be found in the bazaars beg- 
ging for work in weighing or transporting goods, 
amounted to nine cents a day. He attended the 
Scotch Church, so called there, and found all the 
churches fitted up so as to be comfortable, each one 
having punkas in all parts of the house. " These are 
machines fitted above the heads of the congregation, 
throwing the air upon them, and answering instead 
of fans." October 18, 1836, he sailed from Calcutta 
to Madras, where he remained less than six months, 
the facilities for business not suiting him. While 
there, however, he made a visit which he believed 
would greatly interest his mother. " Tell her," he 
wrote to his brother, " that there is no doubt but 
what I have stood ujjon the very spot where Saint 
Thomas of old was crucified. It is a small mountain, 
about ten miles from Madras, called Saint Thomas 
Mount, said to have derived its name from the cir- 
cumstances of the crucifixion. The place is made of 
great account by the Roman Catholic Church as a 
place of worship, and they have an old cathedral on 
the pinnacle of ihe mount." He described Madras as 
"crowded to overflowing with the natives ; the streets 
are common thoroughfares for loaded elephajili'. 



HOPKINTON. 



414 k 



camels and the natives riding on bullocks and in 
carriages drawn by bullocks, all of which presents a 
very ludicrous appearance to the eye of one who has 
been in the habit of viewing the clean-swept and 
open streets in the cities of the United States." After 
bis return to Calcutta he availed himself of an oppor- 
tunity to visit the interior of the country, and in 
three months traveled seven hundred and fourteen 
miles on the river Ganges, as far as the celebrated 
city of Benares. In 1839, in response to an inquiry 
of his sister, he gave the following description of his 
manner of life: "I am at present living with an 
American from Philadelphia, each paying one-half of 
all the expenses; our house is comfortable and aiuy, 
built of brick, two stories high, with good verandah, 
one large dining-room, two large sleeping-rooms, one 
>itting-room and other convenient apartments; rent, 
eighty rupees, or forty dollars per month. Our ser- 
vants consist of one head man (native title, khan- 
sumer), who purchases all our daily provisions and 
superintends all concerns about the house ; one cook, 
one butler, one sweeper, two boys to wait upon 
the table, two bearers or servants to do errands and 
have the (charge of our sleeping-rooms and wearing 
apparel. All our servants are males, no females about 
our establishment, and each has his regular daily 
work allotted him. We keep one horse and chaise, 
and every afternoon, about sunset, we ride two or 
three hours upon the strand, a fashionable resort for 
all European ladies and gentlemen. It is a beautiful 
road along the bank of the river Hoogly, commanding 
a tine view of the water on one side and the city on the 
other. One or two hundred carriages usually assemble 
here about one hour before sun.set and drive up and 
down along the river until dark, this being the most 
pleasant recreation we have in this country.'' In the 
latter part of 1889 he went to Singapore, and on his re- 
turn stopped at the island of Penang, where he made 
arrangements to join the firm of Revely & Co. as soon 
as he could close up his business at Calcutta. The 
contract was for two years, with the provision that if 
either partner died, the other was to have full control of 
the business. He thus describes Pulo Penang: "Pen- 
ang is a delightful little island near the coast of Malac- 
ca. All the level land upon the island is cultivated by 
Europeans with nutmegs. These nutmeg orchards 
are inclosed by a green hedge, which makes the 
scenery beautiful, and the high mouutain in the 
centre of the island, with a road winding around it to 
the top (sufficiently good to enable a little Burmese 
pony to carry a man with ease), makes a fine retreat 
in hot weather. The roads about the island are very 
>,'Ood, and every European keeps his carriage and 
lives in the same style as in Calcutta. The climate 
is the most healthy of all India, and much more so 
than that of the United States. I am altogether much 
jileased with the place." He went to Penang early 
in February, 1840, and his only partner, Mr. John 
Kevely, with his family, sailed immediately for Eng- 



land on board the ship " Embassador; " nothing was 
ever afterwards heard of the vessel or any one on 
board. After a sufficient time had elapsed Mr. 
Revely's will was opened and his estate administered 
upon, and from that time the whole business, with its 
cares and profits, came into Mr. Currier's hands. 

During the next few years his life was uneventful, 
except that his business steadily increased, so that he 
constantly had in his care from three to five English, 
French or American vessels. His old friend, David 
Pingree, began to send his vessels to Penang, and 
that business continued to increase until it attained 
to large proportions. 

Upon the increase of his American .shipping busi- 
ness he received the appointment of United States 
consul at Penang, which office he held until his re- 
turn to the United States. 

In the summer ot 1847 he received the sad news of 
his mother's death, and wrote a very tender and ap- 
preciative letter in return. April 8, 1849, he writes a 
bit of interesting news concerning himself, as follows : 
" 1 have just received a present from the king of Den- 
mark of a very valuable gold snuff-box, with the royal 
cipher set in diamonds. It is the most beautiful thing 
I ever saw, and all who have seen it say the same. It 
was presented to me by the king, through his Minister 
of Commerce, as a token of His Majesty's approbation 
of my conduct as agent for his ships engaged here in 
the establishment of a colony at the Nicobar Islands 
during the last three years. The colony is now given 
up and his ships called back to Denmark." 

The following is an exact copy of the paper which 
accompanied the gift : 



I .'ssed hiinself in 
Im-ps with which 
[jiicity of agent to 



"Sir ; In presenting to nie a lep-i t i i ■ 
Nicobar Islands, now given up, ;iii I : 
at IVnang connected with it, Oapt.ii II \ i 
tlif most favorable terms of the /<.il 'I'i ' 
you have rendered valuable services to him 
the ship under his command. 

"Considering the claim which particular zeal in the public service has 
to the attention of the King's Government, I have most humbly sub- 
mitted a proposition to His Majesty, that a token of His august appro- 
bation of your conduct might be conferred upon you, and His Majesty 
has been most graciously pleased to resolve that a gold snuff-box, bearing 
the royal cipher, should be presented to you as a nmrk of the satisfac- 
tion which your exertions in His service have afforded Him. 

" By remitting to you the annexed box, I am happy. Sir, to have an 
opportunity of congratulating you on a distinction so well deserved, and 
expressing to you the feelings with which I appreciate the zeal evinced 
by you in His Majesty's service. 

"Minister of Commerce, Copenhagen, the 16th October, 1848. 



'SCHN 



Phr 



"To C. C. CCKKIER, EsQ'e., CoMiif of the. Vniltd Slates at Penang." 

The royal cipher is mounted upon an oval, elliptical- 
shaped stone, resembling an amethyst, set into the 
gold cover of the box. This stone is about two and a 
half inches long. On the lower portion is a monogram 
containing the letters F and E, with the number VII. 
in the lower part, and above is a diadem. The sur- 
face of the gold cover around the stone is studded 
with fourteen large diamonds, while in the monogram 



414 h 



HISTOKY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and diadem are eighty-six small diamonds. The 
King of Denmark, at this time, was Frederick VII. 

For a period of twelve or fifteen years he wrote in 
almost every letter that in one or two years, he hoped 
to revisit the United States ; but his business was so 
large and so exacting in all respects, that he could 
find no one, for a long time, sufficiently acquainted 
with the details, and at the same time possessing the 
necessary executive ability to carry on the business in 
his absence. Several times he thought he had found 
the right man, but in each case some accident or fail- 
ure in some important requirement prevented his con- 
fiding the important interests to other hands. 

His letters were always cheerful, however, and fre- 
quently, indeed, contained numerous pleasantries. 
After an absence of more than twenty years he com- 
pares himself to Rip Van Winkle, and gives a very 
interesting description of his personal appearance. 

His simplicity of character is seen in his constant 
references to the surroundings of his early days, and 
in his deep interest concerning every member of his 
family and every change in his native town. 

Not a word of impatience, or of unkind criticism 
concerning any one, is to be found in his letters, and 
yet, judging from his oft-repeated anticipations of re- 
visiting his family in his native land, his disappoint- 
ments must have been many. His letters, also, are 
distinguished for their reverent and tender spirit, and 
the impression left by them, individually and collec- 



tively, is that they were written by a man of marked 
nobility of character. 

His anticipation of a return to the United States 
were not realized until the summer of 1859, when 
after suffering several months from asthma, he com- 
pleted arrangements for embarking on board ship to 
London and thence to New York. 

When about to sail he wrote : " I am very anxious 
to be with you as soon as possible. As the time of my 
departure draws near, I feel that every day I am de- 
tained here is encroaching on the time I should spend 
with you." He arrived in New York September 27, 
1859, and proceeded as soon as possible to Hopkinton, 
where he received a cordial greeting on all sides. He 
was much amused on the journey from Concord to 
Hopkinton; by the manifest curiosity with which the 
people aloug the road regarded him. He was obliged 
by his business to be in New York much of the time 
during the winter, but was anticipating much pleasure 
in traveling over the country during the next sum- 
mer. 

Early in March, however, he was taken down with 
the measles in Hopkinton, and after less than a week's 
illness died suddenly on the morning of March 13, 
1860. 

During a very successful business career of a quarter 
of a century, he had accumulated a large property 
which was equally divided among the three surviving 
members of his family, his brother and two sisters. 



HISTORY OF NEWBURY 



BY NATHANIEL C. LEAR. 



CHAPTER I. 

Newbuiiy i.s bounded ou the north by New Lon- 
don, east by Sutton, south by Bradford and west by 
Goshen and Sunapee. Its area is 19,332 acres. Dis- 
tance from Concord, the county -seat, thirty-four miles. 
This town was first settled in 17G2 by Zephaniah 
Clark, in that part of the town now called Chandler- 
ville. Deacon Joseph Chandler being his first neigh- 
bor in town. The township was granted by the Ma- 
sonian proprietors, February, 1772, to John Fisher, of 
Portsmouth, and called Dantzick^ until November 27, 
1778. The population in 1775 was one hundred and 
thirty. 

In 1778, February 8d, the inhabitants of Dantzick 
petitioned the General Court for an incorporation of 
the town. The namesof the petitioners were as follows: 
Joseph Chandler, Charles Emerson, Eliphalet Chand- 
ler, Zephaniah Clark, Ephraim Bradbury, William 
Emery, John Clark, James Muchmore, William Em- 
ery, Jr., Jonas Hastings, Oliver Emerson, George 
Hadlcy, Paul Towle, Samuel Gunnison, Nicholas 
Dodge. 

The act of incorporation was passed November 27, 
1 778, and the town took the name of Fishersfleld 
iVoni John Fisher, above named, and was annexed to 
Hillsborough County. 

Zephaniah Clark was the first town recorder, being 
authorized by the General Court to call the first town- 
meeting, the annual town-meetings being held on the 
third Monday of JIareh until 1803, when they were 
changed to the second Tuesday of March. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 

1778. -The first town-meeting was held in 1778. Jonas Hastings was 
chosen town clerk ; Zeph. Clark and Jonas Hastings, selectmen. 

1770.— On the third Monday in March, 1779, Zeph. Clark, town clerk ; 
Jonas Hastings, Zeph. Clark, Joseph Chandler, selectmen. 

1780. — John Russ, town clerk ; John Lane, Joseph Webster, Cornelius 
Bean, selectmen. At this meeting the town " Voted to work at the high- 
way for fifteen dollars per day each man." At a subsequent meeting 
" Voted to recind the above vote, and voted to work at the highway for 
lifty dollars per day each man." 

a clerk ; Timothy Clement, William Gunnison, 



81.— Paul Towle, toi 
1 Towle, selectmen. 
82.— Paul Towle, town clerk ; John Harve 



, Joseph Webster, Willia 



Dantzick is also said to havt 
* "Histoi-y of Now London.' 

27 



been the origin 



! of New Loniio 



1783.— Paul Towle, town clerk ; Zebulon Getchel, John Cntler, William 
Dodge, Paul Towle, Joseph Webster, selectmen. 

1784.— David Webster, town clerk ; Jonas Hastings, William Dodge, 
Joseph WeT>ster, selectmeD. 

1785.— William Dodge, town clork ; selectmen not changed. William 
Dodge held the office of town clerk to 1704. 

1786.— William Dodge, William Gunnison, Thomas McWilliams, select- 
men; Zephaniah Clark, representative ; the first sent by this town. 

1787. — Jonas Hastings, William Gunnison, William Dodge, select- 

1788.— Jonas Hastings, WiUiam Dodge, Paul Towle, selectmen. 

17S9. — S;uuuel Gunnison, Joseph Webster, David Webster, selectmen. 

17911.— William Dodge, Paul Towle, Joseph Webster, selectmen. Pop- 
ulation in this year was three hundred and thirty-one. 

1791.- Bond Little, William Leach, Joseph Chandler, selectmen. 

1792.— William Dodge, Joseph Webster, Paul Towle, selectmen. 

1793.— John Hogg, Bond Little, Phineas Batchelder, selectmen. 

1794.— Paul Towle, town clerk (Mr. Towle held this office .until 1810, 
being elected annually) ; Joseph Webster, Bond Little, Paul Towle, select- 
men. This year there were eighty-seven persons paying a poll tax to the 

1795.— Paul Towle, Samuel Gunnison, Joseph Webster, selectmen. 
179C.— Timothy Morse, Paul Towle, Joseph Webster, selectmen. 
1797.— Samuel Gunnison, Timothy Morse, Phineas Batchelder, select- 



1798.— John Burns, Paul Towle, Joseph Webster, e 

17!)9.— S;imuel Gunnison, John Burns, Timothy Moi-se, selectmen ; 
John Burns, representative. 

isoo.— Suiiiuel Gunnison, Timothy Morse, Paul Towle, selectmen. In 
this year seventy polls were taxed, 

ISOl.— Paul Towle, Samuel Gunnison, Jonas Hastings, selectmen ; 
John Burns, representative. 

1802. — Paul Towle, William Gunnison, Samuel Gunnison, selectmen. 

1803.— Paul Towle, William Gunnison, John Baker, selectmen ; Samuel 
Gunnison, representative. 

1804.— William Gunnison, William Leach, William Rowe, selcct- 



1805. -Pan 



Towle, Samuel Gunniao 
son, representative. 



Timothy Moi-se, 
Paul Towle, John Baker, John Mortie, selectm 



180G and 1807. 
Enoch Hoy t, representative in 1807. 

ISos.— Paul Tuwle, John Baker, Daniel Cheney, selectmen. From 
17«0tulS0S this town was classed with Perrystown (now Sutton) and 
Bi-atifoid in choosing representatives to the General Court. 

ISiiD.— Paul Towle, William Gunnison, Daniel Cheney, selectmen ; 
Samuel Gunnison, representative. 

1810.— John Baker, town clerk from 1810 to 1815 ; Samuel Gunnison, 
Klijah Peaslee, James Giliiugham, selectmen ; Samuel Gunnison, reprc- 

1811.— Klijah Peaslee, Jacob Carr, Daniel Cheney, selectmen ; Samuel 
Gunnison, representative. 

1812.— Elijah Peaslee, Jacob Carr, William Gunnison, selectmen ; 
Jacuh Carr, representative. Number of polls laxed, one hundred and two. 

At a special meeting in July the town *• Voled ten dollars per month 
in addition to the Soldiers' wages while in actual service." *^ Voted to 
appropriate eight dollars as a bounty to those who have enlisted.'* The 
following are the names of a part of the enlisted men from this town in 
the War of 1812 : Authoruial Cross (lost one arm at Plattaburg, N. Y., 

415 



HISTOllY OF MKllllIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Moses U. Ring, Dftiiiol Morse, Alphous Crous, Ismol Monill, Kdnmnd P. 
Dodge, .Tolin Eaton, Juuatlmn Collins, Samuel Morgan, Obadiuh Wolls, 
John Stevens, AmosKmory, Ilozokiah TliissoU. Total number, eighteen ; 
the nnmes of tho others I am unable to furnish. 

18l3.-^ohn Baker, TaulTowlo, William Uunnison, selectmen ; Samuel 
Gunnison, ropresontative. 

1814.— John BuU.r, P;iiiioI (Jillingham, Jonathan Perkins, solect- 

1816.^ II : I ^MJ liork; Timothy Morse, Daniel Gilling- 

ham, J.'Ti.tn, ,; r^ nni-n ; Timothy Morse, representative. 

1817,_Siiiinii Ay.T «asi-lrrtcdtown clerk and held the office for twenty 
years, until 1837 ; Timothy Moreo, Elijah Peasloo, Simon Ayer, select- 
men ; T. Morse, ropr.^sentative. 

1818.— Timothy Morse, DauiolGillinglmm,Ebono/.or Chase, selectmen; 
T. Morse, roprescntative. 

1819.— Daniel Gillinghiun, Jonathan Perkins, .John llakor, selectmeu ; 
John Bttkor, rt-prfscMilativo. 

1820.^I>nni.I Ciniii-h^im. Klijah Peasluo, Caleb Twiss, solcctmen ; 
Timothy "Mi , i p- m iijvr. Polls taxed this yearwero onehundred 
and t\vt.'iii\ ■■!'■ 1 in'uiti .i;j:ht hundred and seventy-four. 

1821.— I 'nil. 1 <.iihii-ii,iiii, J.ihii Baker, James Gjllingham, selectmen; 
Timothy Mor.-io, rcpr(!S(Mitiitivt>. 

1822.— Elijah Peaslee, Daniel Moree, Simon Ayer, seluctmon ; Elijah 
Poaslee, representative. 

1823.— Elijali Peaslee, Jonathan P. Dodge, John Stevens, selectmen ; 
Elijah Peaslee, reprosontative. 

1824.— Jonathan P. Dodge, Jnmes Gillingham, Cyrus Bailey, solect- 
IBon ; no representative 

1825.— J. P. Dodgo, Cyrus Bailey, Daniel Morse, selectmen ; J. P. 
Dodge, representative. 

1826.— Elijah Peaslee, Joseph Murshuli, Simeon Stevens, selectmen; 
Elijah Peaslee, representative. 

1827.— Jonathan P. Dodgo, Joseph Marshall, Niithan Baker, Jr., select- 
men ; Jonathan P. Dodge, represontative. 

1828— John Baker, Cyrus Bailey, Nathaniel Chandler, selectmen ; 
Israel Putmim, representative. 

1829. — John Baker, Cyrus Bailoy, Joseph Marshall, selectmen ; 
Israel Putnam, reproseuttitive. 

1830. — Nathan Baker, Joseph ManslmlljMosesBly, selectmen ; Ismel 
Putnam, representative ; ono huudi-od and fifty-one jwlls taxed. Popu- 
lation at this timo was seven hundred and ninety-eight. 

1831.- Nathan Baker, Moses Bly, Jeremiah Morse, selectmen; Israel 
Putnam, representative. 

1832.— Jonathan P. Dodge, Jeremiah Moree, Stephen B. Peaslee, select- 
men ; Israel Putnam, representative. 

1833.— Officers the same as previous year except i-epresontative, who 
was Jeremiah Morso. 

1834 — Selectmen same as previous year ; Simeon Stevens, representative. 

183r..— Selectmen the same ; Simoon Stevens, ropreeentutivo. The town 
-voted not to ho annexed to Sullivan County. 

183G.— Jonathan P. Dodge, Moses Eaton, Joseph Farmer, selocttnon ; 
Jeremiah Morso, representative. 

1837.— Ezra Cilloy, town clerk, and held tho office throe years ; select- 
men samoas in 183G; Jonathan P. Dodge, representative. Tho town 
" Votcdto petition the L.^iMlahnv fm- a h.-m nume." " Voted tho name 

bo Madison," but it \\;i- Ini.illv ■ .i Mr l N. vv Ihh \ 

1838.— Jonathan r i' i ' > i ■ > i .;ili Bailey, selectmen ; 
Simeon Stevens, n'i>r> . mi! , , i \-\\u " Voted to make 
town clerk's rogistn m[ 1 I ^ i^ i,, i i, i i ml twenty-one ; najs 



■lectuion ; Simei 



1830. — Daniel Morso, Isaiah Hailey, Natlui 
Slovens, representative. 

1840. — Eli Dodge was elected town clerk ; hold the office thi-ee years ; 
Jonathan P. Dodge, Moses Bly, Jesse Carr, selectmen ; Simeon Stevens, 
representative, 

1841. — Selectmen same as above ; Jacob Gibson, representative. 

1842.— Moses Bly, Jesse Carr, Moody Gillingham, selectmen ; Jacob 
Gibson, representative. 

1843.— Lucas Nelson, town clerk ; Jesse Carr, Paul Sawyer, Cj-rus B. 
Leach, selectmen ; Stephen B. P.asl.-t', r.i.iv^<i.tative. 

1844.— Lucas Nelson, town -i- , i, ii.-niii Mui^^o, Joseph Farmer, 
Joseph Moree, selectmen ; S, i; i i : ni.iiive. 

1845._Arnold Ellis wa« < i : : - , ; iml continued in that 

office for seven years; JeioMndi Mr i. |.ii Morso, S. B. Peaslee, 
sclectnujii ; Jacob Gibson, n^pi.-^rniaiiv.-. 



184G.— John Cutler, Reuben G. Andrew, Giles Bartlott, selwtmeu ; 
Jesse Carr, representative. 

1847. — Officers same as previous year. 

1848.— John Cutler, Eli Dodge, Jesse Carr, stlcctnion ; lt«uben O. 
Andrews, representative. 

1849.— Jesse Carr, Moses Purington, Gilea Bartlott, Beloctmon ; Eli 
Dodge, representative. 

1850.- Bloody Gillingham, Moses Purington, Giles Bartlott, selectmen ; 
Joseph Morse, representative. Population at this time was seven hun- 
dred and thirty-eight, and one hundred and seventy-two paid pull- 

1851.- Moody Gillingham, Eli Dodge, Beiyamiu Chandler, selectmen ; 
Joseph Morse, representative. 

1852.— John W. Moi^, town clerk ; Beiuamiu Chandler, Giles Bjirthtt, 
Curtis Messer, seloctmeu ; Jesse Carr, representative. 

1853.— J. W. Morse, town clerk ; Curtis Mosser, John Cutler, Jamys M. 
Cilloy, seloctmon ; Moses Purington, ropresontativo. 

1854.— J. W. Moi-se. town clork ; EU Dodge, William H. Sawyer, Us- 
man Bailey, selectmen ; Moses Purington, reprosentative. 

18.i5.— Lyman Colburn, town clerk; Osman Bailey, William M. Saw- 
yer. Nathaniel C. Savory, selectmen ; Eli Dodge, representative. 

185G.— Lyman Colburn, town clerk ; 
Dana, Giles Bartlett, selectmen ; Eli Dodgo, i 

1857.— Sprngue A. Morso, town clerk (and holds the office at the pres- 
ent timo, having been elected annually for twenty-eight yeare) ; Silas 
W. Dana, James M. Sawyer, Curtis Messer, selectmen ; Giles Bartlott, 
represontative. 

1858.- J. M. Sawyer, Curtis Messer, Joseph Bean, seloctmeu ; Giles 
Bartlett, representiitive. 

1859.— S. W. Dana, N. C. Savory, Giles Bartlett, selectmen ; Benjamin 
Chandler, representative. 

I860.— K. C. Savory, S. AV. Dana, Giles Bartlett, selectmen : Bi-njamin 
Chandler, representative. 

1861.— BriM:.min Chi.ndh-r. Kzra Cilloy (second), Joshua 11. Blodgett, 



1804.— Ezra Cilley (second), 
seloctmon ; .Siluis W. liana, ro] 

18(i5.- run,-. ^\:- ,1 15, .M 
Nathanirl ( - ■. ■ ^ ■ i ■ ■ :,■ 



I s. W. Dana, Gilps Bartlett, s<?lcctmen ; 

i.l), iiiles Bai-tlett, Joshua H. Blodgott, 8clec^ 

Joshua U. Blodgott, Harvey C. Mortio, 
'prcsentative. 
^^y C. Moree, J. II. Blodgett, seloctmon; 

. > M. Sawyer, Frederick S. Muzzoy, select- 

, Frederick S. Muzzey, Harvey C. Jlorse, 



Curtis MessL-i 
18G9.-S \ 

Jamos M. > i 
1870.— Iwi. 



I Uowe, Benjamin R. Mo 



> ,- >>ii.l:. (lilos Boi-tlett, Edmund P.Dodge, select- 
men; Juhn iv. t.ii)int;iiiiiiii, niiresontative. Population this year wna 
six hundred and ono. 

1871.— Eziu Cilley (second), E. P. Dodge, Betijamin F. Gillinghum, 
selectmen ; James M. Sawyer, representative. 

1872.— Curtis Messer, Bo«jamin F. Gillingham, Kzokiel Barnard, 
selectmen ; Ezra Cilloy (second), ropi-esentativo. 

1873.— Curtis Messer, William H. Sawyer, Carlos F. JJtirtlott, select- 
men ; Ezra Cilley (second), representative. 

1874.— Ezra Cilley (second), William H. Sawyer, C. F. Bartlett, solect- 
uiL'U ; Spiiigue A. Morse, representative. 

ISTo.— Ezra Cilley (second), C. F. Bartlett, B. R. Morse, selectmen; 
Sprague A. Moree, representative. 

1876.- Beiyamiu R. Morse, Daniel M. Perkins, Thomas J. Loach, 
selectmen ; Harvey C. Moi-ae, represeutativL'. 

1877.— All the same officers as 1S7G. 

1878.— Ezra Cilley (second), William Ayer, Milton U. Clark, select- 
men ; Osman Bailey, representative. In November of this year Benja- 
min F. Gillingham was chosen reprosontative. 

1879.— Ezra Cilloy (second), William Ayer, M. H. CTark, 

1S80.— Daniel M. Perkins, C. F. BorUott, Charles C. Messer, 
Frederick S. Muzzoy, representative. Population this year was five hun- 
dred and nijiety. 

1881.— Daniel M. Perkins, C. F. Bartlett, Charles C. Messer, select- 



NEWBURY. 



-Joimthan Havre, 



1883.— Jonatlmn Rowo, 0. J. Blodgott, Wcsloy E. Cillcy, solcctincii. 
1884. — Saiuo ea in 1883 ; Daniel M. Perkina, ri^prewjnttttivo. 
1885.— Ezra Cilley (nocuiidl, Cliarlc8 C. .lIcmcT, licorge J. Mcuscr, 
Bolecliiien. 

War of the RebeDion.— The- town of Nc-whury 
furnished voliiiitetis lor the: War of the Itebellion, 
from 1861 to I860, as follows: 

David CroM, Fiftli Itcgiinent, Now llanipaliirc Volunteers ; destiny un- 



Uoracc Clark, Company F, Eighth Regin 



Sew Uainpshiro Volu 



Fninci« Dodge, Company F, Eighth Bcgiment, New Hampshire Volun 

teers ; died at Ship Island, Louisiana. 
Enoch C. Gillingham, Company F, Eighth Regiment, New Hampsliin 

Volunteers. 
Ira Gillingham, Company F, Eighth Bcgiment, New Hampshire Volun 

teers ; died in La. 
Elbridge F. Smith, Company F, Eighth Regiment, Niw Ilamiishiri 

Volunteers ; died at Ship Island, La. 
George H. Dodge, Company G, Ninth Regiment, N'-w Hampshire Volun- 



Albert B. Creasoy, Company G, Ninth Regiment, New HanijKihirc Volun- 
teers ; died in hospital at l>a. 
Wellman SI. George, Company K, Ninth Regiment, New HampBhirc 



Elijah T. Grace, Company H, Tenth : 



nt, New HamijBhire Volu 



John A. Eaton, Company H, Tenth Regiment, New Ilamiwliire Volun- 
teers ; lieutenant. 

Alfred S. Eaton, Co. H, Tenth Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers. 

David B. Follows, Company F, Eleventh Regiment, Now Hampshire 
Volunteers ; destiny unknown. 

Captain Nathaniel L. Chandler, Company I, Fourteenth Rogiment, New 
Hampshire Voluntoern ; died at Bradford, N. H., in 1804. 

Simeon S. Dodge, Company I, Fourteenth Regiment ; New Hampshire 



Waller F. Cobum, Company I, Fourteenth Regiment, New Hampshire 

Volunteers, 
Jason A. Perkins. Company I, Fourteenth Itegiment, New Ham[jshire 

Mark W. Cheney, Company H, Sixteenth Regiment, New Hampshire 

Volunteers. 
Luke Cheney, Company 11, Sixteenth Regiment, New Hanii>sbiro Volun- 

teere ; died in the army. 
William N. Dunfield, Company II, Sixteenth Regiment, New Hampshire 

Volunteer!), 
Israel Ailama, Co, H, Sixteenth Regiment, Now Hampshire VolnntectB. 

The following is a list of volunteers not residents 
of Newbury to fill the quota of Newbury : 

.lohn Willson, William Brown, Michael Willson, William C. Loeib, 
Michael 0. Brine, William Crawther, George Gray, William Magoon, 
Thomaa Green, James Emery, John Clark, John Raleahn, Calvin Kent, 
John Doneley. 

Substitutes were furnished for conscripts as follows : 

SubgtUuUt. 



Ezra Cilley (second). 


Alfred Elson. 


.\ddi90n Ayer, 


Andrew Tucker 


Page Blake, 


Hugh Murphy. 


Benjamin F, Peasloy, 


James Carroll, 


Virgil C, Brockway, 


WilUam Fayan 


fharlcs Davis. 


David Jackson. 


Austin Goings. 


William Smith, 


Joel liagley. 


John Willson, 


Olradiah C, Bartlett. 


John Griffin, 


Ail«rt S, Baton, 


John Small, 


FredenckS, Mot«. 


Dennis Lynch, 


Joshua H, Blodgett, 


Richard Wall, 


Lemuel C, Twiss, paid commutation 





Substitutes were furnished for enrolled men as fol- 
lows : 

Enrolled Men. SiiMiluteo. 

Richard T. JIuzzey. Il.nry Thomas. 

Lorenzo D. Muzzey. John A. Brocklehank, 

Aurcn Pcasleo, Charles F, Foster, 

Frederick S, Muzzey, John O, Day. 

Alfred H. Nichols. Albert C. Brown. 

Bprague A. Morse. William Spencer. 

Joseph E. Muzzey. Thomas Cummings. 

George W. Blodgett. Henry Mansargh. 

Silas W. Dana, Michael Fanagan, 

The total number, including one paying commuta- 
tion during the late war, from 18(51 to 1865, was fifty- 
eight. 

Churches. — At the present time there is only one 
organized church in town ; that is of the Free- Will 
Baptist denomination. One Union Church edifice at 
Newbury and one at South Newbury. 

Industries.— They are mostly farming. S. L. Lowe 
has a mill for the manufacture of lumber; also the 
Fowler Brothers have a very fine mill, where they 
manufacture all kinds of lumber ; also clothes-pins, 
pail-handles, etc. In the year 1883 they manufactured 
3,640,000 pail-handles; in 1885 they make about 
1,000,000. 

There are three general country stores in town and 
three post-ofiices in town ; Newbury, South Newbury 
andChandlerville are the addresses. The first postmsis- 
ter in town was John Burns; second, Samuel Jones ; 
third, John Straw ; fourth, John Kelley ; fifth, Moses 
Cilley; sixth, Eli Dodge; seventh, Esek. Young; 
eighth, Mary Lear; ninth, N. C. Lear, who is the 
present incumbent. In the year 18-50 the post-office 
was established at South Newbury, with Josiah Morse, 
postmaster; second, John Cutler ; third, Eli Dodge; 
fourth, Darius Kidder ; fifth, Jeremiah Morse ; sixth, 
Mary P. Morse; seventh, Wesley E. Cilley ; eighth, 
F. A. Messer. In 1871 the post-office was established 
at Chandlerville, with Benjamin Chandler postmaster; 
Mr. Chandler is the present postmaster, and is a 
grandson of Deacon Joseph Chandler, who was born 
in 1747 and settled in the town in early life; had a 
family of fourteen children, — seven sons and seven 
daughters, — and educated them in the evenings by the 
light of burning pitch-pine knots. 

The surface of this town is generally hilly, the soil 
hard and rocky. Sunapee Mountain extends through 
the western part of this town, the range running 
nearly north and south. Near the base of the mountain 
the land is well adapted to grazing. This mountain 
is about two thousand .seven hundred feet above tide- 
water. There are no noticeable streams in this town, 
but many small ones that take their rise on the eastern 
slope of the mountain, forming at Bradford a large 
tributarj- of the Warner Branch of the Contoocook 
River. 

Chalk Pond, lying in the northeast part of this town, 
is about one hundred and twenty-five rods long and 
fifty rods wide. It takes its name from being under- 
laid with a very fine quality of white chalk. The 



418 



HISTORY OF MEKRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



waters from this pond run intoSunapee Lake, thence to 
the Connecticut. Todd Pond, in the southeast part 
of the town, is about three hundred rods long and 
ninety rods wide. Gillinghani Pond, in the south part 
of the town, is perhaps seventy-five rods long; and 
last, but not least in note, is a pond nearly on the sum- 
mit of Sunapee Mountain that is sixty rods long by 
thirty rods wide, with clear water and no visible out- 
let except in high water. It is not inhabited by any 
of the finny tribe, as all our other ponds are. 

Sunapee Lake. — This lake lies within the limits of 
the town to the extent of five miles. Its water is pure 
and clear, and it is inhabited by land-lock, salmon, 
trout, black bass, pickerel and many other kinds of 
fish, which afford great pleasure to the tourists dur- 
ing the summer months. There are two steamboats 
plying between Sunapee and Newbury,- — one the "Ed- 
mund Burke," is about eighty-five feet over all and 
eighteen feet beam, rated to carry four hundred per- 
sons ; the other, " Lady Woodsum," which is about 
forty-eight feel long and carries about one hundred 
persons. 

These boats run regular trips between Newbury and 
Sunapee Harbor and other points around the lake, 
connecting with trains at Newbury Station three times 
a day. On leaving the station, the first point or land- 
ing made by the steamers is at Pine Cliff, <me mile 
distant, on the eastern shore of the lake. This place is 
situated on a slight eminence and in a beautiful 
grove, and commands a fine view of the lake for about 
three miles. This is a place of summer resort, and 
some very fine residences have been erected here. 
Among those who occupy their cottages during the 
warm season are Colonel John A. White, of Concord ; 
Charles R. Corning, Esq., of Concord ; James II. 
Chase, of Concord; widow of the late Nathaniel 
White, of Concord; Mrs. B. P. Cunningham, of Bos- 
ton, Mass.; Hon. M. W. Tappan and M. E. Gould, 
Esq., Bradford. 

The next stopping-place is called Rowe's Landing, 
two and one-half miles distant, where N. S. Brockway, 
of Bellows Falls, Vt., occupies his cottage during his 
vacation. This is a very desirable location for camp- 
ing-parties, as it is in close proximity to the best fish- 
ing-grounds and plenty of good spring-water. The 
next place of note is four and one-half miles to Blod- 
gett's Landing. At this place isa hotel with accommoda- 
tions for about one hundred persons, and in connection 
is a large hall used by dancing-parties and for lectures, 
etc. It is situated in a fine grove with an eleva- 
tion of fifteen to twenty-five feet above the surface of 
the lake. There are at this place, beside the buildings 
connected with the hotel, about thirty cottages. 

At this place is held the Sunapee Lake Spiritualist 
Camp-Meeting. The New Hampshire Spiritualist 
Association held here their eighth annual carap- 
meoting, commencing July 25th and ending Septem- 
ber 5th. The meetings had a very large attendance, 
especially on Sundays, as excursion trains were run 



from Concord and from Claremont occasionally. The 
steamers also made regular trips from Sunapee Har- 
bor and Lake View Landing to this place on Sundays 
during camp-meeting. There is a pleasant grove ex- 
tending frcm the hotel to the steamboat wharf, a dis- 
tance of about seven hundred feet, with plank walks 
and fine drive-ways, which makes the situation very 
pleasant. 

The Masonic fraternity hold their annual festivals 
at this place, also Posts No. 10 and 58, G. A. R., and 
two or three other Posts hold their annual reunion 
here, besides Odd-Fellows' picnics and reunion of 
bands, etc. 

Sunapee Mouutain House is situated on the north- 
ern slope of Sunapee Mountain, about two thousand 
feet above sea-level and about six hundred and fifty 
feet above the waters of the Lake Sunapee. The host 
is Nathan S. Johnson, Esq., whose farm contains about 
two hundred and fifty acres of excellent land, and is 
one of the best producing farms in town. The sur- 
rounding scenery is grand and the view of the lake 
the best to be had anywhere, while the near moun- 
tains west, north and east and the cone of Mt. Wash- 
ington are in full view. At Newbury Station, very 
near the steamboat wharf, is the boarding-house of 
Albert A. Durgin. This cottage is new, with all the 
modern improvements in style and finish, and accom- 
modates from six to twelve boarders. 

Several of the farmers of this town, especially in 
the north part, on the eastern shores of the lake, take 
boarders, more or less, during the summer months. 
Among these are Jonathan Rowe, J. H. Farmer, S. W. 
Dana, J. H. Blodgett and others. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JAMKS M. CILLEY. 

Among the early settlers in that portion of Hamp- 
ton, now Seabrook, N. H., in the latter part of the 
seventeenth century (1694), lived Thomas Cilley, the 
emigrant, who married Anne, daughter of John and 
Mary (Bradbury) Stangan. His descendants have 
been marked for their strong qualities, many having 
distinguished themselves in various ways. Among 
these may be mentioned General Joseph Cilley, of 
Revolutionary fame; Bradbury Cilley, member of 
United States Congress; and Jonathan Cilley, also a 
member of Congress, who, in the early battles with 
the slave oligarchy, in 1838, was killed in the historic 
duel with Graves. One of the descendants of Thomas, 
Benoni, was born in Seabrook, and passed his life 
there. He also had descendants, one of whom, Ben- 
jamin, was a native of Seabrook, and married Betsey 
Edmunds, made his home, after marriage, in Weare, 
and here his son, Benjamin, Jr., was born. Benjamin 
Cilley, Jr., married Polly Emerson. She was of good 




^/C^ 




nyoli^/hiy 



t 



NEWBURY. 



419 



stock, descending from the Emerson family, whose 
progenitors came from England and settled in Amer- 
ica at an early date. Some gained distinction in the 
\Var of the Revolution, and the Emersons of every 
generation have been known to the public as individ- 
uals of activity and usefulness. Benjamin came to 
Newbury, N. H., and became an agriculturist. He 
was a sturdy, industrious man, of a healthy physique, 
and lived to the advanced age of ninety -two, and was 
a fair type of the good old New England farmer, now 
almost extinct. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Cilley 
were Stephen, Ezra, Moses, Benjamin, James M. and 
Sally. Of this family, only two survive; Ezra and 
Moses ; they reside in Newbury. 

James M. Cilley, fifth son of Benjamin and Polly 
(Emerson) Cilley, was born in Newbury, N. H., Oc- 
tober 23, 1808. As his father was a farmer, James was 
taught all the practical details of farm-life, and ren- 
dered his father able assistance in his youth, and re- 
mained on the homestead, with the exception of a 
short period, which time he was engaged in teaching- 
He married, December 16, 1835^ Sarah B., daughter 
of Henry and Charlotte (Batchelder) Richardson, of 
<_'orinth, Vt. The Richardson family was among the 
I'arly settlers of Massachusetts, and has numerous de- 
scendants in New England. The name of Batchelder 
is well known in New Hampshire as that of a good 
and honorable family. 

Mr. Cilley always remained on the homestead, and, 
after the death of his father, he continued to be a 
farmer. His health was not robust : nevertheless, he 
was a man of industry and enterprise. The stern vir- 
tues, the rigid frugality and the unflagging industry 
always insisted on in the home-life of the plain farm- 
houses, supplemented by the limited, but intensely 
practical, learning gained in the district school, have 
furnished many generations of men of firm, clear and 
vigorous mind. These men have been a permeating 
force for good through all classes of our population. 
Mr. Cilley was a good representative of this class, a 
man of sound judgment and clear understanding, and 
he took a prominent part in matters pertaining to his 
native town. He held a commission of justice of 
peace for many years, besides serving as selectman 
and in other minor offices; all of the duties were done 
with the fidelity and faithfulness which characterized 
all his acts. He was a zealous and efficient member 
of the Free- Will Baptist Church, and was its clerk for 
over forty years. He was a Republican in politics. 
True to his ancestral instincts, the military also had 
a charm for Mr. Cilley, and he became commander of 
the organization known as the Newbury Rifle Corps 
in the old militia days, thus obtaining the title of 
" Captain." 

In the discharge of all the relative duties of life 
he was governed by a fixed determination to do what 
his conscience should dictate to be right. He died in 
Manchester, N. H., August 14, 1882, in the seventy- 
lonrth year of his age. Mrs. Cilley survives him, 



keeps her residence on the farm where they lived so 
pleasantly for so many years, and contributes this 
tribute to her husband's memory. 



iMOODY GILI.INGUAM. 

The first ancestor of the American branch of the 
Gillingham family was James, who emigrated to 
Salem, Mass., in the latter part of the seventeenth 
century, and May 22, 1692, he married Rebecca, 
daughter of John Bly, of Salem. They had a large 
family of children,— Rebecca, born February 10, 1693; 
Hannah, born July 22, 1694; James, born February 
2, 1696; Benjamin, born September 7, 1697; Martha, 
born January 13, 1699 ; Deborah, born July 28, 1700 ; 
John, born January 19, 1704; Mary, born August 31, 
1705; William, born December 26,1706; Jonathan, 
born October 9, 1709; and David, born December 7, 
1711. 

James, son of James and Rebecca (Bly) Gillingham, 
came to Newbury, N. H., where he settled, and had 
several children. His oldest son, James, was twice 
married, — first, to Polly Little, of Sutton, who had 
three children, James, Daniel and Ruth ; second, 
Betsey Lane, of Newbury. They had fourteen child- 
ren, namely,— John, Huldah, Joseph L., Sally, Madi- 
son, Moody, Sally, Ruth, Soranus, Triphena C, 
Triphosa J., Alzina E., Oliver P. and Bainbridge. 

Moody Gillingham, son of James and Betsey (Lane) 
Gillingham, was born in Newbury, January 21, 1811, 
on the old homestead. Being one of a large family 
of children, he was early accustomed to labor, and for 
the first twenty-five years of his life he was engaged 
in the quiet domestic scenes of agriculture on his 
father's farm. About this time he married Julia, 
daughter of Jeremiah and Marion (Peaslee) Twiss, 
of Newbury. She was born October 4, 1815, and 
died June 11,1869. Thechildrenof Moody and Julia 
(Twiss) Gillingham were, — Charles H., born March 
7, 1843; Albert L., born September 14, 1846; Free- 
man H., born July 26, 1850; Clara I., born March 14, 
1853. Charles H., married Elinda, daughter of John 
and Mary (Marriott) Maud, a native of England. 
They have had five children, — Maud C, Annie E., 
Mary A., Moody and Ralph B. Albert L., married, 
September 29, 1876, Elizabeth, daughter of Robert 
Robertson ; they have one child, Lena M. Freeman 
H., married, October 29, 1877, Annie, daughter of 
Gumming and Caroline (Dowlin) Peirce, (the Peirce 
family is of English descent, and many of its members 
have attained honorable distinction ; Mr. Peirce, al- 
though eighty-four years old, is yet an active man). 
Clara I., married, February 4, 1883, Jesse P., son of 
Prescott and Helen M. (Hanks) Colby. 

After Mr. Gillingham's marriage he left Newbury, 
and went to Warrensburg, N. Y., where he purchased 
a farm and remained for two years, devoting himself 
to its cultivation, when, the death of his father occur- 
ring, he returned to Newbury, and was a resident of 



420 



HISTORY OF 3IE11RIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHUIE. 



the town until his death, October 16, 1882, in the 
seventy-second year of his age. 

Mr. Gillingham's political views were those of the 
Republican party, but he was so universally esteemed 
by his townsmen that, although the town was largely 
Democratic, he was elected selectman, and held the 
office for three years. He was strong, mentally and 
physically, took a deep and intelligent interest in 
public affairs, and exerted a great influence for good 
in the community, and his word and counsels were 
listened to with respect. He was a man of keen and 
quick intellect, of great ability in argument, in which 
he was rarely worsted. 

He was broad and liberal in all his views, and, al- 
though not a member of any religious denomination, 
was favorably inclined toward the Universalist faith. 
From his ancestors, among whom were many good 
men and true, there descended to him many of the 
qualities that go to make up the sum of good citizen- 
ship and true manhood. 



JOSEPH MORSE. 

The name of Morse is one not unknown to the 
public, as many of that family have been prominent 
men of their day, and stood high in the realms of 
science and literature. Nearly a century ago a little 
band of brave-hearted pioneers left their homes in 
Newbury, Mass., and settled in Fisherefield, N. H., 
now known as Newbury. This was in February, 
1795, and the coldest month usually of our New- 
England winters. Among these first settlers were 
the Rev. Timothy and Sally (Farmer) Morse, a worthy 
couple, who have left numerous descendants. They 
had eight children, several of them bejng born in 
Fishersfield, — Susannah B., Moses, Daniel, Joseph, 
Timothy, Stephen, Sally (1st) and Sally (2d). Susan- 
nah married Moses Morse, aud had eleven children ; 
Moses married Betsey Cheney, they had six chil- 
dren ; Daniel married Hannah Gillingham, and was 
a prominent man in Newbury, and their children were 
Almira, Huldah, Sarah J. and Sprague A. ; Timothy 
married Eliza Adams ; Stephen married Lydia Gil- 
lingham, by whom he had six children, three of whom 
survive, namely, David M., Charles M. and Sarah E. ; 
Sally (1st) died in infancy ; Sally (2d) married Ste- 
phen Emerson and had several children. 

Joseph Morse, the third son of Rev. Timothy and 
Sally (Farmer) Morse, was born in Fishersfield, Sep- 
tember 11, 1795, and died November 1, 1871, aged 
seventy-six years. His childhood and early life were 
passed in the home of the pioneer, assisting in the 
sturdy labors of tlie farm, by which he acquired ] 



a healthy physique and well-developed muscular 
strength. He cleared the timber-land, and by hard 
labor brought the rough soil into a good state of culti- 
vation, and built a log-house near where the home- 
stead now stands, which he erected many years after. 

He married Sarah, daughter of William Sargent, of 
a rejnitable New England family. They had six 
children, — Joseph, Jr., Timothy, Harvey C, Mary J. 
(died young), Seth A. and Laura L. 

Joseph, Jr., married Seba A. Thissell; they had 
two children — Sarah C. and Mary J. Timothy mar- 
ried, first, Mary Bly and had two children, one of 
whom is now living, John W.; second, Hannah Peas- 
lee; they have one daughter, Etta. Harvey C. mar- 
ried Helen M., daughter of Stephen Emerson ; their 
children were Sarah L. (deceased), Frank P., Almira 
J., Elmer E. (deceased), Anna G., Page C. (deceased). 
Seth A. married Mary A. Hoag; they have had six 
children — viz., Sarah O., Marshall W., George M., 
Laura V., Lilla B. and Forestall. Laura L. married 
Ezra Cilley (2d) ; their children were Joseph E. 
(deceased), Wesley E., Sarah C. B. (deceased) and 
Almon B. 

Mr. Morse was a man who was much esteemed by 
his townsmen. He was selectman, and represented 
Newbury in the State Legislature two terms, and was 
also a member of the Constitutional Convention in 
1850, which was held for the purpose of amending 
the Constitution of the State. 

Mr. Morse was a man of decidedly positive charac- 
ter, and possessed an unusual degree of pluck, per- 
sistency and push, and usually accomplished what- 
ever he undertook to do. He was a fine-looking man, 
of large stature, weighing over two hundred pounds, 
and of remarkable strength. An old friend of his, 
Jeremiah Morse, says: " No man could hew as much 
timber as Joseph Morse." He was born at a period 
in our country's history when the ])rincipal and the 
best thing to do was to clear the land and bring it in 
subjection, and he did a great work in this way for 
the town. He cut a large amount of timber, and the 
framework of many of the old houses was hewn by 
him. But clearing and tilling of the land and hew- 
ing of timber, while it strengthens and develops the 
physical nature, tends in no way to dwarf the mental 
powers. On the contrary, to have strength to work 
with the brain without injury, we must have a strong, 
healthful body, aud many of the successful sons of the 
old Granite State owe an imperishable debt of grati- 
tude to their pioneer ancestors for the health and 
strength they have inherited. In his strong and useful 
way Mr. Morse contributed much to the town that 
will last, and his descendants are worthily proud of 
his accomiilishments. 



HISTORY OF NEW LONDON. 



BY HOX. J. EVERETT SARGENT. 



CHAPTER I. 

O.v the 2">th of June, 1779, the Great and General 
Court of the State of New Hampshire passed an act 
incorporating the town of New London out of a tract 
(if hind that had previously been known as "Alexan- 
dria Addition." The town, as at first incorporated, 
cimtained much territory that does not now belong to 
it ; and, also, it did not contain considerable territory 
wiiich now constitutes a part of it. 

But although the town was not incorporated until 
1779, it had been inhabited several years previous 
to that, and in giving a historical sketch of the 
town it will be not only interesting, but proper 
and necessary, to go back as far as we can trace 
any step of the white man ; and it would be in- 
teresting also, had we the means of doing so, to go 
even back of that, and to describe what savage tribes, 
what sons of the forest, what race of the red men for- 
merly frequented these hills and mountains, and 
tracked their devious ways through the dense forests 
that then covered these hillsand valleys; who hunted 
their garne in these regions while the woods were yet 
unbroken ; and sailed upon our glassy lakes and 
ponds in their bark canoes, when as yet their waters 
had never mirrored forth the forms or the features 
of any of the race of pale-faces, the descendants of the 
English. But all the facts in relation to these times 
have perished from human memory, and all the tra- 
ditions in regard to former races of men who may 
have once, in the ages of the past, inhabited these re- 
gions, are forgotten and have passed away forever ; 
and we can only draw upon our imaginations to pic- 
ture the races of men, the modes of living, the habits, 
pur-suits and characteristics of the people who may, 
at some distant day in the far past, have lived and 
labored, loved and hated, enjoyed and suffered, in 
these places which we now occupy. 

Indian settlements in this town were far back be- 
fore any white man bad knowledge of these localities. 
The Indian wars were over and the few scattering 
remnants of the race that remained had retired from 
the unequal contest, had ceased their depredations 
and left the State (except perhaps in the extreme 
northerly portion) before this town was settled, and 
we look almost in vain for any trace of them in this 



region. The only name I found anywhere in the 
neighborhood that indicates that the Indians ever 
dwelt here is the name of " Sunapee " Lake. That 
name is unmistakably Indian. It means in plain 
English " Goose," and Sunapee Pond meant simply 
Goose Pond. The theory is that at some time in the 
past this lake was found to be a favorite resting-place 
for the Canadian wild geese, as they migrated from 
the regions of Hudson Bay southward at the approach 
of winter, flying, as they always do, at a great height, 
and, like a well-trained military company, following 
their leader in such a way as to describe the sides of 
a triangle with the angle in front, or, as our farmers 
would familiarly express it, in the shape of a harrow. 

The size of the lake would cause it to be seen from 
a great distance on either side, and thus it would be 
sure to be sought as a place of rest and refreshment 
for a time by the wild geese, as they went southward 
in the autumn and northward in the spring, and we 
infer that the Indians were familiar with this fact, 
and hence the name " Sunapee," — Goose Pond. 

Doubtless the Indians were also familiar with the 
Little Sunapee Pond, in the northwesterly part of the 
town, and Messer's and Clark's or Harvey's Ponds, in 
the southerly part, and crossed the height of land 
and descended to Pleasant Pond, in the northeasterly 
part of the town. But, however that may be, one 
fact remains, which is that New London is the high- 
est land, or furnishes the dividing line between the 
Connecticut and the Merrimack Rivers, and it is said 
there are buildings in town from the roofs of which 
the water descends from one side to the Merrimack 
and from the other side to the Connecticut River. 

I find this account of traces of the Indians in Sut- 
ton, near Kezar's Pond, in the northerly part of the 
town and not far from the line of New London. 
Sutton was then known as Perrystown and was settled 
first in 1767, some eight years before this town was 
settled, and it was stated of the early settlers there, 
that though no Indian was seen by them, yet it 
seemed as though he had just put out his fire and 
gone away as the white man came. His track was 
still plain and visible. On the west bank of Kezar's 
Pond were several acres of land which appeared to 
have been cleared by them of their original forests. 
Here were found several Indian hearths built with 
421 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



stone, with much skill and ingenuity. Here was 
found au Indian burying-place. Gun-barrels and 
arrows have also been found here, and near the pond 
were found stone mortar-pestles and tomahawks. 

It is certain that these regions were once, and 
that not long before the advent of the pale-faces, 
inhabited by the red man ; he hunted his game 
over these hills and encamped and lived on the 
banks of our Great Lake— Sunapee — and of our 
smaller ponds, nestling as they do in beauty among 
our hills. Large numbers of Indian utensils and 
arms have been found by Mr. James M. Pike and 
Mr. Amos Currier in the west part of the town near 
Sunapee Lake, leading us to believe that the Indians 
had a settlement on the border of the lake in that 
neighborhood, and that they had a track or path 
from such settlement down by Harvey's Pond to 
North Sutton, to Kezar's Pond. They also visited 
Little Sunapee Pond and had a settlement in the 
summer season on its easterly shore, and had a track 
or path from thence easterly over the height of land 
to the upper end of Pleasant Pond, where they also 
had another settlement, and where they had cleared 
up the forests on the intervale; and this clearing 
was the first place occupied by the white man in 
that part of the town. They were in the habit of 
hunting in summer all, over our hills, and their 
arrow-heads of stone have been found by General 
McCutchins, by Mr. Nathan Pingree, Mr. Ransom 
Sargent and others, and a few years since Mr. Asa 
Ray plowed up an Indian gouge in the path leading 
from Little Sunapee to Pleasant Pond, which is now 
in possession of Mr. S. D. Messer. 

New London was first settled in 1775, some four 
years before it was incorporated. James Lamb and 
Nathaniel Merrill were the first settlers, and they 
were soon followed, in the same season, by Eliphalet 
Lyon and Ebenezer Hunting. The next year, 1776, 
the first child was born within the limits of the town, 
a son of James Lamb, and they called his name John. 
James Lamb is said to have made the first settlement 
on the farm known as the Ezekiel Knowlton farm. 
It is also related that Moses Trussell came up from 
Hopkinton in 1774, and camped in the wilderness 
and felled several acres of trees on the Morgan farm, 
so-called, adjoining the Knowlton farm ; that he 
burned off" the land and planted it with corn ; that 
in the autumn he returned again to harvest his crop, 
but finding that he had been anticipated by the 
hedge-hogs and other wild animals, he returned to 
Hopkinton, and the next spring, instead of coming 
to New London, he went to Bunker Hill, where he 
lost an arm and did not get back to New London 
until 1804, just thirty years after his first visit. Soon 
after 1775 came also Mr. Samuel Messer, Benjamin 
Eastman, Nathaniel Everett, Nathaniel Cxoodwin, 
Ephraim Guile and John Austin, with Jedediah 
Jewett and Thomas Whittier and others, and in 
March, 1779, these citizens petitioned "the Honor- 



able General Court of the State of New Hampshire, 
then sitting at Exeter," that they might be incorpo- 
rated into a town. 

The following is a copy of the petition : 

" To the Hono" Council and house of Representatives Convened at Exe- 
ter tlie Secont Wednesday of march Next 

"The huDtble Portion of a number of inbabitetants of a Tract of land 
in the State of Newhampshire Known by the name of Alaxandria addi- 
tion or newlondon Sitivat Between old Alaxander and fishers field and 
Parrytown : humbly Sheweth that your Portisherners Labour under a 
Grat Disadvantage Being Joyined to Old Alaxander on the accout of Tax 
Sation the Distance being Seven or Eight miles threw the Woods wharo 
there is no Road, nor Cannot be aney Easley had the Grouud Being so 
KufFand mountanies, and your Portisherners being Wholy Deprived of 
anney Privilege of assessing ower Selves as Selectmen Can be Expected 
in the Sitovation we are in at Present among us Tharefore your Portish- 
erners Prayer is that we may be incorporated into a Town and have the 
Same Privileges that other Towns in this State have your Portiehernei-s 
ar willing Cheeiffiillv t > I'lv w-r r-iniirPorportion of Taxes with aney 
other Town in lii: -i i I' - i i t we are in Capasety to assess ower 
Selves and like \^;- i ; ~ i.. is at Present Laboure under Grat 

Disadvantages* iniu i l.iiiiu and Repairing highways among us, 

as your Portisherner in Duty Bound Doth Ever Pray— 
"January ye 22 : 177S) — 

" Samuel Messer Ephraim Gile 

Nathan Goodwin Jedidiah Jewett 
Noah Kidder Israel Huntting 

James Lam Jacob Hadley 

Ebn' Huntting Nathaniel Stevins. 

Benjo Eastman 

The act of incorporation was as follows : 

" In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy- 



'Sta' 



Ham 



I of Alexandria, i 



"An act to incorporate a place calle 
county of Hillsborough. 

" M'hereas, a petition has been prefered to the General Court in behalf 
of the inhabitauts of a tract of land called .\ddition of Alexandria, in 
the county of Hillsborough, setting forth that they labor under great in- 
conveniences for want of iucoi-poration, and praying that they may be 
incorporated, of which public notice has been given and no objection has 
been given. 

" Bfi i( therefore ettncted by the Council and House of Represenbitives 
in general court assembled, and by authority of the sjune, that there be 
and hereby is a township erected and incorporated by the name of New 
London within the following bounds, viz. : Beginning at the south- 
westerly corner of Alexandria, aforesaid, on the patent line, and running 
on said patent line to Fishersfield Corner in Great Sunapee Pond ; from 
thence east on the northerly side line of Fishersfield four hundred and 
seventy-two rods, to Perryatown Corner; then north, eighty-five de- 
grees east, about four miles to a beech tree marked on Perrystown line ; 
from thence north, thirty-nine degrees east, about sixteen hundred and 
seventy-two rods to a beech tree marked in Alexandria Corner ; from 
thence north, twelve degrees west, to the patent line aforementioned on 
the westerly side of Alexandria. 

" And the inhabitants of said township are hereby erected into a body 
politic and corporate, to have continuance and succession forever, and 
invested with all power, and enfranchised with all the rights, privileges 
and immunities, which any town in the state holds and enjoys, to hold 
to the said inhabitants and their successors forever. 

" Mr. Samuel Messer is hereby authorized to call a meeting of said in- 
habitants, to choose all necssiiry ali.l cusloniary town ulli.fre, giving 
fourteen days' notice of lln- nm.- m.'\ i i i- in.l .i. -un -i mh h m. -tiii}; 

and the officers then cho^^ II i ' ■ ■■ ^ i ■ i k ;...\\er 

of such officers in any otlh I ■ i i.: ■ . .ii,i:ii.iiug 

which shall bo annually hel'i i;i =,Lil ;-\ n 1. i Hi, a iini.,.-- -li ill l.,- on 
the second Tuesday of March forever. 

"State of Now Hampshire. lu the House of Representatives, June 
24th, 1779. The foregoing bill having been read a third time, ^voted 
that it pass to be enacted.' 

".Sent up for concurrence. 
(Signed) 

"John Languun, Speaker. 



NEW LONDON. 



423 



'lu Couucil June 25th, 1779. Thi 
H€d that the same bo enacted.' 
(Signed) 

' Copy examined by E. Tiicmpson, Secretary." 



' M. Ware, Pre. 



Mr. Samuel Messer called a meeting of the free- 
holders and other inhabitants qualified by law to 
vote in town affairs, on Tuesday, the 3d day of 
August, 1779, of which he gave due notice, for the 
following purposes, viz. : 



' Firslltj—To choose a Town Cleric. 
' Secondly — To choose Selectmen. 
■ 27(fi<f??/- To choose a Constable and such other otBcers i 



shall be 



'■ F>>urllili/ — To see what method the town will talve to have roads. 
"Fijthhj — To know what sums of money shall be granted to pay the 
tnwn charges for the present year. 
"Sixthly — To see if the town will vote to hire preaching. 
**Seventhly — To see if the town will hire any school for children." 

In compliance with said warrant, the inhabitants of 
New London met at the dwelling-house of Mr. Samuel 
Messer, at which time was read the copy of the act of 
incorporation of this town, Mr. Messer's power, 
given him by said honorable court, to call said meet- 
ing, after which was read the notification for said 
meeting, of which Mr. Messer was considered as 
moderator, and then proceeded to act on the business 
of the day. 

Town ofiicers chosen by written votes : Ebenezer 
Hunting, town clerk ; Mr. Samuel Messer, Mr. Ben- 
jamin Eastman and Mr. Nathaniel Everett, for select- 
men ; and Mr. Nathaniel Goodwin, for a constable ; 
Mr. Nathaniel Everett, for town treasurer; and Mr. 
Benjamin Guile and Mr. John Austin, for surveyors. 
All of whom were duly sworn. 

" Voted, To choose 



" VoUd, That Mr. Samuel Messer, Mr. Benjamin Eastman and Mr. 
Nathaniel Everett serve as a committee to lay out roads this year. 

'* Voted, That roads be laid out three rods wide. 

" Voted, To purchase the land for said roads. 

** VbUd, That four hundred and fifty pounds be raised for clearing 
roads, and that labor shall be three pounds per day. 

" Voted, That one hundred and eighty pounds be raised to pay town 

" Voted, Kot to hire any preaching this year. 

" Voted, To hire three months' schoohng this year.'' 

The meeting dissolved. 

It will be observed that the act of incorporation of 
this town was pa.ssed about midway during the time 
of the Revolutionary War. The first settlements 
were made in the year 1775, the same year that wit- 
nessed the commencement of the war at Lexington, 
Concord and Bunker Hill. The first child was born 
here in 1776, the year in which, upon the 4th of July, 
the ever-memorable Declaration of American Inde- 
pendence was adopted by the Continental Congress. 
This year was also noted for another event which no 
son of New Hampshire should forget, — that is, that on 
the 5th day of- January of that year a temporary 
constitution was adopted by this State, which was the 
first written Constitution adopted by any of the States 
now constituting the xVmerican Union. Under this 



constitution the State was prosperously governed for 
eight years, and until the new Constitution of 1784 
went into effect. The form of government was not 
much changed by the Constitution of 1776. 

Before that the government of the State consisted 
of a Royal Governor, appointed and commissioned 
by the King of England, with a Council, also ap- 
pointed by the King, and an Assembly elected by the 
people of the several towns in the province. After 
the separation from the mother-country the State 
elected their Council and also their Assembly or 
House of Representatives, and the Council elected 
their presiding oflScer, who acted for the time being 
as Governor; hence the act of incorporation was 
passed by the House of Representatives, then by the 
Council, and was signed by M. Ware, president. 
This was the form of government until the new Con- 
stitution of 1784, when we had a president and an 
advisory Council, with a Senate and House of Rep- 
resentatives, all elected by the people. Meshech 
Ware was president of the Council for the eight years 
that the temporary constitution continued, and one 
year under the new Constitution. It will also be ob- 
served that the town was incorporated some two 
years, nearly, after the Articles of Confederation had 
been adopted by the American Congress, that having 
been done November 15, 1777. 

By examining the boundaries of the town as incor- 
porated, we see that it was of very ample proportions 
as compared with its present size. It began at the 
southwesterly corner of Alexandria, on the patent 
line, etc. Alexandria was formerly much larger than 
it now is ; for, besides several other pieces that have 
been taken oft" from it, the whole township of Dan- 
bury was incorporated June 18, 1795, out of territory 
that before was the southwesterly portion of Alex- 
andria, so that when New London, in 1779, began at 
the southwest corner of Alexandria it would be the 
same now as beginning at the southwest corner of 
Danbury on the patent line. 

But what was this patent Kne ? New Hampshire, 
as it seems, was granted by the Council of Plymouth, 
England, to one John Mason in 1629. This patent 
included the land "from the middle of the Pascataqua 
River, and up the same to the farthest head thereof, 
aud from thence northwestward until sixty miles 
from the mouth of the harbor were finished ; also 
through Merrimack River to the farthest head thereof, 
and so forward up into the land westward, until sixty 
miles were finished; and from thence to cross over- 
land to the end of the sixty miles accounted from 
Pascataqua River, together with all islands within 
five leagues of the coiist." This tract of land was 
called New Hampshire. In 1768 the Masonian pro- 
prietors procured one Robert Fletcher, as a surveyor, 
to run out their territory, claiming that their line 
should be a curve line drawn from the point on the 
south line of the State sixty miles west from the sea- 
coast, to a point on the east line of the State sixty 



424 



HISTORY OF iMERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMI'SHIRK. 



miles north of the sea-coast, in such a way tliat it 
should, at every point, be sixty miles from the coast. 
This claim of Mason, and after him of the Masonian 
proprietors, to this curve line had never been dis- 
puted by the government of England, and so Fletcher 
run the line as requested, starting on the south, on 
the west of the town of Fitzwilliam, and so running 
northerly and northeasterly through Marlow, Sulli- 
van, Goshen, and so on what was afterwards the ' 
northwest line of New London and Wilmot, and 
thence, through Hebron, Plymouth, Camptoin and 
Sandwich, to the town of Conway. This was known 
as the westerly line of the Mason patent, and is hence 
called the patent line. 

So New London, after starting at the corner of 
Alexandria (uow Danbury), on this patent line, was 
to run on this patent line to Fishersfield Corner. Fish- 
ersfield had been incorporated theyear before New Lon- 
don (November 27, 1778), and is bounded on the north- 
west by the same patent line. Its name was changed to 
Newbury in 1837. Then the line of the town runs 
easterly on the north line of Fishersfield to the corner 
of Perrystown (now Sutton), thence on Perrystown 
north line a given number of rods to a marked tree, 
and there turning off and running north, thirty-nine 
degrees east, to Alexandria corner (now Danbury 
south corner), and thence on Alexandria (now Dan- 
bury) to the place of beginning. 

This patent line remained unchanged, though un- 
decided, marking the claim of the Masonian proprie- 
tors, until after the termination of the Revolutionary 
War, in 1783, when, various disputes arising relating 
to the titles to the land, several parties petitioned the 
Legislature to locate and establish this line. Where- 
upon, by an act of 1787, the bound on the south line 
of the State was fixed near the southwest corner of 
Rindge, and thence running a straight line instead of 
a curved line to the bound on the easterly side of the 
State. This line run through Peterborough, Frances- 
town, Hopkinton, Concord, Gilmanton, and so across 
the lake through Ossipee, making a difference here in 
the centre of the line of some thirty miles between 
the two lines. 

Having thus ascertained what was meant by the 
patent line, the next question that arises is. How came 
the territory now known as New London to have been 
called "Alexandria Addition?" or the addition of 
Alexandria? It is so called in the petition of the in- 
habitants for their act of incorporation, and is so des- 
ignated in said act of incorporation. But why was it 
so called? I have looked in vain for an answer to 
that question among all the books of charters and 
acts of incorporation and other records in the office of 
the Secretary of State at Concord, where such records 
should be found. Upon going to the records of the 
town of Alexandria, we found that the town had been 
granted by the Masonian proprietors to Joseph But- 
tcrfield, Jr., and others, March 13, 1767, including 
much of what is now Alexandria and all of Danbury. 



But the conditions upon which this grant was made 
were not performed by the grantees, and so the grant- 
ors, the Masonian proprietors, re-entered upon the 
land, and thus became legally seized and possessed 
again of the lands. 

On the 7th day of July, 1773, the Ma.sonian pro- 
prietors, at a meeting held at Portsmouth, issued a 
new grant of Alexandria, including the same land 
wliicli Ii;h1 l.rrn included in the former grant, to Jo- 
iia- MiiiMi. >l;[Uhew Thornton and others. This grant 
was ill St ri 111. I as bounded on the northwest by Mason's 
patent line. The said Masonian proprietors, at the 
same time, July 7, 1773, voted that there be, and there 
hereby is granted unto the before-named Jona Minot, 
and others, upon the terms, conditions, limitations 
and reservations hereinafter mentioned, 

" VoUd thiit there be, and there hereby is, granted to the 
before-named Jona Minot, and others, upon the ternts, condi- 
tions, limitations and reservations hereinafter mentioned : A 
certain tract of land situated in the connty of Hillsborough and 
Province of New Hampshire, bounded as follows, viz.; beginning at the 
southwesterly ^corner of Alexandria, aforesaid, on the patent line, and 
running on siiid patent line to Fishersfield Corner in Great Sunapee 
Pond ; from thence east on the northerly side line of Fishersfield, 472 
rods, to Perrystown Corner; thence north eighty-five degrees east, 
about four miles, to a beech tree marked on the Perrystown line ; from 
thence north, thirty nine degrees east, about 1672 rods, to a beech tree 
marked in Alexandria Corner; from thence north, 12 degrees west, to the 
patent line aforementioned on the westerly side of 



One of the terms and conditions of the grant was, 
that •' within ninety days from this date the lots of 
said grantees shall be drawn or divided, and a sched- 
ule of the numbers returned to the said grantors within 
that time, witlithe list of the settling lots and the lots 
thereto belonging ; and that said grantees, within said 
ninety days, shall vote an acceptance of both said 
grants, and make a record of such acceptance." 

There was a meeting of the grantees of these lands 
holden at Londonderry September 7, 1773, at which 
it was voted " that the proprietors accept of the grant 
agreeably to the condition of the charter granted to 
them by the proprietors of Mason's patent, bearing 
date July 7th, 1773, which grant includes the town- 
ship called Alexandria, in the county of Grafton, and 
the land called the 'Addition of Alexandria,' lying 
in the county of Hillsborough, both in the Province of 
New Hampshire." 

Here we have the origin of the term Addition of 
Alexandria, \\\\\v.\i addition was bounded precisely as 
the town of New London was when first incorporated. 
We also find that all the lands in the town of New- 
London and much of Wilmot were lotted and drawn 
to the proprietors while it was thus known as the 
Addition of Alexandria, and probably within the 
ninety days after the date of the grant, for the records 
of Alexandria show the drawing of these lots, and 
among the different lots drawn by one Robert McMur- 
phy was lot No. 108, and at the end of his drawing 
it says, " and all the common land adjoining the lot 
108, by Little Sunapee I'ond." The records of the 
proprietors of Alexandria, to whom this addition was 



NEW LONDON. 



425 



also granted, have been destroyed by fire, from 1779, 
the year New London was chartered, down to 1793. 
After this hitter date I find that the Addition is often 
spoken of as the Alexandria Addition, alias New 
Loudon, and a number of meetings of these proprie- 
tors were held in New London, after 1793, at the 
house of Joseph Colby, Esq. 

Thus we see that the lands in New London were 
originally, and are still, held under this grant of the 
Masonian proprietors to Jonas Minot and others, of 
this territory as an addition to the town of Alexan- 
dria, and all the plans of the town are based 
upon that grant, and upon the allotments and 
drawings or purchase of lots under that title. But 
these grants of the territory gave only the title to 
the lands, and did not give any political or municipal 
rights, and hence, when the inhabitants desired to 
act as a body politic, to lay out highways and build 
the same, to elect town officers, to impose taxes for 
town purposes, for schools or for preaching, they 
needed an act of incorporation by the State govern- 
ment, which was obtained in 1779, as has been seen, 
and the town organized and making progress under 
the same. 

I find a difference of opinion in regard to the original 
name of New London. Some say its first name was 
Dantzick, others that it was firet called Heidleburg. 
Which are right ? The earliest w-riter I have been able 
to find on that subject is Dr. Belknap, the author of the 
early history of New Hampshire. In the third volume 
of his history of this State he gives lis a table of statis- 
tics, in which, on page 235, he mentions Fishersfield 
(now Newbury), and says of it " First called Dant- 
zick," and on page 236 he mentions New London, 
and says of it, " First called Heidleburg." He men- 
tions these both as facts that were to his mind well 
authenticated, and concerning which there was no 
dispute or doubt. 

The "New Hampshire Gazetteer" of 1823 (Farmer 
& Moore's) says that Fishersfield was first called 
Dantzick, according to Dr. Belknap, and that New 
London's "first name was Dantzick; Dr. Belknap 
says Heidleburg." But they give us no reasons why 
they differ in opinion from Dr. Belknap in this re- 
gard. Dr. Bouton follows Farmer & Moore and says 
that New London was first called Dantzick, but says 
nothing of Fishersfield. Fogg, in his " Gazetteer," 
says that Newbury (formerly Fishersfield) was orig- 
inally called Dantzick, and says the same of New 
London. No one of them, subsequent to Dr. Belk- 
nap, has given any reason for differing from him, nor 
do they refer us to any books, maps or records to 
substantiate their claim. I have been able to find 
nothing in the office of the Secretary of State bear- 
ing upon the question. In the State Library are 
many maps and charts, which I have consulted. 
Carrigain's Map of New Hampshire, published in 
1816, shows nothing on tliis point, but it shows the 
curve line which was for manv vears claimed as the 



western and northwestern boundary of the Masonian 
grant. Neither does Dr. Belknap's map, in the first 
volume of his history show anything upon the point 
in controversy, while it does show the straight line, 
that was established in 1787 by the Legislature, as 
the northwestern boundary of said Masonian grant. 
Holland's Map of New Hampshire, published in 
London, Eng., in 1784, from a survey made about 
1775, gives us no aid in this matter. 

But I find a large Atlas of Maps in the State Li- 
brary, published in London, Eng., in 1768, in which is 
a map of New Hampshire, which is said to have been 
made from surveys of the State, made by Mitchell 
and Hazzen in 1750. Upon this map we find put 
down Protectworth (now Springfield), Alexandria, 
Heidelburg, Dantzick and Perrystown (now Sutton), 
and judging from that map, and comparing it with 
our modern maps, it would seem to leave no doubt 
that Dr. Belknap is right. Dantzick, on the map, 
covers nearly all the territory now covered by New- 
bury, and extends easterly so as to cover a consider- 
able part of what is now Sutton ; but it does not ex- 
tend farther north than the north line of Newbury 
and Sutton, and Heidleburg lies north of Dantzick, 
and covers very nearly the ground afterwards covered 
by New Loudon. 

I also find another map of New Hampshire in the 
same atlas, prepared by Colonel Joseph Blanch- 
ard and Rev. Samuel Langdon, at Portsmouth, N. H., 
in 1761, and engraved and published in London with 
the rest, in which the curve indicating the claim of 
Mason on the west and northwest is well marked, 
and showing all the towns in the vicinity within that 
curve line, and scarcely anything outside of it, show- 
ing New Chester, Alexandria, Heidleburg, Dantzick, 
Perrystown and other towns around it on the east 
and south ; from all which I am led to the same 
conclusion, as to the location of Heidleburg, as 
before. 

There is one other circumstance which has great 
weight with me. My father was born in Hopkinton 
in 17G8, and removed thence to New London in 1781, 
when thirteen years old, and he was eleven years old 
when the town was incorporated as New London. 
He used to tell me often about his moving to New 
London with his father ; that his father had been 
talking of moving there several years before he did 
go, and that this tract of land was known in Hopkin- 
ton as Heidleburg until the time of its incorporation, 
and that in 1781, when he moved there, the name of 
Heidleburg was quite as frequently applied to it as 
New London, though both were used indiscriminately 
in common conversation ; that Dantzick was the 
name applied to the region round the south end of 
Sunapee Lake, while Heidleburg was to the northeast 
of it. 

The only trouble with these old maps is that Suna- 
pee Lake, being put down without regard to any ac- 
tual survey, is often represented on them as extending 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



much farther south than it should be, as compared 
with the surrounding territory. All the authorities 
agree that Newbury (formerly Fishersfieid) was orig- 
inally called Dantzick ; and I think, upon investiga- 
tion, it is equally well settled that the original name 
of New London was Heidleburg. I have no parti- 
ality for one name more than the other, and have 
only endeavored to get at the truth in this matter. 
I am incliucd to think that the first settlers were 
wise in selecting the plain English name of New 
London in preference to either of them. 



CHAPTER II. 

NEW LONDON— (CojKmKcrf). 

Let us now return to the records of the town and 
see what progress our new municipal corporation 
has been making. They held their meetings an- 
nually for the choice of town officers, and many spe- 
cial meetings were also holden ; one wa;* notified and 
heldFebruary 12, 1781, "tosecwh.il mclliod tlic^ town 
will take to procure a man for tlu' ( '.ntiiicnt:!! Ami) , " 
and it was " Voted, That some man \n_- jir.niinil li>r 
the Continental Army," also that " the selectmen be 
a committee to hire a man for this town to serve in 
the CoDtineutal Army for three years." 

Also, at a meeting held September 24, 1781, " Voted, 
to raise silver money to pay for beef purchased for 
this year, and to pay the soldier hired for this year." 

At the annual town-meeting, held in March, 1782, 
after choosing town officers, etc., they 

" Voted, Twenty bai-d doUivi-s to be raised for towu cluirges. 
*' Voted, To gnmt monoy for school,— twelve hard dullara granted. 
" Voted, Seventy-five dollars for highways ; work to be three shillings 
per day. 

" Voted, To do ^ i i.-.il H,- ^..i, i Mi \iiiliros«, 

preaclier. Chose a : ii|i|.l.v ac- 
cording to ovir piti| ■,, ii . :, , I , ' I M^ made. 

The committee was Nath.Luiii j.\lilii an'i ^h. ^.iiulilI _\li- li. 

" Voted, To join Perryatuwn and l-'ialicralicld, and ijctiliun tlie General 
Court that these towns may be joined in representation." 

We find nothing to show that New London was 
ever classed with Perrystowu and Fishersfieid to send 
a representative, but it was soon classed with Perrys- 
town, which was incorporated as Sutton in the year 
1784, April 13th. 

The town records do not show wlio was jirocured 
as the soldier in the Continental army ; but I find in 
the Adjutant-General's office, among a mass of old 
papers and records, one with the following heading : 
" Return of Soldiers mustered in the years 1781 
and 1782, to fill up the Continental Army, with the 
towns and places they engage for, and time when 
mustered in, for each of whirh a l)ounty of twenty 
pounds was promised by Ihr .■nls .nnl resolves of the 
General Court." 

Upon this paper the names of the <lilTiTeiit lowiir^ 
are entered, with the names of ibc soldiers and (he 



date of their mustering in. Under the heading " New 
London" is the name "Francis Coums, 1781, April 
23." The town is also credited in another place on 
this paper with one man for the year 1781, £00; 
one man for the year 1782, £60; one man for the 
year 1783, £54 12s. We find that the army was dis- 
banded November 3, 1783, our independence having 
been secured by treaty before that time. 

At the annual town-meeting in March, 1783, held 
at the house of Lieutenant Levi Harvey, at the mills 
in said town, said Harvey was chosen moderator, Eben- 
ezer Hunting, town clerk; Samuel Brocklebank, Levi 
Harvey and Ebenezer Hunting, selectmen; Peter 
Sargent, constable; John Morgan and others, sur- 
veyors of highways. " Voted, To concur with the 
Council and House of Representatives for this State 
that the present government be continued in full force 
until the 10th day of June, 1784, according to their 
resolve passed the 27th of February, 1783." 

Our Constitution was adopted only to continue dur- 
ing the war with England. The war had virtually 
ceased in January, 1783, but our State recommended 
th.it the government be continued until the meeting 
ol'llic I.rgislatiire in 1784, when the new Constitution 

took cllrct. 

■' Voted, To Mr. Nathaniel Everett one pound, five 
shillings and six pence, it being for expense in removing 
Mr. Ambrose from New Plymouth to Perrystown;" alsoi 
" Voted that the selectmen give security to Levi Harvey 
for the purchase of land and defending of privileges 
for a mill, according to former bond;" and also, that 
"grinding days this year be Tuesdays and Fridays of 
each week." 

Thus we see that at first the only currency was the 
depreciated Continental money, a pound of which was 
only equal to a shilling in silver, and three of either 
were equal to a bushel of corn or a day's work. 

Peter Sargent, grandfather of Judge Sargent, who 
was first elected constable in 1783, was born in Ames- 
bury, Mass., married Ruth Nichols, of Amesbury or 
Newbury, and removed to Hopkinton, N. H., before 
1760, where he had a large family, and then removed 
to New London with his family in 1781. Most of his 
children settled in New London. 

We find that the Rev. Samuel .Vmbrose, who had 
been living at Plymouth (then called New Plymouth), 
had visited Perrystown in 1781, and preached to them 
a while, and tliat he finally removed there in Feb- 
ruary, 1782, and that he preached to the peoi)lc in 
New London a portion of the time, in connection with 
the people of Sutton, for .several years, the town con- 
tributing something annually towards his support, 
until they were able to settle a minister for themselves. 
It appears, also, that Levi Harvey had built a grist- 
mill at the outlet of Harvey's Pond, being the only 
grist-mill in town, and that two daj's in each week 
were assigned as (/rinding daijs. 

In 17X4, the town" Voted to raise twenty-five dollars 
tor .Mr. .Vnibrosc for his services the year past;" also. 



NEW LONDON. 



427 



" to open a road from Kearsarge Gore to Proctectvvorth^ 
upon the request of the latter place ;" also, " Voted to lay 
out one hundred days' work in opening said road this 
season," and also to "raise ten gallons of rum, on the 
town's cost, for the opening of the road before men- 
tioned." This was the main road from Sutton to 
Springfield, as it used to come up by Esquire Jona- 
than Harvey's, in Sutton, to the Daniel Woodbury 
place, thence over the hill where the meeting-house 
now is, and by Little Sunapee Pond, and thence over 
Addison Hill, as it was termed, to Springfield. 

This year the town first voted for President of the 
State, as the Governor was called, under the new Con- 
stitution of 1784, and they all voted for Colonel Jo- 
siah Bartlett, of Kingston, for President, he having 
twenty-four votes; in 1785, John Langdon, of Ports- 
mouth, had twenty-five votes for President. 

In March, 1786, the town 

*^Voted to build a meeting-honse fifty feot long, and height and width 
iu proportion. 

*^ Voted to set the meeting-house not more than 4(i rods distant from 
the mouth of Hutching' road, so called. 

" Voted, Samuel Messer, Nath'I Good\\in and Samuel Brocklebank a 
conmiittce to pitch the place to set the meeting-house, sell the pews, and 
go forward with the same as far as the money that the pews are sold for 
will forward the building of said meeting-house. 

" Voted to have a burying-yard near where said meeting-house is to 

This meeting was adjourned several times, and the 
committee appointed had located the house and sold 
the pews and provided that those who bought them 
might pay for the same in corn at four shillings and 
rye at five shillings per bushel. 

" Voted to raise twenty dollars for preaching this year, and that Levj 
Harvey see the same expended, and that the selectmen should settle with 
Mr. Ambrose and pay any balance due him for preaching out of the 

In these votes of 1786 originated the old meeting- 
house (which was located on the ground which now 
constitutes the southerly part of the cemetery) and 
also the burying-ground which adjoined it, and which 
has since been enlarged and improved. The Hutch- 
ins road, referred to in the location of the meeting- 
house, was the road that led across from the four 
corners to the other road on which the cemetery is 
now located. 

In this year, also, 1786, a census was ordered by the 
Legislature of the State, by a resolution passed March 
3d. New London re.sponded to this call, which is the 
first census of the inhabitants of the town. The re- 
turn is as follows : 

The number of inhabitants of New London in 1786 
is as follows : 

" Males 21 years of age and upwards 4G 

Males under 21 years of i^e 00 

Females 18 years of age and upwards 46 

Females under 18 yeanj of age 01 

Total "210 

" The above is a true account, as witness o\ur hands. 

"Levi Harvey, "l Selectmen 
"John Adams, S- for 

" John Morgan, J Xew London. 
*'New London, June 5, 1780." 



In 1787, at the request of many of the people who 
had come here from Attleborough, Mass., and 
had there known Elder Seamans, he visited New 
London and preached here Juno 24, 1787. That 
autumn the town 



" Voted To give Elder Seanmns a call to settle in this town as a minis- 
ter of the gospel. 

" Viitvd To give him forty pounds yearly as a salary, three pounds in 
cash and thirty-seven pounds in labor and grain and other produce that 
he may want, all to be paid at the common price, and all ministerial 
privileges in town except one half the i 



In February, 1788, Elder Seamans visited New 
Loudon again and spent some two months there in 
preaching from house to house and in visiting the 
people, and it seems that he concluded to accept the 
call, for in March of that year the town instructed a 
committee to engage Mr. Seamans' salary to him ; 
that in paying the part to be paid in corn and grain, 
corn should be reckoned at three shillings and rye at 
four, and 

" Voted To remove Mr. Seamans' family from Attleborough to New 
London on the cost of the town, and that his salary begin on the 24th 
day of February last and that the selectmen do forward the moving of 
Mr. Seamans' family." 

On the 20th day of June of that year the arrange- 
ments for moving had been completed, and he started 
with his family for New London, where he arrived 
July 1st, and as he says in his diary " went into a very 
poor house of Mr. James Brocklebank." 

He commenced his labors at once, working on his 
farm through the week and preaching on Sunday ; he 
studied his sermons while engaged in manual labor. 

A church of eleven members was formed October 
23, 1788, over which he acted as pastor, and on the 
25th day of November of the same year, at a town- 
meeting called for the first time at the meeting-house, 
the town voted to unite with the church in the call 
they had given Mr. Seamans, and arrangements were 
made for his reinstallment as pastor of the church and 
minister of the town. At this town-meeting the town 
also elected singers to sing at their public religious 
meetings, as follows : 

" Voted, For singers, Ebenezer Hunting, Lieutenant 
Samuel Messer, Nathaniel Fales, Asa Burpee, Moses 
Hill, Jonathan Adams and Captain Samuel Brockle- 
bank." The time for the reinstalment was fixed for 
the 21st of January, 1789. 

On the 13th of December, 1788, Elder Seamans 
gave his final answer to the town, approving of their 
arrangements and consenting to the reinstallment as 
proposed, and the same came off, with all proper cer- 
emonies, on the day appointed. Mr. Ebenezer Hun- 
ting had been elected by the church as deacon Janu- 
ary 8, 1789. 

At the reinstallment of Mr. Seamans, on January 
21st, the exercises were held in the meeting-house, on 
which occasion Eev. Amos Wood, of Weare, preaclied 
the sermon; Rev. Thomas Baldwin, of Canaan, gave 
the charge to the candidate ; and Rev. Samuel Am- 
brose, of Sutton, announced the fellowship of the 



428 



HISTORY OF MERKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



churches. On the next Sunday, January 25th, the 
church and their new pastor had their first commu- 
nion season together. 

The meeting-house in which these exercises were 
held was only partly finished, being without pews or 
seats (except such as were extemporized for the occa- 
sion) and mostly without floors, but there was a large 
gathering of the people, and everything passed off in 
a satisfactory manner. 

In 1790 the census taken in the State shows that 
New London had three hundred and eleven inhabi- 
tants, — a gain of ninety-two in four years. I find the 
first mention made of Joseph Colby, as a citizen of 
New London, in March, 1788, when he was elected as 
a surveyor of highways. In 1792 the town voted 
against adopting the amendments to the Constitution 
proposed by the convention of that year, seventeen 
votes being recorded in the negative and none in the 
aflSrmative. 

The church, which commenced with eleven mem- 
bers, October 23, 1788, had gained but seven members 
up to 1792, consisting then of eighteen members, and 
there were then about fifty families in town. An ex- 
tensive revival broke out that year under the preach- 
ing of Elder Seamans, and in that year there were 
about fifty conversions, and the work continued through 
the years 1793 and 1794, so that in the last year the 
members of the church had increased to one hundred 
and fifteen, the additions having been made from all 
classes and of all ages, from seventy down to eight or 
ten, and, what was quite remarkable, there were thirty- 
seven men who, with their wives, were members of 
the church, — the united heads of thirty-seven out of 
the fifty families in town. 

In 1795 they had got their meeting-house so far 
completed that the town voted to hold their meetings 
in it for the future. They had but recently built the 
pulpit and got the floors laid in the porches above and 
below, but it was only partially glazed and not painted 
at all, and the singing-pew, as they called it, was not 
completed, nor was the house finished without or 
within. During this year, also, the town appointed a 
committee to confer with Elder Seamans, and see 
upon what terras he would give up the bond he held 
from the town, to ensure his annual salary. The town 
had already got in arrears, and were largely indebted 
to him, and they evidently desired to close up their 
contract with him as a town, and leave it for the 
church and for voluntary contributions to supply his 
salary. The committee waited upon the elder, and 
he, after due consideration, made the town a proposi- 
tion in writing, giving them a choice of three alterna- 
tives, as follows: 

"1st. Tliiit In- r--coive a dismission from hia pastoral uud ministerial 
oiii. Ill )mii 1, iiii (own, together with such a rocommondatiou aa he 
'i 'I . Ill Attleborough ; that his salary should cease from 

til I : mission, and he to give up said bond when Ilia sahiry 

nlii.ulij \jf p.iiil >i^> tu such dismission, 

" ^d. Th« church and town should wholly surrender, give up and re- 
linquish his ministerial services in church and town, and he would sur- 



render, give up and relinquish his salary, so that it shall be a matter of 
judgment and conscience between them, he to serve them as much in the 
work of the ministry as his judgment and conscience should dictate, and 
they on their part to communicate of their temporal good things toward 
the support of himself and his family, as much as their judgment and 
cuuscieuce should dictate to them, and that, too, in such a way as they 

"3d. But if neither of these offers Bliould prove satisfactory, then he 
requests the town to unite with him in calling a mutual council to look 
into any matters of dissatisfaction between IIkmii on i.'illR-r sidi-, iiud de- 
cide upon the whole whether it was not bett I i ', in i i , .n. i i-i iliiui 
to give him such a dismission and recoranii II I I i n, niiniu-.l ; 

and if such council should bo in favor of snr! I ,, iliiiihrv 

should also settle the conditions, afterbeingiiil III .1 i.hii ili i..\\iil,;id 
done for him, and of hiii services in return, wli''tlii_-r the tuwn should pay 
him hissalaiy in part or in full or give him something more, or whether 
he should relinquish his salary, which shall be then due either in part or 
in whole, or shall give the town something more, for reasons which to 
the council may appear." 

It was very evident that it was of no use to seek a 
controversy with a man who was so willing to settle 
in any way, and the towu, by vote, accepted of his 
second offer, by which the town gave up all claim to 
his ministerial services and he gave up all legal claim 
to his salary, and after that his support was derived 
mainly from the church and from voluntary contribu- 
tions. The town at the same time voted not to unite 
with him in calling a council. 

In 1797 they also voted that those inhabitants of 
the town that do not belong to the Baptist Society, so 
called, have a right to invite preachers of the gospel 
into the meeting-house to preach such part of the time 
as shall be in proportion to the interest they own in 
the meeting-house, and this was so voted for several 
years. Almost every year there was an article in the 
warrant to see about finishing the singing-pew or to 
see about finishing ofl!' the meeting-house, but there 
seemed a great reluctance to complete the house, and 
the town refused to act. 

Thus we come down to the year 1800, the close of 
the eighteenth century. By the census of that year 
it appears thatNew London then had six hundred and 
seventeen inhabitants, having gonefrom three hundred 
and eleven to six hundred and seventeen in ten years. 
But while they had been thus prosperous in that par- 
ticular, their meeting-house was still unfinished. It 
was only partially glazed, the gallery was not comple- 
ted, the singing-pew was not built, nor was it plastered 
or painted at all. A controversy between Levi Har- 
vey and the town had arisen about his mills, which 
was still undisposed of, and many were the articles in 
the warrants for town-meetings, and many were the 
spcrial iiiwii-iiiertings called to consider and act upon 
llicsi. i\Mi -uliji'i-ts, but the town never seemed ready 
t(/ liIli^ll uiihii the meeting-house or this controversy. 

Captain J ohn Mason, of London, to whom the grant 
ot New Hampshire was made in 1629, as we have 
seen, died in 1635, and his heirs held and tried to en- 
force his claims to the land till about 1692, when they 
sold and conveyed the same to one Samuel Allen, of 
the same London, who came to this country to enforce 
his claims. But Allen died in 1705, and the lands de- 
scended to his heirs, who prosecuted his claims vigo- 



NEW LOiNDON. 



429 



rously for a time, until the heirs of Mason found 
some defect, either real or pretended, in Allen's title 
to the lands, and set up a claim to them for them- 
selves. 

One John Tufton Mason, a descendant of Captain 
John, the first grantee, came to this country, claiming 
to own the Masonian patent, and sold his rights to 
certain parties in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, 
and conveyed to them by deed in 1746. The names 
of these purchasers were as follows: Theodore Atkin- 
son, Mark H. Wentworth, Richard Wibird, John 
Wentworth (son of the Governor), George Jaffrey, Na- 
thaniel Meserve, Thomas Packer, Thomas Walling- 
ford, Jothara Odiorne, Joshua Pierce, Samuel Moore 
and John Moflat. Atkinson had three-fifteenths, M. 
H. Wentworth had two-fifteenths and all the rest one- 
fifteenth each. These men were afterwards known as 
the Masonian proprietors. 

The persons to whom they granted the town of Al- 
exandria and also the Addition were as follows : Jonas 
Minot, of Concord, in the county of Middlesex, gen- 
tleman ; Jonathan Bagley, Esq., and William Bailey, 
gentleman, both of Amesbury, in the county of Essex 
and all in the province of Massachusetts Bay ; 
Matthew Thornton, Esq., and Kobert McMurphy, 
gentlemen, both of Londonderry ; JohnTalford, Esq., 
and William Talford, gentlemen, both of Chester; and 
Daniel Eindge, of Portsmouth, all in the county of 
Rockingham and province of New Hampshire; and 
Joshua Talford, of New Chester, in the county of 
Grafton, and province last mentioned, husbandman. 

In the deed of the Addition of Alexandria the 
original grantors, the Masonian proprietors reserved 
one-third part of said laud to themselves, their heirs 
and assigns forever ; one-half of the balance, or one- 
third of the whole, was conveyed to said Minot; and 
the other half of the balance, or third of the whole, 
was conveyed to the remaining gran teesin the following 
proportions, viz. : To Matthew Thornton, twelve forty- 
ninths; to said J. Bagley, five forty-ninths ; to the 
-aid W. Bailey, five forty-ninths; to the said John 
lalford, seven forty-ninths and one-third ; to the said 
^\'illiam Talford, eight forty-ninths and one-third ; to 
-aid Robert McMurphy, eight forty-ninths and one- 
tliird; to the said Daniel Rindge, two forty-ninths ; 
anil to the said Joshua Talford, one forty-ninth. The 
uiantto said William Bailey was conditional upon 
his accepting the rights granted him in the new char- 
ier of the town of Alexandria in full for his claims 
under the old charter, which he refused to accept, and 
therefore he drew no lots in the Addition, which was 
afterwards New London. 

The addition was surveyed and laid out in one 
hundred and thirty-seven lots of one hundred and 
fifty acres each. Certain lots were reserved for schools, 
for the first settled minister, etc. There were reserved 
for the Masoniau proprietors forty-five lots and two 
fractions ; and drawn to Captain Joseph Minot, forty- 
tliur lots and two fractions; to Colonel Matthew 



Thornton, ten lots and a fraction; to Robert McMur- 
phy, seven lots and two fractions ; to Deacon William 
Talford, seven lots and a fraction ; to Major John 
Talford, six lots and a fraction ; to Jonathan Bagley, 
Esq., five lots and a fraction ; to Hon. Daniel 
Rindge, two lots; and to Joshua Talford, Esq., one 
lot. 

These lots were diawn 8eptomber 7, 1773. I have 
a plan of the drawing, with the numbers of the lots 
drawn to each owner. 

Having gone along in the order of time for the first 
twenty-one years' of the town's history, up to the year 
1800, let us now go forward for a simiUir period of 
twenty-one years, to the year 1821, and there make a 
stand and from that stand-point look back over the space 
of time, — that second period of twenty-one years of the 
town's history. Let us select our time now with some 
particularity — well, suppose we call it the 9th day of 
September, 1821. It is one of the earliest days that I 
can remember, and, yet, though I was then only five 
years of age, I shall never forget it. The day was 
Sunday. The morning was bright and sunny. The 
air was soft and balmy. The day was hot, and espe- 
cially in the allernoon was still and sultry. About five 
o'clock there were signs of a thunder-shower: dark 
clouds gathered in the west and soon overcast the 
sky. The stillness that precedes the storm was soon 
interrupted by the mutterings of the distant thunder, 
the clouds grew darker and blacker, until presently a 
strauge commotion was seen among them in the west ; 
vivid lightnings light up the dark and angry masses, 
the roaring of the distant tornado is heard as it ap- 
proaches, and anon the most terrible whirlwind ever 
known in the State burst upon the terror-stricken in- 
habitants of New London. 

I gather the following facts from a description of 
the great whirlwind of 1821, as found in the " Collec- 
tions of the New Hampshire Historical Society," 
volume 1, page 241. The whirlwind entered the State 
in Cornish, and moving easterly through Croyden, 
demolished the house and barn of Deacon Cooper, 
thence through Wendell (now Sunapee) to near Sun- 
apee Lake, where it blew to pieces the house, barn 
and out-buildings of Harvey Huntoon, destroying 
and blowing away all the furniture and other property 
in his house and the contents of his barns and other 
buildings, and blowing an infant nearly a year old, 
that was lying on a bed in the house, away into the 
lake, where the mangled body was found the next 
Wednesday, on the opposite side of the lake, and the 
feather-bed on which the child was sleeping was found 
in Andover by a Mr. Durgin and restored to Mr. Hun- 
toon. A horse was blown up a hill a distance of forty 
rods, and so injured that it was necessary to kill him. 
No human lives were lost in that town except the 
child, though the other seven members of Mr. Hun- 
toon's household were injured, and some of them very 
severely. From Wendell the hurricane passed across 
Lake Sunapee in a most terrific manner, assuming the 



430 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



form of an inverted pyramid in motion, and drawing 
up into its bosom vast quantities of water. Its appear- 
ance on tlie lake was in the liighest degree sublime 
and terrible : apparently about twenty rods in diame- 
ter at the surface of the water, it expanded on each 
side towards the heavens, its vast body as dark as 
midnight, but occasionally illuminated by the most 
vivid flashes of lightning. 

From the lake it passed into New London and 
through the southerly part of the town, destroying 
property to the estimated value of nine thousand 
or ten thousand dollars. But fortunately no per- 
son in the town was killed. The house and other 
buildings of John Davis, standing directly in the path 
of the tornado, were entirely demolished. Not a tim- 
ber nor a board was left upon the ground where the 
house had stood, and not a brick in the chimney re- 
mained unmoved. A huge hearth-stone weighing 
some seven or eight hundred pounds, was removed 
from its bed aud turned up on one edge ; all the fur- 
niture of the house, beds, bedding and clothing was 
swept away, and not the value of five dollars of it was 
ever found. The family chanced to be absent from 
the house. Three barns belonging to Josiah Davis, 
with their contents, were blown entirely away, and 
his house much shattered and damaged. A house be- 
longing to Jonathan Herrick was unroofed, the win- 
dows broken out and much furniture and clothing 
blown away, but fortunately none of the family were 
injured. A new two-story house frame, nearly cov- 
ered, belonging to Nathan Herrick, and two barns, 
were blown down. A house and barn of Asa Gage 
were unroofed, and two sheds carried away. Anthony 
Sargent had one barn demolished, another unroofed 
and two sheds blown away. Deacon Peter Sargent 
had a barn blown down, another unroofed and a shed 
blown away. A barn of J. P. Sabin was torn to 
pieces ; another barn of Levi Harvey was blown to 
pieces, his saw-mill demolished and some twelve 
thousand feet of boards in the mill-yard carried away ; 
his grist-mill was moved some distance whole, and was 
left standing on dry land, and a hog-house, containing 
a hog weighing from three to four hundred pounds, 
was carried away whole several rods and dropped on 
thetop of astonewall,where it fell into fragments, and 
the hog, released from his prison, walked away unhurt. 
A pair of cart-wheels, strongly bound with iron and 
nearly new, with the spire and axle, w-ere carried ten 
rods, the spire broken off in the middle, all the spokes 
but two broken out of one wheel and more than half 
out of the other. All the trees in an orchard of one 
hundred, without a single exception, were prostrated, 
and one-half of them were wrenched up by the roots 
and carried entirely away, root and branch. The trunk 
of one of these trees, divested of its principal roots 
and branches, was found half a mile distant and at 
the top of a long hill ; near the top of this hill was 
an excavation some forty feet long, and in places two 
to three feet deep, partly filled with mangled boards 



and broken timbers, apparently made by the peri)en- 
dicular fall of the side of a barn, which must have 
been blown whole at least eighty rods. 

The track or path of the whirlwind in New Lon- 
don was some four miles long, and varied in width 
from one-fourth to one-half a mile, as the column 
rose and fell, and passed off upon the north side of 
Kearsarge Mountain. In passing, it seemed to hug 
to the mountain, so that its course was changed more 
to the south, and it passed down the mountain on the 
easterly side into the Gore, touching a corner of Sal- 
isbury, and into Warner, and finally terminated in 
the woods of Boscawen. A great amount of property, 
many buildings and several lives were destroyed in 
the Gore and in Warner. 

The track of the whirlwind is thus described : " It 
appeared as if a rushing torrent had been pouring 
down for many days; the dwellings, buildings, fences 
and trees were all swept off in its course. The earth 
was torn up in places, the grass withered, and nothing 
fresh or living was to be seen in the path of the desola- 
tion." It is difficult for us to conceive the horrors of 
that instant — for it was but an instant — when horses, 
barns, trees, fences, fowls and other movable objects 
were all lifted from the earth into the bosom of the 
whirlwind, and anon dashed into a thousand pieces. 
Probably no event has occurred in this town during 
the hundred years of its existence that was so well 
calculated to teach man his utter impotence, and to 
impress upon his mind the awful sublimity, the terri- 
ble grandeur of the scene, where the hand of Omnip- 
otence, even for a moment, displays its power, as the 
great whirlwind of September 9, 1821. 

Let us now look back and briefly review the events 
that have occurred since the year 1800. June 9, 
1801, the Social Library wafe incorporated, which had 
about one hundred volumes of very valuable books. 

The library was kept at the house of Josiah Brown, 
Esq. I recollect that from about the year 1825 to 
1833 I obtained most of my reading-matter from this 
library, and found it very profitable and interesting. 
Whether this institution yet remains I do not know. 
In 1803 the town first had the necessary number of 
ratable polls to entitle it to send a representative 
alone, and Joseph Colby, Esq., was elected as the first 
representative of the town, and he was re-elected 
every year until 1816. 

In 1817 there was a political revolution in the 
town, and everything was changed. Daniel Wood- 
bury, Esq., was the moderator, first selectman and 
representative for that and several succeeding years ; 
and the dominant party held a celebration over their 
victory in the spring of 1817, at which, as I am in- 
formed, the liberty-pole wiis erected, which used to 
stand in front of the old meeting-house, around 
which the people in the olden time used to congre- 
gate and spend their intermissions between the fore- 
noon and afternoon services on Sunday. My first 
recollections of attending church are associated with 



NEW LONDON. 



431 



hearing Elder Seamans preach and Elder Ambrose 
pray ; of riding to church in the wagon with father 
and mother, — standing up behind and holding on to 
the back of the seat in order to preserve my perpen- 
dicular equilibrium. This I did until, growing 
older, I preferred to walk rather than to ride in that 
way. It was the fashion in those days for the whole 
family to go to church as soon as the children were 
large enough to be carried. 

In 1804 a committee was appointed to cause an ac- 
curate survey of the town to be made. This was in 
pursuance of a law requiring each town in the State 
to make a plan of the same and return it to the Sec- 
retary of State, with a view to the making of a State 
map, which was afterward published by Philip Carri- 
gain. This committee consisted of Green French, 
Levi Harvey, Jr., and Anthony Sargent. 

The meeting-house was still asubject of contention. 
Articles were frequently inserted in the warrants for 
town-meeting to see if the town would vote to finish 
glazing the house, or to plaster the house, or to 
paint the house, or to finish ofi' the house, but 
the town uniformly voted in the negative upon 
them all. Probably some of this work was done 
by voluntary .subscri])tion or contributions, and 
the house was occupied for all purposes. Finally, in 
1818, at a special meeting holden for that purpose, 
June 1st, it was voted to raise three hundred dollars 
for the purpose of repairing and finishing the outside 
of the meeting-house in this town, and Joseph Colby, 
Esq., was appointed, as agent of the town, to see to 
repairing and finishing the outside of the meeting- 
house, and I find no further articles in the warrants 
for their town-meetings relating to finishing the 
meeting-house. Thus, the house which was com- 
menced in 1786 was finished in 1818, having been 
thirty-two years in building. 

The controversy concerning Levi Harvey's mill 
privilege and flowage rights arose in this way : Away 
back in 1780 an article was inserted in the warrant to 
see if the town would adopt any method to build 
mills in said town, but the vote was that as a town 
they could not do anything as to building mills. But 
it seems that some individuals gave said Harvey a 
bond that they would purchase the land on which he was 
to set the mill, and would defend him against claims 
for flowage by the owners of land around and above his 
mill-pond,if he would erect a saw and grist-mill upon 
a certain lot of land owned by some absent propri- 
etor; and in 1783 the town, at their annual meeting, 
voted to clear those men that were bound in a bond 
to Levi Harvey to purchase land and for defending 
of privileges, as mentioned in said bond ; also, that 
the present selectmen be empowered to give security 
to said Harvey for the purchase of land and the de- 
fending of privileges as mentioned in the former 
bond. The selectmen for that year were Samuel 
Brocklebank, Levi Harvey and Ebenezer Hunting. 
In compliance with this vote of March, 1783, said 



Brocklebank and Hunting gave to said Ilarvey a bond 
conditioned like the previous one, and the former 
bond was canceled. The mill and the dam were 
built and everything went ou smoothly for several 
years. 

But after a time a controversy arose about the land 
where the mill was located, and the owners of lots 
above the mill began to claim damages for flowage by 
the dam, and Harvey appealed to the town, and 
Brocklebank and Hunting also claimed to have the 
town act in the premises, but the town declined, and, 
upouone excuse and another, refused to act. In 1802 
the town appointed a committee to act in the prem- 
ises and to make a final settlement between said 
Harvey and the town; but in 1804 they again voted 
to let the matter take its due course in law. An ar- 
ticle was inserted in the annual warrants for town- 
meetings on this subject, and special meetings were 
called to act upon it, but the town would not act. 

Finally, suits were brought by the parties aggrieved 
against Harvey, as of course they must be, and dam- 
ages recovered against him for flowage by the owners 
of lands above his mill and by the claimant of the 
land where his mill was located. These damages 
were collected of Harvey, and then he called on his 
bondsmen. Hunting and Brocklebank, to respond. 
They called on the town, but the town was still deaf 
to the call ; so, after various town-meetings, Harvey 
sued Hunting and Brocklebank on their bond. The 
town still refusing to come to their rescue, they 
defended themselves as best they could in the 
suit, but were finally beaten and a judgment recov- 
ered against them for the whole amount that Harvey 
had been obliged to pay. Then there were more 
town-meetings, but the town was still persistent in 
doing nothing. 

Probably in the mean time Brocklebank had be- 
come irresponsible, and as Hunting was good, 
Harvey at length arrested Deacon Hunting and 
lodged him safely in jail for the non-paymeni of the 
debt. Hunting was stubborn, and Harvey was reso- 
lute ; so Hunting laid in jail over a year; but finding 
that Harvey would not yield, he finally paid the 
money and went home to his family. Then he called 
on the town, and the town refusing to act, he brought 
his suit against the town, and then more town-meet- 
ings followed ; out the suit went along, and the town 
in the end was beaten, as it deserved to be, aud a 
judgment was recovered against the town. 

On the 24th day of May, 1808, a special meeting 
was called on that matter, and the town "' Vofed, that 
there be assessed upon the polls and estate in this 
town, aud that part of Wilmot which was taken from 
this town in June last, a sum of money sufiicient to 
satisfy the judgment rendered against the town in 
favor of Deacon Ebenezer Hunting, at the last term 
of the Supreme Court in this county." They do not 
state how large the sum thus raised was ; but it is 
reported that the amount of his claim had by this 



HLSTOEY OF MEKHIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



time, wilh all the costs of the various suits, reached 
the sum of nearly fifteen hundred dollars, which 
for those times was a large amount. 

In 1801) there was an article in the warrant " to see 
if the town will pay Deacon Ebenezer Hunting the 
amount of interest which he has been obliged to pay 
on the execution which Levi Harvey, Esq., obtained 
against him." But the town passed over the article. 
Again, on the 13th January, 1812, a special meeting 
was called "to see if the town will pay to Deacon 
Ebenezer Hunting a sum of money equal to the 
amount of interest which he paid on the Harvey 
execution, and also to see what compensation the 
town will make Deacon Ebenezer Hunting for dam- 
ages he sustained by being imprisoned on said execu- 
tion." But the town made quick work of it by voting 
at once not to do anything about it. This ended the 
controversy, which had been in agitation more than 
twenty years in town. 

Let us now look for a moment at the boundaries of 
the town at diflerent periods of its history. When 
the town was incorporated it was, as you have seen, 
in very regular shape, extending from Alexandria to 
Fisherfield and Sutton in length, and of about equal 
width between the patent line and Kearsarge Gore. 
June 19, 1793, the Legislature disannexed lots No. 
19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 from the northwesterly 
part of Kearsarge Gore, and annexed the same to 
New London. By this change the southerly line of 
New London was extended east to the northeast 
corner of Sutton. The piece thus annexed was a 
triangle, with its base resting on Sutton north line. 
December 11, 1804, the Legislature disannexed a 
large number of lots from Wendell and annexed the 
same to New London ; and on the 19th of June, 1817, 
another tract was taken from Wendell and annexed 
to New London, so that the line between these towns 
was described as follows : Beginning at a point in 
Sunapee Lake, which is described, " thence running 
north, 16° east, 108 rods to Otter Pond, and thence on 
the same course across said pond to Springfield south 
line." By these two additions to New London, it 
was intended to make the line between Sunapee and 
New London one continuous straight line from Fish- 
ersfield (now Newbury) northwest corner through 
Otter Pond to Springfield line. The old patent line 
run over the top of Burpee Hill, a little above the 
house where Nathaniel Messer and his son lived and 
died. 

The old school-house that used to sit there on the 
top of the hill, on a ledge of rock, was on the patent 
line which originally divided this town from Wen- 
dell. By these additions another triangle was added 
to the town on that side, with its base resting on the 
(lid |i:itcMt line, and bounded west by Wendell and 
nurll. l.y Si.ringfleld. 

Oil llir isih of June, 1807, the town of Wilniot 
was incorporated out of the northeasterly part of New 
London, a part of New Chester and all that jiart of 



Kearsarge Gure that laid northerly of the summit of 
Kearsarge Mountain. 

The part taken ott' from New London was described 
as follows : " Beginning at the southeasterly corner 
of lot No. 22, and southwesterly corner of lot No. 
21, on the southeasterly line of said New London ; 
thence running westwardly across said New London 
on the northerly sides of lots numbered 22, 35, 54, 70, 
78, 90, 112 and 130, over to Springfield line," so 
taking all the land that lay northeasterly of that 
line in New London. This part of the town thus 
set off to Wilmot contained about nine tliousand 
acres of land. 

From 1812 to 1815 the country was engaged in its 
second war with England, which was substantially 
closed by General Andrew Jackson, at New Orleans, 
on the 8lh of January, 1815. 

In 1819 the Toleration Act, as it was called, was 
passed by the Legislature and became a law, which 
separated the civil and religious elements in our 
organization, so to speak. It took from the towns, in 
their corporate capacity, the power to raise money 
for the support of preaching of any kind, or to build 
meeting-houses, or for other religious purposes, leav- 
ing it to religious societies to do this work, each to 
suit its own views of propriety and duty. But this 
act did not affect religious matters in New London at 
all. The town had, in fact, anticipated the law many 
years. They had raised no money as a town, for 
preaching, since 1795, as I can find, and they had 
voted to let each denomination in town occupy the 
meeting-house according to their interest therein, 
each sect being thus left free to advance their own 
views in their own way, and at their own expense. 
This has been the policy of the law ever since, and 
was the policy of the town long before the law was 
passed. 

From this time forth we shall find the history of 
the town and the history of the church entirely 
separate and distinct. Yet every one knows, whether 
he believes in the doctrines of a church or not, that 
wherever a church has been long established and 
has been made up of any considerable portion of 
the people, it lia.'f and will have its influence upon 
the community to such an extent that no his- 
tory of the town would be complete without a 
history of its church, or its churches, where there 
are more than one. Particularly is that true of a 
country town like New London, where there has been, 
from the earliest times, a leading and influential 
church, which has taken the lead in all moral ques- 
tions and reforms. 

The church had, in this period of twenty-one years 
seen two seasons of revival under the preaching of 
Elder Seamans. In 1809 some forty were added to 
the church, and in 1818 and 1819 occurred what was 
long known as the great reformation, in which be- 
tween eighty and ninety were added to the church. 

But during all these years there was much hard 



NEW LONDON. 



and disagreeable work to be done ; many labors with 
the brethren were instituted, and many were the 
letters of admonition and expulsion that were issued 
and recorded on the church records. 

In the year 1801 the first Baptist society was formed 
in town, which was kept up and had its annual 
meetings down as late as 1846, when its records cease, 
and the church has gone along so far as appears, 
without the aid of the society. 

Within this period, too, the institution of Free- 
Masonry had arisen and flourished in this town quite 
extensively. King Solomon's Lodge of Free and 
Accepted Masons, No. 14, was chartered and located at 
New London, in the county of Hillsborough, on Jan- 
uary 27, 1802, by the Most AVorshipful Grand Lodge of 
the State of New Hampshire. The lodge flourished 
well here for many years, and had become quite 
numerous previous to the anti-Masonic wave that 
swept over the Eastern and Middle States about 1826, 
when the excitement ran so high and the opposition 
was so strong that the Masons, thinking that discre- 
tion was the better part of valor, suspended their meet- 
ings for a time altogether, and the lodge, in fact, never 
did much more work in its old locality; but in June, 
1851, it was removed to Wilmot, where it remained in 
good working order until 1878, when it again removed 
and located at Scytheville, in New London, where it 
now remains, enjoying a fair share of prosperity. 

The population had gone on increasing since 1800, 
though somewhat irregular. In 1810 the census 
showed six hundred and ninety-two, gaining only 
seventy-five in that decade; but in 1820 there were 
nine hundred and twenty-four, a gain of two hundred 
and thirty-two in that decade, and the town had also 
made rapid progress in education, wealth and posi- 
tion, and was now enjoying a large share of the com- 
forts and conveniences of life for that day. 

The county of Merrimack was incorporated July 
23, 1823, and consisted of twenty-six towns from 
Eockingham and Hillsborough Counties. New Lon- 
don, which had been a part of Hillsborough County 
hitherto, now became a part of Merrimack, of which 
it still forms a part. 

On July 4, 1826, the new meeting-house was raised. 
The corner-stone had been placed with appropriate 
ceremonies before that, at a' public gathering, with a 
procession, music and religious ceremonies. The 
Fourth of July was a plea.saut day, and at sunrise the 
work of raising was commenced, and it was substan- 
tially finished the same day, except what could be 
done with the force that was to be permanently em- 
ployed upon it. From that time forward the work 
was prosecuted with vigor, so that before the winter 
closed in it was completed, with steeple .ind bell; the 
slips were disposed of and the house ready for use, 
and all that I find in the records concerning it, any- 
where, in either church or society, is the following 
vote by the society at their regular meeting, on the 
third Mondav of December, 182o, viz. : 



" Voted, to accept of the new meeting-house, built 
by David Everett and Anthony Colby, and the com- 
mon around the same. Chose Joseph Colby and 
Jonathan Greeley to take a conveyance of said 
meeting-house and common." 

It seems that it had been arranged that the house 
should be appraised so as to cover expenses, and a 
sufficient number of the society had subscribed, or in 
some way became responsible to take the slips at the 
appraised value, so as to secure those who did the 
work in the first instance ; and then those two built 
the house and conveyed it to the society. 

After it was completed the people used to alternate 
between the new house and the old, one Sunday at 
each in turn for many years. In the old meeting- 
house were the square pews, with the seats on all four 
sides of them, with the high pulpit and the great 
sounding-board over it, which would be sure to fall 
upon the minister's devoted head should he depart 
but the breadth of a single hair from the truth. In 
the new meeting-house there was some improvement: 
the slips were all facing the same way and towards 
the pulpit, which originally was at the other end of 
the house, directly in front of the singing gallery, 
and but little lower than that. 

On May 30, 1830, Rev. Samuel Ambrose died. He 
had for several years been a member of this church, 
the original church at Sutton having become at one 
time nearly or quite extinct ; and on October 4th in 
the same year Elder Seamans died. Thus these two 
men, who had labored side by side so long in the 
cause of the Master, were called very nearly together 
to their reward. 

In 1830 the population was only nine hundred and 
thirteen, a loss of eleven from 1820. 

In 1831 and 1832 the church was visited by one of 
its most remarkable revivals, under the preaching of 
the Rev. Oren Tracy. The whole town seemed to be 
reached and affected by it. During the fall of 1831, 
and the next winter, evening meetings were kept up 
in the different parts of the town, in the school-houses 
and in private houses, on Sundays and on week-days, to 
which large numbers were drawn, and the interest in 
religious matters was deep and wide-spread. On the 
first Sunday of January, 1833, which was the first 
day of the week and of the month and of the year, 
an addition of forty-three was made to the church ; 
on the first Sunday of March thirty-six more were 
added, and during the followingsummer several more, 
making between eighty and ninety in all. 

In the fall of 1832 another event took place which 
was at the time of great interest to the people of New 
London. During that autumn the first stage-coach 
took its regular trip through New London, upon the 
route from Hanover to Lowell. This new road had 
been before the public for several years in one form 
and another, and was strongly favored by one party 
and opposed by another. But it had finally, through 
the efforts of Colonel Anthonv Colljv more than of 



434 



HISTOKY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



auy other man, probably, been laid out and built, and 
a stage company had been lormed, horses and coaches 
purchased and arrangements made for staging. 

This fall of 1S32, J. Everett Farnum was teaching a 
private school for a term in the red school-house at 
the four corners, and it was announced that on a cer- 
tain day in October the stage-coach would make its 
appearance. It was to go through here in the after- 
noon to Hanover, and start the next morning early 
for Lowell. As the expected event drew nigh, study 
was out of the question, and the teacher gave all per- 
mission to gaze for a time for the long-expected 
stage-coach with its four horses in hand. It finally 
came and went, as all things come and go ; but it took 
some time to fully comprehend and realize the im- 
portance of the fact that New Loudon was henceforth 
to have a daily stage and a daily mail both ways. 

In 1837 the New London Academy was incorpor- 
ated and went into successful operation, and continued 
prosperous under different teachers for several years, 
up to about 1860, when its operations were suspended 
for a time. It commenced in 1837 as a ladies' school, 
with Miss Susan F. Colby as principal. In the au- 
tumn of that year Professor Dyer H. Sanborn became 
principal and Miss Colby continued as principal of 
the ladies' department. After some years Mr. San- 
born resigned, and Truman K. Wright succeeded him 
as principal ; after Mr. Wright, a Mr. Meserve, a Mr. 
Averhill and a Mr. Comings followed. Then Mr. 
Alvah Hovey, now president of Newton Theological 
Institution, taught one year; then Mr. Joseph B. 
Clarke, now of Manchester, followed for a year ; then 
a Mr. V. J. Walker followed, who was the last, or 
among the last, who taught under this arrangement. 

In 1840 the population of New Loudon reached 
one thousand and nineteen, — a gain of one hundred 
and six in. the last ten years, and this was the largest 
number that were ever in the town at the time of any 
census, and the town was in a condition of prosperity, 
wealth and influence perhaps equal to that of any 
other period in its history. 



CHAPTER III. 



NEW LOXDON-(CV 



In 18-13 Joseph Colby, Esq., died. He had passed 
most of his life in New London, and few men have 
had a wider or a better influence in the town than be 
had. He was born in Plaistow, N. H., March 24, 
1762 ; moved to Hopkinton, N. H., about the time he 
became twenty-one years old, and lived there a few 
years; while there he was married to Miss Anna 
Heath, of Hampstead, N. H., December 21, 1785. 
They moved to New London March 10, 1786, and at 
first lived in a log-house on the shore of Pleasant 
Pond, at the upper end, near where Stephen Sargent 



now lives, where the Indians had formerly cleared up 
a few acres of the intervale, to raise their corn and 
beans. He enlarged this clearing and made a valua- 
ble farm. He moved from there and lived at other 
places in town ; built the house on the Elder Sea- 
mans' place, opposite where the buildings now stand, 
which has since been burnt down ; then moved on to 
the road that leads from here directly to the low 
plains, where Anthony and the youngest daughter, 
Mrs. Burpee, were born ; and then moved to the farm 
on Main Street, in the year 1800, where he ever after 
lived, and where he died April 19, 1843. 

He was for many years the agent of Jonas Jlinot, 
one of the original and the largest of the proprietors 
of the grant, and in that way he had opportunities 
for learning more of the situation and value of the 
land in the different localities than most other men. 
He dealt largely in real estate in the town. He served 
the town well in various capacities : for many years 
as one of the selectmen, and was its first representa- 
tive to the General Court, and was re-elected every 
successive year from 1803 to 1816, inclusive. He was 
early a member of tlie church, and I think the records 
will show that he acted on more committees in the 
church than any other man during the same period of 
time. He was also a leading magistrate in the town 
for many years. 

In 1846 Anthony Colby, of New London, was elected 
Governor of the State. He was a native of this town, 
the son of Joseph and Anna Colby, born November 
13, 1792. He received his education mainly in the 
copimon schools of his native town. But he had a 
wonderful capacity for business, and was always active 
in matters of a public character. He built the original 
stone dam at the outlet of Pleasant Pond, and built a 
grist-mill there, which was a great public benefit. He 
was largely instrumental in getting the new road laid 
out and built, and started the line of stages upon it, 
that for a long time ran through from Hanover to 
Lowell in a day, a distance of one hundred miles or 
more ; and he readily lent a helping hand to the en- 
terprise, started by another son of New London, of 
establishing the business of manufacturing scythes, 
where the same has been so successfully carried on 
ever since. He was one of the two men who built the 
new meeting-house; in fact, few men have ever lived 
a more active life than he did. 

He was a friend of education and of the common 
school, and for a long time was one of the superin- 
tendents of the schools in town, and was among the 
earlier advocates of the temperance reform. He went 
through all the grades of military promotion, from 
captain to major-general, and had represented the 
town in the Legislature in the years 1828, 1829, 1830, 
1831, 1832, also in 1837, 1838, 1839 ; and in 1846 was 
the chief magistrate of the State. His administration 
of the affairs of the State government was character- 
ized for integrity, true economy and a spirit of jiro- 
gress and reform. In the position in which the politi- 



NEW LONDON. 



435 



cal parties then stood it was simply impossible that 
he could be re-elected. 

He was again elected to the Legislature in 1860, 
from New London, and was appointed by Governor 
Berry, in 1861, as adjutant-general of the State, at a 
time when the best man in the State was needed for 
that responsible positition, made so responsible by the 
great importance of the struggle in which the coun- 
try was then engaged. He performed the duties of 
this office in a manner entirely satisfactory to ihegov- 
ernment and the people, and resigned in 1863. He 
was long an active and influential member of the 
church here, as well as a leading member in the de- 
nomination in the State. He died July 20, 1873. He 
always lived in this town, and always, except the first 
eight years of his life, in the house into which his 
father moved in 1800, and where both father and son 
have died. No man ever devoted himself more fully 
and constantly to the building up of what he believed 
to be the best interest of his native town than he did. 
He married for his first wife. Miss Jlary Everett, of 
New London, and for his second, Mrs. Eliza Richard- 
son, of Boston, who survived him. 

In 1847 the union meeting-house, sometimes called 
the Free Church, was built at the Four Corners. This 
remained for several years, but was finally sold, and 
removed and converted to other uses, it being wisely 
concluded that one good, strong church in a place is 
far better than two or three feeble ones, and that one 
meeting-house well filled is far better than several 
empty ones. 

In 1850 the population was nine hundred and forty- 
five, being a loss of seventy-four from 1840. Benja- 
min E. Andrews was the delegate from New London 
to the Constitutional Convention of that year in this 
State. 

In 1853 the new town-house was built near the new 
meeting-house. There was quite a struggle upon the 
question of removal, the subject having been voted on 
at no less than three town-meetings, held in rapid 
succession, in the spring and summer of that year. 

In 1853, when the academical and theological school, 
under the patronage of the Calvinist Baptist denomi- 
nation, was removed from New Hampton to the State 
of Vermont, it left the denomination without a school 
in this State. They soon resolved that this state of 
things ought not to be, and they at once looked about 
for the best place to locate theirseminary of learning. 
The friends at New London offered to give the de- 
nomination their academy, and put it in good repair, 
and build a ladies' boarding-house, and furnish vari- 
ous other accommodations. This proposition was fav- 
orably considered by the denomination, and the 
preference was given to New London. Accordingly a 
new act of incorporation was obtained in 1853, and 
" The New London Literary and Scientific Institute " 
was incorporated that year, and the school put Unsuc- 
cessful operation that fall, and in course of its first 
year enrolled upon its catalogue some three hundred 



and thirty-five scholars. The property of the New 
London Academy was transferred to the Institute. In 
1855 an alteration was made in its name, changing the 
word Institute to Institution and modifying some of 
the provisions of its charter, and its name has re- 
mained unchanged from that time to the year 1878, 
when it was changed to that of " The Colby Academy " 
at New London, which name it now holds. 

In 1854 the old town meeting-house was sold, by 
vote of the town, and removed to this neighborhood 
and converted into a boarding-house for the use of the 
academy. 

Benjamin P. Burpee, of New London, was elected a 
county commissioner for Merrimack County for the 
years 1852, 1853 and 1854. He was also the repre- 
sentative of the town for the years 1853 and 1854. 

In 1856 George W. Everett, of this town, was ap- 
pointed solicitor of Merrimack County, which office 
he held for five years, until 1861. He was the repre- 
sentative of the town in the years 1852 and 1856. 

Richard H. Messer was elected a member of the 
Governor's Council for the years 1857 and 1858. He 
was a native of the town, the son of Isaac and Mar- 
tha Messer, born October 20, 1807. He received a 
common-school education only, and when of age he 
went to Massachusetts and learned the trade of manu- 
facturing scythes ; he then came back to New Lon- 
don, and uniting himself with Mr. Phillips and An- 
thony Colby, introduced the business here, at the 
place w^here Colby had early built the second' 
grist-mill in town, and where the enterprising village 
of Scytheville has since grown up. The town is 
greatly indebted to Mr. Messer as being the origina- 
tor and the active agent in introducing and building 
u]) this great industry in the town, and the gen- 
tlemen who first were associated with him in the 
business were also benefactors of the place. He was 
elected to the Legislature in the year 1858. He con- 
tinued in his favorite occupation, devoting himself to 
business with all his energies, until he died, May 15, 
1872, aged sixty-five years. 

In 1860 the population of the town was nine hun- 
dred and fifty-two, a gain of only seven in ten 
years. 

In 1860, Governor Colby was again elected repre- 
sentative, and in 1861 he was appointed adjutant- 
general of the State, which place he held until 1863, 
when he resigned, and his son, Daniel E. Colby, was 
appointed to the same place in August, and held the 
place till March, 1864, when he resigned the position. 
He had been representative of the town in the Legis- 
lature in 1857, and was afterwards a member of the 
Constitutional Convention of 1876, and still resides 
upon the old homestead of his father and grand- 
father. 



436 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The academy, as organized in 1873, had been doing a 
good work and doing it well, and had been jjrospered. 
At first a fund of S25,000 was raised, which for a time 
seemed to meet the demand of the institution, but 
presently the need was felt of more ample accommo- 
dations and a better location ; and it was a grave 
question where the funds were to be obtained to meet 
this new want, this growing necessity. In 1866, Mrs. 
James B. Colgate, a daughter of Governor Colby, of- 
fered $25,000 towards establishing the necessary fund, 
provided that the amount should be made up to 
$100,000 within a given time. This was accomplished 
by the aid of the Eev. W. H. Eaton, D.D., who had 
assisted in raising the previous fund of $25,000, and 
at the anniversary in 1867 the subscription was filled 
and the object secured. 

The present site was then obtained and the present 
buildings were erected, and in 1870 they were com- 
pleted and dedicated, upon which occasion Rev. Dr. 
Cummings, of Concord, the president of the institu- 
tion, delivered an able and interesting historical ad- 
dress. 

This school has been placed under great obligations 
to Mrs. Colgate, of New York ; ex-Governor Colby, 
of New London; John Conant, Esq, of Jaffrey; 
Messrs. H. H. & J. S. Brown, of Fisherville ; Nahum 
T. Greenwood, Esq., of New London, and many 
others, by their liberal contributions to its fund. 

In 1853, George W. Gardner was appointed princi- 
pal, who continued in that place seven years, and 
was followed by Rev. George B. Gove, for three 
years, who was succeeded by Rev. A. W. Sawyer, who 
remained about seven years, to 1870. Then Horace 
M. Willard was appointed principal, who was fol- 
lowed in 1872, by Laban E. Warren, w-ho was suc- 
ceeded by A. L. Lane in 1875, who, in turn, gave place 
to J. F. Morton in 1876, who remained two years, till 
1878, when E. J. McEwan was elected. The present 
principal is James P. Dixon. 

Several have held the place of lady principal. 
Miss Mary J. Prescott, from 1853 to 1857, Miss Har- 
riet E. Rice, Miss Julia A. Gould, Miss Adelaide L. 
Smiley, Miss Lucy Flagg, Jliss Mary A. Davis, Jliss 
Mary O. Carter (who became Mrs. Warren in 1872), 
Miss Hannah P. Dodge, and in 1877, Miss Smiley 
was again appointed, and holds the position at the 
present time. 

Mr. Ephraim Knight w;is appointed associate prin- 
cipal and professor of mathematics at the commence- 
ment in 1853, which place he held down to 1873, a 
period of twenty years, when, in consequence of 
declining health, he resigned the post, and died here 
March 4, 1878. 

In 1870 the population of the town was nine hun- 
dred and fifty-nine, a gain of seven from 1860, and 
just the same made in the last previous decade. 
Since 1870 but few matters of general interest have 
occurred in New London. 

In 1874 the town came very near furnishing another 



Governor for the State. General Luther McCutchins 
was born in Pembroke, N. H., in 1809; first came to 
New London in 1837, and remained two years ; then 
went to Connecticut for some four years, returning to 
New London in 1843, where he has since lived. He 
received the Republican nomination for Goveriinr in 
1874, and received the full strength of his party, and 
a vote very complimentary to him, and only failed 
because, as the issues were then made up and the 
parties were then organized, the Republicans could 
not elect anybody that year. He has been your rep- 
resentative in the Legislature in 1850, 1851, 1873, 
1878 and 1879. He is a practical farmer, who takes a 
deep interest in whatever is calculated to advance the 
agricultural interests of the State. 

In 1875, George M. Knight, Esq., of this town, 
was elected county commissioner for the county of 
Merrimack, which ofiice he held for the term of three 
years,— 1875, 1876 and 1877. 

Of the facts of the first century of New London's 
history we have endeavored to give you a fair 
and impartial statement, without any attempt at 
embellishment. There are a few other facts that 
may properly be alluded to before we close, and 
first, the patriotism of the town. We have seen 
that the town voted at once, after it was incorporated, 
to furnish a soldier for the Continental army ; thi.s 
they did furnish, and paid him, as we have seen, 
through the war until its close. We have no evidence 
that the Mr. Coums who went from the town was an 
inhabitant of the town : our impression is that he 
probably was not, but was a substitute, or a man hired 
by the town to fill the place. But New London had 
its Revolutionary heroes in abundance. In fact, it 
seemed a favorite resort for those soldiers who had 
gone from other places and served through the war, 
and then looked about for the most desirable places 
for settlement in the new country. The fresh breezes 
of its hills, and the views of the noble mountains 
in its neighborhood, are all congenial to a love of 
freedom and independence. Hence we find that im- 
mediately after the war many who had been in the 
Continental army came at once to New Loudon and 
settled here; others came later. There was Thomas 
Currier (known as Captain Kiah), Edmund Davis, Jo- 
siah Davis, John Dole, Jesse Dow, Levi Everett, Pen- 
uel Everett, Eliphalet Gay, Zebedee Hayes, Ezekiel 
Knowlton, Thomas Pike, David Smith, Moses Tnissell 
and Eliphalet Woodward. Most of them came Irom 
Massachusetts, — from Attleborough, Dedham, New 
Rowley (now Georgetown), and Bradford ; but Moses 
Trussell came from Hopkintou, N. H., in year 1804. 

Captain Currier not only served through the Revo- 
lutionary War, but no sooner was the War of 1812 
declared than he entered the regular army. He went 
through the war, fought in several battles and came 
safely home when the war was over. I rememlier 
him as he used to come to church on Sunday and 
other (lavs, lor he was a man who loved his God 



NEW LONDON. 



437 



as well as his country, and he knew no fear in 
the service of either. Levi Everett was another 
man whom I well remember. He lived near my 
father, and I never wearied of listening to him when 
lie was telling his stories about the wars and the bat- 
tles he had seen. Then there was Moses Trussell, 
with one arm gone from below the elbow. I knew 
him well. I understood that he lost his arm in the war, 
but did not know where or when or how ; but a paper 
has recently been found that explains these matters. 
(I'his paper is published at length in the second 
volume of the Granite Monthly, page 270.) Such 
were some of the men of those days. Mr. Trussell, 
you will remember, was here in 1774 and cleared a 
piece of land ; the next year he went to Bunker Hill, 
and in thirty years from his first visit he returned to 
live and s-peud the rest of his days here, and died in 
Xew London. 

So in the War of 1812 New London did her full 
proportion. At the first alarm of war many left and 
joined the regular army and followed its fortunes 
through the war, like Captain Currier, of whom I 
have spoken. But few, comparatively, were called 
into active service from this State in that war; but 
whenever the call came the men were ready. I find 
that among the companies that were called out and 
ordered to Portsmouth there were in Captain Jonathan 
Bean's company, one sergeant, Robert Knowlton from 
New London, and four privates,— John Davis, David 
Marshal!, Nathaniel Messer and David Gile; and 
that in Captain Silas Call's company, Stephen Sargent 
was first lieutenant, and Captain Call having died 
before his term was out, Sargent was in command 
of the company for a time. There were in the same 
company, as privates, Samuel Messer, Zonas Herrick 
and Nathan Smith, all from New London. 

And in the late War of the Rebellion New London 
did not falter, but promptly met the call of the 
country and sent her sons to the conflict without re- 
serve, as they were needed, furnishing such ofiicers as 
Captain Andrew J. Sargent, Major George W. Everett, 
of the Ninth Regiment, and Lieutenant-Colonel J. M. 
Clough, of the Eighteenth Regiment, who, since the 
war was over, is doing good service in our State 
militia as a brigadier-general. The town also fur- 
nished men for the ranks in the various stations and 
places where they were needed, who were true as steel 
and faithful unto death to the trust reposed in them. 
The reputation of the town for patriotism is estab- 
lished beyond a peradventure. 

That the town is a place of good morals would 
follow almost naturally from the fact that the people 
of the town are an agricultural people, who have 
always believed that a good education is of the 
highest consequence, and have had good schools, and 
for the last forty years a very good academy. These 
facts, in connection with the religious training of the 
people under such men as Elder Seamans and his 
successors, could hardly fail to make the population 



what it has been, — an industrious, intelligent, patri- 
otic, moral and happy people. Wherever the crimi- 
nals come from that fill our jails and prisons, very 
few of them have ever come from New London, or 
ever will, until the town forgets the lessons of the 
first hundred years of its history. 

There are a few more general tacts and a few more 
individual notices that I desire to refer to. 

The following persons have graduated from college, 
who were natives or residents of New London at tlie 
time, with the year of graduation : 



.Tohn H. SI 


ek, llartn 


vuth ('( 


lejre, 1811. 


Benjamin \ 
J. Everett 
Daniel P \ 
Francis A. 






th College. ISl 
r,, liege (now C 
.11, 1833. 
J liege, 1831!. 


IlaniL-1 E. Colby, Daituioutll C^iUege, 1830. 
J. Everett Sargent, Dartmouth College, 1S40. 
Kobert Colby, Dartmontb College, 1S45. 



Physicians in New London. — Samuel Flag« 
was a traveling doctor, who.se route extended from 
Pembroke and Dunbarton to Enfield, through Hop- 
kinton and New London, usually coming this way 
two or three times a year, but irregularly. He al- 
ways traveled on foot and carried his saddle-bags of 
medicine over his shoulder. He had no fixed resi- 
dence, but wandered from place to place ; a man of 
considerable skill, but intemperate, and took great 
delight in making himself a terror to children. He 
was found dead in a mud-hole, into which he was 
supposed to have fallen in a fit of intoxication. 

JoHX CuSHiXG was a resident of New London fin- 
many years ; came here before the year 1800 ; was a 
skillful physician, and for a time was quite jiopular 
here. He was engaged to be married to Phele 
Messer, the daughter of Samuel Messer. The day 
was appointed for the wedding; the friends were in- 
vited ; the guests came ; the bride, in expectancy, 
was attired, and the waiting-maids in attendance. 
The only absent one was the bridegroom that was to 
be, who did not put in an appearance, and as there 
could not be much of a wedding without a bridegroom, 
the result was that the wedding did not come off ac- 
cording to programme. This was in 1802 or 1808. 
But this disappointment proved a blessing in disguise 
to the intended bride, for Cushing, who was then 
somewhat given to drink, went on from bad to worse 
and became very intemperate ; lost his practice and 
the confidence of the community, and finally moved 
to Fisherfield and died there in poverty. He always 
rode on horseback to visit his patient*. He never 
married. 

Robert Lane came to New London, from New- 
port, about the year 1808, after Cushing had lost his 
practice and moved from town. He lived here some 
two or three vears, then moved to Sutton, where he 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



was living and in practice in 1811, and remained 
there a few years. He then returned to New Lon- 
don, where I find that he was residing in 1814, and 
he remained in town through 1815-16, for he was one 
of the selectmen of the town in these latter years. 
After this he went to Mobile, Ala., and was absent a 
year or two, when he returned and stopped a short 
time at New London, and then tooli up his perma- 
nent residence in Sutton, at the north village, where 
he ever afterwards lived. He had an extensive prac- 
tice ; became quite distinguished in his profession ; 
was much respected, and died a few years ago at a 
good old age. 

Charles Pinney came to New London about 
1810, when Dr. Lane first went to Sutton. I find 
that Pinney was here and in full practice in 1811, 
when Lane was also in full practice in Sutton. Pin- 
ney married a daughter of Mr. Edmund Davis. 
After Dr. Lane returned to New London they both 
remained awhile, and then Pinney moved away. He 
returned to live here again after several years, and 
remained here, I think, till his death; at least he is 
buried in our cemetery. I knew him well after his 
return, but he was not then in practice as a physician. 

Isaac Colby followed Dr. Lane, coming soon after 
he left, in 1817 or 1818, and remained till about 1821, 
when he removed to Hopkinton. 

Herbert Foster was here in the year 1822 ; may 
have come in 1821, but did not remain but a year or 

Jonathan Dearborn came soon after this, per- 
haps in 1823 or a little later ; was a skillful physician, 
but left town suddenly in 1829. 

Samuel Little followed Dr. Dearborn, coming 
about 1830, and remained till 1838, or thereabouts ; 
was town clerk several years; then moved to Thet- 
ford, Vt., thence to Lebanon, and thence to Rumney, 
N. H., where I used to see him frequently when I 
lived at Wentworth. He afterwards moved West, 
where he died a few years ago. 

Robert Copp was here for a few years, during the 
time that Dr. Little was here. I remember him well. 
He was here in 1836, but left soon after; may have 
been here some three or four years in all. 

Reuben Hosmer followed Dr. Little in 1839, and 
remained till 1848, some ten years. 

Hezekiah Bickford came back in 1848, for he 
was a native of this town, and remained till 1851, 
some four years. 

S. M. Whipple came into town in 1849, and re- 
mained longer in town than any other physician. He 
was a native of Croydon, N. H. ; attended medical lec- 
tures at Dartmouth College, and commenced practice 
at New London in the year 1849. Since he came to 
New London several others have been here for short 
periods, as follows: 

Oti.s Ayer, from 1855 to 1857, tlirec years. 

Levi Pikhce (homa>opatliic), Cnmi 1861 to l.S(;4, 



N. T. Clark, from 1870 to 1871, two years. 
R. A. Blood, from 1871 to 1873, three years. 
J. P. Elkins (at Scytheville), from 1878 to present 



There have also been several physicians raised up 
in town, from its native-born or adopted citizens, 
who have gone to other places. 

Jonathan E. Herrick, son of Esquire Jonathan 
and Rhoda Herrick, who is now in practice in New 
York. 

George H. W. Herrick, son of Deacon Jo.seph 
C. Herrick, who was in practice at Charlestown, 
Mass., and who died abroad in 1877. 

Charles Pike, in practice in Peabody, Mass. 

Ashley Whipple, son of S. M. Whipple, of New 
London, now at Aslilaud, N. H. 

Ministers of New London.— Job Seajians was 
born in Rehoboth, Mass., May 24, 1748; was the son 
of Deacon Charles Seamans and Hannah, his wife. 
His father was a farmer at Rehoboth; moved to 
Swansea, Mass., when Job was about a year old, re- 
siding there about four years; then removed to Provi- 
dence, R. I., where he lived about ten years. He 
then moved to Sackville, Cumberland County, Nova 
Scotia, where he lived about eight years, and where 
he died in the year 1771, aged seventy-one years. 
Job, the son, followed the farm until the father died. 
He was about fifteen years old when he moved from 
Providence to Sackville; and on August 10, 1769, he 
married, at Sackville, Miss Sarah Esterbrooks, a 
daughter of Valentine Esterbrooks, Esq., and who 
was born at Johnson, R. I., April 14, 1750. He began 
to preach at Sackville, having united with the Bap- 
tist Church there, when about twenty years of age, 
and about one year before his marriage. Soon after 
his father died, in 1771, he returned to New England, 
and in 1772 he was preaching to the church at Nortli 
Attleborough, Mass., and on the 15th of December, 
1772, he was ordained as its pastor. He continued a 
successful ministry there for about fifteen years. In 
1787 he first came to New Hampshire. The entry in 
his diary is as follows: "Lord's day, June 17, 1787, I 
preached in Sutton, in the State of New Hampshire." 
The next entry is, — "Lord's Day, June 24, 1 preached 
in New London, in the same State." He came to 
New London again in February, 1788, arriving on 
the 22d at Deacon Hunting's, and remained some 
two mouths, preaching from house to house. Many 
of the early settlers of New London were from Attle- 
borough, Mass., and the towns in that neighborhood, 
who had long been acquainted with him there, and 
it is not strange that they should be anxious to ob- 
tain him for their minister here, and so we find him 
listening to their call, and willing in the end to cast 
in his lot with these old friends; and after consider- 
ing the .subject fully, he started, with his family, for 
New London, June 20, 1788, and arrived there July 
1st, and he says in his diary: "Went into a very poor 
house of Mr. James Brocklclnuik. The same night 



NEW LONDON. 



439 



Dur youugest child (Manning) was taken sick." He 
was, as you see, twelve days in moving from Attle- 
borough to New London, a distance of one hundred 
aud thirty or one hundred and forty miles perhaps; 
as long a time as would be necessary to go to San 
Francisco and back again, — time enough now to go 
to Loudon or Paris. 

His first work here was to found a church. This 
was done October 23, 1788, the churches from Sutton 
and Wendell being present, by their ministers and 
delegates, to counsel and assist. The church con- 
sisted at first of eleven members, and Mr. Se.amans 
was installed as pastor of the church and minister of 
the town January 21, 1789. Of the exercises at his 
installation, the gathering at the unfinished meeting- 
house, and the salary paid him by the town, we have 
already spoken; also of the seasons of reformation in 
the church from time to time under his preaching. 

The church records also show a vast amount of 
lalior done in the church. Those were days for lay- 
ing foundations, and Elder Seamans laid his founda- 
tions for church order and discipline deep, broad and 
permanent. AVere members guilty of any immoral- 
ity, they were dealt with. Did they absent them- 
selves from the communion of the church, that was 
cause for labor. All members were required to do 
tlieir share, according to their means, for the support 
of the gospel. Many were the labors, frequent the let- 
ters (jf admonition, and not unfrequent the final let- 
ters of expulsion sent to members of the church for 
the sole reason that they were unwilling to pay their 
due proportion, according to their ability, for minis- 
terial sujjport. 

While all the poor were welcomed to the privileges 
of the gospel, without money and without price, yet 
it was held to be the duty of those church-members 
who were known to be able, and could not deny the 
fact of their ability, to pay accordingly; and if they 
would not, no amount of profession, no quantity of 
apparent sanctity and long-facedness, was sufficient to 
screen the delinquent miser from merited expulsion. 

The Christian of those days evidently believed 
that no amount of grace was sufficient to save a man, 
unless it was sufficient to sanctify his love of gain as 
well as his other aflections, and that a man's conver- 
sion, in order to be genuine, must reach not only his 
head, but also his heart, and not only his head and 
heart, but also his pocket-book. For the last years 
of his life he was not able to preach, except occasion- 
ally; he did not preach much after the year 1824, 
though, so far as I can find, his pastoral relation to 
the church continued up to 1828, some forty years. 
That year Mr. Tracy was ordained as his successor in 
tliat office. Elder Seamans died October 4, 1830, 
aged eighty-two years, four months and ten days, 
auiong the people with whom and for whom he had 
labored. He married, for his second wife, November 
30, 1819, Mrs. Mary Everett, widow of Jonathan 
Everett. 



Elder Seamans was a man of medium stature, light 
complexion, marked features, and in advanced life 
had a commanding and venerable appearance. It is 
said that he never wrote a sermon in his life. Yet 
he always preached his two sermons on Sunday, and 
frequently a third, besides many on week-days, and 
was always acceptable and interesting, and an earnest 
preacher of the gospel of the Son of God. His long 
ministry in this town was no insignificant element in 
advancing the temporal and spiritual welfare of the 
people and the church of New London. 

Joseph Davls moved into town in November, 
1824, aud commenced preaching at once. He re- 
mained in town about three years, as a stated supply. 
Then Oren Tracy was called; but having some en- 
gagements that detained him for a while, his brother, 
Leonard Tracy, preached here one season, and until 
his brother was prepared to come. 

Orex Teacy was born at Tunbridge, Vt., June 18, 
1798 ; was the son of Cyrus and Hannah Lillie Tracy. 
He was educated at Waterville College, Maine, but 
did not graduate. He took what was then termed the 
short course in theology, and was ordained at East 
Stoughton, Mass., in October, 1825. He was married 
there during the first year of his ministry to Miss 
Marcia Billings, of Eoyalton, Vt. After remaining 
there some two years or more, very pleasantly located, 
his physician recommended his removal from the 
sea-board, and he accepted the call from New London 
and moved there in the fall of 1827, and was ordained 
as the successor of Elder Seamans, January 30, 1828, 
and remained there till 1836, a period of about nine 
years. Under him the cause of education received a 
new impetus in town. Teachers were more thoroughly 
and systematically examined, and a higher standard 
in our common school education was at once at- 
tained; all our schools seemed to catch an inspiration 
from his spirit and efforts. He had great sympathy 
with and great influence over young people. All the 
children loved Elder Tracy. I was twelve years old 
when he came here, and no man did so much as he 
to arouse in me a love of learning and a determina- 
tion to obtain a liberal education, at whatever cost. 
Mr. Tracy, I need not say, was my favorite minister; 
and Mrs. Tracy was a good, kind, pleasant, motherly 
woman, who seemed to take as much interest in the 
people and in the children as he did. 

He was also a pioneer in the cause of temperance . 
When he came here it was the fashion to set out the 
decanter of liquor, with sugar and water, whenever 
the minister made a friendly call. It would have 
been considered almost disrespectful not to have done 
so. This fashion was soon changed under his admin- 
istration, for he would not taste of distilled spirits at 
all, not even wine or cider, as a beverage. I remem- 
ber that he delivered a course of lectures on temper- 
ance on Sundays, at the intermission between the 
forenoon and afternoon service ; and, besides, he 
usually held hiri third meeting on Sunday, also. I 



440 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK I'orXTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



have spokea of the revival of 1831 and 1832 under 
his preaching, when nearly a hundred were added to | 
the church. 

Many who are here to-day will never forget that I 
first Sunday in January, 1832, and also the first Sun- i 
day in March of the same year, upon each of which I 
occasions about forty, standing on both sides of the 
broad aisle in the old meeting-house, received the 
right hand of fellowship from Mr. Tracy, on being re- 
ceived as members of the church. On these occa- 
sions Mr. Tracy seemed to be inspired. I was absent 
at school for the last year or two of his residence 
here, and entered college in 1836, the year he moved 
awa}'. I have never found and never expect to find 
another minister who, in all respects, would quite fill 
Mr. Tracy's place with me. 

From New Loucou he went to Newport, N. H., 
thence to Townsend, Mass., afterwards to Fitchburg, 
Athol and Greenfield, in that State. From 1847 to 
1849 he was agent of the Ainerican Baptist Mission- 
ary Union in New England, residing at Springfield, 
Mass., and Hartford, Conn. From 1851 to 1862 he 
was agent of the American Baptist Home Missionary 
Society, residing at Concord, N. H. From Concord 
he went to Greenfield, Mass., where he died Septem- 
ber 6, 1863, aged sixty-five. Mrs. Tracy still survives 
him, residing with her daughter, Mrs. Elliott, of Bos- 
t )n. 

Reubex Sawyer was born in Monkton, Vt, 
March 11, 1798 ; was married to Laura Wyman, at 
West Haven, Vt., in 1819. After this he was con- 
verted and baptized by his father. Rev. Isaac Saw- 
yer, of Brandon, Vt. In 1822 he entered the Theo- 
logical Seminary at Hamilton, N. Y. ; but owing to 
failing health he did not complete his course. He 
was ordained pastor of the Baptist Church in West 
Haven, Vt., in 1824. He remained there as pastor 
until he came to New London, early in 1836, where 
he became a member of the church, and was received 
as its pastor July 3d, which place he held uutil April 
8, 1844, when he resigned his pastoral charge, but re- 
mained with the church in the service of the New 
Hampshire Baptist Convention until autumn, when 
he removed to Chester, Vt., where he was pastor of 
the church for some ten years. From there he re- 
moved to Leyden, N. Y., where he remained as psistor 
of the church for some ten years, when he returned to 
Vermont for a few years, at Hinesburg and in that 
vicinity, when he returned to Leyden, where, after a 
protracted illness, he died June 29, 1869, in the 
seventy -second year of his age. 

He gave the prime of his life, the vigor of his man- 
hood, to the church here. Large additions were made 
to it during his stay. Tlie demands upon his time and 
strength were such as in these days would be deemed 
severe, with three preaching services on the Sabbath 
most of the time, and two or three other meetings 
during the week. In speaking of these arduous du- 
ties, his son. Rev. A. W. Sawyer, D.D., president of 



Acadia College, N. S., in a letter to me, says : " But 
he was strengthened by the sympathy and affection of 
his people. The memory of the kindness he there 
experienced and the friendships he there formed were 
cherished by him to the last, and lightened the bur- 
dens of his declining years. His last year in New 
London was less pleasant to him because of his oppo- 
sition to the anti-slavery agitation ; but liis views 
afterwards changed somewhat, so that he firmly held 
the conviction that the United States should be a laud 
of freedom." He took an interest in whatever bene- 
fited the people with whom he lived. He was one of 
the founders of the original New London Academy, 
and always was deeply interested in the school. But 
first of all he felt that he was called to preach the 
gospel. This work he loved. He enjoyed most the 
presentation of those doctrines termed evangelical. 
Feeling the strength and comfort of these truths in 
his own soul, his presentation of them to his peoide 
was often with remarkable clearness and power. 

The ministers who have followed Mr. Sawyer are 
as follows : 

Mark Carpenter, came in 1844, left in 1849, six 



years. 

Ebene: 



1S49, left 



in), , 



1849. Ic 



1854, left in 1857, four 



Dodge, came 
years. 

Peter M. Hersey (Christi 
1853, five years. 

H. F. Lane (C. B.), came 
years. 

Lucien Hayden, came in 1857, left in 1869, twelve 
years. 

Asa Randlet (F. W. I!.), came in 1859, left in 1861, 
three years. 

F. D. Blake (C. B.), came in 1870, left in 1873, four 
years. 

S. C. Fletcher, came in 1874, and still remains. 

The church frequently, and I think generally, de- 
pends as much upon the character and conduct of 
its deacons for its standing and reputation with the 
world as it does upon its ministers ; so I have exam- 
ined your church records to see who have been the 
deacons in New London, and, so far as I know, the 



the 



of 



church has been very Ibrlunati 
its deacons. 

Ebenezer Hunting, elected January 8, 1789. 

Matthew Harvey, Zebedee Hayes, elected July 5, 
1793. 

Jonas Shepard, Peter Sargent, Jr., elected April 3, 
1812. 

David Everett, Dexter Everett, elected June 16, 
1825. 

Joseph C. Herrick, :\Iir.iJab Morgan, elocte<l .\pril 
21, 1849. 

FIiiiiliiiL;' ^^a^ iiloiic Inr :il«iiui lour and a half years, 
then 1 1. :ir..n- Il:ii\ .^ :iihl 11 :i\ .s tor nineteen years, 
then l>rn<M)iis Shcpanl innl S:iit;rnt forthirteen years, 
then tlie iwj Deacons Everett for twenty-four years, 
and last. Deacons Herrick and Morgan for thirty years. 




^'•-y''t^AH.Rl,lCni£ 



^. c^ Xi^ky^:^^^^^ 



NEW LONDON. 



441 



Ministers who have gone out from New London : 

Enoch Hunting (C. B.), ordained March 15, 1814. 

Benjamin Woodbury (Cong.), ordained about 1820. 

Tlicopliilus B. Adams (C. B.). ordained :\tay 29, 
1.S21. 

.losluia Clement (C. B.), ordained aliout IS:'A. 

Valentine E. Bunker (C. B.), licensed April 8, 
183U. 

Francis A. Gates (C. B.), licensed Jlay, 1837. 

Robert Stinson (Universalist), ordained about 1840. 

Sylvan Hunting (Unitarian). 

James Phillips (Methodist). 

Lewis Phillips (Christian). 

Dura P. Morgan (C. B.), ordained about 1872. 

Lawyers of New London. — Stephen C. Badger, 
a native of Warner, N. H., graduated at Dartmouth 
College in 1823 ; studied law with Henry B. Chase, of 
Warner; commenced practice in New London in 
1826, where he remained until 1833, a period of eight 
years, when he removed to Concord ; was clerk of the 
courts for Merrimack County ; police justice for Con- 
cord ; a civil engineer ; died at Concord October 29, 
1872. He married Miss Sophronia Evans, of 
Warner. 

Walter P. Flanders, also a native of Warner, 
N. H., graduated at Dartmouth, 1831; studied law with 
Hon. John D. Willard, of Troy, N. Y., and Hon. 
George W. Nesmith, of Franklin, N. H. ; commenced 
practice in New London in 1834; was a member of 
the New Hampshire Legislature from New London 
in 1841 and 1842, and in 1849 he removed to Mil- 
waukee, Wis., where he still resides. He married 
Miss Susan E. Greeley, of this town, youngest daugh- 
ter of Jonathan Greeley, Esq. 

George W. E\'ERETT,anativeof New London, born 
November 19, 1819; was educated at the public 
school and academy of this town ; studied law with 
Walter P. Flanders, of this place; was admitted to the 
bar in 1847, and soon began practice here. He was a 
member of the Legislature from this town in the years 
1852 and 1856, and was solicitor for Merrimack County 
for five years, from 1856 to 1861. In 1862 he received 
a commission as major of the Ninth Regiment of 
Volunteer Militia, which was ordered to the South- 
west ; remained with the regiment one year, showing 
himself a brave and faithful officer. In August, 
1863, as his regiment was coming up the Mississippi 
River from Vicksburg, Miss., lie was taken danger- 
ously ill, and stopping at Cincinnati, Ohio, he 
sank rapidly and died on the 27th of August, 1863, 
just one year and a day from the date of his commis- 
sion. His remains were brought to his native town 
and buried with Masonic honors. He married Miss 
Ellen T. Lane, of Gloucester, Mass. 

Edward B. Knight, who was a brother of Profes- 
sor Ephraim Knight, of this town, graduated at Dart- 
mouth in 1861 ; studied law with George W. Everett, 
of this place ; was admitted to the bar in 1864, and 
comraencetl practice at Dover, N. H., but soon re- 



moved to Virginia, where he still resides in the 
practice of his profession. 

1-IoN. J. Everett Sargkxt. (Sec chapter on 
Bench and Bar.) 

May peace and prosperity forever dwell in the 
midst of this people, and may the God of the fathers 
of this goodly town lie the children's God and [I'lrticm 
forever. 



BIOGRAPIIIUAL SKETCH. 



Hezekiah Cook Bickford, M.D., was born in New- 
London, N. H., April 27, 1817. He was one of six 
children, having four sisters and one brother, and 
later two step-brothers. 

His father's name was Daniel Bickford. We have 
been unable to trace the Bickford family back any 
fiirther than to New Durham, N. H., from whence 
the doctor's grandfather went to Wheelock, Vt., and 
upon his death his father came to New London, N. K . 

From his grandmother he obtained his middle 
name. Cook, that being the name of her family. 

His mother was Martha Adams, who died when he 
was but five years old, in 1822, being forty-one 
years of age. 

With this Adams family local tradition connects 
some of those characteristic stories of the hardships 
endured by our New England ancestors. It is related 
that when she was but three months old her father 
took her with her mother, on horse-back, and jour- 
neyed from their then home in Rowley, Mass., to 
New London, N. H., and built him a log house, thus 
becoming one of the first settlers of the town. This 
sturdy perseverance and endurance of hardship 
flowed undiluted in the blood of their grandson, as he 
encountered and overcame obstacles both of circum- 
stances and of physical suffering and arrived at em- 
inence in his profession. 

Very early indeed did this stern battle of life begin 
with him, for, on account of the family's straitened 
circumstances, he was able to go to school but very 
little during all his childhood. The little work his 
hands could do was sorely needed at home. 

About a year after his mother's death the family 
moved to Springfield, N. H. As he became older he 
" worked out," as the old phrase has it, and gave his 
earnings to his father. 

When fifteen or sixteen years of age he took his 
little bundle of worldly goods and walked to Stoneham, 
Mass., where he found work for the summer with a 
family by the name of Richardson. When fall came 
he went into the Suffolk Mills, at Lowell, Mass , 
where he remained for about seven years. 

During his last year in the mill he obtained work 
for his evenina's as a clerk in a store, receiving there 



442 



HISTORY OF MERltlMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSMIKK. 



for a shilling a night — about one dollar a week. 
But after the toil of the day and the work of the 
evening he would go home, not to idle fun, nor in- 
dulgence, nor even to sleep, but to some hour or two 
of hard study into midnight, — not reading, but study, 
—beginning thus early that life in earnest which 
characterized his later years. 

W^hen hardly twenty-one, and before he had finally 
done with work in the mill, he taught school on 
" Burpee Hill," in New London, N. H. It must 
have been about this time that he taught one winter 
in Dracut, Mass., a town on the opposite bank of the 
river from Lowell ; and of whatever means he could 
avail himself for self-improvement, whether by the 
hard work of teaching, or by the lyceum, or in any 
other way, he was quick to seize the opportunity and 
persist in making it as profitable as possible for self- 
culture. 

After leaving the mill he went to Boston, into bus- 
iue-ss with a man whose name we do not give. Though 
he had put in his little savings, the profits which the 
business was evidently rendering to somebody did not 
come at all to him. So he withdrew and went to 
work for a business man named H. Parmenter, on 
Washington Street, of the same city. 

In course of time this man established a store in 
Newport, E. I., and so great was his confidence in 
this young clerk of his that he entrusted him with the 
management of this new enterprise. 

It was during his residence at Newport that he be- 
came acquainted with Dr. Butler and began the study 
of medicine. He left the store and devoted a year to 
study with Dr. Butler. He then pursued his course 
with Dr. Aver, of New Hampton, N. H., taking also 
one term of lectures at Dartmouth Medical School. 
From Dr. Ayer he went to Philadelphia, Pa., for 
six months, and was graduated from Jeflerson Col- 
lege, taking his degree March 20, 1845. In April, 
1845, he began the practice of medicine in New Lon- 
don, N. H. After a year he was married to Paulina 
A. Coburn, of Dracut, Mass., June 17, 1846. For 
si.x years they lived in New London and had born to 
them two sons, — George Coburn, born March 25, 1847, 
and John Truman, born in 1849. The former son, 
now living in New Londou, married Florence Stet- 
son, of Charlestown, Mass., February 28, 1877, and 
to them havebeenborn four children, — Alice Florence, 
born October 30, 1878 ; Horace Stetson, born March 
8, 1880; George Owen, born July 26, 1881, died Au- 
gust 25, 1881 ; Walter Howard, born August 4, 1884, 
died October !), 1884. 

The latter son, John Truman, died in Billerica, 
Mass., when hardly four years old. 

On June 15, 1851, he moved to Billerica, Mass., 
where he remained ten years and established his rep- 
utation as a successful practitioner, which he had 
already acquired. 

It was during this period that his daughter, Har- 
riet Augusta, was born, June 20, 1853. She married. 



May 10, 1883, Rev. Frank Houghton Allen, pastor 
of the Congregational Church, Shrewsbury, Mass., 
where was born to them a son, Harold Bickford, May 
29, 1884. He began practice in Charlestown, Mass., 
September 16. 1861, where he remained for nearly 
fifteen years and attained high eminence and success. 

Here died, after a lingering illness, the wife who 
had shared the struggles of his youth, just as they 
were beginning to realize their fondest hopes; and in 
the family Bible he pays her this tender tribute : "Died 
November 29, 1867, aged 49 years. Gone to her rest. 
A kind and devoted wife, an affectionate and tender 
mother, a faithful and consistent Christian." 

The years at Charlestown were filled with inces- 
sant activity, for which all his previous persevering 
and energetic life had prepared him. His well-bal- 
anced judgment made him widely sought by his 
medical associates in consultation on difficult cases. 
His warm sympathies and wise words fitly spoken 
endeared him to the hearts and homes of a large cir- 
cle of friends. 

On April 22, 1869, he married Maria Richardson, 
daughter of the late Wm. Gray, of Billerica, where 
she was born June 25, 1847. To them were born two 
children, — Gertrude Maria, June 9, 1870, and Lucy 
Gray, July 15, 1873. The latter died in Woljurn, 
Mass., Octobers, 1881. 

But disease compelled him to relinquish practice, 
and he was succeeded by his nephew. Dr. Robert A. 
Blood, who had also been his medical student. 

In May, 1876, he moved to his new home in Wo- 
burn, Mass. The change of scene, the quiet life with 
his fiimily, the beautiful surroundings of his home, 
all hjid an influence temporarily to recuperate the ex- 
hausted energies. Here came rest and the looking 
back over a fruitful life and the realization of well-, 
earned happiness. But the weakness returned, and 
after a long and distressing illness, serenely borne, he 
passed away March 26, 1878. The disease which 
terminated his life was a chronic ulcer of the duode- 
num, from which, for twenty years, he had suffered 
occasional, often severe, attacks, followed by extreme 
prostration ; but as often would he rise, with .almost 
incredible energy, by w'hat seemed sheer force of will, 
and plunge into his work. It was this trait of his 
character which gave him success. It was his stanch 
Christian manhood that won him so large a circle of 
friends, who spoke the sincere tributes paid to his 
memory as the "beloved physician." 

He joined the Winthrop (Congregational) Church, 
of Charlestown, May 4,1862, and was known as a 
consistent Christian in his conduct, always in his place 
in church on the Sabbath, even in his busiest years. 

He became a member of the Joseph Warren Lodge 
of Masons, of Boston, Mass., January, 1872, and was 
iilso a member of the Waverly Royal Arch Chapter, 
and of the Hugh De PayensCommandery of Knights 
Templar, of Melrose, Mass. His remains were in- 
terred in Woodlawn Cemetery, Mass. 



HISTORY OF EPSOM. 



BY JOH?J H. DOLBEER. 



CHAPTER r. 

This town derives its name from a market-town in 
the county of isurrj^ England, about sixteen miles 
from London. It is bounded north by Pittsfield, 
south by Allenstown, east by Deerfield and North- 
wood, and west by Chichester and Pembroke, and is 
twelve miles easterly from Concord. 

There are no records to be found which show the 
precise time when the first settlement was commenced, 
but it appears from various facts that there was a 
number of families in tow-n a considerable time be- 
fore its incorporation. 

Among the first who began settlements in the town 
were Charles McCoy, from Londonderry ; William 
Blazo, a Frenchman ; Andrew McClary, from Lon- 
donderrv, in Ireland ; and a family by the name of 
Blake. " 

McCoy built a house on the north side of what is 
now called Sanborn's Hill, and thence extended his 
farm by s].)ottiug the trees round upon the mountain, 
which will probably always bear his name. A 
daughter of his was the first white child born in the 
town, and she was presented by the proprietors with 
a tract of land, a jDortion of which is now owned by 
her grandson, Lemuel B. Towle. She married a Mr. 
Wood and lived to an extreme old age. 

Samuel Blake, commonly known as Sergeant Blake, 
was one of the pioneer settlers, coming into town 
when but fifteen years of age, and began a settlement 
near where Mr. John Chesley now lives. He purchased 
his land, more than one hundred acres, near the 
centre of the town, for ten shillings, and turned in his 
jack-knife for one shilling of that sum. Mr. Blake 
had a large family of children, who grew up and 
married ; but at the present writing none of the name 
remain in town, and but few of his descendants. 

As will be seen by the following document, the 
town was granted to the tax-payers of Rye, New 
Castle and Greenland, in 1727, according to the 
amount of their respective taxes : 

"George, By the Grace of Goil, of Great Britain, France aud Ireland, 
King, Defender of the Faith. 
"To aU People to whom these presents shall come : Greeting : 
" Know, ye, we, of our especial knowledge and meer motion, for the due 



encouragement of settling a new plantation, by and with the advice and 
consent of our council, have given A Granted, and by these Presents, ;.B 
far as in us lies, do give and grant unto all such of our loving subjects as 
were inhabitants and free holders in the year one thousand seven hun- 
dred and twenty-three, in our town of New Castle and in the Parish of 
Greenland, both within our Province of ?^ewhampshire, in New Kug- 
land, to be divided among them in proportion to their Kespective Katet-, 
which they paid in the year 1723 aforesaid, one tract of Land to be laid 
out at the head of Nottingham and Northward of land formerly granted 
to the children of Saml. Allen, decs^., the same to be six miles in Bretidth 
and four miles in Depth, or in such other form as the land ungrauted in 
that place will admit, so as it contains the same Quantity of Land, and 
the same to be a town corporate by the name of Epsom to the Pursons 
aforesaid forever. To Have and to Hold the said Tract of Land to said 
Grantees aud their heirs and assigns forever upon the following con- 
ditions : 

"1st. That they build twenty Dwelling Houses and settle a Filmily in 
each within the term of four years, and break up three acres of Ground 
for each Settlement, and plant or sow the same within four years. 

"2d. That a house be built for the Publick worship of God within the 
term of six years. 

"3d. That One Hundred acres of Land be Eeserv&l fur a j.iir!-...,agc, 
one hundred acres for the first minister of the<;M~|,, ]: ,,ii i ,i,, luni.li.-d 
acres for the Benefit of a School. Providt-.l, \ ■ I ,i iiie 

Peace with the Indians continue during the af' >i - i i ^i-. 

"Butif it should happen that a war with tli- in i ,i ,- -I uM _.jiii- 
nience before the aforesd term of four years be expired, there shall be al- 
lowed to the aforesd Proprietors the term of four years after the expira- 
tion of the War to perform the afores<* conditions. 

" Rendering and paying therefor to us, our heirs aud successors, or 
such other officer or officers as shall be appointed to Receive the same, 
the annual quit rent or acknowledgement of one pound of good merch- 
antable Hemp in s^* town, on the first day Decembf yearly, for ever, if de- 



" Reserving also unto us, oi 
ing on said Land, according 



■'And for the better order, Rule and Government of the said Town, 
we, by these Presents, Grant for us, our heii-s & successors, unto the 
afores* Proprietors, and those that shall inhabit the said Town, that 
yearly and every year, upon the first Wednesday in May, they may meet 
at any place within our Province of Newhampshu-e afores^ until the 
settlement of the afores*! Town is perfected, and afterward in the said 
town, to elect and chuse by the Major part of them constables, Select men 
and all other Town officers, according to the Laws and usage of our 
aforesi Province, with such power, priviledges and authority as other 
towns and town officei-s within our afores* Province have & enjoy, and 
we appoint our Loving Subjects, Theodore Atkinson, Joshua Foss A Capt. 
Samuel Weeks to be the selectmen to manage the affairs of the said town 
for the Present year and untill others are chosen in their Room by the 
afores<i Propri". 

" In Testimony whereof we have caused the seal of our said Province 
to be herewith annexed. 

"Witness, John Wentworth, Esq., our L*. Governor and Commander 
in Chief in and over our said Province, at our town of Portsmouth, the 
eighteenth day of May, in the Thirteenth year of our Reign, anno 
Domini 1727. 



of Parliment made and provided 



443 



IIISTOJIV OF .MKKKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMl'SHIKE. 



irded in y« IS'h Hook, pages 479 * 

"Josi'"- PlEBCE, Itecortler. 
"l". -is. tia." 

By an act of the Provincial Legislature, j)assed 
February 21, 1778, the time for holding the annual 
meeting was changed from the first Wednesday of 
Jlay to t!ic third Wednesday of ^March. 

First Meeting of the Proprietors.— At a meet- 
ing held by the proprietors of the town of Epsom, at 
the ferry-house in New Castle, on Monday, Decem- 
ber 4th, according to notification in 1727, — 

" Notification being rewl, it was put to vote wlietber the Moderator 
tjhoiilil be cliosen by holding of the bands, 

*' Voted in tlie affirmative, the place not being convenient to write 
votes in accordingly. 

"Voted, Col». Shad. Walton be moderator for this meeting. 

"Voted, Theodore Atkinson be a clerk of the 8<i Pi-oprietors nntil 
another be Chosen and .Sworn in his Room to the faithful discharge of 
which office he was sworn by Justice Foas. 

" 3d. That there be Raised thirty pounds in an equal proi»rtion upon 
the Proprietors according to their Several Rates in 1723. 

"•lly. ro(e((, that \Vil". Haines be the I'ai-son appointed to collect 
the money that sliall be Raised in Greenland Parish for the sd service. 

" Toted that Will", lierry be appointed for s^ service at Rye. 

" Voted that Joshua Simpson be appointed coll", for New Castle. 

" lofeii that Mr. John Sharborn be Treasurer to the s^ Prori-a"., and 
have Power to Receive the money that shall be collected, and to Dis- 
charge the several charges. Rendering an act to the proprit. when Re- 
quired, and that the selectmen's order be sulticient to call for any sum, 
and to discharge him tlnTf fiuiii. 

"I'otcrf, that 51r \::,\r. i. --, i icusi- Welch, .lames Philpot, John 
niakebeacommin.. ; l:. I -..f the s^ town, and to have five 

shillings per day \\ In' i ' : . i 

" The Pi-opra'. of l-i- m Nim i i y ilio Selectmen to meet to Chose 
town otficei-s, and to do any othn- business for settlement of s^ town &c. 
Dated May y 1th, 172S. 

"The Propria*, mett according to Notification at the ferry-house in 
New Castle the loth day of May, 1728. 

" Voted Capt. Jotham Odiorne Modrat'. 

" Voted Theo''. Atkinson continue Clerk for this year. 

•' Voted Joseph Simpson Clerk for this meeting. 

" Voted Theo^. Atkinson Selectman for the Parish of New Castle. 

" Voted Sami. Weeks for Greenland, Joshua Foss for Rye. 

'* Voted Joseph Simpson collector of Rates for New Castle, Will". 
Harris for Greenland, Sam'. Rand for Rye. 

" Voted James Randall, Danel Lunt and James Scavey be a committee 
to Run out the Bounds of the town of Epsom. 

"If one or more of them fayl, the Selectmen Hire in their Rooms, and 
the Charge to be paid by the town, and that the Selectmen are to Raise 
thirty pounds on the Propria', of the town of Epsom, to Defray the 
charges. 

" Voted That the Selectmen may Hire 2 or 3 chain men, if need be, 
* that they Du it as soon as Possible. 

" Town meeting ended. 

"JOTH.1.M OnloKSF., Mo'l." 

KIllST SIRVKY OF THE TOWN. 
"We whose names are under writen, being apiminted and hired by 
the Selectmen of Epsom town to Lay out the s^ township of Epsom ac- 
cording to the Charter, have Laid it out & Bounded it as follows, viz.. 
Beginning at Notingham head Line four miles nor westwanl from 
Chester Line, at a maple tree marked with Letter N, on the est side for 
Notingham and Ep«., on the west side for Epsom ; from thence Runing 
West North West four miles to a Pitch pine tree, which is one mile west 
fl-om Sun Cook River ; from thence Runing North Est & By North six 
miles to a tree westward of Sun Cook River ; from thence nining east 
South east four miles to a Hemlock tree standing by Notingham head 
Line by a pond allied Epsom Pond, with several trees marked by it ; 
from thence Riming .South West and by South by Notingham bead 
Line six miles to the Maple tree fii^t mentioned. 



"Laid out and bounded this first and Second day of May, one thousjind 
Seven hundred & twvnty-nine, by us, — 

"Joshua Foss, 1 
"D.lMEL Lo.XT, [ CommWee. 
" Jkdiath Weeks, j 
"Edwakd Hall, Surteyor." 

A meeting notified to meet at the ferry-house in 
New Castle on May 26, 1729, met, and because the 
proprietors of Epsom who lived in the parish of 
New Castle had not been properly notified of the 
meeting, it wa.s adjourned to the court-house in 
Portsmouth, June 3d following, at eight o'clock in the 
forenoon. 

" Voted Jotbam Odiorne, Moderator. 

" Voted Joseph Simpson, Selectman for New Castle ; Jotham Odiorne, 
Esq , for Rye ; Joshua Brackett for Greenland. 

*' I'pon consideration that sundry persons concerned in the s* town of 
Epsom hath Refused to pay his Proportion to the Charges a Rising in 
Citing the Charter and the s*! town surveyed & Layd out for preven- 
tion whereof, Voted, that any persons thatshall Refuse or Neglect to pay 
their proportion to the charge already due, or that shall. Hereafter, be 
allowed by the Selectmen and committee to the collectors for the time 
being, Every such Pereon shall forfeit his or their Rights, which, when 
forfeited, shall be exposed to Sail by pnblick Vandue, after stoping the 
charges & the sum which ought to be paid by the Pai«)n to the col- 
lector according to bis List, then the over Plush shall be returned to 
the Origenell Proprietor. 

" Voted That the Selectmen chosen at this meeting be Powered & 
Directed to call the Last Selectmen to acC, and to settle the same. 

" Voted That the Selectmen procure some Idnstrus Person to View 
the s^ Laud, and to see whare ami in what method to lay out their Lots, 
and whare to settle the town, and to du what they shall think proper for 
the advancing the settling of the town aforesaid, and to raise money 
Sufficient to Defray the Charges thereof upon the Propra'. 

" Town meeting ended. 

" Jotham Odiorne, Modrat.'^ 

At a meeting held at Rye on the 21 
1729, the proprietors 

" Voted, That James Randall, Thomas Berry . and L". Sam'. Wallis bo 
a committee to view and make choice of a place for the senter of the 
town, and to lay out high ways and the Letts according to the Rates that 
the Proprietoi-s paid, confomiable to the charter." 

May 22, 1732, at the court-house, Portsmouth, — 

" Voted, That there be laid out, at some convenient place in the town 
suitable for Building a Meeting bouse & for settling the twenty fam- 
ilies accordingly, one thousand aci'es in fifty-acre Lotts, one Lott to be 
given to any Person that will settle & will fulfill the Charter so far as re- 
lates to building a house and clearing three acres of Land ; and L«. 
Saml. Wallis, Daniel Lunt, Thomas Berry, Rich's. Goss and Will". 
Haines bo a committee to a Gree with such Parsons as they shall think 
Proper, to settle on the said Lotts. .\nd 'tis hereby determined & 
voted in the Meeting that the Propria' shall have the Befusall of those 
Lotts ; and if there is not twenty of them appears to take up with those 
Lotts, on the consideration above, then to be offered and Laid out to any 
other person that will except the same on the s^ consideration. 

" Voted, That thirty acres be aijded to each of the twenty men men- 
tioned in the above vote, to be Laid out in some other part of the town, 
as the Proprietors shall think best, beside the fifty acres above men- 
tioned, to make up each man eighty acres. 

" Voted, That each Propria', pay, at the drawing his Lott, five shillings 
and what he is behind in his a Rearages in the Rates formerly Raised." 

At a proprietors' meeting, held June 12, 1732, at 
the house of Daniel Lunt, in Greenland, it was 

" Voted, James Marden oi 

Lunt, who Rufuseth to serve 

" Voted, That the selectm 

" I'ofe /, that the twenty r 
this meeting, the twenty u! 



; of January, 



! of the committee in the Room of Daniel 
I) purches a town Book to enter the Rec- 



EPSOM. 



415 



Kos,, IS ; Je.liali \\odi3, V.i ; Junios MarUi-n, 2U. ' 

The above-mentioned lots are what were lor many 
years known as the " home-lots," upon the road leading 
from Deerfield to Epsom Station, by way of the old 
Centre. The lots were upon either side of the road, and 
were one hundred and sixty rods in length and fifty 
rods wide, containing fifty acres. 

It is noticeable that none of that land is owned at 
this time by any of the same name as the original 
proprietors; neither is it by any of their descendants. 

At a proprietors' meeting, at the house of Christo- 
pher Fredericks, in New Castle, July 4, 1732, it was 



chosen to Goe 1 



Voted, That there ho 
iv their Cliarter is, and to Discorse them about tl 
Voted, Capi. Oiliurne and Will™. Haines the 



I Hantpto 



Cliicliester Propria'. & sec tlieir charter & to 
an tlie Sec'J to linow the Date of our Grant of 






At a proprietors' meeting, at the 
Portsmouth, October IG, 18.32, it was 



" Voted, That there h.' I;, i , i . •' i,.. i 
Divided and Disposed <il <- i : i lliinli prop 

viz. : all the Land on til" N . i> ■ -.. !:nri-. 

" I'o(e<Z, That the s'l t"iM -h dl i- in i l.iil.i.i m to four Eang 
each one mile deep, Reserving a lluad of Four llod^ wide between t 
first and second Range, & between the third and fourth, the Ranges 
run the whole Length of the town, the tirst Range to begin at 1 



outh 



" T'o<«(, That all the Land not before Reserved and Granted be Laid 
out on the account of the Propria*, and that they Di-aw Ijotts therefor, 
the niPtliod for tlie s;inie thus, viz. : Number one to begin at the South 
einl "f t'l 'I -i l: K,^. , X to be be numbered and Laid out to the North- 
wM'i > i 111-'' l)e finished; and then to begin at the North 

eii'l •■! I - Ml I. II ii-, i- to be numbered to the Southward till the 

Sl'i- I l:i:i-i 1. iiiii-li.-cl ; and then to begin at the S'l Range at the 

Sontli una & liiHi toward the North till that Range be finished ; and 
then to begin at the North of the fourth Range and Run to the South- 
ward, still Reserving Roads between as many of the Letts as may bo 
tho* convenient. 

'* Voted, That there be a meeting-house of thirty foot Long and 
twenty-four feet wide, Imediately Built at the charge of the Propria*, & 
that Mr. Joshua Brackett, Mr. Will" Lock & Theod. Atkinson, Esq., be 
a committee to a Gree for the same with any Parson or Parsons shall 
do it soonest and cheapest. 

*' Vuled, Kach Propria*, before he Draws his Lott, pay into the Select- 
men as much money as their several Rates are, by which the town is to 
be Divided, & likewise to pay all their arearages; other ways they shall 
not be allowed to Draw. 

" Town-meeting ended. 

"J. Simpson, Cferi." 

In 17.32 the selectmen of Epsom received a notice 
from the selectmen of Nottingham of a desire to 
" perambulate the bounds." Accordingly, Lieutenant 
Samuel Wallis, Mr. Richard Goss and Mr. Samuel 
Weeks were appointed a committee to act with the 
committee from Nottingham. 

COMMITTEE'S RETURN'. 
"We, whose names are under writen, being appuinl.d :iii(l liir.jj by 
the selectmen of the town of Epsom to perainliiii, II. th lin, i irliiig 
to bounds, viz. : Begining at Notingham hem 1 In i i , \,,ith 

east ward from Chester Line, at a maple tree HI II I i . ; i in iinN, 
on the East side for Notiugham, &Ep, onthe Wi ■^l i li i-i I p- .m - iruiu 
thence riming West, North West four miles, to a larg.- pin., trci-, which 
is one mile Westward from Suncook River ; from thence Runing North 



erambvdated this twenty-third day of Scpteb", one tliousand 
uiidredand thirty-two. 



" Walter BayANT, tiiirvcyo]-/' 

At a proprietors' meeting, held the 6th of Novem- 
ber, 1732, a committee was chosen to take a list of 
the proprietors of Epsom, then living in New Castle, 
Rye and Greenland, the committee consisting of three 
persons, one in each of the above places. 

Upon the 9th of the same month the above com- 
mittee reported forty-seven proprietors in New Cas- 
tle, thirty-three in Rye and sixty-three in Greenland ; 
in all, one huiidie.l and forty-three. 

The pro]irietois Ihi II in-oceeded to draw tlieir sev- 
eral lots, as lollows: 

No. 1, Nathaniel White ; 2, James Seavey ; 3, John Odiorne ; 4, Ben- 
jamin Ball ; 5, Israel Mark ; 0, Samuelllaines ; 7, John Foss; S, Joshua 



Walliii.i, .,7, -.1111.1.1 i.li.iiiiii,:,. -j,„;,a >.. 


J, j^,^ jjj,^ 


1.^ ,, 


•III 


Ring; :;b, John Curd; U'J, John Xuclicrma 


i; iO, Jam. 


s I!li 


r.v ; 




43, Willian 


Ilai 




Reuben Mace; 4r., John Lencli ; 4«, Niithanii 


Berry ; 47, 


Sailin 


■1 Hill 


4=1, John BlaU.i; I", Jnl.n n,ill.r,...h : -|. 









Joshua Week* ; 7 , ,i i i I i i 7., Solomon Doust ; 77, Barnahy Cruse; 
78, James Wbiil -I ,' Jni^ r ' 1 1 1 1 lut ; 80, Joseph Maloon ; SI, John 

85, Philip Pauo ; SO, Williiiin K. II v , .^7, lli.liii.l V.mI.', ^^, W illiuiii 
Bucknell, Thomas Berry, Im.h I i-- , ■■', Willi.nii r.il.in-, .lulm Kiir.v; 
yo, Thomas Rand, Jr. ; 91. .lulm "i .nu. h , i,, .^.iiuii.l lln^.iii-, N.nh.ioit'l 
Huggins; u:i, Eoster TrefellR-n , ;i4, i oloin-l Sliuaiacli \Will..ii , :l..,.^.tlllull- 
iel Johnson ; aii, Benjamin Seavey, Jr. ; y7, Joseph Vouren ; ',».>, .Matliias 
Haines ; 99, Samuel Frost ; 100, Deacon John Gate, William Catc ; 101, 
William Seavey; 102, Ehc-iii-z.r r.ony ; lOH. Matliias Ilaiii.-.-; 104, 
Bolyamiu Unserve; lOo, J.i!i:i Wi,; ,. II 1"... II, III. J'.ii, I 7, ,1 i ..ihan 
odiorne, Esq.; 108, Waltci .\ i i i - i ' illill; 
111, William Wallis ; llj, li . .M , . I: i , 111, 
William Jones; 115, Wnl.' I. n '; WiilL.m Minliii: 117. Na. 
thaniel Watson; lis, Siimni , l-i. l: i I ' i m. I Orccuoiigli ; 12ii, Joshua 
Haines; 121, Samuel Sein.\ , il . ,, l; i I ; 123, Benjamin Seavey ; 
124, Captain Samuel Wei-'l,- i \tkinson; 12fi, James Ran- 
dall ; 127, JohnNcale; Vl>, \ .i 1 M, mil. 

The lots numbered 1 to 41, inclusive, are in the first 
range upon the easterly side of the town, beginning at 
AUenstown line; Nos. 42 to 73 are in the second 
range, beginning at Northwood line; 74 to 107 are in 
the third range, beginning at the southerly end of the 
town, and the remainder in the fourth range, num- 
bering from the north. 



446 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, iNEW HAMPSHIRK. 



It appears that there was left after the above lots 
were laid out two thousand acres in the southerly end 
of the fourth range, which, with some smaller lots at 
either end of the twenty lots that were first laid out 
and known as the "home-lots," were known as 
common lands. 

In response to a petition of the inhabitants of the 
town, the General Assembly of the province of New 
Hampshire, in the year 1765, by a special enactment 
made, gave the town the privilege to sell all the com- 
mon or undivided land in the town, and the money 
arising from such sale was to be applied to the build- 
ing of the meeting-house, and John McClary, George 
Wallis and Ephraim Locke were appointed by said 
Assembly to advertise and sell the same at public 
auction, which was done Monday, August 19, 1783. 

This common land at the southwestern part of the 
town was laid out differently from the original lots, 
being only one-half as long and wide enough to con- 
tain "one hundred acres. Lot No. 1, in the south- 
west corner, was sold to John Follensbee ; No. 2, the 
next north, to John Blake; No. 3, Reuben Sanborn; 
No. 4, Reuben Sanborn ; No. 5, John Hubbard; No. 
6, Ephraim Locke; No. 7, Andrew McGaffey; No. 8, 
Andrew McClary; No. 9, Andrew McClary; No. 10, 
Amos Morrill. 

No. 1, in the second range of common lands, being 
the most southerly lot, was sold to John Follensbee; 
No. 2, John Follensbee; No. 3, Thomas Bickford; 
No. 4, Abraham Wallis; No. 5, Nathan Marden ; 
No. 6,' Nathan Marden; No. 7, Israel Gilman; No. 8, 
John McGaffey; No. 9 and No. 10, Amos Morrill; 
but I find no account of the amount that was received 
by the town from such sales. 

''Voted, January H, 173.3, that the name of the Street from the Mcet- 
ing-HouBe upward West Street H Down ward to Xotiugham from s^ 
Meeting-house East Street. 

" July y le", 1733, The Propria"' meet acording to Xotiflcatipn. 
" Voted Theodore .\tkin6on, Esq., Moderator. 

" Voted Joseph Simpson, Esq., Messrs. Charles Frost, Kichi Goss, Sami 
Wallis, Joshua Brackett, Will" Haines a Committee to Lay out to each 
Propria' his Lott or Shier of Land in the town of Epsom according to tho 
Hate he paid in tho year 1723, and if one or more of the s* committee 
fail, the selectmen to appoint others in their Boom. 

" VUed that the committee Doe the Besiness ahove s* by the tirst 
Novem' and make Return by that time. 

"ro(€<J that the committee afore si be Directed & Impo«ered to Re- 
serve out of the si township as much Land as will be sufficient for the 
) the Vote of the Propriators & to Lay the 
thirty acre Letts, Viz., Each of tho twenty Settled thirty 
be made where the said Committee shall 
think proper. 

. " VUtd that the Propria' of Canterbury be allowed a Boad according 
to tho Request of the s* Propriators made to the meeting by M' Walter 
Biyant in behalf of the propriators, which Road is to be Laid out four 
Rods wide Ihro the s^ town of Epsom .is near West Korth West as con- 
veniently as may be to avoid unpasablo places, the Propria' of S^ Canter- 
bury to be at the Charge of Laying out said Way. 

"December 18, 1733; Voted that the Return of the committee for Lay- 
ing out the Said Town be axcepted, and that tho Town Remain Laid out 
according to said Direction. 

■' Voted that the above Committee be allowed and paid the sum of ten 
shillings p. Day for tho time they were Laying out the said town, and 
the surveyor twelve shillings pr. day for his plot. 

"Dec. 19,' 1734: Voted that where as Sundry Ptrsons, with.nit the 
Leave or License, got ill upon Sundry tracts of Land within this town 



ship, and have comiuilted Sundry Tresspases upon Sundry of tin.- Pro- 
pria' pellicular shears, which may, if not Prosecuted, prove Detrymeii- 
tell to the said town ; and whereas it will be attended with some consid- 
erable charge to Prosecute on any one of them, which at Present would 
be to great Burthen for the Prosecutors ; therefore voted that in case any 
of the Prop" in whose Shear any trespass is committed will prosecute 
such trespassers in an action of trespass that it shall be at the charge of 
the Propria" in proportion to tho Land or Shier each Propritor hatli in 
sJ town X the Select men for the time being are hereby impowered and 
Disired to furnish the prosecutor with money for that end. 

" Voted, 3Iay 2C, 1736, That Mr. Joshua Brackett, Will" Haines, Will- 
Wallis and Elia" Philbrooka committee to agree with one or more per- 
sons to build a saw mill at Epsom, the undertakers to have the privi- 
ledgc of supplying the town's people with boards for ten years, who are 
not to buy of any others till the ten years are expired, and the ownere of 
the mill are to sell the boards at the price they are sold at in other 
new towns, provided they keep boards to supply the town's people." 

The following is a full copy of the record of ihe 
only meeting of the proprietors for the year 1749 : 

"The Selectmen having notified the propritors And free Holders of 
the Town of Epsom In the S" Province of Newhanipshire, to meet at the 
Corthouse,InPorsmouth,in S^ province, on Wednesday, the third Day 
of May, 1749. 

"The Propriotcrs mett according to notifycation and Thare 'Voted 
Isaac Libbe, moderator; Joseph Haines, Clark; frauds Lock, John 
Weeks, Samuel Libbe, Selectmen ; William Berry, Surver of Hywaes. 

" Town meeting ended. 



twenty settlers acording to t 
same out in thirty acre L 
acres. Such Reservation ' 



" \ug 30 1750: Voted That Doct. John Weeks And Francis Lock 
Bee a Comm'itte To See whather The men That had the Twenty And 30 
Akers Lotes Have Fnlfilcd Acording to Charter and agreement." 

The following is from the " Historical Sketch of Ep- 
som," by Rev. Jonathan Curtis, published in 1823 : 

" iNtt. RSIONS OK THK IXDI.4SS.-Iu the eariy days of the town the in- 
habitants were kept in a state of almost continual alarm by the incur- 
sions of the Indians. For a considerable time after this settlement was 
commenced only the men ventured to remain in the place during the 
summer season, and then they must keep their arms by them while they 
labored on their lands. During the winter there was much less danger 
from the Indians. Even long after the men had removed their families 
into the place, so feeble was their defense against the attacks of their 
savage neighbors, that, whenever any immediate danger 
hended, they either sent their families away — 
garrison at Nottingham. At length a^ hous 
Andrew McClary within the limits of "- 



as apprc- 

fled with them to the 

erected by Captain 

d near the present 



proof 



the 



residence of Mr. Joseph Lawrence, which 
assaults of the Indians, being surrounded by a high, wooden wall, en- 
tered by a heavy, well-secured gate. Thither the inhabitants fled at 
night whenever danger was apprehended. 

"Captivity of Mrs. McCov.— The Indians were first attracted to the 
new settlements in the town by discovering McCoy at Suncook (now 
Pembroke). Th is, as nearly as can be ascertained, was in the year 1747. 
Reports were spread of the depredations of the Indians in various places, 
and McCoy had heard that they had been seen lurking about the woods 
at Penacook, (now Concord). He went as far as Pembroke : ascertained 
that they were in the vicinity ; was somewhere discovered by them and 
followed home. They told his wife, whom they afterwards made prison- 
er, that they looked through cracks around the house and 
they had for supper that night. They, however, did not disc, 
selves till the second day after. They probably wished to take a little 
time to learn the strength and preparation of the inhabitants. The next 
day 5lrs. McCoy, attended by their two dogs, went down to see if any of 
tho other families had returned from the garrison. She found no one. 
On her return as she was passing the block-house, which stood near the 
present site of the meeting-house, the dogs, which had passed around it, 
came running hack growling and very much excited. Theirappoar„i.ce 
induced her to make the best of her way home. The Indians afterwards 
told her that.they then lay concealed there and saw the dogs when the y 

"""McCoy, being now strongly suspicious that the Indians were actually 
in town, determined to set off the next day with his family for the gar- 
risun at XottingbbUi. His family now consisted of hilns>lf, his w lie anil 



i discover t 



EPSOM. 



s they cuiihl aud all i 



iijrhtwitli tli.-in i 



ofaUthc 
,Voko of . 

Wallac*.''! 



i-rty of tliu iiiliM 
McCoy's, r.^' 



"TliL- feiuL-ily amlcniclty of tlir s;iva,-. 
averted by a friemlly, coHciliating course c 
towards them. This was iiarticuhirly the c 



the 



escajM.', kii'vv . h i ,. h- were not loaded, aud that 

oiil'tless 1>.- kii-i ii i[i \ i) iiii>;uhed. Thoy accordingly 
w'Oinis and made ih«-ir rscapc lu the garrison. This took 
pUuv Aiigimt 21, 1747. 

" The Indians then collecttxl together what booty tlicy could obtain, 
whii'h ronsisted of an iron tntmmel, from Blr. George Wallace's, tliu 
apples of the only tree which bore in town, which was in the orchaixl 
now owned by Mr. David Grillin, and some other trifling articles, and 
prepared to i 



"Before they took their d. 

place nearthe little Sun i I 

young Indian, while iii> 
ascertained to be Plans:i\\.i, - 
foreonictime al«ent. LMiui 
attempting to make her escapt 
she might disjiatch the young 



■ for Canada. 



other til 



hey conveyed Mrs. McCoy to a 

t li. y left her in the care of the 

' names were afterwards 

i.:M_n*e Mre. McCoy thought of 
. opportunities when she thought 
kvith the tniuiniel, which, with 

In,, perhaps av.ml sun.e slrange 



f. ! ii.ii:-.-! !<,ii.i. 1. 1, HI ili.;i Mrw, of the highest order— lie soon se- 
Mi : : , : 1,1^1 11 -e uf kind treatment, he secured their 

i;i i i l:i[ ! i L 1 1 _i Mill, thniigh they had opportunities, they 

•'The first he ever saw of them wasaconipany of them making towards 
his house through the opening from the top of Sanborn's Ilili. lie lied 
to the woods and there lay concealed till tlicy liiul made a thorough 
search about his house and im li-me^ ;niii Ii;id ■^one off. The next time 

vitb 



his visitors c 



he 



them aud to treat them \\u\i : i 
towards the close of the day m 
dining sun suddenly threw : 
ground before him. He had nt 
found himself in the company i 



\s he was busily engaged 
ard for his cow, the do- 
ornious sluulows on the 
tu sec the cause thau he 
stately Indians. Seeing 



his perturbation, they patted him on the head aud told him 
afmid, for thoy would not hurt him.' They then went with 
his house, and their fust business was to seiU'ch all his bottles t 
had auy 'ocaipee'— rum. They then told him they wore ver; 
and wanted something to eat. He happened to have a quarter 
which he gave thcui. They took it and threw it whole upui 
and very soon begjiu to cut aud eat from it half raw. While 



tto I 







le wars the Indians built several wigw 
the conrtuonce of Wallace's Brook with the (ireat Suncook. On a little 
island in this river, near the place called 'Short Falls,' one of thenj 
livetl for a considerable time. I'laueawa and Sabatis were finally both 
killed in time of iicace by (me of the wiiites, after a drunken quarrel, aud 
buried near a cerluiu biifok in IV>6cawcn. 

" MnrNTAiNs.— The siirfaee .if iho town is gouerally uneven, the land 
In .|u. liilv ii-it(- IiiIm , >.ii-i.li I. (Mr hills. Four of tho highest ( 



McCoy, . 



of the first settlers, : 



the Indians frequently visited the 
y great depredations. Tho greatest 



( or St. Francis tribe. (See Bolknap'e 



River, 
tiuctly 8 



ing CO! 

"Nut's Mount 



'rom its summit, in a clear atmosjtheru, the ocean ma 
^u, though distant about thirty miles, in a diix'ct line 
twenty miles the beholder hasa very full view of the si 



s situated about half 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUiNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



tiunt'd ono. It wtia so uaincci from the 
of McCoy's cbilclreii, who had been \o 



ICO that Kathauiel, one 
woods while searching 

was found H|ion it. It is said ho was absent several days, 
ilunug that time upon berries; and tliat, when fii-stdis- 

as disposed to Bee from those wlio came to his relief. 

am !t[ouutai[i, so named from its beiuR crossed by tlio an- 

ham (now Doerliclil) line, lies about half a mile easterly 



from Fort MounUiin 



II, on the Veerflcld side, ii 
twenty or thirty persons a 



the 



,.i Iiu, i,il\, mill.- with the Merrinnudc at Pembroke. The 

!,inl -I 1, . III. I.- ih. Imwu from the east, a few rods below the pond 

ul ill.. .,iuic n.ini. , lujui wliiiili it runs ; and, proceeding in a pretty di- 
rect course westward, near the centre of the town, unites with the river 
fii-st mentioned. 

"Ponds.— There are but three in the town, and these are small. Their 
names are Chestnut, Round and Odiorno's Pond." 

The following is fouiiti in the Records of the Leg- 
islature of 1762 : 

"PitoviNCEOF New Hampshire. 

" To his Exelency Benning Wentworth, Esq., Capt. General, Gove- 
nour & Commander in Chief in ami uver his Maje.vtv'> Province of 

New Hampshire, aii.l 1. il.. II 1...11. . .m. iMa ,-. .1 1:. |.ri-senta- 

tives now Convened ^ 1 

"thePetitionof hi- ^1 .. ' . .. . 1.1 lili.. town- 

Very Poor Distressing circum=lauces to your C'umpabSi...u, & Most 
Eamstly Crave your Pity, and pray your Honours to Relieve us from 
our unsuportjtble Burden of Province tax under which we are made to 
Grone, and Which we think we Cannot Possibly survive Under unless 
your Honours will be Pleased to Mitigate and free us from. 

*' Gentlemen our Numbers are Very Small & wo are very much Exposed 
to Lilies ; our y.iung Cattle, Sheep and Swine are often Destroyed by 
w III 1. I I -, .III. further, we have Lately Selected a minister among us 

I I wo shall not lie able to Support; by Reason of the 

I - we are now under wo are not able to Build a Meet- 



that we liux. (, .' I .: ;. .1- r.M \ .... n...> in.i. I, 11, .1. 1,1 I li IMS to en- 
treat your llououre to take of the hea\y tax which we now Labour 
under, & Restore us the money we Paid Last year, & your Petitioners 
Shall ever Pray as in Pnty Bound ; 

"John Hl.i'liirv, (:.-..r._-,. Walles, Nathan Warden, John Black, 
Ephraiiii 1... 1 , 1: '■<■■ " - 111I...1T1, .lun., Kliphlct Sanborn, Reuben San- 
born, .Iiii.i - \\ I, M nil Ijobbee, .\hraham Wallea, Benjamin 

Blake, Til. Ill . Ill I .. I. ebbee, Isaac Lobbee, Juu., Reuben Leh- 
bee. Am.':, ri 1 . in I I iM. nil, Samuel Black, Thomas Hills, John 
Blaso, 1 |.l'. I ^ ^^ III, nil Blake, Benson Ham, John McGatfey, 

' " In (_''iiiii 1 1.111, -liii ITi.'J: Read & ordered to be sent down to the 

Uoiii'i" Ass. ly, 

"TiitoiioiiE Atkinson, Ji'N., Sec." 

At it meeting failed January 7, 1781, to consult in 
regard to adopting the plan or form of government 
that had been prepared by Congress for the govern- 
ment of the people, the matter was referred to a 
committee consisting of Major Morrill, Mr. Francis 
Lock, Captain Gray, Lieutenant Locke and Thomas 
Babb, to make such amendments as they should 
deem necessary in said plan and report at an ad- 
journed meeting, at which time they presented the 
following objections, which were adoiited by the 



" 1st. The twenty-third article of the bill of rights, as exhibited in 
said plan, is objected to and inadmissible Because such Laws have 
been necessary in the present revolution, A may t-e in the future ; There- 
fore, we submit the making of sinli L.iws 1., ih.. 1. -i-IhIim- |...\\. 1 . 

"2d article of objection is rcsi il.. 1 .n n ,1 . , n .i..i n- 

li-lii .1 I li.l [..111, I:, ..light not to be excluded of the piivi- 



years successively, wh^ise oer\ ice shall be found salutary to the piihlick 
Weal, is the most Capable of serving as long ss he may be found ser- 
viceable to the State in said office. 

"5lh article of Objection is to a person's not having a Voice in the 
choice of a Delegate, Representative, Senator or Governor unless pos- 
sessed of a Free hold in his own right of one hundred pounds, accord- 
ing to the proposed plan. Because, according to the first article in the 
declaration of the rights of the people of the State of New Hampshire, 
all men are born equally free and Independent. Therefore, all Govern- 
ment of right (Originates from the people, and is founded in ciniselit. 
Therefore, the freeman, with ever so small pecuniary abilities, ought to 
have an equal Voice in the legislative Choice with him who is possessed 
of the most accumulated fortune." 

There was a lengthy contest with Chichester rela- 
tive to the boundary line between tlie towns, which 
was finally settled by arbitration. 

At the annual meeting held March 13, 1810, it 
was " Voted to accept Joshua Laue, of 8anbornton ; 
Samuel Shepherd, of Gilmanton ; and John Lane, 
of Candia, a committee to settle the contested line 
between Epsom and Chichester." And at the follow- 
ing March meeting it was voted to accept the report 
of the above committee, whirh established tlie line 

Before the building of railiuads there \Mi.-i a huge 
amount of travel and teaming thmugh this town from 
the northern part of New Hjimpshire and Vermont to 
Portsmouth, Newburyport and other sea-board towns, 
and, consei|uently, a number of inns or taverns were 
required for the accommodation of the travelers. 

The selectmen of the town for 1827 gave license to 
the following persons to keep an open tavern ft>r one 
year, eac^li paying two dollars for the privilege: 
William Yeaton, Jr., Colonel Daniel Cillcy, Abel 
Brown, Samuel Whitney, Robert Knox, Captain lieii- 
jamin L. Locke, Captain Simon A. Heath, Joseph 
Lawrence and Abram W. Marden. 

There is no tavern or public-house kept in tnwn at 
the present time. 

Mr. Curtis says: ''The hilly surfiice of the town 
and numerous streams rendered it very favorable for 
that kind of machinery which requires the power of 
water. Within the limits of the town are eight grist- 
mills with twelve runs of stones, ten saw-mills, three 
carding-machines, three clothiers' shops, and four 
bark-mills." 

Al the present time there are two saw-mills, three 



grist-mills, one sash and door raaniifiictoiy, one box 
factory and the shoe-factory, all situuted upon the 
Great and Little Suncook Elvers. 

In the spring of 18S1 the matter of building up 
some kind of a business that would be of a benefit to 
the inliabitants of the town wa.s discussed, and on the 
4th day of May of that year a company was organ- 
ized, called the Epsom Shoe-Factory Company, with 
a capital stock of three thousand dollars, divided into 
shares of twenty-five dollars each. The stock was 
soon taken and operations at once begun. 

A dam was made across the little Suncook River, 
near the Free Ba]>tist Church, and a twn-story 
building erected. 

The fall of that year the factory was rented to Hill 
& Puffer, of Lynn, Miiss., who at once commenced 
the making of shoes. Their practice was to take 
stock from Lynn or other manufacturing towns that 
was partially fitted and make the shoes. 

In 1883, Mr. Hill left the firm, and Jfr. Nathan 
Goss was associated witli Mr. Puffer in the business. 

In the spring of 1885 they sold out to parties from 
Haverhill, Mass., and a new firm went into the busi- 
ness, known a-s Mitchell, Finney & Co. 

They are now manufacturing shoes, cutting ami 
making entire. 

At present they employ abf>ut seventy-five hands 
and make six cases per day. Their pay-roll for labor 
is about one hundred dollars per day. 

School and Parsonage Lots.— In accordance with 
the rci|uireiiients ot the grant of the town, two lots 
were set apart and known as the school and parsonage 
Irtta. The school lot was located at the westerly end 
of the "home lots," running from the turnpike up 
on Sanborn Hill, and was sold June 10, 1815, Cap- 
tain Gray, B. M. Towle aud others being purchasers. 
The amount realized from such sale, as nearly as can 
be ascertained from the records, was about twelve 
hundred dollars, which the town kept as a school 
fund and divided the interest of it annually among 
the several school districts according to their valua- 
tion. 

The parsonage lot was near the "Old Centre," on 
the southerly side of the highway, on which the build- 
ings now occupied by Addison Davis are situated, 
and was formerly known as the " Dr. Dickey place." 
The lot was sold by vote of the town about 1817, and 
the Rev. Jonathan Curtis was the purchaser, for one 
thousand and five dollars, which sum was invested by 
the town as a parsonage fund, the interest thereof 
being annually distributed among the several reli- 
gious societies in town, in proportion to the taxable 
property of its members. 

This was done until about 1848, when the select- 
men, first obtaining counsel, decided the same to be 
unnecessary and refused to distribute the interest of 
said funds, and they were appropriated to the general 
expenses of the town. 

Soon after this the " Esq. Hersey " farm was pur- 



chased for a poor liirm. Prior to this the keeping 
and care of the paupers was annually sold to the per- 
son who would do it for the smallest sum. The farm 
was kept until 1865, when the county built an alms- 
house and took all the paupers chargeable to thera 
that could conveniently be moved, which left but few 
to be supported by the town, and the farm was sold 
to James Yeaton aud is now owned by Daniel 
Yeaton. 

The first assessment or inventory that we find re- 
corded was made in 1793, and contains the names of 
one hundred and seventy-eight persons that were 
rated as residents and fifty-nine that were non- 
residents, in which list there were only three that 
contained any middle letter, although there were 
several that had Jun,, or 2d or 3d attached to their 
names. 

The land being clas.scd according to its various 
uses, we find that year fifteen acres of orcharding, 
one hundred and fifty-one and one-fourth acres of 
tillage, five hundred and fifty-eight acres of mowing 
and eight hundred aud nineteen acres of pasture, the 
remainder being rated as unimproved lands. There 
were taxed that year sixty-five horses, one hundred 
and thirty oxen and two hundred and five cows. 

At a town-meeting held March 12, 1839, a resolu- 
tion was introduced by Joiuithan Steele, Esq., which 
was adopted, — "that an agent be chosen by the 
town to receive from the town treasurer and select- 
men all the permanent funds belonging to the town, 
and invest them in some safe institution for the 
benefit of the town, and pay the interest annually to 
such parties as the town might direct, viz. : the 
interest from the parsonage to authorized agents of 
the several religious societies, and the interest from 
the school fund to the several prudential com- 
mittees." 

Frederick Sanborn was chosen agent, as above re- 
quested, and gave a bond in the sum of twelve thou- 
sand dollars for the faithful performance of the trust, 
Thomas D. Merrill and Samuel Cafe being his 
sureties. 

The bond stated the several permanent funds to be 
as follows: School fund, $1958.28; parsonage fund, 
$1005; and the surplus revenue, $3079.05,— total, 
*(!042.33. 

Canterbury Bridge.— In the journal of ibe Ilou.se 
of the Provincial Legislature, February I'M, 1744. is 
the following: 



"Tlie within PetiHon 
Liwn of Canterbury Bti 
!i;<ea to pass Sc rep.i8suT; 



CANTERBITET PETITION. 

)n read .«• vnte<1 : Prnvidi-d Tlie Proprin 



I llic 



..r fifty pounds Bills . f irwlit nut „t tli.- lui.ivsl ni,.u.-y arising on llie 
'J.i,000 £ Loan, out of that part of tlie Interest appropriated for Itigliways 
A Iliscovery of the Country, when so much shall he in the Tra-murj-." 

It is supposed that the above must have reference 
to the first bridge over the Suncook River in Epsom, 



450 



HISTORY OF MKRRLMACK COUNTY, NP]\Y IIAiMTSIIIRi:. 



which was a few rods southwesterly from Charles W. 
Rand's house, as the road from there westward has 
always been known as the Canterbury road. After the 
Portsmouth turnpike became a public rof d the above 
bridge and the road from tlie " Ctoboro road " (so 
called), to the Pittsfield road, were discontinued. 

Ministerial.— M:\y 20, 1742, it w.is " Voted Th.it 
there shall bo thirty pounds money Raisccl by the 
Proprietors & inhabitants for llic liifrbcriufr of a min- 
ister, that the Gospel may I"' inoniolcd in the afore s' 
town of Epsom." 

June 8, 1743, " A vote pa.st by the proi)rietors and 
Inhabitants of Epsom to Raise forty Pounds Monney 
for the Support of a minister, that the gospel might 
be promoted among us." 

May 2, 17r)0, it was " Volnl There should be money 
Raised for the supimi-l oltlie ( iospel Fifty Pounds, old 
tennor." 

April 23, 17(i0, it was " Vdnl one hundred pounds, 
old tenor, in money be raised to hire minister or de- 
fray charges." 

"PnoviNi-K CI- New Hami'simiif, 



*' At a legal moctiiig hold in Kpsomat (in I 
Clary, on thiirsttay, tlic twenty-fifth of tlii> IT' 
to notification datod June the 20, tho tm} li. I b i 
lication and thns 

"1. F()(fi(K'ai>t. Jolin Mof 'lary moderator. 

" 2. I'oto; Mr. .Totin Tnrlte to ho tlleir goHpel 



fied that call and confirmed further offers. And now, after a v<-ry 
serious, mature and most delil>erate consideration, and fervent loolcing- 
np to Heaven for direction, luuistance and God's bleissiiig, and hoping 
lliat tliere is a good prospect of doing good service among you, and in 
liuilding yon up in His most lioly faitli ; 1 now, confiding in ami rely- 
ing on the strengtii of divine Rniee for :i.sai«tance, as God linth graciously 



allowed .^ 
serving 11 

"4. I'. 



other Citi in sonu) Conve 
>f a meeting house ami i 
■ uiado up in the other 1 
rig .IS a salary for the 



t doler 






1 hauled to his 



'*.5. r..^f./ I iiii htii'h mI" live poundE 

after the tii.-l i«..\.mi. ;i]. .spired. 

" G. Voled That thirty eorils of wood he an 

"7. Voted ahraham lehee, Isaac leheesen., .lohn Blake, genrge wallis, 
cap. John mcclary, nphraim Locke, Samuel blake, L-ft. Kliphlet Sanhorn, 
natban marden be a coiumittee I*) present a call to Mr. .lohn tiicke. 

honso, to be ])ai'l in Labour if he accepts the call. 

"N.VTHAN Mauukn, f'tark." 

.Vugust 14, 18in, it was " Vofed That the meeting 
house shall stand on the same I>ot where the old 
meeting hou.se fornieily stood, at or near tbe lUiryiug 
place." 

August 12, 1761, it was 

" Voted Nathan Marden, Oeorge Wallis, ens. Thomiis lllake, Kpbraini 
Locke ho a committoo to proviile for the onleruftliiui and to render ac- 
count of the same to the Select nu-n. 

'• Voted that tho charge of tho ordernation be p.aid by the town. 

" Voted Iloniman Dlakc, benaon ham, amos Idazobe a comuiittec to as- 
sist the constable and tithing men in keeping order on the ord»rnatiou 

The following is a copy of Rev. Mr. Tncke's aceciit- 
ance of tbe call to be (heir first minister : 



me by you, that you have I: 



say with the apostle in Colos. 1, 9 : 
il to ilesiro that we might he filled 
dl wisdom and spiriluni nudei-staud. 



' Rpsom, .\ugust 17, 17r.l " 

April in, 17(;4, it w; 



llng-honse bo built in K|»om, thc' length fifty feet 
I'V, Sen., Thotn-as Blake, John Mct'lary, George 



pinilege 1 
'■ Voted, 
shall call for the same." 

We are unable to find any rejiort or account from 
tbe above committee. 

There wa.sa meeting at the house of Caj>taiu An- 
drew McClary on the ir)th day of May, 17(>4, when 
twenty-one privileges for pews were sold by auction. 
We also find that the annual meeting, agreeable to 
the charter, for the year 1706 was held in the meeting- 
house, and for the greater part of the time tbereal'ter, 
while the same remained standing. 

It was occupied by the Congregational Church ami 
Society for religions purposes until about 1820, when, 
other denomiuations having been organized in town, 
who cliiiraed the right to hold their meetings ther<' a 
piirt of the time; the following votes were passed by 
the town: November 15, 1819, it was " Vnfnl, tb.it 
the Toleration Society in Epsom have tbe use of tbe 
meeting-house in said town one-half tlie time on 
Sundays until the next annual meetino-." 

March 14, 1820, it was " IW(W, lli:il I lie town oc- 
cupy the meeting-house one half tlie lime on Sun- 
days, and the Ctmgregational Society the other Inilf, 
until some accommodation be m.ade respecting llie 
same, the Congregational Society to occupy tbe 
meeting-house the ne.xt Sabbath." 

There seems to h.avc arisen a ditlieuhy between 
Rev. Mr. Tucke and bis peojile, tor in I be records of 
a meeting held at tbe nieetiug-boiise on :\loiidMy, I lie 

passed : 



Tuck 



! shouhl be ; 
, respecting t 



EPSOM. 



" r..tell, Cilli', \iul,v„ MCI:, IV. 1 

Prescott to bv u , ..niiiiilh ,• I,, I Ih.il jiin 

At a nifclillj; lull! .I;lllllal\ 

"Fo(<.rf, tliiUll.,i.-.-~l...uM iH.io.Lii, 
tie tho Ditflcnilic's Subsislijjg l..l\v.-. 
Inliabitiints of tbo Town of KiMcuii. 

" ri>te(i, that ti" Shoiilil bi- a coniiiiil 
Behalf of the InhabitJints of salil town, 
nienclioned, till thore is a (iiiiil Oet^isioi 
contmvoi'sieB. 

" Voted, f>P'. Andrew M'^Clary, D'. 01 
Hhoulil bo ooniinittuu for that pnrpose.' 



June IS, 1774, at a meeting called " to sec if (lie 
Town when assembled will pass a vote to dismiss the 
Rev. Mr. Tiicke from his Tastoral and Ministerial 
Relation to the Inhabitants of the Town of Epsom, 
agreeable to the Result of the Counsel Convened in 
said Epsom, March 15, 1774, by the request of the 
pastor, church and people," it was 



July 25, 177- 
voters called tii 






at a meeting ot 
that purpose, — 



1 from liis 1'a.stoi-al 

C Notiflcation. 

int up till tllP town : 



Rev. Beni.Mmin Thur.ston 



Tiilv 



si.xty pounds, lawful money, for the first year, sixty- 
live pounds for the second year, and seventy pounds 
for the third year, with the use of parsonage and the 
usual supply of wood, etc. Ihit for some reason Mr. 
Thurston declined the call. 

March 21, 1781, it was " Void! to raise money 
enough to Hire eight days' preaching." 

After the call had been given Mr. Thurston to 
settle in the town as their minister it was 



' \oled that thn: 



I Parsonage house atul 1 



s^onago lands, where it shall be thought nu)St proper, of tin- rollo\\iii^ |)i- 
niensiona, viz. : tho House to be 4(1 by ;iO feet, and 2fltorv high ; Mie bam 
to be ^5 by 30 feet, and onr elected Pastor to be consulted as to the tiii- 
inhing the Parsonage House as to convenience. 

" r.i/c./ that Mr. Thurston he allowed by tho town the keeping of one 

liMi-i , I w w iri.l i III -It. I'll, from llii- time of his settlement until 

till III I . .1 , i.M 1 In — liiiU li\', \\ ill produce hay and grass 

-nil I I - ! ii til' ■ \|" II- uMiii- town, allowiugsi.v and oue- 



. pi the call) he 



en or twelve 


wore, at 


BAperlb. 




M„llv, after the 


follow 


1, Uve, beef and Pork 



lOpxoni." 

Ill 1784, Rev. Ebenezer Haseltiiie 



AhlSS., 



of the ihureh and town and was uniaii 

Mr. Ilaseltine was a native dl Mi 
a graduate of Dartmouth ( icllc-c, hnik liciais.- In 
preach from the (inil'toii I'rrsbvlny .Inly 24, 17711. 
He remaine.l in Idwn till liis dealli, Ndveiiibcr Id. 
1813. 

( )f him it is said : "He was a man of great mod- 
esty ami diffidence, unassuming in his carriage among 
his own jieople and others; a man of strict integrity, 
and uprightness in all his dealings ; a man of a quiet 
spirit, a promoter of peace and love among all ; a 
man of hospitality and charity so far as his ability 
permitted, kind and friendly to all mankind, and in 
consequence of his virtues was respected by all bis 
acquaintances." 

After his death the ti)\vn " VoleJ to bear the funeral 
expense and also pay to his widdw his salary for the 
remainder of the year, and Ibe privileges of the par- 
sonage." 

About a year after the death of Rev. Mr. Haseltine 
the church gave Rev. Jonathan Curtis a call to be- 
come its pastor, but the town refusing to unite, an 
organization was formed and chartered known as the 
"(Congregational Religious Society nt tin' Town of 
Kiisoni." 

The following is a copy of the papers presented to 
the ordaining council, enibiaeim; the call lA' the 
church and congregation to llev. Mr. Curl is, and his 
answer : 

" At a meeting of the Congregational religions Society, in the Town 
of Kpsom, duly holdeu agreeably to adjournment, on Saturday, the let 
day of Oetiiber, Anno Domini 1SI4, the following votes were passed : 

■■ r-'. .', J. -nil. Sihl V|..l..iatiir, Pro. Teni. 

" I ' ', I 111 1. nil, 1.. Lii. Mi. .lonathan Curtis a fall to settle in 

.siiiil S..1I, i\ Ml Ml'- Mull, mI til-' (Mirtpei Ministry. 

"t I , III nil- h \ietrill, Sam'. Morrell, Moses Osgood, Joseph 

l,:iu I 1 ' - I iil'orn a Committee to draught projjosals for the 

liiiij ' I I ' Ml .lonathan Curtis, and present the same to the 



" Epsom, Oct. 5th, 1814.' 



lid Cimgregation in the Town of Epsom, 
'iiial religions Society in said Town, being 
.- the preached Gospel ill 'said 'I'mmii, aod 



this Call." 

"At a Meeting of the Congregational religions Society, 
of Epsom, duly holden agreeably to adjournment, on Sati 
day of October, Anno Domini 1814, the following votes 
niously passed : 



HISTORY OF MKinUMACK COUNTV, NEW IIAMI'SHIRE. 



"l8t. ]'..(. rihil It Ml .1 ii..lli;iliClirtisHln>iil(laccepta(.'nlI tiXH'ttlem 
Epsom as tli-' '. i- i ^Imm i i ..I ihe Congrugiilional religious Society in 
eaid Town, In^ ~i:ii<-<l ~ilai\ -Ij^ill be fonr liundred iloUars, to be paid an- 
nually from Iho il;it.^ v( hi* mccptance of tlio Call. 

"2d. lofed, That tho l*anionage Land and Uuildings which were oc- 
cupied by the late Bev. Ebene7.oi- Ilaseltine shall be occupied by M r. 
Jonathan Curtis, should ho settle iu K|)som during his Ministry in s^ 
Town. 

*':id. IVYcd, That Parsonage lluilditigs be put and kept in decent re- 
pair at the cxtieuse of the Society. 

"4tli. Voted, That Mr. Jouatlian Curti.s be f'mtlier allowed twenty 
cords of good hard fire Wood aillliially, t., be d.-liveleil at bis House 
some time in the Fall and Winter. 
"Eiwom, October 3d, 1814. 

"S.iMi.. 0.-!.;.i.in, I 

" Levi Biiown, Cnmrnillce in Inliulf 

"Sami.. Moniill., o/theCli. ,t 

" llKN-r. Bloonv, \ ComjreifalioiKtl 



"El>S0M, Jany. 14tli, 1815. 
" To the CommiUee/or Ihe Omigregalioiial Religions Society in Efxovt : 

" Gkntlkmkn,^A considerable time has elapsed since I bad the honor 
to receive from yon an invitation to settle in your Society in the work of 
the Gospel Ministry. 

"The undertaking presents a sitnation the most arduous, responsible 
and important In this \ i.w of it, 1 hope I have not occupied an un- 
nece»»ar\ l.rt^tli .i i m ^ .■iisi<leration. Your proixtsals I have care- 
fully an. 1 - I' I The unanimity .If your Society, and 
theiran^.n. ' -ii|.i..irt, present a p 



usefulness 



"I accept ..f y.>iir iiivita1i.>n to settle with yon in the - 
Gospel Ministry. And if it shall ho the appointment of I'l 
establish me in that Sacred I'rofessi.m, lot cun- uniteil prayei 
that CimI who is the great fountain of all wi8.l.>ni and g.>.>.liH 
blessing may attend such a connection, 
"With high 



; of the 



Sofiely 1 
ing-hoiis 
time otii 



1 helml/qf 



iiut IS-Jil the ('(iii;;i-ogatioii;il Cliiiirli and 
i Ihe IVcc anil inidisiiutetl use of the meet- 
IkiI was liiiill liy the town; but at this 
l.n.iiiiiiiatiiiiis liail made tlieir appearance 
, and demanded and obtained the ])rivilege 
111: the meeting-liouse a portion of the 
al the OiinsrreL'ationalists were obliged to 



A.aor.lingly, a meeting of the soeiely was ealied 
A|>ril 10, 1820, at the house of Simon A. Heath, 
when a committee, consisting of Ira. Sanl)orn, Thomas 
I). Merrill and .lames Hriiwn, were ajipointed "to 
|,r,,vi.l,' a snilaMc i.laee I., .assemble fnr public wor- 
shi|. lliecaisuings.^asoH." 

At the annual meeting of the society, lield May 1, 
1820, the above committee reported " tliat Captain 
Heath's Hall is the most proper jjlace for public 
worshi]! for the present season." 

Al the same meeting it was also " Vafetl, that it is 



expedient to erect a meeting-house in the town of 
Epsom for tlie Congregational Society." 

At a meeting held the 7th day of May, 1821, llie 
society chose Josiah Sanborn, Thomas D. Merrill and 
John Cate a committee to meet a committee ap- 
pointed by the town to effect a settlement of the 
existing difficulties between the Congregational 
Society and the town, which committee presented 
the following report at a meeting of the society held 
the 27th of April, 1822, which was accepted: 



Iruln the sjile of the parsonage alore6;iid thi 
at the expiration of each and every year 1 
to the war.l.-lis of the s...i..|y af..reKii.l tluii 

of the illt.-iv-l ;,r..M..:n.I, V,,. I ■ il, 






1 aggregate of the i 



said Town may hav.- or shall luivc i,-,,nr,l ;. 
the six yeai-s aforesaid, and lM>tli of said p;iii i— - 
lie bound to divide said interest in the manii. i r. 
shall not at any time hereafter claim or be enliil. 
than their proisuiion in the manner aforesai* 
when ratified by said Town of Eiwom and said i 



mise, if iwssible, among the 



lelvesand re]K>rt to the town. 

"JosnH Sanborh, 1 

" TnoM.ls D. Mehrh.1., [ 

"John Cate, J 

" Hanover Dickey, 1 

"Jonathan Steele, i 



The Congregationalist.s continned to occupy the 
old meeting-house a portion of the time until ii<4'>. 
when they built a church at what was known as Slab 
City, and the old niecting-hmise was sol.l and re- 
moved to Concord. 

The Rev. .Tonathan Curtis remained with the 
ihurch until January 1, 1825, when the Rev. A. D. 
Smith was employed as a stated supply for a year, 
respecting whose labors among them the society 
iiassed a vote of high commendation. 



EPSOM. 



453 



The Rev. A. Burbank was here for a short time in 
1827, but (III the 1st day of November, 1829, Rev. 
John M. Putman was installed pastor of the church, 
and sustained that relation some two and a hall 
years, when he was dismissed at his own request. 

Following Mr. Putman, the Rev. Abel Manning 
was here some two yeai-s and the Rev. Francis R. 
Smith a little longer period, with occasional supplies 
by differeut ministers. 

January 1, 1837, Rev. Winthrop Fifield commenced 
preaching here, and so well was he liked by the 
church and peo])le that a call was given him to sottle 
with them, which he accepted and was ordained the 
10th of May, 1837. 

Mr. Fifield remained with the church nearly ten 
years, through the trying period of locating and 
building a new house of worship, but left very soon 
after the church was dedicated. 

Rev. Rufus A. Putman, a native nf Sutlt)ii, lMaj-s., 
and a graduate of Harvard College, was the next minis- 
ter, being here from September, 184(i, to May, 1852. 
The following two years the church was occupied 
only a portion of the time. Revs. M. B. Angier and 
C. C. Durgin being the supplies. 

R. A. Putman and E. H. Blanchard then sii|i|ili..d 
the pulpit for one year each. 

February 22, 1856, a call was given the Rev. J. 
Ballard to settle with them, which he declined, and 
the Rev. Charles Willey was engaged as a stated 
supply. He remained about three years, and was 
succeeded by Rev. A. B. Peffers, who remained until 
1866, and was followed by Rev. (ieorge Smith for 
three years. 

Rev. Charles Peabody was the next preacher, and 
his stay was but three years. 

During the following four years there was only 
occasional preaching, largely by students from the 
Theological Seminary. 

December 1, 1876, Rev. E. C. Cogswell, of Noitli- 
wood, commenced jueaching here Sundays ami com- 
tinued until June, 1881, since which time, with tlie 
exception of six months of the summer of 1882, when 
Rev. L. U. Chase supplied, the church has been with- 
out regular Sabbath services. The removals IVoin 
town and by death have nearly depleted the cliuirli 
membership. 

There is a fund of one thousand dollars given by 
the widow of the late Thomas D. Merrill, the interest 
of which is to be used for the support of Congrega- 
tional preaching in the town of P^jisom. 

The Free-Will Baptist Church of Epsom.'— This 
church was organized June, 1824, by Rev. E. Knowl- 
ton, of Pittsfield, and Rev. Arthur Coverno, of Straf- 
ford, consisting of eight persons, the same number 
that entered into the Ark of old, and these are their 
names, — Rev. Arthur Coverno, Nathan Bickford, 
Daniel Philbrick, Ephraim Locke, Lucretia Tarlton, 

1 Prepared by Rev. M. A. Quimb^. 



Mary Marden, Elizabeth Currier and Sally Osgood. 
Rev. Arthur Coverno, under (iod, was its founder and 
first pastor, and by his earnest and faithful lahors this 
little band of disciples continued to gniw, and its 
membership increased to lifty that season. Ii \v:is 
like Joseph's fruitful bough by a well, whose lniiricjus 
run over the wall. Union has very gcmially ].n- 
vailed, and the church has been ready to cii-opcrate 
with the pastor in revival edbrt and benevolent work, 
and the Lord has often blessed his people with re- 
freshing showers of grace and precious accessions to 
her numbers. The church has been enterprising and 
energetic in her labors. She ha.s built two houses of 
worship,— the first in 1833, the latter, larger and 
more commodious, in 1861. She bus .i nice ((iMnlry 
parsonage, with two acres nf LumI. wIumc iIm- pastur 
tinds a pleasant home. The clnnrh li:is lakni lii;;li 
ground on the gieat ni.i]:il .|iH>tioris of thu age. The 
cause of mis>i,)ris, Sini<la>,srli..,,ls, education, freedom, 
temperance and mm-A rclmiu have received due at- 
tention and encouragement. Some "born in Zion " 
have been called to preach the everlasting gospel, 
—the Rev. Daniel P. Cilley, of Farmington, long a 
suc<essful preacher and pastor, now venerable with 
ycais ; the Rev. James McCutcbeou, deceased, lor six 
years jiastor of the church; the Rev. John Malvern, 
of liynn, Mass., an able and successful minister of 
Christ; and the Rev. Augustus Towle, Congregation- 
alist, and now in the West, who has worthily magni- 
fied the office of the gosjiel ministry. The church 
has a fund of eight hundred dollars. Mrs. Mercy, 
widow of Deacon Thomas Bickford, gave four hun- 
dred dollars, and David Marden gave three hundred 
dollars, the annual interest of which is to be used in 
the support of preaching. The Rev. B. Van Dame, 
a former pastor of the church, gave one hundred dol- 
lars, the interest of which is to be used to jiurcliase 
hooks for the Sunday-school, bis name to l)c placed in 
the books. 

The statistics of the church are as li.llnws: Kntiic 
membership, 157 ; number in tlic Sunday .^iIhihI, ii'-'i; 
number of volumes in the SiiiHlay^ch.i.il lilnaiy, 2no. 

Since the organization liltccn lircllircii have lurn 
called to the pa.storate of the church, and most of 
these were young men when they were settled over 
the church. Their names and order of service are as 
follows: Rev. Arthur Coverno, James MeCutcheon, 
B. Manson, B. Van Dame, ({. P. Ramsey, K. R. 
Davis, Tobias Foss, M. A. (iuimby, Horace Webber, 
E. Knowles, J. H. Brown, C. E. Hiiskell, Uriah 
Chase, Joel Baker and N. A. Avery. The average 
length of their pastorates has been three years and 
eight months, and only short intervals have occurred 
between the dismission and settlement of each pastor, 
and often one has immediately succeeded the other. 
The present pastor. Rev. M. A. Quiniby, has been 
settled over the church, in all, nearly thirteen years, 
and the spring of 1885 is the fourth time that he has 
been called to the pastorate of the church. 



454 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The Christian Society. — Many of the inhabitants 
who lived in the southerly part of the town were in 
the habit of attending chureh at Allenstown, where 
there was a church of the Ciiristiaii denomination. 

About the year 18(50, Edwin T. Philbriek,. then 
living in that part of Kpsom familiarly known ass 
"New Rye," left his forge and anvil, reorganized the 
old churcli and was ordained its pastor in the month 
of August, 185!!. 

As the larger ipciriiim ol' llie :aiciiihiiils at the Sab- 

ences at tin- oU\ Allriilnwn Church were very poor, it 
was deciiU'l !•■ luiilil a new cluircli edifice, and the 
summer ol' KStil wilucssed the building of the Chris- 
tian meetinghouse and the organization of " The 
First Christian Society of Epsom." 

The church was dedicated Septembers, |S(il, the 
Rev. A. G. Comings, of Lee, N. II., preaching the 
dedicatory sermon. 

From that time the Christian Church of Aliens- 
town became the First Christian Church of Epsom, 
with the Rev. E. T. Philbrick as its pastor, who con- 
tiiuied in that relation for several years, during 
which time many additions were made to the church 
and society. Following Mr. Philbrick, the Rev. J. 
P. Stinchfield, a Methodist minister, supplied the 
pulpit for one year, from April, ISGS). 

Rev. Benjamin Dickson, of Wolf borough was the 
next su|)ply, preaching to them two or three years, and 
was followed by Rev. M. M. Cleverly, of Lynn, Mass., 
and he by Rev. George D. Garland, and after him, 
Rev. James Philipps. 

Between the services of the abovc-iiaiiied clergy- 
men the pulpit was fre(]Ueritly occupied by clillereiit 
pcreons for a few Sabbaths at a time. 

Since 1881 there has been but little pnaeliing in 
this church by ministers of the Christian denomina- 
tion, but the summers of 1881, 1883 and 1884, Rev. 
E. C. Cogswell, of Northwood, a Congregational 
minister, occupied the pulpit, and the services were 
attended by many who formerly attended the Congre- 
gational Church in the other part of the town. 

Physicians. — Rev. Mr. Curtis mentions Stephen 
Swctt and J. S. Osborn among the lirst doctors in town. 

We find thatObadiah Williams, from this town, was 
a surgeon in the Revolutionary War, and the records 
of the town for 1773show that Dr. Obadiah Williams, 
with others, was ajipointed a committee to treat with 
the Rev. Mr. Tucke. 

Daniel Lawrence Morrill wiis in |ir:ietiee here iji 
1799 and 1800; went fr.nn lure t.. (iollstown, and in 
1825 was (Jovernor of the state. 

Samuel Morrill was the next .loetcn-, coming here 
about 1800, and renuiining twenty years, when he 
removed to Concord, N. U. Dr. Morrill, as will be 
seen by the list of otiicers of the town, was prominent 
in the affairs of the town, having been its clerk nine- 
teen years in succession, and was also clerk of the 
Congregational Society nearly as long. 



Dr. Josiah Crosby came into town upon the re- 
moval of Dr. Morrill, and remained here four or five 
years, and was afterwards in practice in Manehcsler. 
where he died a few years since. 

He was succeeded by Dr. John Proctor, who was 
here until about 1840, when Dr. Hanover Dickey, Jr., 
a native of the town, entered into practice and con- 
tinued it until 1845, when he removed to Lowell, 
Mass. 

Dr. Leonard W. Peabo,ly succeeded Dr. Diekey, 
atui remained here twciity-si.\ years; was town clerk 
one year, and postmaster ten years, lie is now in 
practice in Heuniker, and represents all that town in 
the Legislature of 1885. 

Dr. Sullivan A. Taylor came int(j town in 1S71. 
and remained here some five years and renioved to 
Concord, but has since locatoil at (iilmanlon Iron- 
Works. Dr. Albon H. French took Dr. Taylor's 
practice and continued it until 1882, when he sold 
out to Dr. M. F. Smith, who still remains in town. 

Schools.— At a meeting held at the house of < 'ap- 
tain Andrew McClary, inn-h(dder, on the 18th day of 
June, 1765, agreeably to a notification by the select- 
men, to consult about the building of a school-house, 



The meeting then adjonrned to the 2.">tli ol .Ulnc 
inst., at the same place, at uliieh lime llic Ibllowing 
votes were passed : 

" I r..(../ Ih.il (In- wlioul-lmuw bo built uii till' I,ut loiuonlj riilK'il tin- 

■'■1. !../..( Ilial Ml.' ...stof *' lumoc bolmid in L,:mil or moli(;y. 
" :i. Valt'tl th;tt s-i lumse be bill of at vaiulo. 

'■Vuled Nalliiiil MiiKlon, Viiiidu lunster, s^ house bid ,if to Klis. .Mega 
fey, at 312 O. T., to raiiiu bord, shiuglc, clabold & floio." 

A complaint being made to Lieutenant F.phiaiin 
Lock, grand juror, that the town had negleeteil to kee[i a 
stated school, a meeting of the inhabitants was called 
May 22, 17S(I, at which it w^as " Vuleil that the second 
article in the warrant respecting a school shall be left 
to the discreti<iii of the selectmen (that is) to raise 
what money they may judge' necessary for thesii|iport 
of schools the ensuing year." March, 17>;i, it was 
" V<i/cd to raise one thousand pounds. Lawful inouey, 
in the present currency, for the support of a school 
the year ensuing." March 2(), 1781, it was '• IVn/ 
I'liat the s( liool House which stands near the nu'eliiiL- 
hoii>e ill Miid lOpsom be this day sold at pnldiek 
wihlue In ilie Highest Biilder, & the purchased siiin 
lie a[iproprialcd to the use of the town." 

" To the. Sekvlmeii of the Toii'ii "/ K|>»o/ii : 

" .\ iiuiiiber of Uif lulmbilantii of the WcBlirn dislrirt in Kiis..iii Iniiii- 
bly slifW- 

"Tiiat »o cvor liavo boou & sliU mo tlMinms to iiroiuolo public scbooln 
ill said Town for tho Inslniction of our cbildroii, and of lute wo have 
used overy exertion in our liowor to have a suitable school house ill the 
district coiupleted for that design, but every such cflbrt proves alwrtive, 

disregard to the best Inteiei.l6 of 



EPSOM. 



their faniilioB, by ilepriviug tlioir cbiWren of the means of Instruction 
and tliereby rendering them, in a great degree, useless member of So- 
ciety, and by such conduct of theirs, we being classed with tliem, are 
debaredof that for our children, which wo esteem an inestimable bless- 
ing. 

"Tliis is our grovianco, and in this situation we cannot rest easy, to 
see our uuiiieiuus olTf^pring, which we are lustnniieutal uf bringing into 
e\ist;u.. . . n. i up liUoso many heiithenor hiiiirs m ,i > i\ ili,. ,1 world. 

AV.> I'liiM Imi. s.rU hi I ho Town for redress, :u^"- Ioi"\\ ii.M.iliri irmi-dy, 
and iinij' tiial a iiircting uf sjlid Town may be wanud as s.mn a(^ may be, 
tliat this our greviancn may be considered, and some inethud adopted & 
put in Execution tliat sliall reninve tlio .\clian out of tlie camp and givi- 
us speedy relit'f iti tinistiing the Scliool-housc already begun, that a 
seliuul may be Iiad soasonaldy for the purpose aforesaid. 

" Ki.s,.rn, l,Mh ..f .Tilly, 1793. 

".lames (iray, (Ice Yewriu, Reuben Ycwrin, Thomas Biekfoiil, Simeon 
Towie, Sami Itiekford, Sylvanus Moses, Richard Rand, John Prescott, 
JereJ Preseott, Jr., Abraliam Wallace." 

In response to the foregoing petition the selectmen 
called ii meeting at the meeting-liouse in said town, 
the 5th day of August, at four o'clock in the afternoon, 
the second article of the warrant being as follows : 
"To see what method the Town will take to remove 
the Achan out of the camp," which article was 
dismissed at the meeting, and ten pounds voted to 
be raised from the inhabitants of the western district, 
to be e.Kpeaded in finishing the school-Iiouse in said 
district. "And should there be a surplusage, the 
same shall be laid out for school-keeping for the ben- 
efit of said district the year present." 

The division of the town into districts for school 
purposes was by common consent or an occasional 
vote of the town until May 11), 1808, when the se- 
lectmen were instructed to make such division, " and 
affix metes and bounds to the same, and make a re- 
turn thereof to the clerk, to be by him recorded," and 
was substantially as follows: 

District No. 1 contained all that is now comprised 
within its limits; also that portion of Di.strict No. 7 
on the turnpike, below Warren Yeaton's, and from 
Yeaton's to Deerfield line. 

DiMiict No. 2 contained all on the turnpike from 
the east side of the New Orchard road to Chichester 
line, and all north of the turnpike; also from the 
shoe-factory to " Cyder Brook " (so called), just south 
of the house of John Spurlin. 

Bistricl No. 3 was composed of what is now Districts 
Nos. 3 and I) (New Rye and the Mountain), and ex- 
tended to the corner at Short Falls. 

District No. 4 contained all on the west side of the 
Siincook River lying .southerly of the turnpike, and 
from Short Falls bridge to the Mountain District, 
near the Short Falls post-office. 

District No. 5 contained that portion of the " North 
Road " District northerly from the turnpike, and on 
the turnpike from the Northwood road to the mile- 
post near Henry Knowles' house, and also what is 
now united with Pittsfield in forming No. 6. 

District No. 6 was the New Orchard District, very 
nearly as it now exists. 

"HViorcns, the undersigned were, on tile flret day of Noveiuljer, 182 1, 



appointed by a vote of the towu of EiKsoni a coi 
the propriety of altering the school districts 
thereon to said town at their annual meeting, it 
fere, rclHtrt that in nor npiniiit many iiirliviilnri 
aud do not lia\-' iIimi |>r >|>.'| n.n 111" III.' )m I, 



1-ebri.ary loth, 182.3. 



' IlANOV 
' Wl.NTll 



Fowl 



In January of 1833 the school-house in Disliict 
No. 3 was burned, and the following season the dis- 
trict was divided, forming the New Rye and Moun- 
tain Districts, the former taking No. 9, the "Fowler 
District" having been taken oft' of No. 4 a few years 
before, and numbered eight. In 1851 District No. 10, 
" Marden's," w:is taken from No 2, iiud there are two 
union districts, — one with Pittsfield, No. (i, and one 
with Chichester, known as the Union District. 

Three new school-houses have been built within 
the last few years, aud the others reiiaireil, so at 
the present there are nine very good school-houses in 
the town. 

:\lnivli I.-., |s20, it was 

■ I II., V due the Town of Epsom fioiu tile Hiv'i .Ii.iia- 



I suppoit of a free Euglish 



There is no evidence that the above vote was ever car- 
ried out. 

Although the scholars of the town have never been 
favored with any special advantages for an education, 
yet, during the summer of 1854, the town hall was 
fitted for a school-room by certain interested citizens 
purchasing the scats that had been removetl from 
Pittsfield Academy to make room for more modern 
furniture, and the 3d day of August, of that year, 
Samuel G. Lane, now a prominent lawyer of Concord, 
began a school which proved to be both interesting 
and profitable ; and for the next six years a school 
was kept there every autumn, taught by the following 
persons : 

James Webster, now one of the leading teachers of 
Boston, taught two terms, and the tbllowing persons 
taught one term each : Cyrus O. Brown, George W. 
Morrill and Thomas M. Chase. 

Since then there has occasionally been a school 
taught by some of our local teachers. 

Of the early teachers it is impossible to get any 
accurate information. Among some old papers we 
find the following receipt: 

" Received two pound Eight Shillings for Eight weeks' .School keeping 
Over the river, in 1781, by me, 

" JosKen Goss. 
"Epsom, March Sth, 178.3." 



456 



HTSTOllY OF MERRIMACK COITNTY, NKW HAMPSHIRE. 



James Gray is said to have been a school-teacher 
here before the Rcvohitiohary War, and tradition 
tells of School- masters Sutton and Casey, and the 
same authors tell that the former became impoverished 
in his declining years, and was assisted by the town, 
and the latter, for some iiiilawful :ut, was obliged to 
leave the town. 

At a later period we learn of Thonuis D. Merrill, 
for many years a leading man in town affairs and a 
successful trader, as a school-master; also "Master 
Batchelder," noted for the severity of his punish- 
ments; "School-master Ham," "Gen. Locke," John 
Chesley, the Dickeys (Hanover, David and Abram), 
James Hersey, Esq., Andrew M. Heath and many 
others. 

The following list comprises those sons of Epsom 
who have received a college eduention or have be- 
come professional men : 

Dr. James Babb studied with Di. Josiah C'rosby 
and succeeded him in his practice. He lived for a 
time in the parsonage house on the hill, and then 
built the house now owned by Hosea L. Hilliard, in 
"Slab City." He left town about 1840, and moved 
to Manchester. He married Maria, daughter of 
Captain Bickford Lang. 

David Dickey graduated from Dartmouth College, 
and studied law. 

Hanover Dickey graduated from the medical college 
at Hanover, and practiced in his native town until 
1845, when he went to Lowell, Mass., where he died 
in 1873, and was brought back here for burial. 

Abram Dickey, also a graduate of Dartmouth 
Medical School, studied dentistry also, and practiced 
in Lyme several years, and then removed to Wor- 
cester, Mass. While on a visit to Lyme, in 1882, he 
rode with Dr. Marshall, of that town, into Vermont, 
and both of them were found drowned in a pontl, 
their team being also in the water. 

John M. Steele graduated from Dnrtnioulh, class ol 
1844, became a minister and went West. He died in 
New York in 1857. 

Joseph W. Tarleton gniduatcd fnnu Kartmontli at 
about the same time as Mr. Steele, and adopted the 
same profession, and preached several years at Hook- 
sett and afterwards in Massachusetts. He died at 
Waverly, Mass., February 27, 1883, aged sixty-six 
years. 

Daniel P. Cilley became a Free- Will Baptist minis 
ter, and now lives at Farmington, N. H., suft'ering 
from diseases incident to old age. 

Jonathan A. Knowles, after farming several years 
upon the old homestead, felt it his duty to preach the 
gospel ; so he fitted himself at the Methodist Biblical 
School, at Concord, and was ordained a Free-Will 
Baptist minister, and preached at Lake village, Man- 
chester, Danbury and other places in New Hamp- 
shire. 

Silas Green wms .i prnmiuent minister in the 
Methodist dcnoniinatidii, arid was located at Man- 



chester, Rochester, Salmon Falls and Candia, where 
he died November 10, 1874. 

John Malvern came into town from England wlicii 
a boy. After working at shoemaking a few years he 
attended school and entered the ministry. He is nnw 
settled over the Free Baptist Church of Lynn, Mass. 

Orren S. Sanders, at present one of the leading 
physicians of Boston, Mass., and Henry Sanders, of 
Chicago, sons of Colonel Job Sanders, will be remem- 
bered by the older residents of the town. They :it- 
tended school at Pembroke Academy. The foruR-r 
began his practice in Chichester. The latter was for 
several years a school-teacher, but afterward studied 
medicine and went West. 

Frank H. Wallace and Andros P. Chesley, both 
graduates of Dartmouth College, are both in medical 
practice, the former in Boston, Mass., and the latter 
in Concord, N. H. 

Edwin B. Harvey, a graduate of Wesleyan College, 
ipf ^Iiilill( town, Conn., is a practicing physician of 
Wi-tli .iM . Muss. He has been a member of the 
.M.i->;i. hiisi tis Legislature from Westboro'. 

Charles W. Tarleton, a graduate from Brown Uni- 
versity, Providence, R. I., after teaching a few years 
in Worcester, Mass., was obliged to come home to 
care for his parents, where he still resides. 

Andrew J. Goss, class of 18H1, Dartmouth College, 
became afflicted with asthmatic troubles and went to 
Florida, and from thence to San Diegn, Cal., wlieif 
he still lives, a great sufferer. 

Charles A. Towle graduated Irom Dartnionlli in 
1864; studied theology at Andover .ind Cliiiago; 
preached at Sandwich and Soutli Ciiiiiigd, 111.; at 
present at Monticello, Iowa. 

Walter H. Sanborn, class of 1867, Dartmouth, 
taught school at Milford, N. H., then went to St. 
Paul, Minn., studied law and entered practice with 
his uncle, John B. Sanborn. 

Almon F. Cate, of the same class, taught school in 
the West several years, then went to Manchester, 
N. H., where he now lives. He is now in business 
as an architect, contractor and builder. 

Harry F. Towle and Edward 1'. Sanborn graduated 
from Dartmouth in 1876. The latter went to St. 
Paul and entered the law-firm with his uncle and 
brother. The former hsis been a i)ublic teacher. He 
taught at Hollis, N. H., Abington, Mass., and 
Yonkers, N. Y. At present he is teaching in Brook- 
lyn, N. Y. 

Samuel O. Griffin became a successful physician in 
Pascoag, R. I., but died suddenly while on a visit to 
his parental home. 

John M. Moses graduated from Dartmouth, am) 
divides his time between teaching and farming. He 
lives in Northwood, N. H. 

John B. Tarleton graduated from Cornell Institnli-, 
studied architecture and is in business in Dclmit, 
Mich. 

Thomas L. Steele graduated from Dartmouth in 



EPSOM. 



457 



1847, studied law, practiced in New Ycnk iiiid is now 
at Montreal, Canada. 

Albert L. Marden gr:idiiat(<l t'mm tlic Medical 
School at Dartnioiitli and practices liia ])r()li's-;ion in 
Vermont. 

Summer 1>. Marden graduated troni the same 
school and is in practice in Concord, N. H. 

Daniel Lincoln Locke, son of Captain A. C. Locke, 
took his degrees from a medical school in Vermont 
and is practicing in his native town. 

Willie F. Wallace, son of William Wallace, went 
West in early life, became a teacher and editor, and 
afterward returned East and practiced medicine at 
Epsom, Loudon and Milton. 

Henry F. and John B. Sanliorn, sons of Deacon 
Frederick Sanborn, entered college, but did not finish 
the course. The former returneil to the old home- 
stead, became a successful farmer and prominent in 
town atliiirs, having represented the town in the 
Legislature and a member of the State Senate two 
years; was sii|ii-iiiilrrn]iiig school committee a long 
time, and ::Lii-lii v,v,ial terms of school. He re- 
moved to I'liiirrtiMi, Mass., in 1882. John B. studied 
law, went West, and settled at St. Paul, Minn., 
where, with his two nephews, he has an extensive 
and profitable practice. 

Charles H. Griffin, son of Nathan Griffin, and Ed- 
ward H. Sanders, son of Edward T. Sanders, both 
died while pursuing their studies at Dartmouth Col- 
lege. 

Edward J. Burnham entered Bates College, of 
Maine, but circumstances prevented his graduating. 
He learned the printer's trade and now has an im- 
portant position on the editorial staft' of the Mun- 
ches fer Uninn. 

Military History. — The patriotism of the citizens 
of the town has never been called in question. 

The events that made the War of the Revolution 
necessary had aroused the people, and when the bat- 
tle at Lexington wa-s announced " by a swift rider, 
hhrwing a hnrii, who passed through Nottingham and 
reached Epsom, it found Captain Andrew McClary 
plowing in the 'old muster-fteld.' Like Cincinnutus 
of old, lie left the plow in the furrow, and liastcncil l(. 
obey the summons. With little prciiaration, h,- s. i/.d 
his saddle-liags, leaped into the saddle, sui-aiiiii;' as 
he left that he would kill one of the devils before he 
came home I " 

"Jocky Fogg," who was his servant in the army, 
used to speak of his horse as "a large, powerful iron- 
gray, four-year-old stallion, so exceedingly vicious 
that no one could mount or govern him except the 
captain. He could spring upon his back, and, by the 
power of his arm, govern him with the greatest ease.'' 

He was accompanied by his nephew, the young and 
chivalrous Michael McClary, wdio served with credit 
four years ; Amos Morrill, the- first selectman of the 
town, lieutenant, then captain, then major, serving 
in the armv four vears, with honor to himself and 



town ; also James Gray and Andrew McGafi'ey, who 
became officers of distinction, and many more of 
the sturdy yeomanry of the town. 

It is impossible to give a correct list of the men 
that went from this town into the Revolutionary 
Army, as the town records give no account of them, 
and the rolls do not in every case give the residence ; 
while if we depend upon the memory of our oldest 
inhabitants, we find them unreliable, because some 
who were in the army went from other places and 
moved here after the war closed. 

The following is as nearly correct as we have been 
able to obtain : 

M.-Kjor Andrew McClary, killc.l at Imllle of liunker Uill. 

William McCrillis, killed at battle of llviiikel- Hill. 

.lolm Wallace, killed at battle of Bunker Hill. 

Lieutenant Andrew McGatfey, wounded at battle of Hunker Hill. 



Benj;imin Petlinsxilt, fulisted in rii|.tain Morrill's company. 
Abraham Pettingill, enlisted in Captain Morrill's company. 
Neat McGatTey, enlisted in Captain McClary's company. 
.Tobn Mason. 

Jethro Pettengill, enlisted in Captain Frye's company. 
John Bickford. Samuel Goss. 

Samuel Bickford. Eliplialet Sanborn. 

James Blake. Samuel Lear. 



The following is a copy of votes passed by the 
town relative to the men in the Revolutionai-y War. 
March 21, 1781, it was 

" Voled, a Gift or Consideration to ea. li of lb,,s,> s..l,lirrs wli,, are en- 
gaged during the war in 111.- i',,nlinrhl ,1 ~.n M .■ I,.i lln.|..«n<,l Kjisoni. 



iiltri 1.1 these soldiers die or be l.il I. .1 in (li. , i * i. ,( ,i l,i , , h ■ in m 

..t Hill'.- \.Mj-s, the heirs of such, iipi.ii ] In, mj ;i .nnii, ii, ,.| ih,. 

death or deaths of such to the selectmen of Ki>si.m lor tbr tiiiii- beinii, 
shall receive fiom said town the aforesaid consideration, coin]iiited ac- 
cording to the time of service." 

A meeting was called by the selectmen, to be held 
at the meeting-house the 30th of July, 17.S1, 

" To seo what steps the Town will take to procure the icniiiindet of 
the Town's proportion of Beef for the f'ontinental Army ibis i.ri-.senl 
year. Whereas, the present selectmen find from experience Ilial Ibe 
sum already raised in Continental currency for thjit ptn-pose is alto-;.'tliei 
insufficient to answer the end ; 

"Therefore, it is expected that every voter will come projierly pre- 
pared and be ready to give instructions to the selectmen how to proceed 
in procuring the residue of e«i beef. E.xperience has taught that silver 
money is the principle object of those persons that have beef-cattio to 
dispose of." 



HISTORY OF MPmRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



At a meeting the following vote was passed : 

"This Towu's proportion of beef, not yet furnished for the uso of tlie 
Oontiuontal Army for tho year current sl)iill lie bought on the following 
conditions, vi/.. : 

" That the present seloctnion for the Town be & are hereby Tmpow- 
erod to buy the same, and ungiigo therefore Silver money, Indian corn, 
rye, wheat or Continental currency at the oonmion exchange ; and also 
it is hereby voted Tlmt the price by them given for s^ Beef shall bo 
agreeable to the minds of the Town Univei-sal." 

At a meeting of the inhabitants of Epsom, duly 
warned and held November 3, 1794, — 

** Voted, That the Town of p]p8oni make up to those soldiers belong- 
inj; to Hiiid Town who are required to goe into the Service of the Unitod 
St;iir-, imi.t ;iMv to a hito requisition of Congress, the sum of eight dol- 
1 II I I. 111. « all what is or shall be given by the United States for 

■' I'IkiI 1 ill liiidii 1 enconragement to said soldiers to Inlist, Voted to 
give to each soldier that shall inlist the sum of two dollars, to be iiaid at 
the expinition of eight months from this date, unless they should be 



May, 1770, it was 

" Vulcil, That all the men 
when the Battle was at Co 



The following is a list of the men from Kpsoni wlui 
served in the War of the Rebellion : 

FIIIST REGIMENT NEW IIAMI'SIIIRE VOMINTKERS 
Joseph R. Cilley, Company 11. 

.SECOND IlEOIMENT NEW HAMPSHIRE VOM'NTEERS 
William n. Weeks, Company C ; discharged and re-enlisted in Eigh- 

teenth Regiment, 
William Walbice, Company B ; discharged August ft, ISfiti. 
N. Dana Wallace, Company B ; captured at Gettysburg. 

T NKW H.\MPSniRE VOLINTEERS. 



THIRD 
Andrew IM. \\ 



id of wounds August 2,1864. 
IIAMPSHIllE VOLUNTEERS 



FOUKTii Ki:i:iMi. 
•fohn T. Bu/.y.cll, Coinpauj E. 
George S. Bixby, Company 11. 
John H. Goodhue, Company H ; niissioK at Deep Ri 

1SC4. 



FIFTH REGIMENT NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLIINTEERS 

James DowBt, Company I ; killed at Antietani, September 17, lxi;'2. 

SIXTH IM.IIMKVT NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLIINTEERS 









; December 11, 



1 n. llayues, Compivny I ; died of disease Deeeml 
ose n. Hayncs, died of disease January 21), ]8li2. 
W. Munlen. 



18G-I 






liilin .S. Ham, Company I. 
lohn M. Weeks, Comiiany I. 

SEVENTH REGIMENT NEW IIAMI'SIIIRE VOLUNTEERS 
iVilliam Yeaton, (Vimpany 11. 

NINTH REGIMENT NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS, 
riiomas W. Emei-sou, Company F ; captured May 12, 1SH4 ; jiaio 



December 1, 1864. 
ELEVENTH REGIMENT NEW 
C.iptnin \. C. Locke, (Aimpany E. 

II. TiiiiiHii lli.hf t!, Company E. 
' r 1 ' I i . iiiipanyE. 



ll'SllllilO 



v'TKl 






III Captain Samuel Collim^ l^mpantf. 
Beckford Lang, lii-st lieutenant, enlisted September 1 

mouths. 
James Haynes, musician, enlisted September 12, 1814, 
Sanniel Chapman, private, enlisted .Septeinber 12, 



miauy E ; wounded severely Jn 
my E ; wounded Septemlier :itt, 
i:inv E; wounded November 2(1, 



uuded December 13, l.Sr,2. 

ied of disease Novemlier 2.5, 18r.2. 

lonnded slightly May 6, 1SB4. 

oliliHCaBe March 2, 1863. 



i'illiam S. Morrill, Coii 



EPSOM. 



459 



Will^u.l ]■. M .-. r,.ii,|.;m.v E; iluHlofw, ils Jhi.v '^P, ISM. 

CI], III. ^ viuii,,!.,. . ,,,|.,uiv E. 

1,1 -i :. ' :|,.i.v K; .lie.l..f,lis.-n»-M:..rlilT, lSC,:i. 

K.I«1M A. Ul.u, . . ..M.ii.uijK. 

BeujuiMiii 11. V,-;iu.i., rolii|.:ili.v K. 

Levi G. YomiK, ilioci of ilis,.;use l)rr,.riil.er V.I, 18fi2. 

Stuniiel T. Bickfonl, (.'urii)):iiiy F. 

FIFTEENTH REGIMENT NEW II \MP.-<IIIRE TOI.lNTEKliS 
Charles A. Towie, Company P. 
Thnni.xs .T, .Vmp.';, Company I). 



EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT NEW IlAMlSHntE VllH XTEEIil 



Mu:.c.^ rh.mil-iil.uii, Uoiupany R. 

Henry*.-. Lo\ejoy, Coinpiiny E. 

Abraham Biikford, in Fil-st New Hampshire Oavaliy. 

Wan-en W. Lovejoy, in New Enghinil Cavalry. 

George W. Hani, Fii-st Regiment, Hejivy .\rtillery. 

August 25, 1S62, at a special town-meeting, called 
for that purpose, it was " Voted that the town pay a 
bounty of three hundred dollars to each of those vol- 
unteers that may hereafter be mustered into the 
United States service to complete the quota of three 
years' men for tlie town of Epsom ; also Voted one 
hundred dollars to each nine months' man." Septem- 
ber 17th, of the same year, a bounty of three hundred 
dollars was paid for nine months' men. 

May 31, 1864, a bounty of one thousand dollars was 
paid to volunteers for one year. 

PROPRIETORS AND TOWN CLERKS. 



JlcCIary ; 1780-84, John Casey 
Clary ; 1795, Sfilomon Sntton ; 



7^, EHphulil Siiul^., 
I78.">, .Tames Gray ; 
17'M;-!)S !»Ii,-lmol M 



173i;.-John WilUou, William Haines, Sauinel Walli, 
1737.— John Willson, Samuel Wallis, John Blake. 
17:i8.— Samuel Wallis, Henry Pain, Ensign Haines, 
173!).— Samuel Wallis, Henry Pain, Ensign Haines. 
17i<l.— Thomas Berry, Samuel Wallis, John Yeatou. 
1741.— No record. 

1742,— Andrew McClary, John Blake, Enoch Clark. 
1743 —Andrew Jl,;Clary, John Blake, Fennel Cliapn 

'"!■ hull.: i 1 .;. Sa niuel Libbee, Francis Lock. 
ITl', I 1 111 1. i I., rSumuel Libbee, Robert Goss, 
1717 I I. Ill, 1, I.,, k, Samuel Libbee, Robert Goss. 
174!< — l'rau.-i-< Loi'k, .Samuel Libbee, Robert Goss. 
174'.l.— Francis Lock, John Weeks, Samuel Libbee. 



Mc(-1 



-Andrew Mcl'lary, John Blake, John McClary. 



-Samuel Jack 



17S2.— Benjamin Guodin 
17S3 —Thomas Babb, Jc 
17S4.— Thomai l'.al.l,, ,!,■ 
17S5.-Tlii.in 1- !■,,■ ' I 



17S1I.— Theoiibiliis r,, 
17:KI.— Thomas Babli, 
17!tl — Thnmas BaW., 



1727,. 



1883-84, George E. Warren ; 1880, Br. M. F. Sni 
SELECTMEN. 
I Atkinson, Joshua Fuss, Samuel Weeks. 



amuel Weeks. 
I Odiurne, Joshua Brackett. 
1730.— No record. 

1731. — Jotham Odiorne, Joseph Simpson, Samuel Weeks. 
1732.— John Willson, Daniel Luut, Samuel Wallis. 
1733.— John Willson, RichanI Goss, Thomas Berry. 
1734— John Willson, William Haines, Samuel Wallis. 
1735 —John Willson, William Haines, Samuel Wallis. 



1 SaTiboni. I l;,iM , I . II lirown. 

J Sanboni, 1 bon.iu. lial.b, Levi lirown. 

I Sanborn, Levi Brown, Thomas D. Merrill. 

1 Sanborn, Levi Brown, Richard Tripp, Jr. 

1 SanVorn, Levi Brown, Richard Tripp, Jr. 

1 Sanborn, Thomas D. Merrill, Richard Tripp, Jr 

as D. Merrill, Richard Tripp, Bickford Lang. 



ITTSTi^IY or AIIRIUMXCK COrNTY VrW HAMPSHIRE. 



J cs l 1790-97, Michael Mi;Clary ; 1798-1803, Josiali Sun- 

IB ;4 I Dl Dilley; 1806-8, Josiah Sanboni ; 1809, Thoiiiaa D. 

I MO-l r iliii M.n:„v ; 1819-21, 7Iaii..v.-r Tl!.:l,.-y ; 1822-2;i, 



I W „t. 1847 J I W, 



8i7— n ibi 

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r p W It CI I J 



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IQ 


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vl la si ato S 


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18St-t 


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1884 -s 


1 M 


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9 1 


188 -11 


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W 11 1 k»i LI 


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DFIhC ATh ! TO CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS. 
178S f a| I Ta js Gray ; 1791-92, Juliii McClary ; 1850, JaiiicB Mar 
18 1 r II ilbiick. 

The f 11 Will? residents of K]isnni lia\ e been iiiciii- 
Idif I the NtiV Hampshire Senate: John MeOlary, 
til M 11^ (president of the Senate, 1784) ; Michael 
M ( lii\ Imp years; James H. McClary, one year; 

I I 1 Suil rn, three years; John McClary, one year; 

II I \ 1 ^ Mil orn, two years. 

Population - The number of iiih:il>il:iiils in the 
I n tl s ral years when the lensiis was taken 
l\ til Tlniti 1 States were as follows: 1767, 1!H; 
I II -n 1 SOD, 1034; 1810, 1150; 1820, 1336; ISIil), 
14 is 1811 1 >0,'i; 1850, 13(i6; 1860, 1216; 1870, 003 ; 
Issl 1 

Postmasters.— James H. McCUtiy was postmaster 
1 ISO) Si ij1 Morrill, 1813; J.)siab Crosby, 18111; 
Iim s l?abl 1824: Robert Knox, 1840; Benjamin 
I I tk(. 1S44; Robert Knox, 1846; John Walla.c 
IS 5 I ion 111 W. Peabody, 1862; Captain A. C. 
L)cki 18( ) Dr. L. W. Peabody, 1870; Jcibn T. 
( tterill 18 2 ; Henry S. Knowles", 1885. 

Tlu I st th^e was established at Short Falls in 
IS 1 with I lines B. Tennant postma.ster. 

An th roll e was established in town in 1882, at 
( 11 I 1 Liulrew J. Silver appointed postmaster. 

Seciet Societies.— It is reported that several of 
tl I I 1 n of the town in the e.arly part of the 
(leent ntuiy were members of the Ma.sonic lia- 
teinit\ in 1 we find that Michael McClary was Mas- 
tei ( I the 1 Ige at Nottingham. But we can learn of 
I such e ret organization iu the town until about 
Is 4 will n the " Americans," or " Know-Nothini;s," 
I ( in t-) h >n their mysterious gatherings in the ball 
M I I ( itlin's store, the result of which gatlier- 
tl it the town was captured by them at the 
I I 1 1 til springof 1855, electing all the otiiceis; 
I ut its lilt iiid strength were transient, for at the 
( l( iti n the following year they were defeated, and tlie 
Dun 11 its successful. 

I \ 1 K( IU 1 s Lodge, No. 53, I. O. O. F., was oi- 
„ inizt 1 in tilt New Rye Church, Friday evening, 
M i^ 10 Is > by a delegation of the (Trand Lodge of 
th '^tlt \ii s Jones, Grand Master. 



461 



The charter members of the lodge were Paran 
Philbrick, Warren Tripp, James B. Tennant, John 
H. Fife and Charles A. Chapman. 

It held its meetings in a hall over the store of 
James B. Tennant for a few years, but finding them- 
selves outgrowing their accommodations, they built 
the commodious and convenient building that they 
now occupy, which was dedicated to the purposes 
and uses of Odd-Fellowship Tuesday evening, Sep- 
tember 5, 1876, by the officers of the Grand Lodge, 
George A. Cummings, Grand Master. 

The lodge has received, during the thirteen years 
of its existence, one hundred members, and lost by 
death six ; has paid more than one thousand dollars 
for relief, and received upwards of three thou- 
sand dollars in the way of fees and dues. The lodge 
has held a levee every year, which has been fully at- 
tended, and has always been a success financially. 

The officers of the lodge for the term beginning 
July 4, 1875, were as follows: James F. Towle, No- 
ble Grand; Morrison S. Bachelder, Vice-Grand; 
John H. Dolbeer, Recording Secretary ; Samuel Mar- 
tin, Per. Secretary; George W. Lane, Treasurer; 
AVilliaiii IT. Siiaw, Junior Past Grand. Its meetings 
art' lii'M c\.i\ Saturday evening. 

(ioiHi I'loi I'l, Ai;s, — There have been various tem- 
perance organizations in the town from time to time, 
but their existence has been brief until, on the 22d 
day of February, 1882, Grand Worthy Chief Templar 
of till' Siatr. tJrorge A. Bailey, of Manchester, as- 
sistc'l iiv oili, , i~ IVom Catamount Lodge, of Pittsfield, 
institute.1 l.iriwd.Ml Lodge, No. G2, 1. O. G. T., and in- 
stalled the I'ollowing persons as officers lor the first 
term. John T. Winslow, Worthy Chief Temjilar; 
Mrs. Mary C. Swain, Vice-Templar ; Mrs. Emily 
G. Bickford, Secretary; .lohu T. Cotterell, Financial 
Secretary; Mrs. EmnuvL. Robinson, Treasurer ; Rev. 
N. A. Avery, Chaplain ; Albert L. Sanders, Marshal ; 
Ijilla A. Robinson, Deputy Marshal ; Mrs. Emma 
F. Winslow, Inside Guardian ; Fred. Marden, Out- 
side Guardian; Sadie D. Swain, Right Supporter; 
Annie M. Marden, Left Sui>p<irter ; Dr. William Wal- 
lace, Past Worthy Chief Templar 

They held their meetings in the town hall until 
July, 1883, when they moved to Grand Army Hall at 
Gossville, where they now meet Wednesday evenings. 

The lodge has been sucessful in point of member- 
ship ; at one time their roll contained the names of 
over eighty active members, but in the report for the 
quarter ending August 1, 1885, there were only forty. 

Two members only have died since its organiza- 
tion, — Goram R. Worth and Willie Edmunds. 

Geoege H. Hoyt Post, No. 6(1, G. A. R., was or- 
ganized March 14, 1883, by Department Commander 
John Linnihan, assisted by Assistant Quartermaster 
General J. H. French, and Officer-of-the-Day Hol- 
brook, all of Penuacook, and by the George W. Gor- 
don Post of Suncook. The following officers were 
installed, viz. : Charles W. Leighton, Commander ; 



George S. Sanders, Senior Vice-Commander ; James 
W. Marden, Junior Vice-( Commander ; George 11. 
Haynes, Adjutant; Christopher T. Heath, Quar- 
termaster; Joseph Roderick, Surgeon; Henry E. 
Dotey, Chaplain ; Thomas J. Ames, (Juter Guard ; 
George H. Rand, O. M. ; Samuel T. Bickford, Quarter- 
master-Sergeant. 

Its first meetings were helil in the tnwii liall, Iml 
in the summer of 1883, Silvci- >^ Knliiiisun enlarged 
their store building, and finished a hall, which is 
known as Grand Army Hall, and was dedicated by 
the post September 20, 1883, in which they have 
since held their meetings. 

The post has had fifty-six (lillrnail nicmlnTs, and 
lost only one by death. Comrade Klliridge Baclielder. 

It has observed Memorial Day, having public ser- 
vices in their post-room, and the memorial services 
in the cemetery at Gossville, which have been very 
generally attended by the citizens of the town. 

At the March meeting, 1885, the sum of fifty dol- 
lars was donated by the town to the post for the 
expenses of Memorial Day. The services of the 
Gossville Cornet Band were obtained for this day, 
and the Rev. Mr. llillman, of Concord, was the orator. 

The Relief Corps was organized in April, 1884, 
by Mrs. Foster, of Milford, Sirs. Deering, of Chiches- 
ter, and Mrs. Greene, of Pittsfield, and the following 
officers installed : Mrs. R. W. Heath, President ; 
Mrs. Jennie Leighton, Senior Vice-President; Miss 
Lizzie Roberts, Junior Vice-President; Miss CJrace 
Edmonds, Secretary; Miss Ida Leighton, Treasurer ; 
Mrs. Qldis Dotey, Chaplain ; Miss Carrie Yeaton, 
Conductor; Mrs. Mary Hill, Guard. 

McClary Grange, No. 102, Patrons or Hus- 
bandry, was instituted at Short Falls by George R. 
Drake, of Pittsfield, District Deputy, October 10, 
1884, and the following officers installed: Warren 
Tripp, Master ; George Saiideis, ,fi-., Oviiseei- ; Hor- 
ace Fowler, Secretary ; William I'^uwler, Treasurer; 
William Goss, Chaplain. 

They meet in Odd- Fellows' Hall I lie siciind and 
I'durth Tuesdays of each month. 

No historical sketch of Ei>som would be eoinpkte 
or satisfactory without more than a passing notice of 
a family that figured so conspicuously in its early 
history as did that of the McClarys. From a sketch 
of the family, printed in the >^iincook Valley Times in 
1868, the following has been selected by permission 
of the author, John C. French, Esq.: 

Historical Notes— The McClary Family.— The 
old town of Epsom luis furnished many worthy men 
during the past hundred and fifty years, who have 
held prominent positions of trust and honor in the 
State and nation ; but none stand out in so bold relief, 
or are more worthy of remembrance, than the Mc- 
Clarys. 

In fact, no family in the Suncook Valley fills so 
large a space in its history or the hearts of the people. 
For nearly a century the McClarys were the lead- 



462 



HISTORY OF JIERRTMACK COUNTY, NKW HAMI'SHIRK. 



ing, influential men in all our civil, political and mili- 
tary aflfairs, and were identified with all tlie important 
events and measures that received the atlciitioii and 
governed the acts of the successivegencralioiis dining' 
that long period of time. 

There is something mournful in the thought, lunv- 
ever, that a family and name once so tamiliar in our 
midst is but a record of the past, and that no lineal 
male descendant is living to inherit tlic honors so 
dearly won by a noble ancestry, or to transmit the 
name to a grateful posterity. 

A nd it is passing strange that so little has been 
written or preserved concerning their noble deeds 
and many years' service in public. life, and that no 
testimonials are in existence, except public records, 
to aid in preserving their memories. 

We know of no instance in ourState, where history 
has so sadly neglected to do justice to a family which 
has rendered so efficient service in defending the 
rights, and promoting the interests of our common- 
wealth and nation, as in this instance. 

The only ofiicial eflibrt made to perpetuate the name, 
as of national interest, has been to honor one of the 
fortifications of Portsmouth harbor with the name, — 
Fort McClary, — and a privateer, which had but a 
short existence. The name of only one. Major An- 
drew McClary, appears in our printed histories, while 
several others of the family are equally deserving of 
mention. 

The early proprietors and settlers of Epsom were of 
good English stock, though there Wiis a small com- 
pany of Scotch-Irish from Londonderry who bought 
lands here about 1 788. 

Among the number were the McClarys, McCoys, 
McGafl'eys, Dickeys, Wallaces, Knoxs etc. 

Among the number who felt the wrongs and oppres- 
sions, and sought an asylum for himself and children 
in the wilderness at Londonderry, was Andrew Mc- 
Clary. He soon died, but two of his .sons, Andrew 
and John, grew to manhood and settled in Ej)Som, 
where they carved for thcnisolvcs a farm and for- 
tune. 

Hy the recorils, we find that AM(hc\v McClary held 
town oftice in 178!», and for eighty-three successive 
years some members of the family were promoted to 
positions of trust and power by tlieir townsmen. 

This forcibly illustrates the poi)ularity and apprecia- 
tion of this family by their kinsmen and townsmen. 

Kpsom, at that time, was a frontier town, with a 
few scattering pioneers, striving to find a " local habi- 
tation and a name" in the unbroken forests. 

Theodore Atkinson, a wealthy land-holder, was the 
leading spirit, among the proprietors, in inducing a 
few families to push a settlement so far into the woods. 
None of the adjoining towns were settled till many 
years afterward. This was nearly thirty years before 
Chichester, Pittsfieldor Barnstead were settled, twenty 
years before Concord received its present name, 
twenty years before Northwood and Deerfield were 



incorporated and thirty-six years before the Revolu- 
tion. 

The first settlement in the 8uncook Valley was here, 
and not a tree was cut between this and the Canadas, 
and not a clearing, or friendly smoke, or any signs of 
civilization to break the monotony of the unbounded 
forest or cheer the loneliness of the early settlers. 
The sentiment that prompted the line, 

" I Hi ! fur a lodgu in Homo vast wildenifW)," 

conld have Ixcn here gratified. Meagre, indeed, are 
the records and traditions concerning these hardy Ibr- 
esters during their many years of border-life, before 
the Revolution. 

Nottingham fort was the nearest neighbor and (be 
asylum for safety. 

The Indians fre(|uented the valley, and bears, wild- 
cats, deer and (■atuMKinnls riianu'd tlimnjih the forest 
undisturlicil. 

The [iropricturji built a l)lock-housc, or garrison, for 
refuge in case of danger. It was built near Andrew 
McClary's, and the old foundation was disturbed last 
summer by building the new house for Augustus 
Lord, Esq. Mrs. McCoy and family were hastcniuL' 
to and had nearly reached this garrison, when cap- 
tured by the Indians in 1754. 

Though the Indians were generally fiiendly, the 
inhabitants were greatly annoyed, and the t;rii\vtb of 
the settlement slow and difficult. 

Andrew and .lohn McClary were the leading iu- 
ttuential men in all town or military affairs. 

During the French and Indian War, commencing 
in 1756, Epsom was one of the frontier towns; the 
people lived in fear ofthe scalping-knifc and toma- 
hawk, and suftered by the imnrsions of ihc provvline 
savages. 

Garrisons were e.stablislucl at Kps(nn, lUnk IStrect, 
Pembroke, and a fort at Canterbury. Govern mint 
frequently sent small detachments of troops up 
through this section scouting for the enemy and in 
|)rotect and encourage tiie settlers. Cajitaili Andrew 
McClary W!us the leading man in this region in all 
military nuitters, and rendered the colony eHicicnt 
service during these perilous times. He had the ]>cr- 
sonal acquaintance ofthe highest officials of the col- 
ony, and such noted fighters and rangers as Stark, 
Gofle, Rogers, etc. 

His name frequently appears on (lie State records. 
In 1755 he applied to Governor Wentworth and ob- 
tained a company of troop to go in search of the 
Indians that committed the massacre and captund 
the Mc(-all family at Salisbury. At another time he 
obtained a small company to aid in doing garrison 
duty at Epsom while the Indians were seen lurking 
about. As an officer, he wius ever ready for any ex- 
posure or danger, while his men had the most implicit 
confidence in his ability and integrity. His com- 
mand was authoritative, and no man refused obedience. 
In case of an emergency he could swear enough for a 



EPSOM. 



463 



battalion, enough to frighten the Penacooks out of 
the Suncook Valley and cause the Old Scotch Cov- 
enanters to hold up their hands in holy horror. He 
built a one-story frame house, and kept tavern on the 
height of land on the road leading from Epsom village 
to Pleasant Pond. The place is now owned by Jo- 
seph Lawrence, better known as Lawrence's " muster- 
field." His home was the common resort of the set- 
tlers, proprietors and scouts, and all who had occasion 
to travel in this direction. Town-meetings were held 
here until the "new meeting-house" was built, jurors 
were drawn here for His Majesty's Court, training of 
His Majesty's soldiers, and many rude frolics and 
exciting incidents which have long since passed into 
oblivion, never to be recalled. His wealth increased 
as well as his popularity. He owned all the land on 
the north side of the road to Deerfield line. He had 
the advantages of a fair English education. He served 
as town clerk, and his records on the town-books 
indicate a thorough knowledge of business, a good use 
of language and a style and beauty of penmanship 
seldom found at the present day. His last writing on 
the town-books, the year before he was killed, evinced 
care, accuracy and precision. 

He took a lively interest in the aflairs of the colo- 
nies, and early espoused the cause of the people 
against the arbitrary encroachments of the mother- 
country before the commencement of the Revolu- 
tionary War. 

His ancestry, education and experience would 
naturally lead him to take sides with the people in 
defending their liberties when assailed by British 
oppression. Frequent meetings were held at his house, 
and measures taken to co-operate with adjoining towns 
for mutual rights and protection. 

The Seven Years' War, which closed in 1760, had 
completely aroused the military spirit of the province, 
and organizations, with experienced olBcers, had been 
maintained up to the time of the Kevolution. A new 
regiment was then formed, the Twelfth, comprising the 
towns of Nottingham, Deerfield, Epsom, Northwood, 
Chichester and Pittsfield. " Coming events cast their 
shadows before." The people were expecting a serious 
conflict. 

The location of McClary's tavern made it a common 
resort for the rustic foresters to meet and talk of the 
difficulties, while the popularity and ability of the 
jovial landlord rendered him the political and military 
oracle ofthe Suncook Valley. 

The battle of Lexington, on the 19th of April, 1775, 
sounded the tocsin to arms. Signals flamed from the 
hill-tops, and fleet messengers transmitted news from 
town to town. 

The sturdy yeomanry of the Suncook Valley 
snatched their trusty firelocks and powder-horns, and 
started for the scene of hostilities with spirits as brave 
as ever animated a soldier, and with hearts as noble 
and honest as ever throbbed in the cause of liberty 
and freedom. 
30 



They were governed by one common impulse, and 
came from blazed paths and crooked roads that wound 
through the forests and thickets. They were all 
known to each other as brothers and townsmen. 
Each soldier represented a household, and they and 
their cause were commended to the protection of 
heaven at the morning and evening devotions, and in 
the service of the Sabbath ; donations of food and 
clothing were freely sent to them by the families at 
home. 

The men from this section reached Nottingham 
Square about one o'clock, where they found Captain 
Cilley and Dr. Dearborn, with a comj)any of about 
sixty men, making, with themselves, about eighty men. 

Who would not like to see those men— some with 
broad-tailed black coats, worsted stockings, three-cor- 
nered hats ; others in coarse homespun ; all with 
long stockings, knee and shoe buckles, and thick cow- 
hide shoes? Their guns and equipments were as 
various as their costumes. Some had the old Queen 
Anne that had done service in the French War; some, 
long fowling-pieces; some, a fusee; only one had a 
bayonet. Powder-horn and shot-pouches took the 
place of cartridge-box. 

If we were to choose a subject for a historical paint- 
ing, we would prefer the scene on Nottingham Square, 
April 29th, where were paraded the noblest band of pa- 
triots that ever left New Hampshire to vindicate her 
honor and protect her liberties. We would like to 
hear the roll-call, and see a photograph of these heroes. 

Captain Andrew McClary was by common consent 
the leading spirit of this noble band of patriots, 
though there was no previous organization. 

There is much to be written concerning the achieve- 
ments and adventures of this distinguished company, 
and many of the able men composing it, but the most 
remarkable and thrilling incident in this connection 
was their famous march to Cambridge. 

There is not a parallel in the annals of all the war.s 
in our country, and such wonderful powers of endur- 
ance by a whole company of men excites our surprise, 
as their patriotism does our pride and admiration. 
No other locality can boast of sending braver hearts 
or tougher men to aid, by their valor and persever- 
ance, in establishing the noblest republic that ever 
cheered and blest a prosperous people. This noble 
Spartan band opened a series of brilliant exploits by 
performing one of the most remarkable physical feats 
ever recorded in our nation's history. Dr. Dearborn 
gives an account of it, and Bancroft a passing notice, 
and tradition relates it from generation to generation, 
but it should be familiar to every son and daughter 
of New Hampshire as one of the brightest testimonials 
of our devotion to the cause of freedom and inde- 
pendence. 

Accustomed as they were to life in the open air, 
and trials of strength by long journeys, hunting, trap- 
ping and scouting, they knew little of fearand fatigue 

Leaving Nottingham Square at one o'clock in the 



HISTORY OP MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



afternoon, they pushed on at a rapid pace, as if the 
destiny of the province or hopes of the nation de- 
pended upon their alacrity and speed. At Kingston 
they took a double-quick or " dog-trot," and followed 
it without a halt to Haverhill, crossing the Merrimack 
River in a ferry-boat at sunset, having made twenty- 
seven miles in six hours. 

But this is not all, — they halted at Andover for 
supper, and then started for a night march, and on 
the morning of the 2lsf, at sunri/e, they were paraded on 
Cambridge Common, "spiling for a fight." Those 
from Epsom had traveled seventy miles in less than 
twenty-four hours, and the whole company from 
Nottingham fifty-seven miles in less than twenty 
hours. 

Did bone and muscle ever do better '? That was 
the " spirit of 76 ; " that was the kind of stuft' the men 
were made of who lived in the Suncook Valley one 
hundred and ten years ago. 

Upon the organization of the New Hampshire 
troops John Stark was unanimously chosen colonel 
and Andrew McClary major. Conspicuous for his 
coolness and bravery. Major McClary moved among 
the men encouraging and calming them by his own 
example and word. 

When, after a hard fought-battle and their ammu- 
nition all gone, the American forces were compelled 
to leave the field, the New Hampshire troops retired 
in excellent order. They were the last to leave the 
field, and Major McClary was in the rear maintaining 
order and discipline. 

As the Americans retreated across the neck Major 
McClary was remarkably animated with the result of 
the contest. That day's conflict, and the glorious 
display of valor which had distinguished his country- 
men, made him sanguine of the result. Having 
passed the last place of danger, he went back to see if 
the British were disposed to follow them across the 
neck, thus exposing himself to danger anew. His 
men cautioned him against his rashness. "The ball 
is not yet cast that will kill me," said he, when a 
random shot from one of the frigates struck a button- 
wood tree and, glancing, passed through his abdomen. 
Throwing his hands above his head, he leaped several 
feet from the ground and fell forward upon his face — 
dead. 

Thus fell Major Andrew McClary, the highest 
American officer killed at the battle, the handsomest 
man in the army and the favorite of the New Hamp- 
shire troops. His dust still slumbers where it was 
lain by his sorrowing comrades in Medford, unhonored 
by any adequate memorial to tell where lies one of 
the heroes that ushered in the Revolution with such 
auspicious omens. Major McClary had a splendid 
physique and soldierly appearance. 

With all the bravery of Stark, he possessed greater 
mental endowments and culture. With the natural 
ability of Sullivan, he possessed the magic power to 
incite his men to nobler deeds. With the popularity 



of Poor, he was more cool and discreet. In fact, he 
combined more completely than either the elements 
that tend to make a popular and successful com- 
mander, and had his life been spared, he would doubt- 
less have ranked among the most able and noted 
officers of the Revolution. He married in early life 
Elizabeth McCrillis, a strong-minded, resolute Scotch- 
Irish girl, who proved a valuable help-meet and 
capable mother to his seven children. After her 
husband's death she kept the farm, tavern and store 
alone, assisted at first by her husband's partner in 
business, John Casey, and afterwards by her eldest 
son, James Harvey. Rumor says she was at one time 
published to be married to the above-named John 
Casey, but the match wa.s prevented by the interfer- 
ence of a younger rival and the advice of her friends. 
After the children had grown up and nineteen years 
of widowhood, she married Colonel Samuel Osgood in 
1794. She died in 1800, aged sixty-seven. The oldest 
son, James Harvey, was born in 1762, and as he grew 
to manhood, continued the business of his father and 
rendered valuable service to the family. He prose- 
cuted an extensive business for those times, having 
two stores and a potash-factory, besides the farm and 
tavern. 

He was highly respected, exemplary in his habits, 
early promoted to offices of public trust and honor, 
which he held for a series of years. He wasone of the 
leading spirits in the organization of the Eighteentli 
Regiment, and one of its first commanders, afterwards 
promoted to a brigadier-general of the militia. 

He married Betsey Dearborn, of North Hampton, 
an estimable lady, in 1789, by whom he had six chil- 
dren, but the whole family have gone to their long 
home except one daughter. 

The second son, Andrew, born in 1765, was smart 
and active ; he received a good education, but had a 
wild, roving inclination. He entered the regular 
army, was soon promoted to the rank of captain, 
served for a time on the frontier, and for several years 
was clerk in the War Department at Washington, 
where he died in middle life. The third sou, John, 
born in 1767, a man of fine abilities and credit, 
followed his brother into the regular army, and also 
rose to the rank of captain, served on the frontier ami 
died at Fort Gibson. He married Abigail Pearson, of 
Epsom, in 1791 ; they had one son, Charles, who went 
to Stanstead, Canada. 

The fourth son, William, was a blacksmith hy 
trade; he married Isabel Dickey in 1795, and in 
company with quite a number of young men from 
Epsom first settled in Stanstead, Canada. 

There were also three daughters, — Elizabeth mar- 
ried Captain Simon Heath, well-known in Epsom and 
vicinity ; Margaret married Rev. Mr. Haseltine, who 
was the pastor of the Congregational Church in Ep- 
som for thirty years; Nancy, the youngest daughter, 
married John Stevens. No family record or papcr.t 
have been found to aid in this humble sketch, l)ut we 



EPSOM. 



465 



have given many official and well-autlieiitieated tacts 
which are rescued from oblivion, and may be inter- 
esting to some of the readers of the times, and may aid 
the future historian in giving this family more ex- 
tended mention than they have yet received in our 
written histories. 

But in this connection we earnestly desire to call 
attention to one great duty yet to be rendered to 
Major Andrew McClary. The family, town or State 
have shown little patriotism, gratitude or aH'ection in 
neglecting to erect some monument or stone to mark 
his burial-place. He was buried near the encampment 
of the New Hampshire Brigade at Medford, near some 
two hundred New Hampshire soldiers who died of 
disease and wounds. 

John McClary was born in Ireland in 1719, and 
emigrated with his family to America when he was 
thirteen years old, A. D. 1733. His father and the 
family settled in Epsom in the year 1738. 

John became industrious, methodical and exacting, 
:i stern Presbyterian, as rigid as the old Scotch Cov- 
enanters, — very different from his jovial, rough, im- 
jiul.sive, convivial brother, Major Andrew. 

He had no advantages of schooling ; still he pos- 
sessed a large share of common sense, a strong mind 
and good judgment. 

He early became one of the leading men in Ep- 
som, was chosen moderator and for over forty years 
was one of the principal officers and advisers in town 
affairs. 

He was justice of the peace under the provincial 
government, and all cases of litigation in this vicinity 
came before Esquire John McClary for trial. 

He was well versed in Indian affairs, was called 
out to do scouting duty in the French and Indian 
War, was a captain of the militia at that time and 
rose to the rank of colonel before the Revolution. 

Though closely connected with the Royal govern- 
ment, he took a decisive stand with the colonists to 
resist British oppression ; and while his brother rep- 
resented the military spirit of the Suncook Valley, 
Esquire John represented the civil authority both un- 
der monarchical and republican rule. 

The towns of Epsom, AUentown and Chichester 
(including Pittsfield) were classed together, and Es- 
quire John McClary was annually chosen to repre- 
sent them at the convention at Exeter. With such 
men as Colonel Joseph Badger, of Gilmanton, Es- 
quire John Cram, of Pittsfield, and Hall Bergen, of 
Allenstuwu as leading spirits, the hardy settlers of 
the Suncook Valley were true to the cause of inde- 
pendence. 

Not a single instance of Toryism is recorded. Es • 
(juire John McClary was a prominent member of the 
first convention to organize a colonial government 
and afterwards in framing our State government, and 
was an active member nearly twenty years. 

He held the responsible office as one of the Com- 
mittee of Safetv from 1777 to 1783. This committee 



had power to call out troops at such time and in such 
numbers as they deemed necessary and expedient. 

In 1780 he was elected to the Council, and annually 
for the four succeeding years. In 1784 he was 
chosen to the Council and also to the Senate, and 
served as member of that honorable body three years. 

He was tall, erect, commanding, dignified and 
made an excellent presiding officer. 

In early life he was married to Elizabeth Harvey, 
of Nottingham. She was also born in Ireland, and 
came to this country in the same ship with the Mc- 
Clarys. They had four children. The oldest son, 
John McClary, Jr., who had many of the character- 
istics and promising qualities of his father, entered 
the army of the Revolution and was killed at the bat- 
tle of Saratoga in 1787, while serving as lieuten- 
ant in General Whipple's brigade (" Adjutant-Gen- 
ral's Report " says Lieutenant Michael, which is an 
error). The second sou, Michael, will be the subject 
of another sketch. The third son, Andrew, was sent 
to Dummer Academy to be educated, and died there 
during the war, aged sixteen. He was buried at 
Medford, by the side of his uncle. Major Andrew 
McClary 

They had but one daughter, Mollie, who mnrried 
Daniel Page, of Deerfield. 

Captain .lohn McClary had three sisters, who set- 
tled in Epsom, besides his parents and brother An- 
drew. The eldest, Margaret, married Deacon Samuel 
Wallace. The second, Jane, married John McGaffy, 
and the third, Ann, married Richard Tripp. 

After a long and useful life, he died at the green 
old age of eighty-two, A.D. 1801. 

The McClarys owned a very large landed estate, 
which was divided into several valuable farms for the 
sons and daughters. They are of good soil and loca- 
tion, commanding a fine prospect. Esquire John 
built a one-story house on the south side of the road. 
The house was enlarged at various times and be- 
came a venerable-looking mansion. It is now owned 
by Michael McClary Steele, of the fifth generation of 
the McClarys and great-grandson of Esquire John. 

The old mansion is a place of peculiar interest. 
Here, for many years. Esquire John received the 
friendly and official visits of the leading men of the 
province. Here civil courts and military tribunals 
were held, and here, for half a century following, his 
son. General Michael, dispensed his hospitalities to 
his townsmen and the distinguished men of the times. 
Among the number were such as Generals Sullivan, 
Dearborn, Stark, Governors Gilraan, Langdon, Plum- 
mer. Smith, etc. 

That honorable and distinguished body, the New 
Hampshire Branch of the Society of the Cincinnati, 
held three of its annual meetings at this house. 

Near by, the huge liberty-pole was erected in 1783, 
at the close of the Revolution, on the declaration of 
peace, when the scattered settlers of the Suncook 
Valley met to celebrate the hap]iy event which they 



466 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



had so uobly strove to win. Good speeches, good- ' 
cheer abounded ; but " tell it not in Gath," publish it 
only in the local " Times," the glorious occasion j 
wound up in a glorious drunk. ' 

In fact, no house in the valley, or all the section 
around, hiis so many rich historical associations con- 
nected with it as the old McClary homestead. 

The arrangement of the interior is reverently pre- 
served, and as one passes through its spacious rooms, 
viewing the relics of the pa.st, and reflects upon the 
large number of honorable and distinguished men 
who have met within its walls, reason seems to lose 
its bounds, and one fancies he is wandering through 
some ancient baronial hall or old Scottish castle 
built in the age of chivalry, rather than viewing a 
spacious farm-house in the ilull, quiet, old farming 
town of Epsom. 

General Michael McClary, second son of 
Esquire John McClary, was born in Epsom in IToH. 
He received the advantages of a fair education, was a 
smart, active lad, and, in common with other members 
of the family, had very decidedly a military turn. 

At the age of twenty-three he joined the army, at 
the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, and was 
appointed ensign in Captain Henry Dearborn's com- 
pany, in Stark's regiment. His company, mostly 
from the Suncook Valley, rendered heroic service at 
the battle of Bunker Hill. In 1777 he was promoted 
and made captain in Colonel Scammel's regiment. 

He served four years in the army, taking part in 
some of the most decisive engagements of the war, 
and suifered with his men some of the severest priva- 
tions and fatigues. Many interesting incidents per- 
taining to his company ought to be published. His 
soldierly qualities, engaging manners and family con- 
nection gave him the acquaintance and friendship of 
the leading officers of the Revolution, and by a severe 
experience in the army he gained a thorough knowl- 
edge of men and national affairs, which proved of 
great practical advantage in after-years. 

On returning from the army he at once took a prom- 
inent position in social and political life, which he 
held for half a century. He took an active part in 
the organization of the State government, and being 
well versed in military affairs and of good executive 
ability, he was appointed adjutant-general for the 
State of New Hampshire. He organized that depart- 
ment, and held the office twenty-one consecutive 
years. In 1796 he was elected Senator, and was a 
member of that body seven years, and such was his 
popularity that the votes in Epsom were unanimously 
in his favor, and nearly so in the adjoining towns. 

He was United States marshal for a long time, 
which, during the last war with England, with the 
large amount of privateering prosecuted at Portsmouth, 
was a very responsible office. He was tendered the 
nomination as candidate for Governor, but declined 
to accept. 

Though well known throughout the State, and with 



positions of honor and trust at his command, his pofi- 
ularity, power and influence in his native town wns 
the most remarkable. He seemed to control the 
affairs of Epsom with almost universal consent. For 
over fifty years he served his townsmen in some ca- 
pacity, either moderator, town clerk, representative 
or auditor. He was decidedly the most popular and 
influential man that ever lived in town. Said an old 
Federalist: "If I had a family of children who would 
obey me as well as the people of Epsom do Gencial 
McClary, I should be a happy man." 

Though once a Federalist, he cast his lot with the 
Democratic party and carried the town with him al- 
most unanimously. One year, only one Federal vole 

During the last war with England party feeling ran 
high, and party lines were clearly drawn. Governor 
Plummer, through Adjutant-General McClary, called 
out detachments of the militia without calling together 
the Council or Legislature, which provoked a great 
deal of controversy. General McClary procured sup- 
plies for the troops, made preparations for the defense 
of Portsmouth, purchased cannon and munitions of 
war, but in 1814, when the Federalists rallied and 
elected John T. Oilman as Governor, General McClary 
resigned with virtuous indignation his office, which 
he had filled with credit and ability, and in which 
capacity he had reviewed every regimentin the State. 
The town of Epsom strongly supported the war. A 
full company, under Captain Jonathan Godfrey, volun- 
teered for the defense of Portsmouth. 

Michael McClary also did much business as justice 
of the peace and probate judge. Most of the court 
business for this vicinity was done at Epsom, and 
most cases of litigation were brought before him for 
trial. 

He took an active part in organizing the New 
Hampshire Branch of the Society of the Cincinnati ; 
he was the first treasurer, and held the office twenty- 
five years. This honorable body of Revolutionary 
officers met annually on the 4th of July ; three of 
their annual meetings were held at the house of Gen- 
eral McClary. This society is worthy of more ex- 
tended mention, and their annual meetings probably 
called together more noted men than ever assembled 
on any other occasion in the Suncook Valley. He 
was also a zealous Free-Mason. As is well known, 
many of the officers of the Revolution were Masons. 
While in the array young McClary had met in secret 
conclavesuch men as Washington, Lafayette, Sullivan 
and other brothers of the mystic order, and became 
an earnest worker in the craft. In connection with 
other ex-officers, he was instrumental in organizing a 
lodge at Deerfield, and in honor of General Sullivan, 
it was named Sullivan Lodge. He was the first 
Senior Warden of this lodge, and afterwards Worshiji- 
ful Master. 

In appearance General McClary was tall, command- 
ing, well-proportioned and prepossessing. He made 



EPSOM. 



a tine appearance as a military officer, either ou foot 
or in the saddle, which, with his position, means and 
hospitality, rendered him exceedingly popular. He 
was remarkably affable and engaging in his manners, 
interesting in conversation, graceful in his movements, 
convivial in his habits, generous, hospitable and pub- 
lic-spirited, possessing the elements of popularity, 
though fond of power, and when opposed, displayed 
some traits not recorded among the Christian graces. 
His acquaintance and correspondence was remarka- 
bly extensive, embracing many of the most distin- 
guished men of the country. He married, in 1779, 
Sally Dearborn, an intelligent, interestiugand accom- 
plished lady, daughter of Dr. Dearborn, of Northamp- 
ton. The marriage was a happy one. They entered 
company with style and grace, and around their fes- 
tive board have been many happy meetings of the 
prominent men of the times. 

They had five children that survived the perils of 
childhood. The oldest som, John, born in 1785, was of 
great personal beauty and accomplishments. He was 
early promoted to offices of trust, — Representative, 
Senator and a clerkship at Washington. He was 
killed by a falling building when but thirty-six. He 
was the most popular and promising young man in 
this region, and his death caused great demonstra- 
tions of grief The funeral was the largest ever held 
in the Suncook Valley, and was attended by Eev. Jon- 
athan Curtis, an able divine, especially on funeral 
occasions. 

The second son, Andrew, born in 1787, was also 
unusually smart and prepossessing, but was wild and 
roving. He entered the army in the War of 1812, and 
served as captain. He married Mehitable Duncan, 
of Concord, in 1813, and had one daughter. Shortly 
after this event he sailed for Calcutta, and was lost 
at sea. 

General McClary also had three daughters of rare 
attractions. The oldest, Nancy Dearborn, born in 
1789, married Samuel Lord, of Portsmouth, whose 
ability and wealth are well known. One of his sons, 
Augustus, has purchased a large part of the old 
McClary estate. The second daughter, Elizabeth 
Harvey, born in 1791, married Jonathan Steele, a 
lawyer from Peterborough. They settled on the home- 
stead now owned and occupied by their son, Michael 
McClary Steele. The third daughter, Mary, born in 
1794, married Robert Parker, and is still living in 
Fitzwilliam. 

General McClary and wife both lived to a good old 
age. The sad fate of their sons fell with crushing 
and disastrous weight upon the parents, wearing 
away by inches their life and vitality, and their poig- 
nant grief was only assuaged by the grave. 

He died in 182.5, aged seventy-two, and was buried 
with his ancestors in the old burying-ground in Ep- 
som, where rests the dust of mauy heroic dead, whose 
lives and deeds are fast fading from the memory of 
passing generations. 



The papers following are copies of votes, receipts 
and other papers that are interesting as curiosities : 

" To the Honorable Genl Assembly Convened at Exeter 19(fi April, 1780 : 
" The petition of Michael McClari' Humbly Sheweth that your peti- 
tioner WM, by the authority of the State, appointed to the Command of a 
Company (in Defence of his Country) the eighth of November, 1T7C, 
Continued in his command till Sept., 1773. Then, by reason of a bad State 
of Health, was obliged to resign his command. And Notwithstanding 
the many Fatigues k hardships he has been obliged to encounter (which 
has ruined his Constitution), he is by a late resolve of the Genl Assembly 
deprived of having the depreciation of his wages made good. Therefore 
prays you would take the matter under your wise Consideration and 
make the depreciation of his wages good up to the time he left the ser- 

■* .\nd your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray. 

" MiCHL SIcClauv." 

The above request was granted April 25, 1780. 

A warrant beginning "State of New Hampshire : 
The Government and People of said State : To the 
Selectmen of Epsom, in the County of Rockingham, in 
saidState," and issued by M. Weare, President of Coun- 
cil, and John Langdon, Speaker of the House, requir- 
ing the saidselectmen to notify the legal inhabitants 
paying taxes in the towns of Epsom, Chichester and 
Allenstown, to meet at the meeting-house in said Ej^- 
som, on Monday, the 8th day of December, 1777, for 
the purpose of electing one person having a real estate 
of two hundred pounds, lawful money, to represent 
them in the General Assembly to be held at Exeter in 
said State, on the third Wednesday of the same De- 
cember, was signed by ''John Cate, selectman, in be- 
half of the others, who are absent in the service." 

At the meeting called as above, Ede Hall Bergen, 
of Allenstown, was chosen moderator and Colonel 
John McClary represeijtative. 

May 11, 1778, Colonel John McClary was chosen to 
convene at Concord on the 10th day of June follow- 
ing " for the purpose of forming and laying a per- 
manent plan or system of Government for the future 
Happiness and well-beingof the good people of this 
State." 

March 17, 1779, "i2a-sed $600 for the repair of High- 
ways in labor at three Dollars per day." 

August 23, 1779, it was " Voted to send a man to 
Concord, in this State, to meet in convention in order 
to regulate the prices of the Necessaries of Life ; " also 
" Voted Lieut. Samuel Osgood be appointed for the 
above purpose."' 

May 22, 1780, it was "Voted that a committee of 
safety be chosen for the town of Epsom the ensuing 
year, whose business it shall be at all times to consult 
the good and welfare of this Town. Said committee 
shall consist of the five following persons, viz. : Lieut. 
Benj". Goodwin, John Casey, Capt. Jerem'' Prescott, 
Thomas Babb and Eben' Wallis." 

"State of New Ham«, Eockingham, S.S : 

"This may certify that Amos Morrill has within twelve months past 
wrought in his own Blacksmith Shop in Epsom one Hundred Thousand 
of Ten penny nails, and that he islntittled to a bounty agreeable to a law 
of this State. 

"TUOJIAS Babb, {Select Men 

"GEottoE Sandebs, i of Epsom.' 
•• Epsom, 16tb March, 1791." 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NKW IIAMKSFIIRE. 



" Itockiuglmui, S.S., Maldi 10, 171)1 : 

"ThisMay Certify that Amos Morrill Ims nmdK it iiiMJ.;ir to me that 
be bait within twtlve months paat wruuglit one Hundred Tliousand ut 
Ten penny Naile in his own Blacltemith Shop in Epsum. 

•Attest: MicHi Mri'LAEy, J. P." 

" Aug. 12, 1791. 

*' Uecieved an order on the Treasurer for five pounds. 

" A.. MORSIT.I.." 

" Uecieved of tlie Selectmen Seven pounds Eight Sliillings, it being in 
full for Seventeen Thousand of Shingles and twenty-three hundred of 
Boards Delivered att the niecting-liousc in Jany. 13, 1785. 

"John Cass. 
" Epsom, March 15, 1785." 

** IleH of the Selectmen of Epeom an Order on Tlio". Babb for one 
pound Eiglit Shillings, which order wlien paid, will be in full for tinve 
thousand of board nails which I Obligated to purchase, and did purchase 
for said Town. 

" Moses Look. 
",Ep8om, 8th March, 1785." 

"Epsom, October 2, 1783.— Uecieved of .Michael McUlary the 8uu\ ol 
five hard dollai-s for pn-achiug one Sabbath. 

" By me Oliver Xoble." 

" ErsoM, March 13, 1789. 
" iteceived of M r. Josiali Sanliorii, .\gent for the town of Epsom for ye 
year 1788, eight Bushels of Wnieal, thirty-nine Bushels * 14 of Eye \ 
thirty Bushels of I'otatoes, 

" Ebene/jir Haseltinf. 
JC. «. d. 

" 8 bushels wheat (<i^ 5» '.i '< u 

39'4 bushels Bye (ol 3«. 6<i C 17 4 

30 bushels potatoes fii' lOil 1 5 u 



I Locke, a Soldier in the I 



March. To cash advanced for sundry supplies for 
the support of your family during tlie yparl7S0. 819 

March 19, By Cash rec" of Mrs. Locke 12 

Epsoiu, April 18, 1781. 



" Be!(,ia. Goodwin, y 
"T,i0MAS Ba„u, i^'"- ^'"'""- 



"To the t'ommittee on Claims at Exeter." 

March 19, 1783, it was " Voted that the boards that 
are due from individuals in this town shall be recov- 
ered and disposed of to the best advantage, and the 
money converted to the preaching of the Gospel for 
the year current." 

March 17, 1784, it was " Voied to raise forty-five 
pounds for the support of a school." 

March, 1787, it was " Voted that the town of Epsom 
purchase a cow and lend her to Israel Clifford." A 
few years later, the town, by vote, ordered the select- 
men to sell said cow and use the proceeds towards 
paying the debts of the town. 

March, 1782, it was "Voted to raise one hundred 
silver dollars for the support of schools." 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



NOAH MARTIN, M.I). 

The active and energetic family of iMartiii has im- 
pressed itself on many nationalities, and those bearing 
that name have attained eminence in various fields of 
honor and usefulness. The American family goes 



back through the Scotch-Irish stock to the lime when 
France and Scotland were so intimately connected, 
and, perhaps, to the time when William, the Con- 
queror, marshaled his adherents and retainers for 
the bloody battle of Sanguelac or Hastings, which 
decided the fate of England and changed the course 
of civilization, for on the list of those who accompa- 
nied him were several of the name.' In France it has 
been an illustrious name in law, science and litera- 
ture. Five of the Popes have borne the name. 
Everywhere we find among the members of the Mar- 
tin family ambitious hard-working, successful, men of 
more than ordinary ability. 

Early in the eighteenth century, when the stalwart 
andfreedoin-lovingdefendersof Londonderry, Ireland, 
emigrated to America to found a new Londonderry in a 
land where religious persecuti(m should not seek their 
blood, Nathaniel Martin, the earnest man, with Marga- 
ret Mitchell, his wife, and son William, were among 
the early settlers who made a home in this wild and 
strange country. Nowhere in America have been 
found more honest virtues or more sterling qualiticsi 
than were in this notable settlement, and the descend- 
ants of these people may well look with pride upon 
their Scotch-Irish ancestry. 

William (2) was born in 1712 ; married Hannah 
Cochrane. Their children were Mary, James, Na- 
thaniel, William, Robert, Samuel and Hannah. 

Samuel (3), born May 26, 1762 ; married Sally, el- 
dest daughter of Major James Cochrane, of Pem- 
broke, N. H., and had Polly, Thomas, James, Noah 
and Nancy. 

Noah (4), born in Epsom, N. H., July 26, 1801 ; 
married, October 25, 1825, Mary Jane, daughter of 
Dr. Robert Woodbury, of Barrington, and had two 
daughters, — Elizabeth A. and Caroline M. He died 
May 28, 1863, of apoplexy. Mr.s. :Martin died Jmir 
30,"l880. 

Noah Martin, M.D., was studious from early lilc, 
and, his tastes leading him in that direction, he 
elected to follow the study of medicine, and perse- 
vered through many diificulties until he had acquired 
a thorough classical and professional education. 
After the usual attendance at the district schools and 
private tuition of Rev. Jonathan Curtis, he became a 
pupil at Pembroke Academy, where he had the ben- 
efit of instruction from those able preceptors, the 
Rev. Amos Burnham and Professor John Vose. His 
professional studies were commenced in the office of 
Dr. Pillsbury, of Pembroke, with whom he remained 
one year, and he finished his preparatory medical 
education with Dr. Graves, of Deerfield, being with 
him two years. He then entered the Medical De- 
partment at Dartmouth College, and was graduated in 
the class of 1824, and soon after was associated with 
Dr. Graves and in practice in Deerfield one year. 
In 1825, Dr. Martin removed to Great Falls, and, 
being a thorough student, he felt that to keep abreast 
of his profession he must have a catholicity of thought 




^r. s^J^u a^LJt<^<.^ 




/^^e^e^yrt<y<jt^cy^U^^^--^-^^ 



EPSOM. 



that would allow him to discriminate and use those 
discoveries iu medical science which could be made 
beneficial to his fellow-men, and he soon showed that 
skill and energy which is tlie key-note of success, ac- 
quired a large and lucrative practice, and was a leading 
member of the medical fraternity. After nine years' 
residence in Great Falls he removed to Dover. His 
established reputation, both as a phvsiciau and sur- 
geon, brought him at once into the confidence of the 
people in Dover. And now, after ten years of pro- 
fessional life, Dr. Martin was considered one of the 
best physicians and surgeons in the State ; iu fact, 
the leading physician in that section, and the con- 
sulting physician in cases requiring superior medical 
skill. His natural dignity of mien and courteous 
bearing, united with his social qualities, pleasing ad- 
dress and sympathetic heart, made him very popular. 
Generous in the matter of his services, promjit to 
answer the call of those from whom no remuneration 
could come as well as that of the wealthiest man, all 
who souglit his counsel found him faithful and sure, 
always ready with kind words of advice and encour- 
agement, and in the many delicate offices connected 
with his profession he displayed that discriminating 
sense, judgment and tact, conjoined with a nice ob- 
servance of a tender and scrupulous confidence, which 
were among his characteristics, and endeared him to 
the hearts of his patients. He was deeply devoted to 
his profession, pursuing it with ceaseless ardor, giv- 
ing it his greatest thought and study, making many 
sacrifices of a personal nature for its benefit, keeping 
thoroughly informed regarding all matters pertain- 
ing to it and calling to his aid its most advanced 
thought. His career was an eminently successful one. 
and he demonstrated what determination, perse- 
verance, untiring application and love for his noble 
art could do, and filled an honorable and high posi- 
tion. 

In politics Dr. Martin was Democratic, of that 
honest and stable Jacksoniau type which holds the 
object of the nation to be the paramount good of the 
people. With but little ambition for political pre- 
ferment, he was not always able to resist the impor- 
tunities of political and personal friends, and was 
often brought forward for political oflSce. He was 
elected to the New Hampshire House of Representa- 
tives in 1830, 1832 and 1837 ; to the New Hampshire 
Senate iu 1835 and 1836 ; and in 18.52 and 1853 he 
was elected to the highest office of the State, that of 
Governor. 

Dr. Martin was elected a member of the Straftbrd 
District Medical Society in 1835, and was chosen its 
president in 1841 and 1842 ; a, member of the State 
Medical Society iu 1836, and its president in 1858 : 
and a member of the American Medical Association 
in 1849. He was one of the founders of the Dover 
Medical Association, and its first president in 1849, 
and reelected in 1 8.50. He was elected a meral)er of the 
New Hampshire Historical Society in 18.53, also New- 



England Historical Genealogical Society thesame year, 
and vice-president of the same, for New Hampshire, 
in 1855. He was one of the organizers of the Dover 
Library, and its president in 1851, 1852 and 1853. He 
was a member of the board of trustees of the New- 
Hampshire Asylum for the Insane in 1852, and 1853, 
and member of the board of trustees of the House 
of Reformation for Juvenile and Female Oflenders in 
1855. He was one of the incorporators of the State 
Agricultural Society, and was elected vice-president 
of the same in 1851. He was chosen president of the 
Savings-Bank for the County of Straftbrd in 1844, 
holding the office until 1852, when he declined a re- 
election ; was a leading director of the Dover Bank 
from 1847 to 1855, when he resigned ; also a director 
of the Strafibrd Bank from 1860 to the time of his 
death. He also held various other offices of trust. 
He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and of 
the Order of Odd-Fellows. 

In all the various relations of life, the kindliness of 
heart of Dr. Martin, his gentlemanly and unostenta- 
tious manner and his pre-eminent abilities won him 
warm friends and admirers. Never was a man more 
conscientious in the discharge of official duties or 
private trusts, and never could the evil-minded find 
aught against his integrity or the purity of his mo- 



SAMUEL MARTIX. 

Prominent among the families dating back to the 
pioneer settlements of this section of the State, and 
members of which have in every generation been 
agriculturists, is that from which Samuel Martin 
traces his ancestry. This branch of the Martin fam- 
ily is " Scotch-Irish," — that is, they were of Scotch lin- 
eage, born on Irish soil, — and it wiis necessary tltat a 
people of one nationality and born on alien soil should 
have a distinctive name, hence the appellation of 
"Scotch-Irish." 

The line of descent to Samuel is Nathaniel (1), 
William (2), Samuel (3), James (4), Samuel (5). Wil- 
liam (2), born in 1712, the great-grandfather of Sam- 
uel, accompanied his parents to America when very 
young, and his childhood was passed amid the pri- 
vations incident to thepioneerlifeof thenew country, 
and in the labor of converting the wilderness and 
rough, stony soil into fruitful fields. His father, 
Nathaniel Martin (1), w:is a robust, persevering and 
adventurous man, of sterling worth, and much es- 
teemed. His mother, Margaret (Jlitchell) Martin, 
was a true-hearted woman, who did not hesitate to 
follow her husband into a new and almost uninhabited 
region, and to brave the hardships appertaining, if 
there they could only find that which their firmly- 
fixed faith so strongly desired : " Freedom to worship 
God." William (2) attained manhood, inherited the 



nd, 



'his ]iarents, became "a tiller of the soil," 
■ time, married Sallv, eldest daughter of 



470 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Major James Cochrane, of Pembroke. He followed 
the occupation of his father, that of farming, and also 
learned the shoemaker's trade. He made his home 
in Pembroke, and was an industrious and honored 
citizen. He died July 6, 1828. His children were 
Polly, Thomas, James (4), Noah (see biography ot 
Dr. Martin) and Nancy. James (4) was born in 
Pembroke, N. H., July 1, 1799. He was a resident 
of Epsom, where he had a large farm, which he culti- 
vated. Intelligent and thoughtful, he kept himself 
cognizant of matters pertaining to public affairs, held 
numerous town offices and also served as representa- 
tive for the town of Epsom. He married Elsie Bailey. 
Their children were Sally (born December 25, 1822, 
now Mrs. Sleeper ; has four children), Samuel, James 
(born January 5, 1830; now residing in St. Louis; has 
three children), and Thomas (born July 1, 1832 ; has 
three children, and is living in Wisconsin.) 

Samuel Martin, eldest son of James and Elsie 
(Bailey) Martin, was born in Epsom January 28, 
1828. From a mere lad until he was fourteen years 
of age Samuel worked at farming, assisting his father 
in his labors. He then went to Dover, N. H., and 
made his home for three years with his uncle, Dr. 
Noah Martin, alterwards Governor, who kindly gave 
him the opportunity of availing himself of the valua- 
ble instruction of the eminent John R. Yarn ey, whose 
enthusiasm in this calling was such as to inspire his 
pupils to laudable endeavor and friendly rivalry, and 
of whom the historian writes : " He left a record of a 
life of true manliness, consistency and purity." Im- 
proving these favorable circumstances, the young 
man acquired quite a proficiency in the studies pur- 
sued. Returning to Epsom, he remained a year, and 
then, like many New England boys, he thought he 
would try his fortune in another field of labor, and 
went to Boston, where he entered the employ of S. T. 
Parker, dealer in West India goods. He continued 
with this firm about two years; then made a change 
of employers and business, engaging with Cutler & 
Co., furniture dealers, to whom he gave faithful ser- 
vice for several more years, until, in 1851, he returned 
to his native place, preferring its pure air, pleasant 
surroundings and quiet, rural occupations, and com- 
menced farming and lumbering in company with his 
father. Since his death Mr. Martin has added one 
hundred and sixteen acres to his farm, while he has a 
large holding of real estate (two hundred acres) in 
.Mlenstown. 

Mr. Martin is a consistent and unswerving Demo- 
crat, and as such represented his town in the Legis- 
lature of 1868-69. He is an honorable and estimable 
citizen, and has been elected to many offices of trust; 
has served as selectman for twelve years and town 
treasurer nine years, faithfully performing the duties 
entrusted to him. 

Inheriting a strong physique from hissturdy Scotch 
ancestry, together with many excellent characteris- 
tics of heart and mind, Mr. Martin is a representa- 



tive farmer and worthy descendant of those men of 
activity, earnest labor and endurance who were im- 
portant factors in the formation of the American 
character. 



William Goss was born in Epsom, N. H., July 13, 
1820. His grandfather, Samuel Goss, came to Epsom 
from Greenland, N. H., and was one of the pioneers 
of the town. Like most frontiersmen, he possessed a 
rugged frame and strong constitution, fitted to battle 
with the hardships and privjitions of life in the 
wilderness. He lived to be seventy-five years of age. 
He was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, as 
was Mr. Goss' maternal grandfather, Yeaton, who 
was a sea-faring man, and served on the water in hi.« 
country's struggle for independence. 

Jonathan Goss, the son of Samuel, was a native of 
Epsom ; was by occupation a blacksmith and farmer, 
and was a soldier in the War of 1812. He married 
Sally Yeaton, and had a family of seven children : 
Noah, died in infancy. William, the subject of 
this writing. Hannah Y. married Nathaniel Ed- 
munds, of Chichester; died, leaving five children. 
Nancy L. married, first, Edward Edmunds, by whom 
there is one living child ; second, Jeremiah Mack, by 
this marriage there is no offspring ; and, third, Jona- 
than Marden, both are yet living, no issue. Sally 
married Jeffer-son Edmunds; they have six children 
living. Mary C, now Mrs. George Morse, of Loudon ; 
they have no children. Andrew J., now residing in 
Santiago, Cal. He was for many years collector of 
customs at Saint Augustine, Fla. He wa.s a 
graduate of Dartmouth College, and afterward studied 
medicine, but declining health forbade his choosing 
medicine as his profession. 

Jonathan Goss was a strong, vigorous, active man 
of untiring energy, indomitable courage, and for 
those times a successful man. He was an ingenious 
man of inventive turn, and originated many new de- 
vices, some of which are in use at the present day. 
He possessed wonderful muscular strength, and many 
extraordinary feats of his are remembered by the 
older inhabitants of the community. One, related 
by his son, is that when more than fifty years of age, 
he lifted with one hand a forty-gallon cask of cider. 
He was a man of broad and liberal views, and gave 
his children what educational advantages his circum- 
stances in life would afford. 

William Goss inherited his father's qualities i)f ac- 
tivity and energy, and was early taught to labor. 
When not at work on the farm he assisted his father 
in the shop, and remained at home with his parents 
until about twenty-five years of age. He married, 
June 2, 1846, Maryett, daughter of William and 
Esther (Fowler) Abbott, of Pembroke, N. H. He 
then went upon a farm adjoining his father's, and re- 
sided there until March, 1855, when he sold this farm 
and purchased the place where he now resides, within 




-rif'-byAHPlur^^ 



7^^^(^:^.^iy-f^ 




KESIUENCL: Ui' U. o. i^ANDEKS, 




fZ-^'?Ai>^,-/fi,.-..//t,Q). 



EPSOM. 



a few rods of the present railroad slatiou at Epsom. 
Siuce that time, owing chiefly to Mr. Goss' enterprise, 
a villiige has grown up around him and bears liis 
name, being called Gossville in his honor. He has 
lit'cn a prudent and industrious farmer, making a 
siock-farm of his acreage, trading a great deal in 
cattle, dealing considerably in real estate and in 
various ways adding to his income. He Inis built 
most of the houses in the village of Gossville. He 
|iiircha.sed the house in which his father was born, 
and also the one in which hehimself was born, moved 
tliem over to Gossville, fitted them up, and they arc 
.si ill used as residences. He bought the old Baptist 
Church building, moved it into the village and con- 
verted it into a store. In this way he has constantly 
and assiduously labored to build up a prosperous- 
village around his chosen abode. 

In the building of the new church in Gossville too 
much credit cannot be given Mr. Goss for the energy, 
perseverance and persistence with which he advocated 
and assisted the enterprise. When others were dis- 
ciiurascd and ready to abandon the matter altogether 
he took the leadership and bore, for the time being, 
t lie burdens himself, and carried it forward to com- 
pletion, and this same spirit has characterized him 
through life. 

Like other men who undertake and achieve diffi- 
cult enterprises, he has met opposition, and borne 
heavy burdens, — burdens under which one less res- 
olute would have faltered ; but being of stern stuff, 
with vigorous mind and body, Mr. Goss kept up 
cour.-igc and endeavor, and has lived to see the " waste 
places made glad," and the barren hills dotted with 
comfortable and cozy homes. They have now in the 
village a shoe-factory, which has employed as many 
as sixty or sixty-five hands. This wa.s built by a stock 
company, but Mr. Goss was the prime mover in the 
enterprise, and now owns more than half the stock. 
His sou, Nathan J., is the agent and manager of the 
shop. 

Mr. Goss has twice represented his t(nvn in the 
State Legislature, and has been a selectman of E\t- 
soni. 

Mrs. Goss died May 3, 1873. She was the mother 
of four children : .lohn Abbott, born August 26, 1847, 
married Electa Ann, daughter of Charles H. Car- 
penter, of Chichester. They have two children, — 
Charles C, boru February 9, 1871, and Clara H. M., 
born July 11, 1874. Mr. Goss is cashier of the Pitts- 
field, N. H., National Bank, and manager of the 
Gpera-House in that town ; also treasurer of the 
Farmers' Savings-Bank, and also treasurer of the 
I'ittsfield Aqueduct Company. Elizabeth J., born 
Sc ptember 2, 1849, married .Vlfred Porter Bickfi)rd, of 
. Fiisom, January 2, 1870. They have four children, 
—William P., born February 15, 1871 ; Nathan A., 
born July 17, 1872 ; Alfred G., born February 4, 1875; 
and Harry, born May, 1883. Noah William, born 
July 12, ISlil, now in the grain and grocery trade at 



Pittsfield. Nathan Jonathan, born September 13, 
1863. 

Mr. Goss married, as his second wife, December 23, 
1873, Mrs. S. Rebecca Crockett {n^e Ranilall) ; no 
issue. Mrs. Goss had by her first husband one 
daughter, — Annie R., who married James Yeaton, of 
E|)som. She has three children,— John C, Helen E. 
P. and George H. Mrs. Goss is u native of Deerfield, 
but most of her life has been spent in Concord. 

In politics Mr. Goss is a Democrat, as were his 
father and grandfather. He is a member of the Bap- 
tist Society. In all the relations of life, as son, 
husband, father, neighbor or citizen, Mr. Goss has 
been a true man, and probably no man in the com- 
munity is more highly respected by his fellow-towns- 



ORREN STRONG SANDERS. 

Orren Strong Sanders, M.D., Boston, Mass., was 
born in Epsom, Merrimack County, N. H., September 
24, 1820. He is the eldest son of Colonel Job and 
Pollie Sanders, being the senior of four sons. The 
palms of his hands were hardened before he reached 
bis teens in handling the implements of an industrious 
fanner. 

At the age of thirteen years and a half he went to 
live with General Joseph Low, Concord, N. H., for 
one year as a servant, receiving for his services two 
mouths' schooling and fifty dollars, the whole of 
which sum, with the excei)tion of live dollars, liefiave 
to his father. 

The succeeding year he served seven months as a 
farm-hand with Judge Whittemore, Pembroke, N. H., 
for nine dollars a month, rising early and working 
late. During the following winter he attended the 
town school in his father's district. 

In April, when fifteen years and a half old, he went 
to Northwood, N. H., to learn the trade of a carpenter 
with the late Luther and William Tasker, receiving 
fifty dollars and three months' schooling that year. 

In March, 1836, as soon as the district school closed 
in Epsom, he decided to change his purpose in life, 
and, with his neighbor and friend, Henry F. Sanborn, 
went on foot, with a bundle of clothes, a few books 
in hand and seventeen dollars in his pocket, seven- 
teen miles to Gilmanton, N. H., where he commenced 
in earnest to obtain, in the middle of the spring term, 
an education. In the summer term he again went to 
Gilmanton, boarding himself, with three other stu- 
dents, for ninety cents each a week. 

In the autumn of the same year, a younger brother 
desiring to attend school, he changed bis plan, and 
went to Pembroke, N. H., it being less than half the 
distance to "Old Gilmanton," and there he contiiuied 
his studies for several successive terms, practit-ing 
the economical method of "playing house-keeping." 

Shortly after he had attiiined his sixteenth birth- 
ilay he commenced his first school in Cliiche.«ter, 
N. 11., known as the Meeting-House,or Reed District, 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



for the sum of eight dollars a month and " boarded 
round." This school had about thirty scholars en- 
rolled, and the sixteen dollars appropriated to the 
object of education for the winter months secured for 
thcni the benefit of young Sanders' earnest efforts to 
stiniiilalc lliom to increased mental activity, to make 
up Inr lircvity of opportunity. 

The rullowing winter this persevering youth was re- 
engaged to instruct in the same district, and at the 
termination of this school term he commenced teach- 
ing the school in Bear Hill District, and at the end of 
twelve weeks clo.scd his efforts with a brilliant ex- 
hibition. 

In the following autumn be spent fourteen weeks 
in Northwood, teaching in the lowerpart of thetown; 
fallowing this school, he served as teacher in the 
" Young District," in Barriugton, returning to North- 
wood the succeeding winter, and gave another term 
of service in the same locality as before. 

His bisi ami final experience as "school-master" 
was III ihc Cillcy District, in his native town, where 
he was raviiriMl with a large attendance and. secured 
a successful result. 

Six months after he had passed his nineteenth birth- 
day he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. 
Hanover Dickey, Epsom. In the autumn of 1841 he 
attended his first course of medical lectures at Dart- 
mouth College, after which he pursued his medical 
studies in the anatomical laboratory with Dr. Haynes, 
Concord. When he had completed his studies in an- 
atomy, pliysiology and hygiene with Dr. Haynes he 
filtered llie oflii-e of Drs. Chadburne and Buck, with 
lour iilber students, forming an interesting class, with 
daily recitations, taking up several branches of the 
medical course. 

In the spring of 1843 he went to Lowell, Miuss., and 
entered the ofRceof Dre. Wheelock, Graves and Allen. 
In this new relation he bad not only the assistance of 
Dr. Allen :vs a private medical tutor, but saw nmch 
pniclice with Dr. ( iraves. In the fall of 1X48 he grad- 
UMte.l .It the then very populnr niedieal eolK-e, ( 'astle- 
loii, \-|. 

Oil tlie ■17l\\ of November, ISlo, he united in matri- 
mony with bis present wife. Miss Drusilla, eldest 
daiii^liler otS. M. Morse, Es<i., Effingham, N. H. In 
Deeeiiilier lollowing he commenced the practice of 
iiieilicine in Centre Effingham, where he remained till 
June, ISt7. He then moved to Chichester, where he 
entered upon a large and lucrative practice; but in 
the autumn of 1848 he became interested in the sci- 
ence of homteopathy, as best embodying the true i)rin- 
ciples of healing. At this time he disposed of medi- 
cines and equipments, and went to Boston, entering 
the office of Dr. Samuel Gregg, a distinguislied homreo- 
pathic physician ; remaining with him, investigating, 
by study and observation, this new method of the 
healing art, for eighteen months ; and from that time 
to the present Dr. Sanders has followed his (irofes- 
sion in Boston, and has been, from the first, consj 



among the physicians of that city for his extensive 
and lucrative practice and his successful treatment of 
disease. 

The habitsofindustry and frugality, formed in youth 
and student-life, not only gave to Dr. Sanders a vigorous 
constitution, but laid a broad foundation for that 
power of endurance so essential to enable him to bear 
that long, continuous professional strain which has 
secured him unparalleled success and a high profes- 
sional reputation. 

While he is a "medical winner" in every sense of 
the term, with a.spirations ever for the right, he has 
enjoyed the confidence of his numerous friends, not 
only in the city government and Masonic fraternities, 
but also of the members of the church to which he has 
so long been attached. 

His generosity has been ci|Ual to his success, and 
be has contributed with no stinted hand to public in- 
stitutions, and freely given aid to the deserving | r. 

He is ever ready to give his support to any worthy 
object; and if his large-hearted charities, for the 
most part secretly performed, find no place in news- 
paper reports, they are written in letters of light liy 
the recording angel in the Book of Life. 

His munificence in establishing the " Home lor Lit- 
tle Wanderers" is but one of the many grand and 
noble acts of his life. 

For several terms Dr. Sanders « ;is a nicmhcr of the 
Boston School Board, and, despite the exigent de- 
mands made upon his time by his extensive i)ractice, 
he was unfailing in his attendance, and his utterances 
were always valued for their suggcstivencss and prac- 
ticability. In fact, industrial education has long been 
with the doctor a favorite study, and he has written 
some excellent essays on the subject. 

He is not, in any sense of the term, a politichm, 
and yet he Ims always endeavored, from a considera- 
tion of the ilulics of citizenship, to nuike himself 
familiar with the cMr-varying i>hases of political life, 
to thoroughly comprehend the tendency of each polit- 
ical movement and to give his intelligent support 
to every meiwure which he has regarded as conducive 
to the public welfare. His judgment has frequently 
been appealed to, his influence solicited and nom- 
inations to office have been tendered him by apprecia- 
tive friends; but hitherto his i>rofessional tastes and 

pear in the list of political aspirants. 

Within the pale of his profession, however, honors 
have been thrust upon him, and on the medical plat- 
form he has been a frequent and eloquent speaker. 

In 1872 he delivered, before the Massachusetts 
llomceopatliic Medical Society, a masterly oration on 
"Progress without Change of Law." In 1875, before 
the same body, his address on " Dy nami/.ation " was 
pronounced to be an able production; and in 1878, 
when elected president of the society, his oration on 
" Hoinceopathy, the Aggressive Science of Medicine," 
was received bv the audience as a new revelation ol 






473 



the triumphant pi-ogress of s'unUia simill/nis curtin/ui: 
He has fro(nuMill.v U'cdirrd licloiv llic Ladirs' i;,istiin 
Physiological Socidy, mimI his liiciil expositions ol hy- 
gienic law were always lislcncil (o willi iiiaikcil appre- 
ciiitiou ; and the rei'onls of other medical societies 
will hear witness to his readiness to contribute his 
(juota of original thought to the medical knowledge 
of the day. His article on cholera, which appiarcil 
in the Boston Globe July 5, 1SS5, is exhaustive ol Ihe 
subject and has attracted much attention. 

As a speaker, he is forcible and earnest, and his 
appearance on a platform is such as to at oiiee win 
the sympathies of an audience. As a writer, his style 
is vigorous and terse; and his clear-cut sentences 
make it peculiarly attractive. If his studies had been 
so directed, he might have excelled as an orator or 
obtained a conspicuous place in the ranks of literature. 
We give an engraving of his present commodious 
residence, at 511 Columbus Avenue, Boston, which 
was finished in 1872. This house, which is his own 
property, and which was erected at a cost of some 
hundred thousand dollars, was' designed throughout 
by himself, and seems to indicate that, if he had not 
been a doctor, he might have become eminent as an 
architect. The sanitary appliances are perfect, the 
decorations in excellent taste, the arrangements for 
comfort and convenience the best possible, and from 
basement to attic it bears testimony to the high devel- 
opment of the doctor's constructive faculties. 

The lion, life-size, which is placed in couchanf atti- 
tude on the corner of the house, and is a conspicuous 
ornament to the avenue, was carved from a bloi:k of 
granite selected by the doctor himself, and, as a work 
of art, may compare favorably with the famous lions 
of Landseer, which adoi-uTrafalgarSquare, in London. 
To my own knowledge, the benevolent deeds done 
by this physician during his residence in the city of 
his adoption are sufficiently numerous to fill a volume, 
but in such an outline sketch as this it would be im- 
possible to enumerate them, and I can only say, in 
closing, that what Dr. Banders has done for God and 
humanity is but an exampleof what other young men 
may accomplish, if they will only model their lives 
after his perseverance, self-denial and unblemished 
habits. "M." 



GEORGE SA>fDERS, JR. 

One of the representative agriculturists of this 
section, whose keen practicality, industry and devo- 
tion to that science well deserves more than a mere 
mention, is George Sanders, Jr. He is a son of 
George and Polly (Twombly) Sanders, and was born 
in Epsom, N. H., November 6, 1832. The ancestor 
of the American family of Sanders was Christopher 
Sanders, who came from England prior to 1671. We 
cannot fully trace the line to George, nor tell from 
which one of the sons of Christopher he is descended. 

The great-grandfather of the one of whom we now 



write was George Sanders, a resident of Rye, N. H., 
where he passed his days, a quiet and useful citizen. 
His son John, the pioneer of the family in this town, 
was born in Rye, and when a young man came to 
Epsom, m;inieil and I leeame a resident. He was a 
stalwart mail, vij^c irons and ctnergetic, and devoted him- 
selfto his farm with all the force of his strong nature, 
and as a citizen was much respected. About ISrwi 
lie removed to Concord, where he resided until his 
death, March 13, 1870, aged nearly eighty-nine years. 
< leorge Sanders, Sr., son of John and Anna Sanders, 
married Polly Twombly, of Barrington. They have 
had three children, — George and Mary (twins), and 
John. Mr. Sanders, inheriting the strong pln'sique 
and hardy nature of his father, became a farmer, and 
in 1S32, shortly after his marriage, he purchased a 
farm of one hundred and twenty acres, and by his 
unremitting labors and constant care he brought the 
land into such a state of cultivation that it soon 
became remunerative, and he was able toiucrea.se his 
first ownership in land some hundreds of acres by 
ailding to it at various times, and at present the 
Sanders family have five hundred and thirty acres in 
their jiossession. It is located in different tracts, but 
the home-farm is considered one of the best farms in 
the town of Epsom. Mr. Sanders, Sr., has been 
selectman, and held some minor town otBces. His 
religious convictions are in accord with the Free- 
will Baptists,of which church he has been a mem- 
ber about twenty years. He is now living, at the age 
of eighty-one. Mrs. Sanders died Ili^cember 22, 
1884, aged eighty- one. 

George Sanders, Jr., could hardly have consistently 
followed any other vocation tli;iii that id' the farmer, 
having been born and passed his cliildlmod days 
where everything about him revealed the bounteous 
gifts of Mother Nature, and also inheriting, in some 
mea.sure, from his father and grandfather the charac- 
teristics of a good agriculturist. He received a good 
common-school education, suiqilemented by a term at 
Pembroke Academy. He has always resided on the 
old place. He married, January 5, 1875, Nancy A., 
daughter of David and Mary Ann (Carr) White, of 
Antrim, N. H., a descendant in the fifth generation 
from John White (1), of Ireland, whose son, Patrick 
(2), studied for the priesthood ; but renouncing his 
faith in the doctrine of the Catholic Church, he was 
obliged to flee to this country, where he made a 
home. David (3), son of Patrick, married Sarah 
Button, of Peterborough, and when the clarion notes of 
the trumpet called the brave and the willing to their 
country's defense, he responded and proved a faith- 
ful soldier to his father's adopted land. David (4) 
married Mary Ann Carr, a descendant of William 
Carr, a prominent man in the early days of Gofls- 
town. Mr. Carr, in 1787, went to Antrim and built 
the house and settled on a farm which is now occu- 
pied by David White. He married Ann Boyce, of 
Bedford, and died at the age of eighty-three years ; 



474 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



his wife lived to be ninety-three. Mary Sandei-s, 
(twin sister of George) married Nathaniel Twomhly, 
of Harrington. They have four children. 

George Sanders, Jr., has always pursued that oldest 
and most honorable calling among men, farming, and 
has proved himself the right man in the right place. 
To be convinced of his wisdom and care, you have 
only to look on his fields and meadows, his walls and 
buildings, his barns and stalls, his stacks and cribs. 
But, with all these cares, he has identified himself 
with the civil and religious interests of the town, has 
been selectman for several years, and is an earnest 
and liberal member of the Free-Will Baptist Church. 
Democratic in politics, he represented Epsom in the 
Legislature of 1874-75. 

This family, for several generations, have been 
mostly " tillers of the soil," industrious, careful, prac- 
tical working people, doing their duties well in the 
sphere of life to which they were called. They have 
been men of good judgment, active temperament, 
strong physique, and have i)erformed their share of 
the public matters of the town, and discharged their 
social, public and religious duties conscientiously. 



CHARLES f'URKIER DOE. 

Charles Cnrrier Doe was born in Durham, N. H., 
July 21, 1823. He is the s(m of James and Patience 
(Langlej') Doe. and grandson of John Doe. His fa- 
ther, James Doe, was a farmer, and when Charles C. 
was but two years of age removed to the town of 
Lee, in Strartbrd County, where he resided ten years. 
He then spent about a year each in Newmarket and 
Nottingham, when he removed to Barrington, where 
he made his home for several years. He then moved 
to Grafton, and there his wife died (1845). Mr. Doe 
continued to reside there, making his home with his 
eldest son, till 18-56, when he came to Pittsfield, 
wherehe died (1862). 

He reared a family of eight children, — 

John, married Abby Davis and resides in Pittsfield; 
has two children, a son and daughter. 

Nancy, married John Garland, of Nottingham. 
Tliey have one daughter. 

Drucilla marrieil, first, L. Kimball ; no issue. Sec- 
ond, Mo.ses Brown, of Andover. By this marriage 
she had two children. She is now deceased. 

Abigail, married John T. tiilman ; resides in Deer- 
field ; has two sons. 

Charles C, subject of this .sketch. 

Gilman L., married Nancy Kllcnwood. They reside 
in Iowa ; have three sons. 

Mary J., married David (iarlaiul. of Nottingliam. 
They have one son. 

Hezekiah H., married Sleeper; had <me son. 

He/.ekiah enlisted in Company B, Ninth Regiment 
New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, and died in 
hospital at Nichola.sville, Ky., August 31, 1S63. 

Charles C. Doe, like so manv of the sons of the 



anry of New England, had but limited facilities 
for obtaining an education, the public school of the 
town in which his fiither chanced to reside affording 
the only o]>portunity he enjoyed. Being one of a 
somewhat numerous family, in very moderate circum- 
stances, he had to contribute his share of labor to tlie 
support of the family as soon as he was old enough 
for his services to be of any avail. When he wassix- 
teen years of age he hired out away from home to 
work on a farm, and from that time till he attained 
his majority his wages went to the support of his par- 
ents. December 15, 184.5, he married Mehitablo P., 
daughter of Amos and Nancy (Libby) Davis, of l".]i- 
som, N. H., and went to reside with his father-iii-l:nv 
and manage the farm. Mr. Davis lived but a few 
months after his daughter's marriage. There still re- 
mained, however, three old people in the family. — 
Mi-s. Davis, her mother (Mrs. Libby) and a bachelor £ 
brother of Mrs. Davis. Mr. Doe took charge of the 
farm and assumed the care of the old people, a trust 
which he most faithfully performed to the time of 
their death. 

He has followed farming as his chief occupation 
through life, and has been successful. In addition 
to farm labor, however, he ha.s usually emi)loyed the 
winter months in teaming and lumbering; and for 
many years, while his sons were growing up to man- 
hood, they employed their time at shoemaking and 
thus added to the family exchequer. 

Mr. Doe represented his town in the Legislature 
during the two years of 1865 and 1866. He has been 
selectman of his town and has been a member of the 
Christian Church for more than forty yeai-s. 

Mrs. Doe's ancestors, both on the paternal and ma- 
ternal sides, came from Rye, N. H., to Epsom, about 
a century ago, when this country was almost an un- 
broken wilderness. Her grandfather, Davis, settled 
on the spot where Mrs. Doe now resides. The old 
homestead has never been out of the possession of 
the family. Her grandfather, Libby, was a soldier in 
the War of the Revolution, and her uncle was in the 
War of 1812. 

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Doe are, — 

Walter C, born November 12, 1846; married Klva 
Cass, of Epsom; resides in Lynn, Mass.; is a shoe- 
maker by trade. 

Amos, born September 11, 1S49; married Mcllic 
Hobnan, of Dixfield, Me.; resides in lloston ; is by 
trade a carpenter. 

James A., born March 7, 1852; married Augu.sta 
Ladd, of Deerfield, N. H. ; resides in Manchester ; is 
a surveyor of lumber, etc., in a large sash and blind- 
factory and lumber-yard. 

Sarah A., born November 1, 1 854 ; married Calvin 
D. Clark, of Barnstead, N. H. He was for four years 
engaged in the grocery trade in Pittsfield, N. II., but 
in 1884 he sold out his business and went to reside 
with his father-in-law on the farm. 

tieorgc W., the voungest of the familv, was born 



^ 



^ 



'l \^ 




^(SA^O-J^j^ . ^ ^:^^ 




.Sit.z^ J6^ (J^'J^U^ 



475 



August 24, 1857; died December 17, 1883; unmar- 
ried. He always resided with his parents. He was a 
young man of bright intelligence and more than 
ordinary ingenuity in mechanical matters. 

Mr. Cliarles C. Doe is an honest, upright, sincere 
man ; unobtrusive, attending strictly to his own af- 
fairs, and of a generous, manly, frank disposition. 
The world would' be better f,ir more sueli men. 



n.wiD sroRuiLr, piiii.BurfK. 

D. U. Philbrick w.-us born August 2G, 1S2.3, in the 
north part of the town of Epsom, N. H. He is the 
son of Daniel and Polly (Locke) Philbrick, and 
grandson of Daniel and Ruth (Morrill) Philbrick. 
His paternal grandfather was a native of Hampton, 
liockingham County, N. H., and moved to Epsom when 
a young man, and when tlie virgin forest of tlie 
" Catamount" and surrounding hills w.is almost un- 
broken. 

The Philbricks belong to that sturdy, self-reliant 
and self-contained class of men who liave played so 
important a part in the rise and progress of civiliza- 
tion in New England. In the county of Rocking- 
ham, and in other parts of Eastern New Hampshire, 
the name is a frequent one, and all bearing it show 
unmistakable evidence of descent from the same com- 
mon progenitors. They are calm, earnest, industri- 
ous, persevering men and women, with the reputation 
of being law-abiding and just, useful citizens. Daniel 
Philbrick, Sr., became quite a large land-holder in 
Ep.som. He had a family of twelve children, of 
whom Daniel was one. Daniel settled on a part of 
his father's farm, where his son David M. now re- 
sides, and was a tiller of the soil all his life. He had 
a family of eight children, of whom David M. was the 
only son. The names of the children were Abigail, 
died in childhood. Ruth, married first a Mason ; 
second a Merrill; has four children. Mary, unmar- 
ried, r&sides with David M. Asenath, unmarried, re- 
sides with David M. Abigail (2d), married E. B. 
Sargent ; has four children. Betsy, married Stephen 
F. Ring; no issue. David M., subject of this biog- 
raphy. Peggy Almira, married txeorge Buffum ; has 
one child. 

David M. Philbrick m.ay be fairly said to stand as 
a representative farmer of his town and section. He 
hits all his life made agriculture his chief pur.suit, 
and by constant and intelligently directed efi'ort he 
has made it a success. He owns, in various tracts, 
about six hundred acres of land, a very large farm for 
New Hampshire. He is probably the largest land- 
owner in town. In the winters, after work on the 
farm is impracticable, he has employed his time in 
cutting and hauling wood and lumber. 

He is a man who is respected and confided in by 
his neighbors and townsmen, and was chosen to rep- 
resent them in the Legislature in 1876 and 1877. He 
has been selectman of Epsom two vears, and sur- 



veyor of higliways twenty-live years. In politics he 
is a Democrat. 

He n\arried, NovcMibcr L'7, Is.M), S:inili A., dautrbti-r 
of John and Margaret (Wallace) Steunis, of Deerlicld, 
N. H. Their children are: A babe (unnamed), died 
in infancy. Clara I., married Frank Buffum, of Ber- 
wick, Me.; has five children. Daniel. David F., 
died aged seventeen. Mary A., married George Giles, 
of Pittsfield, N. H. ; no offspring. John S., Susan M.. 
George H. and Augustus T. 

Mrs. Philbrick's grandparents were John and Ruth 
Stearns, both natives of New Hampshire, and de- 
scended from the early Pilgrim stock. 



NATHAN lilCKKORL). 

Nathan Bickford was born in Epsom, N. H., De- 
cember 2, 1797. He was the son of Thomas and 
Olive (Haynes) Bickford. Thomas was a farmer, 
shoemaker and tanner, and at one period of his life 
was quite a prosperous and successful man ; but most 
of his substance was spent before his death. He liad 
a family ot seven children, viz., — John, Mehitable, 
Samuel, Nathan, Daniel, Olive and Dearborn. 

Nathan was born at the old Bickford homestead, 
near the present village of Gossville. When lie was 
a lad of sutficient age he went to serve an apprentice- 
ship as clothier with a Mr. Currier. His service ex- 
pired when he was nineteen, and he then went to Bos- 
ton, where he remained till his twenty-third year, 
when lie returned to his native town and bought out 
a clothing and carding-inill on Suncook River. He 
met with success in this enterprise and continued it 
for more than a dozen years, when, leasing his mill 
business to another party, he embarked in the lumber 
trade. At this he did, for a period of about ten 
years, quite a large business, rafting down tlie Sun- 
cook and Merrimack Rivers. In the mean time he 
conducted farming on a considerable scale, having 
purchased, about 1830, a farm lying adjacent to his 
mill. 

After he relinquished the lumber business he gave 
his entire attention to his farm, and added to the 
original tract at intervals during his life. He was a 
man who was held in high esteem by his fellow- 
townsmen, and he had ample proof of their confidence 
by the various positions of oHice and trust in which 
they placed him. He was selectman of his town for 
many years and held various minor offices. He was 
a member of tlie State Legislature in 1836, and 
througlnrnt a long and busy life he retained the im- 
plicit confidence and sincere respect of those who 
knew him. 

In politics he was an advocate of tlie Free-Soil 
party, and upon the organization of the Republican 
party and up to the time of his death he affiliated with 
that party. 

In religious matters he w.as a Fiee-AVill Baptist. 
and contributed largely to the support of that chunh. 



476 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



He was a man of large benevolence and generosity, 


Morrill 1)., born October :i, 1836; married Eliza J. 


and gave of liis means freely and with unstinted hand 


Hoyt, of Epsom, November 28, 1862. They have two 


to all worthy charities. 


bright and accomplished daughters,— Susie A. and 


He niarri'ed, M.ay 12, 18-.>.'^, Kli/.:i W.. dauiihl.r of 


Addie E. He wns clc.tc.I licpresentative of Epsom 


Robert .and Hannah (Osgoo.l) Dirkey, of K|.s.,mi. 


to the State l,c,i;islalinc In 1885. He has always 


They had five children,— 


kept up tlie luMilu-r trade which w.as started by liis 


Susan (i., born February 2.'). 1S24 ; niiiiiicil IJcv. 


father. 


Jonathan A. Knowles. They have Iw.. .Inl.hvM :au\ 


Alfrc.1 P. marricil l.i/zic .1., dant'lilcr of William 


reside in Manchester, N. H. 


and Maryctt (loss, of Kpsi.m. Thev have four diil- 


S.'iliu:! ()., br.rii All-rust r,, 1S2II; married Captain 


dren,— William 1\, Nathan A., Alfred G. and Harry 


ArlhurC. I,,.rlcr. ( tnc child liviiiiT. She di.'d .Inn.. 


M. He has always conducted the form of his father. 


2, 1S77. 


Nathan Biekford died .Tanuary !.'>, 1879, aged 


Kliza A., born .Inly 2'., 1S;«; dicil, unmarried, De" 


eighty-one. Mrs. Bickford still survives (188.5), aged 




M^ 



',9~cy 



HISTORY OF T.OITDON. 



BY HENRY J. OSGOOD. 



c H A p T r-: R I. 

The name Loudon is of Scotch origin, and means 
" Low Hills." The hills in this town are but a few 
hundred feet in height, and the general configuration 
of the surface suggests that it is a hilly town. Bear 
Hill in the southerl-y, Oak Hill in the westerly and 
Brown's Hill in the northerly are the highest, witii 
Clough's Hill in the centre of the town. Brown's Hill 
is the highest of all, and, a few years since, the United 
States Signal Service erected upon it a signal, to be 
used in the survey of llic Slate; liul its height was not 
sutKcient to be of pra<lii:il use. 

Another reason why it was so called is given as 
follows: A Scottish landlord, called Lord of Loudon, 
meaning a low, hilly country in Scotland, was one of 
the grantors of the town of ( "aiiterbury in the year 
1727, and when the town ull^ divided, it was suggested 
that the new town lie cMlled London, from the circum- 
stance that it resemliled the land in the dominion of 
this lord. The town of Canterbury originally in- 
cluded all that trai't or territory now known as J^oudon, 
Canterbury and NorthlicM, and was named for the 
Lord of Canterbury. 

Loudon lies upon (lie northwesterly line of the 
city of Concord; is bounded by Canterbury westerly, 
by Gilmanton northerly, and by Pittsfield and Chi- 
chester easterly. It is largely an agricultural town, 
and ranks as the third in the county in the value of 
its agricultural products. Hut two towns in the county 
raise as many bushels of corn, and none as much 
wheat or produce as many pounds of maple sugar. 
It is also an excellent grazing town. 

Soucook Kiver, running in a southeasterly direc- 
tion through the town, is the principal stream, 
and affords water-power, which is improved to some 
e.Ktent by mills at both the north and southerly jiarts 
of the town. 

The population of llic town at Ihc present time is 
about 1200, having decreased since l.SOO from HVAS 
to 1224 in 1880. It has an area of 28,257 acres, two- 
lliirds of which is improved land. A large amountof 



ngi 



,d with 



lumber h;is been taken from the remain 
a few years. 

Indian Tribes.— Sabatis, an Indian chief, ( 
pied Sabatis Heights (now called Loudon Kidge) 



1740 lolT.VI.andit was theca|iit:dofthctiilH-. Individ- 
uals of this tribe e.tist in the virinily at the present 
time, although the race is nearly extinct. They are 
known by the name of Battis, and present the com- 
plexion and cast of the Indian, greatly modified by 
intercourse with the wliitc nice. This Irihc lived 
near the " Great Kock"in ihr paslnie of Levi F. 
Sleeper. 

There was another (rilie, cidlcd Ihc Soncooks, who 
maile their headquarlcrs at llir ijiIl^c near llic " (iical 
Rock" in the field of Uavid .1. JMcnrli, n, cording to 
llii' Ix'st legendary history to lie olil:iine.|. Two arrow- 
heads and a stone pestle have lieen (nnied up by the 



upon the farm of Mr. V 



ind kept as relics 



,\ bout the year !7r)0 the chiefs of these tribes were 
followed and killed while into.xicated, for offenses 
committed by their trihes upon the white settlers at 
different times. The persons concerned in this matter 
were arrested and carrietl to Portsmouth and lodged 
in jail. A mob followed, heat -lown (lie door of ihe 
jail, and, liberating the men, lairied lliein triunijiliant 
to their homes. 

(llAH-rER OF TUB TOWN liV TMIO KJNi:. 



iiiiler a/ lite fnUh— 

pt'uiilo to whom Hiese preseiita shii 

that of oTir sppriiil knowlcrlgi'. f" 



478 



HISTORY OF JIERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



we do appoint Paul Gerrish, Paul Wentuorlh aii.l 
men ul said town, and that they continue iu said . 
Thnniday of March, 1728, when others shall be d 
In testimony whereof, we have caused the seal u: 
affixed. 



/.lent. 



"Giveu the twentieth .lay of May, in the fourth year of our reign. 
Anno Domini M'2S. 
" By order of his Honor I.ieul. Gmcruor. 

"KICUABD \\Al.l>RON, (■Icrkof fiWiKl/." 

The Town incorporated in 1773.— The following 
is !i copy of an act U) set ott' part of the town of 
Canterbury into a tlistinct parish l)y the name of 
Loudon, ;t.s passed in the House of Representatives, 
January 22, 1773 : 

" Whereat, a nunibcr of the inliabilHiits of Onnterbury, in the county 
of Kockingham in tbi- I'l- .li,,<, I,,,, |.lilioMud thelieneiul Assembly 
to be set off ami . !■ i ! i i 
said town set forlli mil i i n 
Riven, no person liiilli iiii n. I t yy~i- tbi- s;inie, ;niil lin> same ii|>- 

pearing for the public ;;i>i>il- I li i.i i. i. u . n.n t- I l* Mi \'iri"i. 

i'ouucil and .\ssembly, that :ill ' i i ■ i ' i' ' ^ ' i ' mi (tmN 
beginning at the northeast cm ! t I i r.i. i i ■ n I: h ti- 
thence southwest on the head hii' 1 t til. h. -r. 1 . i-lil mil. - 1.. 111.. Iiiir 
between Canterbury and Bow ; tbciMc on tli.- line bctui-rn SiUiU'antcr 
bury and Bow, live miles; thence acros said Canterbury, northeast 
eight miles, to Gilmanton line ; and by that to the liounds first men 
tioned, bo and is hereby set off fmni said town of Canterbury, and 
erected into and established to he a distinct and separate |>arish by the 
name of London, and that the Inhabitants thereof he invested with all 
powers and privileges by law invested in any Parish within this Prov- 
ince, and are fully exempt from (laying further lax to the town of 
Canterbury. 

"And Nathan Bivchelder of saiil Parish, is hereby Authorized and em- 
powered (o r^ill ibf liist im.ctiii;; of Kiid Parish of Loudon for the 
choice ot r.iiili iiiii.,i i.\ .tiiii_ lip It notification thereof in some 
public jilii .1 I I .1 i .1 . . .i,i\s beforohand, and to govern 

said ni'ii 111 i . ^l i . . n. and then they are to proceed 



Honi 



"Proviii.e of New Haiiiiisbir.- 
JanuaiT 22nd, 1773.— This Bill 1 
That it iiaes lobe enacted. 

" In Council January 22d, 177U 
passed to be enacted. 

"Theopoke .\tkinso.v, iiet--ietary. 
" Consented, 

"Ceorc.e KiNi:, llciiij. Saretaru." 

First Meeting. — The first meeting of inhabitants 
of the paiisli ol' LoikIoii was called and held at the 
house of .MiiahiUM I'.a.heldor, Jr., on tlie 2Hd day of 
March, 1778, by a Nvurraiit under the hand and .seal 
of Nathan nacluidcr. Tlic Imsiiicss to lie transacted 
was as follows: 

*' Ist. To choose a Moderator for said Meeting. 

■'2nd. To choose a Parish (;lcrk, Selectmen, CoiisUblc and all ollic-i 
Parish officers as the law directs for the ensuing year. 

" Srd. To see if the said Fnwholders and Inhabitants will agree u|ioii 
and vote to raise a sum of money this pi-esent year for the lioneht of the 
GoBiicl in said Parish. 



shall b,. ...11... ,,,1 l._N ,. I.I..., .ir Iiii.. |.. III.. I'l. II- ..ml i;,lalcsill Kli.l 

Parish. 

"6th. To see if the said Freeholdere and InhabitJints will vote tlie 
sum of thirty-two dollars, which his Excellency John Wentworth was 
pleased to give in when signing the clmrter of the Parish of Loudon, 
the same having been worked out on some blgliway in sjiid Parish. 



I .11 .._! ... -..ill Parish. 

I ill I ! i Ml. rs and Inhabitants will agree iilKin and 

i..i. 1,. Ill] 111. ni.v .1 I,. I ii,.,-„ on the Pannnage lot this present year 

" 9lll. To see if said Freeholders and Inhabitants will agree npuii and 
vote to build two school-houses the present year. 

" lOth. To sc-e if the Freeholders and Inhabitants will agree uih.h and 
choose one set day to hold the Annual Meeting in said Parish, and I.. 
transact any other nuitlcr or thing that may bethought advisable for tin- 
interest of said Parish." 

The proceedings were as follows: 

" Cliose Mr. Jcthro Bachclder Mwlerator for said meeting. 

" Vhote Nalhaii lla. h.-l.l.r Parish Clerk. 

" Chos, ,1, ill! I.i I.. I I I M.ws Holniau and Jacob Towle Selectmen. 

** Cho^t' \! . . Ill, ticrshoni Matlies, Lt. Benjamin Sias, 

Jethro l!ai 1. i - 1 ll.-lnvavs. 

'•C*,.i. .v.i I .1 I -1,1.1. r.1 kins Hog reeves. 
"(Vio,--,i.. I ..II,. I .1.1- i.ll.o.ke as Field drivers. 

■ ' I .1 . I .. -M ii , I I. II 1 1 oyt, surveyors of Lumber. 

' .. .1 I - .1 .. 1' .1.1. I liachelder, I>eer keejiers. 
■■II,.-. Ml ill. mi 11,1. li. li. t --aler of weiglits and measures. 
"t7i„..,-J..s.-pli Smith scaler of Leather. 
" Vliote Nathaniel Bachclder and John SanlKirn to settle the Select- 

" Toted To raise fifty dollars for the bcneflfof the gospel in the Parish 
of London the year ensuing. 

"Voted That the thirty-two dollars given by lii.s K\. .-lli-ncj .lidiii 
Wentworth be laid out on the highway that leads fruiii tiiliiianton to 
Jethro Bachelder's. 

" Voted To raise forty-five pounds to amend the highways the cnsimig 
year. 

" Voted To fall twenty acresof trees on the Parsonage. 

•To/cd To give Benjamin Sias twenty-two dollars to fall twenty. two 
acres of trees on the Parsonage, to be iKiid iu Corn at Cbristnnu* at mai- 
ket price. 

"Voted That the Selectmen be a Coinniittee to lay out the money tor 
the benefit of the gosiiel. 

"Voted To buy two Books for the benefit of tin- Parish, one tor the 
Clerk and the other for the Selectmen.' 

A meeting was held this same year at the house of 
Stephen Perkins, and it was 

"Voted That Nathan IJachehier and Jethro Biu-lieldei- In- a Coiiiniillcc 
to fix uiwii a place for a Burying-ground. 
■"Voted That the Meeting House stand on the Southeast corner of the 
School lot, part or all in the road, as the land may ho thought best.'* 

The First Tax-List Committed.— The following 
province, county and parish rate was coniiiilttcd to 
Jethro Bacliclder, constable for said parish, for the 
year 1774: 

X. .. ,(. / 

TboiiiasWai-d 1.') Ill 1 

Al.niliaiii liaclielder, Jr 1) U 7 2 

.M.l-al.aiii liacliclder M .■> .^ 

.loscpli Smith 11 1" II 2 

Kliphalc-t Kawlings 1 II .s 2 

llanici I.add (Ill 12 

M.«-s Jloi-rill " 7 7 1 

James l.yford "12 ;, 2 

John Drew " l:! s :i 

Cel-shoiii Matlies " II 2 



Tinioi 



LOUDON. 



.TuriutlKin Smith 10 5 3 

.John Surgel.t II 4 

Thomas Sweat o 8 8 2 

John Stephens Ii n 

Samuel Carter li 4 3 

Samuel Locke 12 11 

Jonathan Clough ll 13 3 5 

Hannah Magoon 1 2 

Samuel Dow 6 6 

E/tkii-l Moiiill 16 7 

Masttii JloiTill n 5 13 

Jainrs ShfTburiie 6 GO 

Iluillcy Sweasy 8 8 2 

Willium Davis 12 5 3 

William Boyeuton 8 8 

Jothro Bachelder, Jr 2 10 2 

Paul Morrill 1 6 2 

Samuel Morrill 14 3 3 

Isaar Morrill 82 

lliarlfs Sias o 14 7 

John Glines (1 12 5 2 

Tlioiiias Clough 5 11 2 

J'.hu Hoit 1 60 

Samuel Danforth 1 6 

Samuel Chamberiin, Jr 10 11 

Samuel Chamberiin 1 2 2 

Jethro Bachelder 1 4 8 2 

Daniel Bachelder 10 11 

Stephen Kimball 2 7 

William Knox 1 2 

Moses Ordway 15 11 2 

Moses Ordway, Jr 9 5 2 

George Barnes il 14 4 3 

Thomas Magoon o 1 3 

Nathaniel Moor 2 6 

Oliver Blaisdel 6 

Moses Holman 4 10 o 

Moses Rawlings S 8 

Stephen Oilman 13 10 

Amount £31 5 

1774.— This meeting was called at the house of 
Nathan Bachelder, Esq., March 20th, at twelve 
o'clock, noon. 

" Article Second was to choose a clerk and other parish officers. 

^'ArticU Thirds to see if the Inhabitants vill raise a sum of money 
this year for the benefit of the Gospel in said parish and for schooling. 

'Mriicie FoHrlh was to see how much shall be raised for highways. 

" Article Fifth, to see whether the officers of the parish shall be allowed 
anything for their services. 

"vlrtici«Su:(ft, to see if the town will vote to build two school-houses 
and do any other thing thought advisable." 

At this meeting John Hoit was chosen moderator, 
Nathan Bachelder, clerk ; Jonathan Clough, Moses 
Holman and Nathan Bachelder, selectmen ; Jethro 
Bachelder, constable; Samuel Carter and Samuel 
Lock were chosen tythingmen. 

** Voted to raise fifty dollars for the gospel and none for schooling. 
•' Voted to raise sixty pounds, to be laid out on the highways at three 
shillings a day for man and beast. 

" Voted, the Constable is to have five pence per pound for gathering 

" Voted that Lieut. Benjamin Sias and Lieut. Daniel Ladd be a com- 
mittee to lay out the money for preaching. 

" Voted to build a Pound this present year, and to set it before Abra- 
ham Bachelder, Jr.'s, door. 

31 



" Voted to lend Mr. Ephraim Blunt six tlioiiaand feet of pine boards, 
if he will give from under his hand that the parish may have the use of 
his chamber to hold meetings in when wanted. 

*' Voted that the boards be four dollars a thousand, and that the Belect- 
men take security for them. 

" Fbfcd to take three and one-half dollars from the minister's money 
for Congress. 

1775.— The meeting was held at Colouel Joseph 
Tilton's. Jonathan Clough was chosen clerk, John 
Hoit, moderator; Jonathan Clough, Nathan Bach- 
elder and Timothy Tilton, selectmen; John Hoit, 
constable ; Thomas Ward and Charles Sias, tything- 
men ; Moses Morrill, Jacob Tole and Thomas Drake 
Howards. 



' Voted to raise money to buy i 



for tiie selecin 



to keep their 



** Fo(ed to take the money for 
expenses of the war. 

" ro(erf that fifty shillings be laid out iu pro 



and schooling to defray the 
for the use of the 



s of powder and sixty pounds of ball < 



Voted that Abraham Bachelder, Jr., and Mr. Ward be a 
lovide the provisions that was voted, and keep the same 



Bachelder i 



to Exeter and stand 



" Oiose Natha 

" Cftose a Committee of Safety for said parish as follows: Ephrahim 
Blunt, Abraham Bachelder, Nathan Bachelder, Esq., John Hoit, Eaph- 
alet Rollins, Abiah Chamberiin and Jonathan Clough as the com- 

'* GhoHC as a Committee of Correspondence, — Jethro Bachelder and 
Gershom Blathes." 

1776.— The meeting was held at Joseph Tilton's. 
Samuel Chamberlain, moderator; Jonathan Clough, 
clerk; Nathan Bachelder, Samuel Chamberlain and 
John Drue, selectmen ; Jonathan Clough, constable. 

" Voted to pay the soldiei-s that went part of the way to the Concord 
tight from Loudon two shillings a day. 

•' Voted to take the money out of the minister's. 

''Chose Nathaniel Bachelder to collect the last year's rates by reason 
of the old constable being gone in the service. 

" Voted to raise money to buy hay-seed to sow on the Parsonage." 

1777. — Abraham Bachelder was chosen moderator 
of this meeting; Jonathan Clough, clerk; Nathan 
Bachelder, Esq., Abraham Bachelder and John Hoit, 
selectmen; Nathan Bachelder, constable; William 
Boyenton, tythingman. 

The following order for men was received by IMr. 
Clough : 

'^ToMr. Clough, ComUible: 

" Sir : This day received orders from Col. Stickney forthwith to warn 
a parish meeting to call upon the train Board and alarm List to raise 
eleven able-bodied, efifective men, the same to be engaged three years or 



during the war. This is 
Board and alarm List to m 
on Thursday, the seventh i 



tthe 



you to immediately warn the train 
if Joseph Tilton, in Loudon, 
It nine o'clockin the forenoon, to cou- 
the aforesaid eleven men. 
'Nathan BiCHELnER, 
'John Drew. 



J SeUctmen. 
"March 24,1777." 

The parish voted to accept the two men that N:i 
than Bachelder and Captain Sias hired at Epsom. 



" Voted To pay the expense they were s 
" Chose the Selectmen, Capt. Benjamin i 
s a committee to raise the men. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



" Voted Five pounds jicr month, with the State Wages, for a certain 
number of men that started out forTiconderoga. 

" Voled fifteen dollars per montli for the men that went to Saratoga. 
" Voled that those men who went to Bennington be brought into a 

" Voled to give each man that went to Bennington last year forty dol- 
lars, with paying back the money they have received. 

" Voted that William Chamberlin's and llenrj- Tebbetts' rate for 177T 
be taken off for their going to Cambridge. 

" Voted not to give Ezra Blaisdell the money he lost when ho was 
taken prisoner at Bennington. 

" Voted to give the Volunteers that go to Khode Island, if they should 
not receive enough from the State, sufficient to make them whole, both 
in horse-flesh and other ways." 

The following is a list of the names of the Revolu- 
tionary soldiers who went from Loudon : 

David Greely, Lieutenant Samuel Chauiberliii, Eliphelet Rawlinge,Dnd- 
ley Swoasey, William C'haiiiln 1 1 n. M.l ' h i mlirrlin, Moses Morrill, 
Ensign Ezekiel Morrill, Gcui^i i ' I ilti.n, Ensign Bachel- 

der, Libby Bacholder, Jere. Ai I i niiijamin Siaa, Thomas 

Drake, John Sanborn, Caleb Till- i:i: , ' ^ i -I" il.urne, Thomas Haines, 
Thomas Bachelder, Henry Tebbett.-!, .Ii^hii Pavis, William Boyington, 
Isaac Morrill, Moses Ordway, Timothy Trench, Ezra Blaisdell, John 
Hoit, Phineas Bachelder, Richard Bachelder, Nathaniel Bachelder, Jon- 
athan Clough. 

Beside those who went as volunteers, several oth- 
ers furnished substitutes to fill the places of themselves, 
as they were liable to be called out as soldiers in the 
war. 

£. «. 

" Paid Ensigu Morrill in part fori soldier 1) IJ 

Paid Nathaniel Hawlings in part for 1 soldier .....■! 
Paid "William Chamberlin in part for 1 soldier .... 3 11 
Paid Samuel Chamberlin in part for 1 soldier .... 3 

Paid Jacob Towle in part fori soldier in 12 

Paid Libby Bachelder in part for 1 soldier 2 .■> 

Paid George Sherburne in part for 1 soldier . - ... 4 10 '* 

1779. — The annual meeting for this year was held 
at Ephraim Blunt's house. Nathan Bachelder was 
chosen moderator of this meeting ; chose Jonathan 
Clough clerk, and Nathan Bachelder, Jonathan Clough 
and Ephraim Blunt, selectmen ; Joseph Tilton, con- 
stable; Lieutenant John Sanborn and Thomas Bach- 
elder, tythingmen. 

*' Voted four thousand dollars be mised to be laid out on the highways 
the present year, at eight dollai-s a day. 

" 7oted three hundred dollars for preaching. 

" Voted two hundred pounds for schooling. 

" Foted to give Nathan Bachelder, Esq., fifteen dollars for his services 
at the convention at Exeter." 

1780. — The selectmen for this year posted up a war- 
rant notifying the inhabitants to meet at the meeting- 
house, to act in conjunction with the towns of North- 
field, Canterbury and Loudon in choosing one suitable 
person for the term of one year to represent these 
towns in the General Assembly at Exeter, to vote for 
delegates in the Continental Congress, and "it is also 
recommended to empower such person to join in call- 
ing a convention to settle a plan of government for 
the State. Each voter to bring in five votes upon one 
piece of paper." Abial Foster, Esq., was chosen as 
delegate. 

The town was required to furnish to the soldiers 
necessary clothing and provisions for their subsist- 
ence, which consisted of Indian corn, beef and, in 



some instances, wheat. The town chose, at a town- 
meeting, several persons, living in the different sec- 
tions of the town, to receive and convey all such 
articles to the army. The record contains the follow- 
ing : 

"The quantity of Indian Corn to be raised by the Parish of Louilon, 

for Soldiers going in the present war, and to buy Beef-Cattle for said 

Parish for the year 1780. 

" John Sinclair Gibson to furnish corn 160 Bushels. 

Merrill Clements " " 132 " 

William Forrest 72 Bushels Wheat equal to . . 180 of Corn. 
.\. Potter 48 of Indian & 24 of Wheat " ..108 " 
Peter Blaisdell to furnish of corn ....... 00 Bushels. 

Enoch Bagley " " 90 " 

Levi Shaw " " 90 " 

Timothy Bachelder " " 50 " 

Dudley Swain " " SO " 

" Beef Cattle to 
Isiah Harvey 1 Yoke of Oxen, equal to .... 120 of Corn. 
Joseph Moulton *' *' " .... 120 " 

John Sanborn " " " .... 118 

Capt. Tilton " " " .... 100 " 

Jere Abbott Blunt " " " .... 00 

Paul Morrill Yoke Cattle, equal to corn ... 80 Bushels. 
" To pay all expense of getting said Beef to Soldiei-s, for getting them 

to the collector and shortage on measure, and collecting loss, or of any 

being over mted." 

Mr. Samuel Chamberlin, who was constable and 
collector for 1780, is credited by the selectmen as fol- 
lows : 

ISush. Qle. 

" Paid to Captain Tilton corn for beef 100 

" Enoch Bayley, soldier 20 

" Joseph Moulton, for beef 35 

" Joseph Moulton - " 14 20 

" John Sanborn, by order of "Tanner 

John" 22 (1 

" Peter Blaisdell, a soldier 5 

" Timothy French, for fish 15 

'* Captain Tilton, for service getting beef 
cattle and soldiers, and keeping beef 

cattle 16 

" For collecting the corn tax 30 

" Eliphalet Rawli'ngs for keeping oxen . . 4 

" John Sinclar Gibson, corn 97 

" Daniel Feasher's tax given in 6 

" Charles Sargent's " " 12 

" Tsiah Harvey " " 10 o 

" Tanner John Sanborn by Lieutenant 

Chamberlin 11 

" Paid Nine Hundred dollars by Samuel Chamberlin, it being for 
Obadiah Clough's corn tax." 

" Received of Lieutenant Samuel Chamberlin twenty-six dollare of 
the Now Emission in lieu of fifteen bushels of corn." 

The selectmen paid for soldiers and e.xpeiise ol 
getting them as follows: 

" Paid Ephraim Blunt for going to Epsom to hue 

soldiers o 12 

Paid .\braham Bachelder, Jr., for horse two jour- 
neys after soldiers 

Paid for one Continental soldier 21 10 

Paid Nathan Bjvchelder for four journeys to Epsom 

to hire soldiers 2 1 

Paid Nathan Bachelder for four and a-half days 

self and horse to Exeter to hire soldiers .... 1 17 

Paid same to Pembroke two days " 9 

Paid Abraham Bachelder one day o 

Paid .lohn Hoit for one day hiring soldiers ... " 9" 

The selectmen paid soldiers that went to Uhoilc 
Island forty-nine pounds. 



LOUDON. 



£ s. ((. 

" Paid ill part for t'ontineutal suKliei-s . . , . <iii 14 it 

" in part " " " .... 32 14 

Paid Captain Sias for soldiers 34 16 

Paid caali to soldiers 4y 4 5 

Paid Lieutenant Sanborn for two days after 

soldiers 1 4 

Paid Timothy Tilton for money liired for sol- 
diers 30 

Paid Stephen Webster for the soldiers .... GO 00" 

So far as is known, but one draft of soldiers ever 
took place in Loudon. Mr. Philip Brown (now de- 
ceased) related the circumstance, he then being a 
small boy, which took place in the following manner: 
The men were drawn up in single rank, and each sol- 
dier took from a hat a ticket, upon which was written 
the word "go " or "stay." 

Continental Money. — The first issue of this paper 
as currency w;i:r dated April 10, 1775, and the notes 
went into circulation in August following. The bills 
pjissed at their nominal value till the issue exceeded 
nine million dollars. By the end of the year 1777 sev- 
enty-five million dollars had been issued, and the value 
of the paper dollar had fallen to twenty-five cents in 
coin. In February, 1779, the quantity issued reached 
nearly one hundred and fifty million dollars, and the 
value had fallen to ten cents on the dollar. On May 31, 
1779, after three hundred and fifty million dollars had 
been issued, the Continental bills ceased to circulate 
as money, their value having fallen to one-quarter of a 
cent in specie for a dollar in paper, and shortly be- 
came worthless, or nearly so. The tax for the year 
1780 was made payable in corn, as there was no cur- 
rency in existence for the purpose of paying bills of 
any amount, save a small quantity of silver, which 
was hoarded by those who held it in their possession. 

The warrant and tax committed to the constable 
for collection were as follows : 

" To Samuel Chamberlain, Coiislahle of the town of Lmidon for the year 

1780 : 

" GbE£ting. — In the name of the Government of New Hampshire — 
You are required to levy and collect the sum set down in the foregoing 
list, each man his respective proportion, the sum total being £29,574, 
lawful money. 

" But if cither of the Inhabitants or Proprietors, as they are set down 
in the foregoing list, will pay their respective proportion in Indian corn 
at sixty dollars per Bushel, to be delivered to Timothy Tilton, Captain 
Joseph Tilton, Captain Benjamin Sias, Joseph Moulton, Thomas Bach- 
elder and Samuel Chamberlin's, in Loudon, at or before the first day of 
January next, it is to be received in lieu of said money. But if any of 
the foregoing persons in the foregoing list shall refuse or neglect to pay 
the sums set down to them, you are to make distraint as the law directs, 
and deliver the same to us, the Selectmen of said town, by the 15th day 
of January next. For your so doing this shall be your sufficient War- 

" Given under our hands and seal this 5th day of December, 1780. 

"Joseph Tilton, 1 Selectmen of 
"Benjamin Sias, I Z,oudon." 

The following list shows the names and amount of 
tax assessed against several of the tax-payers, as 
committed to the constable for the year 1780. 

i. s. d. Buth. Qts. 

"Joseph Tilton 377 W or corn 21 3 

Thomas Sargent 211 17 S " 11 27 

Stephen Perkins 335 14 7 " 18 24 



t .<. .(. KmI,. QIh. 

Nathan Bachelder, J:^sq. . . 3.V"» 14 6 " 21 1.S 

.\braham Bachelder, Jr. , 254 2 11 " 14 8 

Lieut. John Sanborn . . . GOO 1 " 32 17 

Eliphalet Rawlings . . . . 558 7 " 30 

Timothy Tilton 602 7 10 " 27 

Nathan Tilton 135 13 3 " 7 20 

William Tilton 157 3 1 " 8 24 

Nathaniel Bachelder ... 302 17 8 " IG 2G 

Lieut. Daniel Ladd .... 403 11 3 " 22 I'J 

John Drew 402 12 " 22 

Samuel l"rench 440 G £) " 2:i 2G 

Moses Rawlings 310 14 2 " 21 U 

Abraham Bachelder, Esq. 387 10 " 21 20 

BeiyaminSiaa 511 IS " 27 17 

Timothy French 280 18 4 " 15 30 

Archelaus Moore, Esq. . . 160 14 1 " 8 30 

John Moore 192 17 4 " 10 25 

Jonathan Clongh 435 15 " 23 7 

John Sanborn 313 4 3 " 20 21 

Ezekiel Morrill col 17 3 " 32 9 

Jacob Towle 419 7 " 23 14 

Mr. Ephraim Blunt ... 279 2 G " 15 22 

Samuel Chamberlin ... 382 2 8 " 20 11 

Jethro Bachelder, Jr. . . . 309 3" 17 7 

Moses Ordway 24G 8 3 " 13 26 

John Hoyt 483 G 8 « 25 29 

Mr. Jethro Bachelder . . 357 3 12 " 19 30 

Thomas Clough G50 13 6 " 35 2 

The sum total to be raised in money . . . .£29,574 

But in corn 1643 bushels." 

1781. — The tax for this year was to be paid in 
three payments, — the State tax to be paid in specie, 
the parish and minister to be paid in Continental 
money. 

'^Paid Samuel Chamberlin fifty-four new emission dollars, it being for 
eleven silver dollars lent the Parish. 

" i^aul John Drew for a wolf 's head, ten dollars 

" Voted, To lay two days' work upon a single poll and the Estates in 
proportion and labor at &40.00 per day. 

" Voted five thousand dollars for schooling. 

" Voted, To let out the school and parsonage lots for hard money." 

The constable sold thirty-two lots of laud for 
taxes. The conditions of the sale were, — 

" If any person refuses to pay down his money that said land is struck 
oflF for, he is not to be deemed to be the purchaser i and, furthermore, it 
is expected that every purchaser will pay for one mug of JUp for the 
encouragement of the vandue." 

1783. — At a parish meeting held at the meeting- 
house on the 19th of May, Thomas Bachelder was 
chosen moderator. Article 2d reads, — " To see if the 
Inhabitants will vote to choose a man to set in Con- 
vention at Concord in June next, and Chose Capt. 
Benjamin Sias." Also, " To see if the said Parish 
will vote to receive the Plan of Government as it now 
stands, with the Amendment made at the Convention 
at Concord, or reject any article or the whole." 
Upon this article the meeting voted not to receive it, 
" As it gives great liberty for Popery and Vice," 
four voting in favor and fourteen against it. 

The article for having a Governor was voted down, 
eighteen voting against and not one in favor of it. 
" Voted to choose Ezekiel French as Constable in room 
of Ezekiel Morrill, and to give him seven dollars for 
the service of said oflice." 

1784. — At the annual meeting in March, Nathan 
Bachelder, Esq., was chosen moderator, and Jonathan 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Clough, clerk; John Sauborn, Joseph Tilton and 
Samuel Chamberlin, Jr., selectmen. 

" Chose Nathan Bachelder for Repreaentativo. 

** Voted two days upon a poll and other property in proportion tu bu 
hud out on the highways. 

*' Voted to give ten pounds for every wolf's head trapped and killed in 
London the present year. 

" Voted to receive Eliphalet RoUitis for Constable in the room of 
Daniel Ladd. 

*' Voted to petition the General Court for relief for the want of money 

1785. — Nathan Bachelder, Esq., was chosen mod- 
erator of the meeting ; Jonathan Clough, clerk and 
Nathan Bachelder, Esq., representative; Benjamin 
Sias, Joseph Tilton and John Sanborn, selectmen. 

" Voted to give Jacob Osborne the road that lays between him and 
Watson's corner, and the reserve to the brook and one rod over said 
brook, four rods wide, by his giving the town a receipt in full. 

" Voted to choose two selectmen more, to join the former selectmen. 
Cliose Joseph Smith for the fourth ami John Drew for the fifth. 

" Voted to choose a Town Treasurer, and chose Capt. John Sanborn as 
the man." 

1786. — Nathan Bachelder, Esq., w.as chosen mod- 
erator ; Jonathan Clough, clerk ; John Drew, con- 
stable; John Sanborn, James Thompson and Jo- 
seph Smith, selectmen ; Stephen Wells and Moses 
Lovering, tythingmen. Abraham Bachelder, Esq., and 
Nathaniel Hill were chosen as " a committee to meet 
at Concord in June with other town committees to 
join in a petition to General Court for our ports to be 
opened for a free trade. Also, for a Bank of money 
so large as to pay our State War debt and the Conti- 
nental loan office debt, and also to see if there can't 
be a cheaper way for court charges, or a new method 
for sueing of debts, and to see about the claims for 
sixty miles from the sea and General Stark's Petition. 
Voted that any private man may have a quarter of 
an acre of Land upon the School Lot to build a house 
upon, for a number of years, if they see fit." 

ADVEBTISEMENT. 
"Taken up on the highway leading from Jethro Bachelder's Mills, in 
Loudon, to Canterbury, a dark bay mare with a long tale and maen^ nine 
hands high, about five years old ; the owner may have her again by ap- 
plying to me, the subscriber, proving bis property and paying charges. 
"Tavi.ok Lovering. 
"Loudon, April, 23, 1787." 

'* A Petition having been presented us, the Selectmen of said Parish, 
by a number of the Inhabitants of said Parish, representing our public 
afiairs, calls for strict attention in trifling away our privileges for the 
sake of a little cost, von are hereby notified to meet on the twenty-fourth 
day of March to See if the Parish will choose a suitable ntan from said 
Parish to represent us in the General Court this present year." 

It was " Voted to buy about thirty acres of Land of 
E))hraim Blunt, and chose as a committee for this 
purpose Timothy French and Caleb Pillsbury," and 
they were to report to the selectmen. The thirty 
acres afterwards purchased was that land used by 
the Rev. Mr. Tucker as a parsonage. 

1788. — Abraham Bachelder, Esq., was chosen as 
moderator of a meeting held to choose a delegate to 
sit in the convention at Exeter, by order of the 
General Court; and John Drew w.is chosen. Na- 
thaniel liachrldor, Samuel Piper, Esquire Chamer- 



lain, Nathaniel Hill, Jethro Bachelder, Jonathan 
Joseph Smith, Moulton, Joseph Tilton and Moses 
Rawlings were chosen as a committee to overhaul 
the new plan of government, and give the delegate 
his instructions. 

" Voted at an adjourned meeting that Jonathan Smith be the delegate 
in the room of John Drew. 

" Voted to have a fast the 12th day of February ne.\t. 

" Voted thU the Kev. Mr. Smith of Gilmanton, the Rev. Jlr. H.isel- 
ton of Epsom, the Rev. Mr. Upton of Dcerfleld, and the Rev. .Mi. 
Colby of Pembroke be chosen to carry on the fast. 

" CAo8e as a committee to invite the ministers— Samul PipiM-, William 
lioyington and Nathaniel Bachelder." 

178i). — At the annual meeting, Nathaniel Bach- 
elder, Esq., was chosen moderator ; chose Jonathan 
Clough, clerk ; Chose Jonathan Smith as constable; 
Chose Joseph Smith, John Moore and Timothy Glea- 
son, selectmen. 



i eight dollai-s for wolves' heads killed and trapped 



" VoUd t 
Loudon. 

" Voted that the road may be turned through Esq. Jeremiah Clougb's 
land, going down the hill, without any cost to the town. 

" Voted to let Jeremiah Sanborn and all his way of thinking have 
their School-money to lay out for Schooling by themselves. 

" Chose Jonathan Smith and William Boynton delegates to meet in 
Convention at Concord." 

1790.— At a meeting held in February, 1790, Na- 
than Bachelder, Esq., was chosen moderator; John 
Sanborn, jjarish clerk ; and Capt. John Sanborn, 
Daniel Ordway and John Moor, selectmen. Jona- 
than Smith was chosen representative by a majority 
of eight votes. Jonathan Smith, Esq., was chosen 
constable. George King, of Portsmouth, Col. 
Nicholas Gilman, of Exeter, Colonel Bartlet, ot 
Kingston, and Colonel Walker, of Concord, were 
chosen to serve as members of the council. 

In the year 1790 the voters were required to ballot 
for two persons to represent this State in the Congress 
of the United States for the term of two years. 
Jeremiah Smith had 81 votes; John S. Sherburne, 
74; Abial Foster, 51 ; and Nicholas Gilman. 3. 

The constable also sold twelve lots of land for 
taxes. Nathan Bachelder was vendue-master, and 
Joseph' Tilton clerk. The last condition in the sale 
reads as follows : " The Collector gives one mug ot 
toddy on each Lot Sold, and the purchaser one tnug 



^^ Article o. To See if said Parish will take into consideration the 
damage done in said Parish by letting Rams run at large at unseasonable 
times in the year and pass a vote against the same. 

" Voted, that Rams shall not run at large from the first day of Septem- 
ber next to the liith of November, and if any person within said term 
of time take up any JJciiiic, Running at large, he shall advertise said 
Ram three weeks in some public place, and if the owner appears within 
said term of time, he is to receive one-half the value ; otherwise the 
whole belongs to the pei-son who took him up." 

ADVEKTISEMKNT OF A STRAY HOG. 

"Taken up by me, the Subscriber, a Barrow Hog, Supposed to have 
been Wintered one Winter. He has the top of his right ear cut ofl", and 
a piece cut off the end of his tail. The owner may have said hog by 
applying to the Subscriber and proving his property and paying the 
charge. "SAMUEt Pipbr. 

"Loudiin, Oct. 8th, 1788. 

"Oi-diber 111, 178S.— Then Nathan Bachelder, Esq., and John Webster, 



LOUDON. 



483 



■ Besja 



S, Ju, 



"Loudon, October loth. 1TS8.— We, the Subscribers, being appointed 
b.v the Justice above-named, and having appraised the Stray Swine, 
taken up by Samuel Piper at one pound lawful money. 

"Justice feas, 7s. 6<i.; Pr:sen' feas, 2s, Cc(.; Clerk's fe:is, 6d. 

•■ Xathax Bachelder, 
"John Webster." 
17!tl.— 

"Voted to let out the constableship to the lowest bidder, and struck off 
to Lieut. Thomas Sargent for £4 15s. , with his warning out the poor of 
said town without cost. 

" Chose Enoch Wood delegate to meet in the Convention at Concord. 

"Voted the Selectmen call upon Col. Tilton to settle his taxes imme- 
diately. 

•'Voted that the Selectmen send a petition to general court in 
order to obtain some relief for Col. Tilton on account of his certificate 
rate for 17S8. 

" Chose Lieut. Thomas Sargent Collector, with Col. Tilton's consent, 
to gather the Cols back rates for the years 1777 & 1778, and he is to 
receive for collection one shilling and eleven pence on a Pound." 

Samuel Chamberlin, Esq., was chosen moderator of 
this meeting, and John Sanborn parish clerk. John 
Sanborn, Jonathan Smith and Samuel Cham- 
l)erlin were chosen selectmen ; William Boynton, 
Moses Eollins, Daniel True and Isaac Dimond, 
hog-reeves. 

1792. — The annual meeting was held March 12th. 
Nathan Bachelder, Esq., was chosen moderator, and 
John Sanborn clerk ; John Sanborn, John Drew and 
Samuel Piper, selectmen ; Jonathan Smith, representa- 
tive. The number of votes cast for Governor, then 
styled President, was eighty-four, — Josiah Bartlet had 
seventy-five votes and Timothy Walker had nine 
votes. " Voted, that David Hutchins have four 
dollars for taking care of the meeting-house, and his 
daughter six shillings for washing the same." A 
meeting was held in May " to see if said town will 
accept the constitution with the amendments, or re- 
ject any part thereof." This article was given to a 
committee, consisting of Jonathan Smith, John San- 
born, Abial Chamberlin, John Clough, Mr. Thomas 
Bachelder, Captain Samuel Piper and Ensign Natha- 
niel Bachelder, for consideration, and adjourned for 
three weeks. At the adjourned meeting some of the 
amendments were rejected. 

A third meeting was held in June to choose a con- 
stable in the place of Hanson Hoit, who refused to 
sign the bond to secure the town, and chose Joseph 
Moulton, and voted him five-pence a pound for 
collecting the tax. A fourth meeting was held in 
August to choose electors of President and Vice- 
President; also to vote on the amendments to the 
Constitution. The vote for electors was, — Joseph 
Cilley, forty-three; Thomas Cogswell, forty-six; 
William Page, forty-three ; William Simp.son, forty- 
six ; and Daniel Warren, forty-six. The vote on the 
amendments was thirty-eight votes for and fourteen 
against them. Archelaus Moore was moderator of 
this meeting. A fifth meeting was held in November 
to vote for a rejiresentative to Congress. The vote 



was, — for Pain Wingate, eighteen voles ; lor Abiel 
Foster, two votes. 

1793. — The town-meeting was called this year by 
the constable, under a warrant from the selectmen. 
Nathan Bachelder, Esq., moderator ; John San- 
born town clerk ; Enoch Wood, John Sanborn 
and Samuel Piper, selectmen. " Vufed, to let out the 
Constable's birth to the lowest bidder, and it was struck 
off to Nathaniel Kawlings for eight pounds and fifteen 
shillings, and Doctor Silver and Moses Kawlings 
signed as his bondsmen to the selectmen." The 
tythingmen chosen were Timothy Gleason, Oliver 
Blaisdell, Zebulon Winslow and Dimond Furnald ; 
pound-keeper, David Hutchins. " Voted for Roads, 
one and one-half day on y" head and estates in pro- 
portion." 

1794. — Nathan Bachelder, Esq., was chosen moder- 
rtlor;John Sanborn, clerk; John Sanborn, Joseph 
Clough and Charles Sargent, selectmen. Mr. Enoch 
VV^ood was chosen as representative. Three town-meet- 
ings were held this year. At the third it was " Voted to 
make up the wages of y' minute-men to seven dollars 
per month, with what Congress voted them, while in 
actual service, and each soldier a good Blanket when 
called to march, and to each soldier two dollars upon 
enlistment, also one-quarter of a dollar per day when 
in exercise, which is expected to be once in a month." 

1795 — Nathan Bachelder was chosen moderator ; 
Joseph Clough clerk ; Captain John Sanborn, Samuel 
Piper, Esq., and John Clough, selectmen. The con- 
stableship was struck off to Hanson Hoit, Esq., for 
fourteen dollars. The town accepted of Enoch Wood 
and Eliphlet Kawlings as his bond.smen. The Hon. 
J. Taylor Gilman received eighty-one votes for 
Governor. 

No other person was voted for. 

"Voted to build a Bridge below the mills of Jethro Bachelder, agree- 
able to the report of the committee chosen to examine the case. 

"Voted to give Enoch Wood one hundred dollars to build the stone- 
work of the bridge, and to give Caleb Pillnbury tifty-eight dollai-s for the 
wood-work and graveling." 

1796. — Nathan Bachelder, Esq., was chosen moder- 
ator ; Samuel Piper, town clerk ; Samuel Piper, John 
Drew and John Clough selectmen ; Enoch Wood, rep- 
resentative. The constableship was bid off by 
Thomas Sargent, at eighteen dollars and eighty-three 
cents. For a representative to Congress, Jonathan 
Freeman, Esq., had twenty-six votes. 

1797. — Nathan Bachelder, Esq., was chosen mode- 
rator, Enoch Wood clerk. " Voted to let the Con- 
stableship to the lowest bidder. Struck off to Caleb 
Pillsbury for seven dollars and fifty cents." John 
Drew, John Clough and Charles Sargent were chosen 
selectmen. The vote for Governor was: For John T. 
Gilman, seventy-five; Timothy Walker, Esq., eight. 
Enoch Wood was chosen representative; Timothy 
French, Zebulon Winslow, Caleb Pillsbury and Josiah 
Watson, tythingmen: Dr. William Tenney, Samuel 
Kollins, John Clark, Nathaniel Smith and PhilijD 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Brown, hog-reeves. The meeting adjourned to the 
house of Samuel Piper, at seven o'clock P. M. It 
met accordingly, and as Captain Caleb Pillsbury 
failed of procuring bondsmen, the collection of taxes 
was again put up and struck off to Stephen Perkins, 
Jr., forSll.83. "Voted to accept of Thomas Moore 
and Samuel Aver as bondsmen." •' Voted to dissolve 
the meeting." 

The following is an account of the money raised on 
the polls and estates of the inhabitants of the town 
of Loudon for the year 1705 : 

" For llie llfv. Jedediah Tucker S2.50.00 

" Schooling 200.00 

" Building ilSrfiool-IIousi; 00.83 

" Collecting the taxes 14.00 

" Taking care of Aaron Stevens 25.00 

" David Hiitcheus, for care of the meeting-hotise.. 3.00 

To defray town chargen, Drawbacks, Jtc 60.00 

.State and I'ount.v taxes 212.00 

$824.83 " 

" For the Rev. Mr. Tucker $250.00 

" School money 250.00 

** taking care of Meeting-houst 3.33 

" Collecting of Taxes V.83 

" County Tax 22.49 

'• The Burying-Cloth 12.00 

" To Defray charges 33.33 

'* Poundage agreeable to law 46.02 

$570.50 •' 

•' For the State and County tax 8203.22 

" OoUectiDg taxes 13.50 

" Care of the meeting-house 3.33 

■• Schools 272.00 

" Care of James Thompson's child 12.00 

" Town charges oO.OO 

" Rev. Mr. Tucker 2,M.(HI 

other charges 18.87 



1798._Nathan Bachelder, Esq., was choseu mode- 
rator ; Enoch Wood, clerk ; Samuel Piper, Charles 
Sargent and Moses Chamberlin, selectmen ; John 
Drew, representative. Stephen Cate bid off the con- 
stableship for thirteen dollars. 

" Voted not to raise any money to defray town charges the present 

" Voted to give Edward Sands five dollars to hire a cow for hini the 
present year. 

" Voted to make up the wages of the minute-men to ten dollars a 
month, provided they are called into actual service." 

1800. — The selectmen for this year were Samuel 
Piper, Moses Flanders and Stephen Clark, Jr. Each 
of the four school classes received $58.39 each. The 
si'lectmen bought two record-books for the use of the 
clerk and selectmen, and paid for them fifteen dollars. 
They also paid Samuel Piper for rum ou bridge $1.58, 
and Lieutenant Abner Clough for a gallon of rum 
while repairing the bridge near Nathaniel Maxfield's 
S1.59. 

Town Officers and their BQls for Service to 
1800.— John Sanborn was elioSL-n as the first rUrk 
and served for two years. Jonathan Clougli was 
chosen in 1775 and served as clerk fourteen years in 



succession. He charged for services twelve shillings 
a year, with the exception of 1776, when his bill was 
eighteen shillings. During this time he also was 
chosen selectman for four years. Nathan Bachelder^ 
Esq., was chosen selectman for five years. 



6 7 



The selectman charged for services in 177G . . 

In the year 1777 the charges were 

" 1778 " '• 

" 1779 " " 

" 1780 " •' 

In the year 1783 Capt. John Sanborn charged 

" " Joseph Tilton 

In the year 1787 James Thompson '* 

" 1785 Joseph Tilton 

" " " Benjamin Sias " 

lu the year 1786 James Thompson '* 

" " ** Joseph Smith " 

In the year 1787 Samuel Piper " 

" '* " Joseph Smith " 

In the year 1788 Joseph Smith 

" " " John Moore *' 

In the year 1789 Joseph Smith " 

" 1790 John Moore " 

" " " John Sanborn " 

In the year 1791 John Sanborn *' 

'* " " Jonathan Smith " 

In the year 1792 Samuel Piper " 



In the year 1793 Samuel Piper 

In the year 1794 John Sanborn " 

•* *' " Joseph Clough " 

In the year 1795 John Sanborn " 

" " " John Clough 
In the year 1796 Samuel Piper 
" " .Tohn Clough 
In the year 1797 Charles Sargent 

*' '• " John Clough " 

" " " John Drew " 

In the year 1798 Charles Sargent " 

" " " Moses Chamberlin " 
" " " Samuel Piper " 

In the year 1799 James Thompson " 
" Stephen Wells 
" David Eastman 
In the year 1800 Stephen Clark " 

■' Moses Flanders 
" " " Samuel Piper " 

The number of taxable jwlls in the town in 1800 
was two hundred and forty. As the business of the 
town increased, the expense of transacting the same 
was larger; consequently town officers' bills continued 
to increase in amount after the year 1800. 

1801. — The selectmen were Samuel Piper, Moses 
Flanders and Stephen Clark ; Jonathan Rollins col- 
lector. Amount of tax commited, $779.09. Paid for 
services of collector, $12.50. Paid Samuel Piper, 
services as selectman, $6.30. Paid Moses Flanders, 
services and agent, $18.60. Paid Stephen Clark, 
services, $26.51. 

HIGHWAY TAX FOR 1801. 
Nalkaniel MoxjUUts Lbl. 

David Smith $2,72 

Bei^'amin Smith 1.02 

Samuel Piper 6.(i2 

John Sanborn 2.0U 

Jedediah Danforth 1.68 

Stephen Maxfleld 1.50 

Na.. Wiggins 1.37 




LOUDON. 



Stephen Gate . . . . 
Jonathan Lougee . 


Slephm C 
. . .$4.49 
. . . 2.9V 


xte's LUl. 


«t ■«; 


Jacob Osborn 


Jacob Osborn's List. 

$6 87 I Roniamin K,.llov 


. . .$3.85 








Nat Smith 3 '.•! 


Jacob Osborn Jr 


75 


Moses Rollins 


4 


Ezekiel Clough . . . 


. . . 2.18 

libbey Bach 
. . .$2.41 
. . . 2.82 
. . . 4.39 

: . . 5.83 

... .93 

David Eaetn 

. . $4.19 

. . . 3.49 




Elliott Carr 


. . 5.71 
. . 149 






elder's List. 




Not Wo1l= 




Libhey Bacheldev . 
William Bacheldei- . 
Abram Bachelder . 
Zebulen Lovering . 
Moses Loveiing . . 
Abraham Holden 


Moses Caverly . . . . 
Dimond Furnald . . . 
Nathan Bachelder, Esq 
Ebenezer Bachelder . 


Moses Cai-erly's List. 




Timothy Gleason .... 
Joseph Kenniston . . . 
Jonathan Davis .... 


. 2.86 
. 1.96 
. 2.04 


. . 1.98 


Jonathan Chase . . . 

Levi Chase 

Abner Clough . . . . 


. . .$S.92 


William Clifford . - 75 








lan's LM. 
Richard Patten 


. $l..'i7 






David Eastman . . 


John Moore 

Elkins Moore .... 
Nathaniel Hill .... 

John Hill 

Richard Bachelder . . 


. . 8.29 
. . 3.21 
. . 3.80 
. . 2.34 
. . 3.27 


. ' ' ■ \'^^ 


Daniel True .... 


Joshua Berrj' 


. 4. OS 


Moses Stevens . . 


3 92 




Caleb Sleeper .... 
Beiyamin Shaw, Jr. . 




Taylor Lovering . . 


2.63 


Thomas Stevens .... 




1 27 




John Stevens 






Jaab Mer 
. . . . $1.80 
. . . . 1.29 

. . . . 1.61 
. . . . 5.93 
. . . . 1.30 

$8 '0 


iek'sList. 
Moses Moree 


. SI. 34 




.Tacob Merick. . . . 


Cornelius Buswell . . 
William Buswell . . . 

Enoch Wood 


. . 1.12 
. . 1.53 


Gould Dimond. . . . 
Phineas Bachelder 


. . . 4.71 


Philip Brown . . . 
.roseph Baker . . . 
Joseph Dearborn . . 


Joses Ordwav i »'■> 


Enoch Wood's List 




Samuel Ayer 

Samuel Wales 

JohnKenney 

an dough's List. 


. 3.17 
. 2.;)9 


. .810.46 


William Tenney . . . 
Jonathan Perkins. . 
Abraham Bachelder, 
.lonathan Bachelder . 
Jeremish Clifford.. . 


. . .83.07 


James Palmer . . . 
X 


John Sargent 

John Sargent, Jr . . . 

Isaac Sargent 

Jonathan Smith .... 
Elisha Buswell .... 
William Tilton .... 
EliphletWood . . . . 
Isaac Smith . 


. . 3.81 
. . 1.31 
. . 1.69 
. . 10.13 

. . 6.24 

. . 5.73 

75 


Ir. . . 1.12 
. . . 1.12 


Daniel Ordway . . . 


. . . . 5.51 


Stephen Clark 

Nathaniel Emery.. . . 

Davis Bachelder .... 

Elijah Moulton .... 

Levi French, Jr . . . . 

John Emery 

oore's List. 

Willabee Lovering . . . 

Moses Lovering .... 

Osgood Lovering .... 

John Fletcher 

Joshua Fletcher .... 

Samuel Neal 

veg-s List. 

Samuel Cnrrier . . . 


. 1.43 
. 4.26 
. 2.85 
. 1.5:1 
. 2.46 
. .75 

. $2.37 
. 2.32 

■iz 

. 3.1s 
. 2.31 

. $4.70 




Samuel Carter . . . . 




Daniel Ordway, Jr. . 
.\mos Currier . . . 
Nathan Clough . . 


. . . . 1.96 
. . . . 2.69 
. . . 4.93 
. . . . 2.89 

Thovu,, M 
. . . .$5.17 
. . . . 3.33 




Abel French .... 
Jonathan Smith, Jr. . 


. . . 4.02 


Thomas Sweatt . . . . 


. . 5.34 


■> -> 




Timothy French . . 
Joshua French 


!•-- 




John EoUins Jr . . . 


5 30 


,, , 


Thomas Moore . . . 
William Wheeler . . 


Charies Sargent .... 
William W. Berry . . . 
Daniel Lane 


. . 4.62 
. . 2.02 


Nat. Weeks .... 


. . . 1.69 




Eliphalet Rollins . . 
Jonathan Rollins 






. . . . 1.96 
. . . . 2.96 
. . . . 2.47 

haiah Ha, 
. . . .$3.62 
. . . . 4.68 
.... 2.22 
75 

Joseph Olo 
. . . .8.150 
. . . . 7.35 
. . . . 1.16 

. . . . l..)4 

Theophilm S 
. . . .$4.19 
. . . . 1.94 

2 57 




Joseph Palmer . . . 


John Osgood 

Abraham Bachelder . . 


. . 4.81 


m 


George Peverly . . 








John Morrill .... 
Daniel Ladd Estate . 




Isaiah Harvey . . . 


True Palmer 

1802.— Samuel 
Wood, selectmen 
Paid John Ladd 
collector's service 

1803.— Charles 
John Ladd, selec 
Amount of mone 
time became invo 
ing to collect the 
minister's salary, 
when the law wa 
ing on lawsuit, 
.142.80. Paid Joi 
Ing tax, .$16. Pa 
cents. Paid for a 

1804.— The sa 
Thomas Sargent 
raised, $1229.40. 
Smith, Bachelder 
collecting taxes 
Charles Sargent, 
Chamberlin, .$16 
$36.20. Keceivec 
paying Esquire P 


. . 1.16 

Piper, J 


Eliphh.i 








; Samuel Neall, collector 
for rum at Bennett Bridg 
s, $15.50. 

Sargent, Moses Chambe 
tmen ; Jonathan Kollins, 
f raised, $878.78. The tov 
Ived in several lawsuits in 
tax raised in previous yea 
the last one being assessec 
5 repealed. Paid this year 
$92. Paid selectmen for 
lathan Rollins for service i 
id for two quires of paper, 
chest for use of the town, ^ 
me selectmen were chos 
for collector. Amount c 
Paid for carrying on laws 
and Sleeper, '$92.40. The 
was $26. Selectmen's s( 
$17.20 ; John Ladd, $23.33 
.45. Money in the tow 
on Isaac Smith's execut 
iper's bill, $23.60. 


of taxes. 

;, $1.62J ; 

■lin anil 


Oliver Blaisdell, Jr. 

Joseph Clough . . . 
Jloses Ordwav, Jr 


Samuel Currier, Jr , . . 
cgh'sList. 
Joshua Sargent .... 
John Sanborn 


. .92 
. $1.13 


Moses Ordway (3d) . 
.lethro Bachelder . . 


Willard FiBeld .... 
John Hoit 


. .76 
. 3.116 


collector. 
n\ at this 


Theophilus Sanborn 
Oliver Morrill . . . 


nhoni's List. 
William Gibson .... 
JohnPhilbrick .... 


. $2.97 

. i.os 


attempt- 
rs for the 
1 in 1801, 




Samuel Osgood 




or carry - 


Jesse Sanborn 


Thomas Sargent .... 
Captain Thomas Sargent 
Charles Sargent, Jr . . . 


. '. 1.96 


services. 


Jonathan Kowi-11 . . 
Enoch Rowell . . . 


.... 2.44 
. . . . 1.82 
. . . .11.91 


1 collect- 
forty-six 




Sanborn's List. 

Stephen Jacobs .... 

Stephen Pickering . . . 

James Palmer 

Samuel Haines 

Samuel Jacobs 

ench's List. 

James Thompson .... 


.$1.6'i 

. . 2.01 
. . l.-« 

. .$2.22 


2.50. 


John Sanborn.. . 
Samuel Drew . . . 
Abraham Bachelder 
Thomas Bachelder. 


Capt-iii John 
. . .$14.83 
. . . .93 
Esq.. 1.26 
. . . 2.51 


en, with 
f money 
nits witii 
bill for 
rvices, — 
Captain 
n chest, 


Sanrael FrenrI, . . 


Snmml Fr 
. . .$10.02 
. . . 1.41 
. . . 3.61 


John L. French . . 


Ebenezer Lowell .... 
Joseph Drew 


. 4.7,-, 


on, after 









HISTOEY OF MERKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1805. — Stephen Wells, Samuel French, Jr., and 
David Eastman, selectmen ; Thomas Sargent, collector. 
Paid Stephen Wells, services, $12.80 ; Samuel French, 
Jr., $13 ; David Eastman, $11.44. 

1806. — Paid David Eastman for service as select- 
man, $16.06. Paid Samuel French, Jr., for services, 
$15.84 ; Elkins Moore, $10.72. Thomas Sargent 
collector. Amount raised, $1170.37. Paid Captain 
Ohamberlin for examining selectmen's accounts, .50. 
Money in chest, $2.80. 

1807. — Samuel French, Jr., Thomas Brown and 
Elkins Moore, selectmen; Isaac S. Sargent, collector. 
Money raised, $1012.46. Paid Levi Brown for rum 
drank while repairing Dearborn bridge, $1.25. 

1808. — Samuel French, Jr., Thomas Brown and 
Moses Flanders, selectmen ; Stephen Ordway, collector. 
Money raised, $1399.92. Paid Jonathan Kollins for 
providing for soldiers, $5.78. Paid Enoch Wood for a 
burying-cloth, $7.75. Paid Joseph Baker, for provid- 
ing for soldiers, $4.08. Paid for powder, $14.40. Paid 
Enoch Wood for a gallon of rum, $1.34. Paid Esquire 
Piper for carrying on lawsuit with Isaac Smith, $78.- 
86. Paid Esquire Brown for service as selectman, 
$20.29. Paid for paper, .25. Paid Samuel French for 
providing meats and drink and five pounds powder 
for soldiers, $34.92. Paid for weights and measures, 
$47.90. Paid Moses Flanders, services, and Samuel 
French as selectmen, $34,54. Paid Stephen Ordway 
for collecting tax, $8. Paid Esquire Piper for expense 
when settling public accounts, $7.21. Paid Captain 
Ladd for carrying on lawsuit with Oliver Morrill, 
$25. Paid Lieutenant Stephen Wells and Dr. Tenney 
as witnesses in the Smith case, $24.64. 
1810. 

TAX ASSESSED FOK BUILDING THE ORDWAY SCHOOL-HOUSE. 

Jethi-o Biichelder 813.90 

.Joseph BlaisdeH 6.12 

Oliver Blaisdell 2.36 

AmoB Currier 8.01 

Jeremiah Clough 13.% 

John Emery 5.03 

Thomas Emery 7,74 

Samuel Haines 3.10 

John Kenuey 4.21 

Jonathan Morse 5.52 

Daniel Ordway 7.97 

Lemuel Ordway .'.... 5.93 



Samuel Ayer 


. $8.38 


David Bachcldor 


. 1.87 


Nathan Bachelder (3d) . 


. 2.90 


Jeremiah Bennett .... 


. 6. 06 


David Clough 


. 6.48 


Samuel Cliflford 


. 16.96 


Dr. J. Eastman 


. 3.33 


Isaiah Harvey 


. 8.45 


David Harvey 


. 1.99 






Moses Morse 


. .43 



Daniel Ordway, Jr . . . . 7 

Jo.ses Ordway 10.5') Jloses Ordwny 15.64 

Stephen Ordway 1..^'.' M^-r^ ni,h\;,y, .Ir .... 6.03 

Enoch Osgood '.f.7J i .ipi _^1 .-.- iJuwoll . . . . 17.17 

Josiah Osgood I.'' Uiul - ^,m ^.nt. Jr . . . . 7.52 

Bart. Winslow '.iTi « .lli.ini M. i. i.s 2.96 

Enoch Wood, John Ladd and Samuel Elliott, se- 
lectmen ; Jonathan Rollins, collector. Money raised, 
$1526.28. Paid Captain Samuel Osgood for providing 
for his company on muster-day, $19.52. Paid Joseph 
Baker for same, $5. Paid Samuel Elliott for powder, 
$45.51. Paid Enoch Wood for powder, $13.33. Paid 
for lawsuits, $147.58. Ciish in town chest, $9.59. 
Paid Jonathan Kollins for building a stone pound, 
$71.50. 



TAX ASSESSKO EOR BUILDING 


A SCHOOL-HOUSE IN DI 


STRICT 


NO. 4 (CLOUGH'S HILL). 




Ebenezer Bachelder . . 


. . S1.3B 


Moses Caverly 


. Sii.oi 


John Clough 


. . 8.04 


Levi Chase 


. 1.5.15 


Abner Clough .... 


. . 19.42 


Leavitt riough 


. 4.37 


Samuel Gate, Jr ... 


. . 7.23 


Jonathan Clough, Jr . . 


. 21.46 


Nathan Clough .... 


. . 9.78 


Nathan ClDUgli, Jr . . . 


. 1.1- 


Stephen Clarli .... 


. . 1.17 


Josiah Emery 


. 7.52 


John Farnum .... 


. . 8.80 


Levi French, Jr . . . . 


. .'1.53 


John Oilman 


. 3 74 


John Haines 






. . 1.17 
... 1.39 




Samuel Haiup.s .... 


Natbani.l Martin . . . 




Mu.scs JIurse, Jr . . . 


. . 1.17 


Jonathan Jlerrill .... 


. 1.39 


En,« li Morse 


. . 2.47 


Samuel Piper 


. 6.41 


Jonatlian Piper . . . . 


. . 3.78 


Benjamin Piper .... 


. 5.34 


El islia Sanborn . . . . 


. . 12.90 


John Sanborn, Jr . . . . 


. 1.17 


TA.X ASSESSED FOR REPAIRING HOUSE IN DISTRICT 


NO. 1-.. 


Richard Bachelder . . 


. . S8.62 


William Bachelder . . . 


. S3.71 


Peter Bragg 




William Bragg 


. 1.47 


Robert Bragg 


2.02 


Ephraim Currier .... 


. 2.2S 


Jeremiah CI itrord . . . 


. . 1.38 


Isaac Dimond 


. 8.13 


Gould Dimond .... 


. . 4.04 


Reuben Dearborn . . . . 


. 2.30 


Nathaniel Flanders . . 


. . 7.00 


Moses Flanders 


. 2.02 


Thomaa Furnald . . . 


. . 8.19 


David Furnald 


. 1.20 


Lewis Flanders . . . . 


. . .35 


John Hill 


. 1.84 


Dudley Leavitt .... 


. . 6.74 


John Moore 


5.66 


Jacob Moore .... 


. . 4.42 


John Moore, Jr 


. 1.20 




. . 7.19 
. . 2.81 






JohnNeal 


Caleb Sleeper 


11.33 


Moses Stevens .... 


. . 7.01 


Isaac Smith 


6.96 


Jonathan Smith, Jr . . 


. . 6.42 


Theophilus Shaw .... 


1..56 


Charles Sargent . . . 


. . 7.03 


Becgamin Wells .... 


7 77 



Cash in town chest for the year ending 1810, thir- 
teen cents. 

1811. — Samuel French, Jr., Nathaniel Martin and 
Isaac S. Sargent, selectmen ; Jacob Perkins, collec- 
tor. Money raised, $1460.46. Paid for carrying law- 
suit with Isaac Smith, $58.26. Paid for powder, and 
delivering it to soldiers in quarters, $33.00. Paid for 
soldiers' rations on muster-day, $36.18. Paid Enoch 
Wood for services as town clerk, and for horse lost, 
$5.68. PaidNathaniel Martin for services, $16.65. Paid 
Samuel French, $15.95. Paid Isaac S. Sargent, 
$12.40. Cash in town chest, $97.34. 

1812. — Jedediah Tucker, John Ladd and Samuel 
Elliott, selectmen ; Jacob Perkins, collector. Money 
raised, $1234.05. Paid Samuel Elliott for powder, 
.$53.67. Paid Enoch Wood for services as town clerk, 
and for a book, $10.00. Paid Jacob Perkins, services 
as collector, $4.00. Paid Samuel Elliott, services se- 
lectman, $12.53. Paid John Ladd, $14.67. Paid 
Jedediah Tucker $12.40. 

1813 — Selectmen, Jedediah Tucker and John Ladd. 
Stephen Gate, Jr., collector. Amount of money 
raised, $1377.28. Paid Captain Gate for his services 
as collector, $6.36. Paid Esquire Wood for his ser- 
vices as clerk, and for a chest, $9.75. Paid Mr. Tuck- 
er, services, $17.54. Paid John Ladd for money and 
services, $140.22. 

1814. — Selectmen, Jedediah Tucker, Captain Shad- 
rach Gate and Nathaniel Martin ; Collector, Stephen 
Gate. Amount oftaxes, S'.i'.il.ilt. .M;i,stcr Henry Jack- 
son was chosen town clerk. :iih1 \\:is |i:iiil for services, 
$5.00. Paid for twenty-ninr >..Mi, r- al Portsmouth, 
$100.62. Paid Eliphlet Wood, as agent in the Smith 



LOUDON. 



437 



cause, $18.00. Paid Isaac Sargent for spirit for his 
soldiers at Canterbury, $1.07. Paid John Kenney 
for services in the Smith cause, $14.67. Paid for six 
soldiers at Portsmouth, $21.65. Paid Captain Shad- 
rach Cate for services as selectman, $7.84. Paid Na- 
thaniel Martin, $15.25. Paid Jedediah Tucker, 
$18.67. Paid Stephen Wells, services in the Smith 
cause, $20.40. Paid George B. Johnson and Nathan 
Tilton, services as soldiers at Portsmouth, $6.66. Paid 
Daniel J. Smith and Jonathan Smith, Jr., services as 
soldiers, $5.59. 

1815.— Jonathan Rollins, Joseph Baker, John 
Ladd, selectmen ; Henry Jackson, town clerk ; Thom- 
as Sargent, collector. Amount of ta.x, $1606.11. Paid 
Captain Cate for meats and drinks for soldiers, 
$34.48. Paid expenses in the Smith cause, $81.20. 

1816. — John Ladd, Jonathan Rollins and David 
Ciough, selectmen ; Jonathan Bachelder, collector of 
taxes. Money raised, $2269. Paid Joseph Baker 
for meats and drinks for soldiers, $28.64. Paid for 
expenses in the Smith lawsuit, $48. Paid Henry 
Jackson, services as town clerk, $10. Paid Jede- 
diah Tucker, for note against town, in part, $663.68. 

1817. — Jonathan Rollin.s and Samuel French, Jr., 
selectmen ; Jonathan Bachelder, collector of taxes. 
Tax raised, $1384.08. Paid the collector for serving 
two years, and summons for jurymen and other ser- 
vices for the town, $9.75. Cash in town chest, $19.10. 

" "We, the subscribers, having been appointed a committee to examine 
t he fielectmen's accompt.t, find them, in our opinion, correct. 

(Signed) "JoH.v Sanborn, 

" WllLUM Tennby, 
"Caleb Sleeper." 

1818. — Isaac S. Sargent, collector. Amount of tax 
committed, $1470.81. Selectmen, Jonathan Rollins, 
Isaac Smith. Paid Jonathan Rollins for plank, sur- 
veyors' warrants, paper, quills, etc., $6.84. Paid 
Samuel French, Jr., for services as selectman, $25. 
Paid collector's services, $5.50. Paid Nathaniel .M:ir- 
tin for services as town clerk, $10. 

1819. — Jonathan Rollins and Sanuicl French, Jr., 
selectmen ; Isaac S. Sargent, collector. Amount of 
taxes, $1591.14. Paid Captain Sargent for providing 
for soldiers, $33. Paid Samuel French, Jr., for ser- 
vices as selectman, $23.25. Paid same for services as 
town clerk, $6. 

1820. — Israel Davis, collector. Money raised, 
$1518.77. Nathaniel Martin, Richard Brown and 
Philip Brown, selectmen. Paid Major Zephaniah 
Bachelder for victualing soldiers, $12. Paid Cyrus 
Tucker for services as town clerk, $6. Paid Richard 
Brown for services as selectman, $28.14. Paid Philip 
Brown, $23.94. 

1821.— Jonathan Rollins, Philip Brown and Rich- 
ard Brown, selectmen ; Israel Davis, collector; Cyrus 
Tucker, town clerk. Money raised, $1401.68. Paid 
town clerk's services, $5. Paid for victualing sol- 
diers, $28. 

1822.— Josiah Siirgeut, collector; Eliphlet Wood, 



.lohn Rowell and Jonathan Rollins, selectmen. Voted 
to raise in money this yc:ir sl7:'.i;.S4. Paid (lideon 
Ladd, formakinga collin lor Snimirl Johnston, $1.25. 
Paid Jonathan Rollins lor docioiiiiir the town poor, 
$8.50. 

1823.— Nathan Bachelder, Kliphlrl \V<jod, select- 
men ; Josiah Sargent, collector. Paid Cyrus Tucker, 
for services as town clerk, expense at his house while 
settling accounts, and for two days on west of Oak 
Hill road, $11. Paid selectmen for services, $70.55. 
Paid collector for service, $5.91. Paid for doctoring 
the poor in town, $6. Whole amount of money paid 
out, $1957.27. 

1824. — The same ofHcers were chosen as last year. 
Paid Colonel Rollins for building Wales bridge, $200. 
Paid Jonathan Wood for spirit on Oak Hill, 70 cents. 
Paid selectmen for services, $108.27. 

1825.— John Rowell, Eliphlet Wood and Samuel 
French, Jr., selectmen. Paid for services, $91.38. 
Paid Jonathan Bachelder for supporting the town 
poor which were sold at auction, $150. Paid Ira Os- 
good, for teaching school in No. 1, $81.22. Captain 
John Carr was chosen collector. The whole amount 
of tax committed was $1951.63. Paid for his services, 
$6.80. 

1826.— John Rowell, Nathaniel Martin and Lewis 
Flanders, selectmen ; Thomas Sargent, collector ; 
Cyrus Tucker, town clerk. Paid Jonatlian Rollins 
for supporting the poor, $119.78. 

1827. — Jonathan C. Perkins, collector. Amount of 
tax, $1759.23. Lewis Flanders, Jonathan Rollins 
and Russel Wheeler, selectmen. Paid John L. 
French, Jr., for keeping school in No. 5, $29.83. 
Paid Jeremiah Kenney, for keeping school in No. 1, 
$73.76. Paid Israel Davis, for supporting the poor, 
$107.60. Paid for one quire of paper, used in i 
with collector, 25 cents. 

1828. — Jonathan Bachelder, collector. Am 
tax, $1580. Selectmen same as last year. 
Pliilip Brown, Jr., as school committee, $13.50, 
Eliphlet Wood, for same, $13.50. Collector's ser- 
vices, $13.40. 

1829.— Richard Brown, Philip Brown, Jr., and Moses 
Rowell, selectmen ; Thomas Sargent, collector. Se- 
selctmen'sbill of service, $95.37. Paid David Clifford, 
for supporting the poor, $100. 

1830.— The Rev. Enoch Courser and Elder Dyer 
were chosen as school committee. Bill for services, 
$25.00. Richard Potter was chosen as the third com- 
mittee, and charged for services, $10. Stephen 
Cate, chosen collector ; Richard Brown, Philip Brown 
and Moses Rowell, Jr., selectmen. Bill for services, 
$96.65. 

1831. — Philip Brown, Jr., Richard Brown and 
John Ciough were the selectmen ; Moses Morse, col- 
lector. Services, $18.75. Paid David Clifford, for 
support of the poor, $177.18, in 1830. Paid Samuel 
French, Jr., for same, in 1831, $284.62. Paid Nathan- 
iel Martin, services as town clerk, $6. Paid Samuel 



I'ttl! 



Paid 
Paid 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



French, Jr., for betterments of the poor's clothing, 
$6.01. Paid Enoch Courser, services as school com- 
mittee, $16. Paid selectmen's services, .ii83.75. 

1832. — Nathaniel Flanders, Ira Osgood and Je- 
remiah Kenney were the selectmen ; Zephaniah 
Bachelder, collector. Paid soldiers' rations, one hun- 
dred and forty-eight. men, 31 cents each, $45.88. Paid 
James B. Abbott and Jonathan Garland $5 each 
for services as school committee. Jonathan Garland, 
town clerk. The parsonage and school lots were sold 
this year, and the interest of the money divided 
among the Congregational, Free-will Baptist, and 
Methodist societies in the town, amounting to $64.46. 
Paid selectmen for services, $76.25. 

1833. — Jonathan Bachelder, collector; selectmen 
same as last year. The town purchased the Eliphalet 
Wood farm for a town farm, and paid as the first pay- 
ment, $519.30. Elijah Osborn, Colonel Zephaniah 
Bachelder and Nathaniel Martin were chosen as the 
committee to purchase the same. John L. French was 
school committe. Bill for services, $5. 

1834. — Ira Osgood, Nathaniel Martin and Moses 
Howell, Jr., selectmen ; Jonathan Bachelder, 
collector. Paid the second payment for the town 
farm of $665. Gardner T. Barker and John L. French, 
school committee. Bill for services, $21. 

1835. — Moses Rowell, Jr., Jonathan Garland and 
Solomon Caverly were the selectmen ; Miles H. Cate, 
collector. Paid Ebenezer Bachelder for two barrels 
of cider for the poor, $3.50. To cash paid for testa- 
ments for poor on the town farm, 86 cents. Collec- 
tor's services, $23. Selectmen's services, $126. John 
L. French, school committee. Services, $6. 

1836. — Jonathan Garland, Solomon Caverly and 
Luther Haines, selectmen ; Gideon L. Sargent, col- 
lector. Paid Challis D. Carr for support of Widow 
Nancy Rollins and funeral charges, $24.50. Paid 
Jeremiah Wilson for the privilege of burying same 
on his land, $1. 

1837.— John Bachelder, Luther Haines and Ruel 
Walker, selectmen. Services, $96.75. Paid Rev. 
Henry AVhite, services as school committee, $6.50. 
Paid John K. Cate for same, $2. Paid the Boston 
and Concord Boating Co., $14.20. 

1838. — Joseph Clough (3), Gideon L. Sargent and 
Stephen Chase, selectmen. Services, $112.50. Brad- 
ley H. Kenney, collector. Taxes committed, $2589.34. 
Theophilus B. Martin, town clerk. Paid John P. 
Hale for services in road matters, $16.66. Paid Cyrus 
Tucker, as agent for the surplus revenue money re- 
ceived, $14. Paid Samuel D. Bell for counsel in road 
matters, $10. Paid Daniel, Tilton, Jr., for damage 
done by boys belonging to the town to syrup and ket- 
tles, $4. Paid for four barrels of cider for the poor, 
$7.17. 

1839. — Ira Osgood, Gideon L. Sargent and Ste- 
phen Chase, selectmen ; .Jonathan Bachelder, col- 
lector. Amount of taxes, $1903.32. Theophilus B. 
Martin, clerk. Selectmen's services, $121.92. Bal- 



ance of money on hand at the close of the year 1839, 
$33.74. 

1840.— Stephen Chase, John L. French and Win- 
throp True, selectmen. $128.25 charged for services. 
Elliott Carr, collector of taxes. Amount, $2207.12. 
Services for collecting, $19.25. Paid Ira Osgood's 
services and expenses as town agent, $90.91. Paid ^ 
Ira A. Eastman, Amos P. Tuck and Samuel D. | 
Bell as counsel for the town, $93. t 

1841. — John L. French, Winthrop True and John 
K. Cate, selectmen ; Elliott Carr, collector. Select- 
men's services, $104. Paid John L. French for two 
barrels of cider for town farm, $3. i 

1842.— Ira Osgood, John K. Cate and John ; 
Bachelder, selectmen ; Jonathan Bachelder, collector. j 
Amount of taxes, $2405.17. Services for collecting, I 
$20. Jonathan Chase, town clerk. Selectmen's ser- | 
vices, $115.42. Paid Theophilus B. Martin and .j 
Abial M. Caverly, services as school committee, $9. j 
Balance of money on hand, $65.55. ' 

1843.— John Bachelder, John L. French and The- !; 
ophilus B. Martin, selectmen. Services, $88.50. Jon- 
athan Chase, town clerk. Ira Osgood and John K. 
Cate, school committee. Services, $10. Zepha- 
niah Bachelder, collector. Services, $19.75. Money 
on hand, $275.99. 

1844.— Ira Osgood, Theophilus B. Martin and Hi- 
ram Ordway, selectmen. Services, $111.75. John 
8. Rollins, collector. Paid Franklin Pierce, services 
as counsel, $5. 

1845. — Ira O.-^good, Hiram Ordway and Benjaniin 
Cate, selectmen. Services, .•?110. John S. Rollins, 
collector. Amount of tax committed, $3352.41. Jon- 
athan Chase, town clerk. Ezekiel Dow and Jere- 
miah Clough, school committee. Services, $19.50. 
Cash on hand, $99.82. 

1846. — Moses Rowell, Benjamin Cate and Joshua 
Emery were chosen selectmen ; John S. Rollins, col- 
lector of taxes. Amount of money committed, $2470. 
Paid John L. French, True Brown and John K. Cate, 
services as school committee, $21.50. Joseph C. Har- 
per, town clerk. Services, $10. Paid selectmen, ser- 
vices, $135. 

1847. — Moses Rowell, Joshua Emery and John S. 
Rollins, selectmen. Paid for services, $1 20. .h>hn 
S. Rollins, collector of taxes. Services, $22. Amount 
of tax committed, $3254. Joseph C. Harper, clerk. 
Services, $14. True Brown and J. T. Clough, school 
committee. Paid services, $20.75. Paid Pierce & 
Fowler for counsel, $117. Received for sale of old 
pulpit in meeting-house, .$3.02.- 

1848.— Theophilus B. Martin, John S. Rollins and 
Joshua Emery, selectmen. Services, $143. Joseph 
C. Harper, clerk. Services, $12. True Brown, T. B. 
Martin, school committee. Services, $29. Harmon E. 
Bachelder, collector. Money committed, $2S1S. 

1849.— Theophilus B. Martin, Joseph C. Harper and 
Samuel P. Calef, selectmen. Services, .TtlJi). S<liiii>l 
eominittce, Zcbina C. Perkins, J. T. Clough and 



LOUDON. 



489 



Henry J. Osgood. Services, $'.i(). Benjamin F. Neal, 
collector. Amount of lax committed, $27S-2. Paid 
fur collectiug, $20. 

1850. — Joseph C. Harper, Elliot Oarr and William 
K. Holt, selectmen. Services, §97. John Fellows, 
clerk. Services, flO. School committee, E. F. Ab- 
bott, T. N. Jones, William A. Sargent. Charges, $30. 
Gould Dimond, collector. Tax committed, $2550. 

1851.— John L. French, William K. Holt and Gould 
Dimond, selectmen. Services, $106. John Fellows, 
clerk ; Gould Dimond, collector. Tax committed, 
$2709. Services, $30. E. F. Abbott, T. F. Jones and 
William A. Sargent, school committee. Services, $38. 
Indebtedness of town, $178.49. 

1852. — Ira Osgood, Luther Haynes and George W. 
Neal, selectmen. Services, $155. Joseph B. Sanborn, 
clerk. Services, $11. Jeremiah Clough, collector. 
Tax committed, $2776. Cash on hand, $336.28. 

1853.— Ira Osgood, Benjamin F. Neal and Ozni P. 
Hamblet, selectmen. Services, $128. Joseph B. San- 
born, clerk. Services, $13. School committee, Theo. 
B. Martin, True Brown and Henry J. Osgood. Ser- 
vices, $40. Jonathan Bachelder, collector. Tax 
committed, $2045. Ciish on hand, $48.85. 

1854. — Hiram French, Elliot Carr and Harmon E. 
Bachelder, selectmen. Services, $157. David Putnam, 
clerk. Services, $15. School committee, T. B. Martin, 
True Brown and Henry J. Osgood. Services, $49. 
Collector, Jonathan Bachelder. Amount committed, 
$3395. 

1855. — Luther Haynes, Jeremiah Clough and Jos- 
eph C. Ordway, selectmen. Services, $219. School 
committee, Zebina C. Perkins, Nathaniel Shannon 
and John B. Moore. Services, $53. Theo. B. Martin, 
collector. Tax committed, $3361. Cash on hand, 
$247. 

1856. — Selectmen, Benjamin Cate, Jeremiah Clough 
and Joseph C. Ordway. Services, $200. Robert S. 
Perkins, clerk. Services, $20. Theo. B. Martin, col- 
lector. Tax committed, $3732. 

1857. — Benjamin Cate, Joseph B. Sanborn and E. 
H. Robinson, selectmen. Services, $176. Henry J. 
Osgood, clerk. Services, $15. Nathaniel Shannon, 
school committee. Services, $45. Jeremiah Clough, 
collector. Tax committed, $3977. Cash on hand, 
$7.96. 

1858. — Benjamin Cate, Joseph B. Sanborn and E. 
H. Robinson, selectmen. Services, $167. Henry J. 
Osgood, clerk. Services, $15. Nathaniel Shannon, 
school committee. Services, $45. Collector, Jere- 
miah Clough. Tax committed, $3882. Indebtedness, 
$586.64. 

1859.— Joseph B. Sanborn, E. H. Robinson and 
Timothy F. Smith, selectmen. Services, $150. Orrin 

D. Kimball, clerk. Services, $15. John W. Morrill, 
collector. Amount committed, $3524. Silas Green, 

E. G. Knowles, school committee. Services, $46. In- 
debtedness of town, $271.15. 

I860.— Ira Osgood, Timothy F. Smith and Samuel 



I!. LoviTiiig, sflcclnieii. Services, $164. Orriii 1). 
Kimball, clerk. Services, $23. School committee, 
Silas Green, E. G. Knowles and John B. JSIoore. Ser- 
vices, $53. Indebtedness of town, $58.83. John W. 
Morrill, collector. Amount committed, $4217. 

1861.— Ira Osgood, Perley W. Rowel 1 and Levi F. 
Sleeper, selectmen. Services, $153. J. T. Clough, 
clerk. Services, $16. John W. Morrill, collector. 
Amount committed, $4367. Cash on hand, .'5183.50. 

1862.— Ira Osgood, Levi F. Sleeper and Samuel D. 
Morrill, selectmen. Services, $146. Abraham B. San- 
born, clerk. John B. Moore and William Emery, 
school committee. Services, $55. John W. Morrill, 
collector. Amount committed, $4082. War account : 
the town borrowed money to hire soldiers amounting 
to $14,792.79, which is indebtedness. 

1863.— Theophilus B. Martin, Samuel D. Morrill 
and Jeremiah Blake, selectmen. Services, $159. Wil- 
liam W. Cate, Moses C. Stevens and Alvah H. Bach- 
elder, school committee. Services, $51. Levi F. 
Sleeper, collector. Amount committed, $5864. Cash 
on hand, $2124.07. 

1864. — Tiieophilus B. Martin, Jeremiah Blake and 
John Wheeler, selectmen. Services, $277. William 
W. Cate and Moses E. Stevens, school committee. 
Services, $56. Collector, Levi F. Sleeper. Tax com- 
mitted, $8094. Whole indebtedness of town, $47,780.- 
10. 

1865. — Jeremiah Blake, John Wheeler and Henry 
J. Osgood, selectmen. Services, $311. Alvah H. 
Bachelder, clerk. Services, $30. William S. Col- 
lins, Moses E. Stevens and C. Frank Cate, school 
committee. Services, $74. Elijah B. French, col- 
lector. Tax committed, $10,367.32. Actual indebt- 
edness, $46,232.61. 

1866. — Jeremiah Blake, John Wheeler and Henry 
J. Osgood, selectmen. Services, $308. C. Frank 
Cate, clerk. Services, $25. Actual debt of town, 
$46,283.85. 

1867. — Jeremiah Blake, John Wheeler and Henry 
J. Osgood, selectmen. Services, $327. C. Frank 
Cate, school committee. Services, $26.75. Elijah B. 
French, collector. Amount committed, $9749.38. 
Actual debt, $38,714.29. 

1868.— Benjamin Cate, Alvah H. Bachelder and 
E. B. French, selectmen. Services $286. True 
W. Center, town clerk. Services, $30. Tax com- 
mitted, $9956.90. Actual .debt, $38,679.73. 

1869.— Benjamin Cate, Alvah H. Bachelder and 

E. B. French, selectmen. Services, $315. True 
W. Center, clerk ; Samuel Neal, collector. Amount 
committed, $9248.33. Actual debt of town, $39,775.18. 

1870. — Jeremiah Clough, John Jones and Jacob 
D. Osgood, selectmen. Services, $219. William 
S. Collins, school committee. Services, $75. James 

F. Nelson, clerk. Services, $35. Samuel Neal, 
collector. Amount of tax, $8916.63. Actual debt, 
$41,720.25. 

1871. — Selectmen, Jeremiah Clough, John Jones 



HISTORY OP MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and Jacob D. Osgood. Services, $230. (Jharles 
E. Sauborn, school committee. Services, $82.75. Sam- 
uel Neal, collector. Amount of tax, $7738.58. Debt, 
$39,710.54. 

1872.— Jeremiah Blake, Nathan C. Clough and 
Samuel Neal, selectmen. Services, $205. Na- 
thaniel D. Clough, collector. Tax committed, $9120.78. 
Actual debt, $30,74.63. 

1873.— Jeremiah Blake, Nathan C. Clough and Sam- 
uel Neal, selectmen. Services, $296. Abial H. Clough, 
clerk, $35. William W. Cate, school committee. 
Service, $40. Collector, Nathaniel D. Clough. Tax 
committed, $8629.53. Actual debt, $30,366.85. 

1874. — Henry J. Osgood, Cyrus Bachelder and 
Nathaniel D. Clough, selectmen. Services, $281. 
Albert A. Adams, collector. Tax committed, $8411.- 
84. Actual debt, $31,202.12. 

1875. — Henry J. Osgood, Cyrus Bachelder and 
Nathaniel D. Clough, selectmen. Services, $271.80. 
Samuel Neal, collector. Tax committed, $9202.19. 
Actual debt, $30,175.77. 

1876.^ — ^Moses E. Stevens, Abial H. Clough and 
James F. Nelson, selectmen. Services, $235.80. 
John Jones, collector. Tax committed, $9042.44. 
Debt, $29,039.36. 

1877. — Moses E. Stevens, Abial H. Clough and 
James F. Nelson, selectmen. Services, $233. John 
Jones, collector. Tax committed, $8,545.67. Actual 
debt, .$27,736.65. 

1878. — Abial H. Clough, Cyrus Bachelder and 
John L. Buswell, selectmen. Services, $246. John 
Jones, collector. Tax committed, $8584.21. Actual 
debt, $26,058.76. 

1879. — Cyrus Bachelder, John L. Buswell and 
Rinaldo B, Foster, selectmen. Services, $221.75. 
John Jones, collector. Tax committed, $7463.59. 
Actual debt, $25,346.89. 

1880.— John L. Buswell, Rinaldo B. Foster and 
Jeremiah A. Clough, selectmen. Services, $228. 
Charles D. Carr, collector. Amount committed, 
$6670.64. Actual debt, $25,748.62. 

1881. — Rinaldo B. Foster, Frederick E. Copp and 
Jeremiah A. Clough, selectmen. Services, $225. 
Challis D. Carr, collector. Tax committed, $8911.49. 
Actual debt, $22,453.74. 

1882.— Rinaldo B. Foster, Frederick E. Copp and 
Jeremiah A. Clough, selectmen. Services, $246. 
Newell W. Lovering, school committee. Services, $35. 
Frank E. Robinson, clerk. Services, $35. Challis 
D. Carr, collector. Tax committed, $9450.33. Actual 
debt, $18,485.57. 

1883. — Rinaldo B. Foster, Jeremiah A. Clough 
and William W. Cate, selectmen. Services, $285. 
Nathaniel D. Clough, collector. Tax committed, 
$8077.55. 

1884.— William W. Cate, John F. Ordway and 
Elbridge G.Sargent, selectmen. Services, $280. Alvah 
L. Morse, clerk ; Annie M. Osgood, school committee. 
Services, $55. Nathaniel D. Clougli, collector. 



1885.— William W. Cate, Horace F. Fletcher and 
Elbridge G. Sargent, selectman ; Alvah L. Morse, 
town clerk; Henry J. Osgood, school committee; 
Nathaniel 1). Cluuirb, collector. 

The Relig-ious History of Loudon.— The same 
year in which the town was incorporated measures 
were taken for the building of a meeting-house. At 
a meeting of the parish held in November, 1773, it 
was " Fo<erf to build a meeting-house, and that it stand 
upon the southeast end of the school lot, part or all 
in the road, if the land is best." At a meeting held 
November 10, 1777," Voted to set up a meeting-house 
by a rate or tax ;" also " Voted to get the timber and 
haul it to the spot this winter, and that labor be three 
shillings per day." Eliphalet Rawlings, Abraham 
Bachelder, Nathaniel Bachelder, Ezekiel Morrill, 
Jethro Bachelder, Moses Ordway and Jonathan 
Clough were chosen for the committee to build the 
house. " Voted to have the house the same size of the 
Epsom house;' also " Voted seven hundred dollars to 
get the frame to the spot, and frame it." December 
4, 1778, " Voted to add six feet in length and two feet 
in width." In the year 1779, " Voted to raise one 
thousand dollars and lay it out in labor at eight dol- 
lars per day,"' also '" Voted to sell the pew privileges 
at auction to the highest bidder, and that the pur- 
chasers of the privileges be allowed twelve months 
after the house is raised, boarded, shingled and clap- 
boarded, and the lower floor is laid, to build their 
pews in, and that those who do not build in that time, 
their privilege shall return to the parish." " Voted 
to buy two barrels of rum for the raising." The se- 
lectmen's account shows that they paid Josiah Bach- 
elder for rum one hundred and eight dollars, and paid 
Reuben Greeley for two quarts of snake-root, for the 
raising, twelve dollars. " Voted to leave the finding 
of the supper to the committee." " Paid the Rev. 
Mr. Noble, for ministerial services at the raising, one 
dollar and fifty cents ; also paid Mr. Blunt, who lived 
in the old " Martin house," for the trouble to him at the 
raising." The parish bought of Mr. Blunt a strij) 
of land in front of the meeting-house in order to 
have better accommodation. The first meeting held 
in the house was a parish-meeting for town busi- 
ness. August, 1789, " Voted to build two porches, or.e 
on the east and one on the west end of the house ;" 
also " Voted to put in joist, lay a rough floor and put 
up the finish in front of the gallery before the ordina- 
tion of Mr. Tucker." The house was lathed by Jona- 
than Smith, plastered by John Sargent and finished 
in the year 1797 ; the posts in the lower part still bear 
the figures on the top as painted in 1797. An article 
was, in 1795, iuserted in the warrant to paint the out- 
side, but failed to pass in the meeting. The house ap- 
pears to have been used for religious meetings as soon 
as it was boarded and shingled. The plan of the hnusc 
was very peculiar. The pulpit was built upon tlic 
back side of the house and was elevated at least six ur 
seven feet from the floor of the room, and was reached 



491 



by asceiiding a flight of eight or nine stairs. It was 
finished with pine wood and displayed the best of 
skill and worlvmauship. The minister, while speak- 
ing, stood upon an elevation of about seven inches, 
and the Bible in front of him was at that height, that 
he could swing his arms above it when speaking with 
earnestness. Above the pulpit and over the minister 
hung the sounding-board, which w-as built in an oc- 
tagonal shape, and was at least six feet across it, and 
was suspended from a large beam iu the roof by an 
iron rod, one and one-half inches square. The work- 
manship displayed in the finish of this sounding- 
board was of the highest order. When taken down 
at the time of making the alteration, in 1845, it re- 
quired the strength of about ten men to lift it. The 
deacon's seat or pew was directly beneath and in front 
of the pulpit, with a half-round table at his right, 
constructed in such a manner that when not in use it 
dropped down, and was held by hinges to the top rail 
of the pew. Upon the left of the pew was a smaller 
stand or table of the same form and supported the 
same, which was used to hold the tankard of wine 
and the wine-cups. The pulpit and surroundings 
were painted of a lead color, while the tables were 
painted a dark brown. 

The pews were square in form, and the outside row 
next the wall around tiie house were elevated to the 
height of three steps from the floor. Seats were 
placed upon the four sides and were hung w^ith 
hinges, and during prayer were turned up to prevent 
any one from sitting during that very important part 
of the service. A walk extended in front of each 
around the house. Upon the floor below this row 
were placed four other groups of pews with four in a 
group, with an entrance from the walk mentioned. 
Upon the right and left wings, and almost in front of 
the pulpit, were built long, narrow seats, which were 
used and known as the " anxious " seats in time of 
revival. When not thus used, they were occupied by 
persons who were unable to purchase or own pews. 
One side of the aisle was used only by the men, 
the other by females. 

The gallery extended around three sides of the 
room, with pews corresponding in form and location 
to those beneath. The singers' seats were in the gal- 
lery, and were situated directly in front of the pulpit. 
The entrance to the gallery was only by the porches 
upon either end of the house, which consisted of sev- 
eral flights of stairs, winding around upon each of 
the four sides. The frame was of the strongest and best 
of timber, the posts being of white oak ; the beams 
are of old growth pine, and were hewed fourteen 
and sixteen inches, while the roof is self-support- 
ing, the rafters being double-trussed. In the year 
1845 two stories and two rooms were made by ex- 
tending the gallery over the whole of the upper 
story, which is used for a meeting-house, while the 
lower story is used for town and other purposes. A 
belfry was added, in which hangs a bell, the gift of 



Captain Solomon Gaverly to the society wor.■^hi|)ing 
in the upper story. 

For a long time this h(iu.s<' rdnvcnrd ull tiic propli; 
in the town. There was but one creed and belief in 
religious matters in all the town, and that was known 
as Congregationalism. The church and state were 
one and inseparable. The laws of the State com- 
pelled people to support the gospel and the ministry, 
and the selectmen of the town raised and assessed 
upon property of the inhabitants sums as large as 
were thought to be expedient and necessary. In the 
year 1774 there was raised by the town the sum of 
Kfty dollars, and the same in the years 1770 ; and in 
1777, " Voted one hundred and fifty dollars." In 1779, 
" Voted three hundred dollars for preaching." In 
the year 1780 the article in the warrant was, " To see 
if said Parish will vote to raise a sum of money for 
the use of preaching and how much: and if voted, to 
see if they, will vote to pay it in corn or grain next 
fall." And it was " Voted, to tsike the money the Par- 
sonage was let for preaching." In 1781, " Voted 
to hire preaching for only eight Sabbaths." In 
1782, " Voted not to raise any." In 1783, " Voted to 
raise thirty pounds." Previous to this year no per- 
son had been settled as minister. The Rev. Mr. 
Blydenburg had preached more than any other one, 
he at that time being the owner of a lot of land 
lying and adjoining the parsonage and school lot 
upon the north. A minister tax was assessed for the 
first time, the list embracing the names of ninety-one 
of the tax-payers of the town. 

The Rev. Israel Day was given a call to settle with 
the people at this time ; but, upon examination, his 
belief upon certain doctrinal points was not in accord- 
ance with that of several of the people, and he 
declined the call. The following, taken from the 
records of the town, had some effect upon the matter, 
probably : 

" Loudon, March 15, 1784. 

" By these Lines, we, the suhscribers, do enter our dissent against Mr. 
Israel Day being settled as a preacher iu Loudon. 

" Garshom Mathes, Abel French, .loshua (his X mark) Rawlings, 
Eneii Josiah (his X mark) Rines, Philip Brown, Nathan Bachelder, John 
Drue, Moses Morrill, Daniel Ladd, James Silver, Joseph Smith, Cliarlt-s 
Sargent, Jr." 

Mr. Day, in his letter, says, — 

" Another difficulty that is flung in my way in this affair is the churcli 
tu which I belong have declined to give me a dismission and recoiiiiin.'ii- 
datiou, for sufficient reasons, as they sujipoae. 

" Dated this tiret day of May, 17S4. 

(Signed) "Israel Dav.- 

In the year 1785 thirty pounds w'as raised. In 
1786, " Voted, to lay out the back money, and to hire 
the Rev. Mr. Cummings three Sabbaths." In 1787 
no money was raised, as appears by the town records. 
Several difficulties arose within the parish upon local 
matters, which divided the people, and from the fre- 
quency of holding town-meetings it may be con- 
cluded that much unpleasantness of feeling existed. 
These difficulties were, in part, the feeling caused by 
the letter and coui-se pursued l>y the Rev. Mr. Day, 



492 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and a further division i;anie up in regard to tlie 
location of the meeting-house. Several meetings 
were held in order to change the location and build 
the house near the south part of the town, but all 
such propositions were voted iu the negative. Then 
a meeting was called " To see if the town will vote to 
Set off all the southwest corner of the town, and have 
the same annexed to Concord or Canterbury, as may 
be most convenient, commencing at the town line and 
running southeasterly to the mouth of Pine Island 
Brook, and then follow the river to Bow line." This 
was voted in the negative. In the year 1788 the Rev. 
Jedediah Tucker commenced preaching to the people 
of the parish. At a town-meeting held the IVtli day 
of January, it was " Voted to give the Rev. Mr. Tucker 
a call, and chose a committee, consisting of Joseph 
Tilton, Nathaniel Bachelder, Stephen Wells, Jeremiah 
Clough and Daniel Ordway, to agree with 5Ir. Tucker 
and report at the next meeting." 

At a meeting of the parish, held on the 1-ttli day ut 
February, " Toied to give the Rev. Mr. Tucker that 
piece of land bought of Mr. Blunt for a settlement in 
Loudon." Also, " Voted to give him the income of 
the parsonage during his ministry in Loudon, with 
the privilege of cutting his wood with prudent usage." 
Also " Voted to give him sixty pounds for the first 
year, sixty-five for the second, seventy for the third, 
and seventy-five for the fourth year of his ministry." 
Also, " Voted that he shall have three Sabbaths yearly 
to visit his friends." 

"Loudon, June 22'"i, 1789. 
I-, ttn- <iili^riil.ii>. do enter our dissent against Mr. 



surgeon for the parish, making no charge lor such 
service within its limits. 

*' We, the Subscribei-s, Inhabitants of Louiluii, lierel).v notify tlie Con- 
gational Society in said Loudon that we consider it both illegal and 
unconstitutional for any society whatever to lay a tax on any person or 
pel-sons by the authority of a majority of a Town or Society vote. And 
we, the undersigned, hereby give notice that we are determined to 
pivy no more ministerial taxes for the purpose of the support of any 
preaching or minister whatever in that way after this date. 

•' Loudon, March 14, 1803. 

(Signed) 

"Stephen Pickering, James Palmer, Isaac Sniitli, .\rcbelaus Mot)re, 
Jonathan Smith, Jr., Eliphalet Swain, Thomas Bachelder, John Carter, 
Elisha Sweatt. 

" A true copy. Attest. 

" Enoch Wooo, Toimi CVerS." 

Mr. Tucker, as minister of the gospel, united nearly 
all the people in town who were married, commenc- 
ing in 1795. The records of the town show that he 
married two hundred and thirty-two couples, with one 
or both of the parties living in Loudon. 

In the years 1812 and 1813 he also served as chair- 
man of the Board of Selectmen for the town. In 
looking at the record books of the town, one may 
gain an impression of the man, particularly in the 

I boldness of the signature of his name, which is imi- 
tated by uo other person. It seems that after his 
dismissal he gave his attention more to public busi- 

] ness and to the practice of medicine. The reason 
for the vote of dismissal is unknown. It might 
have been at his own request or from other causes. 
Just before the vote of dismissal the following dis- 
sents are recorded : 



"Dani.I^! ■ , 1 i . i>, :, i M i,:ild, James 
Itawlin-^'J, I > I -- i I I, ' t,.^.-ph Drue, Robert Drue, Abial 

t;harabeilui, ^.ub.^Il Li t;-li, J^i .mi .. i I'ltrker, Jonathan Wiggins, Jona- 
than Clough, Jonathan Chaae, Moses Kawlings, John Clough, Samuel 
Mon-ill, Samuel French, Captain John Sanborn, John Drue, Jacob Tole, 
Samuel Hill, Reuben Ceilings, Stephen Cate." 

At a meeting in September, 1789, " Voted to choose 
a Committee of seven to join Mr. Tucker in ap- 
pointing a day for Ordination. And chose Nathan 
Bachelder, Esq., Moses Ordway, Thomas Bachelder, 
Abraham Bachelder, Joseph Moulton, Timothy 
French and Nathaniel Bachelder." This committee 
appointed the 21st day of October following, to be 
the day. Also, this committee chose the following 
gentlemen to compose the council : 

Rev. Mr. Adams, of Stoughton, Second Church ; 
Rev. Mr. Howard, of Stoughton, First Church ; Rev. 
Mr. Robins, of Milton; Rev. Mr. Tucker, of Loudon ; 
Rev. Mr. Thatcher, of Dedham ; Rev. Mr. Uphara, 
of Deerfield; Rev. Mr. Colby, of Pembroke; Rev. 
Mr. Evans, of Concord ; Rev. Mr. Smith, of Gilman- 
ton; Rev. Mr. French, of Andover; Rev. Mr. Bab- 
cock, of New Andover; and Rev. Mr. Merrill, of 
Plaistow. 

The selectmen paid the expenses of the ordination, 
and Mr. Tucker continued to preach for nearly thirty 
years. He also was the practicing physician and 



" This is to let you know 


hut I do 1U,I belie 


rates to Mr. Tucker; 




(Signed) 




"March 19, 1804.- • 




" I do enter my dissent agains 


paying taxes to 


not belong to his Society. 




(Signed) 




"SIarch9, 18IH." 






against paying 


Tucker. 




(Signed) 


' 


" April 16, 1805." 




" I do hereby enter my disseu 


against paying 


Tucker. 




(Signed) 




"March 31, 1803." 





After the dismissal of Mr. Tucker, in 1810, by vote of 
the town, the Rev. Enoch Courser was ordained as 
minister, in 1816, and continued as such for a num- 
ber of years. The Rev. Samuel B. Dyer and the Rev. 
Enoch Courser both continued to preach to the 
churches of Loudon for nearly thirty years. They 
lived in the same neighborhood, and as the sectarian 
strife which had grown up in the parish continued 
to increase, unkind feelings existed between the two 
men. Both were strong and powerful men, of large 
and well-proportioned bodies, unyielding in disposi- 
tion, and the consequent result was that feelings of 
the most bitter animosity, as individuals, existed be- 
tween them, which extended to the churches over 



LOUDON. 



493 



which they were the pastors. The Rev. Mr. Dyer was a 
member of the Legishiture from the town of Loudon 
in the year 1818. While at Concord he boarded with 
one Mr. Davis, with fifteen others, four of wliom were 
ministers. On Friday noon a convention was held at 
the boarding-house, Mr. Dyer, chairman, and it was 
■' Voted that we will not drink any ardent spirits till 
the session closes." 

The law which authorized the selectmen to tax the 
citizens for the support of the minister was very dis- 
tasteful to many of the tax-payers. The town became 
involved in lawsuits in consequence of it. The case 
of Isaac Smith was one of expense. The largest tax 
assessed against him in any year was $1.60, which he 
positively refused to pay in any manner. He was 
arrested and put in jail for one day and released. The 
town carried on the lawsuit for some years, until the 
expenses in the case amounted to two hundred and 
seventy-five dollars, after which the law was repealed. 

The hardness of feeling growing out of the work- 
ings of this law led several persons to organize a so- 
ciety, to be known as the first Free- Will Baptist Society 
in Loudon, which was done by John Sanborn, Jona- 
than Clough, Abner Clough and Nathaniel Martin, in 
the year 1807, and held meetings one-fourth part of the 
time in the old meeting-house, with the Rev. Sam- 
uel B.Dyer as minister. 

In May, 1823, one-half of the old meeting-house 
was given up to the Free- Will Baptist people. The 
Congregational Society made a renewed effort in 
"*26 to build a new house, to be located nearer the 
south part of the town, and the following year erected 
a new one at the village. This led to an unhappy 
division. Mr. Courser preached the dedicatory sermon, 
but declined further- services. In 1837 the condition 
of the society became discouraging ; he was dismissed 
and left the town after twenty years of labor. The 
rapid rise of the Free- Will Baptists was its first 
shock. A severer one was from its own division, 
attended by the personal diificulties of Mr. Courser 
with some of his church members. Both the churches 
for several years were supplied by several preachers 
for short periods of time. In the year 1839 a new 
church edifice was erected near the old one, at a cost 
of sixteen hundred dollars. The Rev. Cyrus W. 
Wallace was the first minister. The church and 
society failed in settling him, for want of pecu- 
niary means. Parker Pillsbury followed, and further 
divided the church upon the question of slavery. He 
was succeeded by the Rev. John Le Bosquet, followed 
by Rev. Ezekiel Dow, Jonathan Ayres, E. F. Abbott, 
Jarius Ordway, Rev. Mr. Caswell and finally the ven- 
erable Rev. Mr. Courser returned and preached for 
one year or more, which was the close of his life-work 
in the gospel ministry. The Second Church at the vil- 
lage has had but two ordained pastors,-the Rev. Henry 
White and the Rev. Thomiis N. Jones. Othersupplies, 
.>nch as Calvin White, Henry Wood and the Rev. 
Charles Willey, have preached t.. this iieople. In the 



year 1883 the Rev. C. Roper was the pastor of this 
people, and largely by his efforts the church was re- 
paired. The Methodists have had a church for sev- 
eral years in this place, and the Rev. Silas Green, 
during some years, was the preacher of both the Meth- 
odist and Congregational Churches. Since, the preach- 
ers have been of the Methodist order, and at this 
time, 1885, no preaching is sustained by either. 

About the year 1847 the Free- Will Baptists, by a 
vote of the town, obtained control of the old meeting- 
house for meeting purposes, by altering and making 
an upper story, which they have occupied as a place of 
worship, at a cost of one thousand dollars. The Rev. 
John Norris was called as the pastor of this people 
after the alteration. He was succeeded by William A. 
Sargent, who was ordained as a minister. During the 
stay of Mr. Sargent a meeting was held for several 
weeks under the labor of Elder Phinney, of Maine, in 
which the Rev. E. F. Abbott, of the Congregational 
Church, joined, which resulted in large accessions to 
either church. Elder Sargent was followed by the 
Rev. E. G. Knowles, Rev. Josiah P. Stinchfield, Rev. 
S. S. Brooks ; and the Rev. John George was ordained 
and remained three years. After his removal the 
church was thoroughly repaired, and alterations made 
upon the inside, a new pulpit and furniture purchased. 
At the same time Captain Solomon Caverly, a former 
citizen of the town, presented the society with a 
church-bell. The house was rededicated, and Carter 
E. Cate, a townsman and graduate from Dartmouth 
College, was engaged and ordained as a minister of 
the gospel by the Free-Will Baptist denomination, and 
remained for one year. He was followed by the Rev. 
Charles E. Hurd, who remained four years, and was 
succeeded by Rev. D. I. Quint, who is the present 
m niatei in the jeii 1883 

■«\RRI\&ES B-i REV lEIlinU n I 1 I 

rah Mo It B J I t a s 1 

I J I a CI esley 

nd J d tl Ladd Sa el C oss a a d L 
C T I gal 8 Na h el r ce 



94 — Sa el Jacobs d Al g 



C sa and \a 



Bo„e -b Jol n L 1 euch a d Sail 

Tlo TsBa lellerand Marti 

slo V Tohn B Iton and Bet 

Ua I lall anl Pollv G o 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



chelder, William Brown and 
Bachelder, Nathaniel Ingalls 
ly Sherburn, Isaiah Dow and 



and Betsy French, Enocli Gerrish and Ruth Clough, Josiah Drake and 
Nancy C. Wintlow, Jeremiah Emery and Lydia Morse, Joseph Baclielder 
and Sukey Tilton. 
isll.— David K.jlliiis and Lyilia Stevens, Timothy Miveck and Judith 

\\, l;., I !. .1, ,^ r,i;,, ihi -i.-.Min.il, 'liltuh. >r..|,l,..n Wells and Eliza 
111— , , ' , I II l;iii^ li.iMil Sargent and Tolly 






rvey Blaisdell ; 



i.niHs III. 



Davis, Abraham Bach 



lunch and Knth Maxfield, Samuel Neal and Ilitty 
Smith and Sally Berry, .Inhn Carr and Sally Brown, 
Lydia Sanborn, Thomas Sargent an'l Polly French, 
Nancy Loiigee, Josiah James and Sarah Tilton, Sanmel 
■y Morrill, Jonathan 0. Beau and Judith Thompson, 
I'l illy Emery, Valentino Hill and Polly Thompson, Na- 
I Hannah Kowoll. 

l;,. I Welder and Nancy EoUins, Byley Lyford and Lois 
M.rtts and Polly Beck, Lemuel Hill and Betsey Drew, 
uid Sally Bachelder, Mathias Haines and Polly Fur- 
irown and Peggy Beck, Chandler Glines and Betsey 
id Hannah Kelley, Jeremiah Clifford and 



IM ,■ 1,1 ^^ I- 1 I ii.ii. I I' I i;, i-\ III I I , .l.liii I niri y and Abigail Os- 

born, John Cumnuii- II I ^1 ' I _,l: ii.i l,..\ering and Betsy 

Bachelder, Tlieopbilu- \ ii h i li.hn Sargent 

Betsy Brown, Isaa. \i ;_,i, I ;ii r, Timothy Bro 

and Dorothy Bacheldei, J.^w .>u,,a. .u..i K.i^htl l;Laiiclt. 

1813.— Philip Brown and Sally True, Nathaniel Sherburne and Jane 
Piper, Alexander Bragg and Sally Eaton, John Merrill and Hannah Os- 
l)(n n, Tlioiuai, Hackelt and Sarnli l.ovcring, Timothy Tilton and Susan- 
h.i'i 11 _ ., .; i:;. 1 ,i.I I'l .» II 11 iMMii .' I. S.Kollins, Joshua Dwinell and 
III! !: , , , ; r.itsy Barter, Daniel J.Smith 

I I ill I 111 Mary Ruord, John Longec 



etsy 'i 



den and Eleuor Will i' ' ■ | i ' ' '■ 

Blanchard and Esti-i I' ■ ' i ' i i i ^ ii ^' m 

Moor and Rachael r.n.ii, -.iiiiiii I I'.il.m- mil -.lil- K.iiiimi, Ii.imI 
Foster and Sally Dearburii, Iiavi.l HachcMir and Ililty l.aiii;, Saninel 
Currier and Sally Bias. 

1S04,— .Tohn Clark and Polly Currier, Samuel French and Sukey Til- 
t n. f'h;,,!.- Ili-.'l; it\>! ^allv Sargent, Joshua Wallard and Polly Lang- 
III, ,1. ' 'i r il' ill 11 i ',\ Sanborn, Samuel Elliot and Eunice Sar- 

1,1 , I !-,, My Osgood, Joshua ThnmpsonandFannie 

I;, I,, -I, iivilii,! ,,,,! <ii<,,iii,,.li r-(',lii-, n.iiMIT ,it,indSally 

; , , , -,:,■,. ,1 ,,-, I i;,,!,,,. ,, i :,, „ : ■ ,,ii, R.iwcll 



Louisa M'ln-cler, Jn.siali Emery and Betsey OsgtxHl, Williaui Munsey and 
Jemima Barton. 

1806.— Samuel Follinsboe and Kitty Clitford, John Hill and Rachel 
llaiues, Theodore Ring and Betsy Blake, Nathaniel Greeley and Sally 
llohien, John Avery and Hannah Eaton, James Bachelder and Polly 
Wheeler, David Harvey and Nancy Thompson, William Tenney and 
Peggy Flanders, Ebnnezer Bean and Deborah Dow, Josiah .lames and 
Deborah t;"=^ 

1807.-l:i II" Mm-^ . Ill, I -ii ill .1 l.ii M,..,,, ,in.l Oatha- 



aud Mar: 



III, Jo 



than Morse and Theodato Emery, Joshua Berry and Polly Bachelder, 
Phineas Danforth and Nabby Grant. 

1808.— Anthony Sherman and Sully Piper, Benjamin Jones and Sophia 
Gleiwon, Phiue;is Wecloj and Lydia Rogers, Moses Kimball and Cynthia 
Ka.«tman, Jonathan Cate and Charlotte lilanchanl, Samuel Carter and 
Kachel French. 

INi'j. -Tnnothy I'ri-ncli and P..lly T..« ie. I'anl Twomlily and Sally 
\\,.,.|,- |,,, 1 ( ..II .1 -.,11> il.i.'h. M, I .1.111.1.^ 'I- landSally 






iU:r and D^jrutliy (JarUnd, \Villiam Jucki 
thy llilliard and 
Morrill and Sally French. 

svnnahKonuoy, Nathaniel K 



Sleeper, Gideon Ladd and Polly Osgood, Samuel 
d Polly l-'rc.uih, .loshua Sargent 



1. I I 1 II.I -,, ,:i,ih IMaxfleld, Phineas Healy and 

, ,,\ l;,,ii,;, \. 11, .111 i; :_1 1 il I miah Kenney, Osgood Ring and 

.^uily iliMWii, .l,.iiii .M.M.i. .uiii IUA^<_\ ll,,lnian, Peter French and Lydia 

The foregoing were all married by the Rev. ,Tcde- 
(liah Tucker, from 1790 to 1815, amounting to two 
hundred and thirty-two marriages. 

Schools. — The town voted to raise for schooling, in 
the year 1776, ten pounds, lawful money. From 177t) 
to 1779 the school money was used for war purposes. 
In 1779, " Voted to raise two hundred pounds for 
schooling." In 1781, " Voted to hire a school-master 
for six months, and voted to raise five thousand dol- 
lars for schooling." In 1782 no money was raised. In 
1786 it was " Voted to raise forty pounds for schools." 
Also '■■ Voted to build four school-houses by a Parish 
rate to be paid in specie, and that said houses shall 
stand, one about halfway between the pound and Mr. 
Caleb Pillsbury's ; the second to stand at the mouth of 
Esq. Sias' mill-road ; the third to stand at the mouth of 
Bear Hill road ; the fourth to stand near Isaac Pills- 
bury's house." These divisions were known as 
classes. It was also " Voted that the four classes 
have the privilege of sending scholars from one class 
to another upon town money." For a number of 
years the town voted sixty pounds annually for 
schooling. In 1792 one of the school-houses was 
j burned, and the parish voted to build a new one, and 
for the selectmen to build it at vendue. 

In the year 1796 " Voted two hundred dollars for 
schooling." About 1780, Timothy Gleason came to 
this country from Scotland, he being of Irisli descent, 
and followed the occupation of school-teaching. 1 1 
seems that he taught the four classes in town for a 
number of years. He was a most excellent penman, 
and was employed by the selectmen to make the 
record of tiixes and town proceedings, and for a 
century no person has equaled him in skill, clear- 
ness and beauty in this fine art. Mr. Philip Brown 
taught school for a number of years after Mr. Glea- 
son ; also Dr. Bnijaniiii Kelley, of (iilinanton, Henry 



405 



Jackson, John Bachelder .anil others. In 1809 the 
town " Voted to number the school districts. The 
easterly class to bo No. 1 ; the class near Moses Ord- 
way's to be No. 2 ; the new south district to be No. 3; 
the class near Samuel Piper's to be No. 4 ; theTiinathy 
French class to be No. 5 ; the class near John Moore's 
to be No. 6 ; Thomas Moore's to be No. 7 ; Elliot 
Carr's to be No. 8." Amount of money raised this 
year for schooling, five hundred and thirty-two dollars. 

In the year 1810 a school-house tax of $56.23 was 
raised in No. 1 for repairs ; also in No. 2, $52.41 was 
raised for the same purpose. The school money con- 
tinued to be more each year, until at the present time 
the selectmen raise and pay to the different school dis- 
tricts about fourteen hundred dollars. School-teachers 
formerly were males. It was the custom for young 
men to attend school until they were twenty-four 
and twenty-five years of age, and it was not uncommon 
in some of the largest districts for as many as ten or 
fifteen of this class of scholars to attend school, the 
teacher having no laws or regulations to aid but his 
own. The labors of all such were heavy, requiring 
men of strength and power to meet the emergencies 
required. Those who followed the business soon 
became tyrants to an extent in their school duties, 
and often made them irritable and vexatious in 
other duties. The school laws of our State are an- 
cient as they now exist. The school-district system 
is the same as nearly a hundred years ago. At dif- 
ferent times efforts have been made to revise and 
change them in some of their aspects, but nothing 
has been effected until the jiresent year. 

Intoxicating drinks. — The custom of drinking 
liquor was in practice for many years, and was common. 
The rec'ords state several instances where rum was fur- 
nished by the selectmen upon different occasions. At 
the raising of the meeting-house a barrel of rum was 
bought, and paid for by the selectmen. The selectmen 
also paid for the rum used when bridges were built. Con- 
stables advertised that at the sale of land for taxes 
each sale would be followed by a drink of flip or 
toddy. It was considered as one of the important 
things in settling the township, to set out an orchard of 
apple-trees, which soon produced fruit bountifully. 
The chief use of them was to make cider. Almost 
every farm had its cider-mill, and large quantities of 
it were made and placed in the cellars, to be drank. 
Not unfrequently fifty barrels, and sometimes more, 
were made in a single year. The custom of using 
liquor was so general that it was not regarded as 
among the bad habits indulged in. Ministers drank 
it, and the old decanter was placed upon the table 
whenever they visited their parishioners. Fast days, 
Thanksgiving days, the birth of children and the visits 
of relatives were some of the great occasions when it 
was used, and often to excess. It is said that the Rev. 
Mr. Tucker, by this habit, lost his usefulness as a min- 
ister, and that it was one of the causes of his leaving 
the mini.stry in town. 



In the year 1795 a law w.as enacted requiring any 
person that sold liquor to obtain a license from the 
selectmen of the town. In this year Jonathan C. Per- 
kins, Enoch and Abner Wood, Philip Brown, Nathan- 
iel Bachelder, Jr., and Nathaniel Rollins were licensed. 
In 1797, Samuel Piper, Daniel Lowell and Wm. Stev- 
ens were licensed. In 1800, J. Bachelder, Wm. Stevens, 
J. Dearborn, Moses Rollins, Philip Brown, David East- 
man, Nathaniel Hill, William Brown, Daniel Lowell, 
Benjamin Kelly and Stephen Perkins were licensed. 
In 1801, Joseph Dearborn, Jethro Bachelder, S.amuel 
Piper, Philip Brown, Samuel Osgood, Enoch Wood, 
Brown & Ladd and Daniel Lowell were licensed. In 
1803, Philip Brown, Timothy Barnard, Samuel Osgood, 
David Eastman, Moses Chamberlin, Samuel Piper, 
John Ladd, Moses Flanders and Samuel Elliott were 
licensed. In 1805, Philip Brown, Samuel Osgood, 
David Eastman, Levi Dearborn, Daniel Lowell, Enoch 
Wood, Samuel Wales, Samuel Elliott and Gould Di- 
mond were licensed to sell at their dwelling-houses 
by the one-half pint and gill. Several of these men 
were licensed as inn-holders, ortaverners, for the pur- 
pose of putting up and providing food and all the 
accommodations for the large teams which were em- 
ployed in drawing goods and groceries from Ports- 
mouth and Newburyport to towns north as far as 
Laconia. Large teams of oxen, as well as horses, 
were used in the transportation, and the amount 
thus drawn was large. 
I As early as the year 1777 the parish took some 
action in relation to the use of liquor. At a parish- 
meeting, held to vote for five persons as members of 
the council, the following resolution was passed: 

*' Resolved, That no person be allowed a seat in the council or assembly 
who shall, by himself or any other iwrsoa for him, before said choice, 
treat with Liquor any Elector with the apparent view of gaining their 
vote, or afterwards on that account. Elected Mr. Samuel Chamberlin 
as Representative of said Parish for one year, and he is to vote for dele- 
gates to the Continental Congress." 

It is generally conceded that the use of alcoholic 
drink as a beverage has decreased since the organi- 
zation of the township, in 1773. 

Carriages and Customs. — The introduction of 
carriages with wheels was of a more recent date. At 
first journeys were made on horseback. A family of 
four could comfortably ride in this manner, the hus- 
band and father sitting in the saddle, with the wife 
upon a pillion behind, carrying a child in her arms, 
while the father took one before him in front of the 
saddle. The wife maintained her position by holding 
with one arm the body of her husband. Horseb.ack- 
riding was the custom in practice by all who owned a 
horse. Women in 1700 rode with skill and grace, 
and were more healthy and robust than at the present 
time. Horse-blocks were placed at public places for 
the purpose of mounting the horse. In front of the 
meeting-house one was made of a large log, hewed 
square, and elevated sufficiently so that one could 
mount with ease. At the W^hite School-House, which 
was used largely for meetings on the Saljbalh, there 



406 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



was a large stone placed at the southeasterly corner 
of the house, which was known and used as a horse- 
block. The first vehicle used for riding was seen on 
the old Canterbury road, and consisted of two poles 
fastened to the saddle or girt of the horse, while the 
large ends dragged upon the ground, and were fast- 
ened together by a cross-piece, upon which a seat was 
fastened for those who rode. Sleighs were made and 
used in the winter, and were of wood principally, 
heavy and cumbrous to the horse, and affording "but 
little style to the rider. 

The flist chaise used in Loudon was bought in 
Newburyport, Mass., by Mr. Enoch Wood. It is re- 
lated, in regard to this chaise, that upon its first 
appearance on the Sabbath, as Mr. Wood and his 
family rode to the meeting-house, the people came out 
and gazed with astonishment as it was driven up to 
the door. Afterwards Mr. William Tilton and Mr. 
Stephen Wells each bought and used one, and in a 
few years they became quite common. Their cost was 
nearly two hundred dollars each. Carriages with four 
wheels soon afterwards came into use, they being 
made without springs, with the body setting directly 
upon the axle. The seat was movable, and was so 
arranged upon wooden sjirings that the force of the 
jolt of the rough ways and roads was somewhat modi- 
fied to the rider. A great improvement was made in 
the use of a leather thorough brace, as it was called, 
and a still greater, when the steel elliptic spring was 
invented and became general upon nearly all car- 
riages. Cart-wheels were made largely of wood, the 
rims or felloes being wide and heavy, and at first with 
no iron or tire. Later, strip or streaked tire was used. 
This was wide iron cut into strips and spiked upon 
the outside of the rim. It was claimed that tire thus 
used was more durable than when used whole. 

Other implements used in farming have greatly im- 
proved, while some have become obsolete ; new and 
better inventions have taken their place. Mr. Elkins 
Moore, of Loudon Ridge, was a plow-maker ; also Oliver 
W. Morrill and Mr. James Osgood. These men built 
wood plows, with the plow-share of iron. The mould- 
board was worked out from a tree with a winding or 
twisting grain in order to give the furrow taken and 
cut a right turn. Cast-iron plows have been in use 
for nearly fifty years, and have superseded the wood- 
plow entirely. Like every invention, the cast-iron 
plow had its opposers, who thought it would prove 
worthless from the great liability to break. Shovels 
have been changed from wood with an iron edge to 
cast-steel ; hoes from iron with a steel edge to all 
steel. Forks of all kinds have changed in the form 
and material from which they were formerly made. 
Mowing-machines take the place of the hand-scythe, 
and horse-rakes have taken tlie place of the old hand- 
rake. 

Buildings.— The old jn-oprietors, when settling in 
town, built, generally, very large, two-storied, double 
dwelling-houses; and, in most instances, upon the 



top of some eminence or high hill, and then made a 
way or road to the same, so that the old highways 
were mostly very hard and hilly. Many of these 
large houses were built at the close of the year 1790, 
and. up to 1800. It was a very popular, as well as a 
fashionable idea, to build a large house, and if the 
expense was too heavy, a two-story half-house, as 
they were called, was built first, and the other half 
added whenever able. There are now standing about 
thirty of these ancient and honorable landmarks. 
These large houses required a large amount of lum- 
ber to finish them, while the timber in the frames ia 
very large and heavy. Most of them had but one 
chimney, which was in the centre, resting upon a 
strong foundation of stone-work beneath, which was 
often ten feet square at the base. The old-fashioned 
barns were built long and narrow, with two floors, 
and were cold and inconvenient to both the farmer 
and his cattle. No cellars were ever built, and 
probably were never thought of. Mr. Joseph B. 
Sanborn has recently built, at a great expense, the 
most thorough and best constructed barn now in 
town, and it is a marked contrast to tliose of 1700. 

About the year 1820 the stove in the meeting- 
house was purchased, and was the first one ever used 
in the town. This stove remained in the town- 
house and was in use until the winter of 1884 — a 
period of over sixty years. There was no way of 
warming this large house for thirty years previous, 
upon any occasion or in any weather, save a small 
box or foot-stove, as it was called, which was about 
seven by eight inches, and was made of tin, and in- 
closed in a wood frame, with a bail or handle for 
carrying, and inside was placed a basin which was 
filled with hot coals from the fire. This utensil was 
used more especially to give warmth to the feet, and 
was used chiefly by the women. Cooking-stoves 
were introduced several years later. There was at 
first a strong feeling against the use of them, and it 
required much efibrt and persuasion to induce a per- 
son to buy one. The kind first in use was called 
the "Moore Cooking-Stove." After several years 
the prejudice existing against their use subsided, and 
they gradually came into use. 

All cooking had previously been done over the 
fire-place and in the large brick oven. A change 
took place in both the manner and kind of food used. 
Indian corn and rye, which had been chiefly used 
for bread, were used in less quantities, and wheat 
became more common. Potatoes were but seldom 
used, and but few were raised. The large families 
of children were fed largely upon the old-fashioned 
dish of bean porridge, which was both palatable and 
healthy. The olden-time utensils in use were the 
heavy iron pots and kettles and the long-handled 
frying-pan, in which pancakes and flap-jacks were 
fried. Much skill and labor was practiced in frying for 
a large family of children. These cakes were made of 
rve nu';.l which had been bolted or silted, and made 



LOUDON. 



497 



into a thin batter and poured into the pan until the 
bottom was well covered, when it was placed over 
the fire aud well shaken to prevent burning. When 
ready to turn, a smart shake and a toss did the busi- 
ness without taking the pan from the fire, and the 
skill consisted in tossing over the crane while being 
turned. 

Cloth and its Manufacture. — In connection with 
the subject of lood and the different methods of 
raising and preparing the same for use, may prop- 
erly be mentioned the mode of manufacturing cloth 
and some other of the most necessary articles which 
were used and especially needed. AVool and flax were 
the chief resources from which the people made all 
kinds of cloth. Wool was raised by the farmer, and 
it was carded and spun by the housewife, and wove 
in a hand-loom, colored aud made ready for use by 
the same person. Cotton was used but very little, 
the cost of goods manufactured from it being so 
great that but few purchased it when first introduced. 
A calico dress was a fashionable fit-out for any woman, 
and was prized nearly as high as silk. Articles of 
bedding, table linen and clothing were made from flax, 
every farmer sowing the seed and raising his required 
amount. The process of getting the linen from 
the raw material was one requiring much care and 
hard labor. After the process of rotting it, certain 
men used to make it their business in the winter sea- 
son to go from place to place and work the flax into 
tow and linen, ready to be spun. Most of the farmers 
had in their barn an apartment, or room, called the 
flax-room, and in it were placed the flax, break, 
swingle-block and flax-comb. The process was ex- 
tremely dusty and disagreeable to the person engaged 
in it. The article called tow was the coarser part of 
the material, and was spun upon the large wheel, 
while the linen was that part saved by combing 
thoroughly upon the flax-comb, and was spun upon 
the small wheel and made into thread, table-cloths and 
other articles which were necessary. It was not un- 
common for women to spend the afternoon in visit- 
ing each other, carrying their small wheel with them, 
and, while talking, spin a quantity of linen for some 
family use. These linen wheels are now but seldom 
seen ; if one is found, it is preserved as a curiosity 
and a relic of " ye olden time." 

Boots and shoes were made by hand also, and from 
stock which required a year at least to properly tan 
the same. It was called a good day's work for one to 
make a pair of shoes, and it took two days to make a 
good pair of boots. In almost every neighborhood some 
one made and mended boots and shoes, which was, of 
course, his trade. In the esisterly part of the town 
Newell Sanborn was the shoemaker; in the other 
jiarts were Samuel Haynes, William Rincs, Daniel 
Blaisdell, Deacon Tilton, with some ochers who were 
the shoemakers of the town. 

The Town Constable was an ofliccr of great im- 
portance. His duties consisted in collcLling the 



State, town and minister taxes, which were com- 
mitted to him for that purpose, and he also paid out 
all the money received. The selectmen's account 
upon the record-books was made through the consta- 
ble, he being credited with the bills paid and 
charged with all money received. In all the records 
of the town, only one person, while performing the 
duties of constable, was in any manner found to be 
dishonest. In the year 1795, Ensign Hanson Hoit 
was chosen to the oflice of constable, and an entry 
appears for that year, under the form of a certificate, 
signed by the selectmen, John Sanborn, Samuel 
Piper and John Clough, that the said Hanson Hoit 
refused to account for $375.54, which was in his pos- 
session as money belonging to the town. 

The town purchased, for one dollar, a cane, which 
was known as the "' Constable's Cane," which was car- 
ried by each successively, during their term of oflice, as 
the ensign of their authority, and the pointing of it 
to any disorderly person upon public occasions pro- 
duced quiet and order at once. The duties of tyth- 
ingman were somewhat similar to those of constable, 
so far as disorder was concerned. Their duties were 
upon the Sabbath-day, and they often removed from 
the house persons who disturbed the meeting by 
wdiispering or laughing ; also, they were required to 
arrest any one seen traveling, if he were a stranger, 
upon the Saljbath, and have him fined. 

Respect for Titles and Titled Men.— In all the 
records of the town, for a period of more than fifty 
years, it is a very noticeable fact that great respect 
was shown the business men of the town, as well as 
all who were connected with the militia, and the title 
was invariably used in addressing them, and also in 
writing their names upon the tax-list and all matters 
of town affiiirs. The following instances are exam- 
ples : Esquire Ephraim Blunt, Captain John Sanborn, 
Ensign Samuel Piper, Quartermaster Smith, Lieuten- 
ant Ladd, Colonel Jonathan Rollins, General Richard 
Brown, Major Bachelder, Esquire Archelaus Moore. 
This respect and honor given and practiced by these 
ancient worthies toward each other was intended as a 
mark of true worth to the individual thus addressed, 
as everything to them partook of, and was built upon 
that noble and great characteristic and principle ot 
their nature, — honesty of purpose. This feeling of 
respect was taught to their children, and when they 
arrived at manhood the parental restraint and advice 
often continued for a long time afterwards. The boys 
were taught to take ofl" their hats and make their bow 
to respected men whenever they chanced to meet in 
the street. Scholars were taught to rise in their seats 
and stand during the entrance of the committee, or 
minister, and to perform the same act of courtesy upon 
their departure. 

Burying-Grounds. — The first person who died 
in Loudon was a man who was a striinger, and being 
taken suddenly sick, died, and was buried in front 
of the old Dr. Tenney house. The building used 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



as the office of Dr. Teuney, when he resided 
in town, covers the grave. At that time no 
buryiug-ground was laid out. In the year 1773, 
Mr. Nathan Bachelder and Mr. Jethro Bachelder 
were chosen as a committee to lay out the buryiug- 
ground. Two and one-half acres were laid out at the 
southeast corner of the parsonage lot, and some years 
afterward it wiis inclosed with a stone wall, and upon 
the front side long hewed timber was laid upon the 
wall, and covered with boards, which were painted 
black. There was but one entrance to the ground, 
and that was through a door about sis feet wide, in 
front. This door was painted black, and was hung 
upon stone posts upon either side, with a stone cap- 
piece connecting them at the top. The first person 
buriedin tlieyardwasavery tallman.thegravebeiugat 
the right hand of the entrance and is now visible. 
The name of the man is not known. 

One acre was reserved in the original laying out for 
future use, which was inclosed recently. 

A few years after the laying out of the ground at 
the Centre, the town bought of Philip Brown a piece 
of land at the village, for the burial of any who might 
wish, in that part of the town. This land was con- 
veyed to the town for a public burying-ground by a 
deed from Philip Brown to the town of Loudon, which 
is recorded at the register of deeds' oflice at Concord. 
These are the only public grounds in the town, and 
are repaired at the expense of the same. These two 
grounds contain the remains of nearly all the first and 
oldest settlers of the parish, several of whom were 
noted townsmen. Mr. Stephen Moore has recently 
given attention to the convenience and care of the 
dead, by laying out a ground at the village and the 
building of a tomb. Mr. Moore has made a very de- 
sirable and pleasant location, which in after-years will 
be filled, probably, with those ofthe present generation. 
There is also, besides, the Wells burying-ground. At 
the northerly part of the town is a new one, in a 
pleasant location and tastefully laid, and it contains 
some costly and elegant monuments. 

There are at least twenty-three burial-grounds 
in the town, and a large part of them are in the west- 
erly portion. The public ground at the Centre was 
originally one of the most gloomy and dreaded 
places in town. The high stone wall on the front, 
and made still higher with large timber lain on the 
top, and painted black, with its high, gallows-like 
posts, and narrow, black door through which no car- 
riage ever entered for more than fifty years, certainly 
made it a terror to the children by day, as well as to 
men by night. The custom of beautifying these an- 
cient " cities of the dead " is most excellent and com- 
mendable. At the village there is also a new and very 
pleasantly laid-out ground, adjoining that of Stephen 
Moore, which contains many valuable and costly mon- 
uments of marble, among which are several of the 
Bachelder family, the descendants of Jethro Bachelder, 
one of the original settlers ofthe parish. 



The Laying of theLotsin loudon. — The lots in the 
town were laid in two divisions, called first and sec- 
ond division of hundred-acre lots. The first division 
includes that part of Loudon taken from Canterbury, 
and contains forty whole hundred-acre lots. The sec- 
ond division includes the north and easterly parts, and 
contains one hundred lots of one hundred acres each, 
besides several parts of lots. These lots were laid one 
hundred and sixty rods long and one hundred rods 
wide, and each contained one hundred acres of land. 
The settlers who first came into the town pitched up- 
on certain lots for their farms, and such lots were called 
pitched lots. There are thirty-two of this descrip- 
tion, and they were situated near the White School- 
house and upon Clough's Hill, and are those now 
owned by J. T. Sanborn, Benjamin Bachelder, C. H. 
Osgood, C. B. Green, G. Mason, J. M. Ladd, H. John- 
ston, Abner Clough, H. J. Osgood and others. Be- 
sides these, there were several granted lots (so called), 
which were given for some service rendered in the 
laying of lots or highways. In the southerly part of 
the town the lots were laid smaller, and contained but 
thirty-eight acres, and were called common lots. The 
laying ofthe lots were full measure, and most of them 
include one or more ranges, either upon the side or 
end, and if it were not for the pitched lots, would be 
parallel and regular in form. 

Highways. — In the year 1761 a committee was 
chosen from the town of Canterbury to lay out a road 
from the Canterbury meeting-house the nearest way 
to some sea-port town. This was the first road laid, 
and was called the old Canterbury road. In the year 
1774, Jethro Bachelder and Jacob Towle, selectmen, 
laid the road from Moses Ordway's, over Bear Hill, to 
Chichester line. The same year the road from the 
meeting-house to Samuel Morrill's corner was laid ; 
also one leading from Captain Sias' mill to John 
Moore's corner. In 1778, Nathan Bachelder and 
Ephraim Blunt, selectmen, laid the road from Gilman- 
ton line to Quartermaster Jonathan Smith's. March 
22, 1774, Jethro Bachelder and Jacob Towle, select- 
men, laid the road leading from the meeting-house 
southeasterly to the Raccoon road (so called). 

" DVRHAJI, July 2G, 1779. 
"This may sartify, hoom it may concern, that I have given a nwl 
)r of my huudred-ucro lot, 



Jonathan Woodsian, ./mjmt." 
"LODDON, June 24, 17'JO. 
"This clay received a ranse-way at the west end of Lot No. 3)0, the 
whole width of said Lot and no further, in full satisfaction for the road 
that leads from my house to Bachelder's mills. 

(Signed) "Libbe Bacueldek." 

" August 24, 179l>.— Samuel Piper and John Clough, Selectmen, this 
day laid out a road from Lieut. Abner Clough's corner, hyjohn Clougli's, 
to John Moore's. Whereas, the a'uove road runs through land of Jona* 
than Chase, John Clousli, :\rusis CaMrly, Dimond I'urnald, we, the 

selectmen, agree I»> l:i' 1:1 i i|iiisiition the following Ranges : 

Jouutluiu f.'haso to h:i. I . ■ Ins Lot, and no further; also, 

one-half of the Rani: 1 '- 1-7. Jolin Clough to have the 

otlior half of the niiiu. hi ■- I. I N >- 137. Moses Caverly to have 
Iho range across his Lot X... IJU, un.l 110 further. Dimond Furnald to 



LOUDON. 



have the mnge acr 
{Signed) 



In wit 

' Jonathan Chase, 
"John Clough, 
"Moses Oaverly, ■ 

"DlMOND FURXALD. 

"Samuei. Piper, 
"John Clough, 
H' 17, 1704. — Tliis day we, the Selectmeu, laid out a road begiu- 
little northerly from the crotch of the road that leads from Bach- 
mills to Moses LoToi-ing's and Canterbury line. 
(Signed) "John San 

"Charles I 



^ Selerlmen 



Seleitmei 



"T17(ei-ca», a number of persons have signified their desire to have a 
public Road laid out and established from Loudon to Canterbury 
meeting-house, which will not only convene the public in general, but 
will be much shorter than the other south road ; Now, for the encour- 
agement of the same, and that so good an undertaking may not be frus- 
ti-ated, but pursued. We, whose names are underwritten, do severally 
promise to yield up, surrender, and forever quit-claim three rods of land 
for said road in width. Said road to begin at the Crotch of the road west of 
Hachelder's mills, running through part of Lieut. Abraliam liachelder's 
land, Noah Sinclair's and Mr. Philbrick's, and nui1h of Mr. Durgiu's, 



(Signed) 









Bach 



; (:W), 



' Thomas Moore. 
" Enoch Wood, Toi 



'. Clerl!.- 

" March 9, 1790. — John Sanborn and Samuel Piper, selectmen, this 
d.iy laid out a road beginning at Loudon line a little easterly from Lea- 
vitt Clougii's dwelling-house ; thence running to Moses Lovering's 
house, laid three rods wide." 

"September 9, 1799.— Stephen Wells and David Eastman this day laid 
out a road three rods wide leading from Stephen and Nathaniel Max- 
ticld's to the road that leads from Henry Beck's to Samuel Hill's." 

The return of this road reads as follows : 

"We allow this road to be as much profit as it is damage to the owners 
of the land it goes through." 

"LooDON, July 28, 1779.— This day the Selectmen laid out a road 
tUi-ougli my hundred-acre lot, No. 109, and I, the subscriber, have given 
said road to the parish of Loudon, per me. 

(Signed) " Abraham Bachelder, Esq." 

" LorooN, July 28, 1779.- This day received fifty dollars for a road the 
Selectmen laid out through my land from Abi-aham Bacbelder's to the 
Voted road. I say received in full by me. 

(Signed) " Left. John Sanborn." 

"July 8, 1779. — Ephraim Blunt and Jonathan Clough, Selectmen, 
laid out the road from Canterbury line to Otis Hills." 

" November IG, 1784. — John Sanboi-n, Samuel Chamberlin and Joseph 
Tilton laid out the road from Jacob Osborn's to Gilmantou road." 

"June 17, 1790.— John Sanborn and John Moore laid the road from 
Canterbui-y line, by William Wheeler's, to the road leading from Lover- 
ing's mill to Libbe Bacbelder's house." 

"Louno.N, Marcli 21, 1800. — We, the present Selectmen of Loudon, 
agree with Lwivitt Clough, of Canterbury, to give the said Clough the 
range at the west end of the Lot No. 100, beginning at the lower end of 
the pond, and to extend northerly to the line between Louaon and Can- 
terbury, in exchange for the road that goes by said dough's house, and 
I, the said Leavitt Clough, do agree to take the above range as full com- 
pensation for said road. 



(Sigm- 



^ SeUclmei 



'• David Eastman, 

"James Thompson, J 

"June 23, 180G. — Samuel French, Jr., David Eastman and Elkins 

Moore, Selectmen, laid out a road beginning two rods south from Mr. 

Philip Brown's Well, southerly to Mr. Dearborn's house ; thence north 

to the easterly abutment of the stone Bridge over the Soucook river. 



, tot 



road that leads to Con- 



The highway leading from Buswell's corner to 
Howarth Mills was laid as follows: One of the own- 
ers of the land through which ihis road was to be 



laid became offended at the proceedings of some 
neighbor who was interested, and, as a matter of re- 
venge, gave the selectmen one gallon of rum to lay it 
in the worst place they could find ; and they did ac- 
cordingly. 

The laying out of most of the highways in town is 
generally on record, giving the location, distance and 
width laid out. 



CHAPTER II. 



LOUDON -( CuHii, 



THE GENEALOGY AXD BIOGRAPHY OF MANY OF 
THE CITIZENS AND FAMILIES OF THE TOWN. 

The Bachelder Family. — Rev. Stephen B,\ch- 
ILOE,' the founder of the family in this country, 
was probably from the southern part of England, as 
he certainly preached at a village a few miles north 
of South Hampton, in the county of Hants, England. 
The town of Hampton, N. H., was so named at his 
request. Rev. Stephen lived in Holland a number 
of years, and sailed from Loudon to Boston, Mass., in 
1632, and w^eut directly to Lynn, where he planted 
the first church. His daughter, Theodate, wife of 
Christopher Hussey, also lived at that place. He 
lived at Lynn until 1636, and went from there to 
N'ewbury, Mass., and from there to Hampton, in 
1638, and then to Portsmouth, about 1647 ; lived there 
until 1650, and went back to England about 1655, and 
died at Hackney (now London), in 1660, in his one 

hundredth year. His third wife, Mary , whom 

he married in 1650, was a bad investment, and he 
could not live with her. She was a widow, whose 
real character he did not understand. This third 
wife, Mary, petitioned court for a divorce soon after, 
upon the ground that he had married a fourth wife, 
which there is no evidence of whatever, as he was 
ninety-four or ninety-five years of age when he went 
back. His son Nathaniel had three wives and seven- 
teen children ; was a man of prominence for many 
years; in fact, he held a leading position until his 
death, in 1710. The woman whom Mr. Bachilor 
was justified in leaving was soon convicted of immor- 
ality that brought a sentence of thirty lashes and 
marking her with the letter A. 

There were at least six Bachelders who settled in 
Loudon, and with families, and were descendants of the 
Rev. Stephen Bachilor, of England, — 1st, Josiah, 
born in January, 1767, who was son of Deacon David, 
of Hampton Falls ; Deacon David was son of Josiah, 
of Hampton Falls; Josiah was son of Nathaniel, Jr., 
of Hampton ; Nathaniel, Jr., was son of Nathaniel, 
Sr., of Hampton; and Nathaniel, Sr., was a grandson 
of the Rev. Stephen Bachilor. 

1 The name Bachilor was changed to Bachelder in spelling it by all 
the descendants of the Itev. Stephen, who settled and have since lived 
in Loudon. 



500 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Major Nathan Bachelder was born October 25, 
173-1, and was son of Deacon Ebenezer, of East 
Kingston. Deacon Ebenezer was son of Deacon 
Nathaniel, Jr., of Hampton. Nathaniel, Jr., was son 
of Nathaniel, Sr., the grandson of Kev. Stephen 
Bachilor. Major Nathan was a brother to Rich- 
ard. Richard was born October 5, 1736. Nathaniel, 
brother to Major Nathan, was born February 21, 
1740. Abraham and Jethro were sons of Jethro, 
Sr. ; Jethro was the son of Nathaniel, Jr., who 
was the son of Nathaniel, Sr., who was grandson 
of the Rev. Stephen Bachilor. Abraham and Jethro 
were cousins of Major Nathan, Richard and Nath- 
aniel. Major Nathan settled at Loudon Ridge, 
N. H., where are living some of the descendants of 
this line. After the Major came to Loudon he took 
the name of Esquire Nathan in all the business mat- 
ters of the town. The descendants of the Bachelders 
who reside in Loudon are noted for being good citi- 
zens, are public-spirited, firm in their principles and 
honest in their purposes and aims. 

Abraham Bachelder, Esq., and Jethro, his 
brother, came to Loudon (then Canterbury) near the 
year 1760, as Abraham Bachelder was chosen as 
constable in 1765 in the town of Canterbury. 

Abraham Bachelder, Esq., was a man of large busi- 
ness capacity ; was a surveyor of land and was engaged 
in laying out the town of Loudon in lots. Also, he 
served as one of the selectmen of the town, and laid 
out and made the return of a large number of the 
highways. Abraham Bachelder settled on land near 
the White School-house, he having, while traveling 
in the locality and looking for meadow-land with his 
son Abraham, Jr., found the swell of land bordering 
upon the pond, covered with a most beautifnl growth 
of birch, oak and white ash, and, at the earnest request 
of his son, concluded to settle at this place. They 
built a log house just north of the one upon the Ira 
Osgood farm, and the land in the southeasterly direc- 
tion towards the school-house, was the first cleared. 
Afterwards Abraham, Jr., built the northeasterly half 
of the old red Bachelder mansion, as it now stands. 

This lot of land was called a pitched lot, and con- 
tained one hundred acres. It was afterwards divided 
by the highway leading to Gilmanton, and that part 
lying westerly of said road passed into the ownership 
of another person. The irregularity of the line of the 
boundary of some of the adjoining lots is caused by 
the pitching of the owner. Several other lots were 
pitched upon in the same manner. During the first 
years of clearing the land many privations had to be 
endured. In the first year they were short of food for 
bread, and Mr. Bachelder was obliged to cut some of 
his rye before it was ripe, dry it as much as possible, 
and carry it upon his shoulder to Canterbury for grind- 
ing,a distance of several miles. The corn raised and used 
for bread was pounded in a wooden mortar into meal. 
This same mortar is still in existence, and consists of 
a maple log about two feet long, with the bark still 



on, standing upon one end, while in the other is a 
cavity, nnide by burning out the wood by fire, in 
which corn or salt was placed and pounded with a 
wooden pestle. The mortar may be seen by examin- 
ing the attic of the old mansion. 

Jethro Bachelder located at the village then 
known as Bachelder Mills. He was a large land-owner, 
the proprietors giving him four hundred acres as an 
inducement for him to build mills upon the privilege 
at that place. The land given embraced that tract now 
owned by Joseph P. Bachelder, and also the Cate 
farm. Mr. Bachelder built the first house at the vil- 
lage, and it is known as the Captain P. Robinson 
house. He was the ancestor of the race of Bachel- 
ders at the south part of the town, and Abraham was 
that of the line living at the Centre. The line of de- 
scent from Abraham was Abraham Bachelder, Jr., 
born in 1744. His wife, Anna Judkins, was born in 
1750, married in 1772. Their children are Nathan 
Bachelder, born in 1773; Abraham and Josiah 
Bachelder (twins), born in 1775; Hannah Bachelder, 
born in 1776; Josiah Bachelder (2d), born in 1779; 
Philip Bachelder, born in 1781 ; James B.achelder, 
born in 1783 ; John Bachelder, born in 1785; Sally 
Bachelder ; Jonathan Bachelder, born in 1790 ; Judith 
Bachelder. 

Jonathan Bachelder married Lois Wells and 
had a family of twelve children, — Abraham, Mary 
Ann, Stephen W., True, William T., Nathan, Nancy 
G., Sarah S., Hannah E., H. John, John (2d) and 
Benjamin. 

Benjamin Bachelder married Mary E. Bachelder, 
of Meredith, N. H., and has a family of two children, 
named Martha E. and John. He resides upon the 
farm and occupies the original house in part that was 
built by Abraham Bachelder, Esq., his great-great- 
grandfather. He has held the office of postmaster at 
Loudon Centre, N. H., for a number of yeai-s. 

Cyrus Bachelder, who was the son of James, 
brother of Jonathan, lived in Loudon, and had two 
children, named James K. P. and Georgia, who mar- 
ried the Rev. Warren Applebee. Mr. Bachelder has 
been elected to the office of selectman, has held that 
of town treasurer and has represented the town in the 
Legislature. 

Jethro Bachelder was born in 1723, married 
Abigail Loveringand had a family of eight children, 
named William, Abram, Jethro, Daniel, Libby, Na- 
thaniel, Jacob and Aaron. 

Mr. Bachelder was at one time the largest tax-payer 
in the town, but from some reason lost and consumed 
his property, until he was in his old age provided for 
by his children, who built a small house upon the hill 
near Mr. Abram Bachelder's, where he died, and 
was buried in the old village burying-ground. 

Libby Bachelder and Esquire Nathaniel lived in 
Loudon and had large families, and were men of note 
in their day. 

Cai'TAIN Abraham married Betsv Bachelder. She 



LOUDON. 



was born in 1750, and they had a family of eleven 
children, named Smith, born 1785 ; Zephaniab, born 
1786; Olive, born 1788 ; Nathaniel, born 1790; Gard- 
ner, born 1792; Betsy, born 1793; Asa, born 1795; 
Lois, born 1797; Enoch W., born 1798; Joseph, born 
1800; and Clarisa, born 1802. 

Zephaniah Bachelder married Mary Eastman 
and had seven children, named Harmon E., Abraham 
G., Blary, Arvilla, Genette, Martha and Louisa. 

Abraham G. Bachelder married Rebecca Fi- 
field, and had five children, named Fred., Frank, 
Charles, Asa and Frank. Mr. Bachelder is a good 
representative of the family ; is a man of ability and 
judgment, and is often applied to for advice and as- 
sistance in public as well as private life. He has 
acquired a good property, and has been successful in 
the profession whicli he has chosen for a living. 

Deacon Harmon E. Bachelder married Clarisa 
Sanborn and has one daughter, who married Samuel 
M. True, and she has three children, named Nellie, 
Blanche and Mary. Mr. Bachelder resides uprn the 
homestead of his father, Colonel Zephaniah, and is a 
large farmer, and is deacon of the Congregational 
Church at Loudon village. 

Genette Bachelder, daughter of Zephaniah, 
married William T. Wheeler and has no children. 
Mr. Wheeler is engaged extensively in farming, and 
has been successful in his avocation. 

Gardner Bachelder married, first, Clarisa Brad- 
ley, and, second, Nancy Young, and had a family 
of sixteen children, named Nathaniel S., Emory B., 
Judith, Stephen, William, Abby, Henry F., William, 
Winthrop, Abram and other infant children. 

Henry P. Bachelder married Lydia S. Rogers, 
and has three children, named Marion, Emma and 
Hellen. Marion married Fred. Lawrence and has 
one son, named Henry B. Emma married Frank E. 
Robinson. Hellen died in 1883. Henry F. Bach- 
elder has been a trader in groceries and dry-goods for 
a large number of years and has acquired a good 
property. He has held the office of postmaster at 
Loudon for twenty-four years. His life has been 
marked in his dealings with others by integrity and 
uprightness, and he is a respected citizen of his town. 
His business is now carried on under the firm-name 
of Bachelder & Robinson, and they are extensively 



enga 



in addition to their trade, in lumber busi- 



ness, and at present are the largest business firm in 
the town. 

Abram Bachelder married Whitney, of 

Canterbury, and they have one child, named Ivy. 

Asa Bachelder, brother of Zephaniah, married, 
in 1795, Rachel True, and had a family of seven chil- 
dren, named Augustine, Abram, Roscoe G., Ancie 
and three others, who died in infancy. 

Ancie Bachelder married J(jseph Wiggin, and 
had two children, named Nattie and Gertrude. Mr. 
Wiggin married, first, Eliza Walker, daughter of Ruel 
Walker, a:ul had four cliildrcn, named Eddie, Willie, 



Gertrude and . Mr. Wiggin commenced the 

business of a tanner when a young man with Mr. 
Walker, and afterwards married his daughter. He 
soon became the owner and has since carried on an 
extensive business, and is a prominent and valuable 
citizen. 

Asa C. Bachelder, son of Abraham G., married 
Jennie Badger and has a family of five children, 
named Edwin, Emory, Kate, Genette and Lillian. 

Nathan Bachelder married Margaret Bean, 
April 8, 175G, and had a family of seven children, 
named Richard, born December 8, 1756; Phineas, 
born November 16, 1760; William, born March 19, 
1762; Joseph, born January 2, 1764; Ebenezer, born 
October 2, 1769; Dolly, born February 13, 1772; 
Josiah, born January 24, 1776. Esquire Nathan 
settled at Loudon Ridge. 

William Bachelder, son of Richard and grand- 
son of Esquire Nathan, married Mary Sargent, of 
Canterbury, N. H., and had a family of six children, 
named Mary E., Jeremiah, Nettie P., William N., 
Sarah A. and Park B. 

Nathaniel Bachelder had the following chil- 
dren : Betty, born February 10, 1783; Sally and 
Fanny (twins), born November 23, 1784; True, born 
July 20, 1794. 

LiBBE Bachelder had the following children: 
Nabby, bom June 19, 1779 ; Peter, born August 2, 
1781; Dolly, horn March 23,1784; Polly, born Sep- 
tember 28, 1786; Sukey, born March 8, 1790; Manly 
and Betsey (twins), born August 10, 1793. 

William Bachelder had the following children : 
James, born March 18, 1784; John, born July 25, 
1786 ; William, Jr., born May 28, 1791 ; Hazen, born 
April 16, 1793. (See Biographical Department for 
Joseph Batchelder). 

Moses Lovering came from Exeter, N. H., and 
settled in Loudon in 1787. He married Nellie 
Taylor, of Exeter, and had a family of thirteen chil- 
dren, named Willabee, Nellie, Osgood, Taylor, Nancy, 
Moses, Jesse, Mary, Zebulon, John, Daniel, William 
and Sarah, all of whom lived till from forty-five to 
ninety years of age, and were married and raised 
families of children. He came with nine children on 
horseback, and drove one cow, upon which depended 
the sustenance of the family in a large degree. The 
country through which he had to travel, when near 
Loudon, was a wilderness, and the settlers in those 
towns below furnished him aid in getting through. 
He moved into a log house between the dwelling of 
S. B. Lovering and the highway near the saw-mill. 
Zebulon had a family of eleven children; nine ot 
them lived, and were named, Samuel B., True, Almira, 
Annis J., Sarah B., Louis."!, Laura L., Abigail and 
Alonzo B. 

Samuel B. Lovering married three times and 
had a family of ten children, namedNaucy A., James 
B., Harlan P., Abigail M., Clara A., Frank O., Clara 
A. (2d), Frank O. (2d) and Edward E. 



502 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Tlie Lovering families settled the adjoining 
land, and owned at one time nearly five hundred 
acres. Samuel B. Lovering married, first, Mary S. 
Rogers; second, Lucy Grace; third, Lavina Hoyt. 
He owns and has run a saw-mill for fifty years, be- 
sides being a thrifty farmer. He has represented the 
town in the Legislature in the years 1866-67, and been 
a justice of the peace for forty years. 

Eliphalet Wood married Elizabeth Tilton in 
1788. Their children were named Eliphalet, Betsey, 
William, Sophia, Harry, Mary, Jonathan and Julia. 
The Rev. Plarry Wood was a minister of the gospel 
and editor of the Congregational Journal at Concord, 
N. H. During the administration of President 
Pierce he received an appointment as minister to one 
of the eastern countries. 

Enoch Wood, brother of Eliphalet, was a trader 
at the old Wood place, near the Dr. Tenney corner. 
He was a fine penman, and was chosen to the office 
of selectman and clerk for several years. The records 
of the town, while kept by him, present a hand- 
writing that is very plain and distinct. 

Samuel Moore was born in Canterbury, and had 
two wives and a family of ten children, among whom 
was Thomas, who was born in Canterbury, and mar- 
ried Comfort Perkins, and had a family of nine chil- 
dren, named Polly, Samuel, Joanna, Alexander, 
Samuel, Sophronia, Comfort, Thomas and Myra. 
Thomas Moore was chosen constable for the town, 
and was chosen as one of the committee to form 
school districts. 

Stephen Moore was born in Loudon in 179!) and 
married Mary Q. Greeley, of Gilmanton, and had a 
family of eight children, named Joseph, Albert, Ann 
Maria, Andrew G., George L., infant son, Caroline 
A. and Mary R. Mr. Moore married for his second 
wife Mary Bean, of Deerfield, by whom he had no 
children. Mr. Moore has devoted the- last years of 
his life in fitting up a new cemetery, he having pro- 
vided a suitable spot and expended a large amount of 
labor and money in improving the same. 

Andrew G. Moore married Laura A. Bachelder, 
daughter of Colonel Zephaniah, and had a family of 
two children, named Charles L. and Herbert G. A. 
G. Moore resides upon the farm owned by his fiither, 
Stephen, and is the one cleared by Thomas Moore. 
Charles \i. IMoore married Ida Jameson, of Fisher- 
ville, N. 11., and has no children. Herbert G. died 
in 1884. 

Lieutenant Arner Clough came from Epping, 
N. H., and settled first in Canterbury. He married 
Sally, daughter of Leavitt Clough, of that town, and 
had a family of three sons, named Leavitt, Abner 
and Jeremiah. Lieutenant Abner soon afterward 
exchanged land with the Shakers, who then owned 
the laud upon Clough's Hill, where Mr. Clough's de- 
scendants now reside. The Shakers located first in 
Loudon, and held meetings upon this hill, they being 
few in nuiiiliers at lliat time. 



Leavitt Clough married Hannah Sargent, and 
had three children, named Leavitt, Jr., David S. and 
Sally. 

Abner Clough married Sarah Haselton, and had 
three children, named Luc)', Abial H. and Jeremiah 
A. 

Jeremiah Clough married Polly Hook and had 
one daughter, named Adaline. He married tlie 
second time and had no children. 

General Richard Brown was born in Gilman- 
ton in 1787, and was the youngest child of .lob 
Brown, of that town. Richard was a descendant of 
John Brown, who was born in Hampton in 1589, and 
is of the sixth generation. He married three tiiDis, 
and had a family of seven children, named Sarah A., 
John S. R., Jane S. R., Mehitable, Elvira W., Adeliza 
and Huldah M. General Brown was a distinguished 
military man in Loudon, in which he took much 
pride. He was a strong and respected citizen, and 
was esteemed for his great force of character and 
firmness of principle. 

Deacon John S. R. Brown was born in Loudon 
in the year 1819, and married Achsa A. Mills, and 
had a family of seven children, named Anna E., 
Clara J., Abby M. P., Richard H. P., Hamlin D., 
John P. M. and Mary A. Deacon Brown was the 
only son, and upon the decease of his father came in 
Ijossession of the homestead farm, where he has re- 
sided and given his attention largely to that branch 
of business. He is a man of a deep religious cast of 
mind, and at one time in his life was chosen as col- 
porteur for the American Bible Society. He was 
chosen as one of the deacons of the First Congrega- 
tional Church, which office he has filled acceptably 
and discharged the duties with fidelity. He is 
strongly identified with the common-school interests 
and is a citizen much respected, and is found upon 
the side of progress and reform. His Christian life 
and example is undoubted by his townsmen. Mrs. 
Brown is an educated and intelligent woman, and is 
the author of several poems, which have been read 
in public frequently and were well received and com- 
mended. 

The Osgood Family.— William Osgood, of thi- 
first generation, was born in England in 1609, ami 
came to this country in the year 1638. He sailed 
from Southampton, in the ship "Confidence," April 
11th. 

Captain Chase Osgood came to Loudon from 
Ei)ping in 1794. He had a family of twenty children. 
He died in 1807 at the age of eighty-eight, and was 
interred in the burying-ground at the Centre. 

Ebenezer Osgood, Esq., came from Raymond in 
1803, and had a family of eight children, named 
Enoch, James, Polly, Bradley, Ira, Lamila, Nancy 
and Ebenezer. 

Ira Osgood, Esq., was born in Raymond, N. H., 
in 1799, and came to Loudon when four years of age. 
He luairicd Sallv 15. Par.sons, and had a faiinlvol 



LOUDON. 



503 



seven children, named Henry J., Ebenezer P., Wil- 
liam P., Charles H., Annie M., Mary E. and JIartha 
E. Ira Osgood was fitted for college at the Gilmauton 
Academy, after which he commenced teaching school, 
and taught a large number of terms both in and out 
of town. He was chosen, and served for several 
years, as one of the selectmen of the town, and after- 
wards was chosen representative for two years. He 
was a man of great firmness in all his undertakings 
and prosecuted them to the end. He devoted several 
of the last years of his life in compiling the genealogy 
of the Osgood family, which consisted of the descend- 
ants of eight generations. He died in April, 1877. 

Henry J. O.sgood married Hannah E. H. Bach- 
elder, and had a family of three children, named 
Mabel, Herbert and Henrietta, and was born in 1825, 
and by whom the present history has been written. 

Ebesezer p. Osgood married Ann Randall, of 
Laconia, and has one child, named Charles H. 

William P. Osgood married Paulina R. Clifford, 
of Loudon, and has two children, named Jennie M. 
and George B. 

Chaeles H. Osgood married, first, Augusta A. 
Clough, of Loudon, and the second time, Ann Lam- 
prey, of Gilmanton, and has no children. 

Annie M. Osgood (unmarried) is a school teacher 
of considerable note and lives at the homestead. 

Maey E. Osgood married, first, Charles C. Clough, 
ol' Canterbury, and the second time. Rev. A. D. Smith, 
of Laconia. 

Maetha E. Osgood married Charles H. Bean, of 
Lawrence, Mass., who is a large and extensive dealer 
in lumber in that city. 

John Moore came to Loudon from Canterbury and 
bought several lots of land at the Ridge. He was one 
of the selectmen of the town for several years, and as- 
sisted in the laying out of the town into lots and also 
several of the highways. He had a family of eleven 
children, named Hannah, Jacob, Archelaus, Elkins, 
John, William, Abia, Betsey, Patty, Polly and Sally. 

Archelaus Mooee, Esq., sou of John, had a 
family of ten children, named Abigail, Archelaus, Jr., 
Lucinda, Abia, Climena, Hannah, Lydia, David, Ju- 
lia and Jefferson. The Hon. Joseph Moore, editor of 
the Manchester Union, is the son of David, and was 
born in Loudon. ' 

Archelaus Moore, Jr., married a daughter of 
Joseph Clifford, of Gilmanton, N. H. His son, Dan- 
iel L. Moore, resides upon the homestead of his 
father, and has been married twice, having two chil- 
dren living. Mr. Moore married, last, Mariana 
Sleeper, of Loudon, and has one child. He has a 
large interest in the new cemetery at Loudon Ridge, 
in which he has erected a family monument which is 
both costly and beautiful in appearance and design. 
Mr. Moore has added many improvements to his 
farm and buildings, and is a man of fine culture and 
taste. He devotes his time and attention largely to 
farming, and is very successful. He is a prominent 



and respected citizen, and possesses the characteristics 
which have made the Moore family somewhat noted 
throughout each generation, one of which is an apt- 
ness for action upon any sudden emergency, without 
any effort or apparent consideration. 

The Carr Family descended from Robert Caer, 
who lived in Salisbury, Mass., and had a family of 
fourteen children, named John, Sylvanus, Joseph, 
Benjamin, Nathan, Joanna, Abigail, Martha, Elliott, 
Susanna, Nancy, Betty and Mary. 

Elliott Carr married Hannah Dow, and had a 
family of seven children, named John, Nathan, Han- 
nah, Betty, Nancy, Rhoda and Sally. 

Nathan Caer married Elizabeth Chase in 1812, 
and was born in Salisbury, Mass., in 1781, and came 
to Loudon, in 1790, with his father, Elliott Carr, and 
settled upon the farm now owned by Challes D. Carr, 
and afterwards bought the adjoining farm of Henry 
T. Carr. This tract of land was part of the five-hun- 
dred-acre lot laid out and given to His E.xcellency 
Governor John Wentworth, and is called, in the return 
of the laying of lots, the Governor Wentworth farm . 

Nathan Carr had five children, named Challes D., 
Elizabeth, Nancy, Martha J. T. and Sarah M. 

Challes D. Caee was born in 1813, and married 
Hannah B. Prescott. He had a family of three chil- 
dren, named Georgiana F., Challes F. and Samuel JNL 
Challes D. Carr was born, and lives upon, the home- 
stead of the Carr family. He is a thorough and 
practical farmer, has been successful in acquiring 
property and is an honorable and respected citizen 
of the town. 

Captain John Caer was the brother of Nathan, 
and married Sally Brown in 1800, and had eleven 
children, named Edmund, Elliott, Jemima, Clarissa, 
John, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Henry T., Hannah and 
Mary. 

Henry T. Carr married .Jemima Osbnrn, and had 
a family of five children, named Ann Genette, .fohn. 
Mary, Jane and Sarah. This branch of the Carr fam- 
ily retain all the strong and substantial traits of their 
ancestor, and are very firm and sanguine in all their 
undertakings and principles. John Carr has been 
engaged at the New Hampshire Insane Asylum for 
several years, holding a position of trust and responsi- 
bility, and is hukl in high esteem by the institution. 

The Sanborn Family. — The ancestor of this family 
was Captain John Sanborn, who married Ruth Rand, 
1774, and was born in 1747. His wife was born in 
1751. 

Captain Sanborn's ancestry is unknown, and the 
foregoing is from the town record. He was among 
the distinguished citizens of the town, and took an 
active part in the organization of the same, and held 
several offices of importance at several times. He had 
a family of eight children, named Elisha, born No- 
vember 1, 1775; Lydia, born June 3, 1777; Betty, born 
March 24, 1779; Thomas, born June 8, 1781 ; Sarah, 
born July 17,1783; John, Jr., born August 29, 1785; 



504 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



I 



Edmund, born July 21, 1788; and William, born June 
5, 1791. 

Elisha Sanborn married Ladd, of Epping, 

N. H., and had a family of seven children, named James 
John, Nathaniel, Eliza, Sally, Mary and Ruth. Ol 
this family, James went to Iowa, John to Massachusetts, 
and Nathaniel settled in Loudon. He married Nancy 
Lougee, and had one child, named Charles E. 

John Sanboen married Judith Blake, and had a 
family of six children, named Stephen, Jane, Judith, 
Edmund, Almira and Joseph B. Stephen Sanborn 
wentSouth and died. JosephB. resides in Loudon, upon 
the homestead of his father, and is a citizen of influence 
in his native town, having held the important ofiices 
of the town. He is a thorough and practical farmer, 
has acquired a good property and succeeded well in 
his purposes and efforts. He married Sarah Ann 
Sanborn, the grand-daughter of Jesse and daughter 
of Jonathan Sanborn, and has two children, named 
Joseph E. and Jennie M. His son, Joseph E., married 
Lizzie Adams, of Pittsfield, N. H. 

Edmund Sanboen married Kuth Griffin, and bad 
a family of nine children, named William, Sally, 
Daniel L., Clarissa, James S., Jeremiah C,. Eliza J., 
John and True H. The sons of Edmund nearly all 
settled in Loudon. 

Daniel L. Sanborn married Ada Moore, and had 
a family of five children, named Jacob 0., Ruth J., 
Joseph T., Charles E. and Mary E. Of Captain Daniel 
Sanborn's family, Jacob O. is a graduate of Dartmouth 
College, and has become an eminent school-teacher ; 
Joseph T. married Fanny Peverly, of Canterbury, 
N.H., and resides upon his father's farm, having no 
children. He is an important and respected citizen 
of the town, having held important oflices in the same. 

William Sanborn married Susan Haines, and had 
two sons, named Richard P., who resides in Concord, 
and William H., a resident of Loudon. 

James S. Sanborn married Mary E. Yeaw, of 
Rhode Island, and has three children, named John B., 
Hattie B. and Byron. He has represented the town 
in the Legislature, and is a man of wealth. He 
resides upon the homestead, which was given him by 
his father. 

Jeremiah C. Sanboen married Betsy French, of 
Gilmanton, and has one daughter, named Ida B., who 
married James S. Tilton, son of Daniel Tilton, and 
has one daughter, named Maud. 

John Sanborn married — Thorndike, of Pitts- 
field, N. H., and resides at Laconia, N. H. 

True H. Sanborn married Adaline (Jreen, and 
has a family of five children. 

The Sanborn family have been among the most 
numerous of all the families of the town. They have 
been successful in the acquisition of property, and 
have principally settled in their native town ; are 
good citizens, and largely a religious and devoted 
people. 

Moses Morse, Sr., was btirn in ^Icthuen, Mass., 



in 1749, and married Abigail Lovejoy, of Andover, 
Mass., who was born in 175.5 and came to Lou- 
don in 1787. Mr. Morse bought this land of Ezra 
Blaisdel, which has always remained in the Morse 
name to the present time. They had a family of ten 
children, named Abigail, Jonathan, Persis, Moses, 
Lydia, Moses, (2.) Deborah, Persis, (2.) Levi and 
Isaac. Mr. Morse endured many of the hardships, in 
common with other settlers who came to Loudon. 

Moses Morse, Jr., was born April 13, 1788; mar- 
ried Sally Emery in 1815, and had three children, 
named Harris E., Alvah L. and Julianna P. Mr. 
Morse learned the trade of carpenter and wheel- 
wright, at which he worked in connection with farm- 
ing. He held several important offices in the town. 

Harris E. Morse married Sarah A. Eaton in 
1842, and had five children, named Mary A., Sarah 
A., Harris F., Mary E. and Alvah L. Mr. Morse 
has filled positions of honor and trust — represented 
the town in the Legislature and served as sheriff for 
a number of years. 

Alvah L. Morse married Delia M. Pritchard, and 
has one child, named Myrtle M. He resides upon 
the Morse homestead, and is of the fourth generation. 
He has held positions of trust. 

Elisha Buswell was born November 10, 1757 ; 
married, January 15, 1799, Abigail Perkins, born 
March 10, 1762, and had a family of four children, 
named William, Moses, John and Nancy. Moses 
Buswell married Betsey Jones, and had three chil- 
dren, — John L. and two others who died in youth. 

John L. Buswell married Mary E., daughter of 
Captain Daniel L. Sanborn, and has a family of two 
children, named Frank J. and Abby J. Mr. Buswell 
has held important town offices and is a respected 
citizen in the town. He is a practical farmer and 
has secured a fine property, with a pleasant location. 

Isaac Dimond was born in 1767, and married Sally 
Shaw, and had a family of ten children, named 
Betsy, Isaac, Sally, Polly, John, Abigail, Andrew, 
Gould and Ruth. 

Gould Dimond married Sally, daughter of Juna- 
than Rollins, of Loudon, and had a family of tour 
children, named Isaac P., Lucy M., Mary E. and 
Jonathan M. 

Jonathan JI. Dimoxd married Maria Peaslee, 
and had three children, named Ardena M., Saddle B. 
and Inez P. 

LuoY M. Dimond married John B. Moore, of Gil- 
manton, N. H., and had a family of four children. 

Mary E. Dimond married Nathan C. Clough, and 
had a family of two children, named Minnie E. and 
Alice. Mr. Clough is located at the north part of 
the town, and has been a resident of the same for 
twenty or more years. He has held the office of se- 
lectman and has represented the town in the Legis- 
lature. He is a firm and reliable citizen, as well a.s a 
man of excellent judgment. 

Nathan Tilton, born February 2, 1755, married 



LOUDON. 



Susannah Gail, born March 8, 17(31, and had nine chil- 
dren, — Betty, born June 30, 1781 ; Timotliy, born | 
May 3, 1783 ; Susannah, born September 4, 1785 ; i 
Daniel, born November 14, 1787 ; Nathan, born July | 
15, 1791 ; Stephen, born September 29, 1793 ; Newell, j 
born October 20, 1795; David, born July 1, 1798; i 
Joseph, born March 4, 1801. | 

Joseph Tilton, Sr., married, the second time, [ 
Coziah Bagley, October 20, 1783, and had three 
children, — Anna, born October 3, 1784 ; Dolly, born 
August 6, 1787; Timothy, born November 6, 1791. 
His first wife died April 20, 1783. She had two chil- 
dren — Joseph born April 19, 1781, and Martha, 
born March 6, 1783. 

William Tilton's Family.— Eliza Tilton, born 
July 24, 1788 ; William J., born May 9, 1790 ; Tim- 
othy, born July 22, 1792 ; Hannah, born August 9, 
1794; Patty, born December 17, 179G ; Amos. 

William Tiltox, Jr., married Abigail Brown, 
and had a family of two children, named Louisa A. 
and Charles S. Louisa A. Tilton married Jeremiah 
Blake, Esq., son of Enoch Blake, of Pittsfield, N. H., 
and had a family of four children, named Mary, El- 
len, Warren and Alvah. Mr. Blake is a prominent 
man in the town, and has been extensively engaged 
in managing and executing the business of the town 
for many years, and his counsel and advice is often 
sought and followed. He has held several offices in 
the town and commands the respect and esteem of 
its citizens. 

Major Daniel Tiltox had a family of eight 
children, named Sally, Nathan, Harriett, Newell, 
Joseph, Mary A., John S. R. and Samuel. 

Deacon Daniel Tilton had a family of five chil- 
dren, named Nathan F., born April 20, 1797 ; Shuah, 
born May 28, 1779 ; Abigail, born August 19, 1801 ; 
Betsey, born May 13, 1804; Daniel, born July 26, 
1805. 

Daniel Tilton, Jr., married Olive Sargent, and 
had a family of five children, named Charles S., 
Daniel, John, James S. and Olive E. James S. married 
Ida B. Sanborn, daughter of Jeremiah C. Sanborn, of 
Loudon. 

Philip Brown married Elizabeth Bachelder, Janu- 
ary 16, 1775, and had a family of nine children, — 
Thomas, born November 27, 1775 ; William, born 
January 7, 1778 ; David, born December 3, 1779 ; 
Joanna, born April 30, 1782 ; Levi, born No- 
vember 7, 1784 ; Philip, Jr., born April 8, 1787; Tim- 
othy, born October 17, 1789 ; Asa, born July 22, 1793 ; 
Eliphalet, born December 31, 1790. Philip Brown, 
Jr., married Abigail True, and had a family of two 
children, named True, and a daughter who married 
David Putnam, of Penacook, N. H. 

True Brown married Eliza C. Kelly, and had 
three children, named Charles K., Nellie S. and 
Mabel T. Charles K. resides upon the homestead of 
his grandfather, Philip Brown. 

THOMA.S Sargent, Sr., married Abigail Blaisdel 



in 1772, and had nine children, named Dolly, born 
October 28, 1772; Charles, born September 2, 1774; 
Thomas, born September 18, 1778 ; Josiah, born No- 
vember 7, 1780; Sarah, born February 11, 1782; 
Susannah, born February 12, 1785; Timothy, born 
November 27, 1786; David, born January 11, 1789; 
John, born December 5, 1791. 

Thomas Sargent, Jr., had a family of five chil- 
dren, — Hannah. Amos, Maria, Susan and John. 

Amos Sargent married Beck, and had a family 

of four children, named Elbridge G., David S., Albert 
B. and Mary A. Elbridge G. has acquired a good 
property, and has been chosen to the office of select- 
man of the town. 

Dr. Nathaniel T. Clark came to Loudon in 
1828, married Clara L. Bond, and liad one child, 
named C. Blanche. He studied medicine at Brook- 
line, N. Y., and has had practice in New London, 
Bradford and Manchester, N. H. 

Dr. William Tenney came to Loudon in the 
year 1793, and married Abigail Eollins ; married, 
the second time, Peggy Flanders, and had four chil- 
dren, named Abigail, Richard P. J., William D. B. 
and Joseph J. M. Dr. William Tenney practiced 
medicine for a long time in town, and at his decease 
Richard P. J., having studied medicine, commenced 
his practice in his fathers place, and continued until 
the year 1846, when he located at the enterprising 
village of Pittsfield, N. H. He had a large practice 
and was extensively known as a physician. After 
his removal he was chosen as a member of the Gov- 
ernor's Council, and filled other places of honor and 
trust, and died at Pittsfield in 1879. He married 
Hannah A. Sanborn, and had one daughter, named 
Abby. 

J. J. M. Tenney, after having spent some years in 
travel, settled upon the Tenney homestead and devo- 
ted the last of his life to agriculture, and died in 1876. 

Moses Rowell, Sr., was the son of Christopher 
Rowell, of Amesbury, Mass., and was born June 11, 
1764. He married Alice Currier, of Amesbury, and 
moved to Loudon in 1791, and located upon Bear 
Hill (so called), where he died November 4, 1846. 
He married, the second time, Nancy Leavitt, of Chi- 
chester, N. H., and had a family of ten children, 
named Captain John, Moses, Jr., Nancy, Micajah, 
Ruth, Asa T., Harris, Cyrus, Rufus and Sally L. 
Mr. Rowell was engaged for some length of time in 
teaming from Newburyport, Mass., to Salisbury, N. H. 

Moses Rowell, Jr., was born March 21, 1793, 
and married Sophia French, daughter of John 
Leavitt French, of Loudon, and had three children, 
named Perley W., John F. and Sarah Ann. 

Perley W. Rowell was born December 22, 1823, 
and married Caroline Clark, of Pittsfield, N. H., 
March 28, 1869, and have a family of two children, 
named Sarah W. and George W. Mr. Rowell lives 
upon the homestead of his father, and is a useful and 
highly-respected citizen of his native town. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



John F. Rowell was born January 6, 1826, and [ 
is unmarried. He commenced liis education at the 
common school in Loudon, and afterwards attended 
at Weare, Lee and Pembroke, N. H., and graduated at 
Haverford College, Pennsylvania. He was eminently 
fitted for a teacher, which avocation he successfully 
followed for many years in his immediate locality. 
Afterwards he was called to the Friends' School in 
Providence, K. I., and remained for twenty years. In 
1875 he retired from this school, and, wearied with the 
duties of a teacher's life, went to California, and is 
extensively engaged in agriculture, together with the 
manufacture and sale of lumber, of which he has 
purchased a large and valuable tract. He is an en- 
terprising and deserving man, and has, by his own 
efforts largely, acquired the position which he has so 
ably filled. The Rowell family are noted for intel- 
lect, ability and great firmness of principle, and are 
citizens who are interested and active in everything 
that advances and elevates the human race. 

Nathaniel Martin, Esq., came to Loudon and 
was first taxed in 1808. He was twice married and 
had a family of nine children, named Rue, Jane, 
Elizabeth and Hannah (twins), Mary, Abigail, Nancy, 
Sally and Theophilus B. Esquire Martin was en- 
gaged often in town business, and was an important 
and useful man of the day in which he lived. His 
name appears often upon the town records as having 
been chosen to discharge some public duty, which 
was carefully and satisfactorily performed. 

Theophilus B. Martin, Esq., married Sally L. 
Rowell, and had a family of four children, named 
Nathaniel (who died), Mary E., Abby and Nathaniel 
E. But few men have ever lived in town who have 
been so frequently chosen to positions of trust as 
Esquire Martin. He has represented the town in 
the Legislature, and been chosen as county treasurer, 
besides performing a large amount of probate and 
private business as a justice of the peace. He early 
engaged in the calling of a school-teacher, and con- 
tinued in it until the middle age of life with success. 
He was a member of the church, and was deeply in- 
terested in all matters pertaining to the welfare and 
best interest of the public. He moved with his fam- 
ily to Concord, N. H., where he died. 

Nathaniel E. Martin, his son, obtained his edu- 
cation at the Concord High School, and afterwards 
studied law with William E. Chase, Esq., after which 
he opened an office in Concord, and is now connected 
with the firm of Albin, Tappan & Martin. That 
success has attended his eflbrts which is always the 
reward of labor and diligence in every calling in life. 

The Gate Family in Loudon descended from Ste- 
phen Cate, who came from Deerfield, N. H., in 1784. 
He had seven children, named Shadrach, born August 
10, 1779; Charles, born January 2, 1781; John, born 
March 29, 1783; Stephen and Jonathan (twins), born 
March 3, 1785 ; Sally, born April 1, 1787 ; Meshach, 
born July 0, 1789. 



Stephen Cate settled upon the farm now 
owned by William W. Cate, where he built a log 
house for himself and fiimily of two children, the 
eldest being two and one-half years and the young- 
est but eighteen months old. He rode from Deer- 
field, N. H., on horseback with his wife, each carrying 
one of the children in their arms as they rode upon 
the same horse. The following year Mrs. Cate, 
whose name was Anna, gave birth to the twins, Ste- 
jjhen and Jonathan, whose weight at birth was 
twenty-two pounds, who lived and grew to very 
large and strong men, looking so nearly alike as 
hardly to be distinguished from each other. Three 
of. these boys settled in Loudon,^ — Shadrach, .lohn and 
Stephen. 

Shadrach Cate had a family of eleven children, 
of whom eight lived, named, Hiram and Hannah 
(twins), Rebecca, Eliza, Sally, Judith, Shadrach and 
Moses. He married Rebecca Chamberlin, an intelli- 
gent and estimable woman. Of this family, Shadrach 
studied medicine and is a skillful practitioner as well 
as a gentleman of inllueuee and culture, in the city of 
Washington, D. C. 

John Cate settled upon the home farm ; married 
and had a family of four children ; the eldest died at 
birth. The others were named Nancy, Miles and 
Benjamin. At the birth of Nancy Cate, John, her 
father, planted an elm-tree, which has been growing 
seventy six years and measures seventeen feet in cir- 
cumference at the base. 

Benjamin Gate was born March 23, 1814, and 
married Eliza A. Wells, daughter of Stephen Wells, 
of Loudon, and has two sons, named William W. and 
Carter E. Cate. 

He was a man of large ability and when a young 
man was often given places of trust. His public life 
and influence were extensive, and he became one of 
the leading men of the town in which he resided. 
He was chosen to various town offices and represented 
the same in the Legislature. He was a man of genial 
turn and manner to every one, and his assistance and 
counsel were sought and obtained by his neighbors 
and friends in time of need. He was every man's 
friend. His life was noted for the integrity and up- 
rightness of character which he ever maintained. 
His religious principles were firm and deeply fixed, 
from which there spread an influence that shaped and 
guided the thoughts and acts of those with whom he 
associated. 

William W. Cate lives upon the homestead of 
his father, and he is of the fourth generation of the 
Cate family. His early life was largely devoted to the 
cause of education, and he engaged in school-teaching 
to quite an extent, his efforts being attended with 
good success. After the death of his father he en- 
gaged in agriculture, and sustains a high and influen- 
tial position as such among the citizens of his native 
town. 

He has been elected to, and discharged the duties 



507 



of, several offices in town with care and fidelity. His 
advice and assistance are largely sought in matters of 
probate, and he is a man of strong influence in private 
and public business. His religious principles are 
strongly fixed, and his life thus far well marked by 
exemplary conduct and sincerity of purpose. 

Carter E. Gate was born August 26, 1852. He fitted 
for college at Tilton, N. H., and entered the Wesleyan 
University, at Middletown, Conn., in 1872. After two 
years he went to Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, 
where he graduated in 1876. He afterwards attend- 
ed the Boston University, and in June, 1878, was or- 
dained as a minister of the gospel by the Free- Will 
Baptist denomination, at Loudon, N. H., where he 
engaged as pastor and remained one year. During 
his stay with this, his own church and native town, 
an unusual and deep-felt interest was manifest 
throughout the whole town in attending divine wor- 
ship upon the Sabbath, such as had not been expe- 
rienced for a generation. His preaching was marked 
with great simplicity and sincerity, which held the 
mind and attention of his audience from the begin- 
ning to the end of his discourse. He engaged at 
Lake Village, N. H., afterwards, and remained three 
years; then went to Lowell, Mass., and remained one 
year; then married Electa Dunavan, and moved to 
Lewiston, Me. 

Mr. Gate inherits from the Cate family the charac- 
teristics which are so noticeable in the biography of 
the family. He is pleasant and aflable in appearance, 
firm in his principles, deeply imbued with respect for 
Christianity and all its ennobling and elevating prin- 
ciples. 

His success in life has been most excellent, and a 
brilliant future seems to await him in the choice of 
the great calling that he has engaged in as a life- 
w,n-k. 

The Stevens Family, — Moses Stevens, Sr.'s, 
family of six children were named Joseph, Jonathan 
C, Elizabeth, Hannah, Eliza and Andrew. 

Andrew Stevens married Lucinda Sargent, and 
had a family of three children, named Moses E., 
John and Hannah. 

Moses E. Stevens married Nettie P. Bachelder, 
daughter of William Bachelder, and has a family of 
two children, named Wiflnie M. and William G. 

Mr. Stevens is the last representative of the large 
Stevens family in Loudon and possesses the strong 
characteristics which have made them so useful as 
citizens in the town. He is a man of ability and in- 
fluence, and has held positions of trust conferred upon 
him by the citizens of the town. 

The Ordway Family in Loudon descended from 
Abner and James Ordway, who came from Tower 
Hill, in England, to Newbury, Mass., about 1640. 
Abner settled in Watertown, Mass., and James in 
Dover, N. H. Abner married, August 15, 1656, Sarah, 
daughter of Stephen Brown, of Newbury, Mass., she 
being the widow of Edward Dennis, of Boston, Mass. 



No descendants of Abner are found. James uiarrie<l, 
November 23, 1648, Ann Emery, whose father came 
from England some years before, and had a family of 
ten children, named Ephraim, James, Edward, Sarah, 
John, Isaac, Jane, Hannaniah, Annie and Mary, 
which w'ere the second generation. The third gener- 
ation descended from John, son of James. The 
fourth from James, son of John, whose children were 
Moses and James. 

Moses Ordway was one of the first settlers in the 
town, and married Anna Huntington. He was born 
in Amesbury, Mass., April 11, 1721. His wife was 
born March 16, 1716, and they settled near the Yel- 
low School-house, where some of their descendants 
have resided irom that time. One of the attractions 
to this locality were the meadows in the immediate 
vicinity, from which they cut hay for their cattle. 
Moses, Jr., married his cousin Persis, the sister of 
Joses, and had eight children, named Persis, born 
June 1, 1776; Moses (3d), born January 1, 1779; 
Betsey, born March 1, 1781 ; Stephen, born August 

24, 1784; Betsey (2d), born March 12, 1787; Amos, 
born January 15,1790; Aaron, born February 1'.', 
1792 ; Hammond, born June 10, 1795. 

Daniel and Joses Ordway were descendants of 
James. Daniel Ordway married, first time, Deborah 
Lougee, and came from Andover, Mass., where he 
had two children born, — Daniel, born September 2, 
1773 ; and Isaac, born J'ebruary 6, 1775. There were 
born at Loudon, — Lemuel, October 12, 1776 ; Alse, 
born November 12, 1778; Isaac (2d), born December 

25, 1780 ; Hazen, born April 15, 1783 ; Polly, born 
May 21, 1785. He married, the second time, Ruth 
Moulton, and had Hiram, Chlora, Statira, Eneas, Jus- 
tus, Jairus and Ruth Ann, making a family of four- 
teen in all. 

Joses Ordway, brother of Daniel, had a family of 
seven children, — Lucy, born January 1, 1795 ; Lois, 
born October 1, 1796 ; Sophia, born January 1, 1799 ; 
Abial, born May 3, 1800 ; John G., born November 3, 
1801 ; Sukey,.born February 21, 1803 ; Harriett, born 
April 10, 1808. 

Abial Ordway married Clarissa French, and had 
four children, — Martha S., Abial C, John F. and 
Mary J. 

John F. Ordway married Georgianna, the only 
daughter of Samuel Huckins, of Loudon, and had a 
family of four children, named Delia P., Etfie L., 
Lillian M. and Cora F. 

Hiram Ordway married Sally Blaisdell, and had 
one child, named Myra E., who married Joseph W. 
Blaisdell. 

Captain Hiram Ordway was an important and 
respected citizen of his town. He was a carpenter by 
trade, which avocation he followed for several years. 
He held important offices in the town and was elected 
to the Legislature. He was of a most genial and 
quiet disposition, and his influence was large in his 
native town, in religious as well as in public matters. 



HISTORY OF MEKRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Joseph C. Okdmay married Martha S. Ordway 
and had a family of seven children, — Nellie, Grace, 
Walter, Henry, Georgiauna, Lilla and one infant that 
died. 

JoEl, f^. OiunvAY married M. .I:inc Wifrgins- ile 
resides upon the farm of his father, Lemuel Ordway, 
and has one child, named Horace F. 

Daniel and Joses Ordway were soldiers of the 
Revolutionary War. Joses served in Captain John 
Abbott's company, in Major Gage's regiment, and 
Daniel in the foot company raised in Methuen and 
Andover, Mass. After the war they came to Loudon, 
and settled with their cousin, Moses Ordway. 

Stephen Ordway married Rachel Clifford, and 
had three children, named Mary, Joseph C. and 
Benjamin (twins). 

John Cassey Ordway was the son of Moses Ord- 
way (3d), and married Ruth Sauborn. He had three 
children, named Eliza, Augusta A. and Benjamin F. 
Ordway. 

The trials and sufl'ering of the first of the Ordway 
settlers were the same as those of others. Upon one 
occasion Mr. Moses Ordway, Jr., went to Amesbury, 
Mass., and brought home one bushel of corn upon his 
back, it being a year when the crops were cut ofl' by 
frost, and his fivmily subsisted upon the ground-nut 
while he was gone. A gla.ss bottle of curious device 
was brought from England by one of the two brothers 
that first came, and bequeathed to one Moses, upon 
the condition that it remain in the family of some 
descendant whose name was Moses throughout all 
succeeding years. Moses Ordway, the third, was the 
last Moses, and it is now in the possession of John C, 
whose father was the last. 

The number of children in some of the families who 
have lived in Loudon is here given, with their names : 

Moses Rollins had a family of eleven, named Samuel, 
Anna, Thomas, Moses, William, Eliza, Sarah, Abi- 
gail, Jonathan, John and Dorothy. 

Deacon Samuel Sleeper had a family of fourteen, 
named Hannah, Susannah, Elizabeth, Molly, Molly 
(2d), Anna, Stephen, Samuel, Chase, Oilman, Sarah, 
Sarah (2d), Mahala and Abigail. 

Timothy Gleason had a family often, named John, 
Edmund, Polly, Timothy, Sophia, Moses, Nancy, 
Charlotte, Jeremiah and Warren. 

Timothy French had a family of seven, named 
Betty, Joshua, Betty (2d), Mary, Timothy, Rachel and 
Joanna. 

Kno<'h Ofigood had a family of eleven, named Sally, 
Molly, Nabby, Deborah, Elanor, Josiah, Dolly, Nancy, 
Samuel, Clarissa and Betsey. 

Zebulon Winslow had a family of eleven, — Moses, 
George, David, Sleeper, Elizabeth, Lucy, Mary, 
Zebulon, Clarissa, Almiraand Ann. 

John Stevens had a family of ten, named Edna, 
Abel, Elizabeth, Martha, Dolly, John, Charity, Rich- 
ard, Je.sse and David. 

Isaiah Harvey had a I'ainily of nine, named Molly, 



Judith, David, Hannah, Sally, Joiiaihnn. Susannah, 
Patty and Chase. 

Colonel Jonathan Rollins had a family of ten, 
named Joanna, Huldah, Sophronia, Judith, John, 
Sally, Jeremiah, Ai, Judith (2d), and Trueworthy. 

Joshua French had a family of seven, named Sally, 
.lohn, David, Timothy, Sally, Daniel and Charles. 

Nathaniel Martin had a family of nine, named Rue, 
Jane, Elizabeth, Hannah, Mary, Abigail, Nancy, 
Sally and Theophilus. 

John Stevens had a family of nine, named Harriet, 
Polly, William, John, Jonas, Parraelia, Betsey, Ruth 
and Jemima. 

Thomas Proctor had a family of eleven, named 
Lydia, Fanny, Sally, Thomas, Rebecca, Peter, Joseph, 
William, James, Benjamin and Priscilla. 

Nathaniel Maxfield had a family of twelve, named 
Retsey, Stephen, Eliphalet, Mehetable, Ruth, Na- 
thaniel, James, Joseph, Nathan, EUe, Hannah and 
Samuel. 

Isaac Dimond had a family of ten, named Isaac, 
Betsey, Isaac (2d), Sally, Polly, John, Abigail, Andrew, 
Gould and Ruth. 

Samuel Drew had a family of nine, named Hitty, 
Joseph, Judith, John, Stephen, Samuel, Sally, Nathan 
and Altazera. 

Caleb Pillsbury had a family of nine, named 
Nathan, Ruth, Sarah, Judith, Elizabeth, Mary, Caleb, 
Benjamin and Martha. 

Thomas Sargent had a family of nine, named Dolly, 
Charles, Thomas, Josiah, Sarah, Susannah, Timothy, 
David and John. 

Philip Brown had a family of nine, named Thomas, 
William, David, Joanna, Levi, Philip, Jr., Timothy, 
Asa and Eliphalet. 

Samuel Piper had a family of nine, named Jona- 
than, Benjamin, Sally, Jane, Betsey, Samuel, David, 
Elisha and Enoch. 

Jeremiah Bennett had a family of nine, named 
William, Betsey, Elsa, Sally, Rachel, Jeremiah, 
Leavitt, Mary and Amos. 

Dimond Furnald had a family of fifteen, named 
Sarah, Polly, Nabby, Thomas, David, Robert, Josiah, 
Comfort, Rachel, Eunice, Susa, John, Dimond, Chase 
and Charlotte. 

The change of the name and absence of many of 
the old residents is a very noticeable fact in the history 
of the town. The large families of the name of French , 
Wood, Rollins, Tucker, Martin, Clifibrd, Furnald, 
Moulton, Hutchins, Proctor, Lowell, Gleason, Holt, 
Tenney, Sweatt and Mathcs, none are living in 
town ; and instances might be mentioned among 
some of them where there is no heir to their honored 
and respected names. Others of equal importance, 
such as Buswell, Sleeper, Morrill, Dimond, Stevens 
and Young, have but one left in each family to per- 
petuate the name. The interest which these families 
manifested, and the labor performed by them, both 
in establishing and providing for their descendants a 




i"y ■iyAJiJM'^''^' 



Jti^^ "h^^A 




t^') C/rrj.U,yA LS-ut£/A 



LOUDON. 



509 



government political and religious, as well as educa- 
tional, which might be perpetuated to all succeeding 
generations, was worth enduring the toil and hardship 
tlu-Dugli which tlicy lived and labored. 

War of the Rebellion.— The following is a list of 
the luunes ot' those who served in the War of the 
Rebellion : 

Jeremiah liruwn, Jr., Koswell Bl. ('. Hilliard, Moses Sargont, Tristram 



Josi-I.li 'I " ■ I . ■ ^ : >l \\^-l."!l, II, I HI, W. 

Freii, 1,, J '.,, I I.." ',.,', J. ,,,,,■- \, l','M, ,,„,ll, II,',, J., ,,,,,, II. o,,hv,iy, N,i. 
thauiel Cuijp, Juliu T. Hachekler, Harii.suii 1!. lieny, Goi.irgo W. WliUl- 
ileu, Stephen \V. Newton, Samuel Small, George H. Abbott, John II. 
Willey, Roby M. True, Samuel Kunnels, George W. F. Goldsmith, 
Stephen M. Maxfield, Luther C. Copp, Charles E. C. Tucker, Joseph E. 
Clifford, Jr., Charles A. Locke, Benjamin F. Wells, Albert H. IlilluKrove, 
.loseph M. Hillsgrove, Joseph W. Dickennan, Erlon V. Dillingham, 
Charles U. Abbott, Amos K. Copp. Ransom D. Pettengill, Asahel G. 
Whidden, Luther C. Whidden, John Q. A. Sargent, John C. Whidden, 
Samuel C. Wliiddon, Charles C. Rogers, Henry I. Sargeut, Caleb Brown, 
Frederick S. Morse, Lyman A. Hamblet, Alfred W. Maxfield, Asahel 
Burnham, Abial B. Brown, George L. Bloore, Ira J. Hutchinson, Alfred 
Dearborn, James T. Minard, James H. Chase, Frank M. Gay, Daniel F. 
Moses, Charles F. Mason, Charles F. Smith, Horace B. Carr, Francis 
Henshaw, Reuben B. Haynes, Charles H. Leavitt, John A. Cutler, John 
Nixon, John U. Pingree, Seth W. Saltmarsh, Amos 0. Dickerman, John 
Hastings, George Strong, Joseph S. True, Jefferson Rogers, Wyman Pet- 
tengill, Joseph A. Sweatt, William Sanborn (second), Charles Nixon, 
Samuel E. Johnston, Frederick E. Copp, True C. Brown, Edward Smith, 
William H. H. Watson, Hiram F. Flanders, Stephen W. Bachelder, 
Zara V. Hilliard, John A. Smith, Oliver Hutchinson, George W. Smith, 
Georgo H. Johnston, Joseph C. Haynes, George E. Leavitt, Joseph W. 
Blaisdell, Frank Locke, Jeremiah H, Smith, Samuel A. Halt, Albert L. 
Badielder, William E. P. Willey, John 0. Connell, Alexander Morse, 
Arthur Burns, John A. Kimball, Harrison Griffin, Stephen Sweatt. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETC HES. 



DEACON STEPHEN WEEKS. 

Deacon Stephen Weeks was the son of Stephen 
:iiid Betsey (Weed) Weeks, of Gilmanton, N. H. 
and came to Loudon near 1843. He married, first, 
Mary A. Stevens, who died in a short time after her 
marriage. Mr. Weeks married, the second time, 
Elizabeth W. Haines, of Canterbury, who was an in- 
telligent and accomplished woman. The second 
marriage of. Deacon Weeks resulted in a fomily of 
six children, named Adaline, William H., Martha, 
.\bby, Mary J. and Dora V. 

Deacon Weeks, during his early life, taught several 
terms of school during the winter, while in other 
seasons of the year he bought and sold cattle. After- 
wards he bought a farm and gave his attention to 
farming as a pursuit. Having been successful in this 
calling, several years ago he purch.ased the farm upon 
which his family reside, refitted the buildings and 
l)repared it for his permanent home. During his 
residence of about forty years in the town he suc- 
ceeded in laying up property amounting to over 



twenty thousand dollars by diligence, labor and 
economy. He regarded the interest of the town as 
a citizen, and gave his influence always in that di- 
rection which he considered as right and just. He 
was liberal in his charity to others, whenever called 
upon for aid and assistance, often bestowing without 
invitation whenever and wherever his feelings 
prompted, and never was known to turn one away 
empty. His advice was safe and well matured 
whenever applied for. He was of a deep religious 
cast of mind, a member of the Free Baptist Church 
and for many years was one of its deacons. His interest 
in his church was large and sincere, for which he 
labored ardently and constantly, being one of the 
large and ready supporters of the gospel in all its 
wants. He was a constant attendant, with his family, 
upon public worship and the Sabbath-school. His 
last acts in life were of beneficence. He died in 
January, 1885, a worthy and esteemed citizen of the 
town, and will be cherished in the memory of many 
for the good which he has accomplished. 



KEV. JEREMIAH CLOUtiH. 

KeV. Jeremiah Clough was born in Loudon, N. H., 
February 3, 1792, and was the eldest of the five chil- 
dren of Jonathan and Betsey Clough. His grand- 
father, Jonathan Clough, Sr., moved from Salisbury, 
Mass., to Loudon about the year 1771, with five chil- 
dren, and located on that tract which h.ts been known 
;vs "Clough's Hill,"— then a wilderness. He wa.s 
born in 1724, and married Elizabeth Thompson in 
1756. His children were named Joseph, Nathan, 
Sarah, Jonathan, Jr., and Love. Mr. Jonathan 
Clough, Sr., was a man of large business capacity, 
and was chosen clerk of the parish for seventeen 
years and selectman for four years. He was a black- 
smith by trade, working both iron and steel. He 
married three times, but had no children that lived 
by either of the last two marriages. Jonathan 
Clough, Jr., married Betsy Clough. of Epping, N. H.. 
and had five children, named Jeremiah, Joseph and 
Benjamin (twins), Jonathan and Sally. 

Rev. Jeremiah Clough married Sabrina Clough, 
daughter of Leavitt Clough, of Canterbury, in 1813, 
by whom he had a family of eight children. Six of 
them died in infancy and before maturity. The two 
youngest were named Jeremiah L. and Charles C. 
Mr. Clough married, the second time, Deliverance 
Hodgdon, of Northfield, N. H., September 10, 1840. 
They had one daughter, named Christiana, who is 
the only living representative of the nine children 
born to the Rev. Mr. Clough. After his first mar- 
riage he moved to Canterbury, with his wife's father, 
and was, for several years, a large and successful 
farmer. He acquired a large property, and was an 
industrious and robust man. He was early taught 
to labor, and during hi.s whole life was industrious 
and economical in all his purposes. 



510 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



la 1819 he professed religion, aud was licensed as 
a preacher of the gospel in 1835. He was ordained 
in 1838. and preached as an evangelist, for ten years, 
the doctrine of the Free-Will Baptist denomination. 
He was chosen pastor of his own church in Canter- 
bury in 1848, and continued in this relation until the 
year 1872, when he suffered a partial shock of par- 
alysis, and retired from the active labors of the 
ministry. During his labors with this church a 
large number were added to it, and it became one ol 
the strongest in the Quarterly Meeting. In the mean 
time a new and commodious church edifice wa^- 
erected, to which Mr. Clough was a large contributor. 
It was dedicated about the year 1853, Kev. Mr. 
Clough preaching the ordination sermon. He was a 
most devout man, and his life-work was full of suc- 
cess as a gospel minister. He was a man of great 
natural ability, and possessed fully the character- 
istics required in a man of so strong purposes. He- 
was widely known as an humble and Christian man, 
devoid of all ostentation and display. His Christian 
life was above reproach, while he had the most 
profound reverence for the house of God and all its 
ordinances, making his worship at all times spiritual 
and full of devotion. He was full of Christian 
charity, zeal and unending love for his church in 
Canterbury ; for Christian ministers, making large 
donations to destitute churches, aiding in building 
houses of worship ; the cause of education and missions ; 
and was always a true friend of the destitute and needy. 
His word was never doubted or his veracity ques- 
tioned. 

He was a man of large social qualities, pos- 
sessing true affability of manners, which made his 
home social, agreeable and always pleasant to his 
family, and full of hospitality to friends and strangers. 
The words of advice and counsel which fell from his 
venerable lips were wise, safe and full of consolation, 
especially in times of affliction and trouble. His 
services were largely sought in affliction by death of 
friends, to which his words were as " healing balm." 
He always refused remuneration for all religious ser- 
vice throughout his entire life. 

His family trials were severe in the loss of his 
children, but were borne with Christian fortitude. 
One of the greatest questions of his life was to de- 
cide whether to devote his life-work to the ministry 
or not. This he decided upon his knees in the pas- 
ture, beneath a tree, which still lives, and spreads its 
few branches over the monument of stones which he 
erected, as a seal of the vow of consecration which 
he made to his God more than fifty years since. 
His last act of baptism was performed at the age of 
eighty-two years. The Rev. Jeremiah Clough re- 
ceived the honors of his town by being chosen to 
office and representing it in the Legislature. About 
twenty-five years since he moved from Canterbury to 
his native town of Loudon, where lie ilio<I at iho ad- 
vanced age of eighty-seven years. 



His photograph, from which this portrait is made, 
was taken at the age of eighty-four years. 

Jeremiah L. Clough married Clara Clough, daugh- 
ter of the Hon. Joseph Clough, of Loudon, and had 
two children, named Lucy S. and Jeremiah J. 

Charles C. Clough married Mary E. Osgood, daugh- 
ter of Ira Osgood, Esq., of Loudon, and had one child, 
named Charla E., who lives at the old Clough home- 
stead in Canterbury. Charles C. Clough died in July, 
1861, a noble and highly- esteemed citizen and Chris- 
tian man. His widow married, the second time, the 
Rev. A. D. Smith, of Laconia, who succeeds the Rev. 
J. Clough in the ministry at Canterbury. 



JOSEPH BACHELDER. 

Joseph Bachelder was the son of Ca))tain Abraham 
Bachelder (3), and was born in Loudon in 1800. He 
is the descendant of Jethro, and is in the direct line 
from the Rev. Stephen Bachelder, from England. He 
married Hannah H. Hill, by whom he had a family 
of six children,— John Q. A., born March 10, 1826 ; 
Otis H., born January, 1828, died November 17, 
1859 ; ;Clarissa, born [January 6, 1830 ; Joseph P., 
born October 21, 1835; Elvira A., born June 4, 1839, 
Roseltha, born .\pril 17, 1S45, died September 20, 
1860. 

John Q. A. married Eliza J. Sanborn, daughter 
of Edmund Sanborn ; has lived in Massachusetts 
since twenty-five years of age ; has no children. 

Otis H. married ]\Iaria Howard, of Lawrence. Mass., 
where he was in trade until his death, and left no 
children. 

Clarissa married Cyrus T. Bachelder, and resides 
in Peabody, Mass., and is engaged in trade. 

Joseph P. married Elvira A. Whitney, of Canter- 
bury, and had one child, named Alfred P. 

Mr. Bachelder married, the second time, Abby J. 
Demeritt. Mr. Bachelder resides upon the home- 
stead and occupies the pleasant mansion of his 
father. He is a most thorough and practical farmer 
and an honored and respected citizen of the town. 
His son, Alfred P., married Nellie M. Brown, of Can- 
terbury, and has one child, named Ernest L., which 
constitutes the sixth generation of Bachelders that 
have been born in this Bachelder mansion and have 
lived in the same, beginning with JethrO. 

Joseph Bachelder died in Loudon March 29, 1877. 
He was an able, upright and a respected citizen of 
the town, and was always interested deeply in the 
cause of education, the progress of science and reli- 
gion. He, with his wife, were members of the Con- 
gregational Church at the village in Loudon for 
many years. He was an excellent and practical far- 
mer, having one of the finest situations in the town, 
upon which he has made extensive improvements. He 
was firm and decided in his opinions, and unyielding 
in the principles which lie Ik'UcvciI to W right. He 
did not interest liiiuself in iicditical matters to any 




>S!^ /^^C^yC-A^-u/A.^— 




(3yr iy'6 ^ jc^^-^' 



LOUDON. 



511 



extent, aud was never elected to any of the ordinary 
offices of the town. He was successful in the acqui- 
sition of property, and at his death possessed a large 
and valuable estate. A relic is retained in posses- 
sion of the family, which is the wig worn by Jethro, 
Sr., who was a bald-headed man. An interesting inci- 
dent is related at his birth, which is, tliat while going for 
the necessary assistance in the case, to a neighbor's, 
the person, in crossing a brook, caught by an elmtree 
for support, which uprooted and was transplanted af- 
terward near the residence, and which measured, in 
July, 1885, seventeen feet in circumference. In the 
year 1800 a bear was killed, which had two young 
cubs. The oil was taken from the old one. 
Some of it was sealed up in a small bottle, some of 
which was shown the writer in 1885, it being eighty- 
' five years old. One of the cubs was killed with its 
mother ; the other was taken to the breast of a wo- 
man who had lost a new-born babe. 

Mr. Bachelder, upon the fiftieth anniversary of hi.s 
marriage, was presented, by his connection and 
friends, with a valuable gold-headed cane, which is 
kept in the family and highly prized. 



.SAMUEL B. LOVEKIXO. 

The first of the Lovering family of whom we have 
i: any authentic record was Moses Lovering, of Exeter, 
J N. H. He married Nelly Taylor, of Exeter, by whom 
I he had a family of thirteen children, — nine boys and 
• four girls, viz. : Willerby, Nelly, Osgood, Taylor, 
Nancy, Moses, Jesse, Mary, Zebulon, John, Daniel, 
William and Sarah. Of these, the first eleven were 
burn in Exeter, the latter two in Loudon. One re- 
markable fact in a family so large was that they all 
lived to be from forty to ninety years of age. They 
1 were all married and had families ; two of them, Moses 
1 and William, were twice married ; Mary was the first 
who died (about 1815), and William died in Spring- 
field (1865). 

In the year 1787, Moses Lovering, with his family, 
left Exeter to make his home in the then sparsely-set- 
I tied region now the populous and thrifty town of 
Loudon. Their household goods were brought in an 
:' ox-team, while the ladies rode on horseback about 
fifty miles along a forest pathway over the hills to 
their future home, a hundred-acre lot on the site of 
Mr. S. B. Lovering's present abode. There was a 
in-imitive affair dignified by the title of a mill on the 
place, in which, by diligence and patience, they could 
grind a bushel or so of corn. There were none of the 
comforts, or what would be considered at the present 
day the necessities, of civilized life, surrounding them 
in their frontier home ; but with the resolute will 
which characterized the grand old pioneers of our 
American civilization, they went earnestly and hope- 
fully to work and soon converted the forest-clad hills 
into smiling fields teeming with cereal productions, 
and gradually gathered around them property and eon- 
33 



veniences. They from timeto time added to theoriginal 
hundred acres till they possessed a landed estate of 
over five hundred acres. The boys were ingenious as 
well as industrious; all of them couldskillfuUy handle 
carpenter's tools, aud possessed the various requisite 
qualities and accomplishments for successful pio- 
neers. 

In course of time all the brotlicrs married and set- 
tled in Loudon, and as each one took to himself a 
companion, the other brothers would all join together 
and build for the newly-wedded couple a house to live 
in. In that early day there was no public-school sys- 
tem in vogue, there were no school-houses, and the 
only tutorship the children of the neighborhood could 
obtain was when occasionally an itinerant teacher 
would come into a community and teach for a few 
months at a private house, when those children who 
lived near enough and whose parents were able to pay 
for their tuition were privileged to attend. Moses 
Lovering, with a family of thirteen children to rear 
and support, and poor in purse, could not afford to 
send his children away to school and so they were 
comparatively uneducated. Some of the boys so far 
educated themselves as to be able to attend to their 
business affairs without outside aid in such matters as 
required record or correspondence, but they all felt 
severely the need of better education. They were very 
steadfast in their affection for each other, and each 
frequently visited the other at their respective homes ; 
and thus the long winter evenings were spent in so- 
cial converse around the hearth-stones of those huge 
old fire-places, where roared and crackled the blazing 
wood-fires of our grandsires' days. 

About 1816, William and Osgood moved to Stew- 
artstown, N. H., Taylor to Canada, Daniel and Wil- 
liam to Springfield, N. H. From there Daniel went 
to the West and died. The others died in Loudon 
and vicinity. The boys were all Democrats in 
politics. 

Zebulon Lovering, the father of Samuel B., was born 
in Exeter, N. H., July 15, 1777. He married, January 
21, 1807, Abigail Buswell, who was born in Kingston, 
N. H. (1787). Upon the death of his father, Moses, 
Zebulon inherited the homestcr.d in Loudon and re- 
sided there till the close of his life. They had ten 
children, — Samuel B. (portrait in this volume) ; Al- 
mira-, born September 10, 1811, married Kinsley Ma- 
son ; Anis J., born February 12, 1814, married George 
W. Neal; Sarah B., born August 14, 1816, married 
James McAustin; Louisa, born February 17, 1819, 
married Aaron B.Young ; Laura L., born February 27, 
1822, married Rev. Stephen Eastman ; Abigail, born 
August 11, 1824, married Osni P. Hamblet; and 
Alonzo B., born April 13, 1827, married Sarah Davis. 
Zebulon died December 21, 1830; Mrs. Lovering, 
August 21, 1861. 

Samuel B. Lovering, the eldest child of Zebulon, 
was born April 13, 1808. In his boyhood days the 
district schools were usually kept about three months 



512 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



in the year. He began attendance at these when 
about eight years of age, and continued till he was 
eighteen. After this he took lessons of Master Tim- 
othy Gleason in writing and arithmetic. He was 
brought up to work on the farm and at the mill. The 
year he attained his majority his father died, and the 
care of his widowed mother and the smaller children 
devolved upon him. His father left the farm to him 
upon the decease of his mother. Soon after his 
father's death he rebuilt the old mill, converting it 
into a saw-mill, and it has been run as such ever 
since, sawing lumber, boards, shingles and laths, 
averaging about one hundred and fifty thousand per 
year. He has, from time to time, made additions to 
the real estate he inlierited from his father, and now 
owns about four hundred acres of land. He has 
been a successful and prosperous farmer. He united 
with the Methodist Ei)iscopal Church when he was 
about thirty years of age, and from that time to the 
present he has been a consistent member. He is 
fond of music and accomplished as a singer and instru- 
mental performer. He led the choir in his church for 
twenty years, and in old militia days he played the 
clarionet at the muster-grounds for fifteen years. He 
has served his town as selectman and representative 
to the Legislature. He has been justice of the 
peace for nearly forty years, and has been in Probate 
Court business since his first appointment, and has 
settled many estates and held other positions of trust. 

He married, December 18, 1834, Mary S. Rogers, of 
Northfield ; she was born April 22, 1811, and was a 
lineal descendant of John Rogers, the martyr. Their 
children were, — 

Nancy A., born January 31, 1836; married Josiah 
Young, and lives at Clarksville, N. H. 

James B., born March 7, 1838; married Jennie 
Hamilton, a school-teacher, of Brookline, N. Y. He 
was for several years manager of the Joseph Dixon 
Crucible Company, at Jersey City ; now lives at 
Webster, Fla. 

Harlen P., born June 12, 1843; married Eliza 
Wentworth, of Boston ; resides at Tampa, Fla. 

Abigail M., born May 14, 1845 ; married Augustus 
A. Arling, a farmer in Canterbury. He died, and she 
married George Simmons, of Boston, Mass. 

Clara A., born November 18, 1848 ; died November 
5, 1855. 

Frank O., born June 1, 1856 ; died July 7, 1862. 

Mrs. Lovering died November 11, 1858. 

Mr. Lovering's second wife was Lucy Grace, of 
Hillsborough, N. H. They were married September 
4, 1859. She was born February 10, 1826. Their 
children were, — 

Clara A., born July 19, 1860 ; married Herman W. 
JIudgett, M.D. ; now resides at Jloorc's Forks, N. Y. 

Frank O., born April 2, 1863. 

I-Mwin K., born April 7, 1865. Both the latter are 
at the old homestead, a.ssisting their father in the 
conduct of the mill and farm. 



Mrs. Lovering died March 17, 1878. 

Mr. Lovering married in Concord, N. H., Novem- 
ber 11, 1880, his present wife, Lavina Hoyt, of 
Fisherville (now Pennacook). She was born Feb- 
ruary 26, 1832. She is the daughter of Deacon 
Benjamin Hoyt, deacon of the First Baptist Church 
of Pennacook from its organization till his death, 
September 6, 1864. Mrs. Lovering has been a member 
of the same church since her nineteeth year. She 
for many years taught a class of girls in the Sabbath- 
school there, and all of them have subsequently 
united with the church. 

Deacon Benjamin Hoyt was noted for his moral 
integrity and strict piety. He was a successful 
farmer and a highly-respected citizen of his town. He 
was descended from John Hoyt, one of the original 
settlers of Salisbury, Mass. (For a more extended an- 
cestral history of the Hoyt — or Hoitt — family see 
biography of Thomas L. Hoitt, in this volume.) 

Mrs. Lovering's mother was Hannah Eastman, a 
descendant of Captain Ebenezer Eastman, who in 
early life followed the seas, and was one of the pio- 
neer settlers of ancient Pennacook (now Concord), 
N. H. Another of her ancestors was Captain Joseph 
Eastman, who figured in the French and Indian War. 
Mrs. Hoyt was a very pious woman, and when her 
husband, the deacon, was absent from home, attend- 
ing evening meetings, she would talk and pray with 
her children, and teach them the importance of God's 
word ; all of them have since become members of the 
church. 



DAVID J. FRENCH. 

David J. French was born in Loudon September 
2, 1805. He was the great-grandson of Timothy 
French, who came from Salisbury, Mass., about the 
year 1773, and settled in the northeast part of Lou- 
don, and was among the first who settled in that local- 
ity. At that time there was no road leading from the 
old Dr. Tenney corner northwesterly to Loudon Ridge, 
save a sled-path used in the winter season. He cleared 
the land for his farm, which was a wilderness; built a 
house and drew the boards from Cram's mill, in Pitts- 
field, to board it, upon wheels as far as the Tenney 
corner, and then upon a sled in the month of July to 
his future residence. His father was Joshua French, 
whe lived upon the farm which has always been occu- 
pied in the French name. David J. French lived 
with his father until about twenty-six years of age, 
when he married and soon after purchased the farm 
where he now resides, and commenced for himself and 
family a farmer's life, about the year 1832, which avo- 
cation he has followed to the present time, and at the 
age of eighty years was found in his field with a scy tlu' 
in his hand, able to cut and put into his barn oiu- 
acre of grass a day. He is a man of robust form, and 
possesses a strong and iron constitution, for which 
the French family have ever been nottil. He has 




i^inA^Hy 



Q///? 




013 



been very successful iu acquiring property; commenc- 
ing with an indebtedness of five hundred dollars, lie 
is now the owner of several tracts of land, besides 
several thousand dollars in banks and upon loan, 
which he has earned by hard labor, and not by 
s]ieculation or intrigue. Mr. French received only a 
common-school education, but possesses large, native 
abilities, which, being well cultivated, have enabled 
him by persistent effort to hew his way successfully 
through life. As a politician he is a most thorough 
Republican, always attending the annual meetings of 
the town and manifesting a great interest iu every 
matter that pertains to the highest and best interest 
of his native town, and acting at all times in his polit- 
ical life as though conscious of his accountability to a 
power which is infinite and supreme. 

He is a man of strong religious feeling, and has for 
many years led a life of daily and family prayer. Be- 
ing retiring in his manner in public religious duties 
and profession, he has never connected himself with 
any church, but is a constant attendant upon worship 
at the house of God whenever practicable. Mrs. 
French died January 22, 1872. Since her death and 
that of his son Isaac, Mr. French has lived at the old 
home alone, patiently waiting the summons that shall 
call him to meet the loved ones who have gone before. 

Dr. Isaac S. French was the only child of David J. 
French, and died in the year 1878. He married Au- 
gusta French and had no family. Dr. French in- 
herited from his father characteristics that were 
strongly marked in boyhood, and being well culti- 
vated , enabled him to become an eminent and useful 
man, although young. He was well educated by his 
father at Gilmanton Academy, and studied medicine 
with the venerable Dr. Nahum Wight; he attended 
college at Pittsfield, Mass., and at the medical college 
at Hanover, N. H., from which he graduated as a 
physician. He commenced practice in Salisbury, 
Mass., and remained one year, and then returned to 
his native town and engaged actively in his profes- 
sion with success. His business relations were exten- 
sive, and he occupied positions of trust. He held the 
situation of assessor of the internal revenue for the 
Congressional district in which he resided, under 
the administration of President Lincoln, besides doing 
a large local business as a justice of the peace in his 
own town and surroundings. He acquired, by 
economy, frugality and labor, in a few years a hand- 
some property, and had well established himself 
among his townsmen in his calling and profession. 
He died in the prime of his life and in the midst of 
his usefulness, having large " honor in his own coun- 
try." 

STEPHEN MOOEE. 

Stephen Moore is the son of Thomas and Comfort 
(Perkins) Moore, and grandson of Captain Samuel 
Moore, who was twice married and had a family of 
ten children. He was a native of, and resided in Can- 



terbury, where his fatlier was town clerk. He held a 
commission as captain under King George HI. but 
when the Revolutionary struggle began he resigned 
his commission, and, casting his fortunes with tlie 
colonies, fought during the war on the American side. 
He died just before independence was established, 
and his son Thomas, then a lad of fifteen, was bound 
out to a farmer at old Hampton, but, becoming dis- 
satisfied with his new home, and fired with the martial 
spirit of the times, he ran away and enlisted in the 
army, serving about six months. 

Captain Samuel was by occupation a farmer and 
inn-keeper. He kept the hostelry known for many 
years as the McCrillis tavern, about a mile south of 
Canterbury Centre. 

Thomas Moore was brought up on the farm, to the 
time of his father's death. In 1785 he first began im- 
proving the tract of land, in what is now the town of 
Loudon, where he subsequently made his home. Jan- 
uary 11, 1787, he married Comfort Perkins, and, hav- 
ing previously built a small house on his Loudon land, 
the young couple at once went there and began house- 
keeping, and there the remainder of their lives were 
passed. The part of Loudon in which he located was 
then an unbroken forest ; he was the first settler in 
that part of the town. 

He was, by natural gifts, a bright, intelligent man, 
but had no educational advantages in his youth. 
When, in after-years, he had gathered a little property 
around him, and had a child large enough to receive 
instruction, he and a neighbor named Wheeler hired 
a private tutor to come to their homes, who, spending 
his time alternately between the two houses, taught 
both parents and children. Thomas Moore was always 
a fi-iend of education, and when the town began to 
appropriate money for school purposes, but had as 
yet no school building, he tendered the use of his 
dwelling, and the school was kept in summer-time in 
his barn, and in the winter months in his residence. 
He was one of the committee who first districted the 
town for school purposes, and he held various minor 
offices in the town. Their family consisted of nine 
children, seven of whom reached maturity, viz. : 

Polly, died unmarried. 

Samuel, married Charlotte Foster, of Canterbury, 
and had one child, now Mrs. Kate Eowe, of Rochester, 
N. Y. 

Joanna, died unmarried. 

Alexander, married IMary Page, of New Hampton ; 
had a family of several children, who grew up to ma- 
turity. 

Stephen, subject of sketch. 

Sophronia, married Jacob A. Potter, of Concord, 
and had a family of four children. 

Comfort, married William A. W. Neal, of Concord, 
and had one son. 

Thomas, died young. 

Myra, married Joseph N. AV^idleigh, of Loudon, 
and had four children. 



514 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUiNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Of these nine children of Thomas and Comfort 
Moore, Stephen is the only one now (1885) surviving. 
Thomas Moore was an industrious and enterprising 
farmer, and did much toward improving the tract of 
land on which he had made his home. In religious 
belief he was a Congregationalist, and his wife was a 
Free- Will Baptist. 

Stephen Moore, like others of his time and locality, 
had very limited advantages in the way of schooling. 
Brought up on the farm, he worked hard in his boy- 
hood, but improved what little time he had for study 
as best he could, studying nights and at leisure times, 
and thus obtained a fair English education. Upon 
his father's decease the property was divided among 
seven children, but Stephen purchased the interest, 
from time to time, of the other heirs, until he finally 
became the possessor of the home farm and adjacent 
wild lands, and here, for more than half a century, 
he toiled and labored and reared a fakiily of children. 
Like his father, he was hardy, industrious and frugal, 
and he gradually improved the farm and buildings 
thereon, and gathered property around him, until he 
became in very comfortable circumstances, and was 
the proprietor of one of the best kept farms in his 
town. 

In April, 1809, the barn on the home farm of 
Thomas Moore was burned, together with four oxen, 
four cows, ten tons of hay and farming implements. 
Supposed to be the work of an incendiary. There 
was no insurance. 

The esteem in which Mr. Moore was held by his 
neighbors was evidenced by numerous small presents, 
such as lumber, labor, etc. ; also a cow given by the 
Shakers. Within six weeks after his barn was burned, 
he, with the help of his neighbors, had taken from 
the woods the lumber, and built the barn which at 
present stands there. He also built a shed and car- 
riage-house connected with the barn, and dug a well. 
lo 1822-23, Samuel, Alexander and Stephen Moore 
erected a saw-mill on a small stream running through 
the home farm, for the purpose of sawing their own 
lumber. A few years later the mill came into the 
possession of Stephen. Samuel and Stephen also 
bought and used the first shingle-mill which was 
brought into the town. It cost, with right to use the 
same, one hundred and forty dollars. They used it 
twenty years. 

In 1 840, Stephen Moore dug a well fifty rods from 
the buildings, laid pipes and brought the water to his 
house and barn. He also built a small barn, thirty 
by thirty-six feet, for sheep, on the northeast side of 
the large barn. In 1848 he built an ell to the dwell- 
ing-house, forty by twenty feet, consisting of kitchen, 
pantry and wood-shed. In 1850 he divided the large 
barn in the middle, moved one part back, put in an 
addition of twenty feet, niaking it seventy-six by 
forty-four feet. He also built a shed, thirty by sixteen 
feet, connected with the small barn. In 18.'>0-51 he 
raised six huiidrc.l and fiftv bushels of rve on outhuuls, 



where he had cut wood and timber, and cleared for 
pasture. In 1860 he sowed four bushels of wheat on 
two and a half acres of land, and harvested therefrom 
a crop of one hundred bushels. 

In September, 1866, Mr. Moore removed from the 
home farm to the village of Loudon Mills, and the 
homestead came into the possession of his son, A. Ci. 
Moore, who, in 1868, raised the barn and put in a 
cellar, seventy-six by twenty-four feet, with walls ol' 
split granite. In 1869 he built a carriage-house and 
stable, thirty-six by twenty-six feet. In 1874 he put 
new wheels and gearing in the saw-mill, and in 18.S ! 
he took up the lead pipes laid by his father, Stephen, 
and in their place laid cement-lined iron pipes to the 
house and barn. He has also continued in various 
ways to improve the farm, and has been very success- 
ful in conducting it. 

Stephen Moore married, January 31, 1827, Mary L., 
daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Wells) Greeley, of 
Gilmanton, N. H. They had eight children, — 
Joseph G., born December 12, 1827. 
Albert, born February 21, 1831; died in infancy. 
Anne Maria, born July 17, 1833; died September 
20, 1881. 

Andrew G., born January 12, 1836; married Ltiiiia 
A., daughter of Ze])haniah and Mary Batclielder; luis 
one child living. 

George L., born March 8, 1838 ; enlisted in Union 
army and died in hospital, July 12, 1864. 
Infant son, unnamed, died in infancy. 
Mary E., born September 14, 1842 ; died October 
10, 1876. 

Caroline A., born November 23, 1848; died January 
1, 1852. 

Joseph G., married first Mary A. Arlin, and second 
Anne Nichols. He has five children, all sons, and 
resides in Dubuque, Iowa, where he is at present en- 
gaged in the wood and coal business. He has been, 
however, for about thirty years, a railroad engineer. 

Anne M., married John 0. Hobbs, of Deerfield. He 
removed to Newport, N. H., and was a merchant tailor 
there to the time of his death. His only child. Miss 
Kate Hobbs, graduates from the academy there in 
the class of 1886. 

Mrs. Moore died March 31, 1854. Mr. Moore mar- 
ried, as his second wife, Mrs, Mary Berry, widow of 
Alanson Berry, of Loudon, a daughter of Levi Bean, 
of Brentwood, N. H. Mr. Moore has given all of his 
children an academical education, at the various 
academies of Gilmanton, Pittsfield, Sanbornton and 
Loudon. 

Since Mr. Moore's residence at the village he has 
accomplished a work at once unique and interesting. 
He owned a tract of woodland lying adjacent to the 
church and bordering on the village, which he made 
overtures to the village to assist in converting into a 
cemetery ; not meeting with a satisfactory response, 
he conceived the idea of himself beautifying and 
adorning the grounds and preparing it for future use 




^(zJ:^X^^. ^^^-. 



;is a restiug-place for the dead. With characteristic 
energy, he at once set about carrying his plans into 
execution, and here, toiling day after day, to accom- 
plish his cherished purpose, the last twenty years of 
his life have been spent. Beginning this enterprise 
at an age when most men are ready to letirc fmm ac- 
tive life, it is astonishing to see what he has, unaided 
and alone, accomplished. 

The tract of land selected was, by natuie, well 
adapted to the use to which he has applied it. It is 
peculiar in its topographical conformation, there 
being a deep basin in the centre, with level-topped 
ridges surrounding it on three sides, with a slight de- 
pression or hollow leading ofl' on the third. It is a 
beautifully wooded tract, not dense, but nicely dis- 
tributed over almost the entire surface. This tract, 
consisting of about six acres, Mr. Moore has fenced 
in with split granite posts, set about eighteen inches 
apart, around three sides of the inclosure and a part 
of the fourth. -The posts stand about three feet and 
half above ground and about eighteen inches under 
the surface. This fence is to be completed by an iron 
rod traversing the top of the posts and fastened to 
each, the holes being already drilled for the purpose. 

In the valley, in the centre of the cemetery, Mr. 
Moore has leveled off the land and walled the edges 
of the basin with split granite. In the centre of this 
beautiful little plot is a miniature lake, with water 
clear as crystal, to which there is no visible inlet or 
outlet; and in the centre of this lake Mr. Moore has 



constructed a little island and planted it with tiowers. 
He has also constructed a beautiful drive around the 
park or basin, and built a receiving vault in the hill- 
side, near the entrance to the valley. He has cleared 
the underbrush from most of the tract, and contem- 
plates laying out drives around and through it. In 
doing this work, Mr. Moore has bnilt to himself a 
monument that will not only serve to keep imperish- 
able his own memory, but he has prepared a resting- 
place for the generations that will succeed him, credit- 
able to himself, ornamental to the town and of service 
to the community at large. 

Mr. Moore took an active part in building the Con- 
gregational Church in Loudon village and in supply- 
ing the same with a bell. He is a member of the 
C'ongregational Society. 

He has never been an office-seeker, but has preferred 
the quiet walk of the private citizen. In militia days, 
before the war, however, he took an interest in mili- 
tary matters and held the rank of captain. 

Through a long life he has been an earnest, honest, 
industrious, hard-working and successful man. Pos- 
sessed of a strong physique, he still bids fair to survive 
many years. He began life prior to the present cen- 
tury, being born June 29, 1799. He has outlived all 
of his immediate family, and most, if not all, of his 
schoolmates and boyhood companions. His hearing 
is defective, but with that exception, his senses are 
remarkably well preserved, and his general health 
exceptionally good. 



HISTORY OF NORTHFIELD. 



LUCIAN HIINT, A.M., 



CHAPTER I. 

Geography. —Xorthlk'ld, in Merrimack Coiiuty, 
was so named, it is said, because lying north of Can- 
terl)ury, from which it was set off' by the act of incor- 
poration in 1780. 

It contains about twenty-seven square miles, or 
seventeen thousand acres, and is bounded on the 
north by the Winnipisaukee' River, east by Gilman- 
ton and Canterbury, south by Canterbury and west 
by Franklin and the Merrimack River. Once North- 
field was bounded by the Merrimack along its whole 
western border, but its northwest corner, embracing; 
what is now Franklin Falls, sloped so lovingly 
towards Franklin, and Franklin looked so longingly 
towards the corner, that they became united in the 
year 1858 by act of Legislature. 

Northtield, like many other New Hampshire towns, 
has a diversitied aspect. It has hill and vale, upland 
and low plain, waving woods, smooth, rolling fields, 
rich intervale, and beyond question belongs to the 
Granite State, as that mineral abounds in all its varied 
forms — sands, pebbles, bowlders, ledges and the bare 
mountain peak. 

The general appearance of the town, however, is 
that of a trough-like valley running north and south, 
with a parallel ridge of hills on each side, — the west- 
ern called Oak Hill, and the northeastern Bay, 
which, extending southward, culminates in the 
mountain peak of Bean Hill. 

Of the three. Oak Hill is more smooth and regular, 
and presents a longer succession of excellent farms. 



iWe propose that this epelling be adopted. The common method 
misleads as regards the pronunciation. Were the g pronounced hard, 
giving tlio Indian guttural, as the original spellers intended, thus— " Win- 
iiiljis.so(;gv "— it might do; hut j followed bye is expected to be pro- 
iioiiiiceii s.)l't, which here would bo "sodgy," of course wron^. Spelled 
with a k does not exactly give the proper sound l>iit Mppn.vimatcs ; it is 
much better than the ordinary spelling. An'l ' i > \ ti, in, nily Hub- 
stituted for ^ in Indian names ; for instani-i. i ' \.nihi',fiet, 

though the latter gives more correctly the lnn.n _mi:,h,i >.,, Paw- 
tuckot, not Pawtugget. Our two brooks give lli.; inn; in.liuii gutlurals 
— Sondogardy and Skeuduggardy— not dodgeardy or dudgerdy. Winni- 
pisankoc, so spelled, lookti more like an Indian name, sounds more like 
an Indian name ; it is an Indian name. Also, lot there be a douhle e at 
the end ; otherwise a stranger would be sure to pronounce the last two 
syllables, san-k. 

51G 



and Bay Hill, with equally good ftirms, though less in 
number, has more charming scenery — indeed, few 
places in New England can surpass it in that respect — 
and is nearer the privileges of the flourishing village 
of Tilton, while Bean Hill is by far the most con- 
spicuous, being, in fact, the highest elevation between 
this part of the Merrimack Valley and the Atlantic ; 
but the many goodly farms on its broad shoulders, 
though well rewarding the true farmer, are not, on 
the whole, considered so attractive as those of her 
sister hills, being too much lifted up and too near 
the primitive rock of the summit. 

Bay Hill derived its name from tlie fine view it 
affords of Sanbornton Bay, so called, which is, in 
reality, the lower part of the lake, with a slight inter- 
vening fall. We challenge New Hampshire, south 
of Red Hill, to produce a scene of quiet, rural 
beauty, with a touch of the grand, equal to the pros- 
pect from Bay Hill, looking north. 

Before you is spread the valley of the Winnipisau- 
kee, with its lake of that name ; and flowing from it, 
with its succession of bays and rapids, comes the 
river, dancing onward to bathe Northfield's northern 
boundary, and to blend with her sister, Pemigewasset, 
on its western border. The valley is oval, and look- 
ing over its largest diameter, you see it encircled by 
Gunstock, Belknap, Blue Mountain, Ossipee, Red Hill 
and others, keeping watch and ward, as it were, over 
the beautiful valley they inclose ; while over their 
heads, in the far distance, we espy Chocorua, Cardi- 
gan, Mount Washington and his brothers, while di- 
rectly west, on our left, like a pyramid, rises Kear- 
sarge, and nestled below, amid green foliage and 
sparkling waters, within a mile's distance, lies the 
bustling, romantic, growing village of Tilton, with 
its river, its fairy isle, its busy factories, pleasant 
residences, Roman arch, college buildings and Til- 
ton mansion, and surrounding these on all sides 
stretch away, mile upon mile, substantial upland 
farms. Oak Hill also has a fine view of Tilton on 
the one side and Franklinward down into the valley 
of the Merrimack on the other. 

Bean Hill owo>s its name, presumably, not to that 
esculent prized so highly as a dish indispensable to a 



NORTHFIELD. 



517 



New England Sunday dinner, but to a man of that 
name ; but how, when or where, we have been able 
to find no record. It throws forward a broad spur to 
the north and another to the east into Canterbury, 
and on these are its most valuable farms. Its summit 
is divided into three peaks, and corresponding to these 
are two narrow parallel valleys on the southern slope, 
shedding their waters into a pond just beyond the 
line in Canterbury. The view from the summit is 
far more widely extended than elsewhere in town, but 
loses much of the scenic beauty of the Bay Hill pros- 
pect, which latter is literally picturesque, — a picture 
set in a mountain frame. 

Besides these, two smaller elevations claim a 
moment's attention. 

One is the bold bluff opposite the Tilton bridge, 
on which the granite arch is erected, sometimes called 
Mount Griswold, from a legend I dimly remember 
to have heard many years since, to the effect that 
Fort Griswold once stood on its summit, as a defense 
against the Indians. How much truth there is in the 
tradition we cannot say, but we think now would be a 
good time to christen it with some permanent appella- 
tion. What say, Northfielders, shall it be Mount Gris- 
wold, or Monument Mount, or Arch Hill, or River 
Ridge, or Bridge Bluff, or Tiltonberg ? 

Mount Tugg, as the other elevation is called, stands 
not far from the highway, as you approach Bean Hill. 
There is some doubt about the origin of the name, 
but it might have come from the following incident, 
to which the writer was a witness, at just about the 
year when he was entering his teens : 

One glorious Fourth in that long-ago time, several 
boys from the Bridge took it into their heads to cele- 
brate the day by taking a quiet stroll through the 
woods and pastures. About the noontide hour they 
halted on the summit of the hill in question for real 
and to enjoy the prospect. At the foot of the hill was 
a fence, and beyond the fence a beautiful field of 
grain, with the owner's house close by. Now it 
happened, as mischief would have it, that a large 
bowlder was standing at that time near the edge of 
the summit, only waiting apparently for a little 
friendly help to make a gymnastic journey below. 
This was the glorious Fourth — a day gotten up to 
' honor the Revolution ! Why not have a revolution 

of their own? Agreed; they would revolutionize that 
bowlder ! So with sticks and stakes and hands they 
])ushed and pried and tugged, — especially the latter. 
They tugged above, and they tugged below, and they 
tugged till the sweat streamed from their faces, and 
finally giving a huge tug, and a tug altogether, it top- 
pled, and was soon making as satisfactory revohi- 
tions as they could desire. These young revolutionists 
had calculated that on reaching the fence it would 
stop, as a well-behaved bowlder ought, — but, alas, for 
youthful calculations ! for they were now to learn that 
revolutions of ninxsen, whether of men or stones, when 
once set well in motion, are to be guided or checked 



by no fence, whether fence of field, or the defence of 
society ; for, crashing through the obstacle, as though 
it were made of straw, it rushed revolving along till 
it had ploughed a road through the grain nearly to 
the farther side. At this juncture, as was proper, 
from the house appeared the owner. And then and 
there, we will venture to say, was delivered the most 
impassioned Fourth of July oration ever heard, 
within the bounds of Northfield. It was impromptu 
— without notes, without circumlocution, direct, 
to the point, in choicest Saxon, and the man 
evidently meant business, for the word gun occurred 
in it several times, and the name of a place hotter 
than where they were, — by the way, it was a very hot 
day, — and closed by expressing the wish that they 
were obliged to roll that stone up the hill again with 
the stimulus of the lash on their bare backs. On 
being kindly reminded by the boys that revolutions 
never went backwards, he responded emphatically that 
they would speedily be transferred to another locality 
by a shot-gun conveyance if they ever started an- 
other revolution on his grounds. The audience then 
dispersed. And whether the patriotism of those 
boys was the more firmly fixed in after-years by the 
eloquence then poured forth I know not ; but this I 
know, — that ever since that day the hill has been 
called Mount Tugg. The revolution is ended, the grain 
cut, the reaper gone; but the bowlder lies there 
still, — a stubborn witness to the truth of my words. 

Rivers. — The principal rivers, I believe, wholly 
within the limits of the town are two, of which one 
is the Skenduggardy, — remember, that is the correct 
name, for it was always so called by the older inhabi- 
tants and by the younger generation till an ill-in- 
formed Gazetteer gave it another title. Sondogardy 
belongs by right to the brook that flows from Sondo- 
gardy Pond, a mile or two away, which now goes by 
the name of Cross Brook. Call things by their right 
names. Gentlemen Gazetteermen, and let us, fellow- 
Northfielders, lead back with due honor the beauti- 
ful and original Indian titles to our two little rivers. 
The first-named is formed by the union of a branch 
flowing from Chestnut Pond with another from the 
heights of Bean Hill, and empties into the Winnipi- 
saukee. It was once something of a manufacturing 
stream, as it carried two saw-mills, and more anciently 
by flowage, and with the assistance of those primitive 
dam-builders, the beavers, manufactured the valuable 
Smith and Thurston meadows; but of late it has 
given up the sawing and flowage business, and seems 
to have enough to do to work its way to the Winni- 
pisaukee, to afford drink to a thirsty beast or bird 
now and then, and to give sustenance at long inter- 
vals to a lilliputian trout. 

Its sister-river flows into the Merrimack and was 
once noted for manufiictures. Indeed, the first man- 
ufacturing in town was done on the Cross, or, as we 
ought to call it.llic Sondno-anly r,n,„k. Here, and 
near the luteivalc and Oak Hill, w.rc made earth, n 



518 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and wooden-ware, lumber, jewelry, and especially the 
old-fashioned gold beads. They had there a grist- 
mill, a fulling-mill and carding-maehiuc, — the first in 
use, — a grocery, jeweler's siiop and tailor's shop. 
The father of Mr. William G. Hannaford had a shoe- 
shop, and some one had a blacksmith, or, as it was 
then called, a shoeing-shop. In fact, almost every 
branch of industry was carried on there in the very 
first decade of the town's history. 

The Winnipisaukee Kiver, which bathes North- 
field's northern border, is said to fall two hundred and 
thirty-two feet before meeting the Pemigewasset. At 
the contlueuce of the two, in Franklin, the united 
streams take the name of Merrimack, a river believed 
to give employment to a greater number of operatives 
than any other on the face of the globe. Authorities 
say the name of the latter river— an Indian word- 
signifies a sturgeon. 

Marvelous tales were told by the fallirrs .onoern- 
ing the fish in the Merrimack and its two head- 
branches. Not the degenerate specimens of dace, 
chubs, perch, minnows, with now and then a solitary 
pickerel, which we now get a peep of at long intervals, 
but shad and salmon — fat, luscious and huge— and 
moving up-stream, in such vast numbers in spring or 
spawning-time, as to blacken the river with their 
backs. And what was singular in their habits was, 
that though they migrated from the ocean, through 
the whole length of the Merrimack, in company, yet, 
on reaching the fork of the two rivers, in Franklin, 
they invariably separated — the shad passing up the 
Winnipisaukee to deposit their spawn in the lake, 
and the salmon up the J'emigew.asset. Thus the in- 
habitants of one valley feasted on salmon, those of 
the other on shad. Now the story runs, or did run, 
that each kind of fish gave its own peculiarly charac- 
teristic expression to its eaters, so that you could tell, 
as far as you could see a man, whether he were a 
shad eater or a salmon consumer, and that this line 
of demarkation between the Pemigewassetcrs and the 
Winnipisaukeeites has flowed in the blood of their 
descendants down to the present day, so that seldom 
<ir never does an intermarriage take place between 
Tilton and Franklin. I care not to hold myself re- 
sponsible for the truth of this legend— it may be 
lalse; but folks will talk. It is certain, however, 
that the two villages have been somewhat exclusive 
as regards eacli other in past years, each having its 
own river, its own fish, its own railroad, its own 
polities. We trust all barriers will be removed when 
the new railroad crosses from Franklin to Tilton. 

The favorers of the theory that fish is a brain-food 
and an intellectual stimulant uuiy find comfort in the 
fact that the immortal Webster was born and passed 
his boyhood near the confluence of the two rivers, 
and the two varieties of fish, and shad and salmon 
combined, must have formed his sustenance mainly 
during the period of his growth ; and in nwlnre life, 



ichthyophagist he became, and a big brain was the 
physiological result — perhaps. 

Ponds. — There are but two ponds worthy of men- 
tion, Sondogardy and Chestnut, each containing fifty 
or sixty acres; so say their nearest neighbors, Mr. 
Winslow and Mr. Knowles. The former is situated 
on the level plain, within sight of the railroad, ami 
j contains the fish usually found in such ponds — pick- 
' erel, suckers, pouts, eels, perch, shiners, etc., and of 
i late years a great quantity of chubs, coming, it is 
I thought, from the river. The outlet at the southciii 
i part is the Cross or Sondogardy Brook, running in a 
{ southwesterly direction into the Merrimack. Of tlu- 
several mills once working on the banks of this 
stream, one solitary shingle-mill alone remains. 

Chestnut Pond — we regret it didn't retain its Indian 
name — lies down deep in the bottom of a cavity, like 
the crater of a volcano. In some places it is sixty feet 
deep, water cold, no inlet visible, supposed to be fed 
by springs at the bottom. Its outlet — an unfailing- 
one — is the north branch of the Skenduggardy Brook, 
which it meets about two miles from the pond. A 
pond like this would seem to be exactly fitted for 
land-locked salmon, and so the commissioners secnud 
to think ; for Mr. Wesley Knowles writes that tlu y 
placed several thousand there in 1879. Again lu' 
writes "that not one of those fish has been heard of 
from that time to this (1885), to his knowledge." 
Why is this? All the conditions seemed favorable, 
cold, pure, spring water, great depth, a continual 
outlet; let some naturalist study the problem. Oui 
own private opinion is that the pickerel devourfl 
th.ni. 

B,emarks.--The whole Winnipisaukee Valley prob- 
ably was once filled by the waters of the lake. Bay 
Hill reaching over to and connecting with a similar 
elevation on the Sanbornton side, till worn down by 
the river which drained the valley. Dividing, onr 
branch jiassed on to Franklin and the other through 
the middle of Northfield, making Oak Hill an island. 
Possibly a branch passed still farther east, converting 
Bean Hill into another island much larger. Thus 
North.ield at one time probably consisted merely ol 
two island hill-toj)s; and later, by the addition ol 
Mount Griswold, of three. 
j Plains are scarce in Northfield, as the whole town 
almost appears to be tilted in one direction or another. 
There is some level land in the southwestern part. 
I and near Tilton is a tract of about a half-mile in 
j extent, anciently called the Colony, where for a long 
I series of years seemed to be gathered the dregs of the 
j town, noted for drunkenness and other bad deeds, and 
many a wild tale might be told of their lawlessness in 
days of old. But this gypsy-like race has passed 
away, and the most level portion of the tract is being 
prepared for the purposes of a beautiful trotting eoui-se 
by the Hon. Charles E. Tilton, to whom both the 
towns .)f Northfield and Tilton are already indebted 
for manv imiirovcnients of usel'ulncss ar.d. lieautv. 



NORTHFIELD. 



519 



History.— Benjamin BliiiRli:inl is t;!!!!'!!!!^ credited 
as being the founder of Niullirulil. (Iiouj^h two years 
earlier Jonathan Heath is sMid [<> liavc> Imilt a log hut 
on the Gerrish intervale, which was once Included 
within the limits of old Northfield, but now belongs 
to Franklin. However that may be, by common 
consent, Blanchard was the first settler within the 
present limits of the town. 

"He was a lineal descendant of the English family 
which very early emigrated to New England. Colonel 
Joseph Blanchard, so distinguished as an officer in the 
early French and Indian Wars of New England, and 
who, in 1754, marched at the headof his regiment of six 
hundred men up the Merrimack to the Salisbury fort, 
at what is now the orphan asylum, in Franklin, and 
thence through the unbroken wilderness to Crown 
Point and Canada, belonged to the same lineage. 
The annals of Charlestown and Boston show the 
Blanchard name in their earliest emigration. The 
name of .Joseph Blanchard appears in the death 
records of Boston for 1637." 

Benjamin Blanchard, in company with his father and 
mother, emigrated to Canterbury perhaps about the 
year 1736 or 17.37, from Hamstead, N.H., it is supposed, 
where he found his wife. Tuba Kcizer, represented as 
a most excellent wife and mother. Benjamin's father 
was killed by the Indians soon after their settlement 
in Canterbury, or twenty-two years before the son 
took up his march for Northfield, and in 1752 his 
mother, who was a lady of Scotch-Irish descent, by 
the name of Bridget, was captured by the Indians 
while out from the Canterbury fort at night driving up 
the cows, according to one account; another tradition 
has it that she escaped from the Indians by fleetness 
of foot, and, rousing the garrison, saved the fort from 
capture. Both accounts, however, agree that "she was 
a very corpulent woman, and in her attempt to escape 
capture by running she amused the Indians, who 
shook their sides with laughter, and cried out, 
' poochuck, poochuck !' which is the Indian name 
for hog." 

She possessed great courage, tradition says, and in 
other respects was a very superior woman. For most 
of the above facts in regard to the Blanchard family 
we are indebted to Mr. M. B. Goodwin, of Franklin, 
and to the Merrimack Journal of date July 14, 1882. 

From what little I can gather, I should judge that 
liis mother died before he left Canterbury ; and then 
Ucnjamin, feeling, perhaps, that the only ties that 
bound him to the old fort were broken, his father 
having been killed twenty-two years before, and 
whether his worldly prospects looked too discourag- 
ing for him to remain where he was, the first comers 
having selected the best lands and places, or whether 
a certain restlessness incident to the times, or ambi- 
tion, or desire of change impelled him, whatever the 
motive, Benjamin now determined to strike out a 
new path, and found a new settlement for himself. 
He was forty-two years of age, in the prime of his 



manhood. His oldest boys must have grown to man's 
estate, especially Edward, who was destined in after- 
years to surpass his father in enterprise, capacity for 
business and worldly success ; and it is not unlikely, 
when he bade adieu to the old fort one fine summer's 
morn, to seek his fortune further north, leaving Tuba 
in charge of the home department, including the 
younger children, that he went forth accompanied by 
one at least, Edward, and probably by several, of his 
older boys. In 1760, says the account, he cut his 
way through an unbroken wilderness from an old fort 
in Canterbury, and settled on what is now known as 
Bay Hill. How interesting to read now, could we 
have a diary of that exploring tour. Of course, 
there were good luck and mishap, complaining and 
glee, tumbles, thirst, hot and wet days and much 
else intermingled. Perhaps to-day a bear is killed 
or a wolf shot; to-morrow, a catamount or a rattle- 
snake, with fearful suspicions of Indians lurking 
around. Very likely one of the boys carried the 
guns while the others " cut." And he wouldn't be a 
boy, at least of the modern style, if, towards evening, 
he didn't complain of his unwieldy burden, such as 
two or three guns would be sure to become in the 
after-part of the day. 

We wish it were in our power to follow step by step 
the course taken by our pioneers. We caimot. The 
track has been obliterated forever by nature and for- 
getfulness. We can only surmise that Blanchard 
would be likely to take a direct course north or nearly 
so, and in that case he probably came over the western 
spur of Bean Hill, perhaps by Mount Tiigg — moun- 
tain then unnamed — over the Eogers farm ; but more 
likely over what is now the Gardner S. Abbott farm, 
and the farm once owned by Mills Glidden, and later 
by Anthony C. Hunt; then skirting by the great 
Smith meadow, which meadow was then a pond — • 
thanks to the beavers — then over the Smith iarm it- 
self, till they finally reached what proved to be their 
destined point, which point was on the modern farm 
of Ephraim S. Wadleigh, just back of his orchard. 

Nor are we to sujjpose that this spot was instantly 
selected the moment they arrived. No doubt, many 
long and anxious deliberations were held over the 
subject; and there might have been much difference 
of opinions. It would not be strange if the boys pre- 
ferred to settle near the river, where they could fish 
and swim and paddle the canoe. It would be natural 
for them to explore Bay Hill in all directions before 
the final selection of that location. What influenced 
the decision it were hard to guess. Perhaps the slope 
riverward in those days was too wet or marshy ; farther 
up on the summit of the hill they might think too 
bleak, while lower down in the valley the trees would 
show a poorer soil — in part marshy. But their choice 
was a happy medium^ — neither too high, nor too low; 
and, doubtless owing to a favorable soil, the trees there 
were higher, larger and consequently farther aj)art, 
with less underbrush. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The choice once made, it only remains to provide a 
shelter for those left behind. In this the father and 
boys engage with zeal, till after a few days a small 
clearing is made and :i siilisianlinl sinic:tureof logs, 
the first honse in Noillili' M. Iki- .niseii among the 
tall trees on the after-si.\ Kd W a.lUigli liirm. A log 
house! — a dwelling not to be siiocrcd at or ridiculed 
by the present fortunate possessors of Northficld's 
smiling farms and beautiful homes. A log house was 
a convenient, substantial, roomy structure, firm, 
proof against Indian bullets, wolfs claws, the stormy 
wind or winter's cold. Its arrangement was the per- 
fection of simplicity ; its architecture wiis neither 
composite or complicated ; while, if the bark re- 
mained unremoved, as was undoubtedly the case with 
this pioneer hut, with moss inserted between the logs 
on sides and roof, a touch of the picturesque would 
be added, quite in harmony with the surrounding 
forest. 

Benjamin Bhuicbarii'sloghut is finished, destined to 
be famous through the ages, as long as Northfield's 
sons and daughters retain a spark of love for their 
hills and homesteads. And now, to crown the work, 
the boys must have a holiday — a bath and a day's 
fishing in the Winnipisaukee, — then ho! for a return 
to the old Canterbury fort, to see jnother and the little 
ones, and to briuL' lliem the glad tidings of a home 
found ami rmuKkil in tlie wilderness and waiting for 
them. 

Well, the holiday is over and the next day sees 
them returned in good season to their old home, ladeu 
literally with the fat of the land, and waters, too, — 
with fish and venison, of which, you may be sure, a 
grand feast Wiis made that night, to which friends were 
invited, where their adventures were described, the 
shad was dissected, the whiskey tested, the laugh 
burst forth and good cheer prevailed till the old fort 
rang. 

After a few days spent in settling his affairs and 
making what preparations his scanty means afforded, 
Blanchard took his permanent departure from the 
friendly fortress which had sheltered and protected 
him and his so long. Let us jncture to ourselves the 
procession. The time is early sunrise, for they must 
finish the journey that day, since it will not do to risk 
his all to wild beasts and perhaps Indians by exposure 
in the open forest through the night. Their friends, 
up to see them ofl", cheer as they pass through the 
gate; a parting dram circulates around, good wishes 
are shouted, guns give their parting reverberations, 
and the little company of eleven — parents and nine 
children — march quickly over the narrow, open space 
around the fort into the path they had cut a few- 
weeks before leading to Bay Hill. It was a narrow 
highway they had, admitting the passage of a single 
file only; for the little boys and girls of the present 
day must understand that they didn't take the cars 
at Canterbury depot and land at Tilton and thence to 
Bay Hill liy team, or on foot, as people are wont to 



do nowadays. No ; they probably all walked — young 
and old — the whole distance, and that, too, barefooted, 
the most, — if not all. 

At the head, with pack on back, axe in hand and 
musket on shoulder, would naturally march the father 
and next him one of the older boys, also with gun 
and otherwise freighted, then the mother and smaller 
children ; after them the horse — if they had a horse 
— loaded down to his utmost capacity ; then the family 
cow with calf following; while at some distance in 
the background, led by a raw hide cord, trotted and 
darted and scampered and retreated the clown of the 
company, the most amusing and at the same time 
the most vexations of the whole, — the well-to-do pig, 
which seemed to have an invincible repugnance to 
leaving its comfortable Canterbury quarters, and kept 
up an incessant soliloquy, doubtless about the restless- 
ness of mortals, who couldn't be satisfied to let well 
enough alone. Whether there was a cat or dog in the 
cavalcade, I can't say, but should think a cat a super- 
fluity, except for company ; for neither rat nor mouse 
had as yet tasted the good cheer of the Wadleigh fiirm, 
and so grimalkin's occupation would be gone till the 
happy coming days, when rats and mice could be had 
for the catching. Finally, Edward brought up the 
rear. 

At first they moved along in the highest spirits, 
though their way was in a sort of twilight, for this 
was the primeval forest through which they were 
journeying amid trees tall and gloomy, which only at 
rare intervals permitted a peep of the sun. Still, at 
the start they journeyed with laugh and joke and 
chiding of the animals, or perchance each other, and 
then bursting into singing and shouting till "the dim 
woods rang." This, however, gradually died away, 
but revived slightly at their noon-day rest. Their af- 
ternoon march was performed mostly in silence. They 
toiled slowly along, the day and the way seeming to 
be endless, till, crossing the Abbott and the Glidden 
and Smith farms, halting a few minutes at the Smith 
Meadow Pond to relieve the thiret of all— animal and 
human — the long train defiled at last into Blanchard's 
little clearing just as the sun was sinking behind 
Kearsarge. The animals were speedily tied to trees 
and fed on such scanty forage as leaves could supply ; 
boughs were cut and spread over the ground in the 
hut, and these, again, partially overspread with bear, 
deer and wolf-skins; a fire was built in the open air 
by means of a flint, powder and tinder ; a supper pre- 
pared and thankfully partaken of; all retired to their 
skin or leafy couches; the stars looked brightly down, 
and all were soon wrapped in slumber and silence, 
even the pig forgetting its sorrows and ceasing its 
complaints. 

Thus passed the first night of the first settlers in 
Northfield. The settlement was begun. 

For several years, so far as we can learn, Benjamin 
Blanchard and family were the only people in North- 
field. There was no settlement in New Hampshire 



NORTHFIELD. 



521 



north of him, for Tilton or Sanbornton wiis as yet 
without inhabitants. What were their feelings, ad- 
ventures, sufferings, pleasures, no record tells. Cut off 
by many miles of intervening forest from all neigh- 
borly society and sympathy, they must have felt lonely 
at times, especially in the gray, dripping days of the 
first autumn which followed, with its succeeding win- 
ter ; but if so, the effect would be brief, for the hut 
was full ; there was always work enough to do ; their 
mode of life gave to one and all perfect health in all 
probability ; they had appetites wonderful to see, so 
that there was an e.xquisite delight in the mere act of 
eating, far beyond what their descendants know, and, 
what Avas better, they had the means of gratifying 
their healthy cravings with luxuries of which those 
of this day are sadly deficient, — wild meat in all its 
varieties, bear, deer, rabbit, wild fowl, such as ducks, 
geese, partridges in the greatest profusion, shad, river- 
trout and eels from the river, and the ykenduggardy 
was swarming with the delicious brook-trout. 

Besides, the farm began ere long to show the capa- 
bilities of newly-improved land and a virgin soil, 
under the energetic hands of nonjamin and his stal- 
wart boys, aided, within dimrs, hy tlic in-oiieration of 
the tireless Tuba. It had cliaiiccd, ilir(iiif;h accident 
or shrewdness, that Blanohard liud pitihcd upon one 
of the best spots in town for the manufacture of a good 
farm, and every year saw his clearing grow wider, the 
forest recede, the fields grow greener, crops of pota- 
toes, such as only new soil can produce, corn and grass 
increased; his herd received fresh additions on each 
returning spring; his buildings improved, until, no 
doubt, he began to consider himself a well-to-do farmer. 

Hardships were unavoidable, of course. All pio- 
neer settlers had to undergo them. Many luxuries of 
modern days they must forego — some, perhaps, to 
which they had been accustomed at the old fort. 
Woodchucks, porcupines, squirrels and pole-cats rav- 
aged his garden, foxes and hawks stole his chickens, 
and bears and wolves sometimes destroyed a pig or a 
calf; an unpleasant accident might now and then 
occur from a falling tree or an erring axe; a drought, 
or wind, or hail, or lightning might be troublesome; 
and then it was such a long, weary way to mill; and 
what was very hard, there was no housewife neighbor 
for mistress Tuba to gossip with in regard to all these 
trials and afflictions. No tea to drink, no cider bar- 
rel to ta|) ; the cows would get lost in the woods, and 
the boys, perchance, take a holiday in the busiest 
time, and go a-fishing. 

Such, and many more trials of a like nature, very 
[irobably hovered over, and, at times, settled down 
upon the farm and fiiniily of Benjamin Blanehard as 
the seasons went by ; but stout hearts did Benjamin 
and Tuba bear, and bravely did they face every trial 
as it arose, till iu time they reaped their reward. 

A musical vein has existed in the Blanehard family, 
evidently from the first pioneer to the present time, 
as will be readily credited by those wlio heard old 



Northfield's woods echo the notes of the cornet and 
song poured forth on her Centennial Day by Miss 
Fannie C. Rice, one of the latest representatives of 
the original settler's descendants. And what com- 
panionship this talent of his must have afforded 
Benjamin at times in his isolated condition ! and oft, 
when assailing the giants of the forest, would he be 
likely to burst forth into singing, the rythm of his 
voice keeping time with the whick -whack of his axe, 
and ever and anon, an answering note would ring out 
from the matron of the cabin, and be echoed by the 
boys and girls in other directions, till, with the sing- 
ing of the birds, the whole woods seemed bursting into 
melody. Ah! think not there were no jovial times 
there ! 

And so the years came and went, until, encouraged 
by his success, the solitude of Blanehard began to be 
broken by the arrival of neighbors. The first to fol- 
low him was William Williams, whose daughter. 
Widow George Hancock, died at the residence of her 
son, William Hancock, in Canterbury, January 14, 
1860, aged one hundred years, eleven months and four 
days. Let her be remembered as the oldest person 
that Northfield has as yet produced. Afterwards 
came Nathaniel and Reuben Whitcher, Captain Sam- 
uel and Jonathan Oilman and Linsey Perkins, and 
settled on the farm where Warren H. Smith, Esq., now 
resides. On the Perkins place, opposite Mr. Wad- 
leigh's, was a log hut used for school purposes, the 
cellar of which is still to be seen. 

A little further south, down by the Smith meadow, 
was a log hut in which lived a Mr. Colby. His wife 
was a weaver, and, for want of bars, was accustomed 
to warp her webs on the apple-trees. Compare the 
result of her manufactory with those now on the river 
turning out their thousands of yards at short intervals. 

Mr. William Oilman, a gentleman now of about 
eighty-five, the most of his life a resident of Bay Hill , 
and his brother Charles, now in Illinois, are sons of 
.Jonathan Oilman, who himself, or his father, was, 1 
suppose, one of the original settlers. His great-grand- 
father on the mother's side came from Lee, bought 
five hundred acres of wild land on and around Bay 
Hill, on which he settled his sons — Reuben, Nathan- 
iel, William and Jonathan Whitcher, — many of whose 
descendants are now in town. The grandfather of 
Afr. Wesley Knowles bought his farm of Nathaniel 
Whitcher, jiaying for it, so the story goes, with a two- 
year-old heifer. 

Captain Samuel Oilman, Joseph Knowles aud Dr. 
Keyser were also among the first settlers on Bay Hill. 

Another of the pioneers of Northfield was Jonathan 
Wadleigh, who was a native of Kingston, N. H., 
served in the Revolutionary army, lived for a while at 
Bean Hill, settled on the south side of Bay Hill on 
what wiis afterward called the Ambrose Woodbury 
farm, and finally died in Gilmanton. He was the 
father of Judge Wadleigh, whose sou, F^phraim S., 
still lives on the first opened f:uiii iji town, and of 



522 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Mrs. Captain S. Glines, who, after having lived half 
a century or more at the Centre, returned to her fath- 
er's homestead on Bay Hill, now in possession of her 
son, Smith W. Glines, and died at the age of eighty- 
two in the same room in which she was born. 

Some twenty years after the settlement of Bay Hill, 
perhaps. Lieutenant Charles Glidden moved to Bean 
Hill from Nottingham, built a log hut, left his wife 
and two children and went into the Revolutionary 
army. In his absence she tilled the soil, felled the 
trees and hauled her wood with the help of oxen. 
After his return he bought Nehemiah McDonald's 
farm near the old meeting-house. Mr. Glidden, his 
wife and some of the children were buried on said 
farm. His wife was a Mills, and her mother, Alice 
Cilley. John Cilley, Robert Evans, John Cofran 
(father of Colonel James Cofran), Gideon Sawyer and 
brother, Solomon French and brother, were early set- 
tlers of this region, and William Smith, the grand- 
father of Warren Smith, who was moved from Old 
Harajrton by Mr. Glidden. Perhaps his son Jere- 
miah came with him, as he left Old Hampton, where 
he was born, when a boy, and went to live in Can- 
terbury. 

In those early times there was no house between 
Glidden's and what is now called the Rand school- 
house — several miles. Ensign Sanborn, whose wife 
was a Harvey, lived not far from there. He probably 
served in the army for a while. 

Mrs. William Oilman, to whom I am indebted for 
many of the above facts, relates that woods, wolves 
and bears were plenty in those times, and carriages 
very scarce ; so that when Esquire Samuel Forrest's 
mother died, her corpse was carried on a bier, laid on 
poles between two horses, to the graveyard, by the 
brick meeting-house, some three or four miles dis- 
tant. 

She further says that " old General Dearborn drove 
the first double sleigh into Northfield on a visit to 
her grandfather." 

A short account of the Forrest family has been 
furnished me by Mr. John Sanborn, which I give 
in nearly his own words : " John Forrest came from 
Ireland when eighteen years of age, and settled 
finally in Canterbury. Of his four sons, Robert 
settled in the same town, and the others in North- 
field — ^John on the Leigh ton place, William in the 
Centre District and James on the farm now owned 
by James N. Forrest, his grandson. Two of his 
daughters married Gibsons, and the other one Mr. 
Clough, and all settled in Northfield. William 
Forrest settled in the Centre District, or rather com- 
menced clearing the timber, in 1774, just before the 
War of the Revolution broke out. He enlisted in the 
war, and served his country witli credit. He was the 
father of fourteen children, of whom thirteen lived 
to grow u|>, and all except one attended school near 
the old meeting-house." To this sketch Mr. .Tames 
N. Forrest adds : " My ginndfatlu'r, .lames, came here 



on the farm where I now live in 1784, and subdued 
the forest, erected buildings, built roads and left 
a worthy son to inherit his property and do honor to 
his name. My father, who was an only son, named 
me for his father, and I have named one of my sons 
(Samuel) for him. How long the names will rotate, 
only the destiny of the family will reveal." 

I understand that this family has furnished nioio 
teachers and held more official jjositious than any 
other in town. The late Samuel Forrest, Esq., was 
long a prominent citizen there, having been superin- 
tending school committee many years, as well as 
treasurer, representative (two years), town clerk (two 
years) and selectman (twelve years). He was a man 
of decided convictions, with the courage to maintain 
his convictions; an unflinching anti-slavery man at a 
time when it required a stout heart to confess it; and 
a man who possessed the confidence of his fellow- 
citizens in all the public and private relations of 
life. He married Agnes Randall, of North Conway, 
who was born August 22, 1800, and still survives, 
Esquire Forrest having died in 18(57, lacking sixteen 
days of being eighty-one years of age. His son, 
James N., has also served his native town as select- 
man for several years. 

John E. Forrest, the third of the three Northfield 
brothers, lived till the close of life on his well-culti- 
vated farm, raised a family of several chidren, — all 
or nearly all now deceased, — and died in extreme old 
age, the last of the three, leaving a respectable 
property and a worthy name. 

Charles G. Forrest, the son of William, was a 
farmer in Northfield, living on the farm in the west 
part, now in the possession of Major Otis C. Wyalt, for 
many years, where all his children were born ; re- 
moved to New London for a time, and finally settled 
in Tilton, where he resided till his death, in 1882, 
aged seventy-five years. He was an industrious 
farmer and conscientious in the discharge of all the 
duties of a citizen. He married Mrs. Sally T. Mead. 
His children are Almeda M. ; Honoria A., an artist ; 
Martha J., a painter and teacher; and George F. D. 

Oak Hill proper, I am informed, was for the most 
part originally in the possession of Obed Clough, 
who was succeeded by the French and Batchelor 
families, the latter being still represented there. 

I quote from Mr. Goodwin, who says: "Ensign 
Sanborn, Gideon Sawyer, the brothers Archelaus, 
Samuel and Abner Miles, John and Jeremiah Mc- 
Daniel, Nathaniel and William Whitcher, Captain 
Thomas Clough, George and Joseph Hancock and 
the four brothers by the name of Cross were in town 
very early." These, I suppose, mostly settled in the 
western part. "The Crosses had a sort of village 
down at their place on the intervale, opposite the 
Webster farm. They had a coopering establishment, 
a store and a tavern there, and it was, in fact, a busi- 
ness emporium for all that region." 

Steven Cross, the great-grandfather of (). L. Cross 



NORTHFIELD. 



523 



Esq., married Peggy Bowen, and settled uear Indian 
Bridge, and raised a family of thirteen children, who 
were all living when the youngest was forty years old. 
The oldest,Ahrahani, married Ruth Sawyer, daughter 
of old Deacon Sawyer, of Canterbury, who was a 
soldier in both the French and Revolutionary Wars, 
and who had two sons killed at the surrender of 
Burgoyne, where the father was also a soldier. Dea- 
con Sawyer owned the ferry two miles below the 
Cross ferry, and always attended to it himself to the 
last year of his life, he being within two months and 
three days of one hundred years at liis death. He 
was the father of twenty-two children, twenty of 
whom grew up. Abraham Cross settled near his 
father. Sawyer, and there Jeremiah was born in 1805; 
but the year before, the family had settled on the 
Winuipisaukee and built a saw-mill, ever after known 
as the Cross mill. Jeremiah married Sarah Lyford, 
of Pittsfield, settled near the Cross mill, and about 
thirty-five years ago built, on a beautiful elevation, 
overlooking the mill, a fine mansion, in which a few 
years since he died, leaving behind an enviable char- 
acter for honor, integrity and business enterprise. 
He was buried with Masonic honors. 

Among the early settlers were also the names of 
William Kenniston and a Mr. Danforth. The latter 
was a soldier of the Revolution, and having been 
wounded, always persisted in the statement that he 
carried the ball still imbedded in his shoulder. The 
statement was not credited, however, till, years after 
his death, upon the removal of his remains, it was 
found that the old soldier was right, for there, firmly 
fixed, so that a hammer was required for its extrica- 
tion, was found the bullet embedded in the solid 
bone. 

The three Miles brothers came into town in 1769 or 
1770, and settled on one farm ; lived on it six or 
seven years, then sold it to Reuben Kimball, of Con- 
cord, in 1776. This farm has been kept in the Kim- 
ball name to the present time, Reuben giving it to 
his son Benjamin, who sold it to his brother David, 
whose descendants are still there. Reuben Kimball 
was a soldier of the Revolution, and in the battle of 
Bunker Hill was hit by musket-balls three times — 
once in the crown of his hat, once on the powder-horn 
which hung at his side (which horn is now in the 
possession of the present occu|)ant of the farm), and 
once in the leg, which wound never healed to the day 
of his death, June 12, 1S15. 

It has happened, a little queerly, perhaps, that the 
last possessor of that tiirm, that is, the present posses- 
sor, Mr. J. A. Kimball, has married a direct descend- 
ant of Abner Miles, the first possessor of said farm; 
and it must be a pleasant thought to all con(^erned 
that the descendants of the seller and the descendants 
of tlie purchaser both now share equally in its bless- 
ings. 

Another excellent farm in western Northfield, which 
is as well cultiv.ated a.s anv uiiland farm in town, or 



perhaps in the county, is the one owned and occupied 
by Mr. John S. Dearborn, which was deeded to his 
grandfather, Shuball Dearborn, in 1779, by his great- 
grandfather, who then lived on the Edmund Dear- 
born place, where he had settled in 1770, being then 
fifty-one years of age. The deed is still preserved in 
the old family chest. Shuball was married in home- 
spun, at twenty-six years of age, and commenced 
housekeeping without bed or crockery, and in a house 
containing only one pane of glass. He was obliged 
to haul his building material from Portsmouth with 
an ox-team. But frugality and industry overcame all 
obstacles in time, and Mr. Dearborn lived to see him- 
self in comfortable circumstances, with a good house 
to shelter him and well furnished for the times. He 
died at the age of fifty-eight. The farm ha.s been in the 
family name ever since, passing from Shuball to his 
son of the same name, and thence to his son, the pres- 
ent possessor, John S. Dearborn. 

Another branch of the same family was represented 
by Edmund Dearborn, born in 1789, who remained 
on the ancestral homestead of his grandfather, the 
original Shuball, raised a large and promising family, 
and died at his birth place in 1845. His three sons, 
Samuel G., Henry G. and Thomas H. B., were all 
physicians eminent in their profession. The latter 
died in Milford in 1879. The two elder reside at 
Niishua, blessed with a competency, the respect of 
their fellow-citizens and a lucrative professional 
practice. 

Among the various names which, at this stage of its 
settlement, were rapidly increasing the population of 
the new town, the Simonds family seems to stand 
forth as prominent and influential as any ; and luckily 
there exists a more complete and extended record of 
this family than of any other of the early settlers, not 
even excepting that of the first pioneer, perhaps, 
searched out and arranged by the late Hon. John W. 
Simonds, of Franklin, and, by the politeness of Mrs. 
Simonds, loaned to the writer; but instead of pub- 
lishing them complete he finds himself conqielled, by 
the brief space allotted him, to make selections, omit 
and condense. 

Joseph Simons was born in England in 168S, an 
only son and in comfortable circumstances. At the 
age of twenty-two, contrary to the wishes of his 
parents, he emigrated to America and located in Con- 
necticut. Here he married a Miss Knox, and in 1735 
removed to Canterbury, settling on the " Intervale," 
about a mile and a half above Boscawen bridge. W'e 
have an account of only two children, William and 
John, though probably there were more. William 
moved to Thornton, and died there. 

The other son, John, of whom mention is often 
made in the earlier town records, was born in Feb- 
ruary, 1739. He was chosen surveyor in 1708, 1770 
and 1773. In 1774 he wa.s taxed for town, colony, 
school and minister tax, one pound. Previous to the 
incorporation, in 1780, he had located himself in 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Northfield, about fifty rods south of where the old 
meeting-house afterwards stood. He was well-pro- 
portioned, stalwart, six feet in height and weighed 
two hundred pounds. He made hunting his busincs.s, 
attaching himself to the party under the leadership 
of the famous hunter, Captain Miles, for trapping 
beaver in Lower Cohos. These expeditions lasted 
three months in the spring and three in the fall. He 
purchased his one hundred acre lot with the proceeds 
of a three months' tour on the Kennebec River, 
Maine. He married Miss Dorothy Bachelder, of Canter- 
bury, who died in 1824, aged eighty. The first town- 
meeting after the incorporation was held at his house 
November 21, 1780, when he was chosen moderator; 
and for several years after the town-meetings were held 
there, he being repeatedly chosen " sarvair," pound- 
keeper, auditor of accounts and assessor until 1800. 

Once, on returning from a hunting expedition, he 
broke through the ice into the Winnipisaukee, and 
only escaped by being buoyed up by the pack of furs 
on his back. 

His death occurred September 11, 1825, Elder 
Crockett, of Sanbornton, preaching his funeral dis- 
course. His and his wife's remains lie in the grave- 
yard by the briek church, slate-stones marking the 
graves. 

John Simons was a quiet a ml peaceable man, of 
good habits, sound judgment, and left a fair pri>iierty, 
for the times. 

His children were James, Nathaniel, John, Sarah 
(Mrs. Forrest), Dorothy (Mrs. Foss), Abram, Tliomas, 
Comfort (Mrs. Abbott). 

James Simons, born in 17G3, the oldest of eight 
children, was tall, strong, six feet high, as were the 
most of the family. When fourteen he enlisted in 
the Revolutionary army, served a short time and was 
discharged. In 1782 he married Lydia Morrison, of 
Northfield, and instead of becoming a hunter, like 
his father, settled down into a hard-working farmer. 
In 1790 he removed to Andover, whence, after a few 
years, he transferred his home to the head of Web- 
ster Pond, where he worked hard, lived plain, 
carrying his corn to mill on his shoulders, get- 
ting in his hay on poles, and in time prospered. 
Moved thence to an intervale farm of one hundred 
and fifty acres, in 1800, and was honored with 
town oflices, more or less, for nearly twenty years 
thereafter. For fifty years he and his wife were mem- 
bers of Elder Crockett's Baptist Church, both walk- 
ing six miles to church, fording the river, and Mrs. 
Simons, on one occasion, carrying her babe in her 
arms ; had a family of eight children, of whom John 
Simonds Wiis one, the father of the Hon. John Wes- 
ley Simonds, of Franklin, lately deceased, president 
of the State University at Vermillion, Dakota, and 
formerly superintendent of schools for the S(ate of 
New Hampshire for several years. 

He died August 15, 1842, she surviving him tliii- 
teen years longer, till August 80, 1855. 



. Sarah Simons, born August 13, 1770, married John 
Forrest, of Northfield, and became the mother of a 
large family of children. She lived and died in lici- 
native town. 

Abram Simons was born in Northfiel<l in 1774; 
lived and died there, 1836, aged sixty-one. Tliis 
was the first deatli in his father's family of eight 
children. He lived upon the place his father bought 
when he left Canterbury. At the present day there 
is no Simons of that family in Northfield. Mar- 
ried Nancy Forrest, who died in 1815. He left 
one son, Joseph Simons, who died in Northfield in 
1868, leaving one son, Joseph M. Simonds, now in 
Boston. Second wife, Mrs. Lucy Rundlett, who died 
in 1845. 

He was quiet, .sensible, industrious, tempera I <■, 
honest and provident, so that at his death he left liis 
son and widow one of the best properties in town at 
the time. Was selectman eight and town clerk lif- 
teen years. Tradition says that Abram Simons was 
one of the most learned men in town. 

Thomas Simons was born in 1783 ; lived in North- 
field ; died in 1872, and was buried in the Brick 
Church graveyard. His first wife was a Miss Han- 
cock, of Northfield. Was married twice. Had one 
daughter, Eliza. He was kind-hearted, jolly, famous 
in early years as a wrestler and runner, and at one 
time was captain of a military company. 

Old Uncle Thomas Simons, as he was lamiliiirly 
called in later days, was a famous story-teller; but, 
when old and forgetful, not wholly reliable. One of 
his favorite stories was about a notable snow-storm, 
which came the last of April, so that the 1st of May 
found an inch of snow on theground, with an inch of 
hail on the top of that. As he grew older, the inch 
changed to a foot of snow and hail ; and, at last, lie 
would occasionally blunder into saying there was a 
rod's depth of snow, with a rod of hail on top of it. 
He was a great student of the almanac, and would 
predict a storm whenever he found the moon was 
" apodging," — that is, in apogee. Was also astentorian 
sneezer, and his sternutations could be easily heard 
a mile or more, as the story is told. 

Comfort Simons was born in 1786 ; married Kbcn 
Abbot; bccaiuc a widow and died in Northfield in 
1860, at tlu' hiiiiHiir her daughter, Mrs. Joseph .M. 
Simons. 

Daniel Hill and his four sons and two daughters 
lived in Salisbury, Mass., where they worked at shoe- 
making and shod the soldiers of the Revolution to 
such good purpose that they gained a comfortable 
support and a goodly pile of Continental money, 
or script, which, however, — like the money in the 
Arabian tale that changed to leaves when wanted lor 
use, — by depreciation, turned to alntost worthless 
paper, so that at one time their bill (bra cow wa.s no 
less than fifteen hundred dollars. 

Two of the boys afterward became coopers, and 
started north to meriil llicir fortunes. Reaching 



NORTHFIELD. 



Concord, Captain Blanchartl (])robably Captain Ed-' 
ward) told them of a delectable hill a few miles far- 
ther on, with scenery unequaled, and where land 
could be bought for a song, as there were no meeting- 
houses in town to give it value. 

And so they came to Bay Hill, whither, in allor- 
time, they brought, llicir ]i:nviits, bn.tbei-s and sis- 
ters. This took plarr al.oiit tlir closr of the Revo- 
lution. 

Of the four brothers, John was a giant, strong as a 
horse; indeed, it was said that he preferred to carry 
his corn a mile away to mill, on his back, to taking 
the trouble to harness his horse. Timothy was an- 
other strong man. After bargaining for his farm, he 
walked to Salisbury, got his purchase-money in hard, 
silver dollars, saw a certain lady and walked back the 
following day, and all without having stopped to sleep 
a wink ; and, as if in reward for his endurance, that 
certain lady (Miss Betsey Lapham), a year or two 
after, came to live in his Bay Hill dwelling, — a dwell- 
ing that still stands, alone of the original four, and 
that still remains in the family. After marriage he 
learned penmanship and book-keeping, and, in pro- 
cess of time, became a justice of the peace. 

Daniel's wife was Abi Amblet. He was a feeble, 
quiet man, but his wife had a tongue like an electric 
telegraph, and, on a certain occasion, utterly con- 
founded .judge and lawyers in open court by her 
volubility. 

Of the present, or fourth, generation of Hills, only 
four or five of the name still reside in town, — Daniel 
E., the postmaster at Tilton from 1877 to the present 
time ; Charles E., a printer ; and Smith M. and Willie, 
who still cultivate the original farms on Bay Hill. 

The fii-st settler, Daniel Hill, married an Emery, — 
hence Daniel Emery, the name of the present post- 
master, the fourth or fifth in descent from the original 
Daniel. His father and grandfather were named 
John; his mother was Mahala Rollins. .His sister, 
Mary C, married Liba C. Morrison, who owns and 
cultivates one of the original Hill farms. 

Mrs. O. L. Cross' father's name was David Hill ; 
her mother, a Forjcst. Has a brother, Solon, for- 
merly a teacher and efficient superintendent of the 
Northfield schools for several years; at present a 
farmer. 

Daniel Hill, nephew of the original Daniel, had 
two sons, William and Daniel A., who displayed con- 
siderable mechanical skill, constructing, when mere 
lads, a small steam-engine, which worked admirably 
in connection with the tea-kettle, with a whistle that 
could be heard at the Bridge. William promised fair 
as a portrait-painter ; Daniel Adams invented a popu- 
lar adhesive fly-paper. 

Warren Hill is now the oldest person living in 
Northfield. 

The Rogers family of Northfield claim to be direct 
descendants of the martyr, .John Rogers, burnt at the 
stake in the reign of Queen Mary. 



Deacon Samuel Rogers, born about the year 174.''), 
moved from Bow to Northfield while yet a young 
man, and died there about 1835, aged ninety. From 
him have sprung all of the name who ever resided in 
town. He was a Revolutionary soldier, of marked 
ability, energetic, and, by good management as a far- 
mer, was enablrd, .inriiig the last half of his life, to 
enjoy a dij^nilh d b i-im on his farm, situated about a 
luile from Noiibllcld ('ciitre, between Bean Hill and 
Mount Tiigg. His children were Enoch, Samuel, 
John, Benjamin, Jesse, Rebecca and Mehitable. 

Enoch became a blacksmith; settled in Northfield 
and afterwards removed to Columliia; had seven 
children. C. C. Rogers, Esq., attoiney at Tilton, is 
his grandson. 

Samuel (2d), brother of Enoch, was a tailor, noted 
for wit. One of his children was Deborah, who mar- 
ried Thomas Haynes and died in Northfield. One of 
her children married John S. Dearborn, of North- 
field, and another. Cutting FoUansby, a merchant. 

John, third son of Samuel (1st), married Sally Cof- 
ran ; settled upon one of his father's farms ; lived and 
died in Northfield ; was a man of ability and filled 
various town offices ; had four children, of whom Jo- 
anna married Walter Bailey, and Jeremiah inherited 
his father's farm and died in Northfield. 

Benjamin, fourth sou of Samuel (1st), was born in 
1780 and died in 1825; wiis a farmer, and spent his 
life upon the farm given him by his father, three- 
fourths of a mile from Northfield Centre; married 
Lucy Hoegg, of Bow, and through life they were 
prominent members of the Methodist Church. Their 
children were Fannie, afterwards Mrs. Simeon Kim- 
ball, of Sanbornton Bridge; Betsy R., who married 
John T. Gilman, of Columbia, and who, at eighty, 
still survives her husband ; Lucy H., wife of Gilbert 
L. Frizzell, who died in Wisconsin ; Rebecca L., who 
married Thomas J. Emerton, and now survives him 
in Wisconsin; Sally K., the wife of Ebenezer Thurs- 
ton, who died upon the old homestead in Northfield ; 
Abigail, who died in infancy ; Samuel B., who married 
Susan K. Forrest, and was for many years a merchant 
at Sanbornton Bridge, — a man of integrity and ability, 
and who died in Northfield from the effects of lead- 
poison ; and Benjamin A., who w:is born September 
10, 1823. 

Benjamin, after being admitted to the bar in 1845, 
practiced law two years in Gilmanton, thirteen at 
Sanbornton Bridge, — nearly five years of which he 
was solicitor of Belknap County, ^establishing a repu- 
tation as a skillful attorney, a ready speaker and for 
sharp wit. Owing to a lung trouble, he went South 
and settled in Texas in 1860 ; came North during the 
war, and in 1863 entered the ministry of the Protest- 
ant Episcopal Church. 

Since then he has been rector of churches in Penn- 
sylvania, Austin, Chicago, Waco, and is now rector of 
Grace Church, Georgetown, Texas, near which place 
he resides, on a valuable stock farm, which he owns 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and manages. During these years he hsis held many 
offices of trust and honor in cliurch and State; has 
been married four times, and six children have been 
born to him, ol' whom only one, a daughter, sur- 
vives. 

Jesse Rogers, liftli son of .Samuel (lsl),\v;us a l)hick- 
smith and lived and died in Northticld. 

Rebecca and Mehitable, daughters of Maraud (1st), 
married and left town. 

Of the great number of the Rogers name once liv- 
ing in Northlield, it is believed not one now remains 
there. 

The ancestors of Wesley Knowles were among the 
original settlers of Northfield, eomiug in 1791 from 
Chester, N. H., set! led on the David Brown place, on 
Bean Hill, :incl moved from there to P.ay Hill in 
1799. 

The Ambrose family came from Concord. 

John Cofran was a native of Pembroke, and was 
settled for a time in Canterbury, near the Shakers, 
whom his wife had a great desire to join on account of 
a twin-sister living there, to the great disgust of her 
husband, who vowed he would wean her from that 
notion, and accordingly sold out, removed to Notting- 
ham, whence, after a year or two, he came to North- 
field, in 1787, and bought his Bean Hill farm, where 
he remained till liis death. His grandson, Benjami n 
F., still has the original deed of the place in his pos- 
session, the consideration in it being given in pounds. 
His son James, born in 1782, commonly called Col- 
onel Cofran, married Ruth Hersey, inherited the 
farm, living there the life of a prosperous farmer and 
drover till the latter part of his life, when he moved 
to the Northfield side of Sanborntou Bridge, assisted 
largely in building the seminary and died in 1861, in 
his seventy-ninth year ; had a brother, Israel Cofran, 
who lived in West Northfield. His son, James H., 
remained on the homestead, married Eliza B. Hall, 
and died in 1868, aged fifty. His widow now resides 
near Tilton. 

Another sou, Benjamin Franklin, lives on the North- 
field side of the river near Tilton, a well-to-do ftirmer 
and respected citizen. He married Priscilla C. Chase, 
daughter of Benjamin A. Chase, who, with his father, 
carried on the ftiUing and carding business just by 
the corner of the old bridge. Mr. Chase built the 
house now occupied by Mrs. Asa P. Gate, and his farm 
included all of Mount Griswold and the Joseph Hill 
stand. His father, whose name was Stephen, kept 
tavern wliere Benjamin Hill used to live, — in the cor- 
ner where the Bay Hill road branches from the main 
road. 

Mr. Cofrau's house wiis burned in 1875, but rebuilt 
the next year. 

We have thus brouglit these brief sketchy memoirs 
of the earlier families who emigrated to the hills of 
Northfield down to the i^lose of the century, or to the 
year 1800. We think we have noted the greater num- 
ber of those who came during that time from abroad. 



If any have been overlooked, our excuse must be the 
difficulty of acquiring accurate information at this late 
day, the old i)eople — ^the connecting links between 
that period and this — having all passed away, and the 
shortness of the time allowed us in the preparation of 
this article. We have done the best our limits and 
circumstances permitted, and it only remains for us 
in this connection to record the arrival of two individ- 
uals under essentially different auspices. Aaron Col- 
lins and Ebenezer Blanchard were the first two chil- 
dren born in the new settlement. That's all we know 
of the entrance of Aaron into a participation of North- 
field's joys and woes; but of Ebenezer we can say that 
he was born in 1768, and that the attendant, Mrs. Jo- 
seph Simons, who in those years was the doctress, or 
midwife, for Canterbury and her colony, made them 
her last professional visit, her own exit following 
closely upon Ebenezer's advent, as she died within 
the year, — a sore loss in those days, when the growth 
of families kept pace with the growth of other pru- 
ductions of a new land. 

What with native and foreign arrivals, the pojmla- 
tiou increased to such an extent that they came to 
the conclusion that the colony no longer needed Can- 
terbury's protecting hand, and that it was old and 
able enough to set up for itself. 

Accordingly, in 1780, twenty years after the first 
clearing was made, the inhabitants secured an act of 
incorporation, and the offshoot of Canterbury became 
the independent and stalwart town of Northfield. 
We have no account of the preliminary measures 
taken, public meetings, speeches for or against, de- 
lays, expenses, etc., — nothing, except that we may 
judge, from a vote in their first town-meeting, that 
Nathaniel Whitcher was the agent appointed to at- 
tend to that business. 

Hereafter we must speak of Northfield in her cor- 
porate capacity, and we will commence by giving a 
specimen of her early town-meetings. 

" REIGHCORD Or MEETINGS, ETO. 
"At a lUBL'ting lield in Nortlifleld, tucsclay yo 21 Nov'r, 17S0. 
"1. Voted Mr. John Simons Moderator. 
"2. Voted to aLow Mr. Nuthuuil wicliot^ acompt iu Gittiugye in Cor- 

"3. Voted to Itais Monny to Bny a parrish Book. 

"4. V. to ItaiB Nineteen hundred Dollars to Defray Parrisli Cliiirjjis. 

" 2d mektino. 
"At ii "Mi ' rii, li. I ! id \ .( ihlioldon Tncsduy, yo first of Marcli, 17S1, 

*M, \<ih.M 1 I I ^ nil probalily) Blancliani flloderator. 

"2nd. \mi-I \i.Ii. . \i. li.l nis)Milc«Clerk. 

"3rd. VotL-d licul.fii Wilchi-r, John McDauiel, Tliomos Clongli, Se- 
lect Men. 
" 4. Voted Ebenesor Kimbal Constabel. 
"5. Votf.l Jus.pli Tar, liavi.l lllaiHlirird, (liarlcs Glidden, JIatlliBw 

haiu8& I'.'l.'i I iiilMi.l. ^, n:n,.;^ ,.| IhwhIs. 

"6. Vni.M 1 i , , I', i|..[iis.in, hog-Uefs. 

"7. vi.l-.l A . - ■: I ! ^i ,i-iir. 

"». volud llu ->1. a -11,1. !:. ,ci ..■,.iuittv logilth<; MoiiTiy and liruf 
C'auld for By thu Cult. 

"9. voted to Raise Six thonsand Duilars to Ropir high ways iu labour 
at forly dollars per day. 

" Saiil Meeting a.l.iinne<l to tlio firs of Apr. at two uf the ('Uick iu the 
After Noon at the Saiui plais." 



NORTHFIELD. 



627 



In 1780 the town tax was sixty bushels of corn. 
But it will be noticed that at the November meeting 
they voted nineteen hundred dollars to pay parish 
charges, and the ensuing March voted the enormous 
sum of six thousand dollars to repair highways, and 
tq pay labor ibrty dollars a day. 

The wonder ceases when we remember that the 
" money" spoken of was Continental currency, which 
had then depreciated to perhaps one-fortieth or one- 
fiftieth of its first value, so that the discrepancy be- 
tween the first tax and the others will not appear to 
be so great. 

It was also voted, as regards the corn, that those not 
bringing in their tax, tliat is, their corn, briskly, must 
pay " Colector for Colecting." 

In 1782, P. Morrison was chosen "Tithing Man," 
and it was voted to " rais " two days' work on roads. 

Iji 1783, John Simons was appointed "Sairvaior," 
as he was for four succeeding years; also for 1789 and 
1790. 

D. Morrison chosen "hog-reef." 

Jeremiah Blanchard was born January IDth. Mr. 
Diah's name is mentioned. 

1784, John Simpns' taxes on a valuation of £40 
were £1 17s. 6d. 

1785, town-meeting at John Simons', who next 
year was appointed pound-keeper and assessor. 

1789, the Forrest name mentioned in records. 

1791, " Foted to build a meeting-hcmse, to be framed 
and raised by September, 1792." 

This vote of the town-meeting, it seems, was not 
carried into execution ; but in 1793 the town set to 
work in earnest. They voted again to build a meet- 
ing-house, and voted a committee of three men, namely 
Colonel Greeley, Squire Harper and Captain Mc- 
Crillis, to pitch upon a place for the meeting-house, 
and a committee of five to see about size, etc., of 
house. 

Old Meeting--House. — We come now to chronicle 
an important event in Northfield's history, — one of 
her two great public days, — the raising of what at 
present is called the " Old Meetiug-House," only to 
1)6 paralleled eighty-six years after, in 1880, by the 
centennial observance of her incorporation. It is 
.singular that she should have remained without a 
bouse for public worship so long. Sanbornton Square, 
though settled considerably later, nevertheless, for 
nineteen years or thereabouts, had possessed a meet- 
ing-house. Gilmanton, Canterbury, Boscawen and 
Salisbury were likewise thus favored, and there was no 
place for public worship anywhere nearer than those 
towns. 

Since the incorporation Northfiuld had been stead- 
ily and rapidly gaining in population. Roads had 
been laid out to the Bridge, to Canterbury and to Bay, 
Bean and Oak Hills from the Centre, with increasing 
settlements on all ; and as families in those days were 
proverbially large, it is not improbable that a greater 
crowd cif old and young, especially of the latter, on 
34 



any given occasion, could be called together in that 
day from the three hills mentioned and the central 
valley than it would be possible to assemble from the 
same places now. 

What kept the energetic Northfielders so far be- 
hindhand in getting for themselves a capacious house 
for public business and public worship we are not 
prepared to say, but Rev. Mr. Curtice says that there 
was but little of the Puritan, element in town at first, 
as compared with its neighbors ; then it is possible 
there was some rivalry as to location. Besides, there 
seems to have been an increased influx of new set- 
tlers during these years, and time was needed to assim- 
ilate them v.'ith the old, and the attention of many 
was directed to the opening of new farms, and with 
the older settlers, to the exchanging of their log huts 
for framed dwellings, and it is possible that these set- 
tlers were a trifle poorer, as a whole, than those of the 
neighboring towns. No doubt the matter was dis- 
cussed every year since the incorporation, but with- 
out action. But during the winter of 1792-93 the 
subjectseems to have been taken upin earnest. Their 
increased population forced them to action. No pri- 
vate house was equal to the demands of the public 
business. At private parties, at husking frolics, 
hunting-parties, house-raisings, logging bees, at all 
gatherings, very likely it was the chief topic ; so that 
when they met at their next annual March meeting in 
1793 all the elements were favorable for action. They 
voted to build said house, and, to prevent any occasion 
for disagreement, they chose their committee of loca- 
tion from out of town. That committee reported March 
28, 1793, at an adjourned meeting held for that especial 
purpose presumedly, as follows : 

"We, the Subscribers, being appoint^rl liy t^c V;ir j^h if Nortlifield as a 
Committee to agree u|jon a certain ?|i.t ' ; ili.into build a 

Meeting-House, we have carefully px:n I i'l n ,i,ii of S"^ rari^b 

and find the most convenient Spot to h^' I i ' '' "''^ Mi'liI'Mi'sland near 
his gate, a little north of Capt. Stephen Ilaiiios' dwlling-llouse, on said 
ground; we have Set two Stakes for the front of Said house, eras near as 



December, 1793, " Voted that the meeting-house 
should be completed by the 1st of October, 1794." 

By this time considerable enthusiasm appears to 
have been aroused on the subject, and it is allowable 
to suppose that measures were soon taken to carry the 
voteof the town intoefiect. Muchofthe lumberforthe 
frame, which was of the best quality, was contributed by 
individuals. The spot chosen, with the land adjoining, 
wasin after-years famous for the stories told of itshuge 
growth of pines. One that grew on the opposite side of 
the road afterwards, when felled, was left in its pros- 
trate position along the road to serve for a fence, which 
it did completely, as the trunk was so thick that steps 
had to be cut in the side to allow one to climb over. 
It remained a source of wonder till within a few years. 
Another stood close to the meeting-house whose 
stump, when afterwards cut, was so large that a yoke 



528 



HISTORY OP MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



of six-feet oxen was driven upon it and turned around 
without stepping off; so says a trustwortliy citizen of 
the town, he having seen it done. At the time of the 
raising all the space on the north of the road, from the 
meeting-house up the hill east to Squire Glidden's, 
was covered with primeval forest, and it is but fair to 
presume that the meeting-house lot was so covered 
when the selection was made. 

If so, the most of that summer must have been spent 
in preparing the ground. This was probably done at 
certain intervals by bees,— i. e., a gathering of the peo- 
ple to work in company according to the custom of the 
times; on one day a tree-felling and tree-chopping 
bee, on another a burning bee, on another a stump 
pulling bee, with the united force of all the oxen in 
town perhaps, and finally a levelling and smoothing 
bee. And then the spot was ready. 

William Durgin, the third of that name, sometimes 
styled Lieutenant Durgin, and more familiarly "Mas- 
ter Bill Durgin," was chosen to superintend the work. 
He lived at Tin Corner, Sanbornton ; was then in his 
best years — aged forty-four — and had acquired con- 
siderable reputation as a head carpenter, having al- 
ready framed the meeting-house in Sanbornton, one in 
Portsmouth, and other buildings, and now undertook 
what was to be his master-work, we think ; surpass- 
ing all buildings in the neighboring towns, so far as 
we know, proving that, though late to begin, the 
Northfielders when they did build were not to be out- 
done. At any rate. Master Durgin accepted the in- 
vitation, and soon commenced operations. Every- 
thing was to be as near perfection as the skill then 
available could make it. 

Nail-makers from abroad brought a forge and 
manufactured the nails— all first-class— on the spot. 
None but first-class pine was used for the boards. The 
shingles and clapboards were split and shaved by 
hand, and in the latter the holes for the nails were made 
by gimlets, as a safeguard against splitting. 

Busily the carpenters plied their tools through the 
long, hot days; busily the nailers wrought; busily 
the shingle and clapboard-makers rived and shaved, 
till, just as summer was drawing to a close. Master 
Durgin made proclamation that everything was pre- 
pared for the raising, and the time set was the second 
week in September. The day of the week we are un- 
able to name. The news spread in all directions, and 
on the appointed morning there was a general turn- 
out from all quarters of the town of every age, and of 
both sexes. Some came with ox-teams loaded to their 
utmost capacity ; some women on horseback with babes 
in their arms, and iron kettles tied behind to assist in 
the cooking. Provisions in great profusion were con- 
veyed to the ground, the Hill women, of Bay Hill, 
contributing a cart-load of wheaten bread, which a 
Mr. Hill, ox-goad in hand, hauled with oxen to the 
placeof assemblage, and, having backed the cart to 
the edge of the wood, whore tlie pound i.s now seen, 
stood there the live-long day, valiantly guarding with 



his trusty ox-goad the wheaten treasures entrusted to 
his care against marauding boys that swarmed on 
every side. Benjamin Blanchard, the original first 
settler, was still living, and, you may be sure, was 
there, and how it must have made his brave, old eyes 
sparkle — he was then seventy-five — to behold on this 
day the magnificent results of his log-hut raising 
thirty-four years before ! " He builded better than 
he knew," or expected ; and if a man on that ground 
had a right to be proud that day, it was Benjamin 
Blanchard. And the progenitors of most, and proba- 
bly all, of the long-standing family names in town at 
the present day, and of some now extinct or removed, 
all were there. Nor must the historian forget to men- 
tion that the barrel of rum was there— genuine, true 
New England ; Jersey lightning was as yet unknown 
— set up in great state in the basement of the old 
Gline's building opposite, so we are told. And not 
only from Northfield did visitors and assistance come, 
but great numbers from Sanbornton, Gilmanton, Can- 
terbury, Boscawen, Salisbury, — in some cases whole 
families, and remained on the ground till the third 
day. Elder John Crocket, for forty years pastor of 
the First Baptist Church at Sanbornton — his pastorate 
having commenced only the year before, in 179.S — had 
responded to an invitation to be present and intro- 
duce the ceremonies with prayer. He took his station 
on the sill at the southeast corner of the building, 
with Master-Builder Durgin on his right, and the 
master of ceremonies, with a glass and bottle in his 
hand, on the left. Order is proclaimed. The prayer 
is made. Then the master of ceremonies, turning and 
pouring out a glassful of New England, presented it 
with due respect to the minister, who, taking it slowly, 
poured a portion of the contents on the ground, as a 

} libation or drink oflering ; then with somewhat less 
deliberation poured the remainder in another direc- 
tion. The glass was then refilled and passed to the 
master-builder, who drained the contents, and was 
followed by the master of ceremonies. Then the 
crowd was treated, and it was remarked that this part 
of the ceremony was conducted with much greater 
rapidity than the preliminary exercises had been. 

After having been thus fortified, the] signal was 
given. At once a hundred hands spring to the work. 
The huge, oaken timbers are seized and raised oti 
high. Long do they tug and push and lift and pant 
and shout, and finally grow thirsty, and a halt ie 
called, and again the friendly glass goes its rounds, 

I whispering courage to one and all ; and again, with 
strength renewed, they hoist the timber.s. And so the 
work moves on until the dinner-hour proclaims an- 
other halt, when, seated by hundreds, on timbers, 
boxes, fences and ground, they wait impatiently while 
the cart, laden to its utmost capacity with the wheaten 
loaves fashioned so well by the hands of the domestic 
Hills of Bay Hill, is driven forward by ox-driver 
Hill, goad in hand. Othcr.'i bring on huge piles of 
brown bread. Ancithcr coiupMiiy advances, witji Mrs. 



NORTHFIELD. 



Kaowles, from Bay Ilill Piiiuacle, at the head, who 
liad been superintendino; the hissing masses of fish- 
liash and fish-chowder which had been stewing 
throughout the forenoon in huge iron kettles sus- 
jionded from horizontal poles laid on upriglit crotched 
posts, set in the ground near the edge of the wood, 
and between whicli the flames had been roaring since 
morning. The steaming results were now brought 
forward by the tugging assistants. Beans and bean- 
porridge were there, we know not whence; but if 
there's anything in a name. Bean Hill must have fur- 
nished the supply. 

After dinner, a good afternoon's work succeeded, so 
tliat the body of the church was raised the first day. 
The next forenoon they put on the roof, and finished 
up the second day with games of various kinds, — as 
foot-races, trials of strength, such as running up the 
hill to the east with two bushels of wheat or rye on 
their backs. Then succeeded a wrestling-match for 
the "Honors," the Northfield men being pitted 
against the champion wrestlers from Boscawen, Salis- 
bury, Gilmanton and the other towns represented. 
Two captains chose their men and the contest began, 
and was kept up with varying success till, narrowing 
down to a few wrestlers, it began to look as though 
Northfield must be driven from the ground by a pow- 
erful man from Boscawen by the name of Elliott, 
when the Northfield captain, as his last man, said he 
would bring forward a boy, and accordingly led in 
young Abram Simons, eighteen years old. Elliott 
scorned the encounter at first with one so youthful, 
but saw his mistake after having been thrown twice 
by Simons, — once at " arms' length," the other at 
" side hugs," — and the " Honors " remained with 
Northfield. And there may the honor and " Honors " 
ever remain. 

Other matches were tried for fun or for the rum. 
Thomas Simons, with a bushel of rye on his shoul- 
ders, outran a man without any load. Again, he won 
a race on "all fours," so many rods out and back, over 
a man on horseback. 

In Rev. Mr. Runnels' "History of Sanbornton" I 
find this account of a reading-match at the same time 
and place, written by Mr. Jacob N. Knapp when 
eighty-si.x years of age. Mr. Knapp, then in his 
seventeenth year, was teaching in Sanbornton at six 
dollars a month and board. Says he, — 

"Soon aftei- 1 began my school I went to Northfidil. an atUoining 
t"wn, to see a meeting-house raised. There I met three other achool- 
iiiastere. Cue of them, an Englishman, had in his hand a copy of Ad- 
dison's ' Cato.' He proposed a trial of reading among us four instructoi-s. 
The multitude heard the challenge, .and formed a ring round us. The 
Knglishman selected as the trial passage the last part of the first scene 
between Marcus and Fortius, and read it with theatrical tone and em- 
phasis. Next came Master Fuller, then Master Clark ; then came my 
turn. The ring, probably in sympathy for my youth, declared loudly in 



To conclude the whole in a befitting manner, Aa- 
ron Collins, the first born in town, who, as he had 
already immortalized himself once by becoming its 



first native, deterniined now to do it again by per- 
forming what has never been attempted before or 
since, — namely, as they had neglected to jjlace a steeple 
on the house he enacted the part of one by climbing 
j to the ridgepole and standing on his head, being posi- 
tively the first and only example of a man's immor- 
talizing twice in the town of Northfield. 

And so the " Old Meeting-House " was raised. It 
was not comjjletely finished and painted till 1800, as a 
date in the roof, by a painter's brush, still testifies. 
At first there were no means of warming the build- 
ing, yet in early times this large house used to be 
completely filled with hearers from back gallery to 
pulpit. 

Master Durgiu did his work well, and the carpen- 
ters and nailers and rivers and shinglers needed not 
to fear in after-years the memory of slighted work ; 
and old Father Knowles, who turned the banisters, 
turned them well. But its work is done. Its mission 
is accomplished. No more within its walls will be 
heard the mild tones of its first pastor. Rev. Liba 
Conant, nor the sounding-board echo the thunders of 
Father Corser. It stands to-day a battered hulk, still 
spacious indeed, with galleries and pulpit sounding- 
board intact, and with timbers as sound as they were 
ninety-one years ago, yet a shell, — windowless, door- 
less, floorless, — soon to be torn down and removed. 

After the completion of the great church and town- 
house, as above described, we meet with nothing 
of especial importance to describe for many years. 
The town still continued to grow and prosper, owing 
to the good management of its public officials, the 
industry of its inhabitants and the arrival of new 
settlers, among whom we briefly note the following : 
Elias Abbott moved from Concord, N. H., in May, 
1801, and settled and died on the farm at Bean Hill, 
occupied so long in after-years by his grandson, 
Gardner S. Abbott. 

Deacon G. S. Abbott now resides on the Northfield 
side of the river, near Tilton, in a pleasant grove 
overlooking the village. He has held oflice in the 
church and town. 

G. A. Gorrell came to town not far from 1810 and 
settled on the farm next west of that of James N. 
Forrest, where his son Albert now lives. 

Deacon Jeremiah Hall, the son of Obadiah, came 
to Northfield from Canterbury in 1801 ; had several 
children, among them Dr. Adino B. and Eliza B. 
(Cofran), and two at the West; died at Bean Hill, 
not far from ninety years of age. He had a younger 
brother Obadiah, who lived in West Northfield ; had 
several children, one of whom— Obadiah, Jr. — was a 
physician, and died in Southern Ohio a few years 
ago, aged about forty. 

The excellent and very pleasant farms at present 
owned and occupied by Messrs. Munroe and William 
Clough were purchased from Captain Samuel Gil- 
man about the year 1802 by their grandfather, Jona- 
than Clough, who emigrated thither from Salisbury, 



530 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Mass., and died in 1836, aged eiglity-six, leaving the 
farms to his two sons, Jonathan and Samuel — the 
former the father of William, the latter of Munroe. 
There was quite a rivalry in ■ barn-building in that 
neighborhood at one time. Cajitain Oilman built a 
barn — the first in town — a wonderful barn, so con- 
sidered at the time, which barn still stands on the 
old place. The owner of W. H. Smith's farm de- 
termined to surpass it, and the next year built a barn 
twenty-five feet longer; whereupon Esquire Glid- 
den built another with a still further addition of 
twenty-five feet, which gave him the superiority. It 
may be of interest to state that the first Methodist 
sermon in town was preached in William Clough's 
dining-room, and that his ancient Gilman-built barn 
was used as a Methodist Church for quite a while, 
later meetings being held at the house of Mr. Knowles 
and the school-house, and baptism was administered 
in Chestnut Pond. Martin Rutter was the first 
pastor. 

Thomas S. Clough, a younger brother of Munroe, 
is now a resident of Paw Paw Grove, Lee County, 111. ; 
has a son and daughter, and is a successful farmer ; 
but his fertile Western farm has not had the power to 
banish from his memory Bay Hill, the beautiful home 
of his earlier years. He was the first Republican 
representative Northfleld ever sent to the Legislature. 

Captain Isaac Glines came to town in 1813 from 
Salem, Mass., and bought a farm at the Centre, where 
he lived till his death, at the age of eighty-four. 

In the fall of 1813 Benjamin Winslow, born in 
Caudia, N. H., emigrated hither from Loudon; mar- 
ried Miss Betsy French, also from Loudon, the next 
year ; bought and cleared the land and, after four or 
five years, erected the buildings of the farm now 
occupied by Mr. John S. Winslow ; died in 1840. 
Mr. Winslow, the present " occupant, has been a 
teacher here for several years and has held many and 
varied offices in town. 

The intervale upon which the Crosses and Joseph 
Hancock settled (once a part of old Northfleld, but 
uow included within the limits of Franklin) is one 
of the largest and richest on the Merrimack. Here 
Joseph Gerrish, Esq., settled in the year 1804. He 
was a native of IBoscawen, born in 1784, and was 
the son of Colonel Henry and grandson of Captain 
Steven Gerrish, one of the first settlers of Boscawen 
and a native of Newbury, Mass. 

Joseph Gerrish was a man of great shrewdness, 
business tact and enterprise, hospitable and genial. 
After the War of 1812 he bought the George Han- 
cock farm on an adjoining ridge, and thus enlarged 
his domains to ample size, with due proportions of 
upland for grazing and intervale for tillage. He had 
thirteen children, and was respected as one of North- 
field's most substantial farmers. His wife was Susan 
Hancock, of Northfield. At his death, in 1851, his 
broad acres were divided among his three sons, Mil- 
ton, Leonard and Stevt-n, tlu' two former taking the 



intervale, the latter the upland farm. Milton and 
Leonard still cultivate their ancestral fields, but 
Steven, a few years ago, sold his patrimony to John 
Kelley, Esq., the jiresent possessor ami well-to-ili> 
farmer. 

The Foss family, in two divisions, appeared in 
town in its early days, and settled one on the 
main road and one on Oak Hill, owning a very large 
tract there, which for a long time was called Foss 
Hill. Jason is the only surviving male descendant ; 
has been selectman for several years, and has sistei-s 
living in Sanbornton. 

Dr. Keyser was one of the early settlers, but very 
little about him have I been able to learn ; but he 
had a son, Joseph Smith Keyser, of general intelli- 
gence, a close observer, a good citizen, industrious, 
frugal and acquired a good property, but the embodi- 
ment of eccentricity, a determined old bachelor, 
shunned womankind, and finally turned hermit, 
raised but little from his land, would sell nothing, 
and, as far as the writer knows, was induced to break 
through this custom in only one instance on any con- 
siderable scale. He had kept his barn full of hay 
for over thirty years, refusing all applications to buy, 
till, at a time of great scarcity, an offer of thirty dol- 
lars, or more, a ton broke down his obstinacy; and 
the swallows that haunted the ancient building saw 
with astonishment something never seen by them 
before — the old barn empty. He died alone, and the 
fact was not discovered for several days. The filth 
of his dwelling showed the want of woman's hand, 
and his gun was found filled to the top with silver 
dimes. 

A Miss Sally Thornton used to teach and preach in 
town, but when, nobody knows, so far as I have been 
able to learn. 

Ebenezer Morrison settled in Northfield in 1814. 
Had the following children : Thomas L. Morrison, 
now living in Northfield ; Robert G., organ manu- 
facturer iu Concord ; Amos H., a blacksmith in Con- 
cord; Obadiah H., book merchant, Washington, 
D. C, died 1876, aged fifty-two ; Liba C, a farmer 
on one of the original Hill farms in Northfield ; 
Ebenezer, paper merchant in AVashington, D. C. 

Probably no individual has exercised so strong and 
decided au influence on the policy and politics of 
Northfleld as the late Judge Asa Piper Cate. 

Judge Cate was the son of Simeon and Lydia Dur- 
gin Cate, born June 1, 1813, in Sanbornton (now 
Tilton), whence, in his early childhood, his parents 
removed to Northfield,' where he passed the remainder 
of his life. He was educated at the academies at 
Sanbornton Square, Sanbornton Bridge and Boscawen ; 
read law with Judge Nesmith, of Franklin ; was ad- 
mitted to the bar August, 1838, and opened an office 
at Sanbornton Bridge. He was colonel of a regiment 
of militia for several years ; was elected moderator at 
the annual elections from 1838 to 1874, with the ex- 
ception of two years ; represented the town of North- 



NORTHPIELD. 



Held in the Legislature five years, — 1839, '40, '04, '05, 
'06; was State Senator two years, 1844-45, the 
second year president of the Senate; was solicitor 
for Merrimacli: County from 1845 to 1851 ; judge of 
probate, 1871, '72, '73 and '74, when he resigned a few 
weeks previous to liis death. He was candidate for 
Governor, 1858, '59 and '00 ; railroad commissioner 
three years ; member and secretary of the board 
of trustees of the New Hampshire Conference Semi- 
iinry ten years, and an active member and senior 
warden of the Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church 
at Tilton. He was president of the Citizens' National 
Bank at Tilton ; a director of the B., C. and Montreal 
Railroad, and a liberal investor in its property. His 
loudness for agriculture was shown by his well-culti- 
vated fiirm, his choice fruit, his well-filled and well- 
ordered garden. A fine specimen of the country 
gentleman, genial, social, highly respected by his 
fellow-citizens, of all degrees and politics. He died 
December 12, 1874, aged sixty-one years, leaving a 
wiledoinirrly MissCl;,ra l',Mrt,,r) and tw., children, 
Cliira .Moull,,,, an, I Al.l.ir .lnsr|.|,iiir. 

Morrill S. :\l,,oie was Ih. HI in Canterbury in 1798; 
married Sally Hancock, of Northfield, and removed 
to his wife's native town, and settled on the main 
road, somewhere near the Alvah Hannaford place; 
afterwards lived on the Bean Hill road, where his 
five children were born. Both houses have since been 
burned. He died at his son's residence, in Sanborn- 
ton, in 1800. 

His son Morrill married Lavina A. Huse, a native 
of Campt'on, and daughter of Daniel M. Huse, a 
native of Sanbornton, who, after several removals, 
finally settled on a pleasant farm in West Northfield, 
where he died in: 1883. 

Here Mr. Morrill Moore now resides, seemingly 
enjoying himself as a substantial farmer ought. 

Dr. Enos Hoyt was a native of Sandwich, N. H., 
and came to town immediately after the death of Dr. 
Ale.xander T. Clark, which took place March 10, 1821. 
Dr. Hoyt resided in Northfield many years; had an 
extensive practice, and finally removed to Framing- 
ham, Mass., where he died. 

Daniel Sanborn settled on the Hall place in 1836. 
His bons were Josiah Sullivan, Braley, James, 
Daniel, Samuel C. and John, of whom Daniel clings 
to the old homestead. 

Joseph Clisby came to town in 1820 ; married, the 
next year, Sally Hill, of Bay Hill ; built a very pleas- 
ant cottage home, surrounded by trees; set up a 
blacksmith's shop ; hammered iron and shod horses 
for many years, till, compelled by rheumatism, he 
left the shop for the open-air work of farming. He 
had 'four daughters, — Mandana F., Maria D., Sarah 
C. and Clara A., — all, with their mother, deceased, ex- 
cept Mandana. Mr. Clisby states that there is not a 
person living in District No. 1 (that is the Centre) 
that was there when he came, the last one dying in 
1881. 



John Copp arrived at Bay Hill, perhaps, about the 
year 1825, and settled next east of John Hill's farm. 
His own farm was not so extensive or valuable as his 
neighbor's, but it has one of the most charming out- 
looks in the State. He married Ruama Rollins and 
had two children, Evelina and John G. ; all now 
deceased. Mr. Copp was a good farmer, fond of sport 
and a great mimic, so much so that had he followed 
an actor's calling, his mimetic ability musthavegiven 
him a high reputation on the stage. Many probably 
still remember his " Raising of the Barn," and 
various comic imitauons of other people. His farm, 
since his death, has passed into the possession of 
Daniel E. Hill. 

Next beyond this is the farm where Henry Tebbett, 
Sr., lived to an advanced age, and whose son Henry 
studied medicine and died elsewhere after a few 
years' practice. 

Among the later arrivals was that of John Mooney, 
who transferred his residence from Loudon to the Cen- 
tre in 1834. Kind and social, and of a stirring nature, 
his person, perhaps, was the most familiarly known 
among his fellow-citizens ; careful and economical, he 
accumulated a handsome property, becoming, accord- 
ing to my impression, the wealthiest man in the 
town ; strictly temperate and regular in his habits, 
he enjoyed good health to nearly the close of an ex- 
treme old age, dying at Nashua, April 5, 1878, at the 
age of eighty-seven years and five months, leaving a 
large charitable and educational fund to the town, of 
which the schools and individuals are now reaping 
the benefits. Mrs. Mooney's maiden-name was Susan 
Chase. Her death occurred several years previous to 
that of her husband. 

Celestia S. was his only child, — a woman highly 
esteemed for her many virtues ; brilliant, scholarly, 
refined, of quick wit, a fine writer, with a mind 
stored with the rich results of extensive and varied 
reading. She married Hon. John H. Goodale, at 
present of Nashua, and died October 12, 1863, in. the 
thirty-third year of her age. 

Let us now return to Benjamin Blanchard, whom 
we have left so long — forty years or more — in his 
solitary cabin on the Wadleigh farm, but whom we 
have not forgotten, though our attention has been 
called away for a time by public transactions, and we 
have been kept so busy in introducing the new-comers to 
the notice of the reader. Mr. Blanchard has prospered, 
as his enterprise and perseverance deserved. His 
buildings are improved, his farm productive and he 
free from debt, all encumbrance having been re- 
moved from his land by his services in running out 
the boundaries of the town, and by the payment of 
seven hundred and fifty dollars in furs. He was a 
manof strong judgment, decided purpose and untiring 
industry, and, as wiis natural, had great influence in 
directing the destiny of the colony and town. 

But a change now took place in his aflairs. He was 
eighty, or thereabouts, and Old Age began to whisper 



HISTORY OP MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



that it was time to release himself from the burden 
of hard labor to which he had been subject during 
the most of his fourscore years. He transferred his 
farm to his eldest son, Edward, whom we recollect as 
probably bringing up the rear during the family 
march from the Canterbury fort to the wilds of Bay 
Hill, ^\'hat was the nature of the transaction we 
are unable to say, — whether he sold the farm to his 
son outright, or gave it up to him on condition of 
receiving a support during the remainder of his life ; 
probably the latter, as he lived with his son ever 
after. Besides this, he had settled his other chil- 
dren in good circumstances around him. Edward 
was destined to liave a more commanding influ- 
ence in town than his father ever had. He served 
and was captain through the Revolutionary War, 
was twenty-five years a selectman and was often 
chosen moderator of their town-meetings. " His 
wife was Isabella Wasson, a native of Scotland, 
and one of the early emigrants to Londonderry, N. H. 
They reared a large family of children, nine sons 
and one daughter, all of whom the parents contrived 
to settle well in life, the most of the sons on good 
farms in Northfield. One son, John, was an emi- 
nent school-teacher in Philadelphia, and over his 
remains in a cemetery in that city is a monument 
erected by his grateful pupils. Elizabeth, the only 
daughter of Captain Edward, became the wife of 
Thomas Chase, St., of Northfield," to whom his 
father-in-law gave a tract of land in a pleasant loca- 
tion, still well known as the Tom Cliase place. Captain 
Edward sold the paternal farm on Bay Hill to 
"Squire" Charles Glidden, Sr., for two thousand 
dollars, about the year 1805, and bought a large tract 
of land in West Northfield ; afterwards sub-divided 
into several homesteads, on one of which Edward 
built a substantial dwelling, planted apple-trees, 
many of which still bear bountifully, and, accompanied 
by his father, whose wife had previously died on Bay 
Hill, he settled forlifeon what was tobeknown in after- 
years, down to the present time, as the Uncle Daniel 
Blanchard farm. Here Benjamin, the aged fether, 
tlie patriarch, the pioneer, glided quietly along through 
the remainder of a peaceful and honored old age; 
freed from the necessity to labor, but still busy. 
His favorite occupation seemed to be the manufac- 
ture of white-oak ox-goads, which he used to whittle 
out deftly and neatly with his knife down to his last 
days, protecting his pantaloons by a casing of tanned 
woodchuck-skin, while at work. He was short and 
stout, wore his long, thick, white locks floating over 
his shoulders, imparting to him a truly venerable 
aspect. " Benjamin Blanchard died in the ' west-fore- 
room' of the 'Uncle Daniel' homestead, and it is 
interesting to add that Captain Edward and Uncle 
Daniel, great-grandfather, grandfather and father, all 
in successive generations, passed their last years 
and ended the final scene peacefully in the same 
home." Benjamin was l)uried with his wife on Bay 



Hill, it is supposed, under a large sweet apple tree in 
the old orchard, known as the " Cranny Tree." 
Years after, the old lady's gravestone was found 
among some stones hauled to repair the well, and it 
was said that at the building of the chimneys of tlu' 
Wadleigh house, in 1812, the stone erected at the 
grave of Benjamin Blanchard, and marked B. B., was 
found among the bricks in the ruins of the old cellar. 

Captain Edward, after reserving the "Uncle Dan 
iel" farm as his homestead, gave to his son Richard 
what is now the Abram Brown place, to his daughter 
Elizabeth the Tom Chase farm, a tract to Daniel, and 
had, besides, the tract now known as the (iile farm, 
and another, the Jason Foss place. 

The Uncle Daniel homestead, which at present 
comprises about two hundred acres, " located upon an 
eminence commanding picturesque beauty and grand- 
eur, views of diversified mountain and water scenery, 
far and near, a spot of unrivaled attractions for a 
summer home," is now in possession of Mr. Edward 
C. Rice, a retired and successful man of business, 
whose wife — formerly Miss lanthe Blanchard — is the 
daughter of Daniel, and the fourth in direct descent 
from the original pioneer, Benjamin. It must be a 
source of great satisfaction to be thus able to retire to 
cue's ancestral home, so beautifial, and which has 
been an heirloom in the family so long. Her eldest 
daughter, Laura, is a fine artist in oils and crayon 
portraits, and has published several works, and 
among them a gracefully-written little book, called 
"Sunshine and Shade." Another daughter is Mrs. 
Fannie Purdy, the opera-singer and cornetist, whose 
songs and music at the Northfield Centennial are so 
well remembered still. The youngest. Miss Inez, was 
married within the past year, at the ancestral mansion, 
to Mr. Artemas Tirrell Burleigh. No one of the 
name of Blanchard is left in Northfield. One sur- 
vivor, John, resides in California. 

The '' commission " of her grandfather. Captain 
Edward Blanchard, is still in the possession of Mrs. 
Rice, framed and well preserved. He was appointed 
"captain of the Fourteenth Company of the Four- 
teenth Regiment of Militia in the Colony of New 
Hampshire, by order of Congress, September 5, 1775. 
E. Thompson, Secretary ; Matthew Thornton, Presi- 
dent." 

"'Squire" Charles Glidden, Sr., who bought the 
Bay Hill Blanchard ftirm of Captain Edward some 
eighty years ago, was a leading man in his day, who 
died in 1811, at the age of sixty-seven. Mrs. Judge 
Wadleigh was a daughter of "'Squire" Glidden, and 
inherited the Blanchard place from her father, which, 
at that time, was much improved, and the house re- 
built and enlarged. Mrs. Jeremiah Smith, known to 
the people of Northfield so long, was also his daugh- 
ter. She died at the ripe age of ninety-one; and her 
husband, whose prosjjerons and useful life three ad- 
ditional years would have rounded out to a century, 
after a union witli her of seventy-three years, all of 



NORTHFIELD. 



533 



whict were passed on the old homestead, and having 
voted for every President from Washington to Lin- 
coln, at last sunk to rest like a patriarch of old, 
crowned with length of days, and, like a shock of 
corn, fully ripe. He left three children, viz., Mrs. 
Mills Glidden, for many years a resident of Ohio; 
Mrs. William Gilman, now of Lexington, Mass., hut 
for the most of her life an inhabitant of Northfield, a 
lady of culture, of vigorous intellect, a graduate of 
the Boston College of Medicine, whose influence has 
long been fearlessly exerted and felt for good on the 
moral questions of the time in her native town and 
elsewhere; and Warren H. Smith, Esq., now leading 
the life of a prosperous farmer, and who maintains 
the honor of the patrimonial estate with becoming 
dignity in the old family mansion, which has been 
renovated, modernized, improved and beautified. 

Ephraim S. Wadleigh, the son of Judge Peter 
Wadleigh, is still the fortunate possessor of the first 
opened farm in town, which his father bought of 
Captain Edward three-fourths of a century ago, and 
resides thereon, a prosperous farmer and exemplary 
citizen. The old mansion was burned a few years 
since, but was promptly rebuilt and improved. 

Captain Ebenezer Blanchard, the son of Captain 
Edward, did not appear to inherit that zest for agri- 
cultural pursuits that was a characteristic attribute 
of his father and grandfather, as he was engaged in 
other business during most of his days, beginning 
life with keeping tavern or a store on Bay Hill, or 
both, which he abandoned after the sale of the farm 
by his father, and removed to Sanbornton Bridge, 
and opened a store on the Northfield side ; and soon 
after buying the old brown two-story house which 
still stands opposite the southern end of the iron 
bridge, now more than a century old, he converted it 
into a family residence, and built a large store oppo- 
.site, in which he traded till about the year 1808, 
when he removed to Franklin, or what was then Sal- 
isbury, where he res-ided and traded during the re- 
mainder of his life, — a period of forty years, — pros- 
]iered and died. Mrs. West, his oldest daughtei', 
(lied in Franklin some three or four years ago. Mrs. 
Kenrick, his youngest daughter, still survives in 
Franklin. A Mrs. Herrick is still living there, 
daughter of Richard, another son of Captain Ed- 
ward. 

Now, having tarried so long among the early 
fathers and gathered together the various items we 
could pick up here and there of their settlement, 
families, modes of life and manner of building and 
governing, with something of their official record, let 
us take a leisurely walk downwards, in company, 
through two or three scores of years, till we reach 
the middle of the century, and strive to catch a 
glimpse of the social life of our people during that 
intermediate period, and then, by easy transfers, 
work our way into the confines of the lu.st thirty 
years, and note the progress of Canterbury's humble 



offshoot, religiously, educationally, industrially, and 
close by a review of the great family gathering of 
Northfield's sons and daughters in 1880. The present 
year is a very appropriate one in which to take a 
backward look over our little commonwealth's pi}st 
history, as 1885 marks just a century and a quarter 
since Benjamin Blanchard lighted his first cabin-fire 
back of the old orchard on Ephraim S. Wadleigh's 
farm. 

And first I would say, that from twenty-five to 
seventy-five years after the incorporation the rural 
portion of the town appears to me to have been in 
its most prosperous state. Village life had not grown 
to such proportions then; the majority of farmers 
were in middle life, with iron frames, strong arms 
and stronger hearts, with stout boys ready to assist 
and plenty of them, with buxom girls in equal num- 
bers, to card, spin, weave, help mother generally, 
and even to rake hay, when occasion called, so that 
those freshly-opened farms stinted not their produc- 
tions,— filling the barns with hay to bursting, and 
the garners with grain. The school-houses, too, 
though not boasting architectural beauty or modern 
conveniences, nevertheless held what constitutes the 
prime element of good schools, — an abundance of 
scholars, filled, crammed to overflowing, as they 
sometimes were. 

In the second place, our fathers were less depend- 
ent upon the outside world for their sources of hap- 
piness and support than their descendants of the pres- 
ent day. No importations then of flour and corn 
from the great West, but bountiful supplies of wheat 
and maize were extracted from their own soil ; no 
need to send to Manchester or Lowell for their cloth- 
ing, for the whir of the wheel and the music of the 
shuttle were heard in every house, and the home-made 
blue frock of the farmer was the right royal badge of 
his profession. And then for social enjoyments they 
were not forced to tramp abroad to some other State 
or city to attend some formal convention or associa- 
tion ; but instead, they had their own town or neigh- 
borhood gatherings, whether for work or good cheer ; 
but in either case they calculated to have a " high old 
time," and they generally had it. Indeed, it was a 
general custom to make work or play a social affair — 
the more the merrier — when hilarity prevailed, and 
good cheer was in the ascendant. The men would 
'■ change works," the matrons would meet with their 
spinning wheels, and through the long summer after- 
noons would spin their thread and their gossip at an 
equally rapid rate. Then there werethehouseraisings, 
the shooting matches, wrestling matches, apple par- 
ings, quilting bees, sleigh ride parties and coasting par- 
ties. Spelling schools were an established institution 
then, when two rows of combatants stood unflinchingly 
andpelted one another with big or knotty words till the 
warriors upon the one side or the other were all slain. 
Then, merriest and most truly enjoyalde of all, were 
tlie young people's parties of a winter's night, when 



534 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



"button," " Copeuhiigen," "bean porridge," "hot 
and cold " and other games made the long nights 
short, and the chat, and the march, and the song to 
grow fast and furious. The husking parties were not 
among the least of these festive occasions, when the 
farmer would have the whole of his corn harvest 
husked in one night, followed by a rich repast, in 
which the golden pumpkin pie held the place of 
honor. 

The trainings, the militia musters and many other 
frolicsome times might be mentioned, but space is 
wanting. It is true, strong waters were sometimes 
too prevalent on these occasions, but it must be re- 
membered, as some excuse, that the article then was 
genuine, not the modern adulterated liquors, — blue 
ruin with its villainous compounds had not yet raised 
its accursed head to consume with henbane and other 
poisons man's vitals. 

The aged Joseph Marden, of Lowell, writes, — 

"I attended a town-meoting in Nortlifield in 1818, Funny time I 
Rum on both sides of the door, — three cents a glass ! Men made some 
noise about 4 o'clock ! I and Daniel Herrick put those old benches in 
the Rand school-house. 

'* One time we had a snow-storm. Our District went down to the Meet- 
ing-House, and there met the Bean Hill team and the Main road team. 
All made up their minds to go up to the Bridge. So went to Capt. 
Gline's fence, got a pole, tied a red flag on top, hitched on 20 yoke of 
oxen, and to the Bridge we went ; took a little blackstrap, and the oxen 
hauled us back. Going down weall stood on the sled, but coming back," 
he slyly adds, "some had to sit down." 

Churches. — In this place it will be appropriate, 
perhaps, to introduce a brief account of the religious 
privileges of Northfield. 

The Old Meeting-Housb was originally free to 
all sects, but in later years was occupied exclusively 
by the Congregationalists, who abandoned it in 1841 
since which it was used for many years only for town- 
meetings, and is now past its usefulness altogether. 

The following sketch of the Congregational Church 
of Northfield <and Tilton was prepared by Rev. Cor- 
ban Curtice, a long time pastor of the church : 



'The 



was organized in 1806. The Rev. John 'I'm i :^ murega- 

tional minister who preached in town. I: i ' i :. ami the 

llev. Samuel Sewell preached a number of s.iKi, III- ■■ li m i ,mi. 

**Tho Congregational people for many years wui-shipcd witli other 
denominations and aided in supportiijg the preaching, but they sought 
church privileges at Sanbornton Square and at Canterbury. . . . 

" On 51ay 29, 1823, Mr. Liba Conant, a young minister, was ordained 
as the lii-jst pastor of the Northfield Congregational Church. He labored 
l.iitlifiilly, iind with a good measure of success, for about fourteen years, 
or till September, 1836. 

"The Kcv, Hazacl Lucas then supplied the church one year, or till 
September, 1837. 

*'Rev. Enoch Corser, for twenty yeare pastor of tiie Congregational 
Chvirch at Luu'lnn, was then engaged to supply this church, who re- 

i.M I li "I >. i.hiiiher, 1839, through April, 1843. His labore were 

aim i'lii ml ^ i\ -uccessful. lu 1837, and during his ministi^, the 
1>| 'I -i Ill meeting-house was bnilt and dedicated, the 

S."J.lv l.a,,,^ IVomdeht. . . . 

" .Mr. ('. CurEice commenced preaching hero May 1, 1843, 
through April, 1870, just twenty-seven years. 

"Rev. T. C. Pratt commenced his labors hero May 1, 1870, at 
them in June, 1S7S. 

" Itev. r. T. I'l-rkins <M]inncncod his miuisti y here Soptcmbor, 



" \ .Sabbath-school was organized in Northfield in 1821, which has 
continued to the present time, and has been the source of great good to 
the church and community." 

The majority of the deacons of the church and of 
the superintendents of the Sabbath-schools were fruni 
Northfield, and of the original members, every one 
was from this town, and all are now dead. Dr. Enos 
Hoyt being the last. 

Prenent Officers (August, 1885).— Ptistor, C. C. Samp- 
sou ; Deacons, J. W. Hunkins, Oscar P. Sanborn ; 
Clerk, G. S. Abbott; Treasurer, J. W. Hunkins; 
Superintendent of Sabbath-School, E. G. Philbrick. 

The MEfHODiST Episcopal Church was organ- 
ized about 1804, says another authority. Joseph 
Knowles and wife, their son, Joseph, Josiah Am- 
brose and wife, Zilpha, were among the first mem- 
bers ; also, Mr. Warren Smith's grandmother, Mrs. 
Glidden, who was baptized at the time that Lottie 
Ellis was, who then lived with Mrs. Glidden, and 
afterwards became the mother of Benjamin F. Butler; 
also Mrs. Fullerton. They were all baptized at 
Chestnut Pond. Mr. B. Rogers and wife, parents of 
B. A. and S. B. Rogers, were early members. In 
1826 there was an extensive revival of religion. 
Among the converts were Jonathan Clough, Wesley 
Knowles and Betsey C. Knowles. The brick church 
was built about this time. Samuel Forrest was con- 
verted under the labors of Rev. George Storrs, and 
became an oflicial member. The old brick church 
was given up, and a new house built on the Tilton 
side in 1856. Among the prominent ministers of 
that church were Revs. L. D. Barrows, D.D., O. H. 
Jasper, D. P. L'eavett, Moses Chase, M. Newhall and 
George Storrs. Rev. Mr. Nutter is the present min- 
ister. 

The Trinity Episcopal Church,' was organized 
in 1860. Rev. Marcellus A. Herrick, D.D., was its 
first pastor, and continued such for nearly fifteen 
years, and to his unwearied efforts much of its pros- 
perity is due. The society worshiped in the brick 
meeting-house, Northfield, till 1873, when services 
were held in their new and beautiful brick church, 
erected in Tilton, at a cost of about fifteen thousand 
dollars. To this church Mrs. Eames, of Concord, 
presented a beautiful chancel window, and Walter 
Ingalls a large painting. Dr. Herrick was a fine 
scholar, and possessed a library rich in early editions 
of classical works, and black-letter tomes, which the 
present writer has taken great interest in examining 
during the life of the Doctor. He was succeeded l)y 
Rev. Frank S. Harraden, Rev. Henry H. Hayncs, 
Rev. Lucius Waterman, the present incumbent. 

Union Church. — The Northfield Union Sunday- 
school, at present doing good service, was organized 
in 1875, through the efforts of Mrs. James Thomp- 
son, Willie Keniston and Moses Batchelder, who was 
its superintendent till his death. The library was 



NORTHFIELD. 



535 



enlarged and an organ purchased. Deacon Charles 
Ayers is its present superintendent. 

A few years after the last organization mentioned, 
the inhabitants of Northfield Depot village and vi- 
cinity, finding they had outgrown their school-house 
capacity for religious and other public occasions, be- 
stirred themselves to obtain more fitting accommo- 
dations. 

They selected a site near the Picnic (irove. Messrs. 
O. L. Cross, Esq., W. A. Canfield, Esq., and Hon. 
C. E. Tilton donated the land ; the citizens raised 
seven hundred dollars in money, one hundred dollars 
in labor, and Mr. Tilton assumed the responsibility of 
completing the enterprise. The work rapidly jjro- 
gressed. The corner-stone was laid the 24th of July, 
1883, under which was placed a leaden casket fur- 
nished by Mrs. C. French, containing over fifty me- 
mentoes of the past and present, for the edification 
of future generations. 

Tlie enterprise was carried to a successful termina- 
tion and met the approval of its most sanguine 
friends. " A convenient hitching-place of ample ca- 
I)acity, water-closets, a well of cool water and a pump, 
a weather-vane and lightning-rods and bell were the 
extras to a nicely-arranged and finished church of 
proper size for the place, and one that would be an 
ornament to any street in Laconia." This property, 
with a beautiful grove of several acres, with stands 
and seats, were all conveyed by Mr. Tilton to the 
town of Northfield, to be held in trust for all time. 
"That town, we venture to say, is the only one that 
owns a church, and one of the few that excludes rum 
from its limits." The exercises of dedication that 
followed were eminently satisfactory, occurring on a 
beautiful day, with no defect in carrying out the pro- 
gramme. 

A beautiful Bible was presented to the church by 
Miss Jane Corser, of Boscawen; a handsome commu- 
nion table, by Mrs. Eliza Hall Cofran ; and a cloth 
and napkins, by Mrs. Deacon McQuestion. 

Schools. — The first school-houses, of course, were 
made of logs, of which an example has been given 
on Bay Hill, and were generally private dwelling- 
houses. Female teachers began to be employed 
about 1806, and were considered competent if they 
had mastered the first four rules in arithmetic. In 
illustration of the great advance made in female ed- 
ucation since that time, it is only necessary to point 
to the many young ladies graduating each year from 
our female colleges and other higher institutions, of 
which we have had a brilliant example in the Tilton 
Seminary near by. 

The Bay Hill School, which formerly contained up- 
wards of fifty pupils, has, during the past twenty 
years, often been reduced to less than half a dozen. 
During last year the number was eleven. 

The Centre School in former days numbered sixty, 
sometimes reaching eighty. Here Master Gleason 
taught when Mr. John E. Forrest was a boy and at- 



tended school, and of which teacher many laughable 
anecdotes were told. 

Other early teachers of the Centre were Master 
Morrill, of Concord ; Master Bowles, Solomon Sutton, 
of Canterbury ; Josiah Ambrose, of Northfield ; 
Phinehas Thorn and Edmund Dearborn. Miss Mor- 
rill and Nancy Glidden were among the female 
teachers. It numbered last year seventeen. 

In early times the school in the Hodgdon District 
numbered from seventy to one hundred, and John 
Gate, an old teacher, took oath in a certain suit that 
he had one hundred and ten scholars. Yet in that 
district, strange as it may appear, for several years 
past there have been no scholars large enough to at- 
tend and no school, — one of the greatest changes in 
a school district that I have known. Now, however, 
it is rising somewhat in the scale of youthful popula- 
tion, as last year it numbered nineteen. 

Among the oldest teachers were Masters Knapp, 
Parkinson, Meshech Gate, John Blan chard and Ed- 
mund Dearborn. Among the female teachers were 
Nabby Abbott, Sally Hazelton and Esther Parkin- 
son. Dudley Leavitt, the astronomer, also taught 
there. 

In regard to our common schools, the one remark- 
able fact is the strange diminution in the number ot 
children attending them since earlier times. Why is 
it? The population of the town is now larger. This may 
be accounted for in various ways. First, the young 
people leave at an earlier age to obtain a more ad- 
vanced education in the higher schools ; second, fam- 
ilies are smaller; and third, the young grown-up peo- 
ple and young families leave town. Again, there is 
really a decrease in the population of the rural, that 
is, in the greater part of the town, the increase being 
only felt in the village of Tilton. 

Still, we are glad to believe that those children who 
do remain, though fewer in number, have far better 
school privileges than their predecessors, owing to 
better school-houses, better books, modern methods ot 
teaching, more school money, a more thorough super- 
vision and a more convenient division of the town 
for school purposes. 

There were formerly eleven school districts in 
Northfield, but in 1877 the town was redistricted, by 
which three districts were discontinued, one set off in 
part to Franklin and one merged in the Union Dis- 
trict at Tilton. 

All the school-houses are modern, in good repair, 
and well adapted to their object; furnished with good 
apparatus given by Messrs. Cass and Goodale from 
the John Mooney fund, and each school supplied with 
a copy of Webster's Unabridged, contributed by former 
pupils, some five hundred in number, as a centennial 
gift. 

Whole number of pupils last year, one hundred and 
two, and about sixty in addition from this town in 
the Union District Schools at Tilton, making an aggre- 
gate of one hundred and sixty-two. 



536 



HISTORY OF MERKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Northfield has patronized the seminary well, in 
proportion to lier population, and furnished many 
teachers, who have done good service, the Centre 
District alone having sent into the licKl, ix'twecn the 
years 1840 and 1855, between tliirly iuul forty 
teachers. 

Many of the improvements in the Northfield schools 
must be ascribed to tlie tireless industry, unflagging 
interest and literary influence of the present highly- 
efficient superintendent of schools, Mrs. Lucy R. H. 
Cross, to whose skillful management the present high 
standing of the schools in her native town is to a 
great extent due. A teacher hereelf, and well posted 
in her duties from an experience of eight years, — from 
1878 to the present time,— she has been enabled to do 
a good work for Korthlield, wliicli, we tru.st, the citi- 
zens appreciate. 

Thk Seminaky. — The New Hampshire Conference 
Seminary and Female College, once the pride of North- 
field, as it is now of Tilton, was opened to students in 
the fall ofisi.'). 

On file scparntiiiii dl'tlic New Hampshire and Ver- 
mont Ci)iilerriu-cs, the liiniuT was left destitute of a 
school of its own, and measures were soon taken to 
supply the deficiency, resulting in the establishment 
of the seminary at Sanbornton Bridge, on the North- 
field side of the river, a few rods west of Colonel Cate's 
dwelling, and opposite the present Methodist Church. 
It was a plain, unpretending brick building, forty feet 
wide, seventy in length, and two stories high. Hon. 
Samuel Tilton, Colonel Asa P. Gate, Colonel James 
Cofran, Rev. William Cass and others were influen- 
tial promoters of the enterprise. Warren S. Hill 
made, and Colonel Cofran burned the brick in the old 
yard north of the Granite Mills. Darius Dockuni 
superintended the wood-work and Isaac lx»hvell the 
laying of the brick. Chartered in 1852. 

The first principal was Rev. J. A. Adams, who was 
succeeded by Rev. Ricliard S. Rust , John C. Clark, Rev. 
James E. Latimer and Rev. C. S. Harrington ; and, 
under their popular management, the school entered 
njion a prosperous career which continued until 1857, 
wlien tlieir acconnnodations were found to be too 
small to meet the wants of their ever-increasing nuni 
bers. 

East and west wings were then added, and the for- 
mer building increased by the addilinn of a thiid 
story, thus furnishing a spacious luill lor general or 
public exercises. 

The charter of 1852 authorized a ladies' collegiate 
course and the title of Female College, supple- 
mentary to the former title of Seminary and its aca- 
demic studies. 

Five more years of successful progress had passed 
away, when, one cold November's night in 18()2, tlie 
whole structure was destroyed by (ire, and tlir school 
left without a home. 

Its Northfield location was then abaiidon.Ml, and 
another adoi>ted on tlie opposite side of (lie river. 



Since then, with new and enlarged buildings, a numer- 
ous corps of tried and popular teachers, it has been 
carrying on the good work of education with ever-con- 
tinued success for over twenty years, each year send- 
ing forth its graduates, who have made their mark for 
good in every quarter of our land. It is under the 
control of the Methodist denomination, but has never 
exercised any restraint over the church preferences of 
its students. 

The principals within these latter years have been 
Rev. R. M. Manley, Rev. Henry Lummis, Rev. L. 
D. Barrows, D.D., Rev. G. J. Judkins, Rev. .1. li. 
Robinson and Rev. Silas E. Quimby. No one of it.s 
teachers can give the record of so long a term of ser- 
vice as Rev. Sylvester Dixon, professor of mathem.aties, 
who, for above twenty-five years, has been a meiubcr 
of the faculty. 

The seed sown in 1845 has borne good fruit. Whal 
may we not expect when the fifty thousand dollar 
building fund, now nearly complete, shall have lurii 
transformed to a collegiate structure superior to any 
in the State, with its educational fund available, with 
its charming location and increased patronage, — in 
short, with all the omens favorable? 

All things promise fair for extended usefulness 
under the new principal. Rev. D. C. Knowlcs. 

Union Picnic Association.— A custom prevails in 
the nei,;;hlKirho(]d of Northfield Depot which might 
be imilated with advantage in other rural portions of 
the State. In the summer of 1875, W. C. French and 
Willie Keniston initiated the formation of a society, 
which has been the source of great pleasure and jirofit 
to all concerned in the southern portion of the tow ii 
and places adjacent. This was theorigin of the I'liinn 
Picnic Association, which meets yearly at Hannafonl's 
Grove for the enjoyment of social intercourse, literary 
exercises, singing and a collation. The e.\perinieiit 
has met with abundant success, attracting crowds as 
often as the occasion comes round, and has beconie so 
interwoven in the pleasant diversions of their life that 
young and old look forward to these meetings as tin' 
great social event of the year. 

Manufactures. — We will here introduce a brief 
account of the manufacturing interests on the North- 
field side of the river. 

Beginning at the up|>er dam, we eome first to 
Warren Hill's brick-yard, bought of Deacon .\ii- 
drew Gilman, where he often made two humlnil 
thousand bricks a year, those for the first seminary 
building having been produced here. It was finally 
purchased by the railroad, and the business sto|)pi'il. 

The Tilton mill was owned and operated by .lere- 
miah Tilton, Esq., who for fifty years manufactiircil 
in it satinet for the Boston market. He was a native 
of Sanbornton Bridge; learned his trade at Franklin ; 
married Nancy Carter, of Sanbornton, in 1810. He 
bought the Chase carding and clothing-mill in 1S20, 
paying for stand and four acres of land and water 
privilege four liiindred dollars. He lived in the 



NOKTIIFIKI.D. 



537 



upper story, was burned out twice, and each time re- 
built and enlarged ; was associated for many years 
with his son, Jeremiah C, the two conducting a 
business of ten thousand dollars a year. 

He sold to James Bailey about 1860, two years before 
his sudden death in Boston. The property then 
passed into the hands of Messrs. Ballantyne and 
Fletcher, the former a son-in-law of Mr. Tilton, Sr., 
who has added a third story to main building, with 
various other extensions and out-buildings, and 
changed the name to Granite Mills, where a business 
amounting to one hundred thousand dollars annually 
is now being carried on, ladies' dress-goods being 
the chief articles manufactured. 

Deacon Jeremiah Hall moved to a place near Til- 
ton in 1829, and for many years carried on the tan- 
nery business near his house, which was burned, 
leaving the tannery, which for many years was used 
as an ice-house, just below the old Uhase tavern ; 
built a new steam-mill below the freight-depot, near 
where Buel's hosiery-mill now stands ; was associated 
with his son, Ebenezer, who eventually sold out to 
Ebenezer Morrison & Sons. This tannery was after- 
wards burnt and never rebuilt. 

A few rods west, towards the bridge, Joseph Wad- 
leigh, son of Esquire Wadleigh, of Bay Hill, carried 
on the tin business till his death. Almost adjoining 
was the building long known as the "Seven Nations," 
in one section of which a store was often kept by 
William Follansbee and others. 

A building was erected at the entrance of the 
bridge and occupied as a drug and book-store, with 
offices above. James H. Brown, of Andover, traded 
there. Burned about 1858. 

A long,.two-story building stood for many years 
opposite the entrance of the bridge, owned and occu- 
pied by Isaac Whittier, Esq., as a store. The upper 
story was used for a while by a Miss French, a 
famous instructor of those times, who taught a young 
ladies' school, at which attended the elite of San- 
bornton Bridge and Northfield, and into which, by 
especial favor, a class of boys and young men was 
admitted. The town clerk's olfice for many years 
was kept here. 

This store was burned and icbiiill by Thomas 
Chase and sold to Warren Hill, and occupied by 
Deacon Peabody until succeeded by J. 1". Taylor & 
Hill. This was also burned. 

At the west entrance to the bridge stood for many 
years the carding and fulling-mill established and 
owned by Benjamin Chase, who also owned the farm 
and built the buildings so long occupied by Hon. 
Asa P. Cate, and still held by his heirs. This was 
for many years the only establishment of the kind 
for fifteen or twenty miles. Farmers came from 
Loudon, Canterbury, etc., often on horseback, with 
their wool to be carded. This business declined after 
the factories were established, and after being carried 
on for several years by Moses Morrill, the manufac- 



ture of shoddy was begun there by James Earnshaw 
and continued till the building was burned. A new 
grist-mill took its place, which was also burned 
several years after. On this site — dam No. 2 — Hazen 
Copp, in 1872, built a large mill, one hundred feet 
long, and leased it to Richard Firth, who is now run- 
ning it with three sets of eanls, pKuhieing ladies' 
dress-goods. Annual prodiulioii, uUnut seventy-live 
thousand dollars. 

On dam No. 3 is the hosiery-mill erected by George 
S. Buol & Co., who in 1880 built a three-set null, and 
are now running a hosiery mill. Annual.production, 
about seventy-five thousand dollars. 

The saw-mill in which Joseph Dearborn manufac- 
tured lumber for many years, standing by the lower 
dam and old bridge, has been torn away. 

The Chase tavern, still standing at the entrance to 
the Bay Hill road, was kept for many years by Esquire 
Chase, who, with his son, owned the hill on which 
now stands the Tilton Memorial Arch, also the resi- 
dence of Joseph Hill. 

At Northfield Centre for many years there was 
a post-office. A store also was kept by Squire Glid- 
den. This was a jolly place, indeed, where, during 
the long winter evenings, his many customers gath- 
ered; for the barrel of New England in those days 
was ever on tap. It was here that the corpse of old 
Mr. Danforth was taken, after having been exhumed 
from his grave by lawless medical students, set up- 
right in a chair and an ox-goad put into his hand. 
Here practical jokes were perpetrated enough to fill 
volumes. 

Northfield Depot has also boasted of a store and 
post and telegraph facilities nearly all the time since 
the opening of the Montreal Railroad ; the former 
having been kept by A. & Charles Ayers, Amos 
Cogswell, Merrill Moore and at present by William 
Kenistou. The post-office was for several years dis- 
continued, but afterwards re-established through the 
efforts of S. A. Dow, who still holds the office. 

The part of Northfield now constituting Fiinnklin 
Falls village was also well supplied with shops, 
stores, a paper-mill and factory. 

The manufacture of palm-leal' hats was for many 
years an almost universal occupation of the women 
and children of the town, many families supporting 
themselves by this branch of industry and increasing 
greatly the business of the merchants. The leaf for 
some time was brought in the rough and split and 
otherwise prepared at the old store-room of Captain 
Glines opposite the old meeting-house. This in- 
dustry has been almost wholly superseded by the 
seaming sent out by the many hosiery-mills. 

General Remarks. — In old times it seems to have 
been an article of implicit belief that roads must be 
laid out at right angles with each other, never avoid- 
ing a hill however steep. An innovation was made 
on this custom in after-time, when the new road to 
Bay Hill was opened and which recently was ev;- 



538 



HISTORY OF MKRIUMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



tended by private enterprise to Bean Hill. Another 
road was opened from the lower partof Tilton village 
past the freight depot towards the Centre, thus oiien- 
ing up a large tract for settlement which is fast being 
occupied by fine residences, near which, on the one 
side, is the trotting park, and on the other, a little 
farther away, is the Memorial Arch. 

Witches were never abundant in Northfield, only 
two being mentioned as decidedly belonging to that 
profession, whose names we hardly dare mention, lest 
they avenge themselves by making the writer a visit 
in their old familiar guise of a large white cat, and 
pass an interdict on the appearance of the butter at 
his weekly churning. Old Mr. Danforth, to be sure, 
did appear to his boon companions after death, at the 
Glidden store, but that was hardly in the nature of 
witchcraft, and 1 can say this in good old Northfield'.s 
favor, that, notwithstanding all my researches on the 
subject, I have never been able to discover that a 
witch has ever been hung within her borders. 

There are now twelve persons in town over eighty 
years of age. 

The original Oak Hill School-house was entirely 
without windows, — no glass to be had. 

In old times the big boys had a custom, on the last 
day of school, of selling the school-ashes and invest- 
ing the proceeds in rum, and having a high time, and 
many a story might be told of the result. 

Many laughable things might also be said, had we 
space, about the catching of eels, the stealing of eels, 
and the catching of the stealers. 

Edward Blanchard was the first selectman of North- 
field and the first captain. Esquire Glidden was the 
first representative. 

Northfield's Overflow.— During the first sixty 
years of Northfield's existence its population steadily 
and rapidly increased, owing to the income of new 
settlers and the advent of new children, and the in- 
crease was more largely due to the second cause than 
to the first during the latter part of that period. 
Families were families in those days. In proof, let 
us introduce a few, — 

Joseph Gerrish had 13 children; Charles Kenistoii, 
15; Isaac Glines, 13; William Davis, 10; William 
Forrest, 14; Steven Cros.s, 13 ; Benjamin Blaniliard, 
9 ; Deacon Sawyer, 22. 

What family in town can now produce the smallest 
of these numbers? No wonder our schools dwindle, 
when a family of one is considered a curiosity, three 
a wonder, and half a dozen an unheard-of thing. 
And there has been a steady decrease in the popula- 
tion, except in the village, during the last half-cen- 
tury ; so much so, that we are tempted to believe that 
the strictly rural districts of our little commonwealth 
contain not more than half the people they once did. 
On every old road buildings have been removed or 
torn down, but in most cases burned and never re- 
built, traces of which are scattered all over town. 
Not to speak of the cellars of the old settlers, on Bay 



Hill, which are still to be seen, there are on the road 
leading from the Centre to Bean Hill — a mile and a 
half — nine cellar-holes, all the dwellings connected 
therewith having been burned and not rebuilt ; 
twelve cellar-holes ifi Oak Hill District, and no less 
than eighteen on the main road from Canterbury to 
Tilton, including Windfall road and others else- 
where. 

Every farm but three in No. 1 (that is, the Centre) 
hits passed from its owner of twenty years ago, and 
the same is true, to some extent, in other portions of 
the town, notably so on the road from the Hodgdon 
School-house to Northfield Depot. 

A greater loss than that of buildings, or of the 
territory which Franklin has taken, and one far more 
to be deplored, has been the constant drain for the 
last half-century of our young men, notably of our 
young farmers, to the cities, and especially to the far 
West. 

Some of the town's best life-blood has been lost 
in this way. Had all remained, and divided and 
subdivided her large farms into smaller ones, and 
employed on them the same energy they have dis- 
played elsewhere, what a garden Northfield might 
have been, and what full school-houses in this year 
of 1885 ! Her capabilities for sure and profitable 
farming are not yet exhausted. Her upland is among 
the best in New Hampshire, and we predict a time 
will come when a return tide will set in towards our 
beautiful hills, and their productive resources de- 
veloped in a tenfold degree. 

Yet to the professional man, or those following 
other vocations than farming, this place might not 
offer so desirable a field of action. Accordingly, some 
of Northfield's talented sons have sought pther fields 
of labor, and there achieved success and a name. 

Dr. Richard Malone emigrated to Illinois years ago 
and became a member of Congress, with a full 
measure of success in other respects, we presume. 

One of Northfield's worthy sons who sought a home 
in a neighboring State was Dr. Adino B. Hall, son of 
Deacon Jeremiah Hall, who, after having completed 
a medical course, and practiced for a time in Natick, 
Mass., studied a year in Paris, and finally settled 
in Boston, wherehe soon obtained a large and lucrative 
practice ; was a member of the School Board for many 
years, delivered an address on music on the occasion 
of a children's festival in Faneuil Hall, acquired a 
respectable competency, and died April 21, 1880, aged 
sixty, respected and regretted by all who knew him. 
and leaving behind a reputation for geniality, kin<l- 
ness and professional skill that vvould place him 
among the foremost in the city. 

His accomplished lady (now Mrs. Cummings) has 
decided to devote a portion of the projjerty left by 
him to the literary benefit of the people of his native 
town and Tilton by the erection to his memory of an 
elegant library building, at a cost of some fifteen 
thousand dollars, to be located on the Northfield side 



NORTHFIELD. 



and not far from the banks of tliu beautiful river he 
Icnew so well. 

Another of Northfield's worthies is Charles G. 
Cliase, son of Benjamin Chase, who, after reaching 
maturity, removed to Boston, engaged in the whole- 
sale mercantile business, acquired wealth, and then 
like a wise man placed himself beyond the reach of the 
fluctuations and risks of trade by withdrawing from 
the business, and is now leading the life of a retired 
gentleman of leisure on his estate near Boston. Ac- 
companied by his wife, a lady of culture and literary 
tastes, he has made the tour of Europe, we think, 
twice and has donated to the Union Church at 
Northfield Depot a well-selected library of nearly two 
hundred volumes. Long may his banner wave ! 

Still another of our town's enterprising sons, who 
went abroad to seek his fortune, is William F. 
Knowles, born on the pinnacle of Bay Hill, the son 
of Father Knowles, who turned the old meeting-house 
banisters so well. He was in the employ of the 
wealthy firm of Beebe & Co., Boston, twelve years, 
and is now New England agent of the Western Trunk 
Line Association, and chairman of the Jsew England 
Agents' Committee. 

Centennial. — June 19, 1880, was a jiroud day for 
Northfield; perhaps her proudest. The only day 
that could possibly rival it was that of the old meet- 
ing-house raising, four-score and six years before. 
But the crowd on that distant day was composed 
largely of visitors from the neighboring towns ; and of 
the inhabitants of Northfield at that time, not many 
were born there ; so that of all the multitude that 
saw the huge timbers of the frame go up, probably not 
one-tenth were natives of the town ; whereas, on her 
glad memorial day of five years ago, not only was 
the gathering greater, but to a large extent was com- 
posed of natives or the descendants of natives. It 
was Northfield's centennial birth-year, she having 
begun her corporate existence just one hundred years 
before by the act of incorporation, June 19, 1780. 

The day was auspicious ; all that could be desired, 
warm and cloudless. 

The executive committee, which was composed of 
the following, viz., J. E. Smith (chairman), O. L. 
Cross (secretary), F. J. Eastman (treasurer), William 
C. French, James N. Forrest, Mrs. John S. Winslow, 
Mrs. William H. Clough, Mrs. William C. French, 
Mrs. Lowell M. French, and Mrs. John S. Dearborn, 
had perfected the arrangementsof their programme so 
thoroughly in all its details that the exercises were 
carried to a very successful termination. 

" At an early hour the place of meeting, Hanna- 
ford's Grove, at Northfield Depot, assumed its festal 
attire under the direction of those skillful decorators, 
Hiram Streeter and Mrs. D. C. Tibbets." The people 
began to assemble about eight o'clock, and kept in- 
creasing in numbers until the afternoon. Trains from 
above and below brought crowded cars, and over six 
hundred carriages, it was said, reached the grounds 



from the adjoining towns and portions of Northfield, 
and between three thousand and four thousand souls 
were supposed at one time to be present. The exer- 
cises were conducted in act'ordance with the follow- 
ing 

PKUGK.^MME. 

Invociitioli Kl-v. .1. W-. .\(liiraB. 

.■Music Belknap Cornet BiiuJ. 

Ilistoriciil .\iliire8s Professor Lucian Hunt. 

.Song Miss Fanny C. Rice. 

Music By the Band. 

I'ooni Mrs. L. R. II. Cross. 

Song Miss Rice, 



"TUeMctliodistCliurcli". . Kev. J. W. Adams. 

"Tlie Military" Captain Otis C. Wyatt. 

Reading of Letters from Former Residents . . . 0. Ij. Cross, Esq , Sccre- 

Uiry Town Com. 
Music By the Band. 

Then followed the presentation of a cojiv of Web- 
ster's Unabridged Dictionary to each school dis- 
trict in town, by Mrs. Cross, through whose eflbrts 
the funds for that purpose had been raised, by solicit- 
ing contributions from former pupils. Next followed 
short speeches by fijrmer residents, the most prom- 
inent of which were those by Hon. Jeremiah Hall, 
of Portsmouth, Marshall P. Hall, of Manchester, 
and Hon. Daniel Barnard, of Franklin ; also, Mrs. 
Xancy Smith Gilman gave a characteristic and ring- 
ing speech about the olden times. President of the 
day, A. S. Ballantyne ; J. E. Smith, marshal. 

It is safe to say that rej)resentatives of most, and, 
perhaps, every family of early times were present, — 
the Blanchard, Glidden, Hancock, Smith, Forrest, 
Hall, Chase, Conaiit, Simonds, Gerrish, Rogers, Cate, 
Clough, Hill, Haines, Dearborn, Foss, Brown, Win- 
slow, Eastman, Hannaford, Cross, Keniston, Gilman, 
Sawyer, Sanborn, Hodgdon, Cofran, Glines, Wad- 
leigh, French, Gile, Moore and others which we do 
not now recollect. 

On reviewing the proceedings of the day, it is 
interesting to note the difference in the modes of 
enjoyment adopted on the first great public occasion 
and the last — the raising and the Centennial. At 
the former the chief amusements were games, betting, 
trials of strength or skill, as running or wrestling, 
with frequent applications to the barrel of New Eng- 
land; while at the latter they were mostly literary or 
musical. And though no Collins was found, as on 
the former occasion, to stand on the ridgepole of the 
highest house in town on Yds head, yet, when night 
approached, it was certain that all could stand firmly 
on their feet. Indeed, a more orderly company of 
equal numbers was never gathered together on any 
public occasion. It is our firm belief that there was 
not a tipsy person on the grounds during the day. 
In Northfield, to her credit be it said, the ardent is 
not to be had. 

In only one thing did Ihe two gatherings agree, — 



IIISTOHV OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



there was a dinner in both cases; lor tlie wants of 
the body are the same at all times, and man must eat 
in whatever age he lives. On which of these par- 
ticular occasions the prize of superior excellence in 
cookery sliould be awarded, it would now be hard to 
tell ; but of their extra skill in the culinary art in 
modern times, the writer claims to be a reliable 
witness, he having had the honor, when young, of 
teaching no less than five winters in the good old 
town, and during a portion of the time enjoyed the 
delights of " boarding round." 

Finally, the long, eventful day came to an end, as 
all days must ; and as the sun approached his setting, 
the tired participants in a festival, the like of 
which they would never see again in their native 
town, began quietly to depart singly or in parties. 
Old acquaintances separated, many never to meet 
again, the sounds died away, the crowd grew less, and 
when night threw her dark mantle over the Hanna- 
ford Grove it was entirely deserted. The few inhab- 
itants left at the Depot village were soon and gladly 
buried in slumber, and the stars shone brightly down, 
as once they shone one hundred and twenty years 
before on the slumbers of the family of the first 
settler during their first night's rest in the narrow 
clearing and lonely cabin of Benjamin Blanchard. 

Friends of Northfield, ray work is done ; would it 
were better done. But the application to write came 
late, and the time was limited. Acknowledgments 
are due to Mrs. L. R. H. Cross for assistance in gath- 
ering historic material; to the Merrimack Journal for 
information respecting the Blanchard family; and to 
many friends who have furnished for me important 
facts. 

That prosperity may attend good old centenarian 
Northfield, and her worthy sons and daughters, even 
to the dawn of her next centennial, is the fervent 
wish and confident expectation of their humble 
servant. 

The Author. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



LUCIAN HUNT, A.M. 

Once on a time three brothers migrated from 
-Viuesbury, Mass., and settled in New Hampshire. 
Two of these, Humphrey and William Hunt, went 
to Guilford, while the third, Philip, Sr., removed 
to Sanbornton, into what was afterwards called the 
" Hunt Neighborhood," about midway between the 
.Square and Union Bridge. He had twelve children. 
Of these, the oldest, Philip, Jr., remained on the 
homestead till his death. Eleven children were born 
to him, of whom Anthony Colby, the father of the 
subject of this sketch, was the seventh. When only 
eighteen v^irs of age he married Mary Chase, of 



Deerfield, N. H., about two months younger than 
himself — a woman of strong character, industrious, 
careful and conscientious. This union lasted above 
half a century, he surviving to the seventy-fifth year 
of his age, and she to the eighty-seventh. After re- 
siding in Gilmanton, Sanbornton and the Wiers — 
a year or two in each, — the family, with others, took 
up its march in quest of a home in a neighboring 
State. 

Between two ranges of the Green Mountains, in the 
northern part of Vermont, lies the romantic town ol 
Woodbury, sparsely settled, full of ponds, hilly, yet 
with an excellent soil wherever the rocks allow it to 
be reached. Near the southern border, some four 
hundred feet in height, rises a perpendicular clitf 
called Nichols' Ledge. Between this and Cabot ex- 
tends a plain about a mile in width, then covered 
with primeval forest, whither emigrated from San- 
bornton and vicinity, about the year 1815, a colony of 
from twenty-five to thirty pereons, and among them 
Anthony C. Hunt and wife, with several of his wife's 
relatives. 

Mr. Hunt at first built a log house, in which 
Lucian was born, a few rods south of the big I'edge, 
and a few years later, a framed house, still nearer the 
mountain, the birth-place of his daughter, Almira. 
His eldest daughter, Sarah, and his eldest son, Lucian, 
who died in his fifth year, before the birth of his 
second son, were both natives of Sanbornton. 

Their life here was such as was generally experi- 
enced by first settlers in New England. Trees were 
felled and burned on the ground, and from their 
ashes a kind of potash — or salts, as it was called — 
was manufactured. This and maple sugar were the 
principal exports, and their backs the only means of 
transportation. 

The settlement seemed to flourish for a time, but 
what with hard labor, few and distant markets, the 
want of the necessaries — to say nothing of the 
luxuries — of life, discouragement crept in, and one 
by one the settlers sought other homes, until Mr. 
Hunt and family were left alone. He struggled 
manfully a few years longer, but finally yielded, like 
the rest, and removed to Cabot, whence, after having 
passed seventeen years in Vermont, he returned to 
Sanbornton. Thus ended the Sanbornton exodus. 
Not a house, no memento, except the old cellars, 
scattered over what is now a broad pasture, remains 
to tell of the once bustling little New Hampshire 
colony of Woodbury, Vt. 

On leaving Cabot, Mr. Hunt went first to Union 
Bridge (now East Tilton), whence, after a residence of 
four years, he removed to Sanbornton Bridge, where 
Lucian, the subject of this sketch, eagerly availed 
himself of the advantages there aftbrded for acquiring 
an education. He was an incessant reader, and long 
before he had fairly settled himself down to a regular 
course of school study liad acquired a very respect- 
able fund of intoniiutiou in regard to history and 





oO A^y.'i^'^yOWi'^ Irli 1 / ' 1 



NORTHFIELD. 



541 



general literature. At school, or privately, he was 
fond of taking up one study or branch at a time, and 
pursuing it till his curiosity or ambition was satisfied 
in that particular direction. Thus he commenced 
Latin one Spring, and, confining himself to that, 
linished Virgil during the ensuing autumn. He also 
became somewhat noted in those days as a swimmer, 
in which noble art he used to consider himself a 
match for any in the State, and by which accomplish- 
ment he has had the good fortune to save several 
persons from drowning in the course of his life. His 
favorite mode of exercise has ever been walking, and 
this at times has carried him considerable distances. 
The walk which seems to have afforded him the most 
pleasure was one from the Bridge to the top of Mount 
Washington and back, which he took in company 
with a fellow-teacher, calling from time to time at 
farm-houses for rest and refreshment, at one of which 
the mistress would take nothing for payment, as she 
said, " She never lost anything by giving to the 
poor." At another they were each charged twelve 
cents for a good supper, lodging and breakfast. 
Verily that was the day of small prices. They 
stopped one night at Centre Harbor, another at the foot 
of Chocorua Mountain, and the good part of a day 
on the Sandwich Plains, among the blueberry pickers 
who had come from far and wide with their families 
— and some were pretty large, — ox-teams, bushel bas- 
kets, and where they remained day after day, many 
of them, till the berry season was over. Proceeding 
they reached the Notch just at dusk, amid a fearful 
thunder-storm, which served as a grand introduction 
to this gate of the mountains, and which attended 
them with its lightnings and crashings till they 
reached the hotel, at ten o'clock. 

Lucian once had the right side of his face filled 
with gunpowder from a horse-pistol at short range, 
which powder employed a doctor one long summer 
afternoon to extract, kernel by kernel. While stili 
young, a boy, he received a commission in a some- 
what notable military company of the time — " The 
Phalanx " — with Willis Russell, commander. To 
this, one fine day, tlie ladies of Sanbornton Bridge, in 
long procession, presented a beautiful flag through 
the hands and voice of Miss Betsy Kelley, then pre- 
ceptress of the academy. Lucian was appointed to 
receive the same, and to respond in behalf of the 
company, all which was duly published in the local 
papers of the time, from the pen of the Hon. Asa P. 
Gate. 

Lucian commenced teaching when sixteen years o! 
age in the Bay Hill District, Northfield. After a 
second winter here, he taught in succession one 
winter at Webster, three in Centre Northfield, three 
in Natick, Mass., and one at Kingston. During all 
this time he was ardently prosecuting his studies. 
He had read Latin, his favorite study, far beyond the 
college course, a suitable amount of Greek, many 
volumes of French and German, besides most of the 



English branches required by the college curriculum. 
He attained to this mostly by his own private 
efforts, without pecuniary assistance from any quarter, 
paying his way as he went along, and thus keeping 
entirely clear of debt. When the funds from his 
winter's teaching gave out, he went to Boston in the 
summer and earned enough to float him over the rest 
of the year ; so that, when he started in his profes- 
sion, he was even with the world, with no debts to 
harass, or interest to eat up his earnings. This road 
to an education is longer, indeed, as it proved to be 
in his case ; but it was sure and safe. He received 
his degree from the Wesleyau University, Middle- 
town, Conn., in 1863. 

About this time Mr. Hunt was invited to take 
charge of the Marlow (N. H.) Academy. This school, 
which had become much reduced — the pupils at the 
start barely amounting to twenty— after passing into 
his hands, increased rapidly and steadily, till, at the 
close of the second year, it numbered one hundred 
and forty members, mostly adults, as a large class of 
smaller scholars were necessarily refused admittance 
from the want of accommodations. The third year 
was also one of continued prosperity. Such and so 
rapid a revival of a run-down academy we believe to 
be unexampled in the record of New Hampshire 
schools. 

This unexpected success and liberal addition to his 
exhausted finances determined Mr. Hunt's vocation, 
and in the following spring he accepted an invitation 
to the High School of Castine, one of the oldest and 
most romantic little seaports on the coast of Maine, 
where he remained two years, receiving a generous 
increase of salary the second. 

Next succeeded a two years' princii)alship of the 
academy in Standish, Me., where Mr. Hunt's good 
fortune was crowned by securing as a partner of his 
joys and sorrows Mi.ss Caroline Higgins, one of the 
noble women for which that region is famous — social, 
kind, cheerful and generous. 

After a two-years' rest Mr. Hunt became seated in 
the principal's chair of Powers Institute, Berna:rds- 
ton, Mass., where his predecessor had sunk the school 
to less than a dozen pupils. At the close of his five 
years' engagement he could point to nearly one hun- 
dred and twenty members then belonging to the 
institute. Though strongly urged by the trustees to 
continue his engagement for another five years, he 
preferred to heed a louder call from Falmouth, Mass. 
Here, as principal of Lawrence Academy, he re- 
mained twelve years, where he introduced improved 
educational methods, and, in fact, efiected a revolu- 
tion in the old academy, and with beneficial effect on 
the public schools of the town. 

Yielding to the urgent request of the trustees of 
McCollom Institute, Mount Vernon, N. H., Professor 
Hunt took charge of their institution, which, after 
pursuing his vocation two years longer, he recently 
re-signed, in order to carry out a purpose of his, formcil 



542 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



many years ago, to devote what might be left of his 
life to literary pursuits. 

He is a trustee of McCollom Institute, and of the 
New Hampshire Conference Seminary at Tilton. In 
1880 he delivered an historical address at the North- 
field Centennial, which was published in the Granite 
Monthly. Also, in June, 1885, he gave an address 
before the alumni of the Conference Seminary at 
Tilton. 

Professor Hunt furnishes an example of the teacher, 
student and financier combined, and in all has 
achieved success. His favorite studies have been the 
ancient and modern languages — especially the Latin, 
French and German— ancient and modern history, 
English literature and elocution. 

And now, having wielded the pedagogue's sceptre 
for a third of a century, blessed with good health and 
a competency, and possessing one of the most valu- 
able private libraries in New Hampshire, containing 
nearly three thousand volu)nes of well-selected works, 
and among them several hundred in the French and 
German languages, he proposes to realize his long- 
cherished design to retire and pass the remainder of 
his days in rural employments and the companion- 
ship of his books, where himself and lady would be 
most happy to receive the visits of their many friends 
in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. May 
the blessing of heaven rest upon them in their re- 
tirement! 



Adino Brackett Hall was born in Is'orthfield, N. H., 
October 17, 1819. He was the son of Jeremiah and 
Hannah (Haines) Hall, and the seventh in descent 
from Richard Hall, of Dorchester, whose son Richard 
settled in Bradford, Mass., in 1()73, and was made free- 
man in 167() ; he was chosen one of the first deacons 
of the church of Bradford, and held that office till his 
death, March 9, 1730. His^ son Joseph, born Feb- 
ruary 19, 1680, was a deacon of the church in West Brad- 
ford, and had nine children, of whom Ebenezer, born 
1721, removed to Concord, N. H.; was a farmer and 
selectman, and married Dorcas Abbott, the first white 
girl born in Concord. 

Of Ebenezer Hall's twelve children, Obadiah, born 
October 13, 1748, married Mary Perham, of New Ips- 
wich, N. H , November 3, 1770, and had seven chil- 
dren. Jeremiah Hall, their fourth child, born Octo- 
ber 18, 1777, married, September 15, 1801, Hannah 
Haines, of Northfield, N. H. ; was forty years a deacon 
in the Congregational Church, and had six children. 
Adino Brackett Hall was the youngest of this family. 

Dr. Hall was also seventh in descent from George 
,\bbott, one of the first settlers of Andover in 1643. 
George Abbott lived and died on the farm owned now 
by John Abbott. "His son, Thomas Abbott, (born 
May 6, 1666, died April 28, 1728), lived on the west 
side of Shawshene River. The farm remained in the 
family a century. He taught liis cliildren to rever- 



ence the Sabljath and keep it holy, and make the Bible 
their only rule of faith and practice. 

"Edward Abbott, son of Thomas, was one of the 
proprietors of Pennacook, now Concord, N. H., one of 
the first selectmen and useful in town business. His 
house was a garrison, and stood on the west side of 
Main Street, south of the brook that runs between the 
State-house and court-house. The first white female 
and the first white male born in town were his chil- 
dren.'" Of these children, Dorcas, born February 15, 
1728, married, June 17, 1746, Ebenezer Hall, and be- 
came the mother of Obadiah Hall, grandmother of 
Jeremiah, and great-grandmother of Dr. Hall, the 
subject of this sketch. 

Dr. Hall was educated at the academy of Dyer H. 
Sanborn and at Dartmouth College. After leaving 
the medical school he began directly to look for a 
place to begin practice, and used often in later years 
to tell, witli infinite relish, the difiiculties attending 
his first settlement. He had heard of an opening in 
Kingston, Mass., for a young physician, and, taking a 
sleigh, he proceeded, with a friend, to investigate the 
town. Half-way on their journey they came to bare 
ground; but, borrowing a buggy, they went on. Ar- 
riving at Kingston, they called on the various poten- 
tates, and met the encouraging response that if the 
new doctor could practice homoeopathy, he might 
succeed. Nevertheless, he settled there, and, though 
he remained but three years, he won such confidence 
that critical cases in Kingston were submitted to his 
care until the close of his life. His desire to relieve 
suffering gave him courage to allow cold water, in 
teaspoonfuls, to his first case of typhoid fever. The 
older doctors were aghast at such frightful presump- 
tion, and said he had killed the patient; but the man 
recovered, and the comfort of the new treatment was 
so great that he was called to all the typhoid cases 
the next year. He was also one of the first to admin- 
ister ether, and he was never afraid of anything be- 
cause it W!is new. From Kingston he went to Natick, 
where he had previously taught, and in 1852 he be- 
gan study in the hospitals of Paris. For two years he 
followed Nelaton, Roux, Rostan, — those great physi- 
cians and surgeons who have made this century illu.s- 
trious by their services to mankind. 

October 7, 1854, Dr. Hall settled in Boston, where, 
for twenty-six years, he lived the active and self-deny- 
ing life of a physician in full practice. He was born 
for a doctor, his uncles were doctors, his older brother 
W!Ls of the same profession, and he himself, in his 
childish plays, was always beside a sick-bed. Joined 
to this love of medicine, he had courage, good sense, 
great kindness of heart, a genial presence and unfail- 
ing courtesy. He was destitute of that quality which 
bears the name, in America, of "brass," and one of 
his brother physicians said of him that "he didn't 
know what conceit was." He was satisfied to I if 






.\ljl.i>tt fiuuily, IS.17 




9!^ M--^^ 




.^-y^Jl 



NORTHFIELD. 



543 



quietly and continually doing good, and receiving the 
constant love and trust of many whose dearest friend 
he was. None but a physician can know the toil of 
such a life ; and perhaps no one else can know such 
a reward. 

Dr. Hall volunteered to go to McClellan's army be- 
fore Richmond, when surgeons were needed in the 
spring of 1862. He contracted malarial fever in those 
swamps, from which he was never entirely free. He 
served the Massachusetts Medical Society as councilor 
for twenty-five years, and the same length of time he 
was an active member of the school committee. Dr. 
Hall married, in 1864, Mary, eldest daughter of Rev. 
J. P. Cowles, of Ipswich. 

Friday, April 16, 1880, he attended three cases of 
labor, leaving the last one at 5.30 p.m. Heated and 
fasting since morning, the east wind gave him a fatal 
chill. He died of pneumonia tiie following Wednes- 
day, April 21st. His fatal illness made apparent 
the sense of what he was, and what was lost by his 
death. Dr. Hall, like his mother, was proverbial 
for his kindness to the poor ; it is still told of her 
that the saddest sight at her funeral was the group of 
poor women looking into her open grave. Each morn- 
ing of Dr. Hall's illness a crowd gathered on the side- 
walk, and refused to move on at the policeman's bid- 
ding till he had asked how the doctor was. Some 
waited patiently, like beggars, before the back win- 
dows, only to say, "My wife wants to know how the 
doctor is." 

"And after he had served his generation, by the 
will of God, he fell on sleep." 



JEREMIAH SMITH, ESQ.' 

Probably no name is more familiarly known among 
English-speaking people than that of Smith ; and 
poor indeed is that town, especially in the United 
States, that cannot number one or more among its 
inhabitants. It also has the flavor of antiquity about 
it, since it must have sprung into being while the 
Teutonic race was as yet undivided, perhaps before it 
left the heights of Armenia, as it is found in a direct 
or modified form in all the various subdivisions of 
tliat most energetic of the national families of the 
world. If Darwin's theory of the survival of the 
fittest be correct, it follows that the originators of the 
name Smith must have been not only the fittest, but 
the strongest among all who have been honored as 
founders of family appellations, as, so far as we know, 
the name is more common than any other among 
the whole Caucasian race. 

New Hampshire is no less favored than her sister- 
States with a generous sprinkling of the time- 
honored name, more or less abundant in nearly every 
town within her borders. 



I By Prof. Lucian Hu 



But among them all, no one is more deserving of 
mention by the town historian, or more worthy of 
remembrance in an especial degree hy the citizens of 
Northfield, as one of its model farmers, earlier set- 
tlers, its oldest inhabitant, an upright cititzen and 
one whose official record in town was second to none, 
than the subject of this sketch. 

Jeremiah Smith was the son of William and Dilly 
((Jlough) Smith, and born in Old Hampton, N. H., 
March 10, 1770. His father originated in Canterbury, 
N. H., and mother in Kingston, N. H., so that the 
I family is of true New Hampshire stock several de- 
I grees back. 

He came to Canterbury when a boy, and lived with 
Colonel Jeremiah Clough till twenty-one years of age, 
when, having reached his majority, and consequently 
become his own master, he concluded to follow the 
example set by so many other Canterbury people, 
and seek his fortune further north, in what then 
seemed to be the land of promise to the Canter- 
buryites, — the sunny and bonny hills of Northfield., 
This was in 1792, two years before the great raising of 
the old meeting-house, in 1794, of which a full ac- 
count is given in the history of Northfield. 

Northfield then was in the full flowing tide of grow- 
ing prosperity, and no doubt held out great attractions 
to the young adventurer; but little did he imagine, I 
surmise, when his walk from Canterbury had brought 
bim to Bay Hill, that he had so soon found his life- 
haven, where he was to be anchored safely and hap- 
pily for seventy-seven long years additional to those 
with which his manhood began. And little did he 
guess, when he called at Squire Glidden's, and en- 
gaged to work for him at seven dollars a month, and 
saw the sprightly .Betsy of thirteen, that he had 
found his life companion, who for nearly three- 
quarters of a century was to share with him whatever, 
weal or woe, Northfield had to bestow. But so it 
was to be. She was born February 17, 1778, and 
after five years of taithfnl service on his part, when 
she was eighteen and he twenty-six, the father, 
Squire Glidden, and his daughter, Betsy, were so well 
satisfied with him and his work that the latter and he 
were united in marriage in the year 1797. 

They first established their home at Bean Hill, on 
the farm afterwards owned by Messrs. Mills Glidden, 
Anthony C. Hunt, Morrill Moore, and which at 
present is in the possession of Mr. Clark. It was a 
rugged farm of about sixty acres, with a hard wood 
and hard, compacted soil, with a plentiful sprinkling 
of rocks, a rather steep slope to the north, and in a 
region of powerful thunder-storms. Neighbors were 
few and far between, for this was in the earlier days, 
and the roads were rough and the passers-by few. 
But Mr. Smith and his young wife had two talismauic 
virtues, which, ever since man learned the art to accu 
mulate, have heen powerful agents to evoke wealth 
from the hardest soil, and amid the most forbidding 
circumstances, — industry and economy. 



544 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



They worked early and late, reduced expenses, 
saved the pennies, enjoyed perfect health, and, as a 
consequence, rose slowly, it may be, but surely, in the 
scale of social, financial and political importance as 
the years went by. Would that the young of the 
present day — alas ! too many there are who need it — 
might profit by the very worthy example set before us 
by our hard-working and closely-saving ancestors ! His 
was one of the big barns of the town, — an aristocratic 
barn for the times, — and yet the writer has been told, 
that this barn used to be filled, year after year, to the 
very eaves with hay and grain ; and it is but fair to 
presume that a rich herd of stately oxen, cows, young 
cattle and sheep filled the spacious south-side yard, 
and were bountifully fed from its high-heaped con- 
tents. At Bean Hill all their children were born, 
except Warren H. and Mary Elizabeth. 

Here they lived about sixteen years, till the death 
of Esquire Glidden, when, the homestead falling to 
Mrs. Smith by inheritance, they transferred their 
residence from Bean to Bay Hill, built a new house, 
made additions to the already extended barn, and 
there, on the ancestral fields, passed their years of 
strength and decline, prolonged to a period vouch- 
safed to few, enjoying in full measure the blessings 
that flow from agricultural pursuits, the hopes and 
fruition of seed-time and harvest, pride in their grow- 
ing family, and the increasing respect and town- 
honors bestowed by their fellow-citizens. The farm, 
— formerly called the Robert Perkins farm, as he was 
its first settler and the first clearing on it was made 
by him, still in possession of the family, — with its 
abundant timber and wood and extensive meadow, 
is, I suppose, considered the most valuable within the 
present limits of the town, and in those early days 
must have poured forth overflowing harvests. 

Though Mr. Smith, through mistaken kindness or 
friendship, by becoming bondsman, lost all his prop- 
erty at two separate periods of his life, yet, by the 
force of a strong will and unflinching perseverance, 
assisted by conjugal energy, he rallied, regained the 
lost ground, and at the end of life left a handsome 
property to his children. The confidence of his fel- 
low-townsmen in his integrity and business capacity 
is shown by his election as selectman, year after year^ 
and representative, and to other offices. 

Mr. Smith, as we remember him, was rather strik- 
ing in his personal appearance, with a presence well 
calculated to arrest the attention of the most casual 
observer, — stalwart in form, with marked features, 
and an expression pleasant, yet showing a decided 
character. He was a man of excellent habits in 
every respect, and never knew the meaning of sickness, 
as he lived straight along, from childhood to old age, 
without the least interference from (Ih^ thousand ails 
and ills that hara.ss ninety-iiin.-liiin.lrr.lihs of the 
human race. He never was iiMiltiI id cull in the aid 
of an M.D., and, in short, enjoyed pcrffi/t health to 
the very last. 



Over and above the treasure of health, moreover, 
he was blessed with a cheerful disposition, which 
rendered him a favorite with rich and poor, and 
made him delight in hearing and telling merry 
stories ; and, with the rich fund of anecdote and story, 
gathered in a long and active life, and held fast in a 
retentive memory, he could not be otherwise than an 
entertaining talker. The writer remembers well, when 
Mr. Smith's age was among the nineties, that an old 
Revolutionary soldier-— we think his name was Dan- 
forth- — from a distant part of the town, used to make 
him an occasional visit, for the express purpose, it 
would seem, of reviving memories of the olden times, 
when both were in their prime. And they succeeded 
thoroughly. The past lived again. The Revolu- 
tionary War was a fruitful theme, and especially 
the battle of Bunker Hill, in which the old soldier 
had been a participant. At such times their warlike 
enthusiasm would be roused almost to a white heat. 
Once, when the question of the emancipation of the 
slaves was pending during our last war, Mr. Danforth, 
— if that was his name, — at one of these meetings, 
while the writer was at the house, asserted stoutly, 
that the negroes made as good soldiers as the whites ; 
said there were several at Bunker Hill, and their 
bullets dropped the red- coats as fast as anybody's. 
One stood near himself, and " his gun went bang ! as 
loud as the best." 

Mr. Smith's opportunities for acquiring an educa- 
tion were, of course, very limited ; yet he seems to 
have had a natural turn for mathematics, arithmetic 
especially, of which a convincing proof exists in the 
form of an old blank-book with sheepskin covers, still 
treasured in the family, into which his examples 
were copied, some of which are " exceedingly diffi- 
cult." 

He had decided views in regard to his duty as a 
citizen, and voted for every President from Washing- 
ton to Lincoln. 

No kinder man in his family ever lived, and, as an 
unfailing consequence, the respect paid to him per- 
sonally by his children during life, and to his memory 
since he passed away, has been of the tenderest and 
most devoted kind. The last day he lived, he said to 
his two daughters, who were present, — " My family I 
have governed by love; never struck but one blow, 
and that was an accident." 

The years moved on, and Mr. Smith became old 
and " well stricken in years," but for a long period 
Providence kindly withheld the stroke. Generations 
passed away, but still his gait was erect and his eye 
strong. The writer has his autograph attached to a 
legal instrument, firm and legible, written when he 
was approaching a hundred. Old acquaintances 
dropped, one by one, from sight, till, of all who began 
with him the journey of life, not one man or woman 
remained. And still his health was good. Much 
of this was due in Ids later years to the excellent 
care and untliigging attention of his daughter, Mrs. 



NORTHFIELD. 



545 



Nancy C. Gilman, who, with her husband, ministered 
to every want of her parents, watching every phase 
of health, — all to such good effect that Time's fingers 
seemed to lose their power as the years went by. 
And thus her father's life was lengthened out to 
within three years of a century before he was laid to 
rest, — the oldest man that Northfield has as yet pro- 
duced. 

Mrs. Smith, whose birth took place February 17, 
1778, survived her husband nearly a year, dying at 
the age of ninety-one, January 1, 1868. She was a 
woman of strong mind, great independence, deter- 
mined will, one who ruled her household well, " mov- 
ing therein as queen," and whose orders were obeyed ; 
and to her energetic assistance and inherited prop- 
erty, no doubt, much of Mr. Smith's financial pros- 
perity was due. Their remains lie in the new ceme- 
tery in Tilton. 

Mr. Smith had nine children, of whom five arc still 
living or recently deceased. 

1st. His olde.st daughter, Alice G., born March 
19, 1804 ; married Mr. Charles M. Glidden, and re- 
sided many years in Southern Ohio, dying December 
28, 1873. She had a daughter, Mary" Y., and a son, 
Steven S., now living. The former married George 
Crawford, of Portsmouth, Ohio, and has two sons and 
one daughter, — namely, George W., who, after gradu- 
ating at West Point, studied law and is now practic- 
ing in Minnesota ; John G., who, after studying in 
Germany, settled in Portsmouth, Ohio, and is now a 
leading physician there ; and Minnie Alice, who, after 
gr:iduating at the Boston Conservatory of Music, 
spent three years in study at Ann Arbor, and received 
a diploma of M.D. Mrs. Glidden's son, Steven S., 
married Susan Gannet, of fronton, Ohio, and has five 
children, — namely, Aingia A., a graduate of the New 
England Conservatory of Music, Boston ; Jesse, a 
graduate of College Hill, Cincinnati, both married ; 
two sons now in a military school ; and Susan G., an 
infant. 

2d. Mr. Smith's second daughter, Nancy C, mar- 
ried Mr. William Gilman, of Northfield, whose only 
daughter, Joan D., married Mr. H. A. Morse, a lead- 
ing shipper and commission merchant of Boston. 
They have three daughters, — two, Ruth and E. Ger- 
trude, brilliant scholars and accomplished musicians; 
and Abba C, recently returned from Europe, an ama- 
teur artist of much promise. 

Mrs. Gilman was born May 2, 1806. At an early 
age she engaged in teaching, for which she had a 
great liking and special aptitude, — teaching private 
schools in her own house, having charge of a select 
school in Ohio, with one season in the seminary, 
making in all some twenty years in the profession. 
She studied medicine at the Boston Female Medical 
College, and has been in its practice more or less for 
thirty years. But beyond her reputation as a teacher 
or physician, she is better known as a philanthropist, a 
pioneer in all the most prominent moral questions of 



the day. She has ever been a thorough-going tem- 
perance advocate, a whole-souled champion of the 
anti-slavery cause, has lectured on the social vices 
and virtues, and is a stanch supporter of woman's 
enfranchisement, aud through a long life the powers 
of her mind have been exerted and her influence felt 
for good, both in her native town and abroad. 

3d. Joseph M. G. Smith, a retired iron-master, 
born December 28, 1807 ; has four children,— two sons 
and two daughters. The oldest, Joseph W., is con- 
nected with steamboating on the Ohio Eiver. Jacob 
H., second son, with his two cousins, raised and 
equipped a company of soldiers, and served during 
the Rebellion ; was once dangerously wounded by a 
ball, which struck his watch, and, glancing, entered 
his hip; and is now major, and stationed at some 
frontier fort on the borders of Mexico. Hia oldest 
daughter, Mary E., married a prominent lawyer, who 
is now a judge in Portsmouth, Ohio. Josephine, the 
youngest, married Orin Murfin, a young man of much 
promise, and holding a responsible position, who, 
while conducting the funeral of a brother-Mason, 
dropped dead in front of the altar. 

4th. Warren H. Smith, the youngest son, a shrewd 
and energetic man of business, born April 6, 1817, in 
his earlier days was actively engaged in railroad- 
building, having been a prominent contractor on the 
Boston, Concord and Montreal Railroad, when in 
process of construction, and afterwards on Southern 
railways — we think in Kentucky. These andothersimi- 
lar stirring enterprises ended, he considered himself 
entitled to a more quiet life, and accordingly basset an 
excellent example to other Northfielders in settling 
down permanently on the paternal acres. While too 
many natives of the good old town have deserted it 
for the West or the city, he has chosen to make his 
father's home his own home and that of his children, 
and has increased its attractions in many ways. He 
has remodeled the ancestral house, built a new and 
capacious barn, beautified and improved the grounds, 
so that this historic farm, originally a part of the 
Blanchard lot, we believe, in pleasantness and value 
combined, has not its equal on Bay Hill certainly, 
and perhaps not in town ; and here Mr. Smith has 
wisely decided to pass the evening of his days, as a 
prosperous farmer and retired country gentleman ; 
and here may his age be prolonged till it shall reach 
or excel " the days of the years of his father." 

The maiden-name of his wife was Miss Elizabeth 
Glines, one of Northfield's noble women, an excellent 
scholar, successful teacher and a lady of rare executive 
ability, well known for her labors of love in her neigh- 
borhood and church. Mr. Smith has two sons, — Charles 
Glidden and Jeremiah Eastman. Charles manages 
the farm. Jeremiah has been in business at the 
White Mountains the past five years, employing 
some fifty horses ; is very popular in town, having 
been representative two years without any opposi- 
tion. 



646 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



5th. Alary Elizabeth, bom November 6, 1822; 
married Ephraim S. Wadleigh, the fortunate poti- 
sessor of the original farm of Benjamin Blanchard, 
the earliest pioneer, and first settler of Northfleld. 
She died two years since, leaving one son and four 
daughters, who are all interested and actively engaged 
in agricultural pursuits. Three of the daughters — Ad- 
die P., Annie E. and Charlotte B.— reside at home; 
Olive A. married Peter Gile, of Franklin Falls ; and 
Smith Ct. is married and living at Tilton. 

Such, in brief, is the imperfectly written sketch of 
Jeremiah Smith, Esq., and his descendants, whose 
lives, independent thought and energy have had a 
marked influence on the policy aud fortunes of the 
pleasant and prosperous township of the children's 
nativity and their father's adoption. May North- 
field in the future produce many such. 



WILLIAM F. KXOWLES, E.SQ.' 

Among the prominently worthy and enterprising 
sons of Northfleld is the subject of the following 
sketch. 

His grandfather, Joseph Knowles, was born June 

15, 1758, and his grandmother, Sarah (Lock) Knowles, 
December 13, 1761. His death occurred February 

16, 1815, when he was fifty-six years of age, and 
that of his wife August 30, 1841, in her eightieth 
year. 

They are deserving of remembrance by the citizens 
of Northfleld, not only for being the first of the 
name within its precincts, but as two among the 
earliest settlers of the good old town, having emi- 
grated thither from Wilmot, N. H., about the year 
1775, and located themselves on the Bean Hill road, 
not far from the Colonel Cofran farm ; at which time 
his son William, the father of William F., was about 
six years old. Joseph was a carpenter as well as 
farmer, and worked at his trade more or less through 
life, as the wants of the community might require, to 
the great advantage of his neighbors, as a workman 
of that class must always be in great request in a 
growing town. And that he was a good workman is 
proved by the banisters of the Old Meeting-House, 
still in existence, which he turned in after-years, and 
as the History of Northfield says, " he turned them 
well." Indeed, a conscientious thoroughness has 
ever been the characteristic of him and his descend- 
ants. They " do their work well." His wife, Sarah 
Lock, before her marriage, lived in Chester, N. H., of 
which town her father was one of the earliest settlers. 
At first, there was much trouble from the Indians ; 
and in after years Mrs. Knowles used to relate with 
great glee to her grandchildren the story of her 
father's encounter with one of that race. Her father, 
it appears, was at work in his field, when he was 
suddenly confronted and !is.saulted by an Indian. Mr. 



' By Professor Ltician Hunt. 



Lock, though unarmed except with a sickle, made a 
stout fight, wielding his reaping hook with such etti- 
ciency, that he soon reduced his opponent's face tu a 
dead level, that is, cut ofl" his nose, which so discon- 
certed poor Lo, that he retreated with great precipi- 
tation. When asked, in after-time, what became of 
his nose, he used to reply, " Old Lock cut it ott"." 

Grandfather Knowles, after residing several years 
on his Bean Hill farm, according to the more proba- 
ble account — though there is a little difference of 
opinion on this point — exchanged it for one on Bay 
Hill, where he remained till his death. 

Those were the days, as everybody knows, of lar^re 
families; iind Joseph Knowles formed no exception 
to the ancestral rule. His family consisted of ten 
children, namely : 

1. William, whose birth took place April 6, 17t>l. 
Married, in 1805, Zilpha Thorn, who was born Janu- 
ary 1, 1782. His death occurred May 26, 1864, at the 
age of eighty-three ; and his wife's December 26, 
1876, aged ninety-four. 

William was the father of five children, whose 
names are 1, Wesley, born October 6, 1806 ; married 
Jane W. Oilman, October 3, 1882, who was born 
October 6, 1805, and died September 20, 1857. 

For his second wife, he married, June 26, 1860, 
Sophronia Clement Johnson, born October 9, 1817. 
His four children were named, — 

(a) Charles W., born May 29, 1835; (b) George C, 
born November 24, 1838; died May 16, 1858; (c) 
Luciau E., born March 22, 1842 ; died September 2, 
1864 ; (d) Laura J. C, born October 4, 1843, married 
to Marcus A. Hardy May 29, 1866, and died March 
20, 1885. 

2. Betsey C, born March 11, 1808; died May .S, 
1882. 

3. Cyrone, born January 21,1813; died .\ugust 11, 
1815. 

4. Joseph, born July 29, 1817 ; died September 17. 
1852. 

5. William F., born April 24, 1822 ; married Sarah 
Pratt Robinson January 1, 1850. Her birth-place 
was Boston, and date, November 4, 1827. They have 
three children, two daughters and one son, all born in 
Cambridge and all living. Their names are as fol- 
lows, — 

(a) Addie Viola, born January 14, 1854 ; (b) Carrie 
Way, born February 5, 1857 ; (c) William Fletcher 
Knowles, Jr., born February 19, 1861. Is a graduate 
of Harvard Medical College, and is soon to proceed 
to Germany to study. 

II. Joseph Knowles, Jr., born April 1, 1783, who, 
after marriage, settled in Piermont, N. H., had a 
large family, removed about forty-five years ago to 
Illinois, and flnally made his home in Iowa. 

III. and IV. Christian and Sarah, twins, born (Oc- 
tober 7, 1786. 

V. Sally, birth April 11, 1780; married Josiah 
Bachelder, of Andovcr, N. II., and lived and died 




,/7f^/^.yt^^^.^^-^..^-^^^ 



NORTHFIELI). 



546a 



there. Their sou, William A. Bacheklcr, now lives 
on the old i'arm, and his son, Naluuii, is writing a 
History of Andover, so report says. 

VI. Hannah, born February 9, 1792 ; married Mr. 
Haines, and lived for many years in Vershire, Vt., 
but after her husband's death removed to Exeter, 
N. H. 

VII. John, born October 10, 1794. Never mar- 
ried. Died May 29, 1853. 

VIII. Polly, born August 6, 1797. Married Josiah 
A. Woodbury, of Northfield, in which town she 
passed her life and died. Had three children, — Mary, 
Cyrene and William. 

IX. and X. A son and daughter, — January, 1800. 
Having thus given a brief analysis of the Knowles 

family, and traced back its genealogy so far as our 
data permitted, we will devote our remaining space 
to a hasty glance at the principal events in the life 
of that member of it whose portrait is given with this 
sketch. 

On the highest pinnacle of Bay Hill, looking almost 
perpendicularly down upon Chestnut Pond nestling 
at its eastern base, with the triple-peaked Gilmanton 
Mountains in the distance beyond, at a height per- 
haps of two or three hundred feet above the famous 
first settled farm of the pioneer, Benjamin Blanchard, 
on the west, with Kearsarge towering above it and 
for away ; with Bean Hill's broad shoulders confront- 
ing the view on the south, — while northward stands 
the giant sentinels of the White, Franconia and 
Sandwich Ranges, with the Winnipisaukee Valley in 
the foreground,— is situated the pleasant, productive 
and romantic ancestral homestead of Wesley Knowles, 
Esq., where his brother, William F. Knowles, son of 
William and Zilpha Knowles, first saw the light on the 
24th of April, 1822, as we have already stated, the 
same year which gave to our country Ulysses S. Grant, 
with but a few days' difference between their ages. 

Like many other New Hampshire boys who have 
made their mark, William passed his boyhood at 
home, under the eye of a careful, industrious and 
much respected Christian father and mother, aiding 
in cultivating the well-tilled fields, laying the foun- 
dations by temperance, pure air and hard work, for 
that stock of good health and strength which were to 
serve him so well in after-life, and acquiring those 
habits of industry upon which his future success has 
so much depended. 

The winter district-school was his only source of 
education till he was sixteen, when he attended two 
terms at the Franklin, N. H., Academy, and the fol- 
lowing winter made his first essay in teaching in 
the Sanborn district, in Sanbornton, in the years 
1839-40. 

The next winter he was a pupil in the New Lon- 
don, N. H., Literary Institution, and the ensuing 
fall of the Academy at Newbury, Vt., and the winter 
after, taught in Haverhill, N. H., always working on 
the farm during the summer. 



The Academical School of Professor Dyer H. San- 
born, a noted teacher of those times, was then in the 
flood-tide of its prosperity, at Sanbornton Bridge 
(now Tilton) and thither William wended his way iui 
the fall of 1842. 

The writer attended the school at the same time, 
and remembers him well as a hard worker, a close 
student and unexceptionable in his observance of 
the school regulations, while in scholarship he stood 
in the front rank, — his tastes and strength seeming 
to lie more particularly in mathematics. In the sul)- 
sequent winter he taught with general acceptance in 
his home-district of Bay Hill. 

He was now twenty-one, and knowing he must 
work his way through the world by his own unaided 
efforts, like many other young men of his native 
town, he determined to leave the paternal fields and 
seek his fortune elsewhere; and, accordingly, in May, 
proceeded to Boston. Here engaging in the grocery 
business till September, 1844, he then entered the 
wholesale dry-goods store of the wealthy firm of 
James M. Beebe & Co., where he remained fourteen 
years, — a length of time suflicient to prove most de- 
cidedly his faithfulness to his duties and consequent 
acceptability to his employers. 

On the termination of this engagement, he con- 
cluded to make still another change in his business, 
— the fourth, — having already tried farming, teaching 
and storekeeping. He engaged in the transportation 
business, which has been his employment down to 
the present time ; first, with the Commercial Steam- 
boat Company, and the Boston and Providence 
R. R. Company, between Boston and New York and 
the South. Subsequently, he accepted an offer to go 
to New York in the interest of the N. Y. C. R. R. 
Company, and afterwards was engaged by the Penn- 
sylvania R. R. Lines. 

After continuing in New York three years, he was, 
on the completion of the Chicago, Rock Island and 
Pacific R. R. to Council Bluffs, engaged to represent 
their road in Boston and New England. Continuing 
in this agency several years, until the Chicago and 
Northwestern, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific, 
and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroads, 
had completed an arrangement for pooling their 
through business, which, by the way, was the first 
pooling arrangement made by any railroad, he was 
appointed Pool Agent for their New England busi- 
ness. 

At the present time he is the New England Agent 
of the California Fast Freight Line, which line is 
owned and operated by the Chicago, Northwestern, 
the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific, the Chicago, 
Milwaukee and St. Paul, and the LTnion Pacific Rail- 
ways. 

His ofiice is at 211 Washington Street, Boston. 

Mr. "Knowles is a prominent member of the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, having been made a Master Mason 
in 1857, received the Royal Arch Mason's Degree, in 



54Gb 



HISTORY OP MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1858, soon followed by the Cryptic Degrees of the 
order, and a little later was created a Knight Tem- 
plar and Knight of Malta ; is at present a permanent 
member of the Grand Council of Royal and Select 
Masters of Massachusetts, and, on the 21st day of 
November, 1862, received the Grade of Sov.". Gr.-. 
Ins.'. Gen.', of the Thirty-third and last Degree, and 
was admitted an honorary member of the Supreme 
Grand Council A. A. Scottish Rite for the northern 
Masonic jurisdiction of the United States, and is to- 
day among its oldest members residing in Massachu- 
setts. 

Owing to the nature and locality of his employ- 
ment, Mr. Knowles has found it convenient to make 
his home in or near the New England metropolis 
during the most of his adult years. Alter marriage 
he lived in Boston till 1852, when he changed his 
residence to Cambridge, where he remained twenty- 



four years, till 1876. That his executive ability was 
appreciated in some degree by his fellow-citizens at 
this time is shown by the fact that he was called to 
serve in the city government of Cambridge two 
years, having been elected to the Council for 1861 
and unanimously re-elected for the following year. 
After a few months' stay in Medford, he finally re- 
moved to Somerville, where be now resides, still in 
the full vigor of life, blessed with health and a com- 
petency, possessed of a spacious and pleasant home, 
a charming family, with the retrospect of a life of 
earnest and honest striving rewarded and rounded 
out by the successful accomplishment of the mission 
assigned him. As we said of his grandfather, so we 
say of him, — " he has done his work Avell." May pros- 
perity still further attend, and a ripe old age await 
this characteristic son of Northfield, William F. 
Knowles. 



HISTORY OF HILL. 



BY F. R. WOODWARD. 



CHAPTER I. 

The towuslii]) of New Chester, as originally granted, 
embraced a large amountof territory, containing that 
which is now occupied by Hill, Bristol, Bridgewater, 
a portion of VVilmot and Danbury. Hill, at this date 
(1885), contains only a small part of the original grant 
(if New Chester, bearing this original title until Jan- 
nary 14, 1837, when, in honor of Governor Isaac Hill, 
it received its present name. The old Masonion pro- 
prietors granted this territory to eighty-seven propri- 
etors September 14, 1753 ; being mostly men from 
Chester, the new grant was called New Chester. The 
original proprietors were uot all actual settlers, but 
many afterwards transferred or sold their claims to 
actual settlers. 

As early as 1767 two settlements were made within 
the present limits of Hill, by Carr Huse, Ksq. and 
Captain Cutting Favour. The former came from 
Newbury, Mass., and settled on a fine intervale farm 
in the village, that has been held by the family name 
to this date (1885). 

The latter selected a good location on the Pemi- 
gewiisset River, about two miles north of the village, 
towards Bristol, at the present residence of Frank 
Foster. At first these men did not spend their winters 
among the snow-clad hills and frosty valleys of their 
new homes, surrounded by beasts of the forests and 
more deadly foes, their copper-colored enemy. In 1770 
they made their residence here permanent. During 
the same year other settlements were made in that 
part of New Chester which is now embraced in other 
towns. Certain names must necessarily appear in 
this history of men who were then residents of these sur- 
rounding towns, as petitioners and officers. The town 
was incorporated November 20, 1778, in answer to a 
petition from the inhabitants, and named New Chester 
at their request. A manifest desire existed very early 
among the inhabitants of this large territory for a di- 
vision of the town, and petitions were presented to 
the General Court for that purpose in 1774, as is 
shown by the records, — 

" At a town-meeting held upon the 20th day of Januarj', 1774, upon 
the third article, voted tliat the Township of New Cliester shall be In- 
corporated into Two Townships or parrishes. 

"Upon the fourth article, Voted that what money was voted at the 



last meeting to be raised for preaching Shall be applied towards getting 
the Town of New Chester Incorpoi-ated into Two Townships, or par- 
rishes, as aforesaid, so much of it as is nessary for that Servis. 

" Voted, that Samuel Livermore, Stephen Holland and John Tolford, 
Esqf,, they or either of them are here by empowered to git the Town- 
ship of New Chester incorporated in to two Townships or parrishes 
aforesaid." 

PETITIONS TO BE INCORPOKATED INTO TWO TOWNS IN 1776. 
'^ To the Honorable Coioicil aud House of Jiepreseiitatice» of the Colony 
of New Sanipshire : 

" The Humble Petition of the Inhabitants of the Township of New 
Chester. Wee, the Inhabitants of S<> N. Chester, Do Labour under many 
Grievances and disadvantages for want of an In Corporation, whereby 
wee might have officers Endowed with Powers and Authority as other 
Towns in this Colony Do Enjoy. We therefore Humbly Pray Your 
Honours to Grant us a Cliarter of In Corporation — Investing us with the 
Powers, Priviledges and Authorities as other Towns within this Colony 
have. It is the Desire of your Humble Petitioners that the S^ Township 
may Be In Corperated into two Distinct Towns, if your Honours Please, 
By Reason of the Township Being Vei-y Long, which will abundantly 
Best Acommodate the Inhabitants of yd Town Ship, it is desired that .S*" 
Towns may Be Divided at New Found River, So Called, Allowing the 
upper Town to In clnde the priviledges for mills upon S"* River within 
the Limits of S'l Town and your Humble Petitioners, as in Duty Bound, 
shall Ever Fray. 

" N. Chester, Decemh' 24th, 1776. 

"Jonathan Crawford, Josiah heath, Thomas Crawford, Jun', John 
Clark, Cutting favour, Jonathan Ingalls, Joseph Sanborn, Jacob wells, 
Robert Crawford , Nason Cass, John Mitchell, Gideon Sleeper, Reuben 
Wells, John Smith, Nathaniel Sanborn, John Bussell, Benj. McAUester, 
Rob* Forsith, Beniemin Emery, Carr Huse, David Emerson, Joshua Tol- 
ford, Tilton Bennet." 

This petition not being granted, nearly two years 
later the following was presented : 

" To the General Court of the Slate cf New Hampsliire : 

" The Humble Petition of the Inhabitants of the Township of New 
Chester. Wee, the Inhabitants of S'l Township, Do Labour under 
Many Grievances and Disadvantages for Want of an Incorporation 
whereby wee might have officers indowed with Power, authority, and 
that wee might Lay out our highways So that wee Might make and Re- 
pair them So that travilera might Safely travel or pass through the 
Town Ship Safely, for wnnt of whiih wee- are Sensible ; Some of your 
Honours are S'mimI'I. T mi I1,IM^ (,,, i, liilliilfics which wee Labour 
under ; wee, th. I • ;i ' l! noins to Grant us a Char- 

ter of Incorpni.i:! i ii i . . i: , i.\m'i-s, Priviledges and au- 

thorities as otlMi r ■ I.- ^v ii'ii, ih-^i i! h> Irijoy, and your Humble 
Petitioners, as in Duty Itoun-l, Shall Kvir I'lay. 

"New Chester, October 15th, 1778. 

" It is Desir* that the Town May Be Incon)erated By the name of 
New Chester. 

"Carr Huse, Cutting favour, Chase fuller, Jonathan Crawford, thomas 
Lock, moses Worthen, Gideon Sleeper, John Russell, Jacob Wells, Til- 
ton Bennet, John Kmery, Beniamin Emons, Simeon Cross, Samuel wor- 
then, Abner fellows, Theophilus Sanborn, John Cleveland, Nathaniel 
Sanborn, Eben' Ingalls, Josiah heath, Jonathan Ingalls, Peter Sleeper, 
John Kidder." 

547 



548 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUiNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



In answer to the above petition, the town was in- j 
corporated by the Legislature November 20, 1778. I 

At the time of its incorporation the shape of the 
town, as they claimed, was indeed inconvenient for 
the transaction of business, as was evidently true, 
being shown by the following petition, that was sent { 
to the Legislature nine years after the town was in- ! 
corporated : ' 

"To the Honourable Senate and Honse of BepreeentativeB of said State, 
to be conveued at CUarleatown on the Second Wednesday of Septem- 
ber, A. D. 1787. 

"The Petition of the inhabitants of New Chester, in said State, Hnm- 
bly Shewptb, Wee, your Petitioners, Labouring under many Difficulties 
and disadvautjiges in our present Circumstances by Kenson of the Tow u 
Being Exceedingly Long and in one place but a very little more than 
one mile wide, which makes it very Difficult for the Major part of the 
people to attend Public Worship, when we have preaching in Town and 
like wise to Attend Town Meeting, as it is Commonly bad traveling 
when wee have our Annual Bleeting, the Town is more than Nineteen 
miles in Length. Wee, your Humble Petitioners, Earnestly Request 
that your Excellency and Honours would Divide the Town of New 
Chesti-r into two Towns, and that it may be Divided at Newfound River, 
So Called (vs.), Begining at the mouth of Newfound River, running up 
said river untill it comes to Newfound poud ; then running on the east- 
erly Shore of said pond untill it comes to the Town line between New- 
Chester and Plymouth, and your petitioners, as in Duty Bound, will ever 
Pray. 

" New Chester, August 23'', 1787. 

" Carr Huse, Reuben Wells, John Russell, Nathan Colby, Peter heath, 
Jonathan Ingalls, Jun., Elias Boardman, Jon* Ingalls, Nathaniel San- 
born, Eph» Webster, Cutting favour, Michael Mosher, Thomas Huse, 
John fellows, Jonathan Holt, Josiah Brown, David Emerson, Thomas 
Rowell, Joseph Johnson, Thomas Locke, Samuel wortlien, Benja 
Boardman, John Mitchel, Jacob Fellows, Joseph JIarshall, Joseph Em- 
ons, Moses Fellows, Simeon Cross, Daniel Heath. James heath, Jonathan 
heath, David powell, Alexander Craig, Jonathan Carlton, Ephraini 
Clark, John Mitchell, Jun', Ziba Townsend, Chase Fuller, Johu Ladd, 
Samuel Drew, David Craig, Robert Craige, Seth Spencer, Isaac Senter, 
Jonathan Craivford, Benjamin Emone, Wilham Powell, Josiah heath, 
John heath, James Craige." 

February 12, 1788, the north part of this town was 
incorporated into the town of Bridgewater, and 
Thomas Crawford was authorized to call the first 
town-meeting. 

By an act of the Legislature, approved June 24, 
1819, that part of the town "which lies northerly of 
Smith's river," with a part of Bridgewater, was made 
into a new town (now Bristol). 

December 21, 1820, the town was enlarged by the 
annexation of a small portion of Alexandria. 

By an act of the Legislature, approved December 
21, 1832, a small tract of land was taken from New 
Chester and annexed to Wilmot. 

On the 26th day of June, 1858, a certain tract of 
land was taken from Hill and joined to Danbury. 

The town was in Grafton County until July 1, 
1868, at which time it was annexed to Merrimack 
County. 

LIST OK R.\TABLE POLLS, 1775. 
Carr Huse, Esq., Cutting Favour, David Emerson, Nathaniel Sanborn, 
Henry Wells, Jacob Wells, Tilton Benuet, Benjamin Straw, Nason Cass, 
Jeremiah Quimby, Joseph Sanborn, Reuben Wells, Johtt Smith, Na- 
thaniel Bartlet, Robert Forsaith, Joshua Tolford, Esq., Peter Sleeper, 
Gideon Sleeper, John Kidder, Samuel VVorthan, Moses Worthan, Ebene- 
zer Ingalls, Thomas Lock, Eben Fellows, Bcnianiin Emmons, Chase 
Fuller, Edmund Eastman, Gersham Fletcher, John Mitchel, Thomas 
Crawford, Thomas Crawford (2d), Peter Heath, John Clark, Jonathan 



Ingalls, Josiah Heath, Andrew Craige, Benjamin McCoUe&ter, Jonathan 
Crawford. 

RATABLE POLLS, 1783. 

"State of New Hampshiee. 

New Chester, Dec 12* 1783. 
"A return of the Number of Male Polls fi-om Twenty-one .years of 
.\ge & upwards paying for tbeniselves within the Town of New Chester. 

No CO. 

"CAnuHusE, )Sdect Jl/eii For 

"PtiEE Sleeper,/ N. c;««(m-." 

"Groton, ss., Alexandria, Dec. IS", 1783. 

"Then th« above-Named Carr Huse, Esq., and Peter Sleeper, Men 
New Chester, Made Oath to the Tnith of the above Return By them 
Sigued Before me. 

"Josiah Tolforw, JusL Peace.^' 

Number of ratable polU in 1885 1G7 

Value of real estate $127,832 

Amount in savings banks j50,733 

Money at interest on notes 6164 

Railroad bonds lOUO 

Early Proprietors. — The following is a schedule 
of the proprietors' names of New Chester, with the 
number of each proprietor's lots as they were drawn : 

DRAIGHT OF LOTS IN NEW CHESTER. 

First Second Third Fourth 

Peoprietors' Najies. Div'n, Div'n, Div'n, Div'n, 

No. No. No. No. 

Matthew Thornton, Esq . . . 22 71 90 51 

Archabld Dnnlap 65 34 93 

John Tolford, Esq 38 22 66 24 

Matthew Thornton, Esq ... 40 7 42 8 

Joseph Clark 35 '8 10 11 

Ensign William Tolford ... 9 20 5 3 

John Tolford, Esq 57 67 7 69 

John McMui-phy, Esq' .... 74 CI 52 37 

Johu Gordon 24 32 2 18 

Matthew Thornton, Esq' ... 10 13 88 6 

John Tolford, Esq' 48 45 4o 39 ' 

Robert McMurphy . . . 94 55 70 C5 

Matthew Thornton, Esq'. . . 59 92 39 70 

Ens" Henry Hall 20 G7 IC 31 

Thomas Shirley 1 37 23 14 

John Tolford, Jr 45 40 80 91 

John Durham 91 84 92 57 

Lieu' Robert Fletcher .... 31 41 27 19 

Hugh Tolford 7 18 3 12 

Eu6° James Quiuton 78 59 .53 42 

Col' Josiah Willard 40 30 84 90 

Matthew Thornton, Esq' . . . C 1 87 4 

Stephen Fetrington 23 74 70 28 

Robert Craigo 7C 56 79 22 

Jeremiah Colburn 49 25 20 82 

Johu Tolford, Esq' 3 10 2« 29 

James Shirley, Jnu' 89 79 32 64 

Matthew Livermore, Esq' . . 60 93 38 75 

Matthew Thornton, Esq' . . . g^ j? I?, "g 

Mark U. J. Wintworth. ... 52 27 46 84 

John Mills 66 39 50 80 

Samuel Moores, Esq' 8 19 C7 13 

Timothy Ingals 75 G4 .^4 39 

James White 02 90 40 85 

Cap' John Underbill 41 C9 83 34 

Cap' Thomas Wells 90 83 33 CO 

Joshua Tolford 66 52 68 74 

Nathanael Ingals 15 12 25 55 

Samuel Searls 47 23 43 92 

Cap' James Shirley 88 77 31 66 

JohnKelsay 85 88 11 81 

Jothani O'Diorn, Esq'. ... 83 33 69 49 

Co" Theodore Atkinson. ... 30 40 63 21 

Lieu' Thomas Craige 27 2 21 25 



HILL. 





First 


Second 


Third 


Fourth 


River, Marked with T, S, W, T, R, S, I, L, T, and together with the 


Proprietors' Names. 


Div-n. 


Div-n. 


Div'n. 


DiVn. 


Date of the year, which Tree wee have made and Established as a Bound 




No. 


No. 


No. 


No. 


Between the Two afforesaid Townships, Togathcr with an Elm Standing 


Co" Joseph Blaiichard . . . 


. 42 


3 


85 


35 


Down the Bank, about half-way to the water, which is siwtled and 


Lieu' Ebeiiezer Deaibnn . . 


. 81 


80 


60 


.59 


Marked with B. T.; from thence woe have Run part of the lino Between 


James MtFareon 


. 32 


14 


29 


48 


Said Townships one mile to a gleat Red Oak Tree Standing in the line, 


Jereniiuh Colburn 


. 28 


42 


61 




Marked with a great M, Cut out with an axe, and one notch cut in it ; 


Samuel Gault 


. 82 




35 


47 


from thence said line is to run the same course as wee have run this, one 


Samuel Seai-la 


. 5 


44 


82 


5 


mile, which is South, Seventy three Degrees west, according to the 


JohnMau 


. 92 


85 


44 


15 


Charters, which Bounds is to be a final Settlemtnt of the lower Bound 


PeirceiMoore 


. 34 


38 


93 


40 


Between said Towu,sliip and line so far as it is run. 


Robert White 


. 53 


29 


47 


88 


" Buscawen, June loih, 1703. 


C«p> John Sloffatt .... 


. 80 


86 


59 


61 


"Richard Wason 1 


Jeremiah Colburn 


. 69 


62 


13 


76 


" Richard Smith, 




Matthew Thornton, Esq- . . 


. 63 


60 


51 


79 


■•Bexjami.vTii.ton, 


Commiltee 


Thomas Wallingsford, Esq . 


. 68 


63 


56 


78 


"Jeremiah Lane, 


5Iatthe« Th.,rntuu, Esq' . . 


. 58 


82 


41 


87 


"Thomas Wells, 


ilfoi." 


George Jaffrey, Esq' .... 


. 16 


6 


89 


54 


"John Tolford, 




John Aikiu 


. 18 
. 54 
. 43 


50 
35 

28 


49 
81 


08 
30 


" William Tolford, 




William Parker, Esq'. . . . 
Joshua Peirce, Esq 


In answer to a petition from the selectmen, an act 


JohnKinge 


. 64 


73 


58 


61 


was passed by the Legislature, June 11, 1808, appoint- 


Jacob Sargent 


. 77 


66 


48 


02 


ing William Webster, Bradstreet Moody and Enoch 


Matthew Thornton, Esq' . . 


■ 67 


89 


14 


77 


Colby "to determine the jurisdictional lines between 


Co" Masurve & others. . . . 


. 36 


6 


64 


10 


the Towns of New Chester, Alexandria and Daubury 
and report to the Legislature." 


James Wadwell 

Thomlenson & Mason. . . . 


. 44 


36 4 6 
24 


75 


,■-.8 
44 


Orlando Colby 


. 51 


26 


74 




This committee, after considerable annoyance, set- 


Henry Herring 


. 73 


15 


8 


67 


tled the question of the boundary between said towns. 


Samuel Searls ! 


. 37 


21 


65 






Co'i Josiah WiUard 


. 19 


51 


36 


43 


"Alexandria, Oct. 28, 1808. 


William Graham 


. 14 


11 


24 


17 




Alexander McClure. ... 


. 70 


58 


72 


60 


lated the line between the Towns of Alexandria and New Chester, be- 


Solly & March 


. 21 


70 


26 


30 


ginning at a beach tree marked 4. stones around it (a little north of a 


John Wentworth, Esq'. . . 


. 65 


54 




72 


beach tree which is marked W, P, S, W, S, which is the south westerly 




. 4 


43 


•>i 




corner of Alexandria ; then i-uning north about Fifty degrees East, to a 


Matthew Thornton, Esq . . 


. 39 




19 


(l 


large beach, marked and spoted. on the southerly bank of Smith's River. 


John Hazeltine 


. 12 


47 


78 


1 


"in the moiiil. ■; :-( i i- ll.iwing begun at a stake and stonis 


Co" Thomiis Parker 






4 




known by the 111, . :: II ,;. ij.jruer, then South, about 47}4 De- 


Archabald Dunlap 


. 33 


31 


15 


46 


grees West, to > , i Kl oak tree standing on the east bank 


Bichai-d Wibird, Esq'. . . . 


. 13 


10 


91 




of said River, .„.ak. .1 M, w , >. ai„l .■>, D. 


Co" Josiah WiUard 


. 87 


76 


30 


41 


"W W S»RcENT \ /""■""' *<!'i'e(ra«i 
i i>f Xew ClKsUr. 


Richard Pearl 


. 84 


91 


34 






. 79 


65 


9 




"Wm. Patiee, I for the Selectmen 
' ! of Alexandria." 


Archabald Dunlap 


. 17 


49 


86 


53 


Mark Karr 


. 11 


4S 


18 


33 


"A.VDOVER, Oct. 26, 1808. 


Samuel Emerson, Esq' . . . 


. 50 


53 


73 


83 


"Agreeable to a law of this state, we, the subscribers, have preambi- 




'Portsmouth, September S* 1806. 


lated the line between the Town of Alexandria and New Chester, begin- 


"Copy Examined. 










ning at a hemlock tree on the west bank of Pemgewas.set River, said to 




JERE.MI 


u Lib 


EV, Prop" Clerk." 


bee the corner of said Town, marked with the letters S, G, M, C, W, S, 












& J, W, then Runing south about seventy three degrees west, to a White 


In the Masonian proprietors 


five 


hundred acre 


Maple tree, said to be the South west corner of New Chester, and then 


lots drawn December 24, 1 


781, a 


, follows : 




north western of Andover, marked with the letters S, G, C, M and W, 


" Thomlenson & Mason. . . . 








No. 1 


S, we have spotted, renewed, numbers and respoted from the hemlock to 
the maple, and each Town pays its own expences. 












Meserve & Co 








No. 2 


SeUctMeti 


Theadore Atkinson 








No. 3 


"W.W. Sargent, of 


Thomas Parker 








No. 4 


" Samoel Graves, |- Neie aietUr 


John Moffatt 








No. 5 


"Caleb Marston, and 




"N 


ew Chester, Oct 


. 31, 1806. 


J Andover." 


"Copy Examined. 










" Bridgewater, Oct. 29th, 1808. 




"Cahr Huse, Prof 


"CTerk." 


"this day we, the subscribers, have preambilated the line between 


Boundary Lines. — Considerable difficulty 


was ex- 


New Chester and Bridgwater, begining at the outlet of New-Found 


perienced by tlie early settlers in 


fixing the boundary 


pond, from there southly by the west bank of Now found River, so 
Called, to the west end of the Bridge across said River, near where Dr. 


lines of the township, and 


at se 


■eral 


different times 


Samui Kelly formerly lived ; then by the south Branch of sJ River to a 


committees were appointed by 


the 


Legislature to 


spruce tree marked, near the place now contemplated on for the westerly 


settle the troubles. 










end of the new Bridge, now in building across said River ; from there 










by .said Bank to the back side of Co" Lewis' Coal shed ; from there by 


KEPORT OF COMMITTEE OX RUxN-NIXG 


LINES, 


1703. 


said bank too feet to the East of the front or southerly part in the grist 


'■ We, the subscribers, being chosen by the Proprietor of the Town- 


or corn Mill, to the junction of said River with the Pemegewasset River. 


ships of New Briton and New Chester, so called, a 


commi 


te to settle 


"Robert Craioe, -i MSeUctMen 


the Boundaries between said Townships, 


we have as follows (vij.) : 


"Ebex Kelley. >• "^ 


we have begun at the Northerly lin 


e Steven 


' Farm 


and have measured 


• J Bridg,caler. 


acrost the lower end of New Brit 


on by the River 


on a strait line four 


•' Moses Sleeper, 1 Si/lect Men of 
"John Wadlkigh, J Neu, OlmUr." 


miles to a Crotched white Birch 


ree standing upon the bank of the 



HISTORY OK MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



"Sew CnESTF-n, Oct. 20111, 18la. | 
"Wo, tho subscribers, agreeable to the laws of this State, have pre- I 
ambalated tbe line between the town of Now Chester and Danbury, be- 
ginning at the old beach Corner at the North west corner of New Chcs- | 
ter and the South west corner of Danbury, marked with different letters, 
then running North, about fifty degrees East, to dead Beech tree, the 
South East Corner of said Danbury, just by which is a large beach tree ! 
marked with the letters W, S, A, T, and dated Oct. 20th, 1815. We have 
spotted, renewed bounds and re-spoted, lettered and dated from the one 
corner to the other, and each town pays its own cost. 

. /or the , 

" W. W. Sargent, V SeUcl Mm of 
) New Cltater. 
-. for the I 

" Amos T.4VL0E, .- Select Mm 
J Danbw-y. 

".\ truu copy. J t est, " IIamei, Fav.m li, Tom, Clerk. 

"Oct. 30th, 1815." 

Hill is bounded north by Daubury, Alexandria and 
Bristol ; east by New Hampton and Sanbornton— 
Peraigewasset River flowing between; south by Frank- 
lin and Andover, and west by Andover, Wilmot and 
Danbury. Area, about fifteen thousand acres. Pop- j 
ulation, six hundred and sixty-.seven. | 

Distance from Concord by rail, twenty-five miles i 
north, reached by a branch of the Northern Railroad ] 
running from Franklin to Bristol. Rugged Mountain, 
situated partly in this town, is justly entitled to its 
name, as it is one of the most rugged elevations in 
Central New Hampshire. Many have supposed the 
town received its name from the very uneven nature 
of the country, but such is not the case. There are 
many fine, well cultivated farms in this town upon 
which have been reared large families of boys and 
girls, many of whom have gone forth to make their 
mark in the world. 

W. W. Sargent wa.«, during his day, one of the lead- 
ing men in town, held the offices of representative, 
selectman and town clerk at one time during the years 
1807, '08, '09, '10, besides being justice of the peace 
and on nearly all the committees appointed to advance 
the interest of the town. He was chairman of the 
Board of Selectmen for six years and town clerk for 
many years. 

Carr Huse was another man of rare ability who was 
thought much of by his townsmen, and was continued 
in places of trust for a long time. He had a family 
of thirteen children. 

Among the number of Hill's sons who have ranked 
high in their sphere may be mentioned Oilman Kim- 
ball, son of Ebenezer and Polly Kimball, born De- 
cember 8, 1804. 

Mr. Kimball, being possessed of ample means, 
spared no pains in the care and education of his 
children. Oilman received private instruction and 
afterward entered Dartmouth College, from which he 
graduated in 1827. He studied medicine, and to per- 
fect himself in his profession he traveled extensively, 
and practiced abroad with some of the most noted 
physicians and surgeons. He has performed some 
very wonderful operations in surgery, among which 
are several successful cases of amputation at the hip- 



joint, which for centuries had been supposed to be an 
operation almost impossible to perform and save flu- 
life of the patient. At present he resides at Lowell, 
Mass., and is a shining light in his profession. 

Joseph Huse, grandson of the original settler, 
Carr Huse, and son of .John and Betsy Huse, born 
May 9, 1806, is another of Hill's sons of whom the 
townspeople should be proud. Reared a sturdy far- 
mer, he went forth to battle with the world well pre- 
pared to win in that conflict which requires, chiefly, 
pluck and integrity for its weapons. Amid the vicis- 
situdes of a great city — Boston — he has succeeded 
in building up a business, fortune and reputation, 
to which we refer with pride. We are indebted to 
him for much information in regard to early settle- 
ments of New Chester. 

Charles M. Winchester, publishing agent of the 
Christian Publishing House, Dayton, Ohio, is a man 
who has risen to eminence, and in his prosperity he is 
not ashamed to own that he is a " Hill man." 

Oilman Currier, who left his native place to make 
a business and home for himself, settled in Haverhill, 
Mass., and engaged in the shoe business with suc- 
cess ; but death claimed him for its victim in 1847, 
and his business passed into the hands of his brother, 
Samuel M. Currier, who has succeeded in establish- 
ing an enviable reputation by his honest and fair 
dealing, and at the same time has succeeded in 
amassing a liberal amount of this world's goods. He 
is one of those genial, kind-hearted men that it gives 
us pleasure to meet. This is a peculiar trait of the 
entire family. These brothers were children of Moses 
and Nancy Currier. 

Augustus B. Johnson, son of Samuel and Mary 
Johnson, is a man of energy and perseverance (in- 
herited from his father), and, by exercising these qual- 
ities, has risen to be one of the leading business men 
of the West (although he does not make his per- 
manent home in the West). He is engaged exten- 
sively in stock-raising in the State of Kansas, and is 
eastern manager of the Johnson Loan and Trust Com- 
pany, of Arkansas City. 

W. W. Currier, son of Jonathan and Nancy Cur- 
rier, is a successful business man, engaged in the 
manufacture of shoe stock in Haverhill, Mass. 

There are many others we would be glad to mention 
if space would allow. We will, however, give only a 
slight sketch of two of the old residents. 

Carr Huse was born in Newbury, ]\Iass., in 1740, 
and moved his family to New Chester in 1770. Pre- 
vious to this time he would go up to New Chester in 
the spring and spend his summers, and return in the 
fall to his native place. He was the first settler, with 
one exception, and in his new home experienced 
many hardships and privations, and his nearest neigh- 
bor north was two and a half miles, and south, 
Franklin Lower village, where he was obliged to 
go to get his grain ground, and this he had to do 
in winter with a haud-slcd and snow-shoes. The 



nearest meeting-house (and that made of logs) was 
tweuty-two miles, at Plymouth, where he went on 
horseback, having only a bridle-road with trees 
spotted to direct him. He took a deep interest iu the 
prosperity and welfare of the town. He occupied al- 
most every position in town requiring ability, respon- 
sibility and faithfulness in the discharge of his vari- 
ous duties. He was town clerk thirty-three years in 
succession, one of the selectmen many years, and filled 
many other offices, and among them, representative to 
the State Legislature for many years, which met dur- 
ing that time at Portsmouth and Exeter. He held a 
justice's commission for forty years, and, as there was 
no lawyer in town, he made a specialty of writing 
deeds, etc., which the law required. As there 
was no minister in town, hesolemnized marriages and 
performed not a few. but at a low price compared with 
the present time. In the organization of the Con- 
gregational Church he was the only male member, 
with one exception, and he was chosen deacon, and 
remained such for forty years. He had two wives. 
For the first he married Sarah Wells, in 1761, who 
was the mother of seven children ; and for the other, 
.Toanna Buswell, in 1775, who was the mother ol 
six children. He died in 1833, aged ninety-two 
years and nine months, having twelve children and 
forty-four grandchildren. 

Geo. W. Sumner was born at Deering, N. H., Feb- 
ruary 9, 1792 ; assisted his father in clearing and 
cultivating a large farm. At the age of nineteen 
(the time of his mother's death) he left home, studied 
iiiammar and geography six weeks with Rev. E. P. 
i'.nidford, served two years' apprenticeship in the 
clothier business at Weare and Hillsborough, and in 
March, 1816, moved to Hill and built a dam and shop, 
and commenced carding wool July 6, 1816. He 
carded eight thousand pounds that season. 

He continued iu the business of carding wool and 
dressing cloth during the summer months for about 
forty ye-irs. During this time he often taught school 
winters, and held every important office in and for 
the town of Hill, and for many years he was a justice 
of the peace; was an excellent writer of prose and 
\ erse, and a member of the Congregational Church. 

December 19, 1822, he married Hannah Abrams, of 
Sanbornton, who died August 30, 1847. In Septem- 
ber, 1848, he married A. S. Pratt; he died July 20, 
1 >*76. His children by first wife, were Mary H., Mar- 
tha, Ellen S., Catharine M.j Jane W., George A. and 
Sarah G. All but the two last mentioned died before 
reaching twenty-five years of age. George A. Sumner 
is still living at Hill; born June 27, 1839; married 
Angle Montague, of Springfield, Mass., April 28, 

1868. Their children are, Anna G., born April 3, 

1869, and George Willis, born January o, 1875. 
Sarah G. Sumner, born June 7, 1844 ; married Ed- 
mund S. Vail, of Blooming Grove, N. Y., October 
25, 1879. Now living in Detroit, Kan. Their chil- 
dren are Alice M., Raymond S. and Florence H. 



LL. 551 

Manufactories. — The proprietors of New Chester 
seemed alive to the importance of having grist and 
saw-mill accommodations. 

When the township was laid out, two lots were set 
off to be used " for the encouragement of building 
Mills." The proprietors also voted mill privileges, 
and appointed men to see that mills were erected. 

"PHOPEIETORS' MEETINGS. 

"May the Gth, 1700.— roterf Miy" Emerson, Miij<" Tolford & Cap 
.lohn Underbill a committee to Treat witli any person or persons to Build 
a Saw-mill and GriBt-mill upouNew Found River. The above Commit- 
tee is impowered to give away the said privilege to any person that will 
undertake to Build said Mills, and no More till they have given their Re- 
ceipt to the Proprietoi-s. 

" Feb. 17th, 1707.— At a Proprietors' Meeting of New Chester, Voted 
two Dullai-s upon each Right for Building Mills in said Township. 

"May 10, 17G7. — Meeting opened according to adjournment. Whereas 
the purchasers of Land Contained in John Tafton Mason's Patent, Prov- 
ince of New Hampshire, by their agents, Joseph Blanchard, Esq., Im- 
powered the Grantees of the new Township of New Chester, in said 
Patent, to Dispose of two Certain Lota of Land to Build Mills fur llic 
Benefit of s"! Township; whereas, John Tolfurd, Esq., has this dayagreed 
to Build two Saw-mills & two grist-mills in said New Chester (viz), one 
grist-mill and one Saw-mill on the river known by the name of Newfound 
River, and have the one fit for grinding and the other fit for saw iiig by 
the first Day of November next ; and one grist-mill and one Saw -mill on 
the River known by the name of Siuitli's RiviT, wiiliin si:i years from 

this Date, and to keep all the said :\Iili- m i i I. r t .i.v.t thereafter, 

and to grind and saw for the inhabit. III! i - -fipulated in a 

Bond Signed, and bysiiid Tolford Drh> , l i -.i,,i i. l Ijut-rson & 3Ia- 
thew Thornton Esquarres & Blathew i-.a^mii]. >ut.iji;iii, .\gents for and 

Bl If ftheg t f i„ 1 \ 1 ter. Therefore, Vo/eil. that 

t: e L t f Lanl Ij -yn ng t N found Pond River, including tlie 
t 1 f 11 ndtheLtSt and f Us on Smith's River, both in 

IN fl t Ld tbtl Cnm ttee of the grantees aforesaid 
11 1 11 IH I) sg en & granted to the Said John 

T If 1 1 1 i. f ad two Dollars to be paid from 

11 t t IT I I 1 If to be paid by the first Day of 

M } t tl I I fl t two mills is finished, he per- 



\lso 



dt 



fthes 



nu 1 Emerson, MathewThornton- 
1 th reby are authorised & Em- 
u th Cxpacityaforesaid, agoodwar- 
I the hove Said John Tolford." 



This mill was probably built in 1767, as per arrange- 
ment. 

" Chester, March 27th, 1709. 

".\t a meeting of the Proprietoi-s of New Chester by atljournment, 
Voted that Maj" John Tolford Shall be obliged to Tend his grist-mill in 
New Chester for the Proprietors every firet Monday in each Month for 
the year, and no more other days in said year." 

It cannot be said that the town of Hill has ever 
been noted as a manufacturing town, except its repu- 
tation as having the largest establishment for the 
manufacture of glass-cutters in the world, and a fine 
latch-needle manufactory. The first manufacturing 
of importance was that of wool-rolls for spinning, 
and also cloth dressing, started in July, 1816, by Geo. 
W. Sumner, and continued for nearly forty years, 
Geo. A. Sumner afterwards occupied the same mill as 
grist-mill and carriage-shop for several years. 

About the year 1825 a Mr. Moseley engaged quite 
extensively in the tannery business near the Sumner 
mill. Thomas Heath afterwards ran the business 
until about the year 1855. During this time B. C. 
Batchelder manufactured carriages in a building on 
the opposite side of the stream, and his brother, Asa- 
hel Batchelder, made axe-handles and spoke-shaves 



552 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



in the Sumner mill. Mr. Batchelder Wiis the first 
person to make the improved turned handles which 
have been so popular. 

James Glines carried on the hatters' business, and 
John W. Sargent manufactured shoes for several 
years previous to 1845. Afterwards the shoe busi- 
ness was carried on by John Tucker and Elcaner 
Everett, until large manufacturers obtained control of 
the shoe business and made their production on a 
small scale unprofitable. These establishments were 
all on a small scale compared with works of the same 
class in later times. 

David Shaw, S. H. Long and Albert Blake com- 
menced the manufiicture of friction matches about 
the year 1855, and did quite an extensive business 
for several years. August 23, 1862, M. F. Little pur- 
chased the match-factory, stock and tools, and con- 
tinued the business with good success until the tax 
on matches made it an undesirable business, when it 
was abandoned and the mill sold to be used as a saw- 
mill. 

In the year 1874, A. A. Williams and F. W. Eaton 
formed a coi)artnership for the manufacture of cabinet 
organs, and employed several men in the Sumner mill. 
They made some very fine instruments; but, owing to 
the sharp competition in the business caused by other 
large manufacturers making very cheap and some 
nearly worthless instruments, which they put upon the 
market at a very low price, this company were unable 
to sell their instruments at a remunerative price, and 
afterrunningthebusinessthreeyears, closeditout. We 
should not do justice to the business of the town if we 
failed to mention our sturdy blacksmith, Harrison 
Morrill, who, for more than a quarter of a century, did 
service at the anvil in our village, and was ever ready, 
with a smile and good word for all, to do the bidding 
of his patrons, until, from the infirmities of age, he 
felt compelled to give up the business to younger 
luinds in 1882. 

In the spring of 1872 several parties interested them- 
selves in the matter of inducing some manufacturers 
to locate in town. A town-meeting was called, and 
the town voted to exempt from taxation, for a term of 
years, any manufacturing business of iron, wood, 
steel or the fabrics that might be located in town. 
This action was taken to encourage F. R. Woodward, 
who was then doing business in Manchester, to 
move his business, the manufacturing of latch- 
needles, to Hill, which he did in July of that 
year, leasing the mill and power on Mill Brook of 
Mr. George W. Dearborn, for a term of years. Mr. 
Woodward was at this time experimenting with the 
idea of making a glass-cutting tool that would com- 
bine the qualities of cheapness, simplicity and dura- 
bility, and having attained quite satisfactory results, 
the following winter he disposed of the needle busi- 
ness to a firm consisting of his brother, S. Wood- 
ward, G. H. Adam?, H. Adams and V. C. Shaw, and 
engaged in the manufacture of his improved glass- 



cutting tools. The business increased so rapidly that 
in 1876 he erected a shop near the railroad, in the 
rear of his residence, and put in a steam-engine for 
power. This shop was destroyed by fire in August, 
1879. In six weeks another building was erected and 
ready to be occupied ; this building, with steam for 
motive power, was .used until 1882, when both the 
building and power were found too small, and Mr. 
Woodward purchased the farm and water-power 
of G. A. Sumner, and the water-power owned by Mrs. 
C. W. Huse, on Mill Brook, and proceeded to erect 
a dam and buildings. The building near the railroad 
which was three stories high, was then moved and 
joined to the one already built, making a fine build- 
ing, sixty-six feet in length, exclusive of saw-mill and 
store-house, which are in a separate building. This 
is the largest manufactory of Rotary Steel Glass- 
Cutters in the world, employing about thirty opera- 
tives. 

The latch-needle works owned and operated by G. H. 
Adams & Co. occupies the same building leased by 
Mr. Woodward for this business, and now owned by 
the firm. They employ about fifteen operatives, and 
manufacture a large quantity of latch-needles for 
knitting-machines, of superior quality, which are sent 
to all parts of the United States. 

Churches, Ministers, etc. — Churches. — From the 
first settlement of the town there seems to have been 
a desire, on the part of the settlers and also the pro- 
prietors, to establish a place of worship, as we find 
by the votes taken at different times in regard to 
hiring a minister and building a house of worship. 

At a meeting of the proprietors of New Chester, 
held at the house of Samuel Emerson, Esq., in Ches- 
ter, on Tuesday, the 2d day of April, 1771, it 
was, — 

*'Voti!<1, half a Dollar on each grantee's Right to hire preaching in 
New Chester the present year. 

*'Fo(crf, John Tolforrt, Samuel Emerson, Jethro Sanhorn, Esq., & 
Cap'. John Underbill and Henry Hall be aComniitte to hire Such Min 
ister of the gospel as they shall think Fit to preach to the inhabitants 
of New Chester, and some of said Coniniitte is to Acoinpany any such 
preacher to New Chester without any pay for their Time." 

At a town-meeting, on Tuesday, the 10th day of 
March, 1807, it was,— 

" Voted, to Raise a tax of twenty cts. upou a pole and other Estate in 
equal proiMirtiou to all those who give their free Consent when the In- 
ventory is taken for a minister of the Congi-egationul or I'resbyterian 



At 



town-meeting, h^ld on April 1, 1773, it 



the 



"!'')(<!(/, thiit one Dollar be paid upon each payable 
prt'scnt yeiir to hire preiit-hing in said New Chester. 

" \'otrd, that tbt're shall bo a Meeting house built in said New Chester 
Equal to thirty Five feet square, one story high, the present year." 

At a meeting of the proprietors of New Chester, at 
the house of Samuel Emerson, Esq., on Tuesday, the 
27th day of April, 1773, it was,— 

'^Voted, that Carr Huse, Nason Cqss, Robert Forseth, Joshua Talford 
& Peter .Sleeper simll bo a Conimitte to Build h Meeting-Uouse in 5ew 
Chester, agreabic to a vote pased at the Last Meeting. 



" lu/t'tf^ that tho8a that Labour at lluildiiig tho aforesaid meeting 
IJunse iu s^ New Chester sliall have allowed to tlioiii two Shillings and 
sixpence pr day for their Labour." 

At a meeting of the proprietors of New Chester, 
hfkl at Chester, at the house of Samuel Emerson, 
Esij., ou Wednesday, the 20th day of January, 1774, — 

"WliCfeaSt at tlieir last Meeting their was a Vote pjiased that there 
should bo two Dollars raised on each payable Right to build one Meeting- 
Houfio in sjiiii town, it is now \'.>t('d that s"* money shall be Kqually Di- 

viil' ii ml III I . I I . ' u 1 KmiI hn;; two Moetiug-Ilouses, ouo in the 
low. I I I I I !' ' i; ; iii ilier in the upper part of the Town, 

■■ 1', ' I, .1 In, l.ili il. I I K.ii.rl F..rtiitli, Carr Huse, Nasou Cass, 

('nllin- l'.i\nur, llios. In :i i ill. lo -.■. tlmf the aforesaid Ten acres 

of Liui'l shall be ricatvd n|"ni ih, ,ii ^.n.i paisonage lots in the lower 



■ i|. ' 1 ■ ■ ■ - I .I'll I -I. II ilii piii^sonage Lot 
III, I |.. I II I -ii N. I ■ . . . I I , . . .1 .,r vote, and See 
ii II i .- - I 1^ I ii'vi in, iiiiiv iii.iv I.,- , ,il-,, \Mir.! the aforesaid 

- 1 -..■ Unit tlie Me.ting-llonse bo built in said 

iwli I . I. I III, I iiiantly may be. 

■I ' M I '' 1 1 s shall be r.iised on each payable Right in New 

I -ti I tMwai 1 I I I nil- (tie land on tho parsonage Lots in Now Chester, 

■ 1 lliiilding liic Mueting-Ilouses agreeable to tho aforesaid Votes." 

At a town-meeting, second Tuesdfiy of March, 1824, 



••y<iled,Tv give tho Directors of the West Meeting-House in said 
Tou 11 one Ifundred A fifty dollars, to be jiaid yearly, in case they secure 
( hi' use of tho house to the town for public Meetings of business so long 
I- the continuance of said House." 

X(> records can be found by whicli the exact dates 
ill the building of the first liouse of wor.shij) can be 
established ; but, according to the best authority, it 
was built or finished in the year 1800 or 1801. A 
iDwu-mceting for Danbury and New Chester was 
called at this meeting-house in 1802. It is situated 
luar the centre of the town, is a wooden structure 
hruvily timbered, painted white, has been kept in 
ill » id repair by the enterprising citizens at the "Cen- 
In," and presents a neat and attractive appearance. 

There is a Christian Church organization here, 
iiMT which Rev. E. H. Wright has been pastor for 
M'vcral years. This has always been known as the 
West Meeting- House. 

Early iu the nineteenth century a hall was fmislieil 
ill a barn owned by Major Ebenezer Kimball, at the 
\ illage, and in this meetings were held summers and 
winters, with(mt any means of heating, except the 
siducs carried there hot from the fire-place, until the 
|iiesent church was built. This hall was in existence 
until lS3il, when tiie partitions were taken out by its 
|)resent owner, David Fowler, and it reverted back 
til its former use, storage for hay and grain. 

The church at the village, or the East Meeting- 
llouse, was commenced in the year 1819, and finished 
in January, 1822. February 5th of this year the pews 
were sold, and soon after the house was dedicated as 
a Congregational Church. It was owned by individ- 
uals, each proprietor owning one or more iicws, and 



entitled to as many votes in the management of ita 
affairs as they owned pews. It has since been re- 
modeled, and at this writing is iis fine a house of 
worship as is often found in a country village. 

The Congregational Church was organized, Febru- 
ary 19, 181.'), by the iissistance of the Rev. William 
Rolfe, of Groton. The church consisted of but two 
members, Carr Huse and Israel Adams. This church 
was supplied with the public ministration of the gos- 
pel, but did not have a settled minister until January 
6, 1831, when Rev. Isaac Knight was ordained pas- 
tor, and reuuiiued such seven years. 

In the year 1817, two years after its formation, this 
church numbered twenty-seven members, and for 
nearly half a century was a great power for good in 
the community. By death and removal the organ- 
ization became so reduced that it became inoperative 
and remained so for several years, until the spring of 
1884, when it was revived by the assistance of Rev. 
S. F. Lougee, of New Hampton, who was engaged as 
pastor. Whole number admitted to the church from 
the time of its organization to 1884, one hundred and 
sixty-three; number of children baptized, one hun- 
dred and thirty-two. 

In the year 1870, Rev. E. H. Wright, learning from 
members of the Congregational Church that it was 
not expected this church would be revived, and de- 
siring a home for the converts who were gathered 
under his preaching, formed a Christian Church, 
over which he was the able and acceptable pastor 
most of the time (except when in Manchester, where 
he went to assist in building up a church) till 1884, 
when the Congregationalists claimed the right to the 
church for the purjiose of having a minister of that 
denomination preach, and the right was accmded to 
them by the committee chosen to provide a ])reacher. 

Schools. — The people of the town gave early atten- 
tion to the establishment of schools, and for this 
purpose lots were set oft" to be used " only for school 
purposes." We copy a vote of the proprietors' meet- 
ing of May 9, 1775, — 



In 1777 forty dollars was raised to be used for 
schooling. At the present day this seems a meagre 
sum, but it must be remembered that the wages of 
teachers at this time was very small compared with 
that paid to-day. 

In 1778 it was voted that Joshua Tollbrd should 
have the privilege of plowing the school lot by his 
giving an obligation not to " Damnify " the same. 

In 1786 a school-tax of £13 5s. 7d. 1/., and in 1788 
a tax of £23 14«. lOd. were levied, showing that each 
year brought an increasing interest in the important 
subject of education. 

Thomas Huse (son of Carr Huse) and James Karr 



554 



HISTORY OF MKRRT:>rACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



kept school iu 1793. Mr. Huse's school was styled a 
boarding-school. The schoolmaster boarded around, 
and his board was paid by the town at the rate of 
three sliillings per week. 

In 1800, Retsy Sleeper received twelve dollars for 
three months' teaching, and the snm of seven dollars 
and thirty-foiir cents was paid for boarding " Said 
mistress." 

" Mnstcr Rowers," who was quite a noted teacher in 
those days, received si.xteen dollars for teaching two 
niontlis the same year. 

In 1802 the school-house in District No. 1 was 
either built new, or the old one built over, and si.xty- 
seven cents per day was paid for labor, four dollars 
per thousand for boards, and one dollar ami cisibty- 
three cents per thousand for nails. 

Among those who have taught in town and since 
become noted may be mentioned Henry F. Rolfe and 
the late Anson S. Marshall, of Concord ; L. P. Town- 
send, professor of theology in Boston University; 
Rev. William Sleeper, of Maine, and many others. 

Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Adams have taught school and 
acted as superintending school committee many years, 
and doubtless have the best qualifications for the latter 
office of any person in town. Mrs. Adams was the 
author of the history of schools in this town in the 
reports of 1876. 

For many years after the foundation of schools in 
town the people considered the qualifications for 
teaching to consist chiefly in the muscle and nerve of 
the teacher. A person with good common sense and 
able to read and write fairly, if endowed with courage 
and strength sufficient to cope with the powers of the 
" big boys," were considered good teachers ; and it 
was not an uncommon occurrence for boys of sixteen 
to eighteen years of age to receive severe floggings. 
With the appointment of superintending school com- 
mittees the qualifications of teachers became more 
exalted, and at this advanced age the rod is seldom 
resorted to, even in the rural districts, while our vil- 
lage school will compare favorably with some of the 
academies of our State in proficiency and deport- 
ment. 

Cemeteries.— The cemetery at the village was laid 
out in 1773, on land cleared by Carr Huse, on his in- 
tervale, about forty rods from his house. 

This comprises about one acre of land, laid out in 
such manner as to give the most possible room for 
burial purposes, regardless of the rules that are ob- 
served in the plans of modern cemeteries. There is 
one soldier of the Indian War, Carr Huse, and one of 
the Revolution buried here. 

The Fkhrin Cemethry, so-called, is situated 
about one mile west of the West Meeting- House, was 
opened to the public in 1845, and is superior, as re- 
gards location, to the village ground, as it is on high 
land, and, if properly cared for, would be a very fine 
cemetery for the country. It has several very neat 
monuments. 



The Bunker Hili. Cemetery, which was laid out 
in 1846, is the last and best of the public cemeteries. 
It is well laid out, is kept in good condition, is in a 
good location and hiis some very fine monuments and 
tablets erected. These arc all public cemeteries. 

Pi.KA.sANT Hii.L Cemetery.— In the winter of 
1884, the writer, seeing the need of a more rcspccialilc 
place at the village for interment of the dead, oHenil 
to present to any number of individuals, who would 
form a cemetery a.ssociation and guarantee to properly 
fence and fit up and ever keep so fenced and properly 
cared for, a tract of land on the hill near his mill, 
which was considered by all interested to be the b<'st 
location for a cemetery in town. The ofl'er, however, 
was not accepted, as the e.\i)ense of so fitting it n]> 
would be so great that it was thought sufficient con Id 
not be realized from the sale of lots to pay the 
same. 

May 20th of this year May F., oldest daughter of 
the writer, died, and he at once had the ground laid 
out according to a plan which he had previously 
made, and she was laid away beneath the ground 
where she had so often walked and gathered wild 
flowers with her father and sister. 

This is pronounced by those who have visited it to 
be the most lovely cemetery, for a new one, they have 
ever seen. 

It is laid out with drive-ways between every row ot 
lots lengthwise, and walks between each double lot 
crosswise; the two main drive-ways are twenty-four 
feet wide, the others twelve feet, and the walks six 
feet. The soil is taken from the drive-ways, which 
are level and well graded ; the lots are nicely graded 
and sown to grass, and present a very neat and 
attractive appearance. 

The writer has fitted up the ground at his own ex- 
pense, and sells lots to any who are able to buy ; those 
not able to buy are given the right of free burial. 

A large lot is given in the best locality for the erec- 
tion of a soldiers' monument and the burial of sol- 
diers, and it is hoped in the near future a monument 
will be erected to the memory of the brave boys who 
so valiantly fought in defense of their country's 
honor. 

Civil History. — New Chester and Danbury were 
classed for the election of representatives from 1800 
to 1806, after which time New Chester was declared 
eutitled to a representative of its own. 

No record of any town officers can be found previous 
to 1802. In 1800, New Chester and Danbury elected 
Edward Blodgett representative for the two towns. 
No record of any election in 1801 can be obtained. 

1802.— Ciin- HuBe, town dork; Ebeiiczor Kimball, Edward DIoilgott, 
William W. Sargent, Btiloctinon ; Kbenozor Kimball, roiircsout^itivu fur 
New Chester and Banbury. 

1803. — Carr Hime, town clerk ; Jonathan Dickerson, James Karr, 
John Brown, selectmen; Ebenozor Kimball, representative for New 
Chester and Panbury. 

1804.— Carr Huso, town clerk ; James Karr, John Brown, William W. 
Sargent, srioi-tmon ; Ebenezcr Kimball, reprcspntative for Now Ohostei 
and Danbury. 



1805.— Carr Huso, town clerk ; John Wadleigh, Willinm Whittier Sar- 
gent, Moses Sleeper, selectmen ; Ebebezer Kimball, representative for 
New Chester and Danbury. 

ISOO.— Can- Huso, town clerk ; James Karr, John Wailleigh, William 
W. Sargent, solectnion ; Miyor Ebenezer Kimball, representative for 
N«nv ('hester and Danbury. 

1S07.— W. W. Sargeut, town clerk ; W. W. Sargent, James Karr, 
Muses Sleeper, selectmen ; W. W. Sargent, representative. 

1808.— W. W. Sargent, town clerk ; W. W. Sargent, Moses Sleepon 
Oaptain John Wadleigh, selectmen ; W. W. Sargent, representative. 

1809.— W. W. Sargent, town clerk : W. W. Sargent, John Wadleigh, 
Jonathan Dickerson, selectmen ; W. W. Sargent, representative. 

1810.— W. W. Sargent, town clerk ; W. W. Sargent, Jonathan Dick- 
er-son, Moses W. Sleeper, selectmen; W. W. Sargent, representative. 

isn.— W. W. Sargent, town clerk ; W. W. Sargent, Jonathan Dicker- 
son, Sanuiel Sleeper, selectmen ; Jonathan Dickerson, -l-epresentative. 

1.SI2.—W. W.Sargent, town clerk ; W. W.Sargent, Samuel Sleeper, 
IM.ises Wells, selectmen ; Jonathan Dickerson, representative. 

lsl:l.— \v. W. Sargent, town clerk ; W. W. Sargent, Samuel Sloei»r, 
.Jtiiiii Hiise, selectmen ; Sethus B. Forbes, representative. 

TN14.— w. w. Sargent, town clerk ; Caleb Sargent, Captain John Wad- 
leigh, .T.-Tiiithan Dickei-son, selectmen ; W. W. Sargent, representative. 

181S.— Daniel Tavor, town clerk ; W. W. Sargent, Esq., John Husro 
Isiuic Dodge, selectmen ; W. W. Sargent, representative. 

1816.— Daniel Tavor, town clerk; John Huse, David Boswoll, Bitfield 
.Sawyer, selectmen ; Sethus B. Forbes, representative. 

1817.— Daniel Favor, town clerk ; W. W. Sargent, Caleb Aldrich, John 
Gale, selectmen ; W. W. Sargent, representative. 

1818.— Daniel Favor, town clerk ; W. W. Sargent, Samuel Sleejior, 
Samuel Hoit, selectmen ; W. W. Sargent, representative. 

Ism.— Dniiidl Favor, town clerk ; W. W. Sargent, Robert Smith, 
Ji.TiMtliau Dickerson, selectmen ; W. W. Sargent, representative. 

is-ll.— Ilaiii.l Ivivur, town elerk : faptain ,Iohn Searl, John Huso, 



;'22.-Iiai.i. I I i> I, i..«', 1. il, iM.hl l'...swell, ,lohn Searl, John 
iei^on, Boloctiiien : Daniel Favor, representative. 
Si. — Daniel Favor, town clerk ; David Boswell, Samuel Murray, 
■^0 W. Sumner, selectmen ; L. K. Madison, representative. 
i'..'!.— S. B. Forbes, town clerk ; John Searl, George W.Sumner, 
iirl I'lelerhill, Helectmen ; John Searl, representative. 
ej'i.-s. IS. Forbes, town clerk : G. W. Sumner, Bciyami n Enunons, 
iiiel I ii'lerhill, selectmen ; Daniel Favor, representative. 
:2r,.— s, li. Forbes, town clerk ; Dr. Daniel Favor, George W. Sum 
Benjamin Enniinn.'*, selectmen; Samuel Murry, representative. 
■27.-S. B. Forb..s, town clerk ; John Wells (2d), G. W. Snmnor, 
ri Seal I, srle, luieii ; Dr. Daniel Favor, representative. 
J- - l; I. 1 1 icwn dork ; John Wells (2d), Samuel Murray, 

I I.I I' tiiien ; Daniel Favor, representative. 

I \\ - I ' Imwu clerk ; Sewall Dickerson, John Dickerson, 
I'll! 1 1 II III Ml - Jlj, selectmen ; Samuel Murray, representative. 
i;ai.— .lului W. S«eutt, town clerk; John Wells (2d), John Sargent, 
janiin Kiiininiis, 'electmen ; John W. Swcatt, representative. 
i:il.— .1. W. Sweatt, Esq., town clerk: Beiyamin Emmons, John 
N fjii\ Jnlin SargoDt, selectmen ; J. W. Sweatt, Esq., representative. 
I'liii.'l Favor, town clerk; John Wells (2d), Benjamin Em- 
I- ii liii -^.iriceut, selectmen 






Wells (2. 



Sargent, 
Sargent, 



aiuiij lliiinions, selectmen ; San 
11 - I'liTiiel Favor, town clerl; 
luuiii IjLiinons, selectmen ; Gi-n 
i:.. - lli.ratio H. Blake, town 
ks, Jes^e Livingston, selectmen ; Abratium t.'ates, representative, 
{tj. — 11. II. Blake, town clerk ; Jonathan Weeks, Jr., Jesse Living- 
Benjamin Emmons, selectmen ; Abraham Gates, representative. 
!7.— Horatio H. Blake, town clerk ; Ezckiel G. Bartlett, Thomas J. 
b, Sewall Dickerson, selectmen ; George M. Phelps, representative, 
lis.— William W. Proctor, town clerk ; Jonathan Weeks, Jr., Ben- 
n Emmons, Thomas J. Heath, selectmen ; George M. Phelps, rep- 



iam W. Proctor, 
Wadleigh, selt 



clei-k ; Sewall Dicke 



1841.- William W. Proctor, town dork ; John Wadleigh, Jr„ David 
Burleigh, Jr., John Huse, selectmen ; Jonathan Weeks, Jr., represen- 
tative. 

1842.— William W. Proctor, town clerk ; Franklin Mosoley, Ezekiol 
G. Bartlett, John Huse, selectmen ; Jonathan Weeks, Jr., representa- 



184;).- William W. Proctor, town clerk ; E/.okiel G. Bartlett, Frank- 
lin Mosetey, John Huse, selectmen ; Darwin Forlies, representative. 

1844.- William W. Proctor, town clerk ; Ezokiol G. Bartlett, Tboniiis 
J. Hoath, Samuel D. Johnson, selectmen ; Darwin Forbes, represenUi- 



1,-1.., (2d), Is,u,e 



tive. 



1846.— Darwin Forbes, town clerk; I. nil 
T. Parker, Sewall Dickerson, selecti,,. n I ' . 

1847.— Darwin Forbes, town eh i k I 
Carr Huse, selectmen ; Isaac T. Park r i 1 1 in - 1 1 1 1 1 1 . 

1848.— Franklin Moseley, town clerk ; I'el.r Ileraey, Hirr Huso, Amos 
Dickerson {2d), selectmen ; Isaac T. Parker, representative. 

1849. — Franklin Mosoley, town clerk ; Carr Huso, Amos Dickerson, 
Sanmel M. Currier, selectmen ; Franklin Moseley, representative. 

I860.— Wells Forbes, town clerk ; Amoe Dickerson (2d), S. M. Currier, 
J. L. Mead, selectmen ; Franklin Moseley, representative. 

1851.- Wells Forbes, town clerk ; S. M. Currier, J. L. Mead, Jonathan 
Dickerson (2d), selectmen ; Gilman Horsey, representative. 

1852.— Franklin Moseley, town derk ; Albert Blake, M. J. Morrill, 
John Wadleigh, selectmen ; Gilman Hersey, representative. 

1853.— Rufus Fellows, town clerk; Albert Blake, M. J. Morrill, John 
Flanders, selectmen ; Amos Dickei-son (2d), representative. 

1854.— Rufus Follows, town clerk ; Carr Huse, Wells Forbes, Gilman 
Hersey, selectmen ; Amos Dickerson (2d), representative. 

1855.— Rufus Fellows, town clerk ; Carr Huse, Bbenener W. Mason, 
Mn^.- ri\..i ,1. Inn II , David Fowler, representative. 

1> ' l: ,, I , (Mwn clerk; Madison J. Momll, Ezekiel G. 

Bali III' 1. 1. II ill r.iriielder, selectmen; Carr Huse, representativo. 

l-^'iT l; ~ l.lii\v<, liiwn clerk; Carr Huse, John H. Emmons, 

Samuel Wells, .selectmen ; Harrison .\dams, representative. 

1858.-Joseph P. Ladd, town clerk ; Carr Huse, Mosos Favor, Timothy 
Stevens, selectmen ; James H. Brown, representative. 

isr.'i ,1 !■ Iii.M t"-,.i, rli-rk : <'avr lln~e. Timothy Stevens, Charles 



Milton Mason, Wil 



'I Hue, .Ti.riathau R. Rowell, 
'i ' '■ iiesentative. 
I ' I I 1 1 use, Jonathan R. Rowell, 

■ \\ ^1 ■ I", representative. 

, town clerk ; Jonathan R. Rowell, Orriii Le 
idectmon ; Geo. W. Sumner, represenlalive. 
, town clerk ; Carr Huse, Bbenezcr W. Blii- 
efieert ; Amos K. Davis, roprosentiitivo. 
I V 'I ' 'itk ; Carr Huse, Moses Favor, Amos 
I M I I iley, representativo. 

Ilk; Carr Ifusc, Moses Favor, A. D. 



.—Edwin W. Lane 
Mon-ill, selectniei 
.—Edwin \V. I.ane, 



.itile 



John Flanilere, Wil- 



1873.— Charles F. Young, town c 
cott, Moses F. Little, sdectmen ; T 

1874.— Frank W. Eaton, t..vvn el 
tie, George C. Mason, sdee t ' 

187.5.— Frank W. Eaton, i 
son, George A. Sumner, sek i 

1876.— Joseph W. Fav.ii, town 
Adams, Luther L. Miison, selectn 



IIISTOUV OF MKKUIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



B. Cowley, Frank B. i 



18SU.— 5Io^t■^ I I llli' !■ "' 

inson, Joseph W, 1 .x-r, ~. I.i 

1881.— Moses l\ I. nil,, l"-ii 
erson, Joseph \V, l'iu..r, .s. 1.a:| 

1882.— Moses F. Little, town 
Favor, James E. Newton, sfilei 

1883.— Moses F. Little, towl 
ton, Asa I). Presiuitt, sek-.-l im.: 

ISSl.— KniTik I'. I'ailiiT, lov 



I.Ullll 



ISR.'i. 



P. Pat 



clerk; Madison J. Morrill, Willard 
;nien ; William C. Kelley, 



u. II ; Willard B. Cawley, representative. 
Ilk; .\8aD. I'reseott, Frank G. l>ick- 
iM II , llomce P. Katon, repre.'^entative. 

I lork ; Frank G. Diekeiwjn, Joseph W. 
Inicn ; Hoi-ace P. Eaton, representative, 
clerk ; Jnseph W. Favor, James K. New- 
; Enuitns M. Ft»ss r»-prosentative. 

II <li.iU ; .Iiiiiios E. Newton, Asa 1). Pros- 
i-n ; Krastii.1 M. li'nss, ivpr.-sciitativo. 

n i:lerk ; A«i 1). I'r.scutt, Luther L. Ma- 
itnien ; Frank It, Wuoihvaril, rcpresenta- 



Soldiers, etc.— The people of this town have not 
been backward whenever danger threatened their 
country, but have shown their p.atriotism by con- 
tributing its full quota of men. Whenever a call was 
made, and it became necessary to resort to a draft to 
obtain men, the town voteil liberal sums to pay for 
substitutes to take the i>lace of her sons. 

The following petition and votes will show the dis- 
position of the people : 

" New CnESTER, June y» 29tli, 177(1. 
" To Ute HonortHile Colony Committee : 

" We, the Suljscrihers, being A Maiority of the Select Men and Com- 
mittee of Safety for the Township of New Chester, being willing to Do- 
fend "urKelves and f.^llow-Cc.uutiyim'u to tlie iituKial nf c.ur Power, But 



Sdecl 1 



" Wherein, Wo Imve rt 
all non-Con^ni^^i■ In <] ■ I 
Army, and shall . nli-^i i 

Tax ; and an w i i 

the number of sill h s..] I 
of their iKill Tux t,. tli 
have Ueturne'* their nan 



"Benjamin Emons, I For 

"CAKunusB, j New ClietUr." 

■ived a vote of Congress which hath excused 
.1 - :iii.I Si.Idierswho served in the Continental 
I. 1,1 Mil year coming, from paying any jioll 
. Jul ii.ii. under oath, by the Select men, uf 
^ ill till II HespectivQ Towns, and the amount 
Culimy Treasurer, in obediance thereunto we 
1 and the amount of their poll Tax, 



" Nathaniel Bartlett 1! 4 .i 

"John Crawford 24 3 

"Josei)h Davis 2 4 3 

•' Totals fll 7 2 1 

" ('.\KH Hi'SK, I Scleclmeii 

" U.ilii, KciKSlTll, ifor N. ChetUrr 

At a legal town-meeting holden at New Chester, 
July 13, 1812, agreeable to notice, it was 

" Voted, To pay each soldier who shall bo called for by law, from this 
town, as our quota of the one hundred thousand, ten dollars jior month, 
with what the Government |iays them." 

At a legal town-meeting in New Chester, ]\Iarch 
14, 1839, it was 

" VolM. That ea.h Bul.li.T lake eaie .,f liiiii»eir," 



At a legal town-meeting holden at New Chest 
December 26, 1861, it was 

"Voted, That article second be left discix-tionary with tbeselectiii 
to pay soldiers* families, as directeil in a law approved July 4th, 1861 , 

At a legal town-meeting, duly notified and hold 



at Hill, in the county of (rrafton, on t 
August, 1862, the legal voters of said In 
vote and by ballot, 

" Voted, To iKiy all those who volunteer to enlist in 
volunteers, on or before the LOth day of August inst,, 



iiistered into 



'* I'oleil, To aiio[it the following resolution : 

" Ri'udved, That the selectmen be instructed to call another meeting 
to consider what bount.v. if any, shall be paid to volunteers under the 



At a legal town-meeting, duly notified and 
at Hill, Septemlicr li, I'^li-i, it was 

•' Itemlmd, Tli,it ih. , I. . im n I ni-triictcd to pay all who f 
unteor into the I mii I >i n ■ -. i m . lor nine months, agreeable 
of the President, Aiil;o~i lili, Imj, lor dmflcd men not exeee 
quota, the sum of one hutiiln-d dollars each. And the seloetim 
tber instructed to borrow money or give their notes to jmy the s;ii 
they are mustered into service. 

" Voted, To accept the following resolution : 

At a legal town-meeting, duly noliliiil :iii(l 
at Hill, December 20, 1862, it was 

" Voted, To iiccept the following resolution : 

" lUttolved, To pay one hundred dollars, in luldition to the 
dred dollars voted to be raised at a former meeting, l 
who may enlist from this town and who is a r.-siili'iit of t 

of enlistment ; and to pay a sum not is In- i" 

earh person who may enlist from an,voii, i 

sum to be paid when musteredinto till 1:1 -: ii 

" Tote<l, That the selectmen be autlioi i , I i. i. i . 
the substitutes for the above quota. 

" roUd,T:o adjourn the meeting till one week froii 
two o'clock in the aflernoim,January 3, ISfcl." 

On January 3, 1863,— 

" 2 of the clock, afternoon. 



very volunteer 
own at the time 
ilii-'l dollars to 



'Met 



to luljo 



" They report that there was no volunteers to be hail out of town. 

"That the Governor and Council had concluded to diB»dve the Se\- 
ontecnth (17) Regiment, and that there would not be any drafting for 
the present. 

"Moses F. Little, Jhum Clerk." 

At a legal town-meeting in Hill, December 5, 
1863, the following resolution was handed in by Wil- 
liam T. Vale : 

"Retolvcd, That the selectmen be instructed to pay a town bounty, 
not exceeding 160 dollars for volunteers or substitutes sufficient to fill 
the quota of tho town of Hill, \indor the late call of the President for 
300,(KX> volimteers, having the matter of advancing tho National and 
State bounty or not discretionary with them, and that the selectmen bo 
authorized to Isirrow the money on the credit of the town, to carry out 
tho purpose of this resolution, and that the selectmen be authorized to 
act as agents." 

The above resolution wius passed. 



557 



At a legal town -meeting-, liolden at Hill, on Tluirs- 
(lay, March 31, 1864, it was 

" Voted^ to pay a bounty, not to exceed 150 dollars, to any pel-sou wlui 
liHS i-**-onlisted, or may ro-cnlist, or to any peraon who may enlist to fill 
any . inula „r this tun n u..t aln-a.l.v flllnl, hL-real'l.T maiXii by the Proai- 

il.-ni I.I i.ii.hi. , I - ■■■ I., till ,in\ .|ii..i,i <,i tli< inv\ II iiniicr any new call 
..I 111. !■' ■ . ■■ ■. I ..!,!■!.. I- Hi, 1. 1.. |.i. ii.Mi- I.. M.ii, h 1st, 1805, and 
III, II I ,M 1 ,1 ,iii, II .-.li,. 111,., Ill, III, III, II iiii.l borrow the 



I the selectl 



the 






nstrticted 



At a legal town-meeting, duly notified and holden 
at Hill, ou Wednesday, August 10, 1864, the follow- 
ing resolution was brought forward and acted upon : 

" Ilestilveil, That the town raise, and the selectmen he instructed to 
hire, on the credit of the town, the sum of .fifteen thonaind doUai-s for 
the jiurpose set forth in tlie second article in the warrant, and that said 
be instructed to pity over said sum of money to the agent for 
1 town's qiuita, upon his demand, and take his receipt therefor ; 
I fill the i|Uota in the Ijest manner 



" Votedt That the above resolution be adopted, 
" Vi'ted, That Jonathan R. Eowell ho the agent." 

At a legal town-meeting holden at Hill on the 
second Tuesday of March, 1884, it was 

-■ I'oted, to niise twenty-five dollars for Decoration Day, to be paid to 
I - I'lomittee appointed by the members of the Grand Army Post." 

At a legal town-meeting held on the second Tues- 
day of March, 1885, it was 

" Voled, to raise twenty-five dolliiin for IMeiuorial Hay." 

Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion— The fol- 
lowing is a list of the volunteer soldiers from the 
town of Hill in the late Eebellion : 

FOURTH KEOIMENT. 
lii-i.rge "W. Davis, Company H, mustered in September IS, tsi;l ; died 

of disease at Morris Island April 0, 1864. 
Ki- tiiiril K. Davis, Company H, mustered in September 18, 18G1 ; dis- 

.iiiir',;..i| October IS, ISfiS, for disability. 
11. IV Siiiilii.ni, Company H, mustered in September IS, 1801 ; died of 

.liscii-^i' .Sejitember 12, 186-2, at Fernandina, Fla. 
NVii.vland Ballon, Company II, mustered In September 18, 1861; wounded 

.Inly 13, 1804 ; promoted to second lieutenant Sixth United States 

Colored Troops February 28, 1805. 
Muses E. Southworth, Company H, mustered in September 18, 1861; 

MiMsl.ii.l iMit S.iil,iiiber20, 1864. 
W.-l ^ill III, 1 ,ii.i|.au.v 11, mustered in September 18, 1801 ; mustered 

.li.liii (', Sinitli, ri.iii|iany II, mustered in September 18, 1861; promoted 
to corporal ; wounded July 30, 1804 ; promoted to sergeant March 
1, 1865 ; mustorod out September 26, 1865. 

Arthur L. Smith, Company H, mustered iu September 18, 1861 ; mus- 
tered out September 26, 1865. 

FIFTH REOIMENT. 
K, B, Cilley, Company E, mustered in October 19, ISOl ; died at Oettys- 

burg July 3d (no year). 
Daniel Bartlett, Company E, mustered in October 19, 1.S61 ; dieil at Camp 

California, near Alexandria, Va., January 23, 1862. 
SEVENTH REGIMENT. 
Parker Conner, Company E, mustered in Noveml«r 7, 1801 ; died of 

disease at St. Augustine, Fla., December 26, 1862. 
EIGHTH REGIMENT. 
Erasmus Clark, Company I, mustered in December 20, 1801 ; died of 

disease at Camp Parapet, La., July 6, 1862. 
Alvin II. Tyn-el, Company I, mustered in December 20, 1801 ; died of 

disease at Manchester, N. H., January 20, 1802. 
Twombly (no initial). Company D, muslere 

tered ont January 18, 1865. 



W. Colby, Company D, mustered in 
wounded April 8, 1864 ; died of 

30, ISOl. 



December 20, Isr.l ; dieil 
"t li I 1^ I ill II llouge. La., March 1-2, 1863. 

G. W. r.iilis,s, r puny I), mustered iu Docenibor 20, Isr.I ; ilii-il nt 

diseiuio at Boston Harbor, Mass., Febniai-y 20, 1802. 

TWELFTH REGIMENT. 

Iliram Brown, Company C, mustered in September 5, 1862 ; promoted to 
corporal ; captured at Bermuda Hundred, Va., November 4, 1864 ; 
exchanged March 2, 1865 ; mustered out May 31, 1865. 

liiither II. Parker, Company D, mustered in September .5, 1862: promo- 
ted to sergeant (no month) 6, 1803 ; died of wounds at Gettysburg, 
Pa.,July 24, 1863. 

Frank Keniu, Coiiipaiiy |l, iTiiisteieil in Sejiteniber 5, 1802 ; corporal ; 



1862; promoted 

tuniii^,i,.l ,M,u 1, KMrl ; wounded June 3, 1864; mustered out .lune 
21, 1S05. 

Evans J. Davis, Company D, mustered in September 5, 1862 ; discharged 
by order at Falmouth, Va., April 15, 1863 ; died at Kegimental Hos- 
pital, Falmouth, Va., April 20, 1863. 

F, G, Fowler, Company D, mustered in September 5, 1802 ; wounded at 
Chancellorsville May 3, 1863 ; died of wounds at David's Island, 
N, Y., April 4, 1804. 

Patrick Hicke.v, Company D, mustered in September 5, 1S02 ; wounded 
at I liaiieellorsville May 3, 1863 ; died at Potomac Creek, Va. , May 30 

Williiim «', K.IIi-y, I'Minpauy D, mustered in .September 5, 1862 ; promo- 

ii 1 I 1 1 III Inn. 1, 1865; mustered out June 21, 1865. 
.1, I'liiii 'I iiiii i'liiiy D, mustered in September .5, 1862; wounded 

,11 ' ; I i; I .1 111.- 3, 1864; promoted to corporal November 1, 

l,M.l , ij.iul, ltd ...It June 21,180.9. 
D. UtisseJl Smith, Company D, mustered iu September 5, 1802 ; discharged 

by order at Falmouth, Va., February 12, 1803. 
George W. Twombly, Company D, nuisteied in f^eptembcr 5, 1802 ; 

wounded at Cbancelloreville i\lii,\ '. Isn", , li in rn.il i,, Vi t, i-.-m 

■Eeaerve Corps September 2, 186: ■■ m i i i ii I i 

.John Twombly, Company D, mustei. Ill - I -j m iiini.-d 

at rlian.'.-lU.rsvill.- May 3, 181'.;; ; ili-. Ii.u ,. .1 il I'li- Ih i;i..v_ 

l; I ,11, I, III I .1 l^iili, fordisabiUt,v. 
.r.isn|ili \ II in D, mustered in September 5, 1802 ; wounded 

I.I ■ May 3, 1863; discharged ou account of wounds 

al I I, \",;n-l 12,1863. 

George M, Sargent, C.impany D, mustered in September .5,1802; pro- 
moted to corporal June 1, 1865 ; mustered out June 21, 1865. 
C. T. Smith, Company D, mustered in September 5, 1862 ; wounded at 

Chancellorsville May 3,1863 ; died of wounds at Potomac Creek, Va., 

June 0, 1803. 
A. J. Small, Company D, mustered in September 5, 1802 ; wounded at 

Gettysburg May 14, 1864 ; mustered out June 21, 1805. 
FIRST CAVALRY. 

Benjamin F. Marshall, Troop K, mustered in February 25, 1864 ; mus- 
tered out July 15, 1865. 

Eilward D. Phelps, Troop K, mustered iu October 24, 1861 ; promoted to 
(piartermaster-sergeant Octolier 28, 1861 ; discharged for disability 
January 28, 1863. 

The following is a list of substitutes and volunteers 
who were not residents of Hill, but enlisted under 
Hill's quota : 

FOURTH REGIMENT. 
Thomas Down, Company C, mustered in October 20, 1,S63 ; mustered out 
August 23, 1863, 



558 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



nmstercd in October 21, 1863 ; unkn 
1 January 25, 1804. 



Frank Wilson, Company 

Jolin Brown, Company C 

FIFTH BKGIMENT. 

Charles Gardner, Company 0, mustered in September 16, 1804 ; Bubsti- 
tnte for George I. Greeley ; eupposed to have deserted e>. route ti. 
regiinent. 

William McGregor, Company I, mustered in September21, 1804 ; substi- 
tute for David G. Mowe ; absent, sick, since October 6, 1804 ; no 
discharge furnished. „ , , , , 

James Kiley, Company IS, mustered in September 13, 1804; deserle,! 
April 17, 1805. 

Henry Snow, Company H, mustered in September 9, 1854 ; eul«t.f.t- 
for Gporge W. Dearborn ; promoted to corporal Apnl 18, 1805 ; mus- 
t.T.d aut.Iune2S, 1805. 

Willi ii. I ^ii,i|.sou, Company H, mustered in September 10, 1804; snbsti- 
l„l . In, Ci.lvi'n Campbell ; died in rebel prison, Korth Carolina, Feb- 



muary 18, 1804 ; transferred 
i Sharpshooters January 30, 1805 ; absent, 
I ; no discharge furnished, 
mnstercd in September 9, 1804 ; musteroci 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



FRA> 

The first America 
great-great-grandfatl 



SIXTH BEGIMBNT. 
OeovKc T,aiiiey, Company H, mustered in June '.l, 1804; ii..t ..ni.-iallj 

l„^, T ,1 " , ,y c, mustered in June IR, 1804; substitute foi 

'""., ,, , ,,',,,oi-al; transferred from Company C, FJeveuth 

S, „ iiHiii I iM Nnhinteers, June 1, 1806; mustered out July 17, 

JohJll^imbart, Company B, mustered in June 8, 1804; substitute for 
John G. Eastman ; deserted near Pegrnn House, Va., October \\ 

,|, \ ' ',,,,, , , ,.,„y (;, mustered in .lune 11, 1804; wounded Sop- 

",",',1 I ,1 |„.mioted to coiToral July 1, 1805; mustered out 



12, I*'.; 

1805. 
James Maniey, Company 

iu-i-ountc'd for. 
.r.isriili l>;niK, Company 1 



[Niiiy K, mustered in I 

moteil to sergeant July 1; 



12, 1864 ; wounded July 
; mustered out July 17, 



. Smith, Company I 



stored in December 30, 1803 ; no) 

iterod in DccemborSO, 1803; no 

A, uuistcred in January 0, 1804 

mustered in January 11, 1804: 

, 1804 ; mustered out July 17, 1805. 

SKVENTII BEGIMENT. 

;iace. Company G, mustered in September 22,1801; 

ponil February 8, W«> ; mustered out July 30, 1805. 

NINTH RECIMKNT. 



m.KVUNTII UHIilMUNT. 

M. S. Maxwell, Company C, mustered in June 25, 

Warren Sawyer ; supposed to have desiuted en r 
William Murphy, Company B, mustered in July 2, 

May 2.5, 1805. 
Willian. l>atto.-8on, Company H, n.ustered in Jnly 30, 1804 ; substilul, 

for Jonathan B. Eowell ; supposed 



) have deserted < 
FOVBTKKNTII BKGIMENT. 



..pfui 



r 0, 1804 ; l 



t offlcially 



u\isterod 



II September 20, 1804 ; i 
September 20, 1804 ; i 



t offi- 



cially accounted for, 
.lames Jones, Company 

dally accounted for. 

FIKST BEGIMENT OF HEAVY AETILLEBY. 
David J. Moore, mustered in September 14, 1804; transferred from 

<:ompany H June 10, 1805 ; mustered out September 11, 180.5. 

The following men are not officially accounted for : 

„■...,.... ., 1 1!„„1,..„ Shirk. Charles Ames, Hutchinson Allen. 



K. woomvARi).' 
ancestor of Mr. Woodward, his 
r, came to this country from Ire- 
rand prior to 1750 and settled in Maine, and was a 
soldier in the Revolutionary War. He had a son, 
Stephen, who served his country in the War of 1812. 
These were brave and patriotic men, proud of the dis- 
tinction of being descendants of Hannah Dustin, ot 
Indian fame. 

Stephen had a son, Jesse, who liad a son, Daniel P., 
the father of the subject of this sketch. He married 
Dorcas, d.aughter of Enoch Adams, and lived in Kalis- 
bury, N. H., and was a stone-mason. 

Frank R. was born in Salisbury February 9, 1845, 
and when three years of age his parents moved to 
Fishervillc (now Penacook), where they lived four 
years and then moved to Franklin, N. H., where they 
kept the old "Hotel Boarding-House" for several 
years. The boyhood of Frank R. was passed with his 
parents, and his early educational advantages were 
limited to the district school, which he attended win- 
ters, and assisted his father in his work in the sum- 
mer. His mother, a devot«d Christian woman, much 
desired that he should be educated for the ministry, 
but circumstances directed him otherwise. After a 
course of study at the old Franklin Academy he com- 
menced work in the mill, and with his wages assisted 
in the support of the family. This he continued to 
do until 1868, when he went to Manchester, N. H., 
where he was employed in H. For-saith's needle-fac- 
tory. Here he shortly became so efficient, and showed 
such an aptness to comprehend all the details of the 
work, that he was appointed superintendent, which 
position he filled with credit to himself and with profit 
to his employer. Under his management the business 
increased steadily, and in 1870 hebought out Mr. For- 
saith and moved the enterprise to Hill, N. H., and 
there did a thriving business. Mr. Woodward, being 
of an inventive turn of mind, and desiring to develop 
plans that he had in mind, sold out his needle-works 
and commenced the manufacture of novelties in hard- 
ware, notably a rotary steel glass-cutter, which he had 
brought to perfection. In this branch of manufac- 
ture Mr. Woodward has been very successful, and the 
business in it has so increased that his works arc the 
largest in the world, and there is not a.civilized nation 
on the globe where his name is not f^uniliar among 
the hardware trade and his goods are taken as the 
standard of excellence. From small beginnings this 
business has grown to a prominence that insures 
ample reward as a tribute to the peculiar skill and 
sagacity of its originator and proprietor. 

In religion Mr. Woodward is a Free Baptist. He 



1 Uy (ieorge B. llilliard. 




(?^ ^. 9'i/^i^^.i^ 



559 



takes a lively interest in educational matters, and, 
wliile disinclined to hold office, has served on the 
r>(i;ud of Education of his town its superintending 
scliiH)! CDiiniiitlcc, and is active and earnest in the 
su|i|><)rt of nuasiircs intended to benefit the young. 

In politics Mr. Woodward is a Democrat, although 
prior to 1884 he was, in some respects, independent, 
voting for men and measures that he thought most 
worthy of siip]iort. That he has the confidence of 
his fcll,)w-t(iwiisiiR'n of ilitforciit political views from 
liis own is attested by the fact that he is the present 
representative of the town of Hill, N. H., in the Gen- 
eral Court, although the town, on political matters, is 
Republican by a decided majority. 

Mr. ^Voodward has been once married, and his 
children are Edwin CliRse, born February 11, 1867, 
died in infancy; May F., born February 17, 1871, 
died May 20, 1884; Flora A., born June 5, 1874 ; Lil- 
lia Gordon, born November 5, 1875, died in infancy; 



Eugene S., born September 20, 1878, dicil in in- 
fancy. 

May F., who died at the age of thirteen, was a 
beautiful child, and greatly beloved by all who knew 
her. She was laid to rest in Pleasant Hill Oeinctery, 
which was laid out by her father as a public cemetery 
after her death, and is dedicated to her memory. The 
other children, who were buried in the cemetery at 
Franklin, have been icnnivcii ajid resi l)csi(ic her in 
this lovely spot. 

Mr. Woodward is a nu'inlicr of t]n> Masonic frater- 
nity, also an Odd-Fellow, Knight of Pythias, Knight 
of Honor and a Good Templar. He is also postmaster 
at Hill, having been appointed in August, ISSf). 

Mr. Woodward is an enterprising citizen, a leader 
in town and village improvements, has the most beau- 
tiful residence in his town, and is respected and es- 
teemed by all with whom he is in any way associated 
as a liberal citizen, a true friend. 



HISTORY OP^ PEMBROKE. 



BY JOHN N. MCCLINTOCK, 



OlIAl'TKR I. 

I'EMHIIOKE lies in the southeastern part of the 
county, and is bounded as follows : 

The longitude of the spire of the Congregational 
meeting-house, which stands like a sentinel on the 
east side of the elevated main street, and commands a 
most extended prospect of hill and valley, has been 
computed as 71° 27' 34.6" west of Greenwich ; the 
latitude as -13° 8' 54.8" north of the equator. The 
base of the spire, where it joins the roof, is four hun- 
dred and forty-six feet above the ocean at mean high- 
water at Portsmouth. The United States Coast Sur- 
vey has given their authority for the above figures, 
and reasonable dependence may be jilaced upon them. 

Pembroke joins Concord, the capital of the State, 
on the northwest, the centre of the Suneook River form- 
ing the line. It is bounded on the west by Merri- 
mack River, which separates it from Bow, of ancient 
controversy, and which Hows calmly, witli unbroken 
surface, by the town, resting from its plunge at Gar- 
vin's Falls, and preparing for another fall at Hooksett. 
At this point the Merrimack has descended three hun- 
dred feet from itschief fountain. Lake Winnipiseogee, 
and has two hundred feet more to fell before its waters 
mingle with the ocean. On the south, the town is 
bounded by the south bank ofthe Suneook River, and 
joins Allenstowu. This stream takes its rise among 
the Belknap Mountains, affords many valnable water 
privileges in its course, flows through a charming 
valley, and, near its junction with the Merrimack, 
falls rapidly over one hundred feet, attbrding motive- 
power to one of the richest manufacturing corpora- 
tions in New England, and fostering the village of 
Suneook, partly in Pembroke and i)artly in Aliens- 
town. On the cast or northeast side the town joins 
lOpsoni, Chichester and Loud(m, maintaining, with 
Chichester, the old provincial township line of Bow. 

The town contains ten thousand two hundred and 
forty acres. FroTn tlie intervals along the three rivers, 
which nearly surround the town, the land rises grad- 
ually toward the centre, attaining a height of some 
four hundred feet above the Merrimack at the greatest 
elevation near the centre, and several hundred feet 
liigher on the Chichester line. 

The surfoce is generally niululating. Near the 
560 



mouth of the Suneook arc some of those peculiar hills, 
called dunes, rising seventy feet above the river 
terrace, which mark the retreating line of some an- 
cient glacier, or something of the kind. About one 
hundred feet above the Merrimack is exposed, for sev- 
eral miles on the side hill, a bed of clay, from twenty 
to thirty feet in thickness, the upper part hard, com- 
pact and gray, the lower part soft, plastic and blue, 
the whole covered by a few feet of sand. This whole 
bed is an unfailing source of wealth to its owners, and 
is largely worked for bricks, bringing more money 
into circulation for honest labor than a successful 
gold-mine. 

But the chief attraction of Pembroke is its soil. 
This first attracted the hardy pioneers in the early 
part of the last century. For a hundred and fifty 
years it has been cultivated, and still yields a rich 
return to the husbandman. Like the hill-sides of 
France, Italy and Syria, it bids fair to last a thousand 
years to come. All the fruits and grains of our tem- 
l)erate zone can be cultivated within the town, and 
cattle, horses and sheep thrive upon the rich pastur- 
age of the fields. The fathers of the town were 
thoughtful of coming generations, and noble old elms 
and oaks, with their grateful shade, delight the eye. 

There are to be found to-day, within the town, 
many lineal desccndents of the early proprietors, 
while every year there has been an exodus of sous 
and daughters, wandering from the home hive to the 
commercial aud manufacturing centres in search of 
fame and fortune — to the far-away prairies of the 
West, or the more distant mining-fields, for new homes, 
carrying with them an indelible memory of Pembroke 
and the loved scenes of youth. 

The first settlers, both tlie children of the Massachu- 
setts Pilgrims and the sons and daughters of the 
defenders of Londonderry, were ])ious, brave, indus- 
trious, law-abiding citizens, quick to respond to the 
call of duty, just to their neighbors and tenacious of 
their rights. Their successors have, in the several 
generations, inherited the virtues of their fathers. 
The good, brave, honest and industrious have always 
been welcome to their midst and have found congenial 
homes ; the idle and vicious have never been counted 
as part of their comnuinity. 

The incidents in the history of a i.conic of tliis 



PEMBROKE. 



5(U 



class are not of a thrilling nature ; no fierce outbreaks, 
no family feuds and no crimes, except those committed 
by aliens, will mar the pages of its history. It is the 
record of a town started amidst difficulties, overcom- 
ing natural and artificial impediments, winning its 
way slowly to assured wealth, liberal means of educa- 
tion, broad fields, comfortable homes and a high rank 
among its neighbors for intelligence and public spirit. 

Lovewell's township, or Suncook, was a frontier 
town for many years after its settlement. That it suf- 
fered no more during the contest was owing to the 
fact that its young men were constantly on the scout 
toward the enemy. 

In 1729 the town began to be settled. And here let 
us glance at the different elements that combined to 
form the town of Pembroke, — there were the Puritans, 
from the old Bay Cglony; the Scotch-Irish Presby- 
terians, from the settlement of Londonderry; and, 
lastly, the New Hampshire settlers from the neighbor- 
hood of Exeter, Dover and Kingston, who came in 
later under Bow titles. Truly the town was not 
homogeneous. A French family was the first to locate 
in town, and several Welsh families settled there 
later. 

To fully understand the early history of Pembroke, 
it will be necessary to examine the records of the 
jirovince of New Hampshire and of the province of 
Massachusetts Bay. Originally settled at about the 
same period, 1620-23, the progress of the Bay Colony 
bad been more rapid than that of the settlements 
upon the Piscataqua. For a long period, 1(340-80, 
Massachusetts assumed jurisdiction over the territory 
■ if New Hampshire. By her charter she claimed, 
•IS a northern boundary, a line three miles north of 
the Merrimack River, fi-om its outlet to its source; 
N'tw Hampshire claimed, as a southern bound, 
n line from a point three miles north of the mouth 
ut' the Merrimack, extending due west. The greater 
part of the present town of Pembroke was thus 
debatable ground, claimed by each party. The 
Indians, the rightful claimants, were ignored by both 
]>arties until their claims were set aside by the fate of 
war. Their last and most cruel punishment in this 
region was administered by Captain John Lovewell, 
and the company under his command. May 8, 1725, 
in ar Fryeburg, Me., — a defeat from which the New 
1 1 ampshire Indians never recovered, and which led 
ilirectly to the granting and settlement of the town 
lit Suncook (now Pembroke). 

In September, 1724, two men disappeared from 
Hunstable. A scouting-party was immediately raised 
I' search for them, but were surprised by the Indians. 
Nine of their number were killed and only two 
rscaped — one badly wounded. Another party fell 
into their ambush. One was killed, four were wounded 
and the rest escaped. The number of the attacking 
Indians was estimated at thirty. 

Aroused by these depredations, John Lovewell, 
.Icisiah Farwell and Jonathan Robbins petitioned the 
36 



provincial government of Massachusetts for authority 
to raise and equip a company of scouts to " kill and 
destroy " their enemy, the Indians. Receiving proper 
encouragement. Captain Lovewell, with a company 
of men zealous to revenge their injuries, carried the 
war into the country of the enemy, ranged up the 
Merrimack Valley and to the northward of Lake Win- 
nipiseogee, and succeeded in obtaining one captive 
and slaying one Indian. On their second expedition, 
the following January, they surprised and killed ten 
Indians in the neighborhood of Tamvvorth. The third 
expedition, of forty-six men, left Dunstable April 16, 
1725. On the morning of the engagement at Pig- 
wacket only thirty-four men were in the command, 
the rest having been detached for various reasons, and 
the attacking party, under Paugus, was more than 
double that number. The fight commenced in the 
morning and lasted until after sunset, when the 
Indians withdrew, leaving the field to the scouts. 
The survivors of this daring band, after encountering 
great hardships, arrived at the settlements. Captain 
John Lovewell was among the first to fall on that 
unhappy day. 

The General Court of Massachusetts received, May 
31, 1727, a petition from the survivors and the heirs 
of those killed, who were w'ith Captain John Love- 
well on his several expeditions against the Indians, 
for the grant of a township adjoining and south of 
Penacook, to repay them for their services in behalf 
of the colony. The petition was taken into consid- 
eration June 27, 1727, and the township of Suncook, 
or Lovewell's township, was granted. 

There is reason to believe that the first movement 
toward a settlement of Suncook was in the summer 
of 1728. It was the custom for the young men to 
start early in the spring for the newly-granted wild 
lands, build a rude log shanty for temporary shelter, 
and proceed at once to clear away the forest growth 
from their lots. The axe and firebrand were the 
means employed. Not unfrequently the crop of the 
first season nearly paid for the land. After the har- 
vest the toilers would return to a more settled com- 
munity in which to pass the winter. 

Tradition asserts that Francis Doyne and wife were 
the first white inhabitants who ever wintered in the 
township (1728-29), and they may be said to have been 
the first permanent settlers. Their log hut is said to 
have been located about in the middle of the field 
west of Pembroke Street, just north of the road lead- 
ing toward Garvin's Falls. After a severe snow- 
storm they were visited by a party from Penacook, 
who were anxious as to their safety, and were found 
in a roughly-built cabin, comfortable, contented and 
protected against the inclemency of the weather. 
Doyne was one of Captain Lovewell's soldiers. Dur- 
ing the same summer, 1728, the property was proba- 
bly visited both by many of the original grantees, 
their heirs and others wanting to purchase. The 
amount of work accomplished during this first year 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, iNEW HAMPSHIRE. 



toward effecting a permanent settlement is unknown, 
but in the following spring (1729) the ingress of set- 
tlers was rapid. 

Besides James Moor and Francis Doyne, there is 
reason to believe that the township was occupied in 
the summer of 1729 by James Mann, Samuel Gault, 
Thomas Cunningham and Noah Johnson. Contem- 
porary or a very little later came Benjamin Holt, 
Richard Eastman, David Lovejoy, Abner Gordon, 
Benjamin Chandler, David Chandler, Stephen Holt 
and Dudley Broadstreet. 

In a general sense, the settlers of the township dis- 
placed the Indians, but no particular tribe is known 
to have occupied the territory save as a hunting- 
ground and fishing rendezvous. The name of one 
Indian only has come down to us as having any con- 
nection with the place, and his record is very tradi- 
tional and vague. Plausawa, in whose honor the hill 
in North Pembroke is named, is said to have had hi.s 
wigwam in that locality. With his comrades, Sabatis 
and Christi, he was frequent visitor to this and neigh- 
boring sections until war was declared, when he cast 
his lot with the St. Francis tribe. The three art- 
charged with having led or instigated the attack upon 
Suncook and Epsom in after-years. During a cessa- 
tion of hostilities Plausawa and Sabatis were killed 
while on a friendly visit to Boscawen, in 1753. 

At a meeting of the grantees or proprietors of the 
township of Suncook, held at Chelmsford, December 
10, 1729, Lieutenant David Melvin, Mr. Eleazer 
Davis and Lieutenant Jonathan Hubbard, unani- 
mously, and Dr. William Ayer and William Cum- 
mings, by a majority, were chosen a committee of five 
to order the afiairs of the new settlement, and to 
admit the thirteen men of Captain Lovewell's early 
command who would actually settle upon their rights. 
At an adjourned meeting the next day, December 11th, 
it was voted that the committee of five already chosen 
should view the lands in the township, and, with the 
assistance of an able surveyor, lay out sixty lots, 
" the least to contain forty acres if the land will con- 
veniently allow thereof; ... the lots to be qualified 
by adding a larger quantity of land where the land 
shall appear to be of less value than the best, so that 
the lots be all equal in value in the judgment of the 
committee." It was also ordered that the intervale 
land, which was of especial value to new settlers, 
being already cleared of forest, should be equitably 
divided ; that a plat of these lots should be made and 
distinctly numbered ; and that, at a convenient time 
after this survey had been accomplished, the pro- 
prietors should be notified to meet and draw lots. 
The committee were enjoined to lay out an additional 
lot, " as conveniently as may be," for the first settled 
minister, and a " convenient portion of land reserved 
for the ministry." 

A list of the first forty-seven grantees or proprietors 
of the township of Sunoook, together with the thir- 
teen who were admitted as equal sharers, taken 



December 11, 1729, is here given, together with the 
number drawn by each proprietor in the first division 
of lots subsequently made, — 



FIRST DIVISION OF LOTS. lots, val lots. 





Captain .John Lovewell(d.) I. . . . 


. 55 




Lieutenant Josiah Farwell (d.)i. . 


. M 




Lieutenant Jonathan Bobbins (d.)'. 


. 31 




Ensign John Harwood(d.)i. . . . 


. 35 




Noah Johnson.i .....".... 


46 


Of Dunstable . . . 


Robert Usher (d.)i 


. 9 




Samuel Wliiting' 


. 17 




Jonathan Cummings 


. 27 




William Cummings 


. 4 






. 10 




Edward Lingfleldi 


. 16 




Nathaniel Woods, Jr 


. 60 




Daniel Woods (d.)' 


. 40 




John Jefts (d.)' 


. 48 




Thomas Woods (d.)', 


. 24 


Of Groton .... 


Joseph Gilson, Jr. ' 


. 62 




John Chamberlain.' 


. 42 




Isaac Lakinl 


. 43 










Benjamin Parker 


. 21 


Of Chelmsford . . { J^"""^^"' '^^'"6"' 


. M 




Moses Graves 


. 15 








OfStowe 


Jacob Gates 


. 6T 








Of Lancaster . . . < 


Jonathan Houghton 


. 38 




Joseph Wheelock 


. 36 




John Pollard 


:i7 










I. Jonathan Kittredge(d.)i^-r. . . 


. 29 




Captain Seth Wynian" 


. 25 




Thomas Richardson 1 


30 


Of Wol.uni 


Josiah Johnson i . . 






Ichabod Johnson (d.)i 


. .53 




Timothy Richardson 1 


. 22 


Of Aiul,.vc.r . . . 


Mr. Jonathan Frje (d.)i 


. 12 


Of Polian.rk . . . 


Francis Doyen 


. 11 










EbenezerAyeri 


.=.' 


Of Ilavvrhill. . . 










Uf Weston .... 


Jacob Fullam (d.)> 


. 58 


Of Londonileri-.v. . 


Ben.jamin Kidder 


. 26 


JolmGoffe 


. 18 


Of Marlliorough. . 


Solomon Keyes' 


. 2:i 


Of America. . . . 


Toby, Indian 


. 4.5 








Uf Dnnstable. . . . 


Ebenezcr Halburt 


. 32 










Lieutenant David Melvin 1 .... 


. 41 




















Elias Barron (d )' .... 


. 61 


Of Concorrt . . . 








Josiah Davis (d.)i 


. 44 










Josiah Jones" ' 


. .56 




Jacob Farrar (d.)i 


. 2 



The inroad of settlers in 1730 was probably rapid. 
The giants of the forest fell before the woodman's axe, 
and the log cabin was rendered homelike by the 
presence of women and children. The few scattering 
Indians remaining in the neighborhood were indifler- 



1 the fight at Pigwacket, Fryeburg. (d.) deceased. 



PEMBROKE. 



5G3 



eat or friendly, aiul doubtless the settlers received 
occasional calls Irom them. 

The log houses built by the pioneers of the last 
century are unknown to-day iu this vicinity, but 
their type may still be seen in the logging camps of 
Grafton and Coos Counties, and in all new countries. 
In summer the life was not unpleasant, — the river 
teemed with shad, salmon, and trout ; the deer and the 
bear wandered in the neighboring forests; the virgin 
soil yielded wonderful harvests. Their fare was simple, 
but with prudence and foresight one could provide for 
the family during the long winter months with ordi- 
nary exertion. Fuel was at their very doors, to be 
had for the chopping, and pitch pine knots answered 
for candles and gas. 

Wolves, lean and hungry, might howl al)out their 
safely-barred windows, but could not enter their 
dwellings; nor could the cold afi'ect them, with logs 
hospitably piled in the open fire-place. The Bible 
and New England Primer might form their thoroughly 
read library, but tradition was a never-failing source 
of interest to them. 

" James Moore probably erected his house this year, 
said to have been the first framed building in the 
township, and the frame to-day forms a part of 
Samuel Emery Moore's house. Neighbors from Buck- 
street and Concord assisted at the raising, and a few 
Indians are said to have helped. Tradition asserts 
that one of the latter was worsted in a friendly con- 
test and trial of strength, usual from time immemorial 
on such occasions, and became very angry at his over- 
throw, threatening vengeance. His wrath was ap- 
jieased by a potation from a brown jug which had 
already come into use. Moore was very sagacious in 
his treatment of the Indians, and gained their friend- 
ship ; his place was avoided by them in after-years 
during hostilities, though fortified to repel an attack. 

In April, 1733, it was " Voted that a meeting-house, 
twenty-four feet wide and thirty feet long, be built as 
soon as may be, and set upon or near a lot of land, 
Xo. 3, the said house to be of good hewn logs, ten or 
eleven feet stud, the roof to be well covered with 
Inng shingles, well laid and nailed, and one door well 
made and hung, ye ends of ye house to be closed with 
UMod clapboards or boards, all to be done sufliciently 
workmanlike by the last day of June" ensuing. 

The contract for erecting this structure was awarded 
to Timothy Richardson for the sum of "fifty-five 
pounds, in good bills of credit," provided he found all 
the nails and gave bonds for the faithful performance 
of the work. 

This church, which was built in accordance with 
the above vote, stood at the northeast corner of the 
graveyard, on Main Street, near the residence of Hon. 
Aaron Whittemore, not far from the Meeting-House 
Brook, to which it gave the name. It answered the 
purpose for which it was built for more than a dozen 
years, when it was replaced by a more pretentious 
Iramed building occupying the same site. 



At a subsequent meeting, at the same place, Septem- 
ber 19th, a grant of fifty acres of land and a sum of 
money not to exceed sixty pounds, was voted to en- 
courage the person or persons who should build a good 
and suitable saw-mill and corn-mill in some conve- 
nient place in the township, acceptable to the pro- 
prietors' committee. 

In 1737 the first road to Rumford was laid out. It 
led diagonally across the lots very directly from the 
first meeting-house, at the northeast corner of the 
cemetery, over intervening land to the bridge; 
thence by the river-bank to the great bend in the Mer- 
rimack, where a ferry was early established, about a 
mile below the lower bridge in Concord, and nearly 
as far above the railroad bridge. 

At this period the township of Suncook included a 
part of the present towns of Pembroke, Hooksett, 
Allenstown and Bow, as may be seen by consulting 
the plan. Buck-street and North Pembroke were not 
included. The former was probably settled by the 
Cochran, McLucas, Sinckler, Martin, McGaffey, 
Fullerton and other families. The north and east 
parts of the town were then a wilderness, covered by 
the primeval forest. The Suncook settlers, for the 
most part, were on the home lots, which were on each 
side of what is now Pembroke Street. Their meadow 
lots, on the Suncook and Soucook Rivers, were 
reached by winding paths through the forest, and 
were valuable to the pioneers from the wild grass that 
grew upon them. The interval lots along the 
Jlerrimack are said to have been open at the first 
settlement, from inundation of the river, or kept so 
by the former occupants of the bmd, the Indians, as 
corn-fields. 

An old man once said that the pioneers settled on 
I liigh land, not on account of its fertility, but to avoid 
the trails of the savages, which were made by the river- 
bank; that the Indians would never turn from their 
march to do malicious injury, except when on the 
war-path ; and because from an elevation the clear- 
ings could be better protected by a stockade and 
garrison-house. 

Mention has been made of the dispute between the 
provinces of Massachusetts and New Hampshire as to 
their boundary line. To settle the conflicting claims, 
an appeal was made to the King, who appointed a 
board of commissioners, selected from the councilors 
of Nova Scotia, Rhode Island, New York and New 
Jersey, with power to settle the question. This com- 
mission first met at Hampton, August 1, 1737. A 
few days later the Assembly of New Hampshire met 
in the same town, while in the neighboring town of 
Salisbury, across the line, the Assembly of Massa- 
chusetts was gathered. Jonathan Belcher was the 
Royal Governor of both provinces ; David Dunbar 
was Lieutenant-Governor of New Hampshire. This 
Assembly of the Great and General Courts was at- 
tended with much pomp and ceremony. Evidently 
the legislators were acting the part of lobbyists on a 



564 



HISTORY OF MEIUUMACK COUNTY, XEW IlA.Ml'Slll KH 



grand scale. The decision of the commissioners 
was not satisfactory to either party, and they had to 
again refer the subject to the King. 

In this appeal New Hampshire had the advantage 
of the most skillful advocates, who represented the 
" poor, little, loyal, distressed province of New 
Hampshire " as crowded and oppressed by the " vast, 
opulent, overgrown province of Massachusetts ; " and 
New Hampshire won the case. The question was 
settled by His Majesty, in council, March 5, 1740, 
aud the present southern boundary of New Hamp- 
shire was established. With many other townships 
granted by Massachusetts, Suncook was found to be 
without the jurisdiction of the province that had 
granted the charter, and within a province governed 
by different laws, and under a proprietary system 
where the wild land was owned by individuals and 
not by the State. 

This was the more bitter to the inhabitants of Suncook 
because of the Masonian claim. This hung over their 
heads and affected their ownership in the lauds which 
they had recovered from a wilderness by years of toil 
and exposure. They had become attached to the 
beautiful locality, and would not give it up, at least 
without a struggle. They stood in the places of those 
heroes who had dislodged the Indians from this region 
and rendered the whole habitable. Some of the num- 
ber were in their midst, and they clung to their lands 
and hoped for the best. This act of the Kiug led to 
a more serious contest, which lasted a score of years, 
to the detriment of all engaged. In Suncook and 
Rumford it was generally known as the Bow contro- 
versy. 

To certain of the settlers, whose families for over a 
century had shared the fortunes of Massachusetts and 
imbibed its prejudices, this change in jurisdiction 
must have been unwelcome. To the Presbyterians it 
was objectionable only so far as it affected their prop- 
erty rights. As individual preferences were not re- 
garded, all had to submit to the inevitable. 

In 1744 the long-expected war between France and 
England was declared, and the New England settle- 
ments were exposed to the merciless and treacherous 
attacks of the Indians along the whole frontier. These 
foes were armed and rewarded by the French author- 
ities in Canada. Four block -houses were erected in 
Suncook, — one where Mr. Moody K. Wilson lives, one 
on the farm of Mr. Edward Elliot (formerly occupied 
by Colonel James Head, and later by Deacon Hazel- 
tine), one where Mrs. Mary A. Vose lives (formerly 
occupied by Rev. Aaron Whittemore) and one where 
Mr. Samuel E. Moore lives, — as places of refuge in 
case of an attack. These block-houses, or forts, were 
constructed of green logs, two stories in height, the 
upjier story projecting, and affording port-holes through 
which the sides of the structure could be protected by 
those within. Moore's house was protected by 
a stockade. Aware of the danger which surrounded 
them, arms were carried on every occasion, even to 



the meeting-house, where they were stacked, ready 
for instant use, in case of a surprise. 

The New Hampshire A.ssembly was petitioned in 
June, by Moses Foster, in behalf of the inhabitants, 
for a garrison of soldiers to act as a protection. The 
whole province was in arms all through the year. 

The good people of Suncook became dissatisfied 
with their log meeting-house in 174(), and resolved to 
replace it with a frame structure better adapted to 
tlieir wants. The frame of timber was accordingly 
prepared, and the whole town turned out to the rais- 
ing. So important was the movement that citizens 
from the neighboring townships gave their presence 
and assistance to the work, and tradition affirms that 
among others were the Bradleys, from Concord, who, 
within a short time after, perished by the hands of 
the Indians. 

The building was interfered with by the Indian dis- 
turbances, but at length it was finished, and answered 
for a meeting-house and town-house for over half a 
century. It stood at the northeast corner of the 
cemetery, on Main Street, until about 1806, when it 
was moved to its present position. Its solid frame, 
having been converted into a barn, is now owned by 
Hon. Aaron Whittemore, a great-grandson of the first 
settled minister in town. 

In August the Indians made a successful attack 
upon a party of seven men in the neighboring settle- 
ment of Rumford, killed five and carried two captives 
to Canada. The inhabitants of Suncook were justly 
alarmed, and took extra precautions to escape a sur- 
prise. The firing of three guns in quick succession 
was the signal of alarm, when men, women and chil- 
dren would hasten to the garrison-houses as places of 
safety. A commissioned officer was stationed in each 
of these for command in its defense. Rev. Aaron 
Whittemore, who occupied one of the block-houses, 
was thus commissioned. The planting and harvesting 
were attended with peculiar danger, yet, as they were 
necessary exposures, these hardy pioneers ventured 
all rather than desert their new homes. Companions 
of the dreaded Captain John Lovewell or their 
descendants, they kept their foes at a respectful dis- 
tance by fear of their unerring rifles and attested 
bravery. 

The following petition is of interest: 

"To his Excelency Beniiing Weutwortb, Esq., Governor and Coui- 
luandcr-in.Chiof in and over His M;Oesty's Province of New Hamp- 
shire, and to the Hon'bl M^esty's Council and Honso of Repre- 
sentatives of said Province, in General Court assembled : 

" The humble petition of the inhabitants of Suncook, in Said ProT 
ince humbly showpth. 

"That on Moil. I, " • i- ■■ • ■ M , ■, ,.• ..,1 • .■ • 1, .inv 

after sun rise, tip i ' ' - n. 

and killed one o\ r. . ^ uird 

atahouse but «.>- ■ , , , . ,1 ;,., -,i i.,i, ihu 

Sun about two liuins lii-ti, tii.'> n.hhi-ii tu.. .ir lln.c hmiset* ami fnmi lui 
four men going to the pasture for their cows, within about half a mile 
from the meeting house, a considerable number of the enemy, we 
believe they intend to destroy ye place, and ever since we have been 
penned close in our garrisons and can do no work abroad, so that with- 
out speedy help we nmst all move off. 

"May it therefore please your excelency and lionors, in your great 



PEMBROKE. 



wisdom, to seuti us ducli such speedy Uulp ami pruteetiuii its in yuur great 
wisdom you shall think fit, aud your Petitioners, as in duly bouud, shall 
ever pray. 

"Dated at Suncook this 26 of May, 1747. 

"Moses Foster, Boiyamin Holt, Elias Whittemore, Richard Eastman, 
Caleb Lovejoy, Moses Tyler, Joseph Baker, David Abbott, John Noycs, 
Robert White, John Fife, John McNeil, Thomas Russ, David Lovejoy, 
John Man, John Knox, Samuel Gault, Patrick Gault, Andrew Gault, 
.\ndrew Ochersou, James Ocherson, Samuel Smith, James Moor, James 
Rogers, Joseph Brown, Francis Doyen, William Moor, James Man, Wil- 
liam Ivnox, John CoHrin, William Knox, Thomas Cunningham, James 



Tlio Iiuliaus who led the attack are supposed to 
have been Sabitas, Phiusawa and Christi, wlio were 
familiar with the localities. 

After this event the General Court of New Hamp- 
shire were pleased to order a garrison of eight good 
men to be stationed at Suncook through the summer 
and fiill for the protection of the settlement. 

I'he three assessors appointed by the proprietors 
liave left on record a document of considerable inter- 
I >i, as it gives the name and residence of each of the 
IMissessors or claimants of the several original rights 
.lanuary 30, 1748. Each right was assessed twenty- 
two pounds. 



The Original Grantees 


Possession Jcmumi/ 3», Um. 


m Chamberlain, 


Mr. Samuel Phillips, of Audover. 


vard Spooney, 


Mr. John Barnard, of A- dovej-. 


r. Jofts, 


fWilUamMclKiughlinand 
Ijames Man, of Suncook. 


i. Whitnev, 


Jonathan Abbot, of Andover. 


a/.er Davis, 


Stephen Holt, of Andover. 


1.1. Wbeelock, 


Josiah Chandler, of Amlover. 




^NathanHolt, of Andover, 


,itl.an Kitteridge 


-J James Kitteridge, of Tewksbury, and 




(.William Kitteridge, 




f Captain WilUam Lovejoy and 

I Captain James Stevens, of Tewksbury. 


r.\e, 


ul Austin, 


Henry Lovejoy, of Tewksbury. 


., Goffe, 


f Oliver Holt and 

I Braviter Gray, of Billerica. 


. 


f Stephen Merrill, of Andover, and the hei 
1 Richard Hardy, of 


" " ' " "' '"' 


li.ll Il:.vis, 


.John McXiel, of Amoskeag. 


•ncv. 1 Ilulbert, 


James Burbeen, of Boston. 


iithan Ciimmings, 


" '.! '.! 


Ham Cummings, 


>. .< 


n Pollard, 


John Pollard, of Billerica. 



Benjamin Hassfl, 
Toby, Indian, 
Zachariah Parker, 
Thomas Richardson, 
Ebenezer Ayer, 
Muses Graves, 
Captain John Lovewell 
Jeremiah Hunt, 
Sanmel Whitney, 



f Samuel Hardy, of Bradfonl. 

^Joseph Jackson, of Boxford. 

f Joseph MulUkin, 

t Robert MuUikin, 
Joshua Andros and others, of Boxfoi 
Elias Barron's heirs, of Concord. 
Jacob Farrar's heirs, " 

Joseph Wood's " " 

Deacon Noah Johnson, of DunstabI 



.Tosiah Santle, of Groton. 
Captain Peter Ayer, of Haverhill. 

Benjamin Gale, of Haverhill. 
Benjamin Chandler, of Haverhill. 
Thomas Richardson, of Maiden. 
Ebeuezer Ayer, of Methuen. 
Lieutenant Nathan Adams, of Nci 
Joseph Baker, of Suncook. 
Captain Moses Foster, of .Suncook. 



Nathaniel Wood, 
Thomoa Wood, 
Seth Wyman, 
Benjamin Parker, 
Joseph Farrar, 

Eleazer Melvin, 
Josiah Jones, 
Ebeuezer Wright, 
Samuel Moore, 



Ichabud Johnson, 
Fi-ancis Doyen, 
William Ayer, 
Benjamin Kidder, 
Solomon Keyes, 
Lieutenant Josiah Fa 
Jacob Gates, 
Timothy Richardson 
Edward Linkfield, 

Jacob Fullam, 



Samuel Gault, of Suncook. 

Thoma3 Russ, of Suncook. 

James Moore, of Suncook. 
(Thomas Cunningham, of Suncook, and 
i. lames Burbeen, of Boston. 

Moses Tyler, of Suncook. 
( Robert White, of Suncook, and 
i James White, of Suncook. 
f Deacon Elias Whittemore, of Suncook, i 
I Thomas Richardson, of Maiden. 

Heirs of Timothy Knox, of Suncook. 

Benjamin Holt, of Suncook. 

Ephraim Blunt, of Suncook. 
f Thomas McConnell, of Suncook, aud 
I Benjamin Johnson, of Woburu. 

Francis Doyen, of Suncook. 

Richard Eastman, of Suncook. 

Andrew Otterson, of Suncook. 

William Knox, of Suncook. 
I, Captain John Chamberlain, of Souhegan E 

Jeremiah Swain, of Roding. (?) 

Timothy Richardson's heirs, of Woburn. 



It was voted in the General Court of New Hamp- 
shire, January 31, 1753, that " Whereas there are sun- 
dry persons inhabiting within the province of New 
Hampshire upon a tract of land" called Suncook, 
who were " within no township," they should be, with 
a part of Pennycook, in one district, and be com- 
pelled to pay their proportion of the province tax. 

Rev. Timothy Walker, as agent for Rumford and 
Suncook, crossed the ocean to lay the case of these 
two townships before the King in Council in 1754. 
It may be here stated that Mr. Walker was eminently 
successfiil in his mission, when it came to a final 
hearing, and the claims of the proprietors of Rumford 
and Suncook were supported against those of Bow. 
and, behind them, the officials of the provincial gov- 
ernment of New Hampshire. This decision was not 
reached, however, until 1762, too late to be of ad- 
vantage to the inhabitants of Suncook, who had en- 
tered into a compromise before that time with the 
proprietors of Bow. 

War with France was again declared in 1754, 
which involved a war with the Canadians and their 
Indian allies. In the previous war the people of 
New Hampshire had depended upon block-houses for 
a defense against their savage foes, were constantly 
surprised, and paid dearly for their want of care and 
watchfulness. They had been goaded to desperation, 
and resolved to carry the war into the country of 
the enemy, and inflict some of those cruelties to 
which they had been subjected. From the first it 
was a terribly oflensive war on the part of New En- 
glanders. They aimed at the conquest of Canada, 
and its reduction to a royal province. Robert Rogers 
and his trusted lieutenant, John Stark, with their 
fearless rangers, became a terror to the Canadians and 
a scourge to the Indians. 

The terms of settlement between the proprietors of 
the township of Suncook and the proprietors of the 



56G 



HISTORV OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



township of Bow is known from tliu petition which 
was presented by a committee of the latter to the Gen- 
ei-al Court of New Hampshire, dated January 1, 1757. 

This petition, presented by Daniel Pierce, Esq., 
Thomas Wiggin and Daniel Marston. geutlemen7 
William Pottle, blacksmith, and Benjamin Norris, 
yeoman, in behalf of the proprietors of Bow, repre- 
sented that many persons claimed a right to lands in 
the township by titles not derived from the proprie- 
tors of Bow, who had made considerable improve- 
ments, and with whom many expensive suits at law 
had been had. which imptdiii ilu- Miil.incnt of the 
towu.ship ; that many of the i huiiin^ :iii.l ^rt tiers, par- 
ticularly those who held their tilU- troni ihe proprietors 
of Suncook, were desirous of an accummodation and 
settlement of the disputes, and were willing to be- 
come not only inhabitants of Bow, but to hold their 
title from the proprietors of Bow ; that the proprie- 
tors of Bow were desirous of having the question set- 
tled without further expensive lawsuits by reason- 
able concessions on their part. Notwithstanding the 
amicable and peaceable disposition of the parties 
concerned, certain impediments existed to the solu- 
ticm of the question, which the General Court was 
called upon to remove, the most important of which 
were the conflicting plans of the two townships. 

The proprietors of Bow were willing that those 
who had made improvements should enjoy the fruit 
of their labor ; and, accordingly, they asked the court 
to annul and vacate the survey of the home-lots of 
Bow, so far as they interfered with the divisions of 
land already executed in the township of Suncook, 
and that a new survey of the undivided lands in the 
township should be ordered. 

This petition was favorably received, and, no one 
objecting at the hearing ordered, the petitioners were 
given liberty to introduce a bill in accordance. 

The inhabitants thus gave up the struggle, and be- 
came, for the time being, citizens of Bow, having ef- 
fected a compromise by which they retained their 
homes and cultivated fields, but sacrificed the un- 
divided lands of the old grant, curtailing their re- 
spective rights more than one-half. 

So the township of Suncook, or Lovewell's town- 
ship, ceased to have an existence save in the memory 
of gallant men and women who, for thirty years, had 
braved the hardships of frontier life to secure homes 
for themselves. 

John Noyes, in behalf of the inhabitants of Bow 
living on the east side of the Merrimack River, peti- 
tioned the General Court for parish privileges, and 
were granted the liberty of bringing in a bill April 
25, 1758. 

Pembroke was incorporated a parish November 1, 
1759, by the General Court of New Hampshire, the 
agents of the town of Bow not making any objection, 
but favoring the charter, claiming that it would be 
to the advantage of both. 

People are naturally curious as to the origin ol' the 



name of their ohIIvc tnuii. The ikimic i.f I'embroke 
was bestowed upcMi llie tuwiisluii liy tfovernor Ben- 
ning Wentworth, probably in honor of the Earl of 
Pembroke, an influential member of the Court of St. 
James at that period. The word is derived from the 
Welsh, peiibroch, signifying head of the foam. Tlu- 
old town of Pembroke is situate in Pembrokeshire, tlu' 
southwest county in Wales. The town is of great 
antiquity, and is on a peninsula extending into one ol' 
the bays of Milford Haven. A part of the walls which 
once surrounded the town still remain. 

The charter of Pembroke included that part of Bow 
east of the Merrimack River, between the Soucook 
and the Suncook Rivers, a place called Suncook and 
a place called Buck Street. 

Rev. Daniel Mitchell was ordained pastor over the 
Presbyterian Church December 3, 1760. 

The Presbyterian meeting-house, which stood on 
the west side of Main Street, opposite C. L. Dow's 
house, was probably erected this year. 

The Scotch-Irish, so-called in New England history, 
were of the purest Saxon lineage, with their blood 
unmixed, in the seventeenth century, with the half 
barbaric Scotch highbinders, or their more rude cous- 
ins, the Irish Celts. They were rigid Presbyterians, 
followers and admirers of Oliver Cromwell, enemies 
of Popery and the Established Church of England, 
brave, zealous lovers of learning and liberty, and 
withal, bigoted in their advanced notions. Cromwel 1 
had peopled the wasted districts of northern Ireland 
with these, his most trusted and reliable troops, to 
pacify that land most effectually. 

They could present a brave front to an open attack, 
but they were not equal to withstanding the petty en- 
croachments of the Established Church insidiously 
undermining their beloved Kirk. The Pilgrims had 
found religious freedom in a new and undeveloped 
country, and thither the Scotch-Irish sent agents to 
spy out and report the condition of the land and its 
fitness for occupation. The Irish had not intimidated 
them ; they scorned the untutored Indian. Like a 
horde they flocked to the sea-board and poured into 
New England, Pennsylvania and the southern prov- 
inces, pushing the frontiers rapidly into the untrodden 
wilderness, and settling the fertile valleys and hill- 
sides far in advance of their predecessors. One stream 
striking Boston was diverted to Londonderry. In 
1719 a Scotch-Irish colony located there to stay. 
Hundreds followed in their footsteps, tarried awhile 
with their friends so happily settled, and pressed on 
into the wilderness, over the hills to the Falls of 
Amoskeag, up the Merrimack, by Hooksett Falls, to 
the fertile valley of the Suncook, still farther to the 
blooming intervals of Pennycook and the wide mead- 
ows of the Contoocook. Early in the records of this 
township we find the Scotch-Irish holding "original 
rights," admitted as proprietors and freeholders, and 
even as early as 1737 claiming a majority. Being in 
a majority, they claimed a voice in the settlement of 



PEMBROKE. 



567 



a minister to preach the gospel, but were "counted 
out," and paid their rates toward the support of a 
minister not to their liking with evident disrelish. 

The Presbyterians were exempted from paying to- 
ward the support of the Congregational minister, and 
were incorporated a distinct parish by a special 
act of the General Assembly, passed December IG, 
1763. It was enacted that all persons living in the par- 
ish of Pembroke, who belonged to the Presbj-terian con- 
gregation and assembly, or should join that society, 
should be included in the new parish, and Lieuten- 
ant Thomas McLucas was authorized to call the first 
meeting. 

The breach between Great Britain and the colonies 
was widened during 1766, although Parliament re- 
pealed the odious Stamp Act. Peace prevailed in 
Pembroke, for not a ripple of trouble has reached us 
from that remote year. The Congregationalists and 
Presbyterians had agreed to disagree, and pursued 
their respective ways with outward amity. There is a 
tradition that the families ostracized each other, for- 
bidding the young people to associate or mingle 
together, and absolutely prohibiting intermarriage 
with those of the other sect, under pain of disin- 
heritance. At this day the difference between the 
two denominations is so small that the common 
reader could hardly comprehend it were some one to 
fully explain. 

Rev. Aaron Whittemore died November 16, 1767. 

The first census of the town on record was taken 
this year, from which it appears that there were 49 
unmarried men from sixteen to sixty, 85 married 
men from sixteen to sixty, 134 boys under sixteen, 16 
men over sixty, 169 unmarried females, 97 married 
women, 5 widows, 2 slaves, — a total of 557 souls. 

In 1774, Dr. Richard Eastman and Captain An- 
drew Buntin were chosen a committee to run the lines 
of the new township granted by the General Court of 
the Massachusetts Bay to the "sufterers of Suncook.'' 
The following January, Captain Joseph Baker was 
directed to deposit the plan in the office of the 
Secretary of State, which he accordingly did. This 
t'lwnship was located in the State of Maine, called 
Sanibrook, and is now known as Lovell and New 
Sweden, on the banks of the Saco. 

At Pembroke the people were up with the times. 
A Mr. Dix persisted in selling tea in town ; but a 
company of "Sons of Liberty" from the adjacent 
towns, under the command of Andrew McClary, made 
him a visit, and taking the tea from the store, made a 
bonfire of it in the public street. 

Nearly a century had elapsed after the landing of 
the Pilgrims before the settlement of Pembroke ; a 
half-century more had passed, and the descendants of 
(he early pioneers, who had fled from persecution in 
the mother-country, had become accustomed to self- 
government in the vast wilderness of America, and 
more and more alienated from the dominion of the 
King. They had been joined by the discontented 



spirits from Great Britain, notably the Scotch-Irish, 
and were ready to resist any and all encroachments 
upon their rights, and were ripe for rebellion. 

A foolish King and a stubborn ministry at home 
hastened the catastrophe — a long and exhaustive war, 
which resulted gloriously for the United Colonies, 
and gave birth to a great nation. 

Before this date Pembroke had been a parish with- 
out a representative, — a part of a royal province 
without a representative in the home government, 
ruled by a royal Governor. From this time the town 
was a republic, soon, with other towns, to be united in 
a great and free State, which, in turn, was to become, 
a few years later, one of the United States of 
America. 

The first overt act of open rebellion had been com- 
mitted in December of 1774, in the attack upon and 
dismantling of Fort William and Mary, at the mouth 
of the Piscataqua, by the people of New Hampshire, 
and the citizens of Pembroke seemed alive to the 
importance of the crisis upon them. With the rest 
of New England, they sprang to arms to resist the 
invasion of their soil by British troops, and to drive 
them from their borders. The diff'erences of creeds 
were forgotten in planning and doing against the 
common enemy. The veterans of the French War 
flocked to the standard of the intrepid Stark, fought 
by his side at Bunker Hill, hemmed the British within 
the limits of Boston and helped to force them to 
evacuate the town. From that time onward, through 
the darkest days of the unequal struggle until the 
disbandment of the victorious army, Pembroke did 
her share in achieving our independence, and in 
caring for the dependent families of those who were 
absent in the field. 

In the city of Paris, September 3, 17S3, David Hart- 
ley, for the King of England, Benjamin Franklin, 
John Adams and John Jay, for the United States, 
signed their names to a treaty of peace between Great 
Britain and the United States, making the thirteen 
States forever independent. 

This war, as it affected Pembroke, should be con- 
sidered as a whole. 

It was the struggle of a small body of free, poor, 
liberty-loving and unorganized patriots against the 
land and sea forces of the most powerfiil nation of 
modern times. That the contest was finally decided 
for the weaker party was owing to their perfect unan- 
imity of sentiment, their bravery, their endurance 
and the opportune assistance given by France, Eng- 
land's great rival. Eight years of warfare had disci- 
plined the raw troops, who, by their bravery and zeal, 
had hemmed the British within the limits of Boston, 
until, when disbanded by General Washington, they 
were war-scarred veterans of whom any commander 
might be proud and of whom any enemy might 
stand in dread. 

With the close of the war came the complete col- 
lapse of the Continental currency. It disappeared 



HISTOllY OF MEIUIIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



from commerce as worthless. But the rich land was 
left, with its abundant crops; freedom had been 
assured, and barter answered for currency. 

In 1792 there were licensed six tavern-keepers. 
Two years later occurs the first record of a post-rider 
through the town and a weekly line of stages. 

The charter for the first New Hampshire turnpike 
was granted in 1796. 

Mr. Slickney was the first postmaster, appointed in 
1806, and from this date Pembroke became a post- 
town. 

The establishment of a post-oftice in Pembroke was, 
without doubt, very welcome to the inhabitants, and 
may be justly considered an important event in its 
history. 

In earlier times it was customary to intrust to some 
friend or acquaintance rtho might be traveling in the 
right direction a missive for an absent friend or rela- 
tive. Doubtless the post-rider, in his journeying 
through the town, accommodated those living on hi^ 
immediate route, and the blowing of his horn an- 
nounced his welcome approach. As a matter of 
course, few letters were written in those days, so that 
high rates of postage were not onerous. 

It was decided to erect a town-house in 1811, and 
Isaac Morrison, John Knox, Jr., Jacob Emery, Jr., 
Robert Martin, James Cochran, Jr., Asa Robinson 
and Timothy Barnard were chosen a committee to 
determine the "center of money and travel," and 
report at an adjourned meeting. Their report was 
accepted ; the site of the town-house was located near 
the pound. The sum of four hundred dollars was 
voted toward building it. The sum was afterward 
■ increased to five hundred dollars, and the construction 
was entrusted to John Knox, Jr., Samuel Cochran, 
Jr., and Robert Martin. 

An effort was made to have the town accept the 
use of the north nieotiiig-house for public meetings, 
liul it failed. 

A meeting was called in the new town-house in 
October, when enough money and labor was voted to 
thoroughly repair the various bridges in town. 

Manufacturing of cotton into cloth, which has 
since become an industry of great importance in the 
village of Suncook, was first undertaken in 1812, by 
Major Caleb Stark, a Revolutionary soldier and a son 
of General John Stark. He purchased the establish- 
ment known as Osgood's Mills, which was being 
enlarged or rebuilt by a company, and introducetl 
machinery lately invented. 

In July, 1813, Christopher Osgood contracted to 
build a stone pound " in the corner of Mr. Lakeman's 
pasture, by the town-house," for one hundred and 
thirty-five dollars. 

The act of incorporation of Pembroke Academy 
was dated June 25, 1818. The building for the school 
was erected by subscriptions raised among the iuhab- 
itauts of Pembroke. The trustees of the corporation 
were Rev. Abraham Burnham, A.M., Hon. Boswcll 



Stevens, A.M., Daniel Knox, Esq., John H. Merrill. 
Timothy Barnard, Deacon Moses Haseltine, William 
Haseltine, Captain .laeob Elliot and Rev. Jonathan 
Curtis, A.M. 

John Farmer wrote of the town, in the year 
1823,— 

" There are many water privileges, four paper-mills, the cotton-fac- 
tory of Major Stark aud several mills, together with a nourishing village. 
The main street extends nearly on a parallel with Merrimack River in a 
straight course about three miles, and is very pleasant. On this are 
situated the academy, one of the meeting-houses and the principal 

The visit of General Lafayette to Pembroke in 
1825 shall be described in the words of his youthful 
companion, Colonel A. A. Parker, aide-de-camp of 
Governor David L. Morril, now living at a venerable 
old age and in the full possession of his iaculties, in 
Glastonbury, Conn. (1883),— 

" Our route lay through Suncook village, at the south end of Pem- 
broke. There Major Caleb Stark, son of Major-General John Srark, 
lived; and, as hehad a slight acquaintance with General Lafayette in 
the Revolutionary War, had written him a request that he would call at 
his house, as he very much wished to see him and introduce him to his 
family. We called, and, on introducing him to the general, he seized 
his hand and began an animated speech about Revolutionary time.-*, 
which did not seem soon to tenninate. His family were standing on 
the opposite side of the room, waiting to be introduced, but he seemed 
to have furgotten them. 

*'I \va^ ;n .|ii:iiiit' 'I \\ 111! il;.' III.IJ..1 , i.-ii ii^^t \^ ith his family, and could 
notiniii ii II I Ml'- spirited Miss Harriet 

Stark, ri. I fi. I ■ 1 ii , I. ;i I wnnl, seized General La- 

fayelt. - , , . I i i ' — ni.v^olf to you astliL. 

eldest .l.M I 1, ; . ■ M , ■: ■ .,].■■ - :■■ V,,lt, v,l,,,„ vnu :n r lalkill- RUA 

the gr.ii . . . : ,1 .. , ■ M , , ., ,■ .1. !r, m.mI.,, 11,. !,. i.. .■! IViiiuiij 



i and spirit of h< 



gnu 



">i.iitii I MiiL.rday (Tuesday, June21st),oneof 

the loiii:' I m III : I I iipnii the long, main street of Pem- 

restiiij II >H ;, 1 - I r; ■ t.rii hills, and soon r.tn 
night -N I - I iiiLi, \rili_ , I hat was wide-awake .111 
genei;il I till-;. II i ,\ !■ n ,i^ lie had received an.wv i 
route. > M 1 1 Ml -, It ' ■ iiM 1, ihr li >s the numbers the gre^n- i ' 

"AVr 111 I II 1 Ml. hiij. Ill .■andhadtraveledrapidly when lint liiiiiiiDil. 
butuiii > ill! _ 1(11. Ill well advertised by the well-known Walker, the 
stagcMii n. 1 .11 III- 1 iiir, (hat it was known to all people, far and near. 
Andsuit \\;i^, thai uc wire not only detained at villages, hotels ami 
cross-roads, but even at a single cottage. Our approach seemed to have 
been watched ; and, at the rejwrt of a musket or bugle-blast, people 

bh-brCin , ,ui.I ih. _.ir.rl Tini-t iir-,-!-- ].:Mt-r a moment, bike by the 
haiii] 111 I 1 I 1 , i' I ■■ ' irii.Liicy and age were alike 

prcsiMiii I 111 ; I! I I .1 : 11 I' III ill;; in easy-chairs before 

t|»;,ntii_ I \( . Mill-, I III . ,111 invalid old lady, 'cadav- 

erout^ ail I !■ il. . "i I i . i,- )i! hy two men, in her arm-chair, to the ear- 
ring.' ; -I i - ■ i H,. ■. II. tal"shand with both of hers, and with tear- 

"Ar 1 : .. I . ! :. Ill'- main street of IVmbroke, five miles fVom 
{^^ouiMi'i. ^ I' i I I ii Ml 1.1 \ 1,11 -. M.n.uiii-se of people gave the 



ilhige 



promptly retired and P 

After supper the general leaned back in 
ihair, aiul carried on a long and agreeable 
tion with his escort before retiring. 



■e men that the gen- 
ied rest, the people 
fcor have been mor« 



easy 
i'ersa- 



PEMBROKE. 



The next day (June 22, 1825) a committee of the 
Legislature, then in session at Concord, consisting of 
Hon. Stephen P. Webster, of the Senate, and four 
members of the House, came down in a coacli-and-six 
to escort the general to Concord. Six white horses 
were attached to the barouche, in which were General 
Lafayette and Mr. Webster, and the procession, made 
uj) of a long line of carriages, proceeded on their 
way, being met on the Concord line by twenty inde- 
pendent companies of the New Hampshire militia, 
under the command of General Bradbury Bartlett. 

The town was shocked, on Sunday, June 23, 1833, 
by the rapidly-spread intelligence that Sally, wife of 
Chauncy Cochran, had been murdered by Abraham 
Prescott, a boy of eighteen, who had been living with 
the family. 

Prescott accompanied Mrs. Cochran into a field 

I liar the house to pick strawberries, and struck her 
the fatal blow, in a secluded spot, with no motive that 
uas ever known. From the testimony at the trial, it 
wus evident that he was of weak mind. 

F£e was lodged in jail at Hopkinton, and was al- 
lowed two trials, iu which he was ably defended by 
lion. Ichabod Bartlett, of Portsmouth, and Charles 
11. Peaslee, Esq., of Concord, who firmly believed in 
Ills moral irresponsibility. At this period in the his- 
tory of the town the farmers were simply farmers and 
nothing more. They raised nearly all the supplies 
lor their own tables, and largely for their cloth- 
ing, which was manulactured from the raw materials 
in their homes. Wheat was much more generally 
■iiown then than now, but not in sufficient quantities 
to furnish bread for the household. Flour was rarely 
Ixiught by the barrel, and barley, rye and Indian corn 
wure extensively used. In those earlier days flour 

I I read was, with large numbers of families, dignified 
with the name of "cake," and considered a luxury for 
use on extra occasions, when company was entertained. 
A story is told iu one of our old Rockingham County 
towns which illustrates this fact. A high-toned gen- 
t It man, known as the " 'Squire," called at a farm-house 
oiif day on some business, and when he had finished 
his errand and had remounted at the door, the good 

louse-wife, wishing to impress the '.squire with the 
1 1 l: nity and thrift of her family, said to him : " Squire, 
A . lu't you stop and have some flour bread and butter? " 
thinking it now too late for him to accept her invita- 
tion. To her chagrin the doughty 'squire replied: 

Thank you, marm, I don't care if I do," and 
I'lomptly dismounted and entered the house. The 
I'oor woman could only explain that, to her surprise, 

I. found the flour bread all out, and oflered him the 
-t she had, some Indian bannock. When a boy, 

• •■ writer had often seen at the neighbors' a string 
oi these bannocks, eight or ten in number, set upon 
tins in front of the fire in the broad fire-place, there 
being room then left in the corner for him to sit and 
h)ok straight up the chimney into the blue heavens. 
There was very little market for farm produce in those 



days, except in the larger towns ; long journeys had 
to be made, mostly to such as were known as "sea- 
ports," as there were no interior towns of sufficient 
population to be centres of such trade. Every farmer 
kept a flock of sheep, and wool constituted a large por- 
tion of the clothing. It was carded, spun and woven 
at home, and made into garments for both sexes. The 
best clothes for men and boys were made of what was 
called "fulled cloth." This was made at home, of the 
finest material, and taken to the mills known as "full- 
ing-mills," where it was put through a process of thick- 
ening, dyeing and finishing. The women used to wear 
gowns of cloth which was called "pressed woolen." 
This w-as simply home-made flannel, taken to the mills 
above named, and pressed, so as to present a glossy 
surface. 

Every farmer had a small patch of flax. This was 
pulled and spread out in rows on the ground, " rotted," 
and then "broken" and "swingled," and was pre- 
pared for the combing, carding and the "little wheel," 
as the machine was called, on which the flax was spun^ 
to distinguish it from the larger machine for spinning 
wool. It was woven into cloth for table-covers, towel- 
ing, sheeting and shirting. The "tow," which was 
the coarse portion combed out on the "hatchel," was 
spun into a coarse yarn, of which a cloth was made 
for summer suits for men and boys. The tow shirt, 
so commonly worn, was, when new, an instrument of 
torture to the wearer, as it was full of prickling spines 
left from the woody part of the stalk. 

Pembroke Academy. — From the first, Xew En- 
gland has been noted for her regard for the intellec- 
tual welfare of her people. Not to be behind others, 
the people of New Hampshire early made provision 
for the mental and moral instruction of their chil- 
dren. In 1647 the first law establishing town schools 
was enacted. In 1693 an act was passed requiring 
the diflerent towns to raise money, by assessment on 
the inhabitants, for building and repairing school- 
houses and for providing a school-master. In 1711) 
every town of fifty house-holders or upwards was re- 
quired to provide a school-master to teach children 
to read and write, and every town of one hundred 
house-holders to have a grammar school, kept by 
" some discreet person of good conversation, well in- 
structed in the tongues." In 1805 the district sys- 
tem was established. In 1807 the assessment for 
school purposes was increased tjnd the law requiring 
grammar schools to teach Latin and Greek was re- 
pealed. From that time to the present, laws have 
with great frequency been passed regulating educa- 
tional matters. The act repealing the law requiring 
towns to have instructions given in Latin and Greek 
was probably owing to the fact that previous to this 
time nine academies had been incorporated. What- 
ever may have been the influence operative in the 
abolition of such instruction, it is evident that the 
class of work attempted by the grammar school 
was now left to the academies. It appears, then, 



570 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



that very early was felt the need of a classical educa- 
tion, and so the same spirit which had originated the 
previous enactments led to the founding of institu- 
tions of a higher grade. In accordance with the law 
referred to above, there was formerly in this town a 
grammar school, the house Ijeing located on land 
between the dwelling-house of Mr. William Fife and 
the Ferry road, so called, there being but one house 
to accommodate the people of Suncook and Pem- 
broke Street. Thus early, then, was evinced in the 
history of this town a desire to give to the youth a 
higher education. It was about this time (1807) 
that there came to this town three men, who, no 
doubt, had the shaping of Pembroke Academy, — Dr. 
Abel Blanchard, Eev. Abraham Burnham and Bos- 
well Stevens, Esq. ; physician, clergyman and law- 
yer. Dr. Blanchard was born in Wilton, October 10, 
1782. At the age of seventeen he was a clerk in a 
store in Concord, where he remained two or three 
years. He afterwards studied medicine in the same 
city. In October, 1805, he commenced practicing at 
Pittsfield. Here he showed an interest in education, 
as he conceived the idea of establishing an academy. 
He made certain proposals to the town, but they 
were rejected. In 1808 he removed to this town. 

Rev. Mr. Burnham was born in Dunbarton No- 
vember 18, 1775, graduated with honor at Dartmouth 
College in the class of 1804 and was ordained pastor 
of the Congregational Church in this town in 1808. 

Boswell Stevens, Esq., was born in Pomfret, Conn., 
in 1782, graduated at Dartmouth College in the same 
class with Rev. Mr. Burnham and established him- 
self in the practice of law in this town in 1807. 

Fortunate indeed was it for Pembroke that three 
such men as these should become identified with 
its interests. 

Dr. Blanchard was not a man of vigorous con- 
stitution. His health began to fail him about the 
year 1817. It seems that during his last illness he 
had conversation with Mr. Burnham about the dis- 
position of his property, and that it was at Mr. 
Burnham's suggestion that in his will, which was 
dated January 15, 1818, Dr. Blanchard, after making 
bequests to his friends (he was an unmarried man), 
left the residue of his property to found a "Public 
School or Academy in Pembroke." This amounted 
to about two thousand five hundred dollars. Theschool 
was incorporated as Pembroke Academy June 25, 
1818. The first board of trustees appointed by Dr. 
Blanchard consisted of Rev. Abraham Burnham, 
Boswell Stevens, Esq,, Daniel Knox, Esq., John H. 
Merrill, Timothy Barnard, Deacon Moses Haseltinc, 
William Haseltine, Capt. Jacob Elliot and Rev. Jon- 
athan Curtis. In his will Dr. Blanchard expressed 
the desire that the people of the town raise the funds 
and erect the school building. 

On the Fast Day subsequent to Dr. Hlanchard's 
decease Eev. Mr. Burnham preached a sermon on 
the text, " Behold, 1 have set before you an open 



door, and no man can shut it ;" and a subscription 
at that time was taken amounting to eight hundred 
dollars. 

The foundation was laid in October, 1818, and 
the building was dedicated on the 25th of May, 1810. 
Rev. Jonathan Curtis, of Epsom, preached the ser- 
mon. The school opened the following day under 
the instruction of Mr. Amos W. Burnham and Miss 
Frances Newell, with an attendance of forty-eight 
students. Thus, with much devotion, was institutoil 
a school which, with varied success, has never failed 
to open its door regularly to welcome those who have 
sought its instruction. Its stated object is " for the 
purpose of improving the rising generation in science, 
morality and religion;" also, "for the education of 
youth in the English, Latin and Greek languages, 
writing, arithmetic and other branches of literature 
commonly taught in the public .schools." 

The aim of the founder has been in the main the 
aim of the trustees and teachers. It will not be out 
of place to say that Dr. Burnham ever looked upon 
the school as his child, for which he cared until his 
death in 1852. He was president of the board of 
trustees from the establishment of the school. 

The following are the names of the principals, with 
time of service : 

1819, Rev. Amos Buruhain, D.D. ;i 1819, Kev. Thomas Jameson ;> 
1820, Hon. ,Iohn Vose;' 1831, Rev. E. D. Eldridge;! 1833. Joseph 



Dow, A.M.; 1837, T-ir,.- Kii,-ini. 


, \ 11 ;l l.<4n, nmrl..sf;, B.nnhmn, 


A.M. ;l 1844, .Inmi' .. '1 


\ ^l , I'll 1' ; IM'i V illiMii.l Hills, 


A.M. ;1 1851, K.>. ^. r - 


1 1 - J, .1..I111 w . i;.i\. \ M , i-:.;i. 


Rev. JohnD. E.ihi , , i. 


■. II. iii> 1.. l-.li> 1 , i-.-.T. »,„, K 


Rowell, A.M. ; iv.>, 1: > -• • ■ 


- Ilu.v«.u,i; IMI, .liuil.-» H. Sluu- 


ley;l 1800, Cluirlr- '■ r.nmh. 


,1. .\.M. ;> 1861, Kev. S. L. Blake, 


D.D. ; 1862, Jan,,- 11 Mill- 1 


., Isaac -Walker, A.M. ; 1868, L. R 


Levitt; 1869, L. V. Ill 1 : \^'" 


NViii. H. Hubbard;! 1871. Wm. M 


Sawin ; 1872, Martin W. Hoyt, A 


li. ; 1S73, Isaac Walker, A.M. 



It has a long list of gentlemen and lady assistants, 
who have shown themselve.s " worthy of the vocation 
wherewith they were called." There is a strong in- 
clination on the part of the writer to mention by 
name some of its alumni; but since there are so 
many, it would be invidious to give way to that incli- 
nation. 

From its halls have gone forth Governors, Lieuten- 
ant-Governors, United States and State Senators and 
Representatives, judges, physicians, clergymen, teach- 
ers, and, in fact, its alumni have graced all the walks 
of life. The building first erected in 1818-10 was 
enlarged in 1841, and in 1866 remodeled and fitted 
up with modern furniture, and from time to time ha 
been repaired, and at present writing (1885) is in good 
condition. The original fund at present amounts to 
two tb.m>aiir, (lire,' hundred dollars. In 1836, Hon. 
Boswell Sirvi n-^ li II a legacy of one thousand dollars. 
In iMi.i, Mr>. .Miny T. Wilkins, of Suncook, widow 
of the late .1. H. Wilkins, Esq., a former treasurer, 
made a donation of one thousand dollars. In 1866, 
Mr. John C. Knox, a former trustee, made the acad- 



PEMBROKE. 



ciiiy residuary legatee. There were received two 
thousand five huudred and ibrty-four dollars. In 
1S74, Mrs. Betsey Whitehouse made a donation of 
one thousand dollars, and in 1877 left by will two 
thousand dollars. Samuel P. Laugmaid, Esq., of 
Somerville, Mass., a native of Chichester, left by 
will five thousand dollars. 

In 1885, Hon. Asa Fowler, of Concord, a native of 
this town, left by will one thousand dollars. The 
institution has lately had several thousand dollars 
bequeathed to it by Mr. Guy T. Little, a former 
student, residing at the time of his death at Bis- 
marck, D. T., but it has not yet come into possession 
of the bequest. The library is not large, yet of late 
the number of books has been steadily increasing. 
Ill 1879 a room was fitted up as an art gallery, in which 
already are several portraits of the alumni. The 
stuclciit?^ publish monthly, during term-time, a school 
j(iuni:il cillnl 'I'he Academian, devoted to the in- 
terests ol tlir school. The present condition of the 
school is encouraging and its future hopeful. The 
sixty-sixth annual catalogue (1884-85) gives an at- 
tendance of one hundred and eighty-three for the 
year. It has three courses of study ; viz., classical, 
academic and English, fitting students for college as 
well as for a business life. Since 1877 classes have 
regularly graduated. Previously, a few young ladies 
had secured diplomas. Its present board of trustees 
is as follows : Hon. William Haseltine, president ; 
Hon. Aaron Whittemore, secretary ; Solomon White- 
house, Esq., treasurer ; George P. Little, Esq., Henry 
T. Simpson, Esq., George O. Locke, Esq., executive 
rMiumittee; Martin H. Cochran, Esq., Trueworthy L. 
I'owler, Esq., William Thompson, Esq. The in- 
structors are Isaac Walker, A.M., principal; Mary 
Ella Kowe, preceptress. 

In connection with this sketch of the academy it 
would be well to say that from 1841 to 1863 there 
ixisted another school, known as the People's Lit- 
iiaiy Institute and Gymnasium. Isaac Kinsman, 
A.M., a former principal of Pembroke Academy, was 
its first principal. This was not intended to be a school 
)ireparatory to college, but one where the student 
might obtain a thorough education, preparing him 
for the general duties of life rather than for any par- 
ticular ))rofession. Mr. Kinsman died October 2C, 
1>;43, aged thirty-one years. He was succeeded by 
Messrs. Wright, Jewell, Anderson, Sippitt and others. 
It has quite a noted alumni. In 1863 it was united 
with Pembroke Academy, being represented on the 
present board of trustees. The history of the town 
for the past half-century is still fresh in the memory 
of living witnesses. For many years there has been 
an exodus of families from the old farms to more 
promising sections in the Middle and Western States. 

In 1842 the Concord Railroad was opened, and soon 
boating on the river became a tradition of the past. 
A few years later the Concord and Portsmouth Rail- 
road was built through the town. 



At the breaking out of the Rebellion Pembroke 
responded to the call for jjatriotic volunteers, and 
many went to the war never to return. The village of 
Suncook received an impetus during the season of 
high prices, and in spite of severe losses by fire, it 
has become a village of much wealth and importance. 
Although situated at the extreme southern limit of 
the township, it already has a commanding influence. 
Here are located the mills of the Webster, Pembroke 
and China corporations. 

As will be noted from the preceding annals, there 
was originally but one church in town and one 
meetiug-house. In 1760 the Presbyterians were or- 
ganized into a parish. In 1790 the two parishes were 
united under Rev. Zaccheus Colby, and a few years 
later two meeting-houses were built, one on the site 
of the present Congregational Church, the other on 
the Third-range road, near the pound. 

The last was taken down about 1840 and rebuilt on 
the street as the Gymnasium, now the town-house. 
A Methodist society was gathered about 1805. Some 
twenty years later the denomination built a meeting- 
house on the hill, on the Third-range road, which at 
present is fast going to ruin. 

Of lateyears the tendency has been todesertthe farms 
in the outlying districts, and to congregate in neigh- 
borhoods. Most of the people of the town, outside of 
the village of Suncook, live on three sides of a square 
or rectangle formed by Pembroke Street, Buck Street 
and the Eighth-range road, although there are many 
families on the Third-range road and on the Borough 
road. 

In early times there was a considerable variety in 
the manufactured products of the town, including 
glassware, leather, musical instruments and woolen 
cloth. Now the three great mills are devoted to the 
manufacture of cotton cloth, while not a little capital 
is invested in saw-mills and grist-mills. 



CHAPTER IL 

PEM BROKE -(Confiniicrf). 
C'HDRCH HISTORY. 

In the grant of the township of Suncook was the fol- 
lowing provision : " And that the Petitioners and their 
associates, within the space aforesaid, settle a learned 
Orthodox Minister, and Build a Convenient House 
for the Public worship of God." 

October 13th, of the same year, a call was extended 
to Rev. Aaron Whittemore to settle in the ministry. 

Rev. Aaron Whittemore was ordained to the work 
of the ministry March 1, 1737-38, with appropriate 
ceremony. The church is believed to have been 
organized at that time with nine male members, 
beside the pastor, — Aaron Whittemore, pastor; Elias 
Whittemore, Noah Johnson, deacons ; Abner Gordon, 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



L'avid Lovejoy, Beiijiimiii Clisindler, David Chiuidler, 
Stephen Holt, Eichard Eastman, Dudley Broadstreet. 
There were in the settlement at the time certain 
dissenters, most of whom were probably Presbyteri- 
ans. They were Andrew McFarland, Timothy Knox, 
Patrick Garvin, James Moore, Nathan Manu, William | 
Dinsmore, Robert White, James Neil, James White, 
Thomas McConnell, James Mann, William Laflin, 
Hugh Young, Thomas Cunningham, Samuel Gault. 

Kov. Daniel Mitchell was ordained pastor over the 
Presbyterian Church December 3, 1760. 

The Presbyterian meeting-house, which stood on 
the west side ol' Main Street, opjjosite C. L. Dow'.s 
house, was probably erected this year. 

The Presbyterians were exempted from paying to- 
ward the support of the Congregational minister, and 
were incorporated a distinct parish by a special act of 
the General Assembly, passed. December 16, 1763. It 
was enacted that all persons living in the parish of 
Pembroke, who belong to the Presbyterian congre- 
gation and assembly, or should join that society, 
should be included in the new parish, and Lieutenant 
Thomas McLucas was authorized to call the first 
meeting. 

Rev. Mr. Whittemore was an able and learned 
divine, a graduate of Harvard College, and settled in 
the town as a young man. He lived but a few years 
after this controversy, dying in 1767. 

Rev. Jacob Emery was ordained August 3, 1768. 
Rev. Jacob Emery resigned his ministerial charge 
March 23, 1775, on account of failing health. 

Rev. Daniel Mitchell died the following December, 
at the age of sixty-nine. From the Presbyterian 
church records we learn that Andrew Robertson 
received from the parish five shillings for his expenses 
on a journey "to Derry for the ministers to Mr. 
Mitchell's funeral ; " Richard Bartlett, Esq., two 
pounds, ten shillings aud eight pence for rum and 
gloves for the funeral ; and Nathaniel Ambrose, seven 
shillings for the cotfin. Rev. Mr. Miltemore probably 
preached the funeral sermon, as Robert Moor received 
ten shillings and sixpence for entertaining him. 

For the next four years, or until 1780, there was no 
regularly ordained minister. Congregational or Presby- 
terian, settled in Pembroke. 

A parish-meeting of the Congregationalists, in 
which the Presbyterians were invited to participate, 
was called January 17, 1780. Mr. Aaron Whittemore 
was chosen moderator. It was voted to give Rev. 
Zaccheus Colby a call to settle in the work of the 
ministry in Pembroke, to give one hundred pounds of 
lawful money, as valued in 1774, for a settlement, aud 
to give a salary of seventy pounds and furnish twenty 
cords of wood yearly. 

Caleb Foster, Richard Bartlett, Joseph Emery, John 
Ayers and David Kimball were chosen a committee 
to treat with Mr. Colby. The meeting was adjourned 
to February 8th, when Rev. Mr. Colby's acceptance of 
the call was read. He was ordained March 22, 1780. 



Rev. Zaccheus Colby gave up his ministerial olfH r 
in Pembroke May 11, 1803. 

The churches also agreed, iu 1788, on occasional 
communion together, yet remained distinct bodies for 
nine years. After this, as it is added in the language 
of Mr. Colby, "on the first of June, 1797, the respec- 
tive churches, after months of consideration, did vote 
themselves into one church." This was called the 
consociated church. 

Two houses of worship were erected in 1804, the 
one on the hill, and the other on the street, where the 
present house now stands. In the location of these 
houses, as we have been informed, there was not a 
little difference of opinion and some strong feeling 
manifested. 

After the depature of Rev. Mr. Colby the town was 
destitute of a settled ministry for nearly five years. 
It appears from the records that the Presbyterian soci- 
ety continued to raise money by a small tax upon one 
hundred and thirty or more tax-payers ; that diftereiU 
men were employed lo ]>rcn(h mure or less of the 
year. 

A call was extended to ]\lr. Abraham Burnham to 
settle in the ministry in the place, proposing to him a 
.salary of five hundred dollars per annum, and two 
hundred dollars as a settlement. This proposal was 
accepted, and Mr. Burnham was ordained to the work 
of the ministry in this place March 2, 1808. 

In 1812 there was a marked and striking manifes- 
tation of Divine power, when the Holy Spirit came 
down in gentle but copious showers of grace. Revivals 
also occurred in 1814, '16, '19, '26, '31, '32, '33 and '35, 
each revival exceeding, in interest and power, its pre- 
decessor, till the number of the church had increased 
from fifty to two hundred and forty. 

Rev. Dr. Burnham continued his labors to Novem- 
ber, 1850. He died September 21, 1852. 

At the time Rev. Mr. Burnham was dismissed. Rev. 
John H. Merrill was installed pastor of the church, 
November 20, 1850. Mr. Merrill had been pastor of 
the church in Falmouth, Me. He came here, it is 
said, with high hopes of usefulness. His ministry, 
however, was short — less than three years ; but long 
enough for him and his family to become endeared to 
many of the people. Observation, we think, shows 
that a long ministry is quite often followed by an un- 
settled state of the pastoral relation. Jlr. Merrill 
was dismissed August 7, 1853. 

Rev. Robert Crossett succeeded Mr. Merrill. He 
commenced his labors in July, 1853, and was installed 
pastor of this church March 16, 1854. At this time 
a pleasing religious revival existed in the place. Mr. 
Crossett continued his labors until October 8, 1855, 
when, on account of a failure of health, he sought a 
release from his engagements here, for a warmer 
climate and a more competent salary. 

Rev. Lewis Goodrich, from Dedham, Me., came 
to this place May 24, 1856, and commenced his labors 
iu the ministrv. He was installed iiastor of the 



PEMBROKE. 



cluiivh iMiiy i;J, isr)7. A ivviviil of ruli^iou w;is lu 
fiiogress at the time of his installation, which con- 
liiuied more than a year. Many were interested, in 
both the academies and in the town. During the 
nine years of Mr. Goodrich's labors, as he states, over 
one hundred indulged the Christian's hope, and some 
lilU .il' ihiiii united with the Congregational Church. 
Hi. |,:i.t..i,,tr .ruled in 1865. 

Knlliiwiiig- i;.'v. Mr. Goodrich, Rev. Nathan F. 
Carter spcut one year in the work of the ministry. 

Rev. Benjamin Merrill commenced his labors here 
November 25, 18C6, — an earnest, Christian man of 
much skill and efficiency in his work. He labored 
directly for the conversion and salvation of souls, and 
was happy in enlisting a portion of the church to do 
the same. A revival of religion was experienced, 
and a quickening influence was felt by the church 
liming his ministry of three and a half years. 

Rev. Lyman White, from Phillipston, Mass., and 
liirinerly pastor of the church in Epping, in this 
Slate, commenced his labors as acting pastor of this 
rluirch in April, 1871, and continued until the fall of 

Rev. C. C. Sampson was settled in the ministry in 
October, 1879, was ordained May 18, 1881, and was 
dismissed in March, 1885, 

Tlie sdcicly now worship in a commodious meet- 
iiiLi-hdUse on I'enibroke Street. 

Methodist Episcopal Church.— The first Method- 
ist preaching iu Pembroke was by Rev. James 
Cofran, a local preacher from Readfield, Me. Some 
years before, Mr. Cofran left Pembroke to seek 
his fortune in the East, and being a wild and 
thoughtless young man, celebrated his departure at 
a tavern with his gay friends by drinking and danc- 
ing till a late hour at night. Going into Maine, he 
happened to hear Jesse Lee preach, and became 
convicted of sin and was converted to God. In 1804 
he sent word to Colonel Cofran, of Buck Street, his 
brother, that he was coming to Pembroke and would 
preach to the people if he would cause a notice to be 
given. Colonel Cofran remarked to his family that 
he would have the meeting at his own house, and 
then, if his brother should prove to be one of the 
bawling Methodists that he had heard tell of, he 
could bawl as loud as he chose, and it would be 
nobody's business. The preacher came ; the house 
was filled ; he preached with power, and several 
were convicted and converted, among whom was 
Robert Martin. Mr. Cofran left, but Mr. Martin 
\v:is so much interested that he attended the next 
tjuarterly Meeting and requested George Pickering, 
presiding elder, to include Pembroke in a circuit. 
This was done, and David Batchelder was the first 
minister to preach regularly. Mr. Batchelder 
formed the first class, of which Robert Martin was 
leader. Their names were as follows : 

Robert Martin, Benjamin Fowler, Abigail Martin, 
Mehitable P'owler, John Kelley, Joshua Phelps, 



Rachel Kelley, Hannah Phelps, Lydia Abbott, 
Nancy Sargent, Mrs. Head, Elizabeth Frye. These 
events occurred iu 1804. In 1805 Pembroke was 
connected with the Northfield Circuit, and Caleb 
Dustin was the preacher. This year the first Quar- 
terly Meeting was held in town, at the old Presby- 
terian meeting-house, at which John Broadhead 
presided. Great interest was awakened, and the 
church grew in numbers. In 1806, James Young 
was the preacher.; in 1807 and 1808, Thomas Peck : 
in 1810, Abner Clark ; in 1811, Hezekiah Field ; in 
1812, Jacob Sanborn; in 1813, Richard Emery; in 
1814, Anson Summers; in 1815, James Jaques; in 
1816, Noah Bigelow. Abner Clark formed a small 
class in Suncook in 1810, of which Nathaniel Nutting 
was the leader. This class did not long survive, and 
another was not formed until about 1840. The 
record from 1816 to 1825 is not easily accessible. At 
the latter date the Pembroke Society, numbering 
one hundred and forty-four members, was a part of a 
circuit, and the preachers were Moses Sanderson 
and William R. Stone; in 1826, James B. Norris 
and R. Newhall ; in 1830, James G. Small and 
Ezekiel W. Smith ; in 1832, when there were two 
hundred and twenty-one members, Orlando Hinds, 
R. H. Spaulding and Caleb Beede; in 1833, R. H. 
Spaulding and Orlando Hinds. 

The society was joined to the Concord Conference 
in 1836, and the preachers were William J. Kidder 
and D. Jones, the former continuing in 1837 ; in 
1838, B. D. Brewster and J. C. Cromack ; in 1839, S. 
Norris ; in 1840, A. Folsom ; in 1841, L. Howard; in 
1842, A. H. Worthing; in 1843 and 1844, James 
Pike ; in 1845 and 1846, Warren F. Evans ; in 1847, 
A. H. Fullerton; in 1848 and 1849, A. Folsom ; in 
1850, when first mention is made of preaching iu 
Suncook, James Thurston, who was returned in 
1851; in 1852, Elijah Mason; iu 1853 and 1854, 
William Hawes; in 1855 and 1856, O. H. Jasper; in 
1857 and 1858, George S. Barnes; in 1859 and 1860, 
CM. Dinsmore; in 1861 and 1862, Nelson Green; 
in 1863, L. Howard; in 1864 and 1865, C. H. Chase ; 
in 1866 and 1867, N. Culver; in 1868, J. W. 
Guernsey ; in 1869, 1870 and 1871, A. C. Manson ; 
in 1872 and 1873, J. Noyes; in 1874, C. W. Miller; 
in 1875 and 1876, Henry Dorr; in 1877, 1878 and 
1879, S. C. Keeler; in 1880 and 1881, George W. 
Roland; in 1882, 1883 and 1884, Otis Cole; in 1885, 
James Cairns. 

The first meeting-house built by the society, about 
1828, still stands on the hill, but it has not been used 
for many years. The meeting-house in Suncook, 
built in 1849, was burned October 10, 1882, and was 
rebuilt the next year and the year following, and wa.s 
dedicated July 6, 1884. It cost about fifteen thousand 
dollars, and is located very centrally in Suncook. 

The Baptist Society, — It was organized April 21, 
1869. At first its growth was fostered by Rev. Drs. 
David Gage, E. E. Cummingsaud Rev. J. M. Coburu. 



HISTORY OF MHKRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



In 1872, Rev. T. H. Goodwin was settled in the 
ministry. He was succeeded in 1877 by Rev. H. \V. 
Tate; in 1880 by Rev. X. 1). Ourtiss; in 1885 by 
Rev. H. A. Stetson. 

The meeting-house was liiiill in 1871 at a cost of 
three thousand dollars, and is located in Suncook 
village. 



CH.Vl'TKR III. 

PEMBROKE— (CoiKinu.rf). 

MILITARY HISTORY. 

The military history of Pembroke has been es- 
pecially honorable and creditable to the citizens of 
the town. The original grant was made to the brave 
men who served with Captain John Lovewell. 

In Captain Daniel Ladd's company, scouting in the 
neighborhood of Pembroke, in the summer of 1746, 
are the familiar Pembroke names, — 

William Knox, William Moore, Joli 
Moore, Jr., Joseph Mann, Samnel 



The muster-roll of the company in His Majesty's 
service, under command of Moses Foster, captain, 
has been preserved, dated November 1, 1752, — 

Moses Fostei, captain 



At this time, or a little later, there was a garrison 
on Buck Street, under command of Captain Thomas 
Lucas, the muster-roll of which has been preserved, — 

Thomas, Lucas, captain ; Joseph Gale, Thomas Lucas, Jr., sentinels ; 
Jonathan Ingalls, Thomas Thompson, John Fuller. 

In the expedition against Forts DuQuesne, Niagara 
and Crown Point, Noah Johnson was ensign in Rob- 
ert Rogers' company of rangers. In Captain John 
Goffe's company, in the same expedition, appear the 
names of Samuel Moore, Nathaniel Martin, Samuel 
Martin, John Moore, Joshua Martin, Benjamin East- 
man, Thomas McLaughlin. In other companies — 
Enoch Noyes, Stephen Hazeltine, Christopher Love- 
joy, Seth Richardson, Jonathan Fowler, Francis 
Doyen, John Fowler. In Captain John Moore's com- 
pany — James Moore, Robert Cochran, John Cunning- 
ham, James Otterson. 

In an exi)edition against Crown Point, in 1758, the 
company under command of Neliemiah Lovewell, son 
of Captain John Lovewell, contained the following, 
probably all from Pembroke : 



The Pembroke company, at the battle of Bunker 
Hill, was in Colonel John Stark's rogiuicnt, and wits 



under the command of Captain Daniel Moort 
tenant Ebenezer Frye and Second Lieutenai 
Moore. 

MUSTER ROLL. 
William Fowie, Moses McConnell, Tho 
Batclielder, Moses Merrill, Cl.riKt..].liir 
Emery, George Evans, Willi;iiii Via-' > ,1 
som,Josiah Gordon, Timotli> i i i: I 
Jeremiah Homan, corpoml- / ,1,1 
Moore, fif.r ; John Busw.ll. . I l. 

thanirl M ,,!),, I- , ,, M, , 



Cunniij^.i, .,,,, I, .; ' , ^ : . ,.i. . M..,,L-s 

Roherts, Kul.LTl SI, I , , ,,. y, .1..1, slu-il.nrn, Ja.-..li .~;inklcr, 

John Thing, Tl i I ,,\vle, Jr., JepHia Tyler, Samuel 

Wells, Nathan ll,,li. ^',, ,, 1 1 , . .lonathau Judkins, Samuel Kelley, 
Moses Kelsey,01i\ci l.vl.a .. s„i.h.l; i'lper, James Quimhy, Joseph Raw- 
lins, .lohn Rawlins, Jeremy liollius, Richard Robinson, John Wadleigh, 
.\udrew Wiggin, Abraham Brown, William Doe, James Robinson, John 
Wilson, privates. 

In December, General Sullivan appealed to the citi- 
zens of New Hampshire to recruit his forces on Win- 
ter Hill, and two companies were raised in Pembroke. 

Of one company Andrew Bunten was captain : 
Samuel McConnell, first lieutenant; Peter Robinson 
second lieutenant. 

Of the other company Samuel Conner was captain, 
Matthew Pettingill, first lieutenant ; Nathaniel Head, 
second lieutenant. 

In July and August, 1776, a New Hampshire reg- 
iment was raised for service in Canada and on the- 
northern frontier, and placed under command of Col- 
onel Joshua Wright. 

Second Lieutenant Stephen Bartlett was from Pem- 
broke, as were the following soldiers, all in Company 
Nine. 

Samuel Kimball, Niilliaiiicl Lakonian, Bnvid Frye, Benjamin Haggett, 

Willi^iiji K:, , ,1 - K',, \ J 1,1, ]Ci, ,\ N'alianiel Smith, Eliphak-t 

Conn, I, 'I , I ,1 \ , I ,,ster, Jr., James Heail, 

Jonall,.,: I ' I 1 ; V : ■ i<. Phedris McCutchin, 

.lohii I;, :,,, .11, 1, ,,',,,,,,' ^ J ,-,[,!, , ,, ),,,i, llptiraim Garvin, Samuel 
Kelly, Thunius Stirkiiiy, Jiremiab Abbot, Xatlianiel Martin, Benjamin 
Norris, John Cook, John Cochran, James Martin, John Jenaes, 

Captain Benjamin Frye became disaffected with 
the management of public affairs, complained of the 
court publicly and asserted that he should not go 
into the service until he was paid his dues. As it ap- 
pears from the town records that he had a wife, at 
least, dependent upon him, and, from the complaint 
of the zealous patriot who reported him, was without 
an estate and dependent upon his pay, at this distance 
of time his fault-finding seems not unreasonable, but 
justifiable. During his absence his wife was admitted 
to the privileges enjoyed by the families of non-com- 
missioned officers and privates by a special vote of the 
town. It evidently required wealth for a man to hold 
a commission during the Revolution, for the money 
received for pay from the Continental authorities had 
very little purchasing power compared to its face 
value. 

"A MUSTER-ROLL of Capt. Samuf.i, McConnei.i.'s Comp- in C'oP 
Slikney's Regiment lielongini; to Brigadier-General Starke's Brigade of 
the State of New Hampshire, Pemliroke, July IS, 1777. Raised lor the 



PEMBROKE. 



575 



Defeuce of AMERICAN Liberty, agaiust the Unconstitutional Acts of 
BKITAIN." 

Samuel McConnell, captain ; Robert Gilinore, first lieutenant ; John 
Orr, second lieutenant ; Thomaa Hoit, ensign ; Jeptha Tyler, first ser- 
geant ; Robert Bums, second sergeant; Ebenezer Ferren, third sergeant ; 
James Gay, fourth sergeant ; James Knox, fii-at corporal ; Robert Spear, 
second <orjiorul ; Sanmol Huston, third corporal ; Enoch Sergent, fourth 
corpMiiii , ^i tr!l \\ '.iiiilt, drummer; Patrick Roach, fifer ; Enoch 
EatMri, lull ! I; ! .nU, Ueiyamin Stevens, Jr., Samuel Ames, Amos 
Ricli.ii I , I : >! ' i.Ir., Nicholas Felch, Jonathan Cilley, Isaac 
Sar^fiLi, I - j^i I n ,^, l>auiel Hadlcy, Stephen Mors, Charles McCoy, 
Jeremiah Ahl.ot, P^phr.iim Garven, John Moor, John Robinson, Samuel 
Piper, James Alexander, Fry Uolt, Solomon Ames, George Evans, John 
Wallace, John Bell, William McLaughlin, James Walker, Isaac Hustonj 
Robert Matthews, Adam Smith, Samuel Remick, Samuel Carr, Samuel 
Hoit, Hcigamin Stevens (3d), Nathan Haws, Samuel Duntap, Malachi 
Pavis, Joim Astor, David McChier, John Rowel!, Reuben Wells, Samuel 
Katou, Caleb Page, Jr., Thomas Mills, Jr., William Holmes, Jr., John 
rhurcli, David Morrison, William Wheeler, Jr., Archibald McCurdy, 
David Farmer, Theuphijius Griffin, Zacliariub Holden, Enoch Harvey, 
John Nutt, .lacob McQuai<I, John Morrison, John Aiken, John Barret, 



Hugh 

Wlllrl 



lu Muntitigtun, Joshua 



This cbmijany was with General Stark at the 
battle of Bennington, and did good service. Major 
.Fames Head was mortally wounded in the battle, and 
was buried in the village of Bennington. 

In 1777, Ebenezer Frye was captain and John 
iloore was first lieutenant of a company in the First 
New Hampshire Eegiment in the Continental army. 

The training-band " was constituted of all the 
able-bodied male persons in the State, from sixteeen 
years old to fifty, excepting certain persons in position 
and employment specified, and negroes, Indians and 
niulattoes." The alarm-list " included all male per- 
sons from sixteen to sixty-five not included in the 
training-band," not specially exempted, and was 
organized in a separate corps. 

The militia of each county was organized in regi- 
ments and companies, the field officers being chosen 
by the Council and House of Eepresentatives. The 
companies consisted of about sixty-eight privates, 
who elected their company officers. 

Pembroke during these dark days, like all other 
towns in the American colonies, was an armed camp, 
every citizen under military orders. 

In 1781, Major McConnell, Lieutenant Samuel 
Daniell and Lieutenant Samuel Xoyes were chosen 
a committee to divide the parish, and to give to each 
company their quota of men required from the town 
for the army. Major McConnell was also empowered 
to purchase the quantity of beef required of the 
parish by the State authorities. In March the com- 
mittee reported that Captain J. Cochran's company 
should furnish six men, and Captain N. Head's com- 
pany five men, -to fill the quota of the town. Every 
able-bodied man, liable to serve, was enrolled a militia 
or minute-man. While the actual fighting had been 
progressing no draft had been required to fill Pciu- 
l>roke's quota. Volunteers were willing and ready. 
Now that the powerful aid of France had been suc- 



cessfiilly sought and obtained, and the British were 
acting on the defensive, and peace seemed probable, 
the enthusiasm had in a measure subsided. Yet 
Pembroke again willingly did lier duty, and the men 
were furnished. 

The extreme poverty of the people was very dis- 
tressing after the war, and the Legislature was impor- 
tuned to issue a fiat money to an unlimited extent to 
relieve the wants of the most needy, and finally did 
emit fifty thousand dollars ; but this did not suit the 
most clamorous, and it was determined to coerce 
the authorities. Runners were acccordiug sent into 
the most disaftected towns, calling upon the people to 
arm, go to Exeter and demand an emission of paper 
money, and other enactments to suit their views. 
September 20th, about two hundred young and 
thoughtless insurgents entered the town of Exeter, 
some on foot, some mounted, armed with every variety 
of weapon, from a musket to a stall'. Of the military 
men in this insurrection are handed down the names 
of Major James Cochran, Captain James Cochran, 
and Lieutenant Asa Robinson, of Pembroke, and 
probably a large part of their following were from 
the young men of the town. The dispersion of the 
mob is a matter of history, — how General Cilley 
arrested with his own hands Major Cochran ; how the 
rash men were dragged from their homes and brought 
to trial at Exeter, plead guilty and were discharged 
with a reprimand. Major Cochran was cashiered, but 
was restored on account of former good conduct, — 
more fortunate than Captain Cochran and Lieutenant 
Robinson, whose sentences were not revoked, and 
they lost their military rank. 

Under the military organization of the State in 
1812, Asa Robinson was brigadier-general of the Third 
Brigade ; Samuel Cofran, lieutenant-colonel Eleventh 
Regiment; David Xorris, major First Battalion ; A.sa 
Foster, major Second Battalion. 

In a company sent for the defense of Portsmouth, 
in July, were Moody Dustin, Edla Foster and Wil- 
liam Abbot, of Pembroke. 

The following Pembroke men were called into 
active service in the summer and fiill of 1814, under 
the command of Captain William Marshall : Samuel 
Ames, Samuel Evans, Joseph Emery, Edmund Holt 
and Richard Morse. 

September 26th the company under command of 
Captain Edward ■ Fuller was called out for sixty 
days ; the following were all or in part from Pem- 
broke : 

Kdward FiUler, captain ; Asa Head, lieutenant ; Samuel White- 
house, ensign ; Abel Read, AVilliam Knox, sergeants ; Aaron Martin, 
Reuben Osgood, corporals; Samuel S. Moulton, Stephen Hayes, John 
Conner, Jeremiah Edmunds, George Wlii/-lfr, .Sanni.i Kelley, John 
I>a\i8, Robert Moor, Jr., Isaac Kno.v. .1-1 m N: K ti ~. i l, IViUer, Stephen 
Chickering, William Fife; David lirM« I i: i i, Hillary Knox, 

John Morrison, Thoma.-^ Knox, Cliinl' I. ■ ,, i l.ilier, Thomas 

Slartin, Chase Prescott, George Freii. I,, l;,. ;,,wi w .:. ii, .luseph Knox, 
Nathaniel Lakoman, H illiaju lioaili, Dajilul Kimball, Samuel Robinson, 
privates. 



576 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRH 



The company was stationed at Portsmouth on gar- 
rison duty. 

Lieutenant Head seems to have been on detached 
s ervice, for the pay-roll of his company, all Pembroke 
men, has been preserved. 

Asa Head, second lieutenant ; Samuel Whitehouse, ensign ; William 
Hhdi, John Palmer, Jr., William Knox, sergeants ; Aaron Martin, cor- 
poral ; Peter Tucker, Andrew Gault, musicians ; Prescott Kendall, .Sctli 
liaker, Levi Haker, John Conner, Stephen Chickering, Jeremiah Edmunds, 
<:o«rge French, Samuel Kelley, Joseph Knox, Nathaniel Lakeman, 
Itobert Moore, Jr., John Morrison, Isaac Knox, John Nickson, Charles 
Kowell, Suniuel Robinson, Isaac C. Swan, Joseph Seavey, John Phillips, 
Kdmuud Whitcher, John Sargent, Jr., privates; Tim Lyndstone, waiter 

PKMBKOKE'S ROLL OF HONOR DURING THE REBELLION. 

Samuel 0. Burnham, Edward Clark, M. Y. B. Davis, L. H. Dearborn, 
Henry C. Fife, George W. Nixon, Woodbury Brooks, Frank Daniels, 
Pierre Francois, Thomas Ganlnor, John J. Jackson, Edward Levy, John 
I). Wolfe, Wni. M. Edmunds, Duncan Kennedy, George Barney, George 

F. Smith, Jos. B. Ciiiiiii.r, Il.nry ijuiniby, Wm. Zanes, Harrison Zanes, 
Thomas Haslin. I i ,1: I; ~ .li, M. C. Richardson, .John Sweeney, 
Carl Weisman, ' lii: I I . .I'<lin Frederick, Alviu H.Stevens, 
John Bacheldi-r. li ! \\ :!i!;im Bnrson, George Burney, John 

G. Gillis, Mich:.. I II ill. \\ illi.MH I.yjKh, Henry A. Mann, Daniel W. 
Knox, James Tol't'i!, Crorge II. Cilley, Benj. A. Brown, Benj. F. Slesser, 
Alfred Towns, Win. Gray, James Crowley, D. M. Lcighton, Joseph 
Lewis, John Fredericks, Henry Hashotf, Marshall Field, J. M. Prentiss, 
lieni. Wliit.-, r V r,,f,an, A. T. Dolby, G. N. Glidden, B. B. Haggett, 
J. W. N N ,11. - - u. T.Sullivan, H.H.Sargent, G. F. Smith, A. 
Biil.r 1,1 ' ! ; itiL^, A. J. Abbott, W. L. Robinson, Leon Ban- 
ford, .1 I K. i;ii i>, I i.uicis Henshaw, Daria Shillard, Daniel Lebolle, 
Chas. holiiiiiau, .>..l„niou P. Gale, Hazeu 0. Baker, H. F. Black, Simon 
Drew, T. H. Fife, W. A. Glidden, S. H. Haggett, F. P. Robinson, S. D. 
Robinson, W. F. Morse, Gain Burpee, Henry Johns, C. H. Kelley, R. H. 
Payne, J. M. -M.b.ilt, I). K. Eicliardscii, Ah in Holt, Aicx. Sliiindon, John 



,Tli< 



French, Henry Brown, E. Seavey, 
5 Tobin. Lewis Covert, John Sullivan, 
ba.H. T.«-\vi^. Wm. Shehau, James Cam- 

.1 I I'.i -1~, John Sweeney, G. W. 



men, P. 1-rancuis, John in, I 1 .-I, !•■- 
Ki.\on, John G.Giles, J. I' " : 1 I' 

llobt. Latimer, Joseph Unw , w -unlli, James Collins, G. C. 

Edmunds, Frank Gilt, John NV.illauu, .lolm t_,jbbons, C. A. Moore, Ed- 
ward Clark, J. J. Jaclvson, Edwin Chicitering, John Harrington, Geo. 
Harney, Wm. Lynch, Wm. Burson, Duncan Kennedy, Wm. Buchar, 
John Hart, G. H. Cilley, B. Dolau, R. Lihlance, James Boyer, John 
Clark, Chae. Mansfield. 

Of course, many ncner returmd (lora the war. 
Tliere is in Suncook a branch of the Grand Army 
of the Repul)lic, and a nourishing Ma.soiiic lodge. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



The chief industry of the flourishing village of 
Suncook is the manufacture of cotton cloth. The 
China, the Webster and the Pembroke Mills are 
tliree great establishments under one mangement, 
hdill on the hanksof the Suncook River and operated 



I Hy J. N. McClintocl 



principally by its power, where print cloths are made. 
About these mills, which give steady employment to 
over fifteen hundred operatives, has grown up a sub- 
stantial village, with fine public buildings, spacious 
stores, elegant private residences and long blocks of 
neat tenement-houses, inhabited by a liberal and pub- 
lic-spirited class of citizens, and governed by a wise 
and judicious policy which renders this community 
comfortable, attractive and law-abiding. The man 
to whose clear head and skillful hand is entrusted the 
management of this great corporation, of such vital 
importance to the village of Suncook, is a genial gen- 
tleman of forty-five, Colonel David L. Jewell, a brief 
outline of whose life it is my purpose to sketch. 

David Lyman Jewell, son of Bradbury and Lucinda 
(Chapman) Jewell, was born in Tamworth, N. H., 
January 26, 1837. In the midst of the grandest 
scenery of New England, under the shadows of the 
Ossipee Mountains, and in view of bold Chocorua. 
our friend was ushered to this earthly pilgrimage. 

Colonel Jewell is a descendant of Mark Jewell, 
who was born in the north of Devonshire, England, 
in the year 1724, and died in Sandwich, N. H., the 
l!)th of February, 1787. He descended from the sauK 
original stock as Bishop John Jewell, of Devonshiro. 
Mark Jewell came to this country in 1743, married 
and located in Durham, N. H., and was the father of 
three sons, Mark, Jr., Bradbury and John. Mark, 
Jr., was the first white man who settled in Tam- 
worth, in 1772, on what is now called "Stevenson's 
Hill," removing soon after to "Birch Interval," 
as known at the present time. He married Ruth 
Vittum, of Sandwich, in 1776 ; they were the parents 
of sixteen children. He was prominent in all 
town affairs, and sometimes preached, and was fa- 
miliarly called among his fellow-townsmen " Elder " 
or " Priest " Jewell. 

Bradbury, son of Elder Jewell, married Mary 
Chapman, in 1806, by whom he had two sons, — Brad- 
bury and David. Bradbury Jewell, a pupil of Samuel 
Hidden, was a teacher of considerable note, and his 
memory is tenderly cherished to-day by many of his 
pupils throughout the State. While engaged in 
teaching he pursued a course of medical studies and 
in 1839, having completed them, collected his worldly 
goods and removed to Newmarket, a place presenting 
a larger field for practice. There he commenced in 
earnest his chosen profession ; but being of a delicate 
constitution, the exposure incipient to a physician's 
life soon told upon his limited strength ; he sickened 
and died "ere the sun of his life had reached its me- 
ridian," leaving his widow, with two little children, in 
indigent circumstances, to combat with a cold and 
selfish world. A wealthy merchant of the place, hav- 
ing no children, wished to adopt young David, offer- 
ing to give him a college education and leave him 
heir to his worldly possessions ; but with a mother's 
love for her offsiMiiig, Mrs. .Icwcll refused the offer, 
and rcs(dvcd to rear and educate her children as well 




c^ 



^r^.^^^. 



PEMBROKE. 



577 



as her limited means would allow. Being a 
of undaunted spirit, she opened a boarding-house for 
factory operatives, when factory girls were the intelli- 
gent daughters of New England farmers, who re- 
garded this new industry as a most favorable opportu- 
nity for an honorable employment. 

Having brothers in Massachusetts, and thinking to 
better sustain herself and children, Mrs. Jewell re- 
moved to Newton Upper Falls, Mass., following there 
the same occupation. In that village young Jewell 
first attended school, the teacher of which was a 
former pupil of his father. To render his mother 
more substantial assistance than he could afford her 
by doing irksome chores, he went to work in the fac- 
tory when but nine years of age, receiving for a day's 
work — from quarter of five in the morning until half- 
past seven in the evening — the very munificent sum 
of sixteen cents a day, or one dollar a week. He 
worked nine months and attended school three, every 
year, until he was nearly thirteen years of age, when 
the close confinement was found detrimental to his 
health, and he was taken from the mill and placed on 
a farm. The next three years he passed in healthful 
happy, out-door work. Returning home from the 
farm, strong, robust and vigorous, he re-entered the 
mill, where he was variously occupied, becoming fa- 
miliar with the operations of the numerous machines 
in each department, but more particularly those per- 
taining to the carding-room, where his step-father, 
Thomas Truesdell (his mother having married again), 
was an overseer, learning as he pursued his work, 
gradually and insensibly, things that to-day are of 
incalculable benefit for the business in which he is 
now engaged. He little thought, however, when 
moving his stool from place to place, in order to facili- 
tate his labor, he would some day be at the head of 
similar works, many times greater in magnitude than 
those in which he was then engaged. 

His inherited mechanical taste was developed by 
his life among machinery, and when he was seventeen 
years of age he gladly entered a machine-shop. Here 
his ready perception of form rendered his work at- 
tractive and his improvement rapid. Before com- 
pleting his apprenticeship he felt keenly the want of 
a better education, and determined to obtain it. His 
exchequer was very low, but having the confidence of 
iVirrids, he readily obtained a loan, and in the spring 
"i I S.55 entered the Wesleyan Academy, at Wilbra- 
luini, Mass. The principal, after a casual examina- 
tion, said, "Well, you don't know much, do you?" 
Being quick at repartee, young Jewell replied: "No, 
sir. If I did, I would not be here." This brief sip 
at the fountain of knowledge only increased his thirst 
for more, and in September of the same year»he en- 
tered the State Normal School, Bridgewater, Mass., 
under the regime of Marshall Con ant, a life-long 
friend and counselor. 

Mr. .Tewell from the first was a fiivorite among his 
class-mat&s, courteous, genial, pleasant in disposition, 
37 



somewhat careless withal, but physically vigorous and 
always the first at athletic sports when relieved ii-onj 
study. Mathematics, of which he was very fond, and 
natural philosophy, were his favorite branches of 
study, and free-hand drawing his delight, as slates, 
book-covers and albums attested. While in school he 
made rapid progress and graduated in the spring of 
1857, having acquired, as his diploma reads, " a very 
creditable degree of knowledge of the several 
branches taught therein. Besides these attainments, 
Mr. Jewell possesses tact and skill for rapid sketch- 
ing and delineation, which give life to his black-board 
illustrations." 

To show the forethought possessed by him in a 
marked degree, before graduating he had secured a 
school to teach in New Jersey, and the day after the 
closing exercises were over he started for his new 
field of labor. He taught with great success in New 
Jersey and also in New York, some three years. One 
school, of which he was principal, numbered three 
hundred scholars, and employed five assistant teach- 
ers, all of whom were his seniors in years. Like his 
father, he gained an enviable reputation as a teacher, 
and his credentials speak of him in the highest terms 
a.s a competent, faithful and pleasing instructor and 
most excellent disciplinarian. One superintendent 
of schools remarks : " He was the best teacher who 
had been employed in the town for thirty years." 
While engaged in teaching Mr. Jewell pursued a 
course of study in engineering aud surveying, and 
finally determined to follow engineering as a profes- 
sion. He gave up school-teaching, left the " foreign 
shores of Jersey." and entered the oflice of R. Morris 
Copeland and C. W. Folsom, of Boston. His first 
work was the resurvey of Cambridgeport. He after- 
wards worked in Dorchester and on Narragansett Bay. 
He had just commenced this new occupation when 
" the shot heard round the world" was fired on Sum- 
ter, and the tocsin of war sounded the alarm. 

Surveying, like all other business, came to a stand- 
still; the compass was changed for a musket; dis- 
tances were measured by the steady tramp of the sol- 
diery, and the weary flagman became the lonely 
sentinel. About this time the owners of the Pem- 
broke Mill and property connected there in Pembroke 
and Allenstown, N. H., decided to increase their busi- 
ness by building a new mill twice the capacity of the 
one then owned by them. Knowing Mr. Jewell to be a 
good draughtsman, having employed him during the 
construction of the Pembroke Mill, they again en- 
gaged him. Consulting with their then resident 
agent, he prepared the required working plans and 
drawings for the Webster Mill. The work of the 
building was soon under way and rapidly pushed to 
completion. While thus engaged the agent at New- 
ton died, and the immediate care of the mills was 
given to Mr. Jewell, until (as the treasurer said) he 
could find a competent man for the position. Fin- 
ishing his work at Suncook, and having conducted 



578 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the affairs of the company at Newtou in a very satis- 
factory manner, the treasurer tendered him the 
agency of the mills. In accepting the position, his 
career as agent began, where, fifteen years before, he 
commenced the work that fitted him so thoroughly 
for the successful management of the same. The 
mills were in a bad condition, the machinery old and* 
run down, and the owners impatient and anxious. 
Nothing daunted, however, Mr. Jewell entered 
heartily into the business, making such changes that 
at the time he tendered his resignation he had 
doubled the production and greatly improved the 
quality of the goods manufactured. Looms built 
more than tifty years before, and improved by Mr. 
Jewell, are still running and producing nearly as 
many yards per day, and of as good quality, as those 
made at the present time. These mills were run 
throughout the war, paying for cotton as high as one 
dollar a pound, and selling the cloth for thirty-five 
cents a yard. Mr. Jewell was very anxious to enlist 
during the exciting times of war, but was prevailed 
upon by the owners to continue in charge of their 
works, and by the entreaties of his wife, who was 
hopelessly ill, to remain at her side. 

The treasurer and part owner of the mills at New- 
ton Upper Falls was also treasurer and large owner 
of the mills at Suucook. The Suncook Company, 
seeing a brighter future before them, agitated the 
project of enlarging their plant, and, in 1867, active 
operations were commenced upon the China Mill, 
which was, when completed, the largest works of the 
kind contained under one roof in the State. Mr. 
Jewell again fulfilled the oflice of engineer and 
draughtsman. The company's agent at Suncook, wish- 
ing to devote his time exclusively to the construction 
of the new mill, desired that Mr. Jewell should come 
from Newton several days each week to look after the 
manufacturing in the two mills then running. Thus 
for more than two years he acted as agent at Newton 
and as superintendent of the Webster and Pembroke 
Mills. In 1870, before the China Mill had fairly com- 
menced operations, the agent resigned his position. 
Mr. Jewell, having at Newton proved diligent, faith- 
ful and capable, was appointed in his stead. Resign- 
ing his position at Newton, ho moved with his family to 
Suncook, and assumed the management of the trium- 
virate corporation June 1,1870. He was obliged to 
go through nearly the same routine here as at New- 
ton. The machinery, however, was more modern, but 
had been neglected, and the power was inadequate to 
the demand. With indomitable perseverance he has 
remedied these defects, — by providing reservoirs, and 
more thoroughly utilizing the water-power, adding 
new and valuable improvements, putting in powerful 
steam-engines, so that now the mills are able to run 
during the most severe droughts, and the amount 
produced hsis been increased from twelve millions of 
yards in 1S74 to twenty-nine millions of yards in 
ISSf), with substantially tlu' same machinery, showing 



what tireless perseverance and devotion to duty can 
accomplish, when impelled by men actively schooled 
from boyhood in practical manufacturing. 

Mr. Jewell is a member of the New England Cot- 
ton Manufacturers' Association, and of the New 
IIam])shire Club. Mr. Jewell was lionored by being 
appointed aide-de-camp, with the rank of colonel, on 
Governor Head's staff, and speaks, with a merry 
twinkle in his eye, of turning out officiall;/ more times 
than any other member. He is a member of the 
Governor Head Staff A.ssociatiou ; an active member 
of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, of 
Boston ; a member of the Amoskeag Veterans, of 
Manchester, of which he was elected, in 1885, com- 
mander, but declined on account of the press of duty ; 
a member of the New Hampshire Veteran Officers' 
Association ; and an honorary member of the Old 
Twelfth New Hampshire Regiment. He was elected 
captain of the Jewell Rifles, a military company 
named for him, but graciously declined, and was 
made an honorary member. The Masonic fraternity 
also claims him, being an active member of "Jewell" 
Lodge, Suncook, named in his honor, and of the 
Trinity Royal Arch Chapter, Horace Chase Council, 
R. and S. M., and Mount Horeb Commandery, Con- 
cord. He is a member of the Supreme Council, 
having taken all the Scottish Rites up to the thirty- 
third degree, and is an active member of the Massa- 
chusetts Consistory, S.\ P.'. R.'. S.-. .32=', Boston, and 
a member of Connecticut River Valley Masonic As- 
sociation. 

Colonel Jewell is a public-spirited citizen. To 
him Suncook is largely indebted for its material ad- 
vancement since his residence in that community. 
Three times has his presence of mind and mechani- 
cal skill been the means of saving the village from 
entire destruction by fii-e. To him is the place in- 
debted for its very effective water-works, to guard 
against fires in the future. In private life Colonel 
Jewell is genial, affiible and approachable. His home 
is embellished by his artistic tastes, and his private 
library is rich in works of standard merit and 
art. In happy combination with the great executive 
ability of the subject of our sketch is a fine literary 
taste and a decided artistic talent, the former shown 
by his architecture in exterior decoration and by his 
household embellishments. 

Colonel Jewell affiliates with the Congregational- 
ists, but the Sabbath with him is a day of rest. His 
first wife was Mary A. Grover, daughter of Ephraim 
G rover, of Newton, Mass., to whom he was married 
in August, 18G0. She died October 16, 1862. He 
was again married. May 31, 1865, to Ella Louise Sum- 
ner, daughter of Lewis Sumner, of Needham, Mass., 
and a near relative of the late Senator Charles Sum- 
ner. Mr. Jewell has kept out of politics, but is a 
good Republican, and should he be the standard- 
bearer of the party in any future contest, he would 
probal)ly lead its forces to victory. 




C-^^-^-^t:,^^^ ^^<^-^^^-^ 



PEMBROKE. 



EDMUND ERSKINE TRUESDELL.' 

The subject of the following sketch, as the name 
indicates, is of Scotch descent. Scottish surnames 
originated in divers ways, and their significance is 
^is varied, — some being derived from locations, others 
from trades, offices, professions, peculiarities of ar- 
morial bearings and from many other sources. The 
uame "Truesdell" is said to have originated as fol- 
lows: During the troubles and vicissitudes of the 
early days of Scotland some of her people were more 
loyal than others to the government. In a particular 
hamlet or "daile" they were unusually faithful to the 
laws, so much so that they gained the envious ap- 
pellation of the "true daile" people. Usage h:is 
changed and time softened the pronunciation to 
Truesdell instead of " true daile." 

Edmund Erskine Truesdell, son of Thomas and 
I\Iary (Boydon) Truesdell, was born in Jewett City, 
Conn., March 3, 1845. He is a descendant of Ichabod 
Truesdell, who came from Scotland about 1700 and 
settled in South Woodstock, Conn. He had four 
sons, — Asa, Darius, Thomas and John. Asa was taken 
jirisoner while on a merchantman by the French 
during the reign of Napoleon the First. Darius, 
irreat-grandfather of Edmund E. Truesdell, partici- 
]iated in the War of the Revolution, and was at 
Valley Forge during the terrible winter of 1777. 
He was wounded in the side, narrowly escaping 
death by the ball providentially striking a large, old- 
fasliioned pocket-book, which he carried in his 
vest-pocket, containing valuable jjapers. He died a 
few years after the war from the effects of the wound. 
Soon after Edmund's birth his mother died at Newton 
Upper Falls, Mass., where his father had removed and 
was connected with cotton manufacturing. Edmund 
attended the common schools from the age of five years 
until he was fifteen, after which, for a time, he worked 
in the cotton-mill, becoming familiar with the vari- 
ous operations of the many machines required in the 
manufacture of cotton cloth from the raw material. 
While attending school, to help eke out his scanty 
supply of ready money, he delivered daily papers, 
when delivering papers to subscribers was in its in- 
fancy. This proved very successful. Disposing of 
the same, he entered Comer's Commercial College, in 
Boston, to better prepare himself for the various 
duties of life. After taking a regular course there 
and graduating, he re-entered the cotton-mill as 
second overseer in the carding department, where he 
remained two years. The owners, seeing in him the 
qualities required for a successful man, promoted 
him from second overseer of carding to overseer of 
the cloth-room, at the same time adding the duties of 
shipping clerk and assistant superintendent. 

When the Webster Mill, at Suncook, N. H., was 
started, the owner of the Newton Mills, Newton 
Upper Falls, Mass., being treasurer of the Suncook 



1 By Colonel D. L. Jewell. 



Mills, knowing Mr. Truesdell's capabilities, induced 
him to accept a like position — on a much larger 
scale — at the Webster and Pembroke Mills, in Sun- 
cook, N. H. Accepting the position, he entered upon 
the duties October 20, 1866. The changes he made to 
cheapen and facilitate the work proved his previous 
good training and that the treasurer was not mis- 
taken in the .selection. His record shows that his 
judgment was well founded. When the China Mill was 
started, in 1869, Mr. TruesdelTs duties were greatly 
increased ; but with a method reduced to its minimum 
he was enabled, without much extra exertion, to carry 
the work incident to the three corporations — pro- 
ducing twenty-nine million yards of cloth per year — 
with as little effort, apparently, as he did the two. 

In 1870 the former agent of the China, Webster 
and Pembroke Mills resigned his position, and the 
then acting superintendent was appointed to fill the 
vacancy. Mr. Truesdell being the most available 
man for a superintendent, he was again promoted 
from the cloth-room to superintendent and paymaster 
of the above named corporation — a position he has 
ably and successfully filled to the present time. 

Mr. Truesdell is an earnest and active Repub- 
lican, and has, for many years, been accorded the 
leadership of his party in the town. He was chosen 
town treasurer of Pembroke in 1878, 1879, 1880 and 
1881. He was elected a member of the Legislature 
from Pembroke in 1879 and again in 1880, serving 
both terms with credit as member of the committee 
on manufacturing. The following, in the "Notes 
from the Capital," published during the session in 
the Manchester Daily Mirror, speaks thus of him : 
" From a poor boy, earning a living by selling papers 
at a profit of half a cent each, to the superintendent 
of three corporations, employing two thousand op- 
eratives, is a long journey, and the man who, at 
thirty-two years of age, has made it does not need a 
certificate to his ability ; but it is a pleasure to say that 
one of the best members of this house is the genial, 
broad-shouldered, big-hearted member from Pem- 
broke. He is a Republican every day and a very 
lively one election days. He does his own thinking, 
has the courage of his convictions and fights like a 
Trojan for any cause or man he believes in." 

Mr. Truesdell is the senior member of the firm or 
Truesdell & Blodgett, one of the finest-stocked and 
best-conducted clothing-stores in the town. Mr. 
Truesdell belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being 
an active member of "Jewell" Lodge, which he 
was instrumental in forming, and of which he is 
Past Master. Of his work in this respect the Sun- 
cook Journal had the following: "Especial credit 
is due to the chairman, E. E. Truesdell, who, without 
delay, secured the dispensation, conducted nearly all 
the correspondence and was largely the head and 
front of the whole work from its inception to its 
consummation." He is a member of the Trinity 
Royal Arch Chapter, Horace Chase Council, R. and 



580 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



S. M., and Mount Iloreb Commandery, at Concord, 
N. H. He is a member of the Supreme Council, 
having taken all the Scottish Rites up to the 33d 
degree, and is an active member of the Massachusetts 
Consistory, S.'. P.". R/.S.".32d°, Boston. He is a mem- 
ber of the New England Cotton Manufacturers' As- 
sociation and a member of the New Hampshire Club. 

Mr. Truesdell is six feet one inch in height, weighs 
two hundred and seventy-eight pounds, and of good 
proportion and fine physique. His habits are simple, 
though a good dinner is not objectionable to him at 
any time. He hates spirituous liquors and tobacco in 
all their forms, as those who smoke in his presence 
know. His home is a neat, pretty place, filled with 
all that makes a home pleasant and attractive ; it is 
finely situated on Broadway, in the village of Sun- 
cook, and wa.s the first house built and occupied on 
this street. 

He married Mary Wilkins Austin, daughter of 
David Austin, June 11, 1872, who is connected with 
one of the oldest families of the town. By this 
union they have one child — a son. Mr. Truesdell is 
not a member of any church, but attends the Baptist 
with his family, where he is a liberal giver. He 
takes a warm interest in all that pertains to the 
moral welfare of the village in which he resides. 



GEORGE PEABODY LITTLE. 

George Peabody Little was the son of Elbridge 
Gerry and Sophronia Phelps Peabody Little. His 
father was born in Bradford, Mass., and his mother 
in Danvers, Mass. His mother was a sister of the 
late George Peabody, the distinguished London 
banker and philanthropist, from whom the son re- 
ceived his name and to whom he is indebted for his 
property. Mr. Little was born in Pembroke, Genesee 
County, N. Y., June 20, 1834. His early life was 
passed in that town and in Lewiston, N. Y., where 
he attended Lewiston Academy. He came with his 
mother to Pembroke, N. H., at about the age of thir- 
teen. He attended Pembroke Academy and the 
People's Gymnasium and Literary Institute. He 
taught one term of district school at the age of eigh- 
teen. When nineteen years old he went to Portland, 
Me., as clerk in a store. It was here that he cast his 
first vote, the same being for Neal Dow as mayor. 
The next ten years he spent in Palmyra, N. Y. He 
held the office of United States deputy collector, and 
assisted in the formation of the first Republican Club 
in Western New York. In 1868 he returned to Pem- 
broke, N. H., buying the farm and buildings formerly 
belonging to the late Hon. Boswell Stevens, where he 
had lived when a boy. The same year (1868) he 
erected his present substantial and elegant residence, 
and from time to time has enlarged the farm until 
now it comprises about one thousand acres, lying in 
Pembroke and adjoining towns. In 1871 he was 
elected a member of the board of trustees of Pem- 



broke Academy, and from about the first has been 
chairman of the executive committee, and the school 
has always found in him a firm friend and supporter. 
He has twice been elected representative to the 
Legislature. At present he is one of the selectmen 
aud also county treasurer, this being his second term 
of office. He is a Mason, being a member of the 
Mount Horeb Commandery of Concord, N. H., aud 
the De Witt Clinton Consistory of Nashua, N. H., to 
the thirty-second degree ; also a member of the Odd- 
Fellows' Encampment. Although belonging to these 
secret societies, he is loyal to the church (Congrega- 
tional) of which he is a member, always showing 
himself ready to bear his part in every good work. 
For many years he has been superintendent of the 
Sabbath-school. In 1854 he married Miss Elizabeth 
A. Knox, daughter of Daniel M. Knox, of Pembroke, 
N. H. Their children are George William, who died 
at the age of three and a half years, Clarence Belden, 
Mary Georgianna, Lizzie Ellen, Nettie Knox, Lucy 
Bowman and Clara Frances. 

Clarence is a resident of Bismarck, Dakota. He is 
judge of Probate for Burleigh County, a member of 
the Governor's staff and a director in the National 
Bank. Lizzie married Lester Thurber, of Nashua, 
N. H., and Nettie is a student at Smith College, 
Northampton, Mass. The others remain at home 
with their parents. 

GEORGE H. LARABEE, M.D.' 

The ancestors of Dr. Larabee were French and 
English. On the mother's side, four brothers, by the 
name of Sawyer, came from England, and settled in 
different parts of the United States. The Larabees 
originated from the Huguenots. One of the descend- 
ants, Horace Larabee, was a farmer and settled in 
the northern part of Vermont, and married Wealthy 
Howard. One of their sons was Stephen C. who was 
born December 10, 1813. He was a carriage-trimmer 
and harness-maker, and married Cynthia Sawyer, of 
Orford, N. H., and settled in Bradford, Vt. From 
this union were two boys, George H. and Edward E., 
whose parents died while they were very young — the 
mother June 12, 1844, and the father May 8, 1845. 
The younger of these children was, when an infant, 
adopted by the Emerson family, who gave him their 
name. He was educated at Tilton, N. H., and is 
now a lawyer in Marshall, 111. 

George H., the subject of this sketch, was born in 
Bradford, Vt., September 15, 1840, and on the death of 
his parents was adopted and reared by Elisa E. Sawyer, 
a sister of his mother, who took entire care of him 
in his childhood, and when he was four years old 
went to Edgartown, Mass., where, by teaching school, 
she earned support for herself and her little charge. 
For twelve years she thus taught, and it was under 
her tuition, and the High School of Edgartown and 



I By GranTillo P. Conn, M.] 




"^^^ca^^-z-d^ 01- SC 



PEMBROKE. 



581 



Dukes County Academy, that young Larabee was 
fitted for a teacher. At the age of thirteen he becairie 
a member of the Baptist Church at Edgartown, and 
was afterwards sujjerintendent of the Sabbath-school 
and clerk of the church for several years. At the 
early age of seventeen he commenced teaching in the 
public schools of the same town, for the support of 
himself and his foster-mother, who at this time be- 
came an invalid, and remained so until her death, in 
1880. The occupation of teaching, Dr. Larabee suc- 
cessfully followed for six years. It was while teaching 
school in the town of his adoption that he chose for 
a calling the medical profession, and during these 
years of teaching availed himself of every oppor- 
tunity to study his chosen profession. He studied 
medicine with Drs. I. H. Lucas and Edwin Maybury, 
of Edgartown. The first course of medical lectures 
he attended at Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Me. The 
following year he attended Harvard Medical College, 
from which he graduated in March, 1864, and at a 
time when the government was calling upon her sons 
to defend her integrity and maintain her rights. 
The same week in which he graduated Dr. Larabee 
volunteered, and, upon examination, receiving a com- 
mission as assistant surgeon, was assigned to the 
First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, and immediately 
joined his regiment, and was in active service until 
near the close of the war, when he was honorably dis- 
charged for disability. He was with his regiment in 
their engagements at Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold 
Harbor, Deep Bottom and Petersburg, and was on 
detail duty at City Point General Hospital. In the 
fall of 1865, Dr. Larabee located in the manufacturing 
village of Suncook, N. H., for the practice of his 
profession, and being a thoroughly competent phy- 
sician and surgeon, devoted to his profession, he soon 
had an extensive and lucrative practice. 

Dr. Larabee became a member of the New Hamp- 
shire Medical Society in 1867, and has been a member 
of the Centre District Medical Society since its reorgani- 
zation in 1872 ; in both of which he has been honored 
with appointments on committees and as delegate to 
various medical organizations, which he has always 
filled with signal ability and with honor to himself 
and the Association. He is a self-made man ; in 
social life a genial gentleman, a friend of the poor and 
always ready and liberal in the support of every good 
work. He is a prominent member of the Masonic 
fraternity, an Odd-Fellow, a Knight of Pythias, and a 
member of Louis Bell Post, No. 3, Grand Army of the 
Republic, of Manchester. 



TRCEWORTHY LADD FOWLER. 

In the memoirs of the Fowler family the name is 
found to go back into the eleventh century, and was 
prominent in the political and literary history of 
England. The subject of this sketch is a direct de- 
scendant therefrnm, through Philip Fowler, one of 



the founders of New England, who came over in the 
ship "Mary and John," in May, 1()34. The line 
of ancestors is Philip, Joseph, Philip, Philip and 
Symonds to Benjamiue. 

Benjamine, the father of Trueworthy Ladd, was born 
in Newmarket, N. H., June 10, 1769; removed to 
Epsom, N. H., with his father in 1778, and, January 
15, 1795, married Mehitable Ladd, born in Pembroke 
March 9, 1776, daughter of John and Jerusha 
(Lovejoy) Ladd. After his marriage he settled in 
Pembroke on the farm now occupied by the subject 
of this sketch, and died there July 24, 1832. His 
wife died in Pembroke September 9, 1853. This 
marriage was a singular coincidence. Each was the 
sixth generation in America of their respective fami- 
lies, and Philip, the ancestor of Benjamine Fowler, 
and Daniel, the ancestor of Mehitable Ladd (the 
line being Daniel, Nathaniel, John, Trueworthy and 
John), both came to this country in the " Mary and 
John," at the same time, from the same town. The 
descendants of these two neighbors, after pursuing 
different courses under the vicissitudes of a century 
and a half, were united in Benjamine and Mehitable. 
From this fusion of two hardy stocks sprang the 
subject of our sketch. He was the youngest of 
eleven children, eight of whom lived to mature age, 
and was born in Pembroke December 21, 1816, and, 
August 29, 1847, married Catharine L., daughter of 
Thomas and Abigail (Hutchins) Sargent, by whom 
he has four children living, — Henry Thomas, born 
November 30, 1849 ; Adin Gilbert and Charles Mar- 
tin (twins), born June 19, 1855 ; and Lillie Blanche, 
born February 29, 1860. His education was obtained 
at the district school, supplemented by attending, for 
a few terms, Pembroke Academy and the Gymnasium, 
a rival school, under the instruction of Professor Isaac 
Kinsman. While at these schools he supported him- 
self by his own labor, being, at the age of fifteen, 
thrown upon his own resources, with no provision for 
his education, by his father's death. 

He commenced to teach a district school at eigh- 
teen, and continued to teach during some portions of 
each year for eighteen years. During this time he 
managed the family homestead, which had come into 
his possession part by the will of his father and part 
by purchase. He now resides on the old homestead, 
which, by improvements and additions, has been 
made to rank among the largest and most productive 
farms in town. 

Although always ready to devote his time to the 
interests of his fellow-townsmen, he has never been 
an oflice-seeker, and the honors bestowed upon him 
liy the public must yield sweeter pleasure to his mind 
when he contemplates that they were won not by so- 
licitation, but came as a recognition of his usefulness. 
Always enjoying the confidence and esteem of his 
townsmen, he was called upon to serve them in nearly 
all the offices in the gift of the town. For years his 
was the familiar face and voice that presided over 



582 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



their town-meetings for town, State and national 
elections. 

Besides holding the offices of collector, auditor and 
treasurer, he served as selectman eleven years, eight 
of which as chairman, and superintending school 
committee twelve year.i. He was elected to the Leg- 
islature in 18.58 and 1859, and in 1876 was chosen a 
delegate to the Constitutional Convention of that year. 
In 1878 he was elected county commissioner, and 
served as chairman during the term of two years, 
from June 1, 1879, to July 1, 1881. In 1870 he was 
appointed United States deputy marshal, and took 
the census of Allenstown, Bow, Hooksett and Pem- 
broke. 

For many years he has been a trustee of Pembroke 
Academy, the survivor of the two schools at which 
his education was completed. 

For many years he has done a large probate busi- 
ness in the capacity of administrator and guardian, 
his judgment and experience recommending him to 
all who knew him. 

Brought up a Democrat, yet convictions of right 
and duty have always controlled his political acts 
and affiliations. He voted the last time with that 
party in 1844. His repugnance to the institution of 
slavery and its extension brought him to the support 
of John P. Hale in 1845 for representative to Con- 
gress; and he has had the satisfaction of living to see 
Hale United States Senator, and the weakening and 
discordant element of slavery wiped out of our gov- 
ernment. From the Free-Soil party he followed the 
lead of Seward and Lincoln, and has since been a 
supporter of Republican measures and principles. 

Of liberal religious sentiments and opinions, 
though pledged to no creed and identified with no 
denomination, Mr. Fowler has always revered the 
Scriptures as the inspired word of God, and has en- 
deavored to guide his conduct by their precepts. 

Mr. Fowler is known throughout the county as a 
man of good executive ability, upright integrity, 
sound judgment, rare good sense and of large prac- 
tical experience in business affairs; and these he has 
always been ready to devote to the service of the 
public and of his townsmen when required. 

Now (1885) he has retired from public affairs, with 
the exception of acting as one of a committee of 
three to procure the writing and publishing of the 
history of hi.s native town, and can be found at 
his home in North Pembroke, which his thrift and 
economy has established and maintained, where his 
counsel is much sought by his townsmen and friends, 
and where, together with his amiable and estimable 
wife, he dispenses a liberal hospitality to all who 
have occasion to visit his home. 



The family name of Fowler received prominent 
mention in the annals of the literature and govern- 
ment of England as far back as 1191. Richanl 
Fowler, of Foxley, fought under Richard Ca?ur de 
Lion in the war of the Crusades, and was knighted by 
him on the field of battle for having repulsed a night 
attack by the Infidels on the Christian camp, with a 
body of bowmen made up entirely of his own ten- 
ants. From him descended Sir William in the fourth 
generation, and his son. Sir Richard, was knighted 
by Edward IV- and created chancellor of the duchy 
of Lancaster. 

In 1514, Catharine of Arragon was entertained by 
Edward Fowler, and at his castle received the joyful 
news of the defeat of the Scottish army at Flodden 
Field. John Fowler, in 1547, was a member of the 
household of Edward VI., and it was through his in- 
fluence that the royal assent was given to the mar- 
riage of Lord Seymour to the Princess (afterwards 
Queen) Elizabeth. William, who died 1614, was one 
of the poets to the court of James VI. Christopher 
was a prominent English clergyman; born in 1611; 
left the Established Church in 1641 to join the Pres- 
byterians. Edward was made bishop of Gloucester in 
1691. John and Robert were among the great land- 
owners of Great Britain. Philip, one of the first set- 
tlers of New England, born about 1590, came to Amer- 
ica, with his family, in the " Mary and John," 
Robert Sayers, master. Arriving in May, 1634, and 
receiving a grant of land in Ipswich, Mass., the same 
year, settled there and resided until his death, June 
24, 1697. The line of descent to the subject of this 
sketch is through Philip (1), Joseph (2), Philip (3), 
Philip (4), Symouds (5). Winthrop (6) was born in 
Epsom, N. H., April 19, 1788. In 1810, he married 
Abigail, daughter of Samuel and Abigail (Brown) 
Davis, who was born in Epsom April 19, 1790, and 
died October 27, 1859. He filled many public offices 
in his native town and was distinguished for the clear- 
ness and soundness of his judgment and for the strict 
integrity and uprightness of his conduct. He was a 
man whose practice through life was in exact conform- 
ity with his profession. He was oneof the selectmen 
of Epsom in 1824, '26, '28, '30, '38 ; auditor in 1843- 
44. He died in Pembroke, N. H., September 22, 
1861. 

The children of Winthrop and Abigail (Davis) 
Fowler were Hannah, born September 5, 1810, died 
April 7, 1821 ; Abigail, born July 4, 1812, died July 
16, 1814 ; Abigail, born March 16, 1815, died Novem- 
ber 13, 1867 ; Betsey, born July 10, 1818, lives in Pem- 
broke, N. H.; Samuel, born May 8, 1821, lives in Ep- 
som, N. H.; Symonds, born March 20, 1823, died 
December 23, 1827 ; Winthrop, born June 28, 1825, 
died July 21, 1825; Winthrop, born January 20, 1827, 
lives in Pembroke, N. H.; Nancy, born December 17, 
1S30, lives in Pembroke, N. H. 




d 



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PEMBROKE. 



583 



WINTHROP FOWLER, JR. 

Winthrop Fowler, Jr., son of Wiuthrop iuid Abigail 
(Davis) Fowler, was born in Epsom, N. H., January 
20, 1827, and lived with Lis father on the farm until 
1845, when they moved to his present situation in 
Pembroke. May 16, 1860, he married Ann L., 
daughter of Ephraim and Sarah (Dyer) Locke, of 
Epsom, N. H. From this union there were three 
boys, — Minot Locke, born February 5, 1863 ; George 
Winthrop, born November 1, 1864; and Edward Mar- 
tin, born September 27, 1868. Mr. Fowler always 
had a firm belief in thorough education, and, by his 
industry and economy, was able to provide means for 
his boys obtaining such, the foundation of which was 
laid in the old Pembroke Academy, justly celebrated 
in the history of this county. Although of the minor- 
ity party, and ftir fronj being an office-seeker or de- 
sirous of public distinction, Mr. Fowler has been 
prominent in the civil affiurs of the town of Pem- 
broke, having held the position of moderator in the 
town-meetings of the years 1869, '71, '72, '73, '74, '77, 
'7.Sand'84; member of the Board of Selectmen in 
LS72, '73 and '74; auditor, 1878-84. continuously, 
which po.sition he still holds. In politics Mr. Fowler 
has always been a firm Democrat, interested and earn- 
est for the advancement of the plans and purposes of 
his party. He was in early manhood commissioned a 
justice of the peace by the Governor, which position 
he continues to hold. He owns one of the finest 
farms in Pembroke; he has led a hard-working life, 
and one of decided success. He has in an unusual 
degree the confidence and respect of all as a valued 
citizen of sound judgment, having the best interests of 
his fellow-men at heart, and is decidedly one of the 
leading men of his town. 



ADDISON NEWTON OSGOOD. 

For three generations the Csgood family have 
been prominent in the manufacturing, business and 
social circles of Pembroke and Allenstown, finding a 
sphere for activity and a home in the village of Sun- 
cook. 

The family is of English descent, the ancestor 
having cast in his lot with the Puritans of the Mas- 
sachusetts Bay colony some time in the seventeenth 
century. One of the forefathers followed up the 
vulley of the Merrimack with the company who set- 
tled at Penacook and laid the foundations of the 
fair city which later was to become the capital of the 
State. Many of his descendants may be found to-day 
in Concord and adjoining townships, while one branch 
sought a home in North Conway and adjacent towns, 
in the State of Maine. 

Some time before the year 1800, Christopher Os- 
good and his wife, Annie (Abbott) Osgood, from 
Concord, settled in the village, and he soon became 
one of the leading men in Pembroke. 

One of their sons, Ira B. Osgood, married Alice 



Prescott, settled in town and maintained the reputa- 
tion for business activity established by the father. 

Addison N. Osgood, in the third generation, the 
son of Ira B. and Alice (Prescott) Osgood, was born 
in Allen.stown March 16, 1836. 

His education was acquired at the common schools 
of the village and at Pembroke Academy. In early 
manhood he left home, and for several years was era- 
ployed in Boston and vicinity. In 1860, Mr. O-sgood 
returned to his native village, formed a partnership 
with James Tennant, which continued until Mr. 
Tennant's death, in 1873, and settled down to the re- 
sponsibilities of a business career. For twenty-five 
years Mr. Osgood has enjoyed the confidence and re- 
spect of his fellow-townsmen, which has been mani- 
fested by their frequent calls upon him to "manage 
the affairs of the township" and represeut them at 
the General Court. 

He was a member of the Board of Selectmen in 
1869, 1870 and 1871; representative in 1878 and 
1879; a supervisor in 1879; chairman of the Board 
of Supervisors from 1880 until the spring of 1885, 
when he was elected chairman of the Board of Se- 
lectmen. 

Mr. Osgood is an advocate of the advantages of 
secret societies. He was a charter member of the 
D. L. Jewell Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons at 
Suncook, and is a member of the Mount Horeb Com- 
mandery. Knights Templar. He is a member of the 
fraternity knowu as the Knights of Pythias and is 
prominent in Odd-Fellow circles. 

In creed, Mr. Osgood is a Methodist and is a mem- 
ber and regular attendant of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Suncook. 

He was married, December 17, 1865, to Mary 
Emma, daughter of William A. and Julia (Upham) 
Phelps, once of Haverhill, N. H., and later of Ames- 
bury, Mass., and Suncook, N. H. No children have 
blessed their home. 

Mr. Osgood is still in active business (wood and 
lumber), and is interested in every public enterprise cal- 
culated to beautify and improve the village of his 
choice. He is a builder and owner of comfortable 
homes for workingmen. He is the owner of a farm_ 
of some thirty acres and a desirable house on Glass 
Street, near his mill. 

Mr. Osgood enjoys to an eminent degree the respect 
of his fellow-citizens. He is considered upright and 
honorable in every relation of life, and by honest la- 
bor is accumulating a comfortable fortune to secure 
his old age from want. 



CAPTAIN WILLIAM FIFE. 

We are able to trace the ancestors of this family 
on the maternal side back to Joseph Holt, who was 
born in the north of England March 5, 1738. He 
married Elizabeth Widdrington, who was born in the 
north of England May 25, 1739. They were mar- 



5H4 



HI.STORY OF MElllllMACK COUXTV, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



ried in 1760, iind emigrated to this country, stopping 
in one of the seaport towns for a few years, tlicn came 
to New Hampshire. On the paternal side we can 
trace the ancestors back to William File, who was 
born in the north of Scotland May 16, 1746; he 
married Phebe White, born in 1745. Mr. Fife emi- 
grated to this country in 176S, and they were married 
after coming here, in 1772, and settled in North Pem- 
broke, on a lot of land bought of James Bartlett, 
who lived on Pembroke Street at the time. They 
built a log house aud bought a tract of land adjoin- 
ing the one already purchased. They built a new 
frame house, and about the time it was finished 
while the carpenters were at supper, it was de- 
stroyed by fire. Mr. Fife, not being easily dis- 
couraged, built a two-story frame house upon the 
.same jilace, which is standing yet. The only children 
of Joseph and Elizal)eth Hoyt of whom we have 
any account were Nathan, born December 2 1762, 
and married Sarah Black, born February 1, 1762, 
and settled on a farm in North Pembroke. Abigail, 
the only member of their family mentioned in this 
sketch, was born February 1, 1777. Jeremiah Fife, 
son of William and Phebe, was born December 5, 
1779, married Abigail Holt, November 20, 1803, and 
settled in the north part of Pembroke, where they 
lived ibr about fifty years. He was a carpenter and 
builder by trade, and he died February 22, 18.52. 
They had ten children, — Thursay, born March 15, 
1805, married Benj.amiu Hagget ; Nathan H., born 
December 6, 1807, married Abbie Brooks, and died 
December 19, 1839 ; Sarah, born November, 1809, 
married Samuel Worth; Abigail, born March 18, 
1811, married John Hagget, and died December 28, 
1861; Jeremiah, born August 10, 1813, died Novem- 
ber 1, 1845 ; James, born May 16, 1816, died July 22, 
1817; William, born April 20, 1821; Rhuhamah, 
born December 8, 1824, died May 21, 1854; Noah, 
born July 15, 1827, married Mary Wilson ; Elcy, 
born February 9, 18.30, married John Sixirlin. Cap- 
tain William Fife, the principal subject of this sketch, 
lived with his father upon the farm until he was 
nineteen years of age. He then began working at 
the carpenter business, which he has continued since. 
'He is a successful contractor and builder ; during 
the last few years has been engaged in forming. He 
was made captain in the Eleventh Regiment New 
Hampshire State Militia in 1847. which office he held 
for two years. 

.. He built a house on Pembroke Street in 1840, using 
a part of the old James Bartlet tavern, which was 
built more than one hundred years ago. Captain Wil- 
liam Fife married Mary D., daughter of Andrew aud 
Sarah (Dudley) Gault, October 19, 1843. She was 
born February 25, 1820, and died August 14, 1875, 
and they had the following children : Helen A., 
born May 24, 1843, married Joseph J. Rand, who was 
born October 12, 1841 (they were married May 28. 
1874, and settled in Rye, N. H.; they have one child. 



Mary A., born June 29, 1875) ; William W., born July 
15, 1848, married Louisa H. Blake (she was born 
February 27, 1840, married March 4, 1871, settled in 
North Pembroke, and they had four children, — 
Henry W., born November 28, 1871 ; Frank D., born 
March 12, 1874; Horace E., born June 24, 1880; 
Sarah A., born April 29, 1882); Edwin H., born 
January 16, 1851, married Lizzie Alden, April 28, 
1885, and settled in Springfield, Mass. ; Sarah F., 
born December 23, 1853 and died July 14, 1880. 



M'COXXEL JIOOr.E. 

Rev. Daniel .Mitchell, born in the north of Ireland 
in 1697, is the first person on the maternal side of this 
family of whom we have any knowledge. Upon ar- 
riving in this country, he was licensed to preach by 
the Boston Presbytery, and first entered the pulpit in 
Georgetown, Me. ; December 3, 1760, he w.as or- 
dained over the Presbyterian Church at Pembroke, 
N. H. ; was the first minister of that denomination 
in the place. He married Martha White, and to 
them were born two children, — Ruhamah and Martha. 
On the paternal side we are able to trace the line of 
ancestry back to Deacon Jitmes Moore, born in the 
north of Ireland. Before leaving his native country 
he married Agnes Coolbrath, and in 1713 or '14, upon 
their arrival in this country, they went directly to 
Concord, Mass., remaining one year; from there they 
went to Londonderry, N. H., but not liking the out- 
look, went to Pennacook, (now Concord), N. H. ; his 
next move was to Suncook (now Pembroke), where he 
bought a tract of laud, paying about four hundred 
dollars. They found upon their arrival but one white 
family in this town. Mr. Moore built the first frame 
house there, and during the French and Indian War 
it was used for a garrison. A part of the same house 
is now owned by Samuel E. Moore, one of the 
descendants. Deacon James died March 11, 1773. 

Robert, son of Deacon James, married Ruhamah, 
daughter of D.aniel and Martha (White) Mitchell, 
and they had ten children. Major Daniel Mitchell 
Moore, son of Robert and Ruhamah, and the father of 
the subject of this sketch, was born in Pembroke 
April 25, 1777. He married Sally McConnel, April 
9, 1809, and died December 29, 1848. They had four 
children, viz. : McConnel, Samuel E., Sally C. and 
Betsey T. McConnel, the subject of this sketch, was 
born in this town October 10, 1809, and spent his life 
upon the farm. He was educated at Pembroke 
Academy. December 20, 1837, he married Sarah J., 
daughter of John and Judith (Blake) Sanborn, of 
Loudon, N. H. Mr. Moore was a Whig in his earlier 
days, but voted the Democratic ticket later in life. 
He has never held any office, not having any aspira- 
tions in that direction. He was a member of the 
Congregational Church for nearly fifty years, and 
always a supporter of church and schools. He was 
a kind friend and neighbor. McConnel Moore died 




^^y^^/::^^^^^^^ 




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''^■^v^W^'vi^'^S"^ 



PPMBllOKE. 



in this town December 12, 1878, leaving 1 
ample means for support iu her old age. 



The Whittcraore family originated with Sir John, 
who was knighted on the battle-field for valorous 
conduct in the year 1230, and received a tract of land 
culled " Whytemere," or White Meadow, whence he 
received the title Lord John de Whytemere. 

Thomas Whittemore emigrated to this country in 
the year 1642, and settled in that part of Charlestown 
now known as Maiden. He died in 1660. His son 
John, who came over with his father, was born in 
Kitchen Parish, Hertfordshire, England, February 
1, 1638; was baptized February 11th of the same 
year. He married, first, Mary Upham, of Weymouth, 
who died June 27, 1677 ; he married, second, Mary 
Miller, in October, 1G77. Children,— Thomas, born 
1()64; Joseph, born 1666; Benjamin, born 1669; Na- 
thnniel, born 1673; Joel, born 1677; Mary, born 
1678, died young; Pelatiab, born* 1680; Amos, born 
T6Sl ; Mary, born 1683 ; Daniel, born 1685 ; Rebecca, 
born 1687; Hannah, born 1689. 

Benjamin Whittemore, son of John and Mary 
(Upham) Whittemore, was born in Cambridge, Mass.J 
September 1, 1669 ; married Esther Brooks, August 
17, 1692; settled in Concord, Mass., and died Septem- 
ber 8, 1734; his wife died September 16, 1742. 
Children of Benjamin and Esther (Brooks) Whitte- 
more, — Mary, born July 12, 1694; Benjamin, born 
April 9, 1696, died at the age of thirty-nine, was a 
representative from Concord six years ; Nathaniel, 
born November 23, 1698; Grace, born March 20, 
1700 ; Esther, born May 3, 1707 ; Aaron, born Decem- 
ber 11, 1711. 

Eev. Aaron Whittemore, third son of Benjamin 
and Esther (Brooks) Whittemore, was born in Con- 
conl, Mass., December, 1711 ; graduated at Har- 
vard College in 1734; resided three years at Groton, 
Mass. ; was settled over the Congregational Church 
in Suncook, or Lovell's township (now Pembroke), as 
the first minister, March 1, 1737. During the French 
and Indian Wars his house, which stood just south 
I'f the cemetery on Pembroke Street, was a garrison- 
iiouse, and he held the commission of first lieutenant 
from the provincial authorities of New Hampshire, 
and was in command of the post. The house forms 
a part of the present residence of Mrs. Vose. He 
married, February 2, 1743, Abigail Coffin, of New- 
bury, Mass., whom he met while visiting her relatives 
in Rumford. He died November 16, 1767. His 
wife, born November 18, 1718, died May 11, 1803. 
Children,— John, born 1744, died January 20, 1746; 
.\aron, born April 9, 1746, married Sarah Gilman ; 
Judith, born November 6, 1748, died February 13, 
I'oo; Benjamin, born December 4, 1750, married 
Abigail Abbot ; Esther, born August 12, 1752, mar- 
ried, first, Jeremiah Hall, married, second, Rev. Jos- 



eph Woodman ; Sarah, born May 18, 1754, died June 
15, 1759 ; Ruth, born April 12, 1756, married Deacon 
David Kimball ; Peter, born April 7, 1758, married, 
February 25, 17s:!, IClizabeth Baker, settled in Salis- 
bury, N. H. 

Aaron Whittemore, sou of Rev. Aaron Whittemore, 
born April 9, 1746 ; married, January 11, 1770, Sarah, 
daughter of Peter Gilman, of Exeter. She was born 
October 27, 1745, died October 14, 1823; he died 
May 1, 1817. Settled on his father's farm, served 
honorably through one campaign during the Revolu- 
tion, and was prominent in town afl'airs for many 
years. 

Children of Aaron and Sarah (Gilman) Whitte- 
more, — child, born October 21, 1770, died young; 
Judith, born November 5, 1771, married, November 
14, 1793, James Baker, of Bow ; John, born October 
14, 1772, died October 30, 1772 ; child, born October 
23, 1773, died young; Aaron, born November 28, 
1774, married Lydia Fisk, of Derry ; Richard, born 
January 16, 1776, married Nancy Brickett; Sarah, 
born September 16, 1777, married, November 15, 
1796, Jesse Baker, settled in Shipton, P. Q. ; Abigail, 
born November 17, 1781, died unmarried May 29, 
1861 ; Peter, born January 6, 1783, a physician, mar- 
ried, went West ; Polly, born April 16, 1785, died 
February 25, 1788. 

Hon. Aaron Whittemore, son of Aaron and Sarah 
(Gilman) Whittemore, grandson of Rev. Aaron 
Whittemore, was born November 28,1774; married, 
October 23, 1800, Lydia Fisk, of Derry, born Febru- 
ary 28, 1776, died March 9, 1862. He settled on the 
farm and built the house now occupied by his son, 
Hon. Aaron Whittemore. He was representative, 
Senator and judge. Died April 26, 1850, at the age 
of seventy-six. Children of Aaron and Lydia (Fisk) 
Whittemore, — Benjamin, born March 20, 1801, died 
in Philadelphia in 1833 ; Louisa, born September 21, 
1802, married, September 23, 1847, Charles P. Hay- 
ward (residence, Pembroke, N. H.); Mary F., born 
August 13, 1804, married, May 15, 1820, Daniel Par- 
ker (residence, San Francisco, Cal.) ; Adaline, born 
September 28, 1806, died December 28, 1821 ; Aaron, 
born November 4, 1808, married Ariannah S. Barstow, 
of Exeter; Hiram, born March 31, 1811, married, 
first, November 26, 1828, Elizabeth J. Hoit, of Exe- 
ter, married, second, August 27, 1856, Alma M. Pug- 
alls; Lydia, born June 28, 1813, unmarried ; Sarah, 
born November 24, 1815, married Jacob Sawyer, died 
September 9, 1845; Dolly D,, born February 13, 
1819, married David H. Burnham, died April 18, 
1843. 

Hon. Aaron Whittemore, son of Hon. Aaron 
Whittemore, grandson of Aaron Whittemore, and 
great-grandson of Rev. Aaron Whittemore, was born 
November 4, 1808 ; married, December 13, 1840, Ari- 
annah S. Barstow (born in Exeter February 20, 1821) ; 
settled in Pembroke on his father's farm. He gained 
his education at the academy, principally under the- 



586 



HESTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIKE. 



instruction of Hon. Jolin Vose. He taught school 
successfully for several years in Pembroke and other 
towns. 

He has been elected at various times to the most 
important offices in the gift of the people of the town, 
and held the offices of moderator, selectman and 
town treasurer for several years in succession. 

He represented the town two years in the State 
Legislature, and was a member of the Constitutional 
Convention of 1850, and also of 1876. He was ap- 
pointed postmaster at Pembroke in 1829, and held 
the office for about sixteen years. He was interested 
in the establishment of the People's Literary Insti- 
tute and Gymnasium of Pembroke, in 1840, and 
was chosen the first secretary of its board of directors, 
and afterwards served for several years as its president. 
He was elected one of the trustees of this academy in 
1863, and at the same time their secretary, and has 
held said office to the present time. 

He was connected with the militia of the State for 
some years ; was appointed ensign of the Second 
Company of infantry in the Eleventh Regiment June 
14, 1828; promoted lieutenant September 6, 1832; 
captain April 29, 1833 ; lieutenant-colonel of the 
Eleventh Regiment June, 27, 1839, and colonel of 
the same July 0, 1846. He was promoted brigadier- 
general of the Third Brigade June 4, 1851. 

He represented his native town in the Legislature 
in 1849 and 1850, and also was a member of the Con- 
stitutional Convention of 1850. 

He was appointed associate justice of the Court of 
Common Pleas for Merrimack County July 1, 1853. 
General Whittemore is a successful farmer upon the 
homestead of his father and grandfather. He was 
also, for a number of years, a member of the 
Merrimack County Agricultural Society, of which 
he served as president. Mr. AVhittemore is one 
of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of 
the town, looked to by all classes as a wise, most 
prudent and confiding counselor. From the fore- 



going sketch it will be seen it has pleased his fellow- 
men to place the utmost confidence in him, and to 
confer upon him all the honors they could bestow, 
which is too apparent a token of their esteem to pass 
unnoticed. The influence and benefit of such a 
citizen is not easily estimated. 

Children of Aaron and Ariannah (Barstow) Whitte- 
more, — Sophia F., born August 1, 1842; married, 
June 2, 1861, Charles C. Shaw. Ariannah B., born 
April 23, 1844; married, April 5, 1870, John H. Sulli- 
van. Aaron, born May 22, 1846; died April 3, 1849. 
Aaron born January 18, 1849; married; lawyer in 
Pittsfield. AdalineG., born October 13, 1850 ; married, 
February 2, 1870, John G. Tallant; died October 11, 
1875. JohnCambridge,born August 8, 1852; married; 
residence, Cambridge, Mass. Charles Barstow, born 
September 28, 1854; married; residence, Pembroke, 
N. H. Arthur Gilman, born July 26, 1856; lawyer; 
residence, Dover, N. H. Frederick B., born Septem- 
ber 12, 1857; residence, Kansas. Annie Brewster, 
born April 15, 1859. Elizabeth M. (Bessie), born 
February 21, 1861. 

Hon. Aaron Whittemore, Jr., who died in Pittsfield 
May 4, 1885, at the age of thirty-six years, was the 
oldest son of General Aaron Whittemore, of Pem- 
broke, and in many respects one of the representative 
men of his State, being a lawyer of extensive practice, 
a State Senator, judge advocate on the brigade stafl" 
with the rank of major, and continually laboring for 
the best interests of the town, of the surrounding 
communities of his own immediate neighborhood 
and all his fellow-men. 

As a lawyer and military officer, as well as a prom- 
inent member of the Democratic party, he was a man 
of marked influence, while in private life he was 
honored for his nobility of character and uprightness. 
Although he has fallen in the midst of his usefulness, 
in the full vigor of a still brighter future, yet he 
accomplished much, and his death is greatly 
lamented. 




'ffk 



^WTtk r /kMCe^y*^ 



"y 



HISTORY OF PITTSFIELD. 



CHAPTEK I. 

Geographical— The First Settlement— Esquire John Cram— The Pioneer 
Mills — The First Frame House — The First Town-Meeting — Names of 
Pioneers- Pittsfield Village in 1812. 

The town of Pittsfield lies in the eastern part of 
the county, and is bounded as follows : 

On the northeast by Belknap County; northwest 
by Loudon and Chichester, and on the south by Ep- 
som. 

One hundred and seventeen years ago (1768) a 
solitary traveler came wending his way through the 
wilderness, up the valley of the Suncook, to the spot 
where now stands the flourishing village of Pittsfield. 
This solitary traveler was Esquire John Criun, who 
came as a representative of the original proprietors of 
the town, most of whom resided in Hampton. They 
were anxious that the grant should be developed, and 
they were wise, as the sequel proved, in selecting John 
Cram as the pioneer. He examined the mill priv- 
ileges at the falls, and finally agreed with the pro- 
prietors to commence a settlement on the receipt of 
fifteen pounds and a deed of the mill privilege with 
the mill lot of one hundred acres. 

In the following year he came up and built a tem- 
porary dam across the Suncook, by felling a large tree 
on each side of the river, the butts resting on the 
stumps, and the tops meeting on the ledge in the mid- 
dle of the river, and by setting posts against the trunks 
of these trees, and throwing in brush, stones and gravel, 
a rude dam was constructed. He then built a log 
mill, and by means of this rude dam and rickety mill, 
timber and plank were sawed, with which buildings 
were erected and a substantial dam built, and in the 
following year he removed his family to the place, and 
to him is ascribed the honor of having made the first 
permanent settlement within the bounds of the present 
town of Pittsfield. 

The proprietors were indeed fortunate in selecting 
Esquire Cram to commence the settlement. He not 
only brought the land into market, but proved a most 
excellent citizen. He took an active interest in the 
new settlement, and for nearly forty years he was in 
public office, and did most of the town business and 
fairly earned the appellation of "father of the town." 
He was a native of Hampton. In addition to the 
mill privilege, he bought eleven hundred acres of land 
for ten cents per acre, which included most of the 
present village. He built the first frame house in the 



town in 1770. In all local enterpri.se.s he was a lead- 
ing spirit. He gave the land for the meeting-house 
and burying-ground. 

"Cram's Mill" was a common centre and resort 
for the early settlers to talk over the affiiirs of the 
country, the town, the laying out of roads and the 
building of bridges. 

The first town-meetings were held at his house, and 
here, also, the first settlers would gather on foQj, com- 
ing along blazed paths through the woods from their 
little clearings, dressed in their sheep's gray frocks 
and brown tow trousers, to elect officers and take such 
measures as would result in the promotion of the best 
interests of the town. Religious meetings were also 
held at his house, or in his corn barn. Here, also, 
the first religious society in the town was organized 
and a public school occasionally kept. 

At the breaking out of the War of the Revolution 
he was chosen captain, and every man in town was a 
member of his company. With a large family, and 
fifty years of age, it was not expected of him to go in- 
to the army, but during the long seven years' war he, 
with John McClary, of Epsom, rendered efficient ser- 
vice in furnishing men and means for the prosecution 
of the war. His large family of children all settled 
near him. During his forty years of service as town 
clerk, selectman, representative, etc., he made no 
charge for his services, only expenses. 

The early settlers were all from Hampton, and most of 
the names in each town are common to both, as Drake, 
Leavitt, Cram, Green, Norris, Dow, Jones, Marston, 
Gove, Greenleaf, Perkins, Tilton,, Lane, Jenness, 
Swett, Ring, Sargent, Shaw, Tucker, Fogg, Eaton, 
Hilliard, French, Philbrick, Towle, Brown, Blake, 
Knowlton, Smith, Davis, Sanborn, Clifibrd, Page, Gar- 
land, Mason, Hoag, Moulton, Chase, Brackett, True, 
Morrill, Prescott, etc. 

The rich soil, favorable location and heavy growth 
of timber induced rapid emigration. The early set- 
tlers were young men of pluck and strength, who 
came up to hew peaceful homes and fruitful farms 
from the wilderness, and provide a competence for 
their families by honest toil and rigid economy. 
They were lineal descendants of the colony of Puri- 
tans who settled at " Old Newbury." They were of 
the same stock that Cromwell chose for his Ironsides, 
"who feared God and kept their powder dry," and 
possessed the same leading traits of character. 

Pittsfield ViUage in 1812.— In 1812 the centre of 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the town was not called the village, but "the city," 
which consisted of the meeting-house and four or five 
dwellings. Dr. Thomas Shannon lived in the " Lang 
liouse," opposite the meeting-house. Mr. T. Clark 
lived at the corner of the road east. W. Butters, 
Ksq., lived a few rods west of this ancient building. 
A store was kept by Esquire Butters in one part of 
his dwelling, and another store was kept by Jonathan 
Clark in the west end of the next house, — the tavern 
and residence of D. Fogg, subsequently known as the 
~" Carroll house." Opposite was a small tenement. 
The next dwelling in a westerly direction was 
that of John Cram, with a large mill-yard between 
his house and the river, and the saw-mill and grist- 
mill near the bridge. Turning the corner and cross- 
ing the bridge on the Concord road, two small dwell- 
ings were passed, the first known as the Hilliard 
house, the other as the David Smith house. This 
was the last house till the top of the long hill was 
reached, and there was the house of old Mr. Prescott, 
and near by, that of his son, S. W. Prescott. On the 
Gilmanton road was a blacksmith-shop, and the high 
ledge overlooking the mill-dam, an old fulling-mill 
on its opposite corner, a carding-mill close by, and 
then Lyford's tannery filled up the space to the 
river. 

The old River School-house stood at the corner of 
the River road, with just room enough between it and 
the mill-pond for the road to Barnstead. By the 
hill-road lived Colonel Lyford, and at the corner be- 
yond, where the road branched, was the house of 
Moses Kenney. A few rods above was the Jenkins 
house, which in 1800 was used as store, tavern and 
dwelling-house. 

One of the earliest school-teachers was Joseph 
■Odiorne. For twenty-eight years he was annually 
chosen town clerk. At the bottom of the page, in 
the year 1810, is the following memorandum : " Writ- 
ten with a metalic pen." His first record as clerk 
was in 1802. 

Hon. Moses Norris, Jr., was a prominent citizen of 
Pittsfield. His father, Moses Norris, was an early 
.settler here and served in the Revolutionary War. 
Moses, Jr., graduated at Dartmouth in 1828, the first 
graduate from Pittsfield. He pursued his studies 
with Isaac O. Barnes, of Barnstead, and commenced 
practice in that town. In 1834 he removed to Pitts- 
field and soon acquired a large practice, rising to an 
eminent position at the bar, ranking with the Bells, 
Atherton, Woodbury, Pierce, Perley, etc. He repre- 
sented the town in the Legislature in 1837, '38, '39 
and '40, and the latter year was Speaker of the House. 
He was member of the State Council several years ; 
was elected member of Congress in 1843 and re- 
elected in 184.5. He was chosen United States 
Senator in 1848, and died while a member of that 
body in January, 1855. 

Eighty years ago the " Upi)er City "' was a place of 
more business than the jircsent village, or "Lower 



City " as it was then called. Near the " Upper City ' 
was a store kept by William Simpson, and latei 
one by Job Demerit. 

The village of Pittsfield is beautifully located on 
both sides of the river, and the hills, covered with 
innumerable farms, rise around it like a mighty 
amphitheatre, while in the background are seen lofty 
mountain peaks, the principal ones being the famous 
Kearsarge, the Belknap and Gunstock, and, taken all 
in all, no town in New Hampshire surpas-ses it in 
beauty, breadth and variety of its prospects. 



CHAPTER II. 

PITTSFIELD— ((7.,„(;„„«/)- 

The Cotton-Factory— The Suncook VaHey Eailroad— Its Inception- 
Road Completed — Celebration at Opening — Effect of the Railroad^ 
Shoe Manufacturing — Morgan, Dorr & Libby, 

Cotton-Factory.— The cotton -factory was erected 
in 1827, and after the first impetus had been ex- 
pended the place went on in a steady, old-fashioned 
sort of way for nearly forty years. During all this 
time four and six-horse teams went plodding away 
towards Concord in the morning and came wearily 
home at night, while the stage-coach rattled busily 
about at an early hour gathering up its load of 
passengers and freight. Pittsfield stood entirely by 
itself in those days. Then, as now, there was no 
place of equal importance within a radius of fifteen 
miles. It was without a rival, and has remained so 
ever since. Stages went out to Concord, Gilmanton, 
Alton, Dover and Northwood, and heavy team horses 
were a familiar feature of the village. It was during 
this period that Pittsfield Academy was founded, and 
grew up to be the foremost institution of learning in 
that section of the State, sending out pupils who 
have since made their mark in business, in medicine, 
in law, in the pulpit and in the school-room. It was 
in this time, too, that the various church edifices were 
erected, the Pittsfield Library was established and 
that the lyceura flourished in the hearty fiishion 
which men still delight to recall. Many substantial 
buildings were erected and some goodly estates were 
built up by industry and judicious trade. But the 
time came when Pittsfield people realized that they 
were standing still, if not positively retrograding, and 
the eifort to shake off the lethargy into which the 
village was falling led to the building of the Suncook 
Valley Railroad. 

Suncook Valley Railroad.— The building of this 
road opened anew era in the history of this town and the 
charming valley through which it passes. The first 
movement for connecting Pittsfield by rail with the 
outer world was begun about the year 1850. It was 
conceived by " Uncle John Berry," who, with others, 
procured a charter and a survey was made. The strug- 
gle for the road was a long and ardiKUis one. Ground 



I'TTT.SFIELD. 



was first broken April 26, 1S69, at PiltstielJ and tiuu- 
cook. The event was duly celebrated, and the build- 
ing of the road was rapidly pushed forward, and the 
hjst rail was laid November 27, 1869. The first train went 
over the road with passengers December 6th, leaving 
Pittsfield at 8.45 a.m. The road was formally opened 
with a great demonstration at Pittsfield, December 
10th. F. B. Berry was marshal of the day. The wel- 
coming address was made by Hon. E. P. J. Tenney, 
Au eloquent address was made by Hon. Lewis W. 
Clark. Addresses were also made by S. N. Bell, Hon. 
Isaac W. Smith, " Uncle " John Berry, Benjamin 
Emerson, Hon. Daniel Clark, Colonel John B. Clarke, 
Joseph Kidder, Governor Nathaniel Head, P. K. 
Chandler, John C. French and others. 

Pittsfield contributed liberally to the building of the 
railroad, the town voting the full sum allowed by law 
and the citizens subscribing heavily for the stock. It 
was in operation before the close of 1869, and in the 
spring of 1870 a new order of things began. Situated 
as Pittsfield is, remote from the cities and larger vil- 
lages of the State, with thrifty farming towns on every 
side, it only needed railroad facilities to become the 
centre of a large and steadily-increasing trade. The 
eti'cct of the railroad in this respect was realized at 
once, but a few leading citizens were not content with 
this alone, and looked about for some business that 
niiLi-ht be induced to locate among them and bring 
Cii lital and industry to the place. Lynn parties of- 
fered to come and engage in the manufacture of shoes 
if sufficient encouragement could be secured. As the 
result, a building two hundred and ten feet long, 
thirty-five feet wide and three stories high, with a 
basement, was erected in 1870, furnished with abund- 
ant steam-power, and three firms, each taking a third 
of the factory and power, began the manufacture of 
shoes onquite an extensivescale. The .shop had capacity 
for three hundred and fifty or four hundred hands, and 
for several years a large business was carried on. 
This was Pittsfield's second period of growth, and the 
village changed as in a transformation scene. New 
streets were laid out, building was pushed rapidly 
forward, and the stores increased in number as well as 
in the amount of business done. Some fine business 
blocks were erected, the population increased, and a 
brilliant future was confidently predicted for the vil- 
lage. But five or six years later there began to be a 
feeling of uncertainty in the very air. The firms en- 
gaged in making shoes at the big shop had trouble 
with their help, grew dissatisfied, and one by one 
took their departure, leaving the men who had done 
the most for the general growth, and who had in- 
vested heavily in real estate, in the most critical posi- 
tion possible. It was a time of great depression and 
general discouragement. Tenements stood empty, 
some traders moved away and others were undecided 
what to do. It was a terrible experience for the bus- 
iness men of Pittsfield and is often spoken of by 
them as the most trying period of their lives. It was 



more imperatively necessary that something should 
be done than it was in 1869. 

Shoe Manufacturing.— In 1879, C. B. Lancaster, 
an extensive and successful shoe manufacturer and 
dealer, offered to establish a part of his business in 
Pittsfield and make no fewer than five thousand cases 
annually, if the citizens would build him such a 
shop as he desired and exempt him from taxation for 
a term of years. An arrangement was quickly ar- 
rived at and the work of building was begun at once 
under the personal supervision of Mr. Ira N. Blake, 
who has from the first had charge of the firm's busi- 
ness in Pittsfield. It was Mr. Blake's idea to locate 
the factory on the river in order that the water-power 
might be utilized a great part of the year, and to use 
steam only in case the water-power should fail. Ac- 
cordingly, the building, as well as another erected by 
the company itself two years later, was equipped for 
both steam and water-power and the establishment 
enjoys immunity from stops through lack of motive- 
power. Work was begun in the shop before the car- 
penters had fairly left the building, and has contin- 
ued with but slight interruptions ever since. Mr. 
Blake himself added greatly to the confidence of bus- 
iness men by purchasing the farm formerly owned by 
the late Jeremiah Clark, which stretches down the 
hillside from Main Street to the river, opening up a 
new street, putting up no fewer than seven new cot- 
tage houses for his workmen and erecting an elegant 
residence for himself at the corner of Main and 
Blake Streets. Nothing better calculated to revive 
the courage of the citizens could have occurred. It 
was evident that the new firm had come to stay, and 
its representative was a man who would take some 
interest in the village beyond the number of dollars 
he might be able to remit to the headquarters of the 
firm in Boston. Building was begun anew, business 
revived and Pittsfield entered upon a period of de- 
velopment and general prosperity. 

In the six years that the firm of C. B. Lancaster 
& (^o. has been established here it has distributed 
in Pittsfield between one hundred and twenty-five 
thousand and one hundred and fifty thousand dollars 
yearly and has done an annual business averaging 
more than half a million. It has given almost 
steady employment to from three hundred to five 
hundred hands, has cut up thirty thousand sides of 
leather yearly, and in its largest year did a business 
amounting to seven hundred and eighty thousand 
dollars. 

Morgan, Dorr & LiiutY. — When the original shoe 
firm left Pittsfield the old shop remained empty on 
the hands of the Pittsfield Shoe Factory Association, 
which offered the free use of the building, with ample 
steam-power, machinery, etc., to any concern that 
would come and do business in it. Accordingly, 
Morgan & Dorr, a firm doing business in Lynn, formed 
a new partnership with E. A. Libby, a gentleman of 
twenty years' practical experience in the business. 



590 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and who had been for a long time previous in their 
employ as foreman and superintendent, and began 
operations here under the firm-name of Morgan, Dorr 
& Libby. The business was practically a new venture, 
it being the purpose of the firm to manufacture a su- 
perior quality ot ladies' goods and build up a trade 
on the merits of the work accomplished. The new- 
firm began work here in September, 1881, and in 
three years' time had established a business of about 
two hundred thousand dollars annually, employing 
in flush times two hundred and fifty hands. In Septem- 
ber, 1884, the partnership expired by limitation, but the 
business is continued under the supervision of Mr. 
Libby, who was retained as superintendent. 

The Pittsfield Manufacturing Company manu- 
facture cotton goods. It is a large establishment. Geo. 
E. Kent, agent. 



CHAPTER III. 



'ITTSFIELD— (( 



The Pittefleld Hank— Tlie Pittsfiuld Saviiigs-Bank— The Fanners' Sav- 
iugH-Bank — The Aqueduct Company— The Analecta — Corinthian 
Lodge, F. and A. M. 

The Pittsfield Bank was organized as a State 
bank March 18, 18'>1. The first board of directors 
were Benjamin Emersou, Jacob Perkins, John L. 
Thorndike, Jeremiah Clough, William Jenkins, Jr., 
John S. Osborne and S. M. D. Perkins. 

The officers have been as follows : Presidents, John 
L. Thorndike, James Drake and Charles H. Carpen- 
ter ; Cashiers, Charles H. Carpenter, John L. French, 
Josiah Carpenter and John A. Goss. 

Present board of directors, — Charles H. Carpenter, 
Hiram A. Tuttle, Thomas H. Thorndike, John A. 
Goss and Nathaniel M. Batchelder. 

It was organized as a national bank February 13, 
1885. Capital, fifty thousand dollars. 

The Pittsfield Savings-Bank was incorporated in 
18.'ir>, with the following incorporators: James A. 
Treat, John Berry, Benjamin Emerson, Reuben L. 
French, James Drake, Charles H. Carpenter, Syl- 
vester H. French, G. L. Remick, Lowell Brown, 
Jeremiah Clough, William G. French, Walter B. 
Drake and R. P. J. Tenney. 

The first officers were John Berry, president ; Lowell 
Brown, treasurer and .secretary. 

The first board of trustees were James A. Treat, 
William G. French, G. L. Remick, Charles H. Car- 
penter, Isaiah Berry, Sylvester H. French, Louis W. 
Clark, Reuben L. French, Peter J. Hook and Lowell 
Brown. 

The present officers arc R. L. French, president, 
and G. F. Berry, treasurer. 

Present trustees, — R. L. French, S. II. French, J. 
W. Johnston, Lowell Brown, B. F. Kaime, A. B. 
Taylor, John J. .Icnness, T. H. Thorndike, Jeremiah 



Clough, H. A. Tiittle, William G. French, P. J. H.M,k, 
B. G. Parsons, E. L. Carr and G. F. Berry. 

The present amount of deposits is $2.5i»,20i5; num- 
ber of depositors, twelve hundred and seventeen. 

The bank was first located in John Berry's store, 
and was afterwards removed to the second floor of 
Tuttle's Block, which was burned with the Congrega- 
tional Church, February 14, 1876. The safe was 
taken from the burning building uninjured, and Union 
Block was soon erected on the vacant spot, the bank 
taking one-third interest in it and occupying spacious 
and convenient (juarters on the first floor, where it 
still remains. The present treasurer, !Mr. George F. 
Berry, assumed the duties of his position in July, 1880, 
upon the resignation of his brother, William H., and 
has had charge of the business since that time. 

Of the sixty-seven savings-bank treasurers in New 
Hampshire, three were natives of Pittsfield, viz. : J. 
W. White, of Nashua; George F. Berry, of Pittsfield ; 
and William Yeaton, of Farmington. Two others — 
Josiah t'arpenter, of Manchester, and George A. 
Fernalil, of (Jonccjrd — have licen residentsof the town. 

The Farmers' Savings-Bank was organized Octo- 
ber 13, 1883, and commenced business December 1, 

1883. The officers have been as follows: Ira N. 
Blake, president ; John A. Goss, treasurer ; Ira N. 
Blake, Peabody H. Adams, Nathaniel S. Drake, 
James Griffin, Edwin A. Libby, George N. Foss, 
Charles H. Carpenter, Thomas H. Thorndike, True 
H. Mansfield, John J. French, Charles M. Bailey, 
John A. Goss, Aaron Whittemore, Jr., trustees. 
Amount of deposits May, 1885, nineteen thousand 
dollars. 

The Aqueduct Company was organized .Tune 1, 

1884, with the following officers : R. L. French, presi- 
dent ; S. J. Winslow, superintendent; R. L. French, 
Charles H. Carpenter, Hiram A. Tuttle, S. J. 
Winslow, Aaron Whittemore, Jr., ' board of 
directors ; John A. Goss, treasurer ; N. S. Drake, 
clerk. The officers have not been changed. 

The Analecta, published by O. H. A. Chamberlin 
in his elegantly appointed office in Opera Block, 
has a unique and interesting history. Mr. Chamber- 
lin began printing at his home in Dunbarton as an 
amateur in April, 1877, when seventeen years of age, 
and in December of the same year the first issue of 
the Siioio Flake — now the Analecta — appeared. It 
consisted of twelve pages, six by nine inches, and 
was to be published monthly, and was offered to the 
public at thirty cents a year. After three issues it 
was enlarged to a four-column quarto with patent 
inside, the outside being printed on a small job 
press, one page at a time. After October, 1879, the 
printing was all done at home, and for the first two 
years Mr. Chamberlain did all the work alone. Its 
circulation reached over eight hundred at this 
time. January 1, 1880, it was issued as a four- 



PITTSFIELD. 



5'Jl 



column folio, semi-monthly, and in the May follow- 
ing the Pittsfield department was added, over four 
hundred subscribers being received from that and 
other adjoining towns in the first eight months after. 
January, 1881, the subscription price was increased 
to fifty cents, and in the winter of 1882-83 a Cot- 
trell cylinder press and other machinery, with a 
large amount of type, etc., was purchased, and 
January 1, 1883, the paper was published as a seven- 
column folio weekly at seventy-five cents a year. 
The success of the venture was complete and the 
circulation rapidly increased. In June following a 
Hopkinton department was added, and an increase 
of nearly two hundred was secured by that means. 
January 1, 1884, the paper was enlarged to an eight- 
column folio, the subscription price placed at one 
dollar a year, as at present, and the name was 
changed to the Analecta. In April, 1884, the subject 
of removal to Pittsfield began to be discussed, and al- 
though no special inducement was offered by the 
citizens, it was finally decided to take the step. 
September 18, 1884, the material was on the road 
from Dunbarton to Pittsfield, and the paper was 
issued from the new home with only one day's delay. 
Such, in brief, is the history of the growth of a news- 
paper from the smallest beginning to a nicely- 
printed, well-conducted sheet, creditable to the vil- 
lage and a source of honest pride to its projector. It 
has reached a circulation of two thousand copies, has 
a good advertising patronage and one of the best 
equipped country ofiices in the State. Power is sup- 
plied by a water-motor and the rooms are lighted 
with gas. The facilities for job work are excellent, 
and in its new home the Analecta should continue to 
be what it has already become, a successful and 
prosjierous newspaper in a broadened field. 

Corinthian Lodge F. and A. M., No. 82.'— On the 
10th day of January, a.l. 5867 (a.d. 1867), the 
most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of New 
Hampshire, John H. Kowell, granted a dispensation 
to Brothers Henry H. Huse as Master, Daniel F. 
Smith as Senior Warden, W. Henry Berry as Junior 
Warden, together with their associates, Bros. R. P. 
J. Tenney,^^ J. C. French, E. B. Hazzen, C. P. San- 
derson^ C. W. Ranlet,- S. A. Trask, J. P. Stinchfield, 
Harrison Elliott,^ J. H. Hill, Nathaniel Blaisdell,- 
George E. Pendergast,' J. H. Jenkins, J. P. Roby, 
Benjamin Emerson,- J. J. M. Tenney,- to assemble 
and work as a regular lodge. Agreeably to the pro- 
visions of this dispensation, they met in the old 
lodge-room of the then defunct Suucook Lodge, 
I. 0. O. F., in the Thorndike building, on the evening 
of January 30, 5S67, with the above-named Masters and 
Wardens, and H. A. Tuttle as Treasurer, J. G. Ladd 
as Secretary, J. P. Roby as Senior Deacon, O. S. 
Roby as Junior Deacon, Sylvanus Smith as Senior 
Steward, C. W. Ranlet as Junior Steward, Sumner A. 

' By Henry W. Osgood, P. M. 2 Member of Governor's Council. 



Trask as Tyler, Harrison Elliott as member. At the 
regular communication, June 11th of this year, the 
lodge voted to petition for a charter. 

On July 24th the " Lodge met in special communi- 
cation at 2.30 p. m., for constitution and installment 
of its officers. The following officers were duly in- 
stalled and the lodge constituted by the Most Wor- 
shipful Grand Master John H. Rowell, assisted by 
Right Worshipful District Grand Master Alexander 
M. Winn : Henry H. Huse, W. M. ; John G. Ladd, 
S. W.; Oliver S. Roby, J. W.; William Yeaton, 
Treas. ; N. M. Rollins,' Sec. ; J. P. Roby, S. D. ; N. 
G. Foote, J. D.;= Sylvanus Smith, S. S. ; (i. W. 
Roby, J. S. ; Sumner A. Trask, Tyler. 

Rev. Bro. L. Z. Ferris preached an installation 
sermon in the Congregationalist Church ; refresh- 
ments were served in the old Washington House hall. 
The lodge held their communications in the old 
hall until A. l. 5870, when the building was re- 
modeled. Plans were submitted to the brethren for 
a new and commodious lodge-room, for an annual 
rental of one hundred and fifty dollars. So rapidly 
was the work pushed forward that the lodge was 
enabled to hold its communications within its own 
walls with one exception. The record reads : " Met in 
regular communication in May, 5870, at the hou.-ie of 
Brother Smith and opened on the third degree, waiv- 
ing all ceremonies." At the regular coninuinication 
in June we find them in their new quarters, which 
they occupied until the 14th of February, 1876, when 
the building was destroyed by fire. The lodge lost 
its charter, jewels and furniture j the records and 
seal the secretary, fortunately, had at his home. 

Williard K. Cobb Post, G. A. R., tendered the 
lodge the use of their hall, which was accepted at a 
rental of three doUare a communication. Wednesday 
evening, March 8, 5876, we find a goodly number of 
the brethren present, ready and anxious to do with 
all their might for the good of the order. They voted 
to purchase a solid silver set of jewels and a set of 
working tools. They remained here until Thursday, 
November 29, 5881, when they removed to their new 
and beautiful lodge-rooms in Masonic Hall, built by 
the Masonic Hall Association over the old town 
hall. 

The rooms are furnished in the very best ; the lodge- 
room proper is carpeted ; the chairs, altar, pedestals 
and settees of solid black walnut ; an elegant Bible, 
presented by the ladies, rests upon the altar; the 
solid silver jewels hang pendant from a beautiful 
and costly set of regalias of blue silk velvet, em- 
broidered and bordered with heavy silver bullion 
fringe, made and presented to the lodge by their 
ladies. 

The lodge has funds at interest, the brethren are 
in harmony, and everything points to increasing 
prosperity and usefulness. 



592 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The lodge had nine Masters, all of whom are living. 
Brother H. H. Huse has been elected Speaker of the 
House of Representatives of New Hampshire. Of its 
charter members, eight have died, one was a member 
of Governor Gilmore's Council, and one is at present 
the popular and efficient secretary of the New Hamp- 
shire Fire Insurance Company. 

Of its members, seven have died, sixteen have 
been demitted ; the present number is seventy-seven. 
The following is a list of its Past Masters, the order 
and years in which they served: Brother H. H. 
Huse, 5867 ; Brother J. P. Eoby, 5868, '69, 71 ; 
Brother W. H. Berry ,i 6870 ; Brother C. H. Lane, 
5872, '73, '74, '75; Brother L. A. Hodgdon, 5876; 
Brother E. J. Aiken,' 5877; Brother John Waldo, 
5878; Brother H. W. Osgood, 5879, '80, '81, '84; 
Brother Josiah Gove, 5883, and at present its Master. 

Masonic Hall Association, Pittsfield.-— Feeling 
and knowing the want of a lodge-room in which the 
brethren could meet and feel at home, a few of the 
brethren of Corinthian Lodge formed themselves into 
the " Masonic Hall Association," agreeable to the laws 
of the State of New Hampsliire. 

It« capital stock was fifteen hundred dollars, divi- 
ded into shares of twenty dollars each, which was 
readily taken up by members of the lodge. The as- 
sociation leased the upper story of the old town hall 
and built thereon a French roof, and finished the ele- 
gant suite of rooms rented and occupied by Corinthian 
Lodge, No. 82, A. F. and A. M. At its first meeting it 
elected Amos H. Messer, president ; Henry W. Os- 
good, treasurer ; Clarence Johnson, clerk ; Josiah 
Gove, William B. Hart well, trustees; AmosH. Messer, 
William B. Hartwell, Clarence Johnson, Charles M. 
Bailey, H. W. Osgood, building committee. 



CHAPTER IV. 

PITTSFIELD— (Co«(.«>.erf). 

Incorporation of Town— First Town-Meeting — Doeunientiiry History — 
Representatives— Town Clerks. 

The township was taken from Chichester and in- 
corporated by its present name March 27, 1782. John 
Cram was authorized to call the first meeting of the 
inhabitants to choose town officers, etc. 

The meeting was held as follows : 

"State of Newhanipshire i 

KocliiDgham, Ss. ] Chichester, December 2G'i>;i7mat a Leagal 

meeting of the Inhabitance of the town of Cliiclicster met according to 
notifycation Bate of warrant Deem the 12<i' 1781. 
" ILy Voted John Cram Esq' bo a moderator to govern said mooting— 
" 2Ly I'o(«<i that there Be a Commity Cliosen on both Bids of tho town 

to Divide said town. 
*' Voted that wjlliam Chase John Cram Ksq' Joseph morril Simeon Hil- 

yard Dyer Hook Elijah Ring and Cap'" Jonathan Leavitt be a 

Commitec to Divide the town of Chicliister— 



" Chichister Deer 2n'ii-17Sl then we the Subscribers a Commiteo h^a 

agreed in Dividing the town into two Parishes. 

"ILy that the whole of tho Land in the Second and third Divisions 1 1 
low the River and all the third Division above s* River Shall I 
to the north Side of the town. 

" 2Ly that the South Side and north Side of the town Shall Fre&x th.' 
Centers for their meeting houses within three weaks fromlhi- 
I>atc. 

"3Ly that those People that Live on Either Side of the Dividing Lii,. 
Shall havo Liberty to Poal themselves and their Estates! in 
Either Side of the Dividing Line that thoy Shall think Lost am 
time within three months after that the Centers are t^- l.> 1'':- 
fixt in the South and north parts of the town asal.u\r i^lt. I 



2Ly Put to vote to s 
hath agreed i 



: if the town will Except of what the Committ 
on and Signed in Dividing of the town and P; 



"3Ly Voted that the Second Division of Land beloo .Snncook Puvpi in 

S'lChichesterwith that Part of the third Division bil < ];l^ r 

and the Six Ranges in Said third Division above Sail ^n k 

River with the privileges and Preportion of Publick j..iii.i- i.-- 
longing to Said Divisions may be incorporated iutu a 1 uw ii jr 
Parrisb by themselves and invested with all town Priviliges as 
other towns in this State— 
*' 4Ly Voted that their may be three months Liberty alowed for any Per- 
son or Persons to Pool themselves and their Estates Either side 
of the Dividing Line that way they shall see best after the Cen- 
ters are Prefixed— 
"oLy Voted that John Cram Esqu' William Chase and Captn Jonathan 
Leavitt a Conmiitlee to Prefer a Petition to the General Court of 
Said State to confirm the above votes. 
" A true Coppy fi-om the minutes 

"per Dyer H.iok town Clerk." 
PETITION CONCERNING A DIVISION OF THE TOWN. 
" To the HonWe the Council and House of Representatives for the State 
of New Hampshire, in General Assembly convened at Exeter Janu- 
ary \ Dom. "1782 — 
"The Petition of tho Inhabitants freeholders, residing in the first & 
fourth Divisions in the Township of Chichester Humbly Sheweth— That 
a meeting of the Inhabitants of Chichester was called by the Select Men 
of said Town in consequence of a petition of the Inhabitants who reside 
in the Second and third Divisions in said Town for tho purpose of sev- 
ering or dividing the said Town into two distinct Parishes— That at said 
Meeting a Major vote was obtained in favour of said Petition — That for 
the conveniency of the Town, your Petitioners humbly conceived and do 
conceive that an equal division of the Town into two Parishes would be 
necessary if the same conld be properly effected — That those said Peti- 
tioners have obtained by the aforesaid vote more than an equal division 
without the voice of the Propriety of said Township who have never been 
consulted thereon, and have not as yet given up the reins of Government 
into the hands of said Town — 

" That if a petition should he preferred to your Honours in order to 
confinn the aforesaid Vote, that your Honours would take this our IVii- 
tiou under your wise consideration and direct Such Measures as shall W 
most conducive to the interest and welfare of said Town— And your Pe- 
titioners as in duty bound will ever Pray &c. 

"John Worth, Levi Stanyan, Jonathan Edmunds, Joseph morrill, 
Peter ITonk, Paul moiTill, Samuel Langniaid, Samuel .Tames, Edmund 
RaiKl T' I ill Tin, 1 iii^iiiaid, Smith Morrill, William moses, Ezckiel 
muirii: I 1 ' A\'illiam Seavey, Edmund Rand, Nathan Mar- 

diMi, Sill II 1 I I'lr Hook, Danill Sanborn, William Langniaid, 

Janir, ii:: - I |ia>rs, 

ri II II x ■ I- I l;\l\i, |il\ lHii\ iiF THE TOWN. 
"■!',. 11 II i: ii iiivi-sof thoStateof New 

11,11, I,, V I, ,v ' I 1 a t Exeter JauT a^ 1782. 

" Jluiul!;.\ sip ■,, , 111 J luj ' laii, 1,; 1^ W illuiiii Chase and Jonathan 
Leavitt a Couimitty for and in bchiilf of the Freeholders and Inhabi- 
tants of tho Town of Chichester in the County of Rockingham in Said 
State- 

" That the Said Froelioldors and Inhabitants of Chichester havo at a 
Legal Town nlcetin;^ Voted that the Second Division of Lands in Said 



PITTSFIELD. 



593 



Township below Suncook river with That part i>t 1 1 1 . i ! 1 1 1 . 1 1 1 ; \ i i . 1 1 I >. 
low Said rivor and the Six ranges in Said Third 1 h \ . : i - 1 1 1 

cook river with the Priviledges & Proportion of I'liiii I n i , : m 
to Said Divisions may be Incoi-porated into a town ;i r.uil. l..\ linjn 
selves, and Invested with all Town Priviledges aaotliur towiiB in tlii 
State, and that there niay bo allowed three months Liberty for any Per 
sou or P,-rson5 to Poll thomsolvos * thi-ir 'Rstiitcs tn Kitlii-r Siil.- nf th. 

Dividii,^ r,;n,. iiin „,n iii.x >i.,.ii<. i~-i,,r-.i n>. . ■,,,!> ,,it,m i, t..«, 



"T*"°J } T" «■» n™«'^"f R<-I..escntativosM„r.-l, 22.I: 

New Hanipr J 

1782— 

" Uix)n hearing and consulering the foregoing Petition 

" Voted that ttie prayer thereof be granted with tho following altera- 
tions and ameudmeiita (viz) instead of Six ranges in the third Divi- 
Kion above Suncook River to allow only five ranges in said third Division 
and that no polling shall be allowed and that the Tract of Land which 
they Petitioned to have set off by the name, of Pittsfield be sett off as a 
Separate Town and called by that name and to have all Town priviledges 
distinct from Chichester except in the Choice of Representatives, and that 
the Petitioners have leave to bring in a Bill accordingly. 

" Sfnt up for Concurrence 



Tlie result of the controversy was the setting off 
the northern part of the town, and incorporating the 
same into the town of Pittsfield, by an act passed 
March 27, 1782. 



"State of New hanipshire. 
''Rockingham Ss — 
"To the Honorable Counsel a 
hie Petition of us the Subscril.n 



s Shall be Cuppled together 
10 towupRofSaid Chiches- 

ilu l..-i,,. ,,r the inluibi- 



and fifty Leagal vottei-s Should Ii;l\l' tin; 
a member to the general Court and whai 
Leagal voters it was agreed ui>on that two 
we your Humble Pettisonars Select men 

torand Pittsfield humbley P.-Ii. i li 

tance of Said t jwns that w.- mm- i 

erty of Choosing and Ren'liii. 
Petitioners as in Duty boun.i >h.ii 1,^. ■ 

" Wii 



^^ ' ^, }■ In HouHc; of Representatives, ,Tan.v 2(1, 11 

New Hamps" J i > i 

" Upon Reading & Considering the foregoing petition, 
" To/erf, That the pi-ayer thereof be grunted, A that Nurthwooi] 
lUf^ed to be ji.ined to Cirtsfield bo Class<» to Kpsom & AIlensti>\vn. 



? same day read A Concurred. 



CHAPTER V. 

PITTSFIELD— ( CoiKt-nuerf). 



ECCLKSIASTICAL HISTORY. 



Congregational Church.'— On the 3d of June, 
1782 (the same year in wliich the town of Pittsfield 
was inaugurated), the town voted to build a house 
of worship and locate the same where the present 
town hall now stands. At the next town-meeting, 
held January 6, 1783, it was voted that the meeting- 
house should be built "of the same bigness of Hamp- 
ton Falls meeting-house." The building was not 
completed before the spring of 1789, although the 
frame was raised in the summer of 1787. 

Where was the customary place, or places, for re- 
ligious gatherings, previous to this, does not appear ; 
but, in the month of September, 1787, the Congre- 
gational Society met at the corn-barn of Colonel 
John Cram. Colonel Cram's house was the old Mc- 
Crillis tavern-stand, and his corn-barn stood op- 
posite, on land now belonging to the late S. Tenney's 
estate. 

In 1788 the to\VTi voted to hire a Congregational 
minister for three months. 

In November of the year following, — the year 
which witnessed the inauguration of Geo. Washing- 
ton as the first President of the United States, — this 
church was duly organized with ten members. 

The council was convened November 17, 1789, at 
the house of Colonel John Cram, " in compliance," 
as the old record reads, " with the request of this peo- 
ple by letters-missive." 

The following Congregational Churches were repre- 
sented by their pastors and delegates : Pastors, — 
Deerfield, Kev. Timothy Upham ; Loudon, Rev. Jede- 
diah Tucker ; Hopkinton, Rev. Jacob Cram ; Epsom, 
Rev. Ebenezer Hazeltine; Gilmanton, Rev. Isaac 
Smith ; Pembroke, Rev. Zaccheus Colby ; Hardwick, 
Rev. Mr. Holt. 

The council at the same time ordained Mr. Chris- 
topher Paige, a graduate of Dartmouth College, as 
pastor of the church, the society having given him a 
call, with a settlement of sixty pounds and a 
salary of sixty-six pounds, annually, one-third 
to be paid in cash, one-third in good corn at three 
shillings per bushel and good rye at four shillings 
per bushel, and the remaining third in good beef at 
twenty shillings the hundred-weight. 

Originally the society received a tract of fifty acres 
of land, lying upon the south side of Catamount, not 
far from the old Major William Berry place. In 
1779, at the suggestion of Colonel Cram, this land 
was exchauged for land belonging to him in the 
village near the old parsonage house. 

Jlr. Paige's ministry continued for a little over six 
years. Fourteen were received into the church, — 

1 Compiled by Kev. George E. Hill. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



making, willi the ten original members, a iiKmbershi|i 
of twenty-tour. 

After Mr. Paige'sdismission, in January, 1796, tliere 
appears to have been but little Congregational preach- 
ing till the year 1800. In the fall of that year Rev. 
Benjamin Sargent, a Calvinistic Baptist, came to sup- 
ply the pulpit for some one else. His preaching was so 
acceptable tliat he was invited to come again, and in 
December following he received a call to supply the 
pulpit for a year. Mr. Sargent, it would seem, was 
considerably exercised in mind over this unusual call 
from a Congregational Church to one professing close- 
communion sentiments, and the rasult wiis a renun- 
ciation on his part of those peculiar views held by his 
denomination, and he became an open-communionist. 

Mr. Sargent commenced his labors as pastor in the 
beginning of the year 1801. In the spring of this 
year tlicre was a revival of religion in town. This 
revival gave three additional members to the church. 
There were, however, twenty-one other converts. 
These were baptized by immersion, and on the 29th 
of October were gathered into an open-communion 
Baptist Church. Six months after this new Baptist 
Church was organized, April 29, 1802, it met, with 
the Congregational Church, at the meeting-house. 
The old record reads as follows: "1802, April 29th. 
At a church-meeting at the meeting-house, the two 
churches in Pittsfield, the Congregational Church 
and Calvinistic Baptist Church, mutually agreed and 
passed a vote to commune together at the table of 
the Lord, and each church to discipline their own 
church. Attest, Jonathan Perkins, Moderator." 

Mr. Sargent continued to supjily the two churches 
during the remainder of his ministry, and for sixteen 
years the two churches regularly sat around the 
Lord's table, Deacon Perkins, of the one church, and 
Deacon James, of the other, officiating as deacons ; 
thus realizing " how good and how pleasant it is for 
brethren to dwell together in unity ! " Forty-four 
united with the churches during Mr. Sargent's min- 
istry, — sixteen with the Congregational Church and 
twenty-eight with the Baptist Church. On the after- 
noon of the Sabbath, March 15, 1818, he went into 
his pulpit, and while preaching was seized with a fit 
of jialsy, which soon deprived him of sjieech and 
reason. He died the following Thursday. 

On October 29, 1818, the Calvinistic Baptists with- 
drew from fellowship with this church and organized a 
closc-conununion church. There was at first no 
little trouble as to which society should occupy the 
nuctiug-house, — both churches at one time occupy- 
ing it alternately,— but this matter was afterwards 
adjusted, the Baptists yielding their claim. 

In October, 1818, Mr. Abel Manning commenced 
his labors as stated supply, and continued for some 
time into the following year. During his ministry 
fourteen were admitted to the church. 

Dill'erent persons supplied the puli)it after Mr. 
Manning, until the year 1827, during which time the 



church became so weak financially that it received 
aid from the Home Missionary Society, and even 
then preaching could be secured for but a lew months 
of each year. 

In October, 1827, a call was extended to Mr. Ezra 
Scoville, who was ordained and installed November 
21, 1827. His ministry, owing to a lack of pecuniary 
support, was short, but successful, — twenty -three unit- 
ing with the church under his pastorate. He was 
dismissed September 14, 1829. For two years and a 
half there is a break in the records. At the end of 
this period Mr. Preserved Smith was ordained to per- 
form the work of an evangelist with this church, June 
12, 1832. He remained less than two years, but his 
labors were greatly blessed, thirty-seven being received 
during his ministry, and all but four on ]>rofe9sion. 

In October, 1834, Rev. Jonathan Curtis, of Sharon, 
Mass., having accepted a call to the pastorate, was 
installed by council, Rev. Dr. Bouton, of Concord, 
preaching the installation sermon. Mr. Curtis' min- 
istry extended over a period of nearly eleven years. 
He W!is an able and devoted pastor. Under his 
ministrations one hundred and sixty-eight united 
with the church. There were several revivals of 
great power. The largest addition in one year was 
in 1838, when forty-four united,— all but one on con- 
fession of faith. 

On the 18th of December, 1838, Edward Berry, 
Colonel Nathaniel Bachelder, Samuel White, Thomas 
Berry, William Berry, Jr., Enoch French, John L. 
Thorndike, John Berry, Isaiah Berry and John Pot- 
ter associated themselves together for the purpose of 
purchasing land and erecting upon the same a new 
meeting-house. A contract was then made to build 
a house sixty feet long and forty-one feet wide for the 
sum of one thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars. 
The new building was completed in 1839. The old 
meeting-house, where worship had been .sustained 
for fifty years, was purchased by the town for a town- 
house. For about thirty-seven years the church con- 
tinued to worship in the new building, which received, 
in the mean time, enlargement and improvements. 

Rev. Mr. Curtis was dismissed July 1, 1845, and on 
the 19th of November of the same year Mr. Moses 
II. Wells was ordained pastor. During his eight 
years of faithful service forty were added to the 
church, — fourteen by profession and twenty-six by 
letter. On account of feeble health Mr. Wells re- 
signed his charge in December, 1853. 

December 12, 1854, Rev. J. A. Hood, of Salem, 
Mass., was installed pastor. His ministry extended 
over a period of seven and a half years, during which 
time seventy-seven were added to the church, — fifty- 
four on confession of faith. A revival in the latter 
part of 1856 brought thirty-five into the church at 
one time. To Mr. Hood we are indebted for the his- 
torical sketch in the " Church Manual " and other 
matters of historic interest which ap]vear in the 
records kept by him. 



PITTSFIELD. 



595 



In 18()1, Thomas Berry presented the society with 
a tMwer clock aud R. L. French with a bell. 

Mr. Hood's labors terminated in July, 1862. On 
til,. .-^Oth of November, 186.5, Mr. L. Z. Ferris, who 
h:nl previously supplied the pulpit, was ordained and 
installed pastor. His ministry covered a period of 
nearly five years, during which twenty-one united 
with the church. He was dismissed in February, 
]>7ii. and on the 21st of December of the same year 
' II. A. Hazen was installed pastor. During this 
the house of worship was repaired, and the next 

I the Ladies' Sewing Society took measures to 
biiiUl a vestry,— a praiseworthy undertaking, which 
drew about a thousand dollars from their treasury. 

Mr. Hazen 's pastorate of nearly two years termi- 
latnl in November, 1872. 

lor more than a year following the church had no 
iilar supply. In the middle ofthe year 1874, Rev. 
- -. X. Greeley, of Gilmanton, supislied the pulpit 
\\ Sabbaths, and his preaching gave such satis- 
i:u uiin that his services were continued for four and 
a half years. He neither assumed nor prosecuted the 
distinctive work of a pastor, residing as he did out of 
tnwn and giving his eiforts mainly to the special 
\\ ilk of preaching. This work he enjoyed, not caring 
ill li is later years to take upon himself the responsi- 
liilities and burdens of a parish. 

Ill the fall of the year 1875 the Young Men's 
('luistiau Association commenced a good work in the 
xiliiii^e, followed by Mr. Fowler, the evangelist. A 
l> wrrful revival attended his labors and, as a result, 
tMiiy-two were added to the church. 

During Mr. Greeley's ministry forty-nine united 
with the church, all but seven by profession. 

The church, so richly blessed spiritually, soon met 
with a heavy loss. A great fire broke out on the 
iiiiilit of February 14, 1876, and on the morning of 
ii" next day the house wherein fathers and children 
1 1 lee generations had worshiped, and about which 
red so many precious memories, was destroyed. 
1 Here was deep sorrow over the loss, but there was 
:•'<•'• a resolute determination to make good the same; 
mil with courage and faith the people at once ad- 
ihessed themselves to the work of building a new 
h' luse of worship. A warrant was posted on the 28th 
ot February, out ofthe very ashes, as it were, calling 
the society together, March 13th, when it was 
piijn]]itly voted "to build on the old site," and a 
liuilding committee was appointed, consisting of 
-Messrs. W. H. Berry, R. L. French, W. C. Adams, J. 
\\". .Tohnston and John Waldo. Subsequently, May 
4, 1S76, this committee were instructed "to build a 
new church and vestry." At this very meeting it was 
voted to raise one thousand dollars for preaching the 
ensuing year. That was a time of pluck and of 
consecration. 

Soon the diihrU of the ruins was cleared, the 
foundations were laid and the walls began to rise, the 
church in the mean time worshiping in the Grand 



Army Hall, kindly tendered them by the W. K. Coblj 
Post 29. How well the- committee executed their 
trust, let the building itself tell,— substantial and con- 
venient as it is in its arrangements, harmonious in its 
proportions, and with its commodious chapel and ladies' 
room, leaving scarcely anything to be desired, at a 
cost of a little over thirteen thousand dollars they 
erected one of the most comely church edifices in the 
State. The money was raised from the insurance on 
the old house, by the proceeds of the sale of pews and 
by generous subscriptions, two members of the 
church and society giving one thousand dollars each, 
namely, John L. Thorndike and John True. The 
beautiful and sweet-toned organ, as well as the car- 
pet and cushions, was procured through the efforts of 
the Ladies' Benevolent Society. The clock on the 
tower was the gift of John L. French, Esq., and the 
bell, recast from the metal of the old bell melted in 
the fire, was presented by the original donor, Hon. R. 
L. French. 

On the 13th of February, 1878, just two days less 
than one year from the destruction of the old meet- 
ing-house, the new building was dedicated free from 
debt to the worship of the Triune God. The sermon 
was preached by Rev. Mr. Greeley and the dedicatory 
prayer was offered by Rev. S. L. Blake, of Con- 
cord. 

On the 2d of May, 1879, Rev. John W. Colwell be- 
came acting pastor of the church, and continued till 
January 30, 1881, during which period the spiritual 
life of the church was steadily and healthfully devel- 
oped, twenty having been received into the church, — 
ten on confession of faith and ten by letter. 

In the month of June, 1879, there was a great tem- 
perance awakening throughout the town, as a result 
of which nearly a thousand persons signed the pledge. 

The ninetieth anniversary of the church, which 
took place November 16, 1879, was an enjoyable and 
memorable occasion. A discourse was jircached in 
the morning by Rev. Mr. Colwell, followed by a 
union communion service in the afternoon and a 
union praise service in the evening. All of these meet- 
ings were largely attended. On the following Mon- 
day evening there was a social gathering ofthe church 
and congregation in the chapel, a bountiful enter- 
tainment being provided by the ladies.- (To Mr. 
Colwell's excellent anniversary sermon on that occa- 
sion we are indebted for the greater part of the mater- 
ials for this sketch.) 

On the 29th of June, 1881, Rev. Geo. E. Hill, 
the present pastor, was duly in.stalled by council ; the 
sermon preached by Rev. W. V. W. Davis, of Man- 
chester ; installing prayer by Rev. Jeremiah Blake ; 
charge to the pastor by Rev. Lyman White ; right 
hand of fellowship by Rev. C. E. Harrington ; and 
address to the people by Rev. S. S. N. Greeley. 

During Mr. Hill's ministry, up to the present time 
of writing, twenty jiersons have united with the 
church, — thirteen by profession and seven by letter. 



HISTORY OF MEIUIDIACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSIIIllE. 



The total membership of the church from its or- 
ganization to this date, July 1, 1885, is five hundred 
and twenty. The present membership is one hun- 
dred and fifty-one, — males, forty-eight ; females, one 
hundred and three. One hundred and eighty-one 
children have received Christian baptism. 

The names of the several deacons of the church 
are as follows : Jonathan Perkins, who was chosen in 
1789 and served forty years ; Edward Berry and Eb- 
enezer Prescott, chosen in 1828 ; Dr. Jonathan C. 
Prescottin 1839; John L. Thorndike in 1844; Reu- 
ben L. French in 1855 ; William C. Adams in 1856; 
Edward J. Aiken in 1877 ; John W. Johnston in 
1881 ; Stephen R. Watson and M. Harvey Nutter in 
1885. Deacon Adams, the present senior deacon, 
has served in this capacity nearly thirty years. 

The Sabbath-school was organized about the year 
1818. John L. Thorndike was its first superinten- 
dent and held the oflice for sixteen years. He was 
succeeded by Dr. Jeremiah Blake. Since then the 
successive superintendents have been as follows : Ne- 
hemiah Berry, Dr. Charles T. Berry, Rev. J. A. 
Hood, R. L. French, William P. Adams, J. W. 
Johnson, M. Harvey Nutter and John S. Rand. 

The number of scholars and teachers registered 
during the present year is two hundred. The Sun- 
day-school has proved a powerful auxiliary to the 
church, and many from its ranks have entered the 
fold of the Good Shepherd. 

The church has been liberal in its contributions to 
the support of home and foreign missions and the 
general Christian work at home and abroad. Dur- 
ing the ninety-six years of its history it has given 
over eighty thousand dollars for church-building pur- 
poses, for preaching and benevolent objects. The 
Ladies' Benevolent Society deserves honorable men- 
tion in this connection for its warm sympathy and 
self-sacrificing devotion to the church and for its ef- 
forts in helping the poor and needy. 

This church has ever been Congregational in its 
spirit and practice, managing its own affairs without 
dictation from any extraneous human authority and 
governed by the will of the majority of its mem- 
bers, who look to Christ alone as their head. 

Weekly devotional meetings have been sustained 
from the beginning almost without interruption, and 
though the spiritual life of the church has fluctuated 
at times, the fire on the altar has never been suffered 
to go out. 

May its future be even more bright than the past ! 
" Peace be within her walls and prosperity within 
her palaces." 

Free-Will Baptist Church.' — From the earliest 
records of this church now extant we learn that prior 
to February 3, 1791, " the people who called them- 
selves Frec-Will Baptists formally covenanted with 
God and one another to accept Christ as their own 



1 By John T. Hill. 



Lord and Law-giver, and they were worshiping in two 
places as two bodies; but on the above date repre- 
sentatives of the two bodies met in council and agreed 
to write a new church covenant or .spiritual agree- 
ment, to which the following persons subscribed 
their names : Robert Dickey, Thomas Blake, Joseph 
Towle, David Knowlton, Joseph Mason, Mary Knowl- 
ton, Elizabeth Towle, and from this date and meet- 
ing the church dates its birth." Immediately preced- 
ing this date there was an extensive reformation in 
and around the town of Pittsfield, in which Benjamin 
Randall, Joseph Bovely, David Knowlton, Isaac 
Townsend and John Buzzell were the principal 
workers. 

On October 15, 1791, at an adjourned monthly 
meeting, the church voted to donate to Benjamin 
Randall one pound and four shillings in money or 
corn. 

The first record of administering the Lord's Sup- 
per was on the Lord's Day following December 10, 
1791, Daniel Philbrick officiating. 

The first record of delegates to New Durham Quar- 
terly Meeting were David Knowlton, Daniel Phil- 
brick ; meeting held at Barnstead. 

June 3, 1792, David Knowlton, Thomas Blake, Na- 
thaniel Chase and Perkins Philbrick were chosen to 
attend as delegates the New Hampshire Yearly Meet- 
ing at New Durham. 

August 12, 1795, David Knowlton was ordained to 
preach the gospel by a council consisting of John 
Buzzell, Daniel Lord, Joseph Bovely and Benjamin 
Randall. 

Among the ministers who labored for this church 
in its early history we find the following names : 

David Knowlton, Samuel B. Dyer, Bickford, 

Ezekiel True, Silas Bean, Ebenezer Knowlton and 
John Knowles. 

May 7, 1831, David Marks being present at the 
regular monthly meeting, preached a sermon. 

On May 2, 1838, another church was organized 
and known as the Second Free-Will Baptist Church 
of Pittsfield, until A. d. 1840, October 18th, when, the 
First Church having lost its visibility, by a vote of the 
church, its title was changed and called the First 
Free-Will Baptist Church. It vfas organized in the 
hall of Stephen W. Libbey. The council consisted of 
Elders Enoch Place and Daniel P. Cilley, who 
adopted a constitution and church covenant, which 
was signed by the following-named persons, viz.: 
Stephen W. Libbey, Levi True, True Norris, Thomas 
Smith, Nehemiah Chase, Shurburne Greene, Newell 
Brown, Enoch Page, Joseph D. Emerson, Solomon 
Sanders, John D. Hillierd, Belinda A. Savory, Eliza 
Smith, Abigail Green, Dorothy Blake, Mary J. Chase, 
Mary T. Brown, Lucy Page, Judith Chase, Nancy 
Dennett, Rebecca B. Langly, Lois B. Langly, Me- 
hitable L. Dow and Hannah Morrill. All of the 
above-named persons have gone to their reward, ex- 
cept Elder Daniel P. Cilley and Dorothy Blake (now 




/(^^^ ^ Jt,(^u^ 



PITTSFIELD. 



597 



hav- 



Mrs. Andrew J. Young), Mrs. Hannah M< 
ing died in 1884. 

The whole number of members of this church from 
its organization in 1838 is five hundred and forty- 
three ; present membership, one huadred and si.xty- 
five ; well united and enjoying a healthy and strong 
growth ; at peace with all the other churches and 
pastors of the town and desiring the prosperity of 
all. 

This church became a member of the New Durliam 
Quarterly Meeting May 25, 1838. 

First pastor was Rev. D. P. Cilley, from March 2, 
1839, to March, 1843. He was followed by Rev. J. E. 
Davis, May, 1843, to October, 1846; Rev. Ezekiel 
True, July, 1847, to May, 18.51 ; Rev. Silas Curtis, 
November 5, 18.52, to November, 1856 ; Rev. Hosea 
Ciuiuby, February, 1857, to September, 1860 ; Rev. 
J. B. Davis, October 4, 1862, to June 6, 1863 ; Rev. 

H. F. Snow, February, 1864, to —, ; Rev. B. 

F. Pritchard, August 7, 1866, to July, 1867 ; Rev. 

E. A. Stockman, May 2, 1868, to September 25, 1870 ; 

Rev. A. Deering, April 1, 1871, to , 1874 ; Rev. 

Hosea Quinby, January 9, 1875, to April, 1876 ; Rev. 
George S. Hill, July, 1876, to December, 1876 ; Rev. 

F. E. Davison, March 7, 1877, to January, 1878; Rev. 
J. C. Osgood, April 1, 1878, to April 1, 1882; Rev. 
A. J. Eastman, May 1, 1882, to May 1, 1885; Rev. 
E. P. Moulton, May 1, 1885, the present pastor. 

The meeting-house now occupied was completed in 
1838 and dedicated December 12, 1838. Dedicatory 
sermon by Elder Daniel P. Cilley. 

The house was enlarged and remodeled in 1852 at 
an expense of twelve hundred dollars. Re-dedicated 
August 4, 1853. Sermon by Elder Silas Curtis. 

The Free- Will Baptist Sunday-School was organ- 
ized November 20, 1853, by Rev. Silas Curtis, John 
S. Osborne and others. 

Ezra C. Willard was the first superintendent of the 
school ; John S. Osborn the first clerk, holding the 
office twenty years and for many years a teacher in 
the school, deacon and church clerk ; John Smith 
was an active, earnest laborer in the Sunday-school, 
also deacon and church clerk. The last two brethren 
have gone to their long home, — Brother .Smith hav- 
ing died January 2, 1884; Brother Osborn. June 22, 
1885. 

The whole number of superintendents to date, 
eleven ; the present incumbent, John T. Hill, having 
served nine years. Dudley B. S. Adams served as 
clerk seven years and is now at rest. L. D. Much- 
more is the present clerk. 

The average number of scholars during its exist- 
ence is eighty-two and a half; present number, one 
hundred and ninety. It has a library of four hun- 
dred volumes. Within its wheel is a "Band of Hope" 
(little missionary workers), w^ho are contributing 
twenty-five dollars toward supporting a school in 
India. 

An Episcopal Mission was established here some 



years since, but has been practically abandoned. 
There is also a Baptist Church and an Advent Church 
here, but we have been unable to secure any infor- 
mation concorniuij: thcni. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. HIRAM A. ri' PTLK.' 

Hon. Hiram A. Tuttle w:is born in Barnstead Oc- 
tober 16, 1837, being the elder of a family of two 
sons. His father, George Tuttle, and his grandfather, 
Colonel John Tuttle, were also natives of the same 
town. His great-grandfather, John Tuttle, settled in 
Barnstead in 1776, coming there from that locality in 
Dover known as " Back River," where a part of the 
Tuttle family had resided since the settlement there 
of their emigrant ancestor, John Tuttle, who came 
from England before 1641. 

His mother, Judith Mason (Davis) Tuttle, is a de- 
scendant from Samuel Davis, a soldier of the Revo- 
lution, and one of the primeval settlers of Barnstead. 
Brave soldiers of the Davis family from four genera- 
tions have represented that town in the four great 
wars in which the country has been engaged. 

When Mr. Tuttle was nine years of age he moved 
with his father's family to the adjoining town of 
Pittsfield, where he attended the public schools and 
Pittsfiold Academy, while the latter was under the 
charge successively of I. F. Folsora, Lewis W. Clark 
and Professor Dyer H. Sanborn. 

After having been engaged in several vocations, iu 
all of which he showed industry and faithfulness, at 
the age of seventeen years he became connected with 
the clothing establishment of Lincoln & Shaw, of 
Concord, where he remained several years. The 
ability and zeal which he exhibited while there won 
for him the confidence and respect of his employers, 
who established him in the management of a branch 
store in Pittsfield, of which he soon became the pro- 
prietor. His business increased, gradually at first 
and then rapidly, till his establishment had gained an 
extensive patronage, and ranked among the largest 
clothing houses in the State. It is so favorably re- 
membered by former residents and patrons that orders 
are received for goods from distant States and Terri- 
tories. Mr. Tuttle has also been interested in real 
estate. He has built many dwelling-houses, includ- 
ing a fine residence for himself, and the best business 
buildings in the village. He w:is one of the prime 
movers in organizing the Pittsfield Aqueduct Com- 
pany, which furnishes an abundance of pure water to 
the village for domestic and fire purposes, and sub- 
scribed for a large part of its capital stock. In many 
ways he has promoted the growth, social and business 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



interests and general prosperity of his adopted town. 
He is a trustee of the Savings Bank, a director of 
the National Bank and a trustee of the academy in 
Pittsfield. 

When he had attaiiRil his majority, in 1859, he ex- 
pressed his intention of casting his first vote with 
the Republicans, although all his relatives belong to 
the Democratic party. The Democrats of Pittsfield 
had been victorious and powerful since the days of 
Jackson, under such distinguished leaders as Moses 
Norris, Jr., Charles H. Butters and Lewis W. Clark, 
all being able lawyers, impressive public speakers 
and having popular manners. Mr. Norris, a native 
of the town, represented it repeatedly in the Legis- 
lature, was Speaker of the House twice, a councilor, 
representative in Congress four years, and was elected 
to the United States Senate for six years while resid- 
ing here. The ability and courteous manners of Mr. 
Clark (now Judge Lewis W. Clark) made him no less 
popular than Mr. Norris with all classes, during the 
shorter time he was in business life in town. Seeing 
in young Tuttle qualities that might make him trou- 
blesome if opposed to them, but useful if in accord 
with their party, the Democrats used their most emi- 
nent persuasive powers to induce him to cleave to 
the party of all his kindred and vote with the hitherto 
victorious; but he obeyed his convictions, and re- 
mained true to the Republican party. In 1860 the 
Republicans, though so long hopelessly beaten, made 
a sharp contest. When the day of election came 
Mr. Clark was elected moderator, having been a most 
acceptable presiding officer for several years. The 
election of town clerk was made the test of the 
strength of the two parties. After a very exciting 
ballot, Mr. Tuttle was elected town clerk, and the 
Democrats were beaten for the first time in thirty- 
three years. 

Although Pittsfield has a Democratic majority 
under normal circumstances, Mr. Tuttle has received 
the support of a large majority of its votes at times 
when his name has l)ccii presnitnl for position". In 
1873 and 1874 he was iv|ii ,-, maiiN .• to the Legisla- 
ture. In 1876 he recL-ivcil an :i|i|"iintnient, with the 
rank of colonel, on the stalf of Governor Cheney, 
and with ihe Governor and staff' visited the Centen- 
nial Exposition at Philadelphia. He was elected a 
member of the Executive Council from the Second 
District in 1878, and was re-elected in 1879, under the 
new Constitution, for the term of two years. 

Mr. Tuttle has been very successful in all that he 
has undertaken; but his thrift has never made him 
arrogant or indifferent. He has cheerfully shared 
with others the results of the good fortune that Provi- 
dence has granted him. He is an agreeable and 
companionable gentleman in all the honorable rela- 
tions of life. 

As a citi/en, neighbor and frieiul he is held in the 
highest ostiniatii)n. 

lie lias furnislied eiuplovment for nianv and has 



been kind to the poor, very respectful to the aged, 
charitable to the erring and a sympathizing helper 
of the embarrassed and unfortunate. Few men have 
more or firmer personal friends, whose friendship is 
founded on kindness and substantial favors received. 
He gives with remarkable generosity to all charitable 
objects presented to him, and is very hospitable in 
his pleasant home. Mr. Tuttle accepts the Christian 
religion and worships with the Congregational 
Church. While he contributes very liberally for the 
support of the denomination of his choice, he does 
not withhold a helping hand from the other religious 
sects in his. town. 

In his domestic relations he has been very for- 
tunate. He married, in 1859, Miss Mary C. French, 
the only child of John L. French, Esq., formerly 
cashier of the Pittsfield Bank. Their only child — 
Hattie French Tuttle— born January 17, 1861, was 
educated at Wellesley College. 

DR. RICHARD PERLEY JEWETT TEXXEV. 

Dr. R. p. J. Tenney was born in Loudon, N. H., 
August 18, 1810. His father. Dr. William Tenney, 
was a native of Rowley, Mass., and a descendant of 
Thomas Tenney, a member of one of the forty Puritan 
families who, with their pastor. Rev. Ezekiel Roger-s, 
came from Rowley, Yorkshire, England, in 1639, and 
settled that ancient town. After studying medicine 
with Dr. Amos Spoffbrd, of Rowley, he settled in 
Loudon, N. H., about 1790, where for more than 
thirty years he was a popular and prominent (iliy- 
sician. 

Dr. Tenney, the younger, was, at the age of four- 
teen years, deprived by the death of his father of 
that paternal counsel and guidance so necessary in 
that critical period of life when the foundation of 
moral and business habits is laid, and called to assist 
a widowed mother in the care of two brothers and a 
sister, all younger than himself. He discharged his 
increased filial and fraternal duties in a commendable 
manner. 

Although it had been the often-expressed design 
of his father that neither of his sons should encoun- 
ter the hardships incident to the life of a country 
lihysician, after a preparatory course at Gilmanton 
Academy, he studied medicine at Gilmanton under 
the direction of Dr. Asa Crosby, founder of that dis- 
tinguished medical family whose labors have re- 
flected so much of honor on society, college and 
State. He attended medical lectures at Harvard in 
1829; at Dartmouth, 1830 and 1831, and took his 
medical degree from the latter college at the close of 
the lecture term of 1831, being then but twenty-one 
years of age. He soon after settled in Loudon, where, 
with earnest devotion to his profession, and aided by 
the prestige of his father, he rapidly acquired a good 
])ractice. 

After sixteen years of his professional life being 



PITTSFIELD. 



599 



spent in the town of his nativity, he moved to the 
neighboring town of Pittsfield, and immediately en- 
tered upon a large business there, still retaining most 
of liis former patrons. With duties thus augmented, 
the remainder of his life was exceedingly busy and 
laborious. 

Dr. Tenney became a Fellow of the New Hamp- 
shire Medical Society in 1836, and was the oldest liv- 
ing member, except Dr. Ezra Carter, of Concord, 
who was admitted in 1826. He was called to various 
positions of honor in tlie society. With Dr. C. P. 
Oage, he represented it in the convention held in New 
York City in 1846, at which the American Medical 
Association was formed. He was elected president 
of the society in 1867. 

As a physician. Dr. Tenney was successful, whether 
his professional labor be judged by the amount per- 
formed, methods used or results obtained. He was 
in the habit of taking charge of patients in more 
than a dozen towns. We have the best authority for 
the statement that his average time of sleep did not 
exceed five hours in the twenty-four, and he was 
never idle. It would seem almost impossible for one 
to do more than he did during a large part of his 
business life. 

One of the earliest to discard that treatment known 
as heroic, which prevailed when he began to pre- 
scribe, he adopted milder means, which were cer- 
tainly very acceptable to his patients, and which soon 
became reasonable to his medical associates. 

He liad a very happy manner in dealing with his 
patients, and wonderful power to inspire confidence 
in them. " The way he entered my sick-room was 
medicine to me," said an intelligent lawyer, whose 
family physician he had been during his whole medi- 
cal career. Often called as consulting physician, he 
was faithful and assuring both to patients and i>hy- 
sicians — especially to young physicians. He never 
affected superior knowledge or experience ; never ob- 
truded his opinions ; never boasted and seldom men- 
tioned his fortunate cases, but frankly gave such 
clear and practical advice as made his counsel very 
desirable. Attending to all branches of the profes- 
sion, and answering calls at all times, he shirked no 
duty, however disagreeable, and seldom excused 
himself, but treated each case conscientiously, using 
his utmost ability. The rich and the poor, the thank- 
ful and the ungrateful, seemed to receive uniform con- 
sideration and kindness at his hands. 

While he preferred the practice of medicine, he 
never avoided surgical cases when duty or humanity 
called, but did many creditable things in tliis branch. 
He would generously share the difficult and legally 
dangerous surgical responsibilities of other physicians 
which he might well have avoided. In obstetric 
practice he was singularly fortunate. He stated, a 
few weeks prior to his death, that he had attended 
two thousand four hundred births. His records were 
carefully kept. For many years he held the position 



of pension surgeon and examined applicants from a 
large territory. 

As a citizen, Dr. Tenney was justly esteemed and 
beloved by all classes, for he was always ready to 
lend a helping hand to any movement that tended to 
relieve, reclaim or elevate his fellow-men. 

The prominent traits of his character were indus- 
try, courtesy and generosity. Though so busy, lie 
never was in such haste that he would not give at- 
tentive audience to all who approached him, and care- 
ful consideration to wants expressed. Those who 
knew him confidently counted before-hand on a liberal 
donation to any benevolent or worthy object presen- 
ted to him. None who came to him for assistance 
went away with empty hand. With his numerous 
debtors he dealt in the most indulgent manner. He 
acted as though he fully believed the Divine declara- 
tion, " It is more blessed to give than to receive." 
Although his time was so fully occupied with profes- 
sional engagements, yet he faithfully discharged the 
duties of every public trust which he assumed. He 
was connected with both the banks in Pittsfield, was 
president of the trustees of Pittsfield Academy, and 
also for many years president of the Suncook Branch 
of the New Hampshire Bible Society. 

During the eventful years of 1861, '62 and '63 he 
was a member of the Executive Council in the admin- 
istration of Governor Berry. Dr. Tenney was very 
happy in his domestic relations. He was married 
(1834) to Hannah A. Sanborn, of (iilmanton, N. H., 
a sister of Professor E. D. Sanborn, of Dartmouth 
College. She, with their only child, a widowed 
daughter, survives him. 

Soon after commencing the practice of medicine 
Dr. Tenney made a public profession of religion, and 
united with the Congregational Church, in which he 
was an active worker, and to the support of which he 
contributed liberally of his means for many years. 
During the last fifteen years of his life he was of the 
Episcopal communion, and was one of the chief mov- 
ers in erecting the chapel and establishing the parish 
of St. Stephen in Pittsfield, of which he was a gener- 
ous supporter and a warden at the time of his death. 

Dr. Tenney loved peace, and would make great 
personal sacrifice to avoid contention or controversy. 
Although extremely sensitive to unkindness, he 
seemed almost incapable of retaliation, or even resent- 
ment. He had an easy and becoming dignity, and 
wiis a thorough gentleman in all his words and acts, a 
position from which he could not be surprised. 

Though his thoughts were carefully expressed, he 
was not a great talker, but, what is much more rare, a 
patient and excellent listener. He dispensed a lib- 
eral hospitality, and delighted in entertaining his 
guests. 

He was so healthy and vigorous that he took no va- 
cation for one period of twenty years; and he was 
detained from business but very little by accident or 
illness until the last few weeks of his life. 



600 



HISTORY OF MERRDIACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE 



He died June 16, 1876, after a painful illness of 
some weeks' duration. He looked certain death in 
the face for weeks, with unimpaired reason, thouglit- 
ftilly and trustingly. While passing through this 
terrible ordeal he seemed to comprehend his situation 
as fully as it Ls given to mortals to ween, withoutshow- 
ing fear or mental agitation. 

His manner was calm and manly. "Waiting for 
Jesus," was his frequent reply to salutation and 
inquiry. After more than forty days of severest suf- 
fering his prostration had become so great that 
evidence of pain ceased, reason left its seat, and, 
he lay many hours in a quiet, unconscious state, and, 
without a struggle, passed calmly away. 

*' [lis sufferings ended with tbe day ; 
Yet lived he at its close, 
And breathed the long, long night away, 
In »tatue-like repose. 

*' But e'er the sun in all his state 
Illumed tbe eastern skies, 
He passed through glory's morning gate, 
And walked in Paradise." i 



BENJAMIX EMEESOX, ESQ. 

In the days long gone, when the courts held their 
terms in Gilmanton, there were lawyers toward whom 
the eyes of the children turned with wondering in- 
terest. They contended one against another with 
force and eloquence, and carried "green bags," in 
which our childhood imagined was deposited their 
ammunition. Later knowledge discovers they were 
"briefs," undoubtedly of precious worth; "skeletons" 
of their "sermons," or pleadings, and to be found of 
solid worth to their clients before their causes were ad- 
justed. Well we remember the giant form and tower- 
ing intellect of Jeremiah Mason, the profound lawyer ; 
the keen, logical Ichabod Bartlett; and the strong 
man, deeply read and of high standing in the profes- 
sion, Daniel Christie. Then there were the acute 
lawyers, Stephen Moody, Lyman B. Walker, Ben- 
jamin Emerson, and younger men who were seeking 
after the success and fame of their elder brethren. 

Benjamin Emerson was born in Alfred, Me., March 
20, 1792. He was the son of Joseph and Lydia 
(Durrell) Emerson, who was daughter of Benjamin 
and Judith Durrell, and was born December 26, 
1748. Benjamin was educated at the common schools 
of his native village, and then fitted for college at 
Berwick Academy, South Berwick, Me. He entered 
Dartmouth College and graduated from that institu- 
tion in the class of 1816. Many of the members of 
this class became eminent men in after-yeare, and of 
twenty-four who composed the graduating class that 
year, ten were still living when, in 1866, they held a 



1 The above sketch of Dr. Tenney's life is abridged and adapted fiMui 
a memoir by Dr. John Wheeler, of Pittsficld. and contributed by him to 
the New Hampshire Medical Society at its annual ntoeting June 19, 



semi-centennial reunion, and among the number was 
Esq. Benjamin Emerson. 

He married, first, Mrs. Rebecca (Story) Porter, a 
daughter of Rev. Isaac and Rebecca Bradstreet 
Story, of Marblehead, Mass., and widow of Emerson 
Porter. They were married June 6, 184.5. He mar- 
ried his second wife January 31, 1847, MLss Frances 
Leighton, daughter of Cxeneral Samuel and Frances 
Leighton, of Eliot, Me., but at that time resident of 
Alfred, Me. Esq. Emerson lived through busy years 
to an advanced age, from an early life of bodily feeble- 
ness. Immediately after his graduation at Dart- 
mouth he went to Gilmanton and engaged in the 
practice of law. 

He was admitted to the bar in 1822 ; was repeatedly 
moderator of the town-meeting; was four sessions 
representative of the town ; was one of the select- 
men, and in a variety of positions was prominent and 
useful. A year or so after bis second marriage he 
removed to Pittsfield, where his subsequent life was 
spent. 

As a business man he was succes^•ful, and accu- 
mulated a handsome property, continuing his legal 
practice, more or less, nearly to the time of his death. 
He was selectman and held various town offices in 
Pittsfield; was a director of the Pittsfield Bank for 
many years. The Suncook Valley Railroad had in 
him a strong advocate, so also the Pittsfield Water- 
works — a late grand improvement in the town. Mr. 
Emerson was an able speaker, and his powerful words 
were ever ready in behalf of every cause or enterprise 
for the good of the people. Politically, he was an 
Old-Line Whig, and upon the organization of the 
Republican party he gave to that his earnest and 
hearty support. Mr. Emerson was a member of the 
Congregational Church at Gilmanton Iron- Works ; 
afterward of the church in Pittsfield. In the little 
meetings for social worship, and, at times, in crowded 
assemblies, his utterances for truth and righteousness 
were bold and impressive. Mr. Emerson was a 
studious, thoughtful man, possessed a remarkable 
memory, and, by a varied course of reading and 
study, kept himself always abreast of the times. 

It was by the unanticipated Sabbath supply of the 
church in Pittsfield for four years, and occasional 
tarrying among its pleasant families, that the writer 
of this sketch had renewal of knowledge of Esq. 
Emerson. He was frequently with him in his last 
brief sickness, and with him when his feet were 
stepping down into the cold river. There was no- 
ticeable the lawyer's critical, searching investigation 
of the " evidence," the characteristics and valid 
grounds of a genuine faith and hope, and of reading " a 
title clear " to a heavenlv inheritance. Mr. Emerson 



was long a Frtr 
fraternity. Hi^> 
field, January S- 
cient cemetery 
Meeting-House.' 



.1 V, 



1 member of the Masonic 
:K-e at his home in Pitt.s- 
lis interment in the an- 

,n, at the "old Smith 




A 



/// / //////// ( /// / V ; / // / 



PITTSFIELD. 



601 



Mrs. Emerson's brother, Dr. Usher P. Leigh ton, 
became a celebrated physician in Ohio, and " was one 
of the most noble and generous of men." The Leigh- 
tons of this country are descended from three brothers 
who came from England in 1650. Two of thcni 
settled on the Piscataqua and the other at Plymouth. 



From these all of the Leightons are descended. Sam- 
uel Leighton, the progenitor of this branch, was an 
officer in the Kevolutiouary army. His sou. General 
Samuel Leighton, of militia fame, was several tci-ms a 
member of the Legislature of Massachusetts. 



HISTORY OF SALISBURY 



BY JOHN J. DEARBORN", JI.D., TOWN HISTORIAN. 



CHAPTER I. 

The name Salisbury is derived from the Latin 
3alus, which signifies safety, or health, and the 
Anglo-Saxon "bury," or "burgh," a corporate town, 
— hence, the town of health and safety. It was named 
directly from Salisbury, Mass., which was so called 
from Salisbury, England. 

It is situated in latitude 43° 23', on the west bank 
of the Merrimack and Pemigewasset Rivers, sixteen 
miles north of Concord and eighty miles from Boston. 
It was originally bounded north by Andover, east by 
the rivers, above named, south by Boscaweu and 
Warner, west by AVarner and what was Kearsarge 
Gore, and contains twenty-eight thousand six hun- 
dred acres. 

The town has produced more brains than any other 
municipality in New Hampshire, other things being 
equal. There are three, perhaps four, hamlets in the 
town, but the main dependence of her people has 
always been upon the native products of the soil. 

For many years her hardy and fearless settlers were 
the pioneers of civilization, repelled the assaults of 
savage beasts and more savage men, defended their 
rude dwellings "from violence and destruction," and 
bared their brows to the tomahawk and sealping-knife 
and their breasts to the Indian bullet. " Through the 
fire and blood of a seven years' Revolutionary war " 
her sons shrank from "no toil and no danger" that 
they might establish a free country. For several 
years after its settlement there rose no smoke from 
the habitation of any white man between Salisbury 
and the settlements on the rivers of Canada. Her 
women were slain by the tomahawk, and her men and 
maidens ambushed, seized, made to run the gauntlet 
and carried away into captivity ; while the inhabitants 
of other towns were obliged to abandon their recently- 
made homes, the stalwart inhabitants of Salisbury 
stood firm, built their cabins and defended them. 

When Philip Call, Nathaniel Maloon, Jacob 
Morrill, Ephraim Collins, Samuel Scribner, Robert 
Barber, John Bowen, Jonathan Greeley, John and 
Ebeuezer Webster, Andrew Bohonon and Edward 
Eastman and their associates built their rude dwell- 
ings in Salisbury (then Stevenstown) they formed the 
exposed picket-line in this State, and they maintained 
it till the peace of 1763, notwithstanding Nathaniel ' 



Maloon, his wife and three children were seized by 
the Indians and carried to Canada and sold into cap- 
tivity, and the wife of Philip Call was murdered, and 
Samuel Scribner and Robert Barber were also cap- 
tured and sold into captivity. 

In the cause of religion Salisbury was equal to any 
other town in the State, and in 1773, Rev. Jonathan 
Searle settled over the Congregational Church, which 
church has continued to this day. Long before Concord 
made a move Salisbury had established an academy, 
which was one of the noted institutions of learning 
in the State. When the Merrimack County Agricul- 
tural Society was formed, in 1824, Salisbury furnished 
more members than any other town, and their first 
gathering was at Salisbury. 

When we speak of great men, how illustrious does 
this noble old town appear! what a roll of honor does 
she furnish! The Websters, the Bartletts, the 
Pettengills, the Eastmans, the Haddocks, the 
Pingrees, the Smiths, the Gales, the Sawyers and the 
Greeleys. Thomas W. Thompson, Richard Fletcher, 
Parker Noyes, Israel W. Kelley, George W. Nesmith, 
Samuel I. Wells and Thomas Worcester became her 
citizens by adoption. There has been but one man 
who gained the title of" Defender of the Constitution," 
and he was born and reared in Salisbury. Hon. 
Ichabod Bartlett, Ezekiel Webster, Charles B. 
Haddock, Joel Eastman, Samuel C. Bartlett (the 
learned president of Dartmouth College), William H. 
Bartlett, Samuel E. Pingry (present Governor of 
Vermont), all were natives of the town, and for a list 
of other noted men the reader is referred to the col- 
legiate record. 

Natural Description.— The original growth of 
wood on land adjacent to the rivers was pitch, Norway 
and white pine, with occasional elms, maples and 
birches; on the uplands all the native hard woods 
were found. The soil is strong, deep and loomy, with 
a substratum of pan. 

Rivers. — The east part of the town is watered by 
the Pemigewasset and Merrimack. Blackwater passes 
through the western part of the town, from north to 
south, forming a large bay which abounds with a vari- 
ety of fish. 

A considerable portion of Kearsage Mountain is 
withiu the bounds of Salisbury. 

Hills. — Searle's (and called "Mount Pisgah"' by 



603 



Daniel Webster) is near the centre of the old towu. 
On its top was located the first church, and its top was 
the scene of the alarm-fires kindled as signals in the 
perilous days of the pioneers. The other hills are 
Loverin's, Calef, Bean, Bald, Smith's and Raccoon. 

Ponds and Brooks. — Tucker's Pond is the largest 
body of water within the limits of the town. Green- 
ough's and Wilder's Ponds complete the list. Bog or 
Ban ley, Chance Pond, Stirrup Iron, Punch and Wig- 
wag Brooks are the principal small streams. 

Minerals and Rocks. — The rocks are mostly 
Montalban and Simonite. A species of bog-ore, con- 
taining iron, also exists. The mineralogy of Kearsarge 
is Andalusite and tourmaline. Tripoli is. found in 
large quantities. Plumbago exists in several sections 
of the town. Silver exists in small quantities. There 
is also a huge boulder foreign to this section. Its 
dimensions are fifty-seven feet in length, twenty-six in 
height, and a circumference of one hundred and fifty 
feet. 

Bakerstown. — It was the policy of Massachusetts, 
during the pendency of the boundary question, to 
confer grants in tlie disputed territory on soldiers who 
had been engaged in the French and Indian Wars. 
The records of the Genera) Court of Massachusetts 
indicate that John Tyler, Joseph Pike and others 
presented a request " for two townships to be granted 
to the oflicers and soldiers of the companies under 
command of the late Captain John March, Captain 
Stephen Greenleaf and Captain Philip Nelson (de- 
ceased)." 

The General Court answered their petition by grant- 
ing them two tracts of land, one of which included 
the town of Salisbury, and it is not known where the 
other was located. 

The date of the grant was February 3, 1736. Rich- 
ard Hazen, as surveyor, laid out the township to con- 
tain six squares miles, which was divided between 
fifty-nine grantees or proprietors. It does not appear 
that the charter was accepted so far as Bakerstown 
was concerned. The grant was named Bakerstown 
in honor of Captain Thomas Baker, who, in 1720, 
killed the Sachem Waternumus by the rapid stream 
now called Baker's River, at Plymouth. 

Stevenstown. — As we have seen, the grantees of Ba- 
kerstown failed to comply with the terms of their grant. 
The boundary question had been settled and Massa- 
chusetts had no title to the territory, and the Mason- 
ian proprietors were the rightful possessors. In the 
month of December, 1748, these proprietors granted 
the same territory to other parties than the original 
grantees, as appears by the 

Proprietors' Records. — 

"Peotisce of New Hampshire. 

"At a ineetiDg of the Proprietore of Lands purchased of John Tufton 
Masou, Esq., in the Province of New Hampshire, held at the dwelling- 
house of Sarah Pi-iest, widow, in Portsmouth, in s'd Province, on Wednes- 
day the seventh day of December, 1748, by adjournment, 

*' Vote(J, That Ebenezer Stevens, Esq., & associates have a Township 
equal to six miles square, beginning on the north of Contoocook [Bosca- 



wen], in the most couveni 
ship called No. One [Warn 



i-itiiout interfering with the Town- 
tirantortt shall think proper. . . . 
"Gko. JtFFERV, Projirieb.i-!' Clerk." 

Following are the names of the grantees. A copy 
of this grant and the grant of Massachusetts, by the 
name of Bakerstown, and other matters pertaining to 
this subject will be found in J. J. Dearborn's " His- 
tory of Salisbury," now in pre.ss. The grant bears 
date of Wednesday, the 26tU day of October, 1749. 

** Ebenezer Stevens, Ebenezer Page, Samuel Bean, Benjamin Stevens, 
Nathan Sweatt, Elisha Winslow, Moses Quimby, Joshua Woodman, 
John Hunton, Jedediah Philbrick, Thomas Newman, Samuel ColcortI, 
Jonathan Greeley, Jr., Joseph Eastman, Jr., John Fifield, Jr., Henry 
Morril, William Calfe, John Hunton, Jr., John Ladd, Jr., licnjuiuin 
Wadleigh, Nathaniel Ladd, Ebenezer Stevens, Jr., Elisha Sweat, Samuel 
Sanborn, John Darling, Jr., Samuel Webster, John Ciirrier, Samuel 
"Winslow, Jr., Humphrey Hook, Jacob Quimby, Jonathan Greeley, 
Tristram Sanborn, Jr, Ebenezer Long, Abraham Greene, Joseph Bean, 
Jr., Tristram Quimby, Benjamin Ladd, Jeremiah Philbnck, The Rev. 



of Haverhill ; Jabcz True aii.l David Greeley, both of Salisbury [Mass.] ; 
Benjamin Sanborn, of Kingston afores'd ; Philip Call being in on part 
of the land hereinafter mentioned : and Peter Derborn, of Chester." 

The grantees were in earnest to commence a settle- 
ment, and ou October 25, 1749, issued a call for their 
first meeting, at which time all the necessary officers 
were chosen. Meetings were held as occasion re- 
quired, and annually town officers were elected until 
the incorporation of the town. In 1752 it was voted to 
" plow twelve acres of land," and in the year follow- 
ing (1753) the proprietors voted to build four houses. 
This year the Indian depredatirns were such as to call 
on the State for a guard to protect the inhabitants. 

In the year 1759 land was granted to Captain John 
Webster for building a saw-mill. 

Major Ebenezer Stevens, for whom the town 
was named, was the first grantee and a prominent 
man in Kingston, where he died November 1, 1749. 
He was for several years a member of the Assembly, 
and four or five years Speaker of that body, from 1743 
to 1747. It was through his influence that Ebenezer 
Webster, the father of Daniel, located here. 

In addition to the early settlers on page 602, we find 
Benjamin Sanborn, William Silloway, Henry Morrill, 
Tristram Quimby, Jacob Quimby, James Tappan, 
William Newton, John Jemson, John Bawley (Bur- 
leigh), David Hall, John Fifield, Jr., John Huntoon, 
Joseph Bean, Jr., Jabez True, Daniel Greeley and 
Tristram Sanborn. 

Incorporation of the Town.— Immediately alter 
the passage of the act of 1766 to enable the propri- 
etors of Steven.stown to raise money by a direct tax, 
to carry on the settlement of the town and defray the 
necessary expenses, a petition was presented by 
residents in the township to His Excellency the Gov- 
ernor for an act of incorporation. 

On the 1st day of March, 1768, Governor Went- 
worth, in the name of King George the Third, declared 
and ordained the township called Stevenstown to he 



HISTORY OF MKKllIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



a town corporate, vested and incorporated into a body 
politic by the name of Salisbury. The first town-meet- 
ing, held on tlie first Tuesday in April, chose oflicers 
and transacted all necessary business. 

The Association Test. — Tlie articles of which we 
trust all the readers are sufficiently acquainted with; 
therefore will not enter into detail. The signers are: 



■*' Ebonezer J"l 
William Sutoii, li 
son, John Sanborn 
Greeley, David 1 
Webster, Ephroin 



y, Job Ileatli, Samuel Scribner, 
ins, Benjamin Bean, John Jem- 
■^luitb, Leonard Judkin9,Shubael 
I'listf^r, Juim I'itiold. Jeremiah 

l.-ii. III- ^. I ,!.:,. I, Mi-iij. Scrib- 



ner, John Scribner, John Challis, V.p\ n llohon.in, 

MoeesSelley, Joseph French, John Bow. n, I : ii. it Barber, 

Ebenezer Clifford, Abel Elkins, Dan. WarM i., ,i I. I 1 1 , l:. v, .hmathan 

Searle, Andrew Pettongill, Jonathan Fifield, Bcujaniin 11 untoon, Joseph 
Bartlott, Jacob Garland, William Searle, Edward Fifleld, Ezra Tucker, 
Hezekiah Foster, John Bean, Edward Scribner, Joseph Marston, Ben. 
jamin Greeley, John Webster, Jr., Annaniah Bobonon, Gideon Dow, 
Stephen Call, Benjiuiiin Sanborn, John Webster, Nathaniel Marston, 
Reuben Hoyt, Abraham Fifield, Cutting Stevens, John Gale, Ebenezcr 
Webster, William Calef, Edward Eastman, Jonathan Cram, John Row, 
William Eastman, Abel Tandy, Moses Garland, Eben Tucker, Nathaniel 
Maloon, Jr., Obediah Peters Fifield, Edword Scribner, Jr., Moses Sawyer, 
John Fellows, Daniel Huntoon, Andrew Bohonon, Jr., Nathan Colby, 
.Tacob Bobonon, Joseph Basford, Ismel Webster, JIatthew Pettengill, 
Joseph Fifield, Richard Purmont. 

" This may certify to the General Assembly or Committee of Safety of 
the Colony of New Hampshire, That we, the subscribere, have offered 
the within Declaration to the Inhabitants of the Town of Salisbury and 
they sign freely. 
"Sinclair Bean aud Joseph Bean excepted. 

" Ebenezer Webstf.1i, I Sch'CtniOt 
" JONATUAN FiFIKLI), i fur SalUbury.'^ 

Nathaniel Maloon, Jr., was the third selectman, 
and, with two exceptions, the test was signed by 
every male adult in the spring of 1776. 

It does not appear that the two who refused to sign 
were unfriendly to the cause of the colonies. They 
were trusted with town business, and aided in supply- 
ing the demands of the army. Sinclair Bean was a 
Quaker in his religious belief, and the other a justice 
of the peace under royal authority. 

In 1817, President Monroe made his tour through 
New England, arriving at Concord on the 18th of 
July, where he was received with the most genial 
hospitality, and every evidence of high personal re- 
gard was shown him. On Monday, the 21.st, he arrived 
at Salisbury South Road, stopping at the residence of 
Mr. Andrew Bowers, now the Congregational Church 
parsonage. His visit was unexpected, and no prep- 
arations had been made for his reception. Samuel 
Greeley, as chairman of the committee, waited upon 
President Monroe, tendering him the hospitality of 
the town in a neat and appropriate speech, to which 
the President responded, and many of the inhabitants 
were introduced to the chief magistrate of the Uniti-d 
States. 

Formation of State Government.— On the Uth of 
November, 1775, in accordance with a recommenda- 
tion of the Continental Congress, the Fourth Pro- 
vincial Congress of New Hami)shire adopted a plan 
of representation, upon which an election of delegates 
was held. In this plan Boscawen and Salisbury were 



entitled to one delegate. HenryGerrish, of Boscawen, 
represented the towns in this Assembly. At the first 
Constitutional Convention, which was held at Concord 
June 10, 1778, Salisbury was represented by Captain 
Ebenezer Webster and Captain Matthew Pettengill. 
At the second Constitutional Convention, held at 
Concord on the second Tuesday of June, 1781, Cap- 
tain Ebenezer Webster was the delegate. In June, 
1783, the same convention met and agreed u])on 
another form for a Constitution, Jonathan Cram hav- 
ing been chosen a delegate. 

Federal Constitution.— The first session of the 
convention to consider the subject met at Exeter 
February 13, 1788. Salisbury sent as delegate 
Colonel Ebenezer Webster, who, at the first meeting 
of the convention, opposed the Constitution, under in- 
structions from his town. In the mean time Colonel 
Webster conferred with his constituents, asked the 
privilege of supporting the Constitution, and he was 
instructed to vote as he might think proper. When 
the convention reassembled, in June, 1788, Colonel 
Webster made the following sjjeech. It did great 
credit to the head and heart of the author. 

SPEECH OF COLONEL EBENEZER WEBSTER. 
*' JI/7-. Premdeut: I have b'stened to the argtuueuts for and against the 
Constitution. I am convinced such a government as that Constitution 
will establish, if adopted, — a government acting directly on the people 
of the States, — is necessary for the common defense and the general 
welfare. It is the only government which will enable us to pay off the 
national debt, the debt which we owe for the Revolution, and which we 
are bound in honor fully and fairly to discharge. Besides, I have fol- 
lowed the lead of Washington through seven years of war and I have 
never been misled. His name is subscribed to this Constitution. He 
will not mislead us now. I shall vote for its adoption." 

The first convention for the revision of the State 
Constitution was convened at Concord on the 7th 
of September, 1791. Salisbury sent as delegate 
Rev. Jonathan Searle. The second convention for 
the revision of the Constitution met at Concord on the 
8th of October, 1850. Salisbury selected as delegate, 
Abraham H. Robinson, a practicing physician in the 
town and a graduate of Yale College. In 1876 the 
State Constitution was revised for the third time, 
which made the fifth Constitutional Convention. The 
delegate from Salisbury to this convention was 
Nathaniel Bean. 

Vote for State President, from 1784 to 1791, in- 
clusive. — In the lists below the successful candidate 
is indicated by an asterisk (*),— 

1784. »Moshech Wcaro, 28. 
IVSo. Col. Josiah Bartlett, 

*John Langdon, 0. 
1780. John Langdon, 29. 



Atkin 



1788. *John Langdon, 33. 
John Sullivan, 15. 
Josiah Bartlett, 5. 

1789. 'John Sullivan, 2.1. 

John Pickering, 15. 



Vote for Governor, from 1792 to 1885, inclusive. 
-Successful candidates indicated by an asterisk (*), — 



1792. *Josiali Bartlett, 86. 

1793. *Josiah Baitlett, 100. 

Timothy Walker, 1. 

1794. *John T. Gilman, lOG. 



795. »John T. Gilman, 80. 

796. *John T. Gilman, 103. 

Abiel Foster, 1. 

797. »John T. Gilman, 110. 



SALISBURY. 



79S. *John T. Gilman, Si 
Oliver Peabody, 22. 



1-03 


«.Iohn T. Giluian, 157. 




Scattering, 9. 




Johu Langdon, 06. 


1835 


*William Badger, 138. 


1^ i4 


John T. Gilman, 135. 




Joseph Healey, 61. 




John Langdon, 79. 


1830 


*lBaac Hill, 135. 


1S03 


John T. Gilman, 1«. 




William Badger, .■>. 




*Johu Langdon, 127. 




Scattering, 4. 


1806 


*John Langdon, 122. 


1837 


*l5aac Hill, 156. 




John T. Gilman, 73. 


1838 


'Isaac Hill, 154. 




Scattering, 58. 




James Wilson, 99. 


IMJT 


*Jobu Langdon, 111. 


1839 


*John Page, 158. 




Timothy Fai-rar, 33. 




J,ames Wilson, 102. 




Scattering, IS. 




Scattering, 1. 


18« 


*John Langdon, 66. 


1S40 


*Johu Page, 159. 




Thomas W. Thompson, 22. 




Enos Stevens, 77. 


1809 


^Jeremiah Smith, 168. 


1841. 


*John Pago, 160. 




John Langdon, 121. 




Enos Stevens, 94. 


1810 


Jeremiah Smith, 1.58. 




Scattering, 1. 




*John Langdon, 114. 


1842. 


»Henry Hubbard, 192. 


1811. 


*John Langdon, 166. 




Enos Stevens, 59. 




Jeremiah Smith, 154. 




Scattering, 4. 


1812. 


John T. Gilman. 162. 


1843. 


Anthony Colby, 39. 




*WiUiam Plumer, 145. 




*Henn- Hubbard, 113. 




Scattering, 2. 




Scattering, 9. 


1813. 


William Plumer, 170. 


1S14. 


•John H. Steele, 128. 




John T. Gilman, 173. 




Anthony Colby, 72. 


ISU. 


*Jolin T. Gilman, 207. 




Scattering, 14. 




William Plumer, 140. 


184,1. 


*John H. Steele, 128. 




Scattering, 3. 




Anthony Colby, 09. 


lsi.->. 


*.rohu T. Gilman, 183. 




Scattering, 13. 




William Plumer, 14^",. 


1840. 


Jared W. Williams, 141 




Scattering, 1. 




*Anthony Colby, 79. 


181G. 


James Sheafe, 176. 




Nathaniel S. Bcny, 20. 




♦William Plumer 172. 


1847. 


sjared W. Williams, 173 



Scattering, 3. 
1817. «\Villiam Plumer, 170. 

James Sheafe, 147. 

Scattering, 4. 
181S. «Wmiam Plumer, 173. 

.leremiah Mason, 145. 

1819. sSamuel Bell, 101. 

William Hale, 135. 
Scattering, 2. 

1820. «Samuel Bell, 295. 

Scattering, 8. 

1821. *Samuel Bell, 215. 

Jeremiah Mason, 3. 

1822. *SamueI Bell, 209. 

Jeremiah Mason, 1. 

1823. Samuel Dinsmore, 148. 
*Levi Woodbury, 135. 

Scattering, 2. 

1824. *David L. Morrill, 135. 

Levi Woodbuiy, 38. 
Scattering, 75. 

1825. »David L. Morrill, 273. 

Scattering, 4. 

1826. Benjamin Pierce, 153. 
*Dav1d L. Morrill, 63. 

Scattering. 4. 

1827. 'Benjamin Pierce, 212. 

Scattering, 16. 

1828. Benjamin Pierce, 193. 
*John Bell, 167. 

Scattering, 1. 



1829. «Benjamin Pierce, 159. 



Ichabod Bartlett, 81. 

Scattering, 1. 
1832. *Samuel Dinsmore, 134. 

Ichabod Bartlett, CO. 
18:!3. *.Samuel Dinsmore, 164. 

Author Livermore, 29. 
1834. *WiIliam Badger, 230. 



1849. *Sui 



Dinsni 



,103. 



i Chs 



Nathaniel S. Berrj', 17. 

1850. *Samuel Dinsmore, 105. 

Levi Chamberlin, 62. 
Nathaniel S. Berry, 17. 

1851. *Samuel Dinsmore, 159. 

Thomas E. Sawyer, 54. 
John Atwood, 18. 

1852. «Noah Martin, 163. 

Thomas E. Sawyer, 64. 
Scattering, in. 
18,i3. «Xo«h Martin, 147. 
James Bell, 51. 



1 H. Wl 



;athi 



1 B. Baker, 



Jared Perkins, 13. 
18.^i5. Nathaniel B. Baker, 
*Ralph Jlctcair, 131. 
Scattering, 2. 
1856. John S. Wells, 1.50. 
»Kalpli Metcalf, 126. 
Ichabod Goodwin, 4 

•William Haile, 1.J5. 



•William Uaile, 12o. 
. Asa P. Ciite, 152. 

•Ichabod Goodwin, 118. 
. Asa P. Gate, 159. 

•Ichabod Goodwin, 127. 
. George Stark, 152. 

•Nathaniel S. Berry, 94. 
. George Stark, 138. 

•Nathaniel S. Ben-y, 95. 
Paul R. Wheeler, 13. 
, Ira A. Eastman, 147. 

••loseph A. Gilmore, 52. 

Walter Harriman, 31. 

. Edw. W. Harrington, 152. 

•Joseph A. Gilmore, 108. 
, Edw. W. Harrington, 146. 

•Frederick Smyth, 108. 
. John G. Sinclair, 156. 

•Frederick Smyth, 102. 
John G. Sinclair, 139. 

•Walter Harriman, 99. 
John G. Sinclair, 153. 

•Walter Harriman, 94. 
John Bedel, 122. 

•Onslow Stearns, 87. 
Scattering, 1. 

John Bedel, 83. 

•Onslow Stearns, 82. 

Samuel Flint, 38. 

Lorenzo D. Barrows, 11. 



1871. •James A. Weston, 127. 

James Pike, 94. 
Scattering, 7. 

1872. James A. Weston, 115. 
•Ezekicl A. Straw, 115. 

Lemuel P. Cooper, 7. 

1873. James A. Weston, 113. 
•Ezekiel A. Straw, 107. 

Scattering, 9. 
1871. •James A. Weston, 12.3. 

Luther SIcCutchins, 75. 

Scattering, 1 . 
1875. Hiram R. Roberts, 129. 

Pereon C. Cheney, 89. 

Scattering, 1. 
1870. Daniel Marcy. 137. 
•Person 0. Cheney, 80. 

1877. Daniel Marcy, 118. 
•Benjamin F. Prescott, 90. 

1878. Frank McKean, 124. 
•Benjamin F. Prescott, 80. 

Scattering, 5. 
1879-81. Frank McKean, 108. 
•Natt. Head, 75. 
Warren G. Brown, 16. 
1880-81. Frank Jones, 128. 

•Charles H. Bell, 110. 
1882-83. M. V. B. Edgerly, 113. 
•Samuel W. Hale, 103. 
1884-86. sMoody Currier, 111. 
John M. Hill, 103. 



CHAPTER II. 

SALlSBVRY—iCctinued). 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 



The Masonian proprietors exercised great discre- 
tion when, in giving grants of land, thej' provided 
that the ordinances of religion should be maintained. 
One of the essential duties of the grantees was to 
provide " a place of public worship " and maintain a 
learned and " orthodox minister." 

In the grant to Stevenstown, 1749, a right of land 
equal in amount to each of the other shares was 
assigned to the first minister, which he was not only 
at liberty to use while he continued to preach the 
gospel to the people, but on his settlement the share 
became his property. Another share was "set apart 
for the support of the gospel ministry for ever." Ten 
acres of land were to be laid out " in some convenient 
place, as the major part of said grantees shall deter- 
mine, for a meeting-house, a school-house, a muster- 
field, a burying-place and other public uses." 

This ten acres of laud was situated on the north 
.side of Searle's Hill, about midway of the town. The 
earliest record we have of a meeting-house is from an 
early map of the Merrimack Valley, which shows the 
location of a meeting-house in the vicinity of the old 
Salisbury fort. If this building ever existed, it must 
have been erected by the first grantees (Bakerstown). 

In the spring of 1768, the frame was erected, 
boarded, shingled and the lower floor h 



id. The 7th 



606 



HISTORY OF MKHKIMACK COUiNTY, XEW HAMPSHIKE. 



of April of that year two pews were sold, and ou 
the following 25th of May sixteen pews. Among 
these first purchasers was Hon. Josiah Bartlett, 
Governor of the State in 1790. The highest priced 
pew brought £6 3x. The meeting-house was used 
until the summer of 1790, when the town voted to 
sell it at auction, the sum realized to satisfy the de- 
mands of the pew-owners and the rest to be used for 
schooling. Some time between this date and the 
next ensuing April the ])resent Congregational 
Church was erected at South Road village. 

In 1835 changes were made in the church, which 
have been mainly acceptable to the present day. 

The Rev. John Elliot was the first minister invited 
to settle in the town, January 14, 1771, at a salary of 
forty pounds a year, increasing five pounds a year 
until it reached fifty pounds, and there remain for 
three years. Preparations were made to ordain Mr. 
Elliot the following Sej^tember, but before the time 
arrived he asked for a dismission, and on July 8, 
1771, his request was granted. 

The Rev. Jonathan Searle, the first settled minister, 
preached in Salisbury in the summer of 1768. At a 
town-meeting held October 11, 1773, it was voted to 
accept Mr. Searle's letter " of acceptance," and Cap- 
tain Ebenezer Webster, John Collins and Captain Mat- 
thew Pettengill were chosen to call a council. It was 
" Voted, to give Mr. Searle fifty pounds, L. M., for 
two years, and then rise four pounds, L. M., a year 
till it comes to sixty pounds, and there stand during 
his labor in the work of the ministry in said town ; 
also twenty-five cords of wood at his house yearly." 

Twenty dollars were devoted to defray the ordina- 
tion expenses; the ordination occurring on the 17th of 
November, 1773, Rev. Mr. Jewett, of Rowley, Mass., 
preaching the sermon from 1 Corinthians, chap, iv., 
verse 1. After a pastorate of nearly twenty years. 
May 31, 1790, a church-meeting was called by the 
pastor to act on the question of his dismission. A 
settlement was made agreeable to all parties, and he 
was freed from his ministerial work August 15, 1790. 

Eleven persons signed the covenant on the forma- 
tion of the church, and thirty-three united with the 
church under his pastorate. 

Rev. Mr. Searle was born in Rowley, Mass., No- 
vember 16, 1746, and graduated at Harvard College 
in 1765 ; married Mrs. Margaret Tappan (nee) Sanborn, 
He died December 2, 1818. 

Rev. Thomas Worcester was employed three 
months on trial in the spring of 1791, and in the 
following September was invited to settle. One hun- 
dred and twenty pounds was voted him as a settle- 
ment and eighty pounds yearly. This was quite a 
salary at that time for a young man only twenty- 
three years of age. He was ordained November 9, 
1791, by the same council which had dismissed Mr. 
Searle on the day previous. The congregation which 
attended ujjon his preaching was for many years very 
large. Tic was a faithful and laborious pastor; his 



pulpit addresses were attractive, earnest and direct. 
During his ministry there were several seasons of the 
special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. An extensive 
revival occurred soon after his settlement, and over 
eighty were received into the church. In December, 
1792, thirty young converts made public profession 
of their faith. His brother, Samuel Worcester, united 
with the church February 13, 1793. William 
Webster, uncle to Daniel, united with the church 
September 8, 1796. Daniel Webster united with the 
church September 13, 1807. Another revival oc- 
curred about 1815, when more than sixty persons 
made public profession of their faith. 

Under his pastorate 268 united with the church ; 
he administered the sacrament of baptism to 322 
children, solemnized 307 marriages and attended 2& 
ecclesiastical councils. 

He was dismissed by a mutual council April 2:^, 
1823, and continued to reside in Salisbury until his 
death, December 24, 1831, aged sixty-three years. In 
1806 he received the honorary degree of Master of 
Arts from Dartmouth College. 

Rev. Mr. Worcester was a son of Noah and Lydia 
(Taylor) Worcester; born in HoUis November 22, 
1768, and was one of five brothers, all distinguished 
as orators and writers for the religious press. March 
11, 1792, he married Miss Deborah Lee. 

Rev. Abijah Cross settled over the church I)ecini- 
ber 23, 1823. At the time of his settlement there 
were one hundred and eleven resident members and 
tliirty-nine non-resident, making, at the time of Mr. 
Worcester's dismission, a total number of one hundred 
and fifty. Under Mr. Cross' pastorate there were 
added to the church seventeen members and nine 
dismissed. He administered the sacrament of bap- 
tism to fifteen. He was dismissed April 1, 1829. 

It was during his ministry that an effort was niaile 
by Rev. Benjamin Huntoon, a native of Salisbury, to 
organize a Unitarian Society in town ; but, not tind- 
ing a very large congregation, he continued in Xnwn 
but one year. 

Rev. Andrew Rankin was settled over the church 
July 11, 1830, and dismissed in October, 1832. Din- 
ing his pastorate seventeen were added to tne church 
by profession, eleven by letter and about twenty con- 
verted by his preaching. 

Rev. Benjamin F. Foster was settled Nov. 13, 1833, 
and dismissed July 23, 1846. Eighty members were ad- 
mitted to the church during his ministry in Salisbury. 

Rev. E. H. Caswell succeeded Mr. Foster, June 28, 

1848, and was dismissed the following February. 
Four were admitted to the church under his pastorate. 

Rev. Erasmus D. Eldridge was settled January 12, 

1849, and was dismissed November 1, 1854. During 
his ministry twenty -six were received into the church. 

Rev. Thomas Rhatray was installed May 7, 1*56, 
and dismissed April 15, 1857. 

Rev. Horatio Merrill was installed .March 17, 1858, 
and dismissed March 15, 1864. 



SALISBURY. 



607 



Rev. Usal W. Condit was installed March 14, 18(i4, 
and dismissed January 13, 1869. During his minis- 
try nineteen united with the church. 

Rev. Joseph B. Cook was installed January 13, 
1869, and dismissed May 19, 1870. 

Rev. William C. Scofield came to Salisbury in the 
fall of 1875, continuing until 1877. 

Rev. George W. Bothwell spent five months, be- 
tween his junior and senior year (1879) in Yale 
Theological Seminary, at Salisbury, in which time 
five were added to the church. He is now supplying 
the Congregational Church in Portland, Mich. 

Rev. Samuel H. Barnum graduated from Yale 
College in 1875, and from Yale Theological Seminary 
in 1879, removing to Salisbury November 9, 1879, 
where he remained until May, 1882, when he received 
a call to go to Durham, where he was ordained and 
installed April 24, 1883, and still continues. 

Rev. Chas. E. Gordon removed to Salisbury in Nov., 
1882, and supplied the pulpit in Salisbury and Webster, 
only a few miles apart, and Oct. 4, 1883, was installed 
pastor over both churches. The installation took place 
at the Webster Church. He resides at Salisbury. 

The Baptist Societies,^ — The earliest information 
we have of the Baptist faith in the town was on May 
25, 1789, when a meeting was held at the school- 
house at the Centre Village, and the society organ- 
ized by the choice of Daniel Brottlebank moderator, 
and Jonathan Cram clerk. Lieutenant Joseph Sev- 
erance, Jonathan Cram and Lieutenant Moses Clough 
were chosen a committee to procure preaching. On 
the 23d of the following June seventy-six persons 
adopted and signed a covenant. 

For a time the society held meetings at private 
houses and in a school-house which they had bought 
of the town. The congregation rapidly increasing, 
on the 9th of October, 1790, it was "Voted to build a 
meeting-house." 

March 17, 1791, it was "Voted to build the meet- 
ing-house 52 feet long and 40 feet wide, and to be 
finished throughout as early as 1794. Chose Jona- 
than Fifield, Joseph Fifield, John Clement, Benjamin 
Pettengill and Abel Elkins a committee to erect the 
frame, and Benjamin Pettengill, Jr., Abraham Fifield, 
Samuel Bean, David Pettengill, Edward Fifield, Wil- 
liam Eastman, Benjamin Pettengill, Reuben True and 
Bailey Chase a committee to sell pews." The house 
was erected within the specified time, and stood just 
north of the present location, the main entrance be- 
ing on the east side. On each end was a porch, 
supporting small steeples similar to the one standing 
on the north end, but not so high. In each of these 
porches was an entrance. In the north tower was a 
bell. The interior was like most of the churches at 
that time, — box pews, a large pulpit on the west side 
of the house, a gallery opposite and on the two sides. 
An upper and lower set of windows furnished light. 
In 1839, Deacon William Parsons remodeled the 
church to its present general style. 



Elder Elias Smith, was the first settled minister, 
and preached the first sermon in the new church in 
the spring of 1791, taking his text from 1 Kings viii. 
27. In November, 1792, he again visited Salisbury 
and baptized nine persons. January 7, 1793, he re- 
turned, and in February was invited to become the 
pastor of the church. Accepting the invitation, he 
permanently remained until 1796, when the enthusi- 
asm began to abate and new doctrines were accepted 
by some of the members. In the latter part of the 
year he left his Salisbury pulpit and preached at 
Woburn, Mass.; but in February, 1798, he returned, 
remaining until the following January, when, with 
his family, he returned to Woburn. As early as 
1801 he opened a store in Salisbury, which did not 
prove of pecuniary benefit. In 1808 he began the 
publication of the Herald of Gospel Libert//, the first 
religious newspaper published in the United States. 
He died at Lyme, Conn., June 29, 1846, aged seventy- 
seven years. 

Rev. Otis Robinson, the second settled pastor, was 
invited to settle in the fall of 1809, and was ordained 
in the spring of 1810, and continued for sixteen 
years. In 1826, after a very gratifying revival of re- 
ligion, in which many were added to his church, Mr. 
Robinson was dismissed from his pastoral charge at 
his request and continued to reside in town until his 
death, March 1, 1835. 

Rev. Ebenezer E. Cummings, D.D., was ordained 
and installed September 17, 1828. Old church troubles 
existed among the members of the church. The 
pastor labored assiduously for the union and har- 
mony of his people, and knowing that no good could 
come of a church which was divided against itself, 
he refused to longer remain. He asked a dismission, 
which was granted January 5, 1831. The leading 
members of the two churches which then existed 
met in consultation, decided to forget the past and to 
go on together in a Christian life. A new church 
was formed January 19, 1831, and an invitation ex- 
tended to Mr. Cummings to become its pastor. In a 
letter, bearing date June 4, 1831, he consented to re- 
main, but was not installed. In the spring of 1832 
he removed to Concord, where he was settled over 
the First Baptist Church, March 2, 1832, contintiing 
till January 11, 1854. Still resides at Concord. The 
records of the society have not been kept in a man- 
ner to afford reliable information ; consequently we 
shall give only the following: 

Rev. Jobn Learned, iustalled in September, 183S, remaining one year ; 
Rev. .Tolin Burden, rjinie in the fall of 1830 ; Rev. Stephen Coombs, 
occupied the pulpit from July, 1S.53, to .January, 1856 ; Rev. Fanniel H. 
Amsden, installed in 1851". ; Bev. .Joseph B. Damon ; Rev. Thomas B. 
Joy. 1863 ; Rev. Albert A. Ford, 1864-66 ; Rev. Joishua Clement, 1866-67 ; 
Rev. Joseph Storcr ; Eev. J. Q. Sinclair, one year; Elder Hiram Stevens; 
Elders Boswell and Elias Dane ; Elder Peter M. Hersey ; Rev. A. H. 
Martin, 180ii-75. 

Union Meeting-House is located at the south- 
west part of the town and west of Blackwater River. 
As early as 1791 the residents of the west part of 



UlSTOllY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the town had their share of the minister iiind paid to 
them, which they used towards defraying the expenses 
of a minister. In 1832 they decided to erect a union 
house of worship, each denomination to occupy the 
pulpit one Sunday in succession through the year. 

February 26, 1834, a meeting was held to "take 
action in relation to the erection of a place 
of worship." A committee, consisting of John Couch, 
Paul True, David Hobbs, David Stevens, Benjamin 
Scribner, Israel B. Bean, William Couch, Daniel Wat- 
son and David Harvey, was appointed to confer upon 
the most judicious ways and means of building the 
house. They selected the present site. Forty-two 
persons pledged themselves twenty dollars each to- 
wards building and finishing the house. Joshua S. 
Bean, Caleb Smith, John S. Eaton and John Couch 
(3d) were the church committee. The house was com- 
pleted and dedicated at once. 

So far as known, each denomination has had the 
following permanent ministers : Christian, 10 ; Meth- 
odists, 11; Congregationalists, 2; Universalists, 2. 

East Village (or Franklin) Church.— For years there 
was no church in Pemigewasset, East Republican vil- 
lage or Salisbury ville, in that part of Salisbury now in- 
cluded in Franklin. To attend religious services the 
people were obliged to go to Searle's Hill, subsequently 
to South road, or to Sanbornton or Northfield. As the 
village increased in population and wealth, the neces- 
sity of permanent ministrations of the gospel was 
plainly seen. In Feb., 1820, it was decided to establish 
a Congregational Church, and erect a meeting-house. 
The lot on which the house now stands was selected. 

A subscription paper was circulated for the purpose 
of raising money to build the house. On this paper 
were the names of the most active citizens of that 
village, and over four hundred dollars were subscribed. 
The lot was given by Ebenezer Eastman, one of the 
most influential meu in the place. The organization 
was effected March 20, 1820. Parker Noyes, Esq., 
was chosen clerk; Captain Blancbard and Messrs. 
Hale, Ladd, Clark, Haddock, Sanborn and Samuel 
George were chosen a committee to construct the 
house. The work of completing the house after the 
erection of the frame was awarded to Benjamin Rowe 
for three hundred and sixty dollars. He did not fin- 
ish his contract, and Captain Blancbard, James Gar- 
laud and Richard Peabody were appointed to finish 
the house. On three sides of the interior of the 
church galleries were built, which contained thirty- 
two pews. The pews were sold July 4, 1820. The 
Rev. Thomas Worcester, then jtastor of the church at 
South Road, delivered a patriotic oration which was 
received with great enthusiasm. William Haddock 
sold by auction the choice of pews, as represented on 
a plan which he held in his hand. The sum received 
from the sale was $2202.25. The church was com- 
pleted by November 2.5, 1820, and dedicated Decem- 
ber 13th, Rev. Asa McFarland, of Concord, preaching 
the dedication sermon. 



The church was organized June 11, 1822, under the 
advice and direction of Rev. Samuel Wood and Rev. 
Mr. Price, of Boscaweu ; Rev. Thomas Worcester, of 
Salisbury ; and Rev. Abram Bodwell, of Sanbornton. 
A church covenant and confession of faith was 
adopted and signed by fourteen persons. Paul Noyes 
was the fii-st deacon. The church had no settled 
pastor betbre the organization of Franklin. 

Rev. William T. Savage, D.D., for a long time 
pastor, in his twenty-third aniversary sermon, deliv- 
ered in 1872, said, — 

*' In the department uf preaching, the church and society for sume 
six years from the beginning seems not to have had a regular pastor. In 
formal documents and loose papei^ allusion to the following nunistcrs as 
having occupied the pulpit for one or more Sabbaths are found : Rev. D. 
Dana, Rev. M. B. Murdock, Rev. Abel Wood, of Warner ; Robert Page, 
missionary ; Rev. David McRitcbie ; Stcader and Holt, missionaries ; and 
Rev. Moses Bradford, of Francistowu. In 1826, Rev. Abijah Cross, 
pastor ol' the church at South Road, preached fifteen Sabbaths, In 1827, 
Rev. George Freeman officiated eleven Sabbaths, and in 1828, Rev. Reu- 
biMi Farley sixteen Sabbaths." 

County Conference. — The Merrimack County Con- 
ference of Congregational Churches was an outgrowth 
of the Hopkinton Association, and was the result of 
a special meeting held at the dwelling-house of the 
Rev. Dr. Wood, of Boscaweu, April 4, 1827. Among 
the articles presented was the following : " This Con- 
ference shall be composed of pastors and delegates 
from the Congregational Churches within the bounds 
of the Hopkinton Association. It shall assume no 
control over the faith or the discipline of the church." 

The first meeting was held on the fourth Tuesday 
of June, 1828, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, in the 
Congregational Church at Salisbury, the Rev. 
Abijah Cross, then pastor. In 1S3S the Association 
again met at Salisbury, aud June 10, 1884, the Con- 
ference again assembled, Rev. C. E. Gordon, pastor, 
eleven churches being represented by their pastors 
and delegates, the ses.sion continuing two days. 

Educational. — At the first town-meeting it was 
voted "to raise some money for school purposes." In 
1772 twelve dollars was voted to support a school; it 
was also voted " to raise half a day's work on the sin- 
gle head, to be done on the south end of the sixty- 
acre lot, which was laid out for the school." This 
lot was situated on Searle's Hill, on the centre range- 
way, opposite the ten-acre meeting-house lot. The 
school-house was built in the summer of 1772 and was 
the first in town. 

In 1778 the town w;is divided into four school dis- 
tricts. The school-houses were wooden-framed, 
boarded and shingled and furnished with windows 
and fire-places. One was located near Smith's Cor- 
ner. It was built by Beniah Bean for three hundred 
and ninety-eight dollars. The second at South Road, 
built by Deacon John Collins for six hundred and 
eighty dollars. Another was situated at the Centre 
Road, nearly opposite F. W. Fifield's present resi- 
dence, built by Edward Fifield for six hundred and 
seventy-eight dollars ; and the last was at North Road, 
Mr. Andrew Pettingell receiving four hundred and 



SALISBURY. 



(10!) 



ninety-four dollars for building it. Such buildings 
soon after could have been completed for loss than 
half the cost of these. But money was so much de- 
preciated that labor commanded eight dollars per 
day. The amount raised annually for schools at this 
time was about five hundred dollars, while three thou- 
sand dollars were appropriated for the improvement 
of roads. 

In March, 1784, it was " Voted to sell all the school 
lands and put the principal in the bank and use the 
interest for the support of schools in the town annu- 
ally." It was also voted at the same meeting "to 
sell the school-houses belonging to the s** town and 
the money be contributed to the use of the town." 

The sale of the school-houses brought, in the aggre- 
gate, $63.75 each, and the land was sold to Ephraim 
Colby for three pounds, fifteen shillings and three pence 
per acre. In 1786 the town raised two hundred and ten 
dollars, in lawful money, for the support of schools, 
and ordered each district to provide its own school- 
rooms. 

In 1791 a school-house was built at the Lower vil- 
lage (now the Orphans' Home District in Franklin). 
In this building Daniel Webster attended school and 
later in life taught. The second school-house, at the 
South road, was built by subscription in 1787. After 
the academy was removed from its original location 
to South road the school was transferred to one por- 
tion of it and has since continued. 

In 1819 the town was divided into eleven school 
districts and there were school-houses in nine of 
them. Changes were subsequently made, increasing 
the number to fourteen. 

No. 1, located at South road, was organized in 1820. 

No. 2, known as Centre Road District, was formed 
April 2, 1823. 

No. 3, called "Sawyer's," organized in 1820. 

No. 4, located at Scribner's Corner, at the west 
part of the town. 

No. 6, at the North road. 

No. 6, the Mills District ; school located there as 
early as 1806. In 1884 a new, commodious building 
was erected. 

No. 7, at " Smith's Corner," at the west part of the 
town. The first school-house was erected in 1782. 
The second wa.s twenty by twenty-five feet, erected in 
1789. In 182.5 the district was reorganized and a 
new school-house erected. 

No. 8, located at " Thompson's Corner." The first 
school-house in town was on a site included within 
the limits of this district. 

No. 9, on Lovering's Hill. Established in 1826. 

No. 10, " Watson District," on the southern spur 
of Kearsarge Mountain. A school-house was built 
here as early as 1812. 

No. 11 is on Raccoon Hill, known as the " Shaw 
District." The school-house was built in 1847 and 
thoroughly repaired in 1876. 

No. 12, located at "Shaw's Corner." The second 



school-house was erected iu 1820 and the third in 
1881. 

No. 13, situated at the Lower village (now tlic Or- 
phans' Home in Franklin). The present building is 
of brick. 

No. 14, at the East village in Franklin. Ebcnezer 
Eastman gave the land for " educational purposes " 
in 1816. The first school-house in that part of Salis- 
bury was built in 1805-6. 

Salisbury Academy.— At the close of the last 
century Salisbury was the residence of an unu.sually 
number of prudent, intellectual and scholarly men. 
They had pride in the good name of the town, and 
looked forward with cheerful anticipation to a higher 
position which it might hold in the State, and saw 
the advantages which would result from a permanent 
institution of learning, and, at length, united in the 
establishment of an academy. The petition was pre- 
sented to the Legislature for an act of incorporation 
at the winter session, in January, 1795, and the act 
of incorporation w^as granted December 22, 1795. 

The board of trustees, by authority of the Legisla- 
ture, had the charge of the institution. The academy 
was erected on the ridge of Garland's Hill, and was 
two stories high. Soon after its erection the Fourth 
New Hampshire turnpike was built, which prac- 
cally left the academy on an old road and away from 
the business portion of the town. It was proposed to 
move the building to South Road village and open it 
under new management, and for that purpose contri- 
butions were solicited, the removal taking place 
April 29, 1806. 

In January, 1806, the district school began on the 
lower floor, the upper room being reserved for academ- 
ical purposes. Extensive repairs have been made 
as needed, and in 1883 a projection was added to the 
south end of the upper story, new floor laid, the stair- 
way made more convenient and the room fitted up 
into a fine hall. The academy has had three char- 
ters. For a long period it gained and sustained a rep- 
utation for good scholarship and excellence in all its 
departments. Its standing was not inferior to the 
best institutions of its kind in the State. Follow- 
ing are the list of teachers, so far as known : 

Thomas Chase was the first instructor when it was 
located on Garland Hill. He was succeeded by James 
Tappan, Rev. Samuel Worcester, Rev. Noah Worces- 
ter, D.D., Ichabod Bartlett, 1804; Hon. Richard 
Fletcher, 1809; Samuel I. Wells, Esq., 1813-16; Na- 
thaniel H. Carter, A.M., 1811 ; Lamson Carter, 1815 ; 
Stephen Bean, Rev. Benjamin Huntoon, 1817-19 ; 
Rev. Daniel Fitts, D.D., 1819-22; Zachariah Batch- 
elder, 1822; W. Bailey, 1813; Henry Greenleaf, 1822; 
Caleb Stetson, 1825-26; Henry Fitts, William Clag- 
gett, 1826-27; Alfred Kittredge, 1828; Caleb B. Kitt- 
redge, 1829-32 ; Rev. B. F. Foster, 1838-39 ; Charles 
T. Berry, 1840; Elbridge G. Emery, 1842^3 ; David 
Dimond, 1843 ; Caleb P. Smith, William S. Spauld- 
ing, A.M., 1844-45 ; S. C. Noves, J. H. Upton, 



«10 



IIISTOllY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Clark, Hon. William M. Pingree, Rev. E. S. Little, 
Dr. J. Q. A. French, Dr. Crockett, D. B. Penticost, 
Rev. !•:. D. Eklredge, John A. Kilburn, 1851 ; John 
W. .Simonils, John R. Eastman. 

Social Library. — Early in the year 1794 several of 
the citizens of Salisbury agreed to organize a volun- 
tary association for the purpose of establishing and 
maintaining a library. The first regular meeting 
was held March 27th. Colonel Ebenezer Webster 
was chosen chairman and Andrew Bovvers clerk. An 
act of incorporation was granted in 1798. Rules and 
regulations were adopted in March, 1799. In 1859 there 
were four hundred and ninety-six volumes in the 
library. It was this library that Daniel Webster 
referred to when he said that his early reading was 
gathered from a small circulating library. 

Literary Adelphi. — This society was organized 
June 25, 1813, when the academy was at the height 
of its prosperity. It was composed largely of mem- 
bers of the academy, who generally conducted its lit- 
erary exercises. The last meeting of the society was 
held in June, 1819. 



CHAPTER III. 

SALISBURY— (eu«(™»ci/). 

INDIAN HISTORY. 

As there has been so much written about the killing 
of Sabatis and Plausawa, by the Bowens, and the 
trouble which arose from it, we will not burden this 
volume with a repetition of it, but refer the inter- 
ested reader to the New Hampshire State Papers, or 
Dearborn's "History of Salisbury," pp. 225-239, in- 
clusive. 

For several years previous to 1754 Indian depre- 
dations had been committed in the vicinity. On the 
11th of May, 1754, the Indians made their attack 
on Nathaniel Maloon and family, who had some 
time previously removed to Stevenstown (Salisbury). 
Maloon was captured in Contoocook (Boscawen). He 
was taken to his home, where they took, as prisoners, 
his wife, his children (Mary and Rachel, John and 
David; also Sarah, then an infant of thirteen 
months). The eldest son, Nathaniel P., was at work 
in a field a short distance from the house, planting 
corn. The father was ordered to call him, which he 
did; but the son saw the Indians, and, understanding 
by the signification of his father's voice that he 
wished him to escape, he dropped his hoe, fled to the 
woods, swam the Blackwater and readied t\u' fort at 
Contoocook. 

The Indians plundered the house aud then returned 
to St. Francis, Canada, with their captives. After 
Buttering great indignities they were shipped in a 
French vessel for France. The ship was captured by 
a British man-of-war. jMaloon and bis family were 



landed at Portland, and from that place they returned 
to their former home, having been gone nearly four 
years. 

Rachel was not redeemed until 17i;:i, and David not 
until 17()1. 

On the IGth of August, 1754, an attack was made 
on Philip Call's house, which stood near the Salis- 
bury fort. Mr. Call, his son Stephen and Timothy 
Cook were at work on the farm. The savages sud- 
denly appeared at the door of the dwelling-house, 
and as Mrs. Philip Call opened it she was struck 
down, killed and scalped. Stephen Call's wife, being 
within, concealed herself and infant, John, behind 
the chimney and was not discovered. Both Philip 
and Stephen escaped. Timothy Cook was pursued, 
and, in crossing the Merrimack River, was fired upon 
and killed. 

Samuel Scribner and Robert Barber liad located with- 
in half a mile of our northern boundary line, near Em- 
erystown { Andover), and were then our most northern 
settlers. They had got out the timber to build a house, 
and at the time of their capture were mowing in the 
meadow now owned by Elbridge Shaw. Scribner's 
back was to the Indians. Barber saw them coming 
and shouted out to Scribner, " Run, Scribner ; run, 
for God's sake ! Run ! the Indians are upon us ! " But 
he did not hear him, and he was grasped from behind 
by an Indian. Barber ran, but went directly into an 
ambush of the savages. An Indian, holding up a 
scalj) before Barber, asked him, in broken English, if 
he knew it. He said, " Yes ; Mrs. Call's." The In- 
dians took them along as prisoners, and, after a jour- 
ney of thirteen days, reached St. Francis, Canada-. 
Scribner was sold to a Frenchman at Chamblee. 
Barber was sold to a Frenchman about a mile from St. 
Francis, and on the 26th of September, 1775, made 
his escape. After Scribner's return he built the 
large two-story house at North road. 

Early in the winter of 1755, Governor Wentworth 
ordered Colonel Joseph Blanchard, of Dunstable, to 
raise a regiment of six hundred men, and to rendez- 
vous at the Salisbury fort. It is impossible to state 
when this fort was built, but it was between 1746 aud 
1750. It was located about forty rods southerly of 
the cemetery on the Webster intervale, and sur- 
rounded by eight acres of cleared land which was 
early cultivated. It is quite evident that the regiment 
arrived in April, 1755, and Blanchard spent about six 
weeks in preparing boats for transporting his troops 
up the river. Before they left, the State author- 
ities ordered the enlistment of three hundred men to 
take their place. They were mustered into service 
about the 20th of September, 1755, and were dis- 
charged at the end of three months. 

In these regiments we find many of our early pio- 
neers who settled in the town, viz. : Benjamin San- 
born, Benjamin Baker, Samuel Judkins, John Bean, 
Robert Smith, Tristram Sanborn, Andrew Bohonon, 
Henry Ad. Elkins, John Webster, Thomas Welch, 



SALISHURV. 



611 



Jacob Hancock, Ndieniiah lleath, Ebenc/.ei- .lolin- 
son, Tristram Quimby, Samuel Lovering, Iddo Web- 
ster, Benjamin Huntoon, B. Cliftbrd, Edward East- 
man, John WadU'igli, Jeremiah Quimby and Jolin 
Fellows. 

In 1756, Colonel Meserve raised a regiment for the 
Crown Point expedition, among his men being found 
the following, who located in the town : Jonathan 
Fifield, John Ash, Samuel Scribner, J. Blaisdell and 
Daniel Stevens. 

In Meserve's regiment, raised in 1757, we find the 
following soldiers, who afterwards became residents in 
Salisbury : J. Merrow, Joseph Webster, Benjamin 
Pettengill, John Sanborn and Stephen Webster. 

In 1757, Major Thomas Tash enlisted a battalion ol 
two and three mouths' men. We append the follow- 
ing names found in this battalion : .lohn Cross, 
Samuel Scribuer, Robert Barber and JSIatthew Pet- 
tengill. 

In 1758, Colonel John Hart raised a regimentof six 
hundred men for the Crown Point expedition. Upon 
the roll appears the names of the following, who set- 
tled in Salisbury : Moses Garland, Moses Sanborn, 
Benjamin Shaw, Samuel Scribner, James Johnston,^ 
William Hoyt and Kathaniel Nelson. 

In Captain Trueworthy Ladd's company we find 
the names of Joseph Bean, Ebenezer Webster, Philii) 
Flanders, Onesipborus Page, Iddo Webster, .lohn 
Wadleigh and Moses Tucker. 

In Colonel John CTofi''s regiment we find Ebenezer 
Webster, orderly sergeant ; Tristram Quimby and 
Stephen AVebster, corporals ; privates, Rowell Colby, 
Robert Smith, Benjamin Webster, Elisha Quimby, 
Richard Tucker, D. Rowe, Moses Tucker, Benjamin 
Collins and Jonathan Roberts, all settled in Salisbury. 



CHAPTER IV. 



SALISBURY— (C'on<». 



The Revolution.— The people of .Salisbury caught 
the first echo of the shot at Lexington, and, although 
not in season to participate, they were at Bunker 
Hill. They went, too, uninvited to that banquet of 
death and fame which was celebrated on the 17th of 
June, 1775. 

When hostilities commenced at Lexington there 
were but five hundred inhabitants in Salisbury. 
There was one company of militia, consisting of 
about seventy-five men, organized and officered, be- 
tween the ages of sixteen and sixty years. This con)- 
pany was commanded by Captain Ebenezer Webster, 
who had first received his commission in 1774. 
Robert Smith was his lieutenant, Moses Garland, for 
a short time, and then Andrew Pettengill was the 
ensign. 



I'pon the alarm of the Lexington conflict, without 
any authority from the State, tliey repaired to Cam- 
bridge. They there met the Massachusetts Com- 
mittee of Safety, also John Stark, James Reed and 
Paul Dudley Sargent. These three men received 
colonels' commissions from the State of Massachusetts. 
Stark enlisted eight hundred men, or fourteen com- 
panies, while Reed and Sargent had enlisted four 
companies each. The regiments were Nos. 1, 2 and 
3. Colonel Stark had command of the First, Enoch 
Poor of the Second and James Reed of the Third. 
The First and Third Regiments were engaged in the 
battle of Bunker Hill. 

Salisbury men enlisted into tliiee or min\- of the 
companies of Stark's regiment. Among the early 
enlistments are the names of Peter Severance, Jona- 
than Cram and Jacob Morrill; in Captain Henry 
Dearborn's company, Abraham Fifield, John Bean, 
Joseph Lovering, Samuel Lovering, Moses Welch, E. 
Raino, Daniel Stevens, Edward Evans, Moses Gar- 
land, Moses Fellows, .lohn Bowen, John Jemson, Ben- 
jamin Howard, Reuben Greeley and Samuel Scribner. 
Two of these men, .lohn Bowen and Moses Fellows, 
joined Captain Dearborn's company, and, in the 
autumn of 1775, made a part of Arnold's regiment, 
that marched through the wilderness of Maine to 
Quebec. Twelve of the above number enlisted for 
the term of six months and encountered the perils 
of the siege. 

Of the Salisbury men who participated in the aid 
to Connecticut, we have been unable to obtain their 
names. Certainly there was quite a number. 

Our next enlistment for 177(3 was for the relief of 
the northern army. In Captain Osgood's company 
we find the name of Captain John Webster, of Salis- 
bury, as his lieutenant, and Edward Sawyer, as 
private. 

Upon the evacuation of Boston by the British, part 
of their army soon after invaded New York. Another 
portion, commanded by Burgoyne, invaded Canada, by 
way of Quebec. The New Hampshire regiments 
which had been at the siege were ordered to New 
York, and thirteen Salisbury men were in Colonel 
Stark's regiment, viz. : 

John Bosford, James Bosford, John Bayley, Wolls nurbauk, Rowell 
Colby, Kenbun Hoyt, Jr., Jonathan Huntoon, Philip Huntoon, .Samuel 
Lovciin, Joseph toverin, Ebenezer .Scribner, Simon Sanborn and Israel 

Another regiment was raised for six months, to 
reinforce Washington at New York. Salisbury fur- 
nished ten men for .James Shepard's company of 
Canterbury, — 

John Bean, ensign ; Benjamin Huntoon, orderly sergeant; Privates, 
Cutting Stevens, Stephen Call, James Johnson, .Samuel Scribner, Philip 
Flanders, Jonathan Scribner, .louathau Foster, Robert Wise. 

After the disastrous battle of Long Island, Wash- 
ington again appealed to New Hampshire for aid. 
Salisbury had furnished her full quota. Captain Ebe- 
nezer Webster was appealed to furnish men. Ten 



HISTORY OF MKRUTMAOK COUNTY, NKW HAMPSIIIRR. 



men holding militia commissions, and some otliers, 
volunteered to serve as privates, and were mustered 
iiilii s(i\irc Scptmili. r ■_!((, 1776. They were Lieu- 
tenaiil UnlMit Siiiiili. Ilnsijrii Moses Garland, Orderly 
Sei-jii'iinl Ainliiw I'lilriii:!!], Ensign Andrew Boho- 
non, Etlwurd Eastman, Joseph Fifield, Edward Fi- 
field, Joshua Morse and Stephen Bohonon. Captain 
Webster resigned tlie office of selectman to take a 
private's place in this campaign. Joseph Bean and 
Nathaniel Huntoon enlisted in Captain Goft''s com- 
pany of the same regiment. Tliey participated in 
the battle of White Plains. 

In 1777 the town was obliged to otler bounties of 
seventy dollars each to meet its quota. John Ash, 
who had enlisted March 8, 1777, to serve during the 
war, was discharged December 31, 1781, and Ananiah 
Bohonon, Philip Flanders and John Bowen,who had 
enlisted March 13, 1781, were (lischurged the following 
December. 

The following men enlisted for three years in Col- 
onel Alexander Scammell's regiment: 

Moses Follows, oiilcrly sciKeant ; Ephraiui Heath, Keuben Grcclcy, 
iicubei) Hoit, Matthew Greelyi-, Philip Lufkiu, William Bayley, Buiiiel 
Felch, Benjamin Howard, Joshua Snow, us privates. 

These fourteen men were our quota of Continental 
soldiers for three years, and were mustered into 
service in March, 1777. 

The following is the list of soldiers from Salisbury 
who were in Captain Ebenezer Webster's company, 
which fought in the battle of Bennington, on the Kith 
of August, 1777 : 

Kdward Evans, one of the staff officers of Colonel Stickney'a regiment ; 
Captain, Ebenezer Webster ; Lieutenants, Bobert Smith, Andrew Boho- 

ering ; l-mlli ' '.m p. .ml. .l-.-hiM M..|~. , 1>, ii,<.|, ,l,.!,n >,nl,.ii,; 

Too]-, ,1. :,. . I r. . I ! ■ r. ■.,.,. !1 :,•, i \N | ,,,„ 



John C. Galo, Jacob True, ,Tohn .i> m i, I: ; i pi. 

Tucker, Moses Elkins, John Smith, Wiii :i \ , i , ,, i \\ i i, ,_ 

David I'ettengi 11, Abel Elkins, Jann-s ,l Ihlmh, .i.i, .,i, ,,.u1.uiJ, i.toit;i: 
Bayley, Moses Welch, Pauiel Brottlcbank, Matthew rettuni;iU, Ktlwiud 
Eastman,— rank and file from Salisbury, forty-one men. 

To this number add Ensign Andrew Pettengill, who 
served in the Concord and Boscawen company. We 
also had three other men in Colonel George Reed's 
regiment, viz. : Samuel Saunders, Jacob Morrill and 
Joseph Maloon, making, of the Continental and 
militiamen in actual service in the summer of 1777, 
forty-five militiamen and seventeen regular troop.s, a 
total of sixty-two men. 

Though the Salisbury men were largely exposed, 
and though Saunders was reported among the missing 
at IliiMiuiclton, Pettengill wounded at Stillwater, yet 
no death resulted except that of Andrew Pettengill. 
Early in 1778 disease began to thin the ranks of our 
veterans, and in March and April we lost four of our 
men in camp at Valley Forge, vi/. : Ephraim Heath, 
Reuben Greeley, Philip Lulkin :iiid William Bayley. 

In August, 1778, the expediti.ni 1,, Kliiule Island 



was organized and executed nnder the commaml <ir 
General Sullivan. Colonel Moses Nichols raised a 
regiment to serve about a month in General Whipple's 
brigade. Captain Ebenezer Webster commanded 
the Third Company in this regiment. Elder Benjamin 
Huntoon was his orderly sergeant and Edward East- 
man corporal. The following Salisbury men were 
private" ill his .■mnpany: 
^''■"' ' ' ' I'll. Ensign .\niirew Bohonon, Joseph KitieKl, 

S» 1 ■ ' I II" Puttongill, .James Johnson, William Calef, 

•'"""ll'i"' I I'l I i ~ I 1 lilifld, Joseph Iloit, Winthrop Fifield, Ensign 

Moses Carlaii.l. J.-reniiiili Howen, John Sanborn, Moses Welch, Ben- 
jamin Eastman and Phineas Bean. Also in Colonel Center's regiment, 
Joseph Bean, Joseph Webster and Daniel Oilman,— total, twenty-two 
rank and tile. 

In July, 1779, Stephen Bohonon and James Johnson 
enlisted for six months to serve in the Rhode Island 
campaign. In June, 1780, George Hackett, Davitl 
Greeley, Jonathan Fifield and Joseph Webster were 
mustered into the Continental army to serve during 
the war. During the year 177!), John Bean, of Salis- 
bury, was wounded at Newton, N. Y., and afterwards 
received half-pay. 

In 1780, Captain Ebenezer Webster commanded 
the Fourth Company in Colonel Moses Nichols' regi- 
ment, raised for the defense of West Point, and was 
stationed there for eight months. From Salisbury 
we recognize Captain Webster's old companions, 
Robert Wise, Stephen Bohonon, Jethro Barber, Joseph 
Hoit, Benjamin Eastman, S. Fifield, Winthrop Fi- 
field, Benjamin Ingalls and Joseph Welch. 

In 1780 the term of service of the three years' men 
expired, and it became necessary to re-enlist some 
fifteen men, to take the places of those discharged. 
In addition to the four men who took the places of 
those who died at Valley Forge, the following men 
were secured. They enlisted for three years from the 
spring of 1780 : 

Joshua Snow, John Sinith, Moses Fellows, John Fellows, Jr., John 
Ash, Geoige Nichols, .Tosiali Mason, Beiyamin Howard, William Lufkin, 
Ananiah Bohonon, Josiah Smith and ThoninM Cross. 

For Colonel George Reed's regiment the following 
men were obtained : Samuel Saunders, Edward Scrib- 
ner, Jethro Barber, Joseph Maloon and S. Fifield. 

The following men were enlisted, from Salisbury to 
reinforce the army in New York, and served in various 
companies in Colonel D. Reyiidl.l ' rr: im, nt ; 

Moses 'Web.stor, Peter Whittemore, .i i i ..(m. ,., i:,i 

ward Eastman, Thomas Challis, J. I-jIi. I i ... - , Al» I 

Morrill, .lacob Morrill, Henry Elkins, .-i.uiun i M.du, n, .~. 1 i, ii, I,. 

In November, 1781, the following soldiers enlisted 
for three months, and were returned to Colonel 
Stickney's regiment: 



In 1782, Captain Ebenezer Webster performed a 
six months' service in the north part of this State. 
Jeremiah Bowen was the only private from the town. 

The War of 1812.— One of our active ofiiceis in 
the army of the United States during the war, and in 



SALISBURY. 



613 



the campaign against the Western Indians antecedent 
to this war, was Captain John Smith. His brother, 
Jabez Smith, had the rank of major in the First 
Eegiment of the United States Volunteers. 

In 1814 our seaport, Portsmouth, was threatened 
by the British navy, and our militia were called upon 
more than once to defend this port. 

Those wlio mustered from Salisbury for three 
months from the 11th day of September, 1814, were 
the following, viz. : 

Captain Jonathan Bean and his son, Phineas Bean, as waiter; Pri- 
vates, Benjamin Fifield, Moses Fifield, Enoch Fifield, Samuel Fifleld, 
Junatlian P. Sanborn, Nehemiab Lowell, Matthew T. Hunt, William 
Johnson, John Johnson, Nathaniel Stevens, John Webster, Jesse Wai-d- 
well, aioses Osgood, Jr., enlisted in the United States service. 

Of the sixty days' men who enlisted October 2, 
1S14, in the company commanded by Captain Silas 
Call, of Boscawen, we find the following Salisbury 



Lieutenant, Samuel Quimby ; Orderly Sergeant, Timothy Hoit ; Cor- 
poral, Thomas Chase; Musician, A. B. Bohonon ; Privates, Nathan 
Tucker, Jabez True, Theodore George, Samuel Webster, Jonathan Mor- 
rill, Isaac Proctor, Joseph Fifield and Joseph Adame. 

In Colonel Davis' regiment, in the company com- 
manded by Captain Thomas Currier, we recognize 
the following soldiers, who served one year, as 
belonging to Salisbury : 

Daniel Woodard, Sergeant Jeremiah Bean, Samuel Fitield, W'illiam 
Frazier, .\mos George and .Jeremiah Gove. In Captain Mason's com 
pany, Joel Judkius, Jonathan Johnson, John Sanborn, J. Quimby, Ed- 
\vard West, Ebenezer Webster Bohonon, Ithamar Watson (was a captain 
of Minute-Men). 

The following soldiers are credited to Salisbury : 

James Currier, Joseph Stevens, Moses Mor^e, Abel Wardwell, Samuel 
Kezir, Matthew Sanborn, Paul Greeley and Kichard Greeley. 

War of the Rebellion.— On the 27th day of De- 
cember, 1860, the Confederates seized Forts Moultrie 
and Pickens. On the 9th day of January, 1861, they 
fired their first shot, from Fort Moultrie and Morris 
Island, into a government vessel carrying troops and 
supplies to Major Anderson, who had transferred his 
entire force to Fort Sumter. In accordance with 
the requirements of law, the selectmen for 1861 
transmitted to the Secretary of State a list of the 
names of men liable to do military duty, numbering 
one hundred and two. Accepting this basis, Salis- 
bury furnished not only the required number, but a 
small surplus. Salisbury furnished no soldiers until 
the Tenth Regiment was raised under the call of 
1862. Michael T. Donahoe, of Manchester, was ap- 
pointed colonel. Company E was raised at An- 
dover, and was commanded by Captain Aldrich B. 
Cook, who was succeeded by Captain Thomas C. 
Trumbull, who, in turn, was succeeded by Captain 
James A. Sanborn. The following men enlisted from 
Salisbury : 

Sergeant, John C. Carter ; Privates, William C. Heath, Calvin Hoyt, 
Ansun W. Glines, Willis W. Kenniston, Alfred Sanborn, Harry Scott, 
William Whittemore, Nathaniel Hodge, Henry M. French, George At- 
wood, George W. Chase. 
39 



In the Sixteenth Regiment, Company E, enlisted 
the following men from Salisbury : 

Sergeant, Boiy'amin Gale ; Corporals, Alonzo D. Davenport, George 
K. Smith ; Privates, Evan M. Heath, Harrison V. Heath, Moses Colby, 
William R. Dimond, Ferdinand M. Daysburg, Benjamin L. Frazier, 
Charles E. Heath, Albert A. S. French, Henry C/ George, Charles Colby, 
Meshcch W. Blaisdell. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 
Corporal Madison B. Davis, enlisted iu Troop I, Firet New England 

Cavalry. 
Bugler Cyrus C. Huntoon, enlisted in Troop I, First New England 

Cavalry. 
William Bayleyand Andrew J. Colby, enlisted in Company II, Eiglitli 

Regiment. 
John Meller, enlisted in CompaTiv I", Sct-.ind KcKiment. 

Lieutenant Joseph C. Clillur.l. . uli i I m r |,,ny E, Fii-st liegiment. 

Jonathan J. Bayley, enlist.-^ : I ■ , l^ I liiilt liegiment. 

M. H.Whitmore, enlisted in ' : i; i;,\ •., I ;:,.i l;f;iiment. 

Clinton A. Shaw, enlisted in C.j,i,i..ii,j i., 1 u, UUi liegiment. 

John G. Maxfield, enlisted'in Company B, Seventh Regiment. 

Henry Sanborn, enlisted in Company F, Second Regiment United States 

Sharpshooters ; re-enlisted September 12, 1802, in Company E, Tenth 

Regiment. 
Frank Stevens, enlisted in Eighteenth liegimeiu New lliiinpshiro In- 

The following residents of the town were also in 
service, but we have little knowledge concerning 
their record beyond the fact of enlistment : 

Frank D. Kimball, Company E, Fourth Regiment; John Woodard, 
Ebenezer Farnum, James Farnum, Charles Bruce, Caleb B. Smith, 
Henry Moores, Benjamin S. Heath, Joseph Ladd, Read Huntoon, James 
W, Gardner, Daniel W. Shaw, C. O. WTicoler, George H. Whitman, W. 
C. Whitman. 

The following soldiers were either natives or resi- 
dents of the town of Salisbury at the time of their 
enlistment, but enlisted out of the town or State : 

.\mos S. Bean, credited to and enlisted from Manchester, in Company A, 

Heavy Artillery. 
George E. Bean, credited to and enlisted from Manchester, Company A, 

Tenth Regiment. 
Albert Kilburn, enlisted in Boston in the Fifth Massachusetts Regiment 

of three months' men ; re-enlisted at Mmneapolis, Minn.; afterwaids 

in the employ of the government as a carpenter ; died at Vicksburg, 



.\braham S. Sanboi 



' Manchester, Company G, Foil 



Keg- 



Sanni' I ^ i ' '' ' I '"* .inaan, Company D, Fourth Regiment. 

Ruhi^ 1 I in I 'ompany C, Second Vermont Regiment. 

Elt.iii I ' I .1 in Company C, Second Vermont Regiment. 

Nathan^ - [- i il i 1 hi Twenty-second Massachusetts Infantry. 

Charles \\ . c.ii-.-fr, eiili&tcd in Sixth Massachusetts Infantry. 

George for Henrj-) Elkins, enlisted in Second Regiment. 

Silas Holmes, enlisted iu Sixth Massachusetts. 

John Shaw. 

David F. Bacon, enlisted in Company E, Secoml V.Tmont. 

Charles H. Bacon. 

Daniel R. Calef. 

John Alfred Calef. 

Substitutes. — The following substitutes performed 
their engagements with the town of Salisbury ; they 
honored themselves and the cause they supported : 

Thomas Fleming, Company G, Fourth Regiment; Hamilton Carr, 
Company C, Fourth Regiment; Octave Vezina, Company B, Ninth 
Regiment; John Robinson, Company B, Ninth Regiment; James 
Dolan, Company A, Ninth Regiment ; Robert Brown, Company A, 
Ninth Regiment ; James McDonald, Company E (or D), Seventh Regi- 
ment ; Daniel P. Morrison, Company D, Seventh Regiment; James 
Carroll, Joseph Storms, Henry Miller, Jerry Potter, Charles Sutton, 
Peter Carroll, William Loverin, James Meaniix, John Murphy, Warren 
Dinslow, Nathan Lackey, Michael Conners, James Moran, George Perry, 
James Durgin, Corporal Nelson Davis, William B. Winship, J. F. 
Coburn William Williams, liobert Allen, II. C. Rock, Henry McOirt.v. 



6U 



IILSTUKY OF MKUril.MACK COUNTY, NEW HAMFSHIKE. 



Twenty-two additional substitutes were enlisted in 
18(>3 and 186-1, but are recorded as deserters. Having 
degraded themselves as soldiers, we shall not allow 
them to disgrace the town that emi)loyed them, by 
publishing their name*. 

In 1680 a militia company was organized in this 
State, consisting of one company of foot in each of the 
four towns of Portsmouth, Dover, Exeter and Hamp- 
ton, one company of artillery at the lort and one " troop 
of horse." 

After the Declaration of Independence a new 
militia system became necessary, and we will only 
follow its history so far as it relates to Salisbury, 
which was one of the towns that helped form the Twen- 
ty-first Regiment, the regimental officers being Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Philip Greeley, commander ; Major 
Joseph Gerrish, First Battalion; Major Timothy Dar- 
ling, Second Battalion. The following list comprises 
colonels of the Twenty-first Regiment, so far as 
known, who resided in Salisbury : 

17*17, Ebenezer Webster ; 1802, John C. Gale; 1813, Benjamin Swott ; 
l.sl!i-20, Jonathan Bean; 1821-23, John Greeley: 1821, Cyrus Chase; 
1818, John C. Smith ; Is'il-fi:!, (instavus V. Welisl.-i-. 

Roads, Turnpikes, Bridges and Ferries.— The 
earliest highway in the town was one along the 
west bank of the Merrimack River, which was in- 
tended to open communication with the Coos country. 
The three rangeways of the town extended, in an east- 
erly and westerly direction, nearly the entire length 
of the town. 

Tlu' Smith Kiiiigeway extended from Shaw's Corner, 
tlii'oiigh tlie liK-ation of South Road village, and con- 
tinued westerly over Ivearsarge into Warner. It was 
surveyed in 1763 by William Calef. 

The Centre road, occupying the rangeway limits 
very fully, was surveyed by Mr. Calef in 1768. It 
commenced by the Webster Cemetery, at the river, 
extended overSearle's Hill, crossed the turnpike road 
a little southeast of Centre Road village and extended 
to the western boundary. 

The road corresponding, in part, with the North 
Rangeway was surveyed in 17G3 by Mr. Calef. Only 
a few sections of it were ever built. As early as 
1774 a road commenced at the eastern bound of Dr. 
Joseph Bartlett's home-lot, east of South Road vil- 
lage, and continued northward to the Centre road, 
just west of the old meeting-house on Searle's Hill. 

North road was constructed in 1770, between 
Shaw's Corner and Benjamin lluntoon's. It was 
soon after extended to Andover line. 

Bog road was built as a substitute for the Dr. 
Bartlett road already referred to. Raccoon Hill 
road extends the whole length of Raccoon Hill, and 
was built in 1781. Mill's road extends westerly from 
the Centre Road village, continuing to Prince's Mill, 
where it then turns slightly and terminates at the 
foot of the hill west of Frank Whittemore'.s. A 
branch of this road turns south at Prince's Mill, con- 



tinues south past the Union Meeting-House and leads 
into Webster. Another branch of this road passes 
the Glines place and comes out at the South Range 
road east of Blackwater River bridge. 

A road begins west of Alpheus B. Huntoon's, and 
continues over Beach Hill into Andover. Bay's road 
extends from Shaw's mill, in West Salisbury, around 
the eastern shore of " the Bays " and intersects the Col- 
lege road. A cross-range road extends from D. C. 
Stevens' to Centre Range road at Harrison V. Heath's. 
New road to Franklin begins on the Bog road, one 
half-mile north of Thompson's school-house, turn- 
ing eastward to the North road, which it intersects 
south of the " Birth-place." It was laid out in 1869. 
Cross-Range road, the northern terminus of which is 
at Centre Road village, continues southerly and in- 
tersects Brattle Street, its northern extension leads 
to Raccoon hill. Mutton road extends south from 
South Road village to Corser Hill, in Webster. It was 
built in 1819. Water Street commences near the 
Academy and continues southerly to Boscawen. The 
new road to North Boscawen, where it connects with 
the River road, was built in 1849. The new road 
from Shaw's Corner to Franklin was built in 1823-24. 
The jictition for the College road was presented to the 
General Court in 1784, and an act was passed author- 
izing a committee to lay it out. It was not built just 
where the court ordered it. The route through Salis- 
bury was circular, and we will not follow its windings, 
as most of the road has become continuous with other 
roads. 

The Fourth New Hampshire turnpike charter was 
granted at the fall session of the General Court in 
1 800. It extended from the northwest corner of the 
bridge just north of the mouth of the Contoocook 
River to the Connecticut River in Lebanon, and had a 
liranch to Hanover. There was a toll-house in nearly 
every town, the gate in Salisbury being kept by Dea- 
con Daniel Parker. Amos Petteugill, of Salisbury, 
carried this corporation, by his personal influence, 
through many a dark day. He invented a snow-plow 
that was often drawn through the deep snow by thirty 
yoke of oxen, cutting a path a rod wide. 

In 1840 an order was issued by the court declaring 
the southern portion of it free to public travel, Salis- 
bury paying the corporation six hundred dollars as 
its share of indemnity to the stockholders. 

The first important bridge in the town was built 
over the Blackwater River in 1776, and was probably 
on the line of the south rangeway where it crosses 
the stream. The second bridge was over the same 
stream, but on the centre rangeway. It cost thirty- 
nine dollars, and was built in 1777. 

The first bridge over the Pemigewasset River was 
built in 1802, thereby affording the means of commu- 
nicating with Sanbornton. Previous to this the stream 
was crossed either by ferries or by fording the stream 
with teams, the crossing being just north of the Re- 
liublican bridge. 



SALISBURY. 



An act of incorporation was obtained in 1800 for 
building abridge over the Pemigewasset River, which_, 
in later years, was called Kepublican bridge. Eben- 
ezer Webster was authorized to call the first meeting, 
and the bridge was built at the above date (1802). The 
bridge was carried away by the great February freshet 
of 1824, and the great winter freshet of 1839 again de- 
molished it. The following summer the present 
bridge was erected at a cost of seven thousand dollars. 
It Cdntinued a toll-bridge until 1845. 

In 1800 there were two ferries over the Merrimack, 
— the upper one known as Wise's, and farther down 
stream was Cross's. They furnished communication 
with this town, Korthfield and Canterbury. 

It is generally undei-stood that the first saw-mill in 
the town was the Webster, or proprietors' mill, 
located on Punch Brook. At a meeting of the propri- 
etors held March 22, 1759, a committee was chosen 
to lay out one hundred acres of land to Captain John 
Webster for building a saw-mill. The site was 
located and the mill completed by the 1st of October, 
1761. The mill was erected on laud belonging to 
Elienezer Webster. 

One-half the use of the mill was voted to Captain 
John Webster for three years, he to saw the proprie- 
tors' lumber at the halves, keep the mill in good 
repair, and, at the expiration of three years, to leave 
the mill in good repair. Ebenezer Webster and 
Eliphalet Gale were each voted a quarter-share of the 
saw-mill on the same conditions as given Captain 
John Webster. November 3, 1704, it was voted to 
give Ebenezer Webster the use of the mill for three 
years ii-om date, he to saw the proi>rietors' lumber at 
the halves. Mr. Webster continued to conduct the 
mill until his removal to his interval farm, when 
Stephen Sawyer, conducted it in connection with the 
grist-mill, and, in addition, put in a clothing-mill. 

In 1764 eflbrts were made to build a grist-mill, and 
the year following two hundred acres of land were 
voted to the projectors (who were Benjamin Sanborn 
and Ebenezer Webster) to put in a mill. This mill 
was built in one end of the proprietors' saw'-mill, 
and for many years did all the grinding, not only for 
the settlers of this lot, but the surrounding towns, 
people bringing their corn from Perrystown (now 
Sutton) on their backs. It is said the mill-stones 
were drawn up from below on an ox-sled in the win- 
ter of 1765. 

Andrew Pettengill was the first blacksmith in the 
settlement, his shop standing just east of Thomas D. 
Little's residence. 

The first hotel in town was erected at the South 
Road as early as 1768, and was owned by Lieutenant 
Andrew Pettengill. The first one at the Centre Road 
was built by Abel Elkins, and is now occupied as a 
residence by Caleb E. Smith. 

The first hotel at the East village (now Franklin) 
was built by Ebenezer Eastman on the site of the 
present " Webster house." 



It is traditional that Major Stephen Bohonou had 
the first store in town, it being situated in one of the 
front rooms of his dwelling, which stood on the site 
now occupied by the Congregational parsonage. He 
sold out to Andrew Bowers. 

The first store at East village (now Franklin) was 
erected by Ebenezer Eastman previous to 1803. 

William Hoyt had the first store at the Lower vil- 
lage (now Orphans' Home, Franklin). 

The above were the first stores in the several parts 
of the town, but the principal store, and the one 
which continues to do the largest business, is the 
old Greenleaf store at South Road, owned by David 
G. Bean, and conducted by Andrew E. Quimby. In 
1793 there were five merchants scattered throughout 
the town, who paid the following taxes on stock in 
trade : John C. Gale, £300 ; William Hoit, £130 ; 
Luke Wilder, £250; Andrew Bowers, £180; Xath- 
aniel Isoyes, £50. 

The following list contains the names and short 
notices of gentlemen who have jtracticed their jsro- 
fessiou in the town. 

Lawyers. — Hon. Thomas W. Thompson com- 
menced practice in Salisbury in 1790, continuing till 
1810. 

Parker Noj'es, Esq., admitted to the bar in 1801, 
and, with the exception of two years, continued in 
practice until his death, in 1852. 

Hon. Moses Eastman, A.M. (see biography). 

Thomas H. Pettengill, Esq., practiced at the Cen- 
tre village from 1822 until his death. 

Hon. Richard Fletcher, A.M., LL.D., continued 
in practice from the time he was admitted to the bar 
till 1819. 

Samuel I. Wells, Esq., admitted to the bar in 1819, 
began practice in Salisbury, continuing until 1836. 

Hon. Geo. A\'. Nesmith, LL.D., read law with 
Parker Noyes, Esq. ; admitted to the bar in August, 
1825, continuing in town till Franklin was formed, 
when he became a resident there. 

Physicians. — Dr. Joseph Bartlett, the first physi- 
cian in Salisbury, was born at Amesbury, Ma.ss., Janu- 
ary 14, 1751 ; read medicine with his uncle, Governor 
Josiah Bartlett ; removed to Salisbury about 1772, 
continuing until his death, September 20, 1800. 

Dr. Joseph Bartlett, born in Salisbury, 1775, read 
medicine with and succeeded his father in practice. 
He died 1814. 

Dr. Peter Bartlett, brother to Dr. Joseph, Jr., at- 
tended lectures at Dartmouth Medical School; re- 
ceived his degree in 1829; began practice in Salisbury 
as early as 1818; continued until 1836; removed to 
Peoria, 111. ; died 1868. 

Dr. Jonathan Kittredge, of Canterbury, began 
practice in Salisbury about 1810, continuing until 
his death, 1819. 

Dr. Job Wilson, of Gilmantf)n, located at Salis- 
bury previous to 1814, remaining till 1834, when he 
removed to Franklin. 



616 



HISTORY OF MKRUIMACK COUNTY, NE\Y HAMPSHIRK. 



Dr. Thomas W. Wilson, born in Salisbury, 180(5 ; 
attended lectures at Dartmouth, continuing in prac- 
tico at Salisbury until his death, in ISGl. 

Dr. .Most's Hill, of Warner, began practice in .Salis- 
bury in IS'W, remaining one year. 

Dr. Benjamin E. Woodman, of Salem, N. PL, re- 
moved to Salisbury in 183(), remaining one year. 

Dr. Jesse Merrill, F.M., M.S., of Peacham, Vt., 
began practice in that part of Salisbury luiw Frank- 
lin about 1819, remaining quite a period. 

Dr. John Proctor was in town and practicing his 
profession in 1820. 

Dr. John Baker, born in Salisbury, 1702; began 
practice previous to 1841, continuing until 1851. 

Dr. Calvin ISaclicldcr was here a .short lime about 
1842. 

Dr. Abraham 11. Kobinson, born in Concord, grad- 
uated at Y'ale College; removed to Salisbury early in 
1839; removed to Concord in 1859. 

Dr. Charles B. Willis, 1859-63. 

Dr. Charles H. Towle came to Salisbury in 1865, 
remaining until December, 1868; removed to Deer- 
field, and there continues. 

Dr. Warren W. Sleeper, of JCcw Hampton, 1853 
till 1875; continues at Franklin Falls. 

Dr. Edward B. Buxton, born in Dunbarton,— 1875- 
'78. 

Dr. George P. Titcomb, of Boscawen, removed to 
Salisbury in 1868, where he still continues. 

Dr. John J. Dearborn, of Concord, removed to 
Salisbury in the spring of 1878, continuing till De- 
cember, 1884, when he removed to Tilton. 

Biographical Sketches.^The following sketches 
are of natives of the town, unless the place of birth 
is given difi'erent. (See also Physicians.) 

Joseph Bean, son of the grantee Joseph, born at 
Kingston; commissioned justice by the crown pre- 
vious to his removal here. He was the wealthiest 
and most important man in the early settlement, the 
first town treasurer, and held all the tovi'u offices at 
different periods. He died June 1, 1804; married 
Betsey Fifield. She died June 25, 1812. 

Nathaniel Bean, grandson of Joseph, born in Sal- 
isbury, March 5, 1796; always remained in town, 
taking a prominent interest in its affairs. He was 
the oldest (U4egate to the Constitutional Convention 
iu ISTi'i, ;ui<l was a man of wealth and sociability. 
He died .lanuary 18, 1877, leaving a widow. 

Sinclair Bean, a native of Brentwood, removed to the 
west part of Salisbury in 1766, and, with the excep- 
tion of the Maloons, was the first settler at that part 
of the town. He was the town's first clerk, holding 
the office four years, and was an elder in the church. 
He died February 21,1798; married, July 18, 1730, 
Shuah Fifield. 

Rev. James Morey Bean, born in Salisbury, No- 
vember 18, 1833; great-grandson of Sinclair; attended 
the New Hampshire Conference Seminary and the 
Theological Seminary now located at Boston ; began 



preaching in 1862, and since continued ; married Mary 
Trussell. 
I Rev. John Wesley Bean, born iu Salisbury, June 
17,1836; brother to the former ; attended the Meth- 
odist Biblical Institute; was made elder in 1875, con- 
tinuing in the ministry. Both are meeting with good 
success in their calling; married (second) Sarah B. 
Saunders, of Grafton. 

Rev. Julius Csesar Blodgett, born in Salisbury, 
March 6, 1806 ; completed his education at the Salis- 
bury Academy; ordained a minister of the Christian 
denomination at Sanbornton, in January, 1830. In 
1845 he became editor of the Christian Herald, then 
published at Exeter. He spoke with great force and 
energy, and was a very efficient revivalist. His ac- 
tive labors covered a period of forty-three years. He 
died at Kensington, March 26, 1878. Married, Sep- 
tember 3, 1837, Abigail C. Shaw, youngest daughter 
of Rev. Elijah Shaw. 

Joseph Bartlett, M.D. (see Physicians), born at 
Amesbury, Mass., January 14, 1751 ; married, Decem- 
ber 16, 1773, Hannah Colcord, of Kingston. He was 
the first of the family that settled here and his de- 
scendants have been among the most prominent men 
of the State. He died September 20, 1800 ; she died 
August 29, 1839. 

Joseph Bartlett, M.D. (2d), read medicine with his 
father, whom he succeeded in practice, and died No- 
vember 6, 1806, aged thirty-one years. 

Hon. Ichabod Bartlett, A.M., son of Dr. Joseph (Isi), 
born in Salisbury January 24, 1786. 

Peter Bartlett, M.D., son of Dr. Joseph (1st), born 
October 18, 1788 (see Physicians). A writer says : 
" He was a physician of large practice, a man of bright 
and genial spirit and one of the most active membere 
of the community and of the religious society in Sal- 
isbury. His removal to the West wits with the great- 
est regret of his townsmen, by whom he was held in 
the highest esteem." He died at Peoria, 111., 1838 ; 
married, August 1, 1816, AnnPettingill ; she died (Oc- 
tober 1, 1837. 

• Hon. James Bartlett, A.M., son of Dr. Joseph (1st), 
born August 14, 1792 ; graduated from Dartmouth Col- 
lege in 1812; began to study law with Moses Eastman 
at Salisbury and completed with his brother Ichabod 
at Portsmouth ; beg an practice at Durham ; removed 
to Dover, where he died in 1837. He represented Dover 
in the General Court a number of years and was State 
Senator. From 1819 to 1836 he was register of Probate 
for Strafford County. He was regarded as a sound 
and able lawyer, characterized more by strength and 
clearness than brilliancy. Twice married. 

Daniel Bartlett, born Aug. 25, 1795, established him- 
self in trade at Grafton, representing the town in the 
Legislature at the time when these four brothers were 
members, viz. : Samuel C, from Salisbury, James from 
Durham, Ichabod from Portsmouth and Daniel from 
Grafton. He removed to Boston, where he dieil, un- 
married, August, 1877. 



SALISBURY. 



617 



Samuel 0. Bartlctt, son of Dr. .Joseph (1st), born in 
Salisbury January 16, 1780. In 1805 he opened a .store 
at Centre Road (Salisbury), which he kept for a long 
period, and by frugality, industry and enterprise ac- 
quired a large property. Esquire Bartlett was liberal- 
minded, public-spirited and generous, and in his bus- 
iness and social relations universally respected. He 
frequently represented the town in her business af- 
fairs, and did a large justice business. He retained 
his bright mentsil faculties to the time of his death, 
March 81, 1867, aged eighty-seven years ; married, 
July 31, 1810, Eleanor Pettengill, who died March 7, 
1861. 

Rev. Joseph Bartlett, A.M., son of Samuel C, born 
January 6, 1816 ; graduated at Dartmouth College, 
1835 ; taught at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., 
1837-38; tutor at Dartmouth College, 1838-41 ; and 
graduated at Andover Theological Seminary in 1843, 
and ordained at Buxton, Me., October 7, 1847 ; died 

Samuel C. Bartlett, A.M., D.D. LL.D. 

James R. Gushing, born in Salisbury November 24, 
1800, completed his ministerial studies at the Bangor 
(Me.) Theological Seminary in 1825; immediately 
licensed to preach and labored as city missionary at 
Boston ; pastor at Boxboro', Taunton, East Haverhill, 
Mass., and after fifty years spent in the ministry died 
at Haverhill, April, 1880; married, first, HannahLaw- 
rence, by whom he had four children ; married, second. 
Charity M. Daniels ; she died 1879. 

Elder John Couch, born August 4, 1814, received 
his schooling at the old Noyes School, under Benjamin 
Tyler. In 1842, Mr. Couch felt himself called to 
preach the gospel as an Adventist and has since 
labored with great success. In 1870 he was chosen 
senior editor of the Bible Baimrr, puMislu'd in New 
York. In 1873 he was electcl .■,lit,,r -f the World's 
Crius, an eight-page weekly pa| Ml pulplislnilatBoston ; 
uianieil, first, 1855, Almetla (ireclcy; she died May 
17, 1S70; married, second, Maria C. Pickering. 

Hiram Morrill Couch, M.D., born February 16, 
1818 ; educated at the Salisbury Academy and War- 
wick ( Vt.) University ; read medicine with Dr. A. H. 
Robinson, at Salisbury, and Dr. Timothy Haynes, at 
Concord; graduated at Dartmouth Medical School in 
1847; began practice at Georgetown, Mass., where he 
died December 22, 1862 ; married Mahala Tiltou. 

Hon. Joel Eastman, born February 22, 1798, and 
was the son of Joel and Betsey (Pettengill) Eastman ; 
fitted for college at Salisbury Academy and graduated 
at Dartmouth, 1824; read law with Samuel I. Wells, 
at Salisbury, and Hon. William C. Thompson, at 
Plymouth. After being admitted to the bar, in 1827, 
he located at Conway. The same ability and studious 
habits which caused him to rank second in his class 
at Dartmouth soon gave him success as an eminent 
lawyer throughout the State. In politics he wa.s a 
Whig, and was a clear, eloquent and persuasive stump- 
.speaker. He was elected to the Legislature in 1836, 



'37, '38, '53, '54, and '55. In 1839 he was delegate to 
the Harrisburg National Convention, and on his return 
he took the stump for the ticket ; appointed United 
States district attorney in 1841, and was succeeded 
by Hon. Franklin Pierce, judge of Probate for Carroll 
County, in 1856, continuing until disqualified by age, 
in 1868. In 1861 he was a candidate for the Repub- 
lican nomination to Congress, but on account of a se- 
vere storm and the non-arrival of his friends, Hon. 
Gilman Marston received the nomination and was 
elected. In 1863 he was nominated for Congress, but 
was defeated by Hon. Daniel Marcy, the Democratic 
candidate. 

He was a man of vigorous mental and physical con- 
stitution, and at the age of eighty-five had not retired 
from practice. He died at Conway, March 16, 1885 ; 
married, December, 1832, Ruth G. Odell, of Conway; 
she died April 8, 1880. 

Hon. Moses Eastman, born August 1, 1770; grad- 
uated at Dartmouth College in 1794, receiving the de- 
gree of A.M.; read law and admitted to the bar in 
1797, opening an office in his native town ; was post- 
master some thirty years ; was clerk of the Circuit 
Court, filling the same position in the Superior Court 
after the formation of Merrimack County ; in 1847 
removed to Waltham, Mass.; died April 19, 1848 ; 
married, first, Sukey Bartlett ; second, Eliza Sweetser. 

Joseph Bartlett Eastman, A.M., son of Hon. Moses 
and Sukey (Bartlett) Eastman, born February 4, 
1804; graduated at Dartmouth, 1821; read law with 
his father; then studied medicine with his uncle, Dr. 
Peter Bartlett, and practiced medicine until 1831 at 
Waterford, Me.; taught the Salisbury Academy ; stud- 
ied divinity at the Andover Theological Seminary in 
the class of 1837 ; licensed to preach by the Addison 
Association of Vermont. He continued preaching 
and died at Windsor, N. Y., December 31, 1861 ; 
married Mary, daughter of John Huse, of Hill. His 
sons became celebrated in their chosen professions, 
but none of them were born in Salisbury. 

Elbridge G. Eastman, son of Hon. Moses, graduated 
at West Point Military School. He was a highly-re- 
spected ofticer in the army, and died at Fort Gibson, 
Ark., in 1834, unmarried. 

Adjutant Edward Evans, a native ot Ireland, set- 
tled at Chester, N. H., about 1760 and removed to 
Salisbury previous to 1775. He was known as " Mas- 
ter Evans," and was a most successful school-teacher. 
It is said he and Carrigan were the best penmen in 
the province. For a time he served as secretary for 
Generals Washington and Sullivan. He was com- 
missioned adjutant of the Second Regiment of militia. 
He was at Bunker Hill, Bennington, and served in 
the New Jersey and New York campaigns. He died 
1818; married Sarah Flagg. She died 1831, aged 
seventy-nine. 

James L. Foote, Esq., son of Thomas and Lydia 
(Taber), born April 15, 1856; read law with Hon. J. 
M. Shirley, at Andover, and Hon. E. B. S. Sanborn, 



618 



HISTORY OF .MEilKIMACK COUNTY, NKW HAMPSHIKK. 



of Franklin Falls; admitted to the bar in 1877, and 
opened an office at Manchester. 

Jonathan F'rench, M.D., son of Lieutenant Joseph, 

born in Salisbury, October 5, 1777 ; married • 

Shaw ; practiced his profession at Hampton ; removed 
to Amesbury, Mass.; died. 

John Q. A. French, M.I)., son of Captain Nathaniel 
and Phobia (Wells) French, born in Salisbury ; 
practices his profession at Washington, N. H. 

Rev. Winthrop Fifield read medicine with Dr. 
Jesse Merrill, of Salisbury; attended medicallectures 
at Dartmouth, and for three years practiced at Pitts- 
field, at which place he began theology under Rev. 
Jonathan Curtis, and completed at Andover Theolog- 
ical Seminary; ordained at Epsom, May 10, 1837; 
died at South Newmarket, May 9, 1862, aged fifty- 
six ; married, first, Sophia Garland ; second, Sarah A. 
O. Piper. 

Ebenezer O. Fifield, son of Jonathan and Dorca.s 
(Pearson) Fifield, born in Salisbury ; entered Dart- 
mouth College with Ezekiel Webster; graduated in 
1804; read medicine with Dr. Nathan Smith, of Han- 
over. When Daniel Webster went to Boston, to open 
his law-office, Mr. Fifield went with him, and completed 
his studies under Dr. Asa Ballard. Began practice in 
, Me. In the 1812 War he entered the army as sur- 
geon ; captured by the French and was a prisoner in 
France for eight months. Shattered in health, he be- 
came a principal of the Alexandria (Va.) Academy ; 
then in the old State Bank at Boston ; eyesight fail- 
ing, he removed to Lowell, where he died October 22, 
1859 ; married Anna G. Gough, of Boston. She died 
1875. 

John L. Fifield, M.D., read medicine with Dr. El- 
kins at Andover, and is a successful practitioner at 
Victoria, 111.; married Laura Cushman. 

James Fifield, M.D., practiced medicine at Olare- 
mont; died April 30, 1827, aged thirty-three years; 
married Lucinda Talmcr, of Claremont. She died 
August 22, 1881, aged seventy-eight years. 

Jesse Fifield, M.D., settled at Waterloo, N. Y.; 
married Sarah Burnham. 

Rev. Amos Foster, A.M., born March 30, 1797; 
graduated at Dartmouth, 1822; studied theology and 
was licensed to preach by the Windsor Association in 
February, 1824 ; ordained pastor of the Congregational 
Church at Canaan, which he served eight years; 
installed at Putney, Vt., and with a few changes 
settled there as his home, and died September 21, 
1884, aged eighty-seven years, five months, twenty- 
two days ; married, June 29, 1825, Harriet A. White. 
His publications were quite numerous and eagerly 
sought after. 

Rev. Benjamin F. Foster (see church record), born 
June 10, 1803 ; graduated at Amherst College in 1829; 
studied divinity, was ordained in March, 1832 ; 
died November 2, 18(58; married, first, April 19, 
1832, Ruth H. Kimball; second, Mary C. Perry. 

John M. Kitz, M.D., born October 19, 1820;read 



medicine with Dr. C. P. Gage, of Concord; attended 
medical lectures at Harvard, and graduated from Dart- 
mouth Mi.licil c.ll.L'e; eventually settled at Brad- 
ford; die '1 I riiiii:nv s, 1883; an active member of the 
New Hamp^liiir Mi ilical Society ; a man of great per- 
severance, possessing a quick perception, hearrivcd at 
a diagnosis seemingly by intuition ; married Naiuy 
Cliase, of Warner. 

Andrew L. Greeley, born September 10, 1835 ; ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1859, and is now district attorney 
of Esmeralda County, Nev. He was a member of 
the first Legislature which met in that State. Mar- 
ried Mrs. Mary A. Osborne. 

Luther J. Greeley, a brother of the previous, born 
February 5, 1840; read law with Hon. John M. 
Shirley at Andover ; admitted to the bar in October, 
1863, and practices his profession at Bodie, Col. 

Carlos S. Greeley, one of the self-made men of our 
times, born July 11, 1811 (see. Daniel B. G.ile). 
Messrs. Greeley and Gale built up a large business, 
which has continued to increase until at the present 
time Mr. Greeley is at the head of the firm which has 
built the largest grocery-store and do the largest 
business in their line of any store in the United States. 
He has ever been connected with public enterprise; 
his keen business qualities place his name as a finan- 
cier in such a high rank that it stands as president 
of numerous institutions of philanthropj-, learn- 
ing, charity and financial enterprise. He possesses 
a benevoleuc heart, a sympathetic nature, and with 
his wealth renders his acts of kindness truly noble. 
Married, 1841, Emily R. Robbins, of Hartford, Conn.; 
died 1878 ; one child. 

Henry Greenleaf, A.M., born May 15, 1797, grad- 
uated at Dartmouth 1823. He read law, was admit- 
ted to the bar and practiced for a period. Died No- 
vember 27, 1832, unmarried. 

Charles F. Greenough, son of Eldridge F. and Eliz- 
abeth R. (Eastman) Greenough, born July 29, 1849; 
read law with his father (D. C. 1828) ; admitted to 
the bar, and practices at Wauseon, Ohio. 

Hon. Jacob Gale, born February 22, 1814; grad- 
uated at Dartmouth, 1833, removing to Peoria, 111., 
the year following, where he still resides ; admitted to 
the bar ; in 1844 elected clerk of Circuit Court, holding 
the position twelve years; judge of Judicial Court in 
1856, and through his personal efforts has made the 
present school system of that city what it is ; has been 
mayor two terms and filled many offices of trust, with 
great ability ; married Charlotte, daughter of Dr. 
Peter Bartlett; she died 1871. 

Daniel B. Gale, a brother of the preceding, born 
March 30, 1816. Although not a professional man, 
yet he should receive notice; fitted for college, but at 
the last moment decided to become a merchant ; a 
great student and one who always did what he 
could in the cause of education. Purchasing a stock 
of goods in Boston, he shipped them by the way of 
New Orleans, and, in company with Carlos Greeley, 



SALISBURY. 



(519 



began business in 1838 at St. Louis, wliicli partiiei- 
ship continued thirty-six years. During tliat period 
no partnersliip papers were ever made out and tliey 
never had a word of disagreement. Mr. Greeley says 
Mr. Gale was a good, honest, working man, always 
ready to do his shareof hard work — and there was plen- 
ty of it for many long years. For many years Mr. Gale 
was a director in several banks and a large stock- 
holder of the Kansas and Pacific Eailroad. In char- 
itable organizations and in the cause of education he 
gave liberally. He died September 23, 1874. Mar- 
ried Charlotte E. Pettengill, of Salisbury. 

Rev. Benjamin Huutooii, born November 28, 1792; 
married, first, Susannah Pettengill ; second, Lydia 
Bowman ; third, Mrs. Ann Payson. He died April 
19, 1SG4 ; graduated at Dartmouth, 1817; began the 
study of divinity at Andover Theological Seminary 
in 1819 ; ordained over the Congregationalist Church 
at Canton, Mass., in 1822. Later in life he be- 
came one of the most noted of the Unitarian 
ministers and acquired a prominent position in the 
Masonic fraternity ; an active and zealous laborer in 
the cause of human brotherhood and an uncompro- 
mising opponent of every form of oppression. 

Palmetus Hunton, Esq., son of Dr. Arial and 
Polly (Pingry) Hunton, born November 30, 1809; 
studied law and admitted to the bar at Hyde Park, 
Vt., 1837 ; married Louisa Parsons. He died at 
Charleston, S. C, August 4, 1839. 

Sylvanus Hunton, M.D., brother of the former, 
born June 2, 1811 ; read medicine ; graduated atCas- 
tkton Medical College in 1836; died at Carrol- 
ton, Ga., February 2(3, 1847 ; married Clarissa M. 
Baily. 

Charles B. Haddock, A.M., D.D., born June 20, 
1796, entering Dartmouth College in 1812, possess- 
ing marked mental qualities. His natural endow- 
ments and diligence of application at once made 
him the best scholar of his cla.ss. After graduating, 
in 1816, he entered the Theological Seminary at An- 
dover, Mass. ; impaired health prevented him from 
completing, his studies and he made the tour of the 
Southern States. On his return, in 1819, he was ap- 
pointed to the chair of rhetoric at Dartmouth, con- 
tinuing till 1838. As an instructor he was thorough; 
as a critic, discriminating ; as a writer, fertile ; and 
as a speaker, graceful and attractive. He was popu- 
lar with the students, endearing them to him by his 
dignity and that thoughtful, manly kindness which 
improves and gives charm to every form of inter- 
course. After resigning his position he was made 
professor of intellectual philosophy and civil policy. 
While holding this position he was chargi d'affaires 
of the United States at Portugal, from 1850 to 1854. 
On his return to his Alma Mater he resigned the 
chair. Professor Haddock never sought the feme 
of authorship, but in 1846 he published " Addresses 
and Miscellaneous Writings." They were produc- 
tions of rare merif, showing the same finish of style, 



purity of <liction and richness and practicability 
of suggestion which characterized all his intellectual 
efforts. He subsequently published a number of val- 
uable works. The last of his life was spent at West 
Lebanon, where he died January 15, 1861. Married, 
first, Susan Saunders, daughter of Richard Lang, 
of Hanover; second, Mrs. Caroline (Kimball) Young. 

William T., A.M., although a brother of Charles 
B. Haddock, spelled and pronounced his name Hey- 
dock; born April 4, 1798; graduated at Dartmouth, 
1819; read law with his uncle, Daniel Webster, at 
Boston ; admitted to the bar in 1822 ; began practice 
at Hanover. Two years later removed to Concord, 
where he published the Probate Directory ; re- 
moved to Boston in 1829 and took the editorial chair 
of the Jurisprudence, a law journal published 
weekly. In 1831 removed to Lowell, and died No- 
vember 6, 1835, unmarried. 

Lorenzo Haddock, M.D., a younger brother, was a 
physician at Buffalo, N. Y., where he died. 

George H. Hutchings, M.D., born at Charlestown, 
Mass., February 3, 1840, and was very small when his 
parents removed to Salisbury. He received his edu- 
cation in Salisbury, and until after marriage his home 
was among us. He entered Harvard Medical Col- 
lege in 1857, and graduated at the Eclectic Medical 
Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, 1861, eventually set- 
tling at AVoburn, Mass., where he continues engaged 
in a large and lucrative practice. He is connected 
with several medical societies and has published a 
number of works on special diseases. Married Emily 
M. Lathrope ; two children. 

Albert L. Kelly, son of Hon. Israel W. and Rebecca 
(Fletcher) Kelly, born August 17, 1802; graduated 
at Dartmouth in 1822 ; read law and began practice 
at Frankfort; resides at Wintersport, Me. ; married 
Caroline Pierce. 

Israel W. Kelly, a brother of the former, born Janu- 
ary 1, 1804 ; graduated at Dartmouth in 1825 ; he was 
known as Welsstcr Kelly; read law with Hon. 
Joseph Bell at Haverhill, Mass.; practiced for a time 
at Boston; married Lucella S. Pierce, of Frankfort, 
Me., in which State he continued to practice ; died 
July 5, 1855. 

Benjamin Loverin, M.D., born June 1, 1786 ; mar- 
ried Abigail Greeley; practiced his profession, and 
died at Sutton July 25, 1825. 

John Webster Little, M.D., D.D.S., born April 7, 
1818; read medicine and graduate<l at Dartmouth 
Medical College in 1845. Impaired health prevented 
him from riding, and he turned his attention to 
dentistry, which he practiced at Concord, winning 
an enviable reputation. Died December 21, 1877 ; 
married, first, Sarah P. White ; married, second, Eliza- 
beth J. Goodwin. 

Rev. Valentine Little, A.B., a brother of the former, 
born February 21, 1790; graduated at Dartmouth in 
1811 ; studied divinity with Rev. Joseph Dodge, of 
Haverhill, Mass. ; served on a mission and supplied 



620 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMI'SIIIRE. 



vacancies until he was ordained pastor of the Cou- 
gregational Church at Lowell, Me., in 1826; returned 
to his place of nativity (Salisbury), in 1836, where 
he died June 4, 1852; married, first, Mary Clark, of 
Maine; married, second, Miranda C. Church. 

Rev. Ebenezcr L. Little, A.B., born April 30, 1837 ; 
took a course of study at the University of Michigan 
in 1861, and completed at the Theological Seminary 
at Rochester, N. Y., in 186G ; was ordained pastor of 
the Baptist Church at Clifton, N. ¥., in 1866. In 
July, 1871, he accepted a call from the Baptist Church 
at Lapeer, Mich., remaining six years. In 1878 became 
pastor at Alpena, Mich., and continues; married, 
Susan C. Lamson. 

Rev. Frank R. Morse, A.M., D.D., graduated at 
Dartmouth, 1861 ; immediately entered the Newton 
(Mass.) Theological Institute, from which he gradu- 
ated in 1865. Dr. Morse is a brilliant and easy speaker 
and a laborious worker in Christ's vineyard. At 
present pastor of the Tabernacle Baptist Church at 
Brooklyn, N. Y. ; one of the professors in the Brook- 
lyn Lay College and Bible Institute; one of the 
owners and editors of the Wafeh Tower. Married 
Emma B. Giles, of New York. 

Thomiis J. Noyes, M.D., son of Joseph, born No- 
vember 20, 1805. 

Hon. Moses Pettengill, born April 16, 1802; one of 
Salisbury's self-made men; began mercantile busi- 
ness at Rochester, N.Y., in 1827 ; thence to Brockport, 
N. Y. In 1834 removed to Peoria, 111., and in com- 
pany with Jacob Gale opened the first hardware-store 
at that place, where he continued in a number of 
enterprises. He held a large number of city oflices, 
and was a member of the State Senate. He was one of 
the originators of the Presbyterian Church at Peoria, 
and gave largely of his time and funds for the support 
of Christianity, being a trustee and deacon of the 
church since 1834-35. He gave princely sums in aid 
of the negro and the soldiers, and was one of the sup- 
porters of Wheaton College. He built a day and 
boarding-school, costing some thirty thousand dollars, 
which is meeting with good success. He died No- 
vember 9, 1883 ; married, first, Lucy, daughter of Amos 
Pettengill ; died February 29, 1864 ; married, second, 
Mrs. Hannah W. (Bent)Tyner. 

Hon. James O. Pettengill, born April 17, 1810; 
eiirly removed to Rochester, N. Y., and there con- 
tinues. Married, first, Emaline Woodbury ; married, 
second, Mrs. Harriet B. Howard. She died October 
13, 1882. A man of great business capacity, highly 
respected, and has held many oflices of public trust 
and of private corporations with fidelity ; one of the 
founders of the Rochester Theological Seminary, and 
established the chair of church history. 

Thomas Hale Pettengill, Esq., born November 20, 
1780 ; married Aphia Morse ; she died at Portland, 
Me., November 10, 1861. He died at Salisbury; 
graduated at Dartmouth College, 1804; read law and 
admitted to the bar in 1808, opening an oflico at 



Canaan, where he remained until 1822, when he re- 
turned to Salisbury and continued in the practice of 
his profession, in which he sustained an enviable 
reputation. 

Benjamin Pettengill, A.M., born September 17, 
1789; graduated at Middlebury College in 1812 ; was 
a merchant and hotel i)roprietor, remaining in his 
native town. He could only be induced to hold the 
office of representative for three years; married 
Betsey, daughter of Lieutenant Benjamin Pettengill. 

Hon. John W. Pettengill, son of the above, born 
November 12, 1835; entered Dartmouth College in 
1852; began the study of law under Hon. Asa Fowler 
at Concord ; health failing, he returned home, and in 
the spring of 1858 removed to Charlestown, Mass., 
completed hislawstudies under Hon. J. Q. A. Griftin, 
and at the April term in 1859 was admitted to the 
bar, opening an office at Charlestown immediately 
after, and for three years was city solicitor, during 
which time he lost but three cases. In 1874 he re- 
moved to Boston. Under the administration of Gov- 
ernor Talbot he was made judge of the District Court, 
having jurisdiction over nine towns, and is assistant 
judge of the Charlestown Police Court. Married, first, 
Margaret W. Dennitt ; married, second, Emma M. 
Tilton ; married, third, Mary Dennitt. 

Solomon M. Pingrey, born November 12, l."<20; 
graduated at Dartmouth College in 1840 and died 
the following October. 

Hon. William M. Pingrey, A.M., born May 28, 
1806 ; read law with Samuel I. Wells (see Lawyers) 
and with Shaw & Chandler at Danville; was ad- 
mitted to the bar in June, 1832, and the following 
month opened an office at Weathersfield, remaining 
nine years ; removed to Springfield, thence to Perkins- 
ville. While at Weathersfield he held the office of 
town clerk, treasurer, selectman and county surveyor; 
a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1850 ; 
county commissioner and State auditor from 1853 to 
1860; a member of the Legislature in 1860, '61, '68; 
a member of the Senate in 1869, '70, '71, and later as- 
sistant judge of Windsor County Court, and for forty- 
five years deacon of the Baptist Church. He died 
May 1, 1885. Married, first, Lucy G. Brown ; second, 
Mrs. Lucy C. Richardson. 

Colonel Samuel E. Pingrey, A.M., born August 2, 
1832; graduated at Dartmouth College in 1857; read 
law and admitted to the bar in Windsor County, 
Vt., in 1859 ; began practice at Hartford, Vt. ; enlisted 
in the United States service in 1861 and, at the ex- 
piration of three years, returned its colonel; resides 
at Hartford, where he enjoys a large and lucrative 
practice; has been county solicitor two terms; elected 
Lieutenant-Governor in 1883 and chosen Governor 
the following year. 

Colonel Stephen M. Pingrey, a brntlur to the 
former, was born March 21, 1835; read law with 
Hon. A. P. Hunton at Bethel, Vt., where lie w:is ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1860; enlisted as a jirivate in 



SALISBURY. 



621 



1861 and carae home i;. commaud of his regiment at 
the end of three years ; resides and practices his 
jirofession at Hartford; married Mary Foster, of 
Bethel, Vt. 

William W. Proctor, M.D., born May 9, 1807; 
read medicine with Dr. Bartlett ; graduated at Dart- 
moutli Medical College in 1833 ; began practice at 
Hill ; removed to Pittsfield, where he died April 23, 
ISlil ; married Mary Hale. 

Hon. Nathaniel Parker, born January 31, 1807; re- 
niiived to Williston, Vt., and represented that town 
in the Legislature in 1839-42 ; removed to Burlington, 
Vt., where he was appointed deputy collector, 
serving six years ; a director of the Merchants' and 
Couimercial Banks ; he held the same position in the 
Vermont Life Insurance Company since its organiza- 
tion ; iiresident of the Burlington Glass Company. 
He was appointed assistant judge of the County 
Court in 1870, holding the ofBce six years. Married, 
lirst. Cynthia L. Haines; second, Julia B. Hoswell. 

Rev. Moses Sawyer, A.M., born March 11, 1776; 
graduated at Dartmouth College in 1799, taking first 
honors ; studied theology with Rev. Asa Burton at 
Thedford, Vt., until 1801 ; ordained pastor of the 
Congregational Church at Henniker May 21, 1802; 
dismissed in 1826; installed at Scarborough, Me., 
Oloucester, Mass. ; preached at Saugus and Ipswich, 
Mass., where he died August 26, 1847. Married 
Fanny, daughter of Captain Peter Kimball, of Bos- 
cawen. 

Xathaniel Sawyer, A.M., brother of the former, 
l)orn April 10, 1784; graduated at Dartmouth Col- 
lege in 1805; read law at Concord and at Salem, 
!Mass. ; began practice at Newburyport, Mass.; thence 
went to Boston, where he enjoyed a large and lucrative 
practice. Removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he 
died, October 3, 18.')3. Married at Frankfort, Ky., 
Palemia Bacon. 

Colonel George W. Stevens, A.M., born November 
m, 1814; read law with Hon. G. W. Nesmith and 
]iracticed at Lebanon. Married Sarah A. Daven- 
port. He died October 2, 1877. 

Elder Hiram Stevens, born December 12, 1803 ; a 
l>reacher of the Free-Will Baptist Church in Salis- 
liury, Meredith, Ohio, and several other pl.ices. He 
was an eloquent, powerful speaker. Died June 6, 
1880. He married three times. 

Lieutenant Robert Smith removed to Salisbury pre- 
vious to 1768, and was one of the town's most prominent 
men, serving throughout the Revolutionary War and 
was one of her prominent churchmen. Married, 1768, 
Sarah Eaton. He died November 11, 1801. 

Robert Smith, M.D., grandson of the former, 
studied medicine at Dartmouth Medical College, re- 
ceiving his degree in 1847. Married, first, Susan, 
daughter of Joshua Fifield ; second, Hannah Mars- 
ton ; third, Abigail Pettengill. He practiced his 
jirofession at Amesbury, Mass., and Hampton, N. H. 
Died in Salisbury, April 13, 1873. 



Hon. Peter Swett, born March 27,1801; removed 
to Brockport, N. Y., in 1830, and tor six years was 
engaged in mercantile pursuits ; removed to Peoria, 
111., and became extensively engaged in vintage busi- 
ness, where he died in 1868. He served in the State 
Senate, was postmaster, aud reappointed by Presi- 
dent Buchanan, and served as city treasurer; married 
Frances Trumbull. She died in 1872. 

John P. Townsend, living in New York City since 
1850 ; vice-president of the Bowery Savings-Bank, 
the largest institution of the kind in the country 
having assets of over forty millions ; president of the 
Municipal Gas-Light Company, of Rochester ; vice- 
president of the Maritime Exchange ; director of the 
Long Island Railroad Company ; secretary and man- 
ager of the Hospital for the Ruptured and Crii)pled, 
and a trustee and manager in a number of other be- 
nevolent and charitable institutions. Married Eliza- 
beth A. Baldwin. 

Patrick Henry Townsend, born October 20, 1823; 
entered Phillips Exeter Academy. In the fall of 
1848 he entered the junior class at Bowdoin College 
and graduated with honor in 1850 ; read law with 
Hon. Amos Tuck, Hon. E. B. Washburn and was ad- 
mitted to the bar. His was a very eventful and 
noted life. He died very suddenly at Washington 
in May, 1864. 

Dr. John True, A.B., son of Deacon Jacob True, 
born April 9, 1789 ; graduated at Dartmouth College 
in 1806; read medicine at Concord and at Dartmouth 
Medical School ; began practice at Haverhill, Mass.; 
thence removed to Tennessee, where he died in 1815. 

AValter Wells, son of Samuel I. Wells, Esq., born 
in 1830 ; graduated at Bowdoin College in 1852 with 
high honors; died at Portland, Me., April 21,1881; 
married Mary Sturdivant. He was a teacher and 
lecturer on educational topics, particularly of a scien- 
tific nature. In 1867 he took charge of the hydro- 
graphic survey of Maine. He wrote a work entitled, 
" Water-Power of Maine : an Elementary Physical 
Geography," an elaborate and exhaustive report on 
the relation of the tariff to the growth and manufac- 
ture of cotton in the United States. 

William Coombs Thompson, son of Hon. Thomas 
W. Thompson, born March 17, 1802; graduated at 
Dartmouth in 1820; read law and admitted to the 
bar in 1824, beginning practice at Concord ; removing 
to Plymouth in 1826. In 1852 he removed to Worces- 
ter, Mass., where he died April 27, 1877. Married, 
first, Martha H. Leavett ; second, Susan B. Nelson. 

Charles E. Thompson, a brother of the former, 
born June 19, 1807 ; graduated at Dartmouth College 
in 1828 ; read law one year ; traveled in South Amer- 
ica and the South Seas for three years ; returned to 
Mobile, Ala., where he was in trade ; completed his law 
studies with his brother at Plymouth and admitted to 
the bar in 1838; began practice at Haverhill, con- 
tinuing till 1854 ; resides at Cresskill, N. Y. ; mar- 
ried Mary, daughter of Hon. Miles Olcott. 



622 



IILSTORY OF MEKKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIKK. 



Heury Lyraau Watson, M.D., read medicine with 
Hon. Leonard Eaton, M.D., at Warner; graduated 
from the Vermont Medical School in 1848 ; has prac- 
ticed at Stewartstowu, Guildhall, Vt., and for the last 
fourteen years at Littleton ; has been a member of 
the Legislature and postmaster ; also filled numerous 
positions of honor and trust, both public and private; 
married, first, Roxana Hughes ; married, second, Mary 
J. Hardy. 

Irving A. Watson, M.D., born September 6, 1849; 
read medicine and graduated from the Vermont Med- 
ical University in 1871; practiced at Northumberland 
ten years, representing that town in the Legislature. 
In 1881 he removed to Concord, where he was made 
permanent secretary of the State Board of Health, 
tilling the position with great satisfaction; married 
Lena A. Farr, of Littleton. 

Hon. Ebenezer Webster, also known- as Captain, 
Colonel and Judge; son of Ebenezer Webster; born 
at East Kingston, April 22, 1739(0. S.); married, first, 
Mehitable Smith; married, second, Abigail Eastman, 
a woman of clear and vigorous understanding, of more 
than ordinary common sense, and took great delight 
in debating any subject ; a woman of high spirit, 
proud of her children and ambitious of their future 
distinction. Young Webster, like many young men, 
was bound out to learn a trade, but his master prov- 
ing a tyrant in every sense of the word, young Web- 
ster ran away and went to live in the family of 
Colonel Ijbenezer Stevens, for whom the town was 
named (Stevenstown). Mr. Stevens dying soon after, 
Webster continued in the son's (Major Ebenezer Ste- 
vens') family. When Webster became of age (17(30) 
he located in the town and built him a log house ; 
marrying in 1761, he brought his wife to the new set- 
tlement, where they continued to reside, and eventu- 
ally became the owner of some two hundred and 
twenty-five acres of land. About 1785-86 he removed 
to the Lower village and built a two-story tavern, with 
a two-story ell ; here he remained till 1799, when he 
exchanged his tavern with William Haddock for the 
latter's dwelling on the opposite side of the street, 
where he died in 1806, and now known as part of the 
Orphans' Home at Lower Franklin. The first saw 
and grist-mill was located on Mr. Webster's land, 
just east of his log house. On the expiration of the 
proprietors' lease, Mr. Webster became the owner, and 
conducted them a number of years. He held his first 
public office in 1764. At the first meeting after the 
town's incorporation ho was chosen moderator, hold- 
ing the office forty-three times. In 1769 he was 
chosen selectman, and held the oflice nine years. 
In 1778-80 he was elected representative of tlie 
classified towns of Salisbury and Boscaweu, and from 
Salisbury in 1790-91, and Senator for the years 1785, 
'86, '87, '88, '89, '90, '91 ; judge of the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas from 1791 until the time of his death, in 
1806. He was one of the delegates to Exeter to the 
convention which met to form a permanent plan of 



government, and at the second convention voted Inr 
its adoption, prefacing his vote by a speech charac- 
teristic of the man. He was the town's first justice 
of the peace. In church matters he exercised great 
influence, and was a member in good standing. No 
citizen of the town did more valiant fighting or was 
in the service longer than Colonel Webster. As an 
officer, he was beloved by his soldier.«, and set the good 
example of being found in the front of his men, and 
in the thickest of the fight. He was born to com- 
mand, of cool, steady nerve, and possessing good 
judgment. Many pages might be written of the 
doings of this noble man. 

Hon. Ezekiel Webster, son of Colonel Ebenezer, 
born March 11, 1780. The first nineteen years of his 
life were spent upon the farm. When it was decided 
that he should enter Dartmouth, two terms were spent 
at the Salisbury Academy ; thence to Dr. Wood's, where 
in nine months he fitted for college, entering Dart- 
mouth' in 1801 and graduating in 1804. Read law 
with General Sullivan and Parker Noyes, entering the 
profession in September, 1807, at Boscawen, where he 
continued. He was finely proportioned, six feet tall, 
and of light complexion. As a lawyer he possessed 
few equals. A wise counselor and an able advocate. 
In debate he was dignified and courteous. His weapons 
were strong arguments clothed in simple yet elegant 
language. While arguing a case in court at Concord, 
he suddenly fell back and immediately expired, April 
10,1829; married, first, Alice Bridge; married, second, 
Achsah Pollard, who still resides at Concord. 

Hon. Daniel Webster, born in Salisbury January y, 
1782, brother of the former. So many volumes have 
been printed, orations and memoirs delivered on this 
great mau, that we do not feel competent to say any- 
thing farther. As a child Daniel was weak, and it was 
thought by his parents that he never would be able 
to perform manual labor; consequently, from the first 
his education was begun; his first public instructor 
was Master Robert Hoag; his second, James Tappan. 
When fourteen years of age he spent six montlis at 
Phillips Academy, Exeter; after his return he went 
to Dr. Wood's, at Boscawen ; here he fitted for Dart- 
mouth College, entering in 1788 and graduating in 
1801, with high honors. After teaching at Fryeburg, 
Me., he returned to Salisbury in September, 1802, and 
began the study of law with Hon. Thomas W. 
Thompson, continuing till July 1804, when he went to 
Boston, completing his studies under Hon. Christopher 
Gore, and in the following March (1805) was admitted to 
the bar; he immediately returned to Boscawen, opened 
an office, continuing till September, 1807; turning his 
business over to his brother Ezekiel, he removed to 
Portsmouth, and was admitted to the Superior Court 
of New Hampshire. Continuing at Portsiiinulh until 
1816-17, he removed to Boston, Mass., wlurc he icn- 
tinued. In 1822 he was elected to Congress frmu the 
Boston District, and re-elected in 1824. In 1827 sent 
to Congress, remaining till 1840, resigning the office 



L 




J^.,J-.ai^A. 



SALISBURY. 



to accept that of Secretary of State under General 
Harrison ; this office he filled with marked ability 
until 1843, when he resigned. In 1845 he was again 
chosen Senator. In 1850, on the death of President 
Taylor he resigned the Senatorship and became Sec- 
retary of State under President Fillmore, continuing 
until his death, in 1852. His public life may thus be 
summarized, — Representative in Congress eight years, 
a Senator in Congress nineteen years, a member of the 
Massachusetts Constitutional Convention, and five 
years in the President's Cabinet as Secretary of State. 
During most of this time his party was in the 
minority. In the spring of 1839 he visited England, 
Scotland and France. Dartmouth College conferred 
the degree of LL. D. He united with the Congre- 
gational Church at Salisbury September 13, 1806; 
married, first. May 2C, 1808, Grace Fletcher, died 
January 21, 1828; married, second, 1832, Caroline 
Bayard Le Roy. 

Captain John Webster, a cousin of Hon. Ebenezer 
Webster, born 1710 ; a very prominent man of the 
town, to which he removed very early ; he kept 
the fort at Boscawen, the principal owner of the first 
mill erected in Salisbury and procured the town's char- 
ter ; he was very closely connected with the town's 
affairs, a man universally respected and honored. He 
died April 29, 1788; married Susannah Snow (?), died 
1801, aged ninety-one years. 

Humphrey Webster, born December 12, 1789 ; grad- 
uated at Middlebury College (?) ; served in the War of 
1812 ; removed to Virginia, where he practiced law 
and died in 1820 (?) 

Humphrey Webster, born February 19, 1821 ; grad- 
uated at Dartmouth College, 1844 ; became a teacher 
at Springfield, Mass., then at Worcester, then in North 
Carolina. Previous to the war he took a plantation 
in that State and died there in 1866; married Eliza 
Hamilton, daughter of Lucius A. Emery. 

Rev. David R. Whittemore, born July 31, 1819 ; at- 
tended school at Dracut Academy. In 1842 he re- 
moved to Rhode Island, where he was ordained and 
became pijstor of the Free Baptist Church at North 
Providence. In 1846 he filled the same position for 
the South Free Baptist Church, at Newport. Resides 
at Providence. He is extensively known as a great 
Christian worker and has formed a number of churches. 
Brightness of intellect, correctness of judgment and 
positiveness of opinion are traits which make him a 
wise counselor and a bold leader ; married Eliza J. 
Gilbert. 

Rev. Joseph Whittemore, M.D., born in 1813, was 
ordained pastor of a Baptist Church in Rhode Island, 
but for twenty years he has practiced medicine at 
Osage, Iowa. 



Jeremiah W. Wilson, M.D., son of Dr. Job Wil- 
son, born January 11, 1816 ; read medicine and grad- 
uated at Castleton ( Vt.) Medical School ; locating in 
the village of Contoocook, at Hopkinton, where lie 
continues in a large and successful practice. 

Ephraim F. Wilson, M.D., born October 30, 1817 ; 
read medicine and graduated at Castleton (Vt.) Medi- 
cal School in 1845 ; opened an office at Sanborntori ; 
removed to East Concord in 1849 ; in 1854 removed 
to Rockville, Conn., where he enjoyed a large and 
lucrative practice ; married Rhoda Barnard. 

Thomas W. Wilson, M.D., born February 16, 1806 ; 
married Amanda M. Sawyer ; he died in 1861 ; he com- 
pleted his medical education at the Dartmouth Medi- 
cal School ; returned to Salisbury and had a large 
and extensive practice. He first joined the Baptist 
Church, later the Congregational Church, and was 
highly respected. 

Moses S. Wilson, M.D., read medicine with his 
father, Dr. Thomas W. ; attended medical lectures at 
Dartmouth, Castleton, Vt., and Harvard Medical 
Schools, where he graduated in 1849. Opening an 
office at Warner, he continued until the death of his 
father, in 1861, when he returned to Salisbury, re- 
maining until his appointment as assistant surgeon of 
the Seventh New Hampshire Regiment ; resigning in 
the summer of 1864, he removed to Galesburg, 111., 
where he died in 1873. Married Mary S. Harvey. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



THOMAS DEARBORN LITTLE. 

Thomas Dearborn Little was born in Salisbury, 
N. H., August 14, 1823. He is a son of Thomas 
Rowell Little, a native of Newburyport, Mass., and 
Nancy (Webster), daughter of John Webster, one of 
the early settlers of Salisbury. 

He married, first, November 27, 1851, Susan E., 
daughter of Robert Smith, M.D. She was born Oc- 
tober 2, 1828, in Amesbury, Mass., and died January 
31, 1875. 

He married, second, Lucy L., daughter of Andrew 
Davis, of Rutland, Vt. She was born December 
26, 1844. 

Mr. Little received his education principally at 
Salisbury Academy, and he subsequently taught 
school in winter for ten years. 

Having a liking for mathematical studies, he 
studied surveying with his uncle, Rev. Valentine 
Little, and assisted in the preliminary survey and 



G21 



HISTORY OF MEKRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



location of the Northern New Hampshire Railroad, in 
184o. He has continued the practice of surveying 
since that time, as his services have been required. 

Although he desired to enter college and get a 
more liberal education, he yielded to the wish of his 
parents and remained at the old homestead as a 
farmer and mechanic. 

He was appointed postmaster, under President Lin- 
coln, in 1861, and lield the office until he resigned, 
in 1869. 

In 1864 he spent some time in Virginia, in the 
service of the United States Christian Commission, 
having charge of Christian Commission headquarters 
of the Tenth Army Corps, being located on the Ber- 
muda Hundred, about two miles southeast of Dutch 
<iap. 

He has served on the Board of Selectmen several 
times. In 1860 he was chosen a deacon of the Congre- 
gational Church, which office he continues to hold, 
and has identified himself with the moral and re- 
ligious interests of the community. 

Mr. Little's home is the same that was occupied by 
his father and grandfather, who came here from New- 
buryport, Mass., in 1801. It is pleasantly located in 
the South village, near the Congregational Church 
with which Daniel Webster united in 1807, and was 
near the old academy in which Mr. Webster at- 
tended school. Such a location, amid the varied 
and beautiful scenery of these hill-tops, is a fit place 
for the development of physical and mental powers. 
They had the following children : 

I. Thomas Rowell, born September 19, 1853 ; 
married, April 29, 1876, Carrie B., daughter of Lewis 
A. Hawkins. 

II. Charles Webster, liorn December 20, 1855; 
died May 6, 1870. 

III. Susan Paulina, born July 8, 1858 ; married, 
July 13, 1882, Rev. Samuel H. Barnum, son of 
Rev. S. W. Barnum, of New Haven, Conn. 

IV. John Webster, born January 21, 1861 ; mar- 
ried, November 26, 1884, Hannah M., daughter of the 
late H. C. W. Moors. 

V. Alice Maria, born .June 4, 1866. 

VI. Robert Smith, born May 7, 1S70. 

VII. William Dearborn, born January 11, 1874; 
died November 15, 1874. 

VIII. Edwin Dearborn, born September 14, 1778. 



' HKNRY PEARSONS EOLFE. 

1 lenry Pearsons Rolfe was born in Boscawen Febru- 
ary 13, 1821. His father, Benjamin Rolfe, was also a 



native of Boscawen. His grandparents, on his father's 
side, Benjamin and Lydia Pearsons Rolfe, came from 
Newbury, Mass., immediately after the close of the 
French War, and settled on the frontier in Bosca- 
wen, near the Salisbury line. 

His mother, Margaret Searle Rolfe, was the 
daughter of Rev. Jonathan Searle, the first settled 
minister of Salisbury. His grandmother, on the ma- 
ternal side, was the daughter of Jethro Sanborn, a 
sea-captain, of Sandown, who, to feed our suffering 
soldiers at Valley Forge, gave a large share of his for- 
tune in exchange for depreciated Continental money, 
which became worthless, and for which the government 
never made any return to him or his heirs. Several 
thousand dollars of this irredeemable scrip came into 
the possession of the mother of the subject of this 
sketch, Margaret Searle. 

The mother of Mr. Rolfe and Daniel Webster 
were both pupils of Master Tappan, and for a 
time were schoolmates. She graduated from Atkin- 
son Academy when it was in charge of the then 
famous Professor Vose, and after that was a teacher 
for nine years. She was teaching in Mr. Webster's 
school district when he returned from his school in 
Fryeburg. A friendship sprang up between them, 
and she loved to rehearse, in later years, to her chil- 
dren, how Webster unfolded to her all his struggles 
and ambitions and his fixed purpose never to be 
guilty of an unworthy act. 

Mr. Rolfe was raised on a farm, and his parents be- 
ing poor, his education, till his tenth year, was limited 
to six months yearly in the district school. From ten 
to sixteen he was allowed only three months of school- 
ing during the winter terms. The winter of his six- 
teenth and seventeenth year he spent in the woods 
with his father, driving a lumber team. From that 
time till he was twenty years of age he enjoyed only 
nineteen weeks of schooling, — five at Franklin and 
fourteen at Salisbury Academy. 

Such privileges seem scanty in our day, and yet 
such were his powers of acquisition that at eighteen 
we find young Rolfe teaching his first district school, 
an employment which he followed for nine suc- 
cessive winters with unvarying and ever-growing 



When nineteen, the family moved to Hill, iu this 
State. In 1841, w'hen twenty years of age, he began 
his preparation for college at New Hampton. He 
spent three years in the preparatory course, and en- 
tered Dartmouth College in 1844. Being obliged to 
depend upon his own efforts to secure the necessary 
means to defray the expense of his education, he 
taught school during the winters of his preparatory 
and collegiate courses. For several successive seasons 




'^'. 



d?a 



SALISBURY. 



G25 



he was employed upon Cape Cod, but during his 
sophomore and junior years he taught for five months 
each year at Dartmouth, Mass., and three months of 
his senior year in the same school. 

When in attendance upon the college, Mr. Rolfe 
was exceptionally punctual in the discharge of all 
his duties. During his senior year he was never 
absent from a recitation, lecture or other exercise, 
lie asked for no excuse, and met every requisition. 
Such a record is unusual in college classes, and per- 
haps stood nlone in his own. Mr. Rolfe's student- 
life was eminently successful, both in the acquisition 
of mental discipline and scholarly attainments. In 
1S48 he graduated from Dartmouth with the highest 
respect of the faculty and the warmest attachment of 
his class-mates. 

Although compelled to be absent, teaching, five 
months during the first three years' of his collegiate 
course, upon his graduation he received this special 
commendation from the president of the institution, — 



"Din 



, July 2.-,, : 



'This may certify that Mr. Henry P. Rolfe i8 a graduate of the 
present year at this college. He is a highly-respected student. His 
course has been remarkably correct and exemplary. It gives me 
pleasure to conimend him as a good scholar and an upright man. He is 
a well-qualified teacher, and worthy of the contidence and patronage of 
any who may have occasion for his services.'" 

After a few weeks of rest he entered the law-oflice 
of Hon. Asa Fowler, of Concord, on the 21st of Sep- 
tember, and, after two years and a half of study, was 
admitted to the bar in May, 1851. On admission to 
the bar he immediately opened an office in Concord, 
and step by step advanced in professional strength 
and standing till, in 1869, he was appointed United 
States attorney for the district of New Hampshire 
by President Grant, and discharged the responsible 
and exacting duties of the ofiiee vigorously, ably and 
conscientiously for five years. 

During the years 1852 and 1853 he was a member 
of the Board of Education for Concord, and served as 
chairman of the board the last year. He was also 
elected as a Democrat to represent the town in the 
Legislature of 1853. He was again sent to the Legis- 
lature as a Republican to represent Ward 5 in the 
city of Concord, during the stormy years of 1863 and 
1864. This was during the period of war, when the 
government called for the services of its ablest and 
most trusted citizens. 

In 1859 and 1860 he was the Democratic candidate 
for State Senator from his district, and during the 
latter was candidate for Presidential elector for the 
same party on the Douglas ticket. In 1866 he was 
appointed postmaster of Concord by Andrew John- 



son, but his commission was withheld because he re- 
fused to assist in electing Democrats to Congress. 

In 1878, Governor Prescott made Mr. Rolfe a mem- 
ber of the commission to take testimony and report to 
the Legislature what legislation was necessary to pro- 
tect the citizens in the vicinity of Lake Winnipi- 
seogee against the encroachments of the Lake (,'om- 
pany. 

An investigation was had and a report made by 
the commission, and where constant complaint had 
been made, not a murmur of dissatisfaction has since 
been heard. 

This is no ordinary record and is the evidence of 
solid merit. Mr. Rolfe has been a patient student, a 
sound lawyer and a strong advocate. A good cause 
is safe in his hands, if a suit-at-law can be said to be 
safe in any hands. 

He has often been called to speak before assemblies 
of his fellow-citizens, political and otherwise. On 
such occasions he always impresses his hearers with 
the extent and accuracy of his information, and with 
his strong and sterling good sense. Mr. Rolfe be- 
lieves what he says, and says what he believes. His 
friendships are strong, and he is slow to see faults in 
those whom he loves. 

On the 22d of November, 1853, he married Mary 
Rebecca Sherburn, daughter of Robert H. Sherburn, 
of Concord, by whom he has had five children, as 
follows : 

Marshall Potter Rolfe, born September 29, 1854, 
died August 6, 1862. 

Margarett Florence, born January 12, 1858, died 
May 2, 1858. 

Henrietta Maria, born January 17, 1861, died Sep- 
tember 22, 1862. 

Robert Henry, born October 16, 1863. 

George Hamilton, born December 24, 1866. 

The fourth child, Robert Henry, is now a graduate 
of Dartmouth College, class of 1884; and George 
Hamilton, a lad of eighteen, is pursuing his studies 
at the Holderness School for Boys, in Holderness, 
N. H. 

In the spring of 1882, Mr. Rolfe nearly lost 
his life from the kick of a vicious horse. The 
result of this terrible accident has been the loss of 
his right eye and a complete prostration of the ner- 
vous system, from which he has been slowly recover- 
ing. He has not yet regained his former vigor and 
elasticity, but the original force of his con.stitution and 
the sleepless care of his most estimable wife are grad- 
ually bringing him back to his professional duties 
and power. He is resuming his practice, which, at 
the time of his injury, was quite lucrative. 

This brief sketch of life and character has been 



HISTORY OF MERKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



drawn by an impartial, though friendlj' hand, and it 
gives us no ordinary man. 

Mr. Rolfe is a man of large frame and unusual 
gifts of mind. He has led an active, successful life, but, 



in the judgment of the writer, has never yet brought 
the full strength of his faculties into action. He has 
a reserve of power which, it is hoped, the future may 
give him an opportunity to use. 



HISTORY OF SUTTON. 



BY MRS. AUGUSTA HAEVEY WORTHED. 



CHAPTER I. 

SuTTOX was first granted by the Masonian pro- 
prietors of New Hampshire lands November 30, 1749, 
iit Portsmouth. It was called Perrystown, from Cap- 
tain Obadiah Perry, of Haverhill, Mass., whose name 
heads the list of the sixty persons receiving the 
grant, the most of whom were inhabitants of Haver- 
hill, Newbury and Bradford. 

Of Perry it is known that he had served in the War 
of 1744-48, against the Eastern Indians, his name 
being on record as corporal of the nine men sent by 
Haverhill at the call of the provincial government. 

At a later period, being engaged in Indian warfare, 
Perry was killed by Indians, and Colonel Josiah 
Bartlett (Governor Bartlett) became the purchaser of 
his right in Perrystown. 

In the charter the granted township is described as 
lying west of Kiahsarge Hill (so called), containing 
the extent and quantity of six miles square, adjoin- 
ing No. 1 (Warner) and No. 2 (Bradford) to the 
north of said numbers. 

No settlement was made in Perrystown till the au- 
tumn of 1767, when David Peaslee, from Sandown, 
moved in with his family. 

With all this delay the charter was forfeited and 
renewed twice. As late as 1773, the conditions re- 
maining unfulfilled, the Masonians demanded of the 
town a sum of money to prevent its being declared 
forfeited again, which the town agreed to pay, Colonel 
Josiah Bartlett and his brother. Major Enoch Bart- 
lett, being security for the town, and using their in- 
fluence with the Masonians in favor of the town 
proprietors. Important as was the service he ren- 
dered. Governor Bartlett appears not to have been a 
gainer himself by his Sutton transactions. An auto- 
graph letter from him to the proprietors' clerk of 
Perrystown, under date of 1786, requests that a meet- 
ing of proprietors be called to ascertain why the 
money has not been paid by the town, and that se- 
curity taken. up, adding, " I am unwilling to have it 
lay any longer against me." 

He seems to have been unfortunate in the quality 
of the Lands of which he became possessor in Perrys- 
town. Under date of 1773, the year he assisted in 



obtaining the new grant, the proprietors, moved 
probably by considerations of good policy, " Voted 
that if there is not upon the original Right of Obadiah 
Perry, now Colonel Josiah Bartlett's, lands fit for" 
settlement, he shall have other lands fit for it, 
of the undivided lands in town." The committee 
chosen to examine report that " the First Division 
Lot is but ordinary, but some lots in town have been 
settled on meaner land than that, but that the Second 
Division Lot, we think, will do for a pretty good 
settlement." 

In the charter the Masonians reserve for themselves 
eighteen rights or shares, which are to be exempt 
from taxation till sold. The remainder of the laud 
is divided into sixty-three shares, — one each for the 
support of a minister, for a parsonage and for a 
school, the remaining sixty shares to be drawn for by 
the sixty proprietors of Perrystown. Very few of 
these proprietors ever became settlers in town, and 
many of their rights were sold for non-payment of 
taxes. 

SETTLERS IN PERRYSTOWN PREVIOUS TO 1780. 

1707.— David Peaslee and family. 

1770.— Cornelius Bean, Samuel Bean, Jacob Davis, Ephraim Uile, 
Jonathan Stevens. 

1771. — Benjamin Wadleigh, Jonathan Davis. 

1772.— Matthew Harvey, Ebenezer Kezar. 

1773.— .Silas Russell, Benjamin Philbrick, Jr., Phiueas Stevens, i'apt. 
William Pressey, Jeremiah Davis. 

The other settlers previous to 1780 were, — 

Pain Tongue, Daniel Messer, Benjamin Mastiu, Jacob Jtastin, David 
Eaton, Samuel Andrew, Benjamin Critchett, Jonathan Wadleigh, .Joseph 
Wadleigh, Captain George Marden, Jonathan Roby, Samuel Roby, Jona- 
than Xilsuii, I'hilipaiid .\sa Nflson (sous of .lunathun), MoscsQuimby 

Jaii.c^K.n. I, I,.,, I ., I ,,,n, iH^ .01.-, IM.i r.,.-!.. M.raham Peaslee, 

jo5( [,i, I : ,1! ' '. Thomas Wad- 

Icigl, \ i. ::,.,. li w I- I \ ,, - 11 l....-ph Youring, 



uth. 



Robert ileath, John IJavii, Samuel I'caslee, Jacob Peaslee, Davi'i 
lee, Jr., Ezra Littlehale. 

POPULATION \1 DIFFERENT EPOCHS. 

In 1773 there were 12 tax-payers in Perrystown. 

In 1775 Sutton and Fisheisfield, together, had 130 inhabitants. 

In 1779 Sutton had 50 tax-payers, 4B legal voters. 

In 1790 the population of Sutton was 520. 

In LSOO the population of Sutton was 878. Polls, 142. 

In 1810 the population of Sutton was 1328. Polls, 203. 

In 182(1 the population of Sutton was 1573, greatest ever reachec 

Id 1850 the population of Sutton was 1387. 

C27 



HISTORY OF MEiUU.MACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



In ISOO tlio population of Sutton was 1431. 

In 1870 the population of Sutton v;as 1155. Polls, 330. 

In 1880 the population of Sutton was 993. 

Sutton is estimated to contain 23,01)0 acres. 

In 1798 there were, of pasturing, 3.i9 acres. 

In 179S there were, of mowing, 263 acres. 

In 1798 there were, of tillage, 39 acres. 

In 1798 there were, of orcharding, 7 acres. 

This was about 30 yeare after the first settlement. 

Municipal Organization Previous to Incorpora- 
tion. — There i? nothing to show that any attempt at 
organization was made previous to 1777, when, "b.y 
order of tlie Court, CaiHain John Putney being em- 
powered to call the meeting,'' the voters met and 
chose, — 

Ebenezer Kezar, moderator; Benjamin AVadleigh, clerk; Benjamin 
Wadleigh, David Eaton, .Samuel Peaslee, selectmen ; Samuel Peaslee, 
constable. 

1778. — Bei^'amin Wadleigh, clerk ; Daniel Meeser, Matthew Harvey, 
Benjamin Wadleigh, selectmen ; Kbenezer Kezar, constable. 
» 177ii.— Daniel 5Iesser, moderator ; Ephraim Gile, clerk ; Matthew 
Harvey, Jose])h Johnson, Benjamin Wadleigh, selectmen ; Daniel 
Messer, constable ; Jacob Davis, treasurer. 

1780.— Silas Uussoll, moderator ; Ephraiui Gile, clerk ; Matthew 
Harvey, Benjamin Wadleigh, William Pressey, selectmen ; David 
Eaton, constable. 

1781.— Ebenezer Kezar, moderator; Ephraim Gile, clerk; Jacob 
Davis, George Mardeu, Samuel Peaslee, selectmen ; Peter Peaslee, con- 
stable. 

1782.— David Eaton, moderator ; Ephi-aim Gile, clerk ; George Marden, 
Benjamin Philbrick. David Eaton, selectmen ; David Eaton, constable. 

178.).- Ebenezer Kezar, moderator ; Ephraim Gile, clerk ; Matthew 
Harvey, William Pressey, Ephraim Gile, selectmen ; Matthew Harvey, 
constable. 

INCORPORATION. 

" The Bill for incorporation of Perrj-etown, under the name of Sutton, 
passed the House of Rep's April 9, 1784. 



'Read i 



Council three timei 



voted 



"M. WEAitE, Pra. 
" E. Thompson, Secretary." 

In the act of incorporation Ebenezer Kezar was 
empowered to call the first town-meeting, which was 
held at the house of Pain Tongue, May 20, 1784, 
Thomas Wadleigh was chosen town clerk ; Jonathan 
Johnson, Caleb Kimball, Phineas Stevens, selectmen ; 
James King, constable; Silas Bussel, Daniel Messer, 
Benjamin Wadleigh, David Eaton, commissioners to 
lay out roads; Benjamin Philbrick, Joseph Wadleigh, 
William Pressey, Asa Nelson, Ephraim Oilc, Matthew 
Harvey, Jacob Mastin, survey.n- ni lii^jliways. 

"Voted 60 Ebs. to repair rii:((|<. l'h 1.1.-. lo defray 
Town Charges." 

It seems remarkable, at first thought, that, while the 
new township was yet in it infancy, and all its aftiiirs 
but a series of experiments, the early settlers should 
not only liave proceeded to organize a sort of homo 
government by calling a town-meeting, but that they 
should have shown themselves so capable and 
judicious in the management of town business. It 
would almost appear that they brought with them the 
result of actual knowledge and experience in the older 
and more thickly-settled towns whence they came. 
Perhaps a few of them did, they serving as the little 
leaven that leavened the whole lump. Yet, such are 
not the men most likely to emigrate. If a man's am- 



bition is gratified at home, he is not apt to seek out new 
fields for its exercise. Therefore, it is to be presumed 
that our fathers, if they had held the "bird in the hand " 
in the good old orthodox town of Haverhill, would have 
valued it more than any possible " bird in the bush " 
of Perrystown. It is probable of most of these men, 
and certain, of course, of the sons who came of age 
after settling here, that here was their first awakening 
to the duties of citizenship ; that those who, if they 
had remained at home in a quiet, prosperous com- 
munity, would have been content to be governed, 
now felt that the needs of the times required them to 
govern and manage. So they stepped forward and 
found, or made themselves, equal to the demands of 
the hour and occasion. It is certain .that one man, 
who, in aflixing his signature to an important docu- 
ment, wiis compelled to " make his mark," also man- 
aged to make his mark most effectually and beneficially 
on the interests of this town. 

All qualities, tendencies and capacities the human 
soul ever exhibits are inherent in the soul itself, and, 
more than anything else, great occasions make great 
men. 

It is not possible for us at this day to properly esti- 
mate the hardships and inconveniences endured by 
the early settlers in Perrystown, so remote from 
settled towns and so destitute of roads leading 
thither. Let one try to picture for himself the dis- 
comfort of a house made of rough, or even of hewn 
logs, with no floor but bare earth, or, at best, pieces 
of bark laid down, and he will probably be willing to 
own that the mightiest of all civilizing agents in a 
cold, wilderness country is the saw-mill. Without it 
the church, the school and the influx of fairly-edu- 
cated people cannot .show their power nor fully wield 
their rightful influence, since constant bodily discom- 
fort works against us spiritually and intellectually. 
It was not till the latter part of the decade between 
1780 and 1790 that mills were in operation, so that 
people began to exchange their log dwellings for 
framed houses. Rough logs laid one upon another 
did not very eflectually keep out the cold or keep in 
the heat, even when people, as they usually did on 
the approach of the inclement season, took the hint 
conveyed in the construction of a bird's nest, and 
" caulked " their houses with tow or even moss and 
clay. The chimneys were made of stone and clay, 
topped out with logs. Yet in these rude dwellings 
the early settlers lived, and the older children of 
most of them were born and cradled there. 

Mrs. .John Pillsbury, daughter of Benjamin Wad- 
leigh, Sr., several years since supplied the following 
reminiscences : 

" The Sutton Wadleighs came from Hampstead. My father's family 
was the seventh that moved into Perrystown. They made a log house 
and we lived iu it, but it was cold, and the snow would blow between the 
logs. So much work was needed on the land that it was more than a 
year before there was time to dig a well, and we depended on catching 
rain or molting snow for water. More children were bom before we ex- 
changed the log house for a good one, and, in process of time, my iiarents 
hud twelve. 



SUTTON. 



" \Vhen the men went to the lower towns to trade their fiire, their fami- 
lies used to get together fcr safetj and companionship— two or three fami- 
lies in a house — and so live till the men returned. Often people gathered 
in eachothcre' houses and held religious meetings. There was then no 
saw-mill or grist-mill nearer than llopkiutou, — twenty miles — and my 
father used to take bis bag of corn on his back and go thither to get it 
ground. When we could do no better, we used to pound our corn in 
great wooden mortars. The log houses w ere poorly lighted, of course, 
on account of the extreme diffictilty of procuring and transporting glass, 
plates of mica, when they could be found of sufflcient size, or oven oiled 
paper being sometimes used as its ineffectual substitute." 

This lady was mother of John S. Pillsbury, who in 
1855 emigrated to Minnesota. From 1863 to 1875 he 
served in the State Senate, and was elected Governor 
of Minnesota in 1875 and re-elected in 1877 and 
1879. 

The first framed houses in town were built liy 
James King and William Pressey, on the road from 
King's Hill to Mill village. The third was built by 
Jonathan Stevens, of Warner, on the Littlehale 
place. The first horse in town was brought thither 
by Ebenezer Kezar, who lived near where the brook 
enters Kezar's Pond. He was a blacksmith, as was 
also his son Simon, who, with his family, followed 
his father, coming from Londonderry. 

Ephraim Gile was a tanner, — probably the first. 

There was no physician within twenty miles for 
many years. For more than a quarter of a century 
Mrs. Cornelius Bean and Mrs. Moses Quimby per- 
formed the duties of physicians very successfully. 

The first saw-mill in town was built by Ezra Jones 
about half a mile below the South village, which was 
known as Jones' Mill. He afterwards built a grist- 
mill near the same spot, and lived close by, attending 
both mills. 

Moses Quimby came to Perrystown from Hawk. 
He cut the first tree in the hollow above Mill 
village, and built the first grist-mill there, carrying 
on the business till his death, when it passed into the 
hands of his son-in-law, Daniel Andrew. In process 
of time they had carding, saw and grist-mills. 

A saw-mill was erected by Jacob Davis, Samuel 
Bean and others, a little above w^here has since been 
William Little's clothes-pin building. 

Public Roads. — Previous to 1784 no roads had 
been laid out, except from house to house. The need 
of public roads had been sadly felt, and formed a 
considerable impediment to speedy settlement and 
progress. The first public road built in town of 
which any authentic record can be found was laid 
out in 1784, commencing at Fishersfield town line 
and on by Samuel Peaslee's house ; thence over Burnt 
or Chellis Hill to the bridge at South village ; thence 
on by Ezra Littlehale's and Ezra Jones' to the foot of 
Kimball Hill ; thence over the hill to Warner, passing 
through the whole width of Sutton diagonally. This 
became the main traveled road from Warner to 
Fishersfield and towns above. 

.\bout the same time a road was made from New 
London line on by Deacon Matthew Harvey's to 
Kezar's Pond ; thence on by Daniel Messer's to foot 



of Gilo Hill; thence to the foot of Kimball Hill to 
intei-sect with the road before named. This road was 
the outlet of the town. 

Deacon Harvey kept a tavern on a hill north of 
the pond. Caleb Kimball kept tavern at the same 
time in the southeast part of the town on Kimball 
Hill, the newly-opened public roads having made 
taverns a necessity. Up to 1790 no wheeled carriages 
had been used, nor were the roads suitable for such. 
Most burdens were carried on sleds or drays, or on 
horseback. At that date there were no traders in 
town, trading being done chiefly at Warner, Salisbury 
and Hopkiiiton. 

Oxen and Spotted Trees.— When they commenced 
hriuging oxen into Sutton there were not many roads. 
In most cases the way was indicated by marked trets. 
When going through a clearing, a man drove his oxen 
yoked together, and, when they came to woods again, 
he would take ofl' the yoke and carry it, and let the 
oxen go singly through the forest. It was noticed 
that the oxen soon became expert in finding their 
way along, turning their eyes in all directions in 
search for the spots on the trees, and following the 
path thus indicated as well as the men themselves 
could do. 

Representation in the Legislature.— The Con- 
vention or Congress of the Province of New Hamp- 
shire, assembled at Exeter August 25, 1775, issued an 
order to the several towns and places in the province 
for taking a census or " enumeration " of the people, 
classifying the inhabitants, so as to secure the neces- 
sary data whereon to base an adequate representation 
of them in the Legislature. This census revealed the 
fact that Sutton and Fishersfield together had only 
one hundred and thirty inhabitants, as sworn to by 
Benjamin Wadleigh, who was appointed by the Pro- 
vincial Congress to take the census. Towns not hav- 
ing enough of ratable polls to entitle them to a repre- 
sentative were, by the Legislature, formed into a class 
or representative district, contiguous towns, of course, 
forming the district. In this way Sutton and Fi.sh- 
ersfield were, in 1775, classed together, and in 1777 
Warner, Fishersfield, Sutton and Andover. 

This class remained unchanged till 1785, when 
Andover was left out, and Sutton, Warner and Fish- 
ersfield constituted the class. In 1789, some dissatis- 
faction having arisen between Warner and the other 
towns, the cliiss ceased altogether. From that time 
till 1793 Sutton and Fishersfield appear to have had 
no representation, as they so state in a petition to the 
Legislature in that year, they uniting with Bradford 
in asking to be classed together for that purpose. 

Another petition of similar purport the same year 
includes New London in the request to be classed 
with the foregoing and is signed by the selectmen of 
the four towns. These selectmen, in behalf of their 
several towns, "humbly show that our situation is 
such that there is not a conveniency in being cla.'-sed 

th any other towns for representation, we being 



€30 



HISTORY OF MEKRl.MACK COUNTY, ^■E^V HAMPSHIRE. 



about three hundred and sixteen ratable polls in 
number in the whole. Therefore, we pray that we 
may have liberty to send two Representatives to the 
General Court." 

The General Court, however, sent an order, about 
the 1st of March, 1794, that New London and Sutton 
were classed together to send one representative and 
directing the selectmen to warn a meeting for that 
purpose. This class continued till 1803, when, by 
increase of population, each town was entitled to its 
own representative. 

Ebenezer Kezar, of Perrystown, represented the 
classified towns in 1778; Matthew Harvey, of Sutton, 
represented the class of Warner, Sutton and Fishers- 
field in 1785; Zephaniah Clark, of Fishersfield, in 
1786. With these three exceptions the class, while it 
continued, was represented by Warner men. 

COPT OF A RETURN OF TOWX-MEETIXG IK 1T96. 
*' ,\l a legal meeting holden at the dwelling of Matthew Harvey, in 
Sutton, by the inhabitants of New London and Sutton, March 30, 1796, 
notifieil for the same purpose. Samuel Messer chosen moderator. The 
votes being called for a Representative to represent said towns in 
General Court for the present year, it appeared they were unanimously 
for 



" Levi Haevet, 1 Selectmta for 
" Levi Everett, f Xew London" 

Matthew Harvey was again elected in 1798. He 
died the following year. 

From 1803 to 1810, including both years, Sutton 
was represented by .Thomas Wadleigh and again in 
1821-22, ten years in all ; Jonathan Harvey was rep- 
resentative from 1"811 to 1815, inclusive, and five 
years' at a later period, also ten years in all ; Jloses 
Hills, fiom 1816 to 1820, inclusive ; Benjamin Wad- 
leigh, in 1823, '24, '25 ; Reuben Porter, in 1826, '27, 
'28; John Pressey, 1829-30. 

Sutton has, down to the pre.sent time, been singu- 
larly fortunate in her choice of able, honorable and 
sagacious men for representatives, of whom lack of 
space alone prevents especial mention. They have, 
perhaps, served the town quite as effectually, while 
their period of service continued, as did those we have 
named, but have not been made so conspicuous in 
the history of the town by the repeated re-elections 
for many successive years, which were customary 
early in the century and which will prol)ably never 
again be in vogue. 

ST.\TF. SEX.\TORS, RESIDENTS OF SUTTON WHEN ELECTED. 
Jonathan Harvey, in 1816, 'IT, 'IS, '19, '20, '21, '22 ; Asa Page in 1846 
-47 ; Reuben Porter, 1834-35. 

Mails. — The following is a list of subscribers to the 
jYeif Hampshire Gaze/te, dated 1803 : 

*'We, the subscribers, agree to lake the New Hampshire Gazette for 
the term of one ye.ir at 12». perannum, one quarter to be paid in advance. 
Papei-s to be left weekly at Mr. Ezra Flanders' store, in Warner : 

*' Daniel Pago, Amos Pressey, Jonathan Harvey, Benjamin Evans, 
Henrj- Carleton, Joseph Greeley, Thomas Wadleigh, Thomas G. Wells, 
Jesse King, Ephraim Hildretb, Daniel Robinson, Philemon Hastings, 
Isaac Pcaslee and Jloses Hills, of Sutton ; Dow 4 Harvey. J. A D. Wood- 
bury and Thomas Pike, of New London ; Samuel Rogers, of Wendell." 



It will be observed that the papers were to be left 
at Warner, by which it appears that the mail was 
not extended into Sutton at that early date. 

Of the four post routes established by the Legisla- 
ture of New Hampshire in 1791, two lay through the 
western part of the State, but the nearest point of 
approach to Sutton on any route was Andover, nine 
miles distant. For the transmission of their letters, 
Sutton people depended much on chance conveyance, 
being thus compelled to trust to the honor and kind 
good-will of irresponsible persons. Most store-keepers 
kept an open rack in plain sight in their stores, in 
which letters could be deposited. Teamsters and 
travelers, calling to take a drink, — for all stores in 
those years had ardent spirit for sale, — would examine 
the direction on the letters in the rack, take such as 
were directed to any place through which or near 
which their route lay, and deliver as directed, or 
else at some other store near by. For those who did 
not wish to trust their mail matter to chance convey- 
ance, there remained, of course, tne alternative of 
sending it to Andover, or elsewhere on the route of 
the post-rider, there to await his coming ; for these 
carriere were empowered to collect as well as deliver. 
They accomplished their circuitous route to and from 
Concord every week, going out one way and return- 
ing another to accommodate as many towns as possible. 

The first mail carrier in Sutton, of whom we have 
certain knowledge, was a man named Dimond, whose 
house and pottery, where he at one period manufac- 
tured brown earthen- ware, were situated on the War- 
ner road. . He performed his journeys on horseback, 
carrying the mails in saddle-bags, and it was his 
custom on entering a village to summon the people 
out to the road to receive theii' papers, by blowing a 
horn. 

There was established at the South village a post- 
office previous lo 1820, Enoch Bailey being the post- 
master. At that period one post-office and one 
weekly mail sufficed for the whole town. The mail 
at that time was brought by one Thomas Hacket, of 
Warner, a lame man, who used to ride in a gig. Af- 
terwards Smith Downing brought the mails. 

Not long after 1825 a post-office was established at 
the North village. Benjamin B. French, afterwards 
so well known as editor, poet, politician, and in vari- 
ous high positions of public trust in Washington 
City, but then a young lawyer, having recently come 
to Sutton to open a law-office (the (ii"st in town), was 
appointed postmaster. 



CHAPTER II. 

SUTTON— (Con<in«erf). 

Religious History— School History— Military History. 

First Baptist Church. — Not far from the year 
1780, Rev. Samuel Ambrose, from Exeter, came to 



SUTTON. 



631 



Suttou(theu PeiTysto\vn),seut probably by the Warren 
Baptist Association, in response to a call they liad re- 
ceived the year previous for missionaries to labor in 
this section of the State. He located in Sutton, be- 
coming the recipient of the lot of land which, by a 
stipulation of the charter, the town was to give to 
its tirst settled minister. He gathered a church here 
in 1782; but of its constituent members there is no 
record, nor of its formation or dissolution. It is only 
known that JIattheiv Harvey was its first deacon. 

The labors of Elder Ambrose were not confined 
entirely to Sutton. He gathered a church in Henni- 
ker, which was considered a branch of the Sutton 
Church, not very numerous as to membership, but which 
existed for many years, and maintained public worship 
on the Sabbath, the membere meeting where they 
could, in private houses and school-houses; but no 
records of its existence were kept. The church in 
Sutton certainly did a noble work, and became a 
highly favored body, being especially favored in the 
work it was permitted to do. 

For many years it represented the almost entire 
religious sentiment of the town. It served as a bond 
to draw the scattered families together, and showed 
them that Sunday was something better than simply 
a day of rest, — that it was indeed the Sabbath of the 
Lord their God. 

This organization, which passed away without leav- 
ing any written trace of its existence, was really the 
nursery of the first germs of spiritual life in the 
wilds of Perrvstown. Peace and tender love be to its 



The people had not been able to provide themselves 
with a house of worship; they met in each other's 
houses in winter, and in warm weather sometimes in 
barns, often traveling many weary miles for the 
privilege of hearing " the preached word " and 
strengthening their faith in the better life to come. 
In all the record of their hard experience which has 
come down to us there is, perhaps, nothing more 
touching than these, their early efibrts to find God in 
the wilderness. 

Many of the Sunday meetings of the church were 
Jield at Elder Ambrose's own house, and not uufre. 
quently people used to come up from Warner on 
ox-sleds to attend them. Elder Thomas Baldwin, 
then of Canaan, but afterwards the widely-known Dr. | 
Baldwin, of Boston, was a friend and associate of , 
Elder Ambrose, and occasionally stayed all night at 
his house, where, with next to nothing between him i 
and the heaven he aspired to, he, according to his j 
own account, found delight in counting the stars \ 
through the chinks in the roof as he lay in bed. The j 
house accommodations of the minister were at that i 
early epoch no better than all others ; but still he was 
quite proud to call the attention of the Association 
to this church that he had gathered in the wilderness, 
and on one occa-sion he induced that body to hold 
their anniversary at his own premises. The reli- 



gious services wore held in his barn. Ou this occa- 
sion there were present Elder Job Seamans, of New 
London, Elder Baldwin, Elder Otis Robinson and 
others, perhaps, quite as worthy, though less noted. 
Ou the night succeeding this meeting twenty-five 
persons who could not reach their homes spent the 
night in the elder's barn. 

Near the close of the century Mr. Ambrose request- 
ed and received dismission from the town as its min- 
ister, though he continued a resident of Sutton till his 
death, in 1831, at the age of seventy-six years. He 
was considered sound in doctrine, and an able and 
energetic man in the field as well as the pulpit, labor- 
ing with his own hands on his farm as long as he 
lived. 

After the dismissal of Mr. Ambrose, the church was 
at times supplied by preachers from abroad, " itin- 
erants," as they were termed. Says Belknaj), in his 
"Historj- of New Hampshire," — 

'* In some of the new towns, where the people were not able to support 
a minister, it was the custom for clergymen of the older towns to make 
itinerant excursions of several weeks to preach and baptize. Such 
itinerations have always been acceptable and served to keep up a sense 
of religion in the scattered families." 

Of this class, probably, was Rev. Samuel Appleby, 
who is known to have labored here some time prior to 
the formation of the now existing church, probably 
not far from the year 1800. About the same date, 
also, Elder Rand and Elder Ledoyt, who located for 
a short time in Newport, are known to have made 
such " itinerations " to Sutton. 

The present Calvinistic Baptist Church in Sutton was 
formed November 24, 1803, its constituent members 
being Joseph Greeley, Jonathan Eaton, Jonathan 
Roby, John Phelps, Gideon Wilkins, Reuben Gile 
Elijah Eaton, James Taylor, Benjamin Fowler, Hep- 
sibah Gillingham, Lucy Davis, Jane Eaton, Sail}' 
Fowler, Sarah Parker, Judith Como, Amos Parker, 
Frederic Wilkins. 

Benjamin Fowler was chosen deacon. 

This church was the largest in the years 1823 and 
1824, w'hen the whole number was one hundred and 
nine. Since that time there has been a gradual de- 
crease in its membership, as the population of the town 
has diminished and other religious bodies have arisen. 

The following is a list of someof the ministers of 
the Baptist Church : Nathan Champlin, commenced 
1808; Pelatiah Chapin, 1811; William Taylor (native 
of Sutton), 1814; Reuel Lothrop, ordained 1816. 
Nathan Ames, 1820; Edward Mitchell, 1826; Stephen 
Pillsbury (native of Sutton), 1830; IT. W. Strong, 
1837; Henry Archibald, 1841^8; Charles Newhall, 
1848; Valentine E. Bunker, 1857; Elder Coombs; 
Elder Eastman, 1873-80; Elder Libbey, present pas- 
tor. 

Free-Will Baptists.— Organized in 1801, and have 
maintained their organization ever since, though for 
many years they did not increase rapidly. They are 
now a large, rosi)ectable and growing body. 



632 



HISTORY OF MKRKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSIIIRK. 



Methodists are the least in number of any society 
in town, though they were in existence as a body 
since early in the present century^ 

Adventists. — There were some in town as early as 
1841. They organized in 1847. Their nuinl)er in- 
creased steadily for several years. 

Spiritualists.— Organized in 1858, and for several 
years their increase drew largely from the Universal- 
ists. 

Universalists.— The earliest attempt at association 
for the purpose of securing liberal preaching seems 
to have been made in 1817. At that time a few in- 
dividuals met and formed themselves into a society 
to be known as the " Universal Friendly Society." 
They drew up and sigued their names to a constitu- 
tion, the preamble of which declared their belief in 
the final salvation of all men. It was signed by 
Thomas l?ik% John Harvey, Jr., Joseph Pike, Gordon 
Huntley, William Bean, Amos Pressey, James 
Brocklebank, James Brocklebank, Jr., and Eliphalet 
Gaj'. This association formed the nucleus around 
which gathered what afterwards became the Univer- 
salist Society and Church. 

Since their existence as a society the Universalists 
have maintained a respectable rank, numerically and 
morally. Whittcmore, Streeter, Ballou and A. A. 
Miner in earlier years preached here occasionally. 

Ministerial Fund of the Town.— Sutton has a 
fund arising from the sale of lands, which, by charter, 
were reserved for support of the gospel, the interest of 
which amounts to sixty dollars a year. Each relig- 
ious body in town draws annually from this interest 
a sum proportionate to its numbers. The following 
table, made out for the year 1868, shows what was at 
that time the relative strength of each : 

Free-Will Baiitists drew $22. Jl 

Calvinlstic Baptists (Irow 4.37 

UniverwiHsts drew 14.72 

.\dvciiti8ts drew 10.33 

Spiritmilists drew 4.83 

^Methodists diow 3.22 

The Meeting-Houses,— By a i)rovision of the 
charter the proprietors of Perrystown were bound to 
erect a meeting-house in town within a specified 
time, but this they never did. Their " Book of Rec- 
ords " shows that the subject was considered in their 
meetings several times, but the last mention of it is 
as follows: " Foi'erf that building a meeting-house for 
the present is let alone." 

A rude structure was erected not far from the brook 
in what is now the Mill village by some of the early 
inhabitants, which accommodated a few of them, but 
it was not till 1794 that, by concerted action and sub- 
scription of the people, two meeting-houses were 
built, one at the North village and one at the South^ 
four miles apart, being constructed alike and of the 
same size, forty by fifty feet, with porches at the 
ends giving admission to the galleries and other parts 
of the house, and the whole handsomely underpinned 



with hewn stone. The gallery pillars and front of 
the gallery, the communion table, deacon's seat, the 
pulpit and also the mighty-looking, but deceitful 
" sounding-board " above it, depending, bell-shaped, 
from the ceiling, were painted a brilliant green. The 
pews were square, with the seats hung on hinges for 
convenience of standing during prayer-time. These 
meeting-houses were completed in about two years 
from the time of commencement. 

Daniel Page framed the South Meeting-Honse; 
John Harvey the North. 

It is said that the North Meeting-House was 
framed from timber that grew on the spot where the 
house stands. When this house was renewed in 18o5 
the frame was found to be as sound as when the 
house was first built. A belfry was added to this 
church and a bell hung therein, which was rung for 
the first time on the morning of the 4th of Julv, 
1869. 

As is well known, about the close of the last cen- 
tury much inconvenience was suffered on account of 
the scarcity of money, there being no banks and very 
little coin in circulation. Nearly all trade and busi- 
ness had to be conducted by barter. In this way 
were the two newly-built meeting-houses paid for, 
each subscriber to the fund bringing to the building 
committee a quantity of grain or corn equal in value 
to the amount of his subscription, and for which he 
had given his note of hand at the time of his sub- 
scribing. The following are copies of two of these 
notes : 

"Sl-TTON, Sept. 22, 1794. 
" Upon demand, for value received, I promise to pay twelve shillings to 
the Committee : in Rye at 4s. or Corn at .38. per bushel ; or work at 3#. 
if called for building 'a meeting-house at the lower end of Kesar's pond 
so called, as witness my hand,— 

" Tiiou.vs Walker." 
" For value received I promise to pay to the committee — Samuel Bean, 
Mathew Harvey and John King— Thesum of Four Pounds lawful money 
to be paid in Neat Stock, or good merchantable Rye or Indian Corn. To 
be paid the first day of October, 1795. 

"Benjamin Wells, Jii."' 

Minister's Salary. — The following is a copy of an 
ancient paper, entitled " A Rate List," containing 
what the inhabitants agreed to give Rev. Mr. Ambrose 
for the year, 1788. The fractional sums set against 
each man's name seem at first thought almost whim- 
sical ; but, without doubt, the amount of the subscrip- 
tion was to be paid in a specified number of pounds, 
gallons or bushels of farm produce, and that its esti- 
mated value was put upon the paper : 

c. .. a. 

" Jacob Davi.s 12 9 

Jon» ravie 12 ii 

Ephraim (.;ik- 19 4 

>Beubcn Gilo (l II H) 

Daniel Messer 1 IS 8 

Thomas Mosser .i 8 

Jacob Mastin 14 G 

Stephen Nelson Ii !l 

Robert Heath "11 4 

Samuel Bean I 2 4 

Bond Little 1 2 4 

Philip Nelson 1 4 ii 



SUTTON. 



633 



AsaNolson u 4 

Sunniel Peaslee 10 

Joseph Wudleigh 1 '^ 

Thomas Wudleigh 1 2 1 

Isiiac Peasleo 10 10 

Ilezekiah Parker s 

Benjamin Wadleigh 1 1 10 " 

Peculiar Use of the Word "Gift."— lu town 
meeting in 1S04, " Voted to pay Benjamin Fowler i 
Three Dollars, it being for i)roeuring a Gift to j 
preach the gospel." ''Gift "meant a gifted brother 

Taxing the Proprietors' Lands to assist in paying J 
for the Meeting-Houses.- — An attempt to compel the i 
owm-rs iif rescLveil rights of land to assist in this work 
was made by petition to the Legislature in 1795, to 
empower the town to assess a tax on the same for 
that purpose. This was probably the origin of " the 
Cent Tax," occasionally referred to in the town 
records of the early part of this century. The petition 
is inserted verbatim in this sketch, because it contains 
a good description of the " broken and mountainous" 
town of Sutton, and of the struggles of its early set- 
tlers, who can tell their own story better than any- 
one living, as we do now, nearly a century later, — 

*' To the BoiiorabU Senate and House of Representaiives at Concord^ con- 
vened Jamuinj 111, 1795 : 

*' Your petitioners humbly show, in behalf of the town of Sutton, that 
they labor under many great inconveniences by not having a Meeting- 
House in Sutton. We would beg leave to inform your Honors that the 
Proprietors of said town obligated themselves to build a Meeting-House 
in a certain time, which contract was never done in the least tittle. And, 
our town being seven miles and eighty rods in length, and but five miles 
in width, being mountainous and extremely broken, which causes the 
repair of our roads to be a great cost ; And, the centre of said town being 
so inconvenient, the land poor and broken for two miles each way— not 
fit for settlements— and no leading road by said center, so tbat a meeting- 
house there would be useless for a great part of the year. There are two 
main roads already laid out, leading through each end of the town, 
which serve the country and the inhabitants of the town better, to build 
two meeting-houses— one on each main road — which, we think, will bet- 
ter accommodate the inhabitants. Upon this consideration we have 
gone forward to build two small meeting-houses ; and we think when 
they are completed they will raise a higher value on all the lauds in said 
town. Therefore we beg leave to inform your honors that whereas there 
are some gentlemen that own large tracts of land in said town who never 
gave away any part of their lands for settling, who are non-residents, 
and the inhabitants have been making farms by their lands, and roads 
through their lands, raising the value of their interest by our industry, 
and have undergone great fatigues and distress in settling said town, 
being poor. Therefore, we pray your honors would take into your wise 
and prudent consideration our case, and empower said town to lay a ta.\ 
upon all the non-improved lands of three pence per acre, to bei laid out 
in building said Meeting-Houses, to be equally divided between them, 
or any Sum you, in your wisdom, shall think proper. And your hum- 
ble petitioners, &c. 

"Thom.isWadleioh, 1 „, , 
, ,. „ Selectmen tor 

"Moses Hills, I c .. ., 

„ . „ f Sutton.' 

"Asa Kelson. J 

Schools. — By charter, the proprietors of the town- 
ship of Perrystown were required to reserve one right 
(that is, one one hundred acre lot, and one one hun- 
dred and sixty acre lot) of land for the support of 
schools, but there was no stipulation made regarding 
the establishing of the same, and there is nothing on 
their book of record.s to show that they, as proprietors, 
ever made any effort to do so. Their burdens were 
40 



very great. Although their land had been granted to 
them on favorable terras, their outlay far exceeded 
their income, and many of the proprietors, weary of 
paying money where there was no prospect of return, 
sufiered their proprietary rights to be sold for taxes, 
and, therefore, it is not probable that they taxed them- 
selves to maintain public schools. 

The settlers, also, had many hardships to bear, 
many and heavy labors to perform, but having been, 
most of them, reared in the lower and longer-settled 
towns, where they had opportunity to acquire, at least, 
enough of education to know its value, they would 
not let their children grow up in ignorance. 

The first instruction the children received was, with- 
out doubt, from their parents; but, in a few years, 
after the settlements commenced, individual effort; 
and private subscription accomplished something iu 
the way of establishing schools. 

Very few school-houses were built before the close 
of the last century, schools being "kept" in apajt- 
ments in private houses, the scholars' seats being 
simply boards resting on blocks of wood, without 
backs or desks. The first school in the South District 
was kept in a chamber in the house of Esquire Thomas 
Wadleigh, the teacher being Master Garvin, perhaps 
from Lempster, and the school being composed of all 
grades and ages from little children to young men 
fitting for college. Matthew Harvey, afterwards 
Judge Harvey and Governor of the State, attended 
that winter, 1798, he being then about sixteen years 
of age. The next winter the South School-house was 
in existence, and Master Garvin taught there. Dil- 
worth's Spelling- Book was used, "The Young Ladies' 
Accidence " for grammar, and the "Third Part" for 
reading; the best readers read in Morse's Geography, 
and the teacher questioned them afterwards. One 
authority says, — 

" I know something regarding the books used at that period and some 
years later, having often seen them in the old homes where I have 
visited. There was Webster's SpelUng-Book, Alexander's Grammar, 
Pike's Arithmetic, Perry's Dictionary. For reading-books prior to the 
days of the English Keader were The American Preceptor, Moree's 
Geography, and The Third Part, though of what or whom it bore that 
proportion I do not know." 

The first school-master of whom we can glean any 
account, through either tradition or written record, 
was Robert Hogg, a Scotchman by birth. Whatever 
attracted him to Sutton is not known, but being here, 
and, finding in the untaught condition of the children 
of the settlers a favorable opening for the school-mas- 
ter, he turned his "wee bit of learning" to account 
for his and their profit. His stock of books consisted 
of a spelling-book, a Bible and an old catechism. 
Arithmetic he taught verbally, and demonstrated it 
by the use of the fingers, kernels of corn and a piece 
of chalk. 

But if the teacher had few books, the scholars had 
fewer; none, in fact, unless, as a special indulgence, 
they were allowed the use of the family Bible or rude 
psalm-book of the day in the exercises of the school. 



f)34 



HISTORY OF MERIlIMAt'K COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



A stray leaf from an old volume, or even a piece of a 
torn newspaper, often did duty in place of the modern 
invention of school-books. He was a severe disciplin- 
arian, and the slightest infraction of the laws of the 
school was visited upon the offender with as severe a 
punishment as birch could inflict with safety, causing 
the offender to feel that knowledge is indeed bought 
with suffering, and almost forcing him to believe that 
the cautionary threat given to the dwellers in Eden, 
" In the day that thou eatest of the tree of knowledge 
thou shalt surely die" would be literally fulfilled in 
Ills individual experience. 

The following is an exact copy of one of Master 
Hogg's receipts : 

" March 21, 1792. 
" Then my son Robert Hogg received seventeen bushels of Rie from 
Simon Keznr, of Sutton, which was due to me for teaching schooling 
two mouths in Sutton. 

" Per me, Robert Hobo." 

The following is a school-mistress' receipt: 

" Methven, Feb. 1, 1791. 
" Received of Jacob Mastin and Hezeliiah Parker six bushels of Rye, 
it being in full for my l^eeping school for them and others last fall six 
weelts in Sutton. 

"LVDIA PiBKEn." 

In 1786, two years after incorporation, Sutton, in 
its corporate capacity, made its first appropriation, 
twelve pounds, for support of schools. Of this sum, 
each school, of course, received its proportionate 
.share ; but it is evident that private subscription was 
still needed to make the school terms long enough to 
be of much profit, and not unfrequently they were 
lengthened in this way. The " six weeks" and " two 
months " specified in the above receipts might have 
been additional to the time already paid for by the 
town appropriation. No district lines had been as yet 
established. The few school-houses that were built 
jtrevious to 1808, had been placed where they would 
accommodate the most families. The first permanent 
division of the town into school districts was made by 
a committee chosen by the town for that purpose in 
1808, in obedence to the new school law passed by the 
Legislature that year. The law also provided for the 
establishment of a superintending school committee, 
which, with the more liberal appropriations by the 
town for support of schools, produced decided advance- 
ment in discipline and acquirements of the .scholars. 

The right of laud reserved by the proprietors for 
school purposes, according to a stipulation in their 
grant of the town, wiis sold under the direction of the 
town, and the proceeds of the sale constitute the orig- 
inal school fund. 

Some teachers who are remembered were Benja- 
min Colby, Esq., late of Springfield ; Deacon Benja- 
min Fowler, late of Orange ; Hon. Jonathan Harvey ; 
Colonel Philips. Harvey; Rev. Stephen Pillsbury, 
late of Derry ; Captain John Pillsbury, late of Sutton ; 
Judge Moses S. Harvey, late of Painesville, Ohio ; Hon. 
CMiarlcs Hudson, a late mcmbor of Congress from 
Miissachusctts. 

The fir.st female school-tcachei- in Siitlon was (Jlive 



Whitcorab, afterwards wife of George Walker. She 
taught school in Deacon Asa Nelson's barn about the 
year 1788. 

Deacon Benjamin Fowler taught school in a room 
in the house of Samuel Bean, an early settler. 

For many years after the settlement of the town 
teachers' wages were from six to eight dollars per 
month, besides their board, which was given in by the 
families, each one giving according to the number of 
scholars sent, and the teacher " boarding around " 
among them. 

Female teachers received from fifty cents to one 
dollar per week, which amount they sometimes added 
to by spinning between school-hours for the families 
where they boarded, often in this way earning another 
half-dollar a week. 

The catechism spoken of as being in use, both in 
schools and in families, wa-s the "Shorter Catechism of 
the Westminster Assembly of Divines," and was 
found in the " New England Primer." 

"The Young Ladies' Accidence" was a grammar 
prepared by the Rev. Caleb Bingham, a graduate of 
Dartmouth College in 1782. He established a school for 
young ladies in Boston in 1785, soon after which, see- 
ing the great need of such a book, he prepared and 
issued this one, which had an immense sale, passed 
through twenty editions, one hundred thousand copies 
being sold. He also was author of " The American 
Preceptor," "The Columbian Orator" and other 
school-books; one million two hundred and fifty 
thousand copies of his books were sold. 

Thomas Wadleigh Harvey, son of Moses S. Har- 
vey, who emigrated from Sutton to Painesville, Ohio, 
was for several years superintendent of schools for 
the State of Ohio. 

Lydia Wadleigh, daughter of Judge Benjamin 
Wadleigh, eminent as a teacher during many years 
of her life, has, for a long period, held the position of 
superintendent of the Female Normal College in 
New York City. 

General John Eaton, son of John Eaton, was for 
some time superintendent of education in Tennessee, 
and was subsequently appointed by General Grant 
superintendent of the National Board of Education, 
which jiost he still holds. 

Adelaide Lane Smiley, daughter of Dr. James 
R. Smiley and granddaughter of Dr. Robert Lane, 
has been for many years the honored lady principal at 
Colby Academy, in New London. 

William Taylor, a Baptist clergyman, and son of 
Captain James Taylor, of Sutton, was largely instru- 
mental in the establishment of the New Hampton 
Baptist Institution, and, at a later i>eriod, of a similar 
institution in Michigan. 

Singing-School.— Ca))tain Matthew Buell, of New- 
port, taught singing-schools in Sutton many years, 
about the close of the last century and afterwards. He 
used to teach three afternoons and three evenings in a 
week while the term continued — one day at Matthew 



635 



Harvey's tavern, one day at Enoch I'agc's tavern and 
one day at Caleb Kimball's tavern. 

His schools became one of the greatest social in- 
stitutions of the winter season, and were looked for- 
ward to with much interest, at a period when 
young people in Sutton were so numerous that soni. 
school districts which are now so reduced as to hv 
merged into others numbered one hundred scholars 
every winter. 

The recess between the afternoon and evening 
school afforded a fine opportunity for the young 
men to display their gallantry to the girls by treating 
them to a supper of such good things as the tavern 
afforded. " On one occasion," says our informant, 
" Captain Buell's Newport school, by special invita- 
tion, came down to visit the Sutton school ; had a 
supper together, and a line entertainment, every 

Military History — The Militia. — When the 
new State C'oustitution was adopted, in 1792, it con- 
tained inipcHtant provisions for regulating the mil- 
itia. At its next session the Legislature passed an act, 
December 27, 1792, for arranging it into companies, 
regiments, brigades, divisions, and these were to drill 
two days in a year. Each regiment was composed of 
two battalions, the regiment being commanded by a 
lieutenant-colonel and the battalions by ma.jors. The 
Twenty-first Regiment was thus constituted : First 
Battalion, — Boscawen, Salisbury, Andover, New Lon- 
don, Kearsarge Gore (Wilmot) ; Second Battalion, — 
Hopkinton, Warner, Sutton, Fishersfield, Bradford. 

As the population of the towns increased, a differ- 
ent arrangement, of course, became desirable. In 
1797 the inhabitants of Sutton united with the in- 
liabitants of the towns of Warner, Bradford, Kear- 
.sai-ge Gore, Fishersfield and New London in a 
petition to the Legislature, showing that they all 
labored under many and great disadvantages by rea- 
sini of the Twenty-first Regiment being so extensive, 
and asking relief. The petition states that they 
are, — 

"By law obliged to meet a number of times every year, and once in 
battalion or regiment, which makes fatiguing journeys and hardships 
for soldiers, and great expense for ofQceis, to march to and from the cen- 
tre of said regiment or battalion, and much time is spent and lost by rea- 
son of the Parade being at such a distance. Therefore, your petitioners 
humbly pray your honors to take this their hard case into your wise 
consideration, and grant them relief by making a division of said regi- 
ment in the following manner : 1st. That the companies of the towns of 
Warner, Bradford and Keai-sarge Gore make the first battalion. 2d. 
That the companies of the towns of Sutton, Fisherfield and New London 
make the second battalion. So that the above said companies may con- 
stitute and make one regiment. Or relieve your petitiouere in some 
other way, as your houoi-s, in your great wisdom, shall think beat. And 
as in duty bound, etc." 

Here follow, in the Sutton petition, the names of 
eighty-four men, most of whom were probably of 
.suitable age to be enrolled (between sixteen and 
I forty years), according to the modification of the mil- 
itia law, made June 19, 1795. In their petition, how- 
ever, they style themselves simply "inhabitants of 
Sutton." Some of the petitioners may have been too 



old to be liable to do military duty, except in case of 
alarm ; but no one of them, of course, could have 
been less than sixteen years, — 

IlcMJniiiiii l>liill)rlck, Nathaniel Cheney, Henry Dearborn, .lohn Adams, 
-'|||'"I l\'i"iii'-k, Joseph Adams, William Lowell, Jonathan Colburn, 
I'lihl riinnc, Nathaniel Cheney, John I'hilbrlck, Moses Nelson, 
Hi "in:,, l'( ;i,|,...,.Iohn Kiug, Goorge King, Moses Davis, Joseph Clough, 
.■^anuiol i'(,a,sleo, Amos Pres.soy, Samuel Bean, Silas Russell, Joseph Bean, 
Isaac Wells, Ezekiel Flanders, John Emerson, Philip Nelson, Isaac Peas- 
lee, Jesse Peaslee, John Prcssoy, Simon Keitar, Jr., Willard Emerson, 
George Walker, Joshua Philbrick, Ezekiol Davis, DuiITey~Kendrick, 
David Davis, Caleb Kimball, Beujamin Williams, Philip Sargent, Joseph 
Greeley, John Peaslee, Joseph Chadwick, William Pressey, Ezra Little- 
hale, Peter Peasley, Reuben Gilo, Ephraim Hildreth, Abraham Peasley, 
Enoch Page, John Harvey, Jonathan Koby, Phineaa Stevens, Soth Rus- 
sell, Joseph Youring, Joseph Johnson, Benjamin Stevens, Asa Stevens, 
Peter Cheney, Joseph Stevens, Jonathan Eaton, Theophilus Oram, Eli- 
phalet Woodward, Bei^amin W^ells, Joseph Flanders, Stephen Wood- 
ward, Jonathan Harvey, Matthew Harvey, Jr., Joseph Woodward, David 
Flanders, Zachariah Cross, Oliver French, David Eaton, Daniel Messer, 
Joseph Pearson, Jacob Mastin, Hezekiah Parker, John Pearson, Samuel 
Ambrose, Jr., Theophilus Cram, Eliphalet Woodward, Stephen Wood- 
ward, Matthew Harvey, Jonathan Davis, Josiah Nichols, William 
Hutchins. 

Soon after this petition, and probably as a result of 
it, a division of the regiment was made, and then and 
afterwards Sutton constituted a part of the Thirtieth 
Regiment till the disbanding of the militia, in 1851. 

The " Grenadiers " were organized by Captain 
John Harvey, perhaps about 1810, and until his 
promotion commanded by him, when his first lieu- 
tenant, Daniel Woodward, took the command. Their 
uniform consisted of white pants, scarlet coats and 
tall, conical-shaped, black, shiny, leather caps. 

The uniform of the cavalry of the Thirtieth Regi- 
ment consisted of white pants, red coats with bell- 
buttons, a black leather cap ornamented with an 
eagle on a white shield, with chains and tassels, and 
a red and black plume. 

For many of the first thirty years of this century 
musters were held at Jonathan Harvey's, in his field 
opposite his house, — a level field of twenty acres in 
extent, a high table-land, with not another possess- 
ing its peculiar characteristics in our hilly town, per- 
haps not in any town embraced in the regiment, or 
even the brigade, of which Sutton constituted a 
part. 

At a later period some musters were held in the 
Wadleigh field, south of Kezar's Pond. 

Militia Officers. — As is well known, the rolls of 
the State militia are imperfect. The following list 
was furnished by Colonel Asa Page from his own 
recollection, he being at the time of his death — which 
occurred recently at Newbury — eighty-six years of age. 
His eyesight was entirely gone, but he retained his 
mental faculties to a wonderful degree. He possessed 
the highest integrity of character, and was universal- 
ly esteemed. Reference to the record of town-meet- 
ings shows him to have served as moderator for twenty- 
one difl^erent years; selectman, twelve years ; represen- 
tative, three sessions (1843, '44, '4r)) ; Senator, two 
sessions (1840^7). 

The first company organized in Sutton was about 



636 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the year 1800. Thomas Wadleigh chosen captain and I 
Joseph Wadleigh lieutenant. 

LrEUTENAXT-CoLOKELS FURNISHED BY SUTTON. 

Philip S. Harvey, commiiBioned about 1818. 

John Harvey, commissioned June 20, 1822 (date of John Harvey's 
commission aa ensign of the Seventh Company, in the Thirtieth Regi- 
ment, December 24, 1805). 

Asa Page, commiiaioned lieutenant-colonol September G, 1827. 

Nathaniel A. Davis, commissioned lieutenant-colonel. 

Nehemiah Emerson, commissioned major. y 

CAPTAINS. 

Thomas Wadleigh (1800), Daniel Page (1803), Enoch Page, James 
Minot, William Kcndrick, Joseph Pillsbury, John Pillsbur)', Daniel 
Woodward,AsaNel8on(lSl(i), Levi Fowler, Amos Pressoy, Nathan Chauip- 
lin (1820), Nathaniel Knowlton (1827), Samuel Dresser, Jr. (1827), Levi 
Gile, Jacob Harvey, Thomas Walker, Aaron Russell, John Prcssey, 
Thomas Wadleigh, Jr. 

NAMES OF REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS. 

(Mo«t of these served for other towns before they became residents of 
Sutton.) 

Samuel Ambrose, Benjamin Colby, Daniel Messer, Philip Nelson, 
Daniel Emery, Jacob Mastin, David Penslec, Nathaniel Cheney, Benja- 
min Critchett, Simeon Stevens, Philemon Hastings, Thomas Walker, 
George Walker, Francis Como, Silas Russell, Thomas Wadleigh, John 
Palmer, Joseph Chadwick, Anthony Clark, Jonathan Roby, Plummer 
Wheeler, Sen., Dudley Kendrick, James Harvey, Aquilla Wilkins, Jona- 
than Nelson, Solomon Austin, John Putney, Abraham Pcaslee (liret), 
David Peaslee (second), Cornelius Bean, Nathaniel Morgan, James 
Brocklebank, Jonathan Nelson. 

Of the foregoing, Silas Russell and Benjamin 
Critchett are known to have served for Perrystown 
(Sutton), as it is found on the record of the town that 
a committee was appointed at a town-meeting to look 
after their families during their absence in the service. 

NAJIES OF SOLDIERS IN WAR OF 1812. 
Moses Woodward, Caleb Kimball, Jr., John Kimball, Daniel Emery, 
James Morgan, James Buswell, Hazen Putney, Thomas Cheney, John 
Peaslee, Timothy Chellis, James Philbrook, Moses Davis, Samuel Roby, 
Thomas Davis, Gideon Wells, Joshua Flanders, Thomas Walker (second 
of the name), Levi Fowler, John McWilliams, Jacob Uarvoy (died in 
service), Daniel Woodward, Isaac Littlehale, Ephraim Fisk, Benaiah 
Woodward, James Wheeler (died in service), Plummer Wheeler, Jr., 
Samuel Wheeler, Amos Jones (died in service), John French, Daniel 
Muzzy, John Colby, Daniel Cheney, James Minot (officer), Benjamin 
Wells, John Philbrook, Jr., Frederick Wilkins. 

In 1812 Sutton ofiered a bounty of two dollars per 
month, and if called into actual service ten dollars 
per month, from the time of being called into service, 
additional to what they received of the State or gov- 
ernment, to be paid to the soldiers on demand after 
their return. 

The War of the Rebellion.— The following sta- 
tistics regarding the men and money furnished by 
Sutton during the last war were supplied by Moses 
Hazen, Esq., several years since, and are reliable. 

Sutton furnished for the last war in all one hun- 
dred and sixty-four men. This number includes the 
thirty-two men who enlisted without bounty. But 
as no men were credited by the government till they 
commenced paying bounties, the number credited to 
this town is reduced to one hundred and thirty-two 



Sutton paid 
Average per 
Recruiting 
Recruiting expe 



bounty . 



In 1868 the town debt was $37,029.80. 
In 1883 this war debt of nearly forty thousand dol- 
lars was all paid. 



CHAPTER III. 

SUTTON— (Con<inu«rf). 

The Social Library.— This association was formed 
in 1790, men from .'^utton. New London and Fishers- 
field uniting lor the purpose. By the payment of 
$2.50 a man could purchase a share, and thus become 
entitled to the use of the books in the library. The 
money paid for the shares purchased the books. 
Sixty-nine names of original proprietors appear on 
the record, which indicates that they had less than 
two hundred dollars to commence with. All inter- 
ested in the library were warned to meet at the house 
of Matthew Harvey. 

" Met and chose Levi Harvey, moderator ; Dr. 
John Cushing, clerk; and Matthew Harvey, lilira- 

A committee of nine was chosen to draft a cousti- 
tion, — viz. : Captain Jonas Hastings, Fishersfield ; 
Elder Job Seamans, Dr. John Cushing, Levi Harvey, 
Esq., and Lieutenant Thomas Pike, for New London ; 
Benjamin Wadleigh, Captain Thomas Wadleigh, Mr. 
David Eaton, Lieutenant Asa Nelson, for Sutton. 

The following directors were chosen, — viz. : Levi 
Harvey, New London ; Jonas Hastings, Fishersfield ; 
David Eaton, Sutton. 

" Voted to pay in the money, what the proprietors 
can, a fortnight from next Saturday." " Voted, that 
the Directors shall purchase the books and open the 
library as soon as ?30 are paid in." 

This association was incorporated by the Legisla- 
ture in 1799, and existed till 1868, when the proprie- 
tors gave up their rights to the town to help form a 
town library. 

This Social Library contained between three hun- 
dred and four hundred volumes, and was of immense 
benefit to the people, the books being well selected, 
eagerly sought for and thoroughly read. 

Books were scarce at that day, but there were not a 
few men and women who knew how to appreciate 
their contents. Many a hard-working man was glad 
to walk weary miles, and then climb the steep hills 
to Deacon Harvey's house for the privilege of having 
a book to read. 

None can tell the influence that the perusal of 
those volumes has had in developing and shaping 
the minds and characters of Sutton's noblest sons 
and daughters. 

King- Solomon's Lodge, No. 14, Free and Ac- 
cepted Masons.— Date of its charter, January 27, 
1.S02. First meeting in New London, June 16, 1802, 
at the hall of Jonathan and Daniel Woodbury : John 
Woodman, Worshipful Master, pro tern.; Levi Harvey, 



SUTTON. 



637 



Jr., Secretary ; Daniel Woodbury, Treasurer ; Richard 
Cressey, Senior Deacon ; Moses Hills, Junior Dea- 
con ; Enoch Hoyt, Steward ; Joseph Harvey, Tyler ; 
Stephen Hoyt, Benjamin Swett, Ezra Marsh, Thomas 
G. Wells, John King, Caleb Loveriug, Ebenezer 
Cressey, members. 

Removed to Wilmot Flat December 3, 1851. Re- 
moved to Scytheville September 4. 1878. 

The Great Tornado, September 9, 1821.— The 
following description of the tornado was written by 
the late Erastus Wadleigh, of Sutton : 

" standing on the front of my father's house, Benjamin Wa.ileigh's, 
the day being Sunday, about 5 o'clock p.m., we observed black cloufls 
rising rapidly, beiu-iug southeasterly, in the vicinity of Sunapee Lake, 
accompanied with continuous lightning and roaring. Above and below 
every thing seemed in frightful commotion. 

" The tornado struck Sutton westerly of Harvey's Mills, near the 
"Wliite Lot, passing through Dea. Josiah Nichols' farm, prostrating his 
entire wood lot, southeast of his buildings, and a short distance to the 
south, where resided Stephen "Woodward and son. After it had pas^d 
here, Mr. Woodward and family, to their surprise, were in plain sight of 
New London Hills, which had ever been hid from them by the interven- 
ing woods. From Dea. Nichols' it passed by the south end of Chad- 
wick's meadow, near the bridge, thence a little south of Ira RoweU's, 
near Critchett's Hill, destroying all the wood on the Edmund Chadwick 
farm. From Critchett's Hill it passed through the large dense pine 
forest of Hon. Jonathan Harvey, above North Sutton village, to the ad- 
joining farms of Dea. Benjamin Fowler and Elder Elijah Watson. At 
the residence of the latter wad a religious meeting, and the room was 
filled with worshipers. The north door was \vide open. Elbridge G. 
King, then a young man of twenty-two years, sat near the door, and 
feeling the force of the wind, sprang with almost lightning speed, and 
with tremendous effort closed the door, and thus, in all probability, 
saved the house and its inmates from harm. The adjoining barn and 
out-buildings were entirely demolished and thrown in every direction. 
Fences, forests and all movable matter were scattered promiscuously. 
Dea, Fowler resided about 50 or 60 rods south. His was a large double 
two-story house, fronting to the west with an ell on the east. 

" The tornado crashed a hole through the north end of the front cham- 
bers, tearing away the partitions between the chamber^ passing out at the 
south end, taking all the furniture and movables from them. Some of 
the furniture was afterwards found in the towns of Andover and Salis- 
bury. The family were in the ell part and were not injured. Near by 
were the large barn, cider-mill and other buildings, which were blown 
down and scattered in every direction ; only a portion of the bay in the 
great bay was left. The forest, fences and implements, and all kinds of 
personal property were destroyed or blown away. The adjoining or- 
chards of Dea. Fowier and Tsaac Mastin, near by, were blown over, 
cattle and other stock were damaged, and everything lay exposed. The 
tornado then passed to the valuable and extensive wood -lots of Isaac and 
Jacob Mitstin, prostrating as it went forests, fences aud everything in 
its way . Thence it went near the Parker fanu, thence southerly near 
■Warner line, eivst of Daniel Mastin's, through Benjamin Wadleigh's 
mountain lot, near the 'Gore Road,' at Warner line. 'S\"e, at home, had 
no intimation of all its disastrous consequences till Monday morning. 
A military training was to take place at North Sutton that day, at 1 
o'clock P.M. The writer of this, theu a boy of thirteen years, attended 
with his father who was a soldier. ,\fter the company was brought into 
line, Capt. Levi Fowler, son-of Dea. Benj. Fowler, informed them of the 
great need of help that the sufferers by the tornado were experiencing, 
and said that there would be no military duty required, and such as 
chose could go to their relief. The soldiery boys and all, hastened to 
the place of distress, rendering such aid as they could. One partj', of 
which the writer was a member, set to work to right up the apple-trees. 
Some of these trees are yet standing in a bearing condition, slanting to 
the southeast, in the direction in which they were blown. 

" The area passed over, doing damage in Sutton, was about ten thou- 
sand acres, extending from near the northwest corner of the town, pass- 
ing almost the entire width diagonally, striking Warner line a little 
south of the centre of the eastern line of Sutton, a distance of about six 
miles, which was the centre of the tornado. The damage done in this 
town could not be less than from six to ten thousand dollars. 



" Wo have merely referred to this remarkable tornado or cyclone 
through Sutton. Other portions of its course have often been described 
more accurately than we are able to do. Dea. Fowler, the one of all 
others who suffered most by the tornado, was then past the meridian of 
life, and , becoming disheartened, soon after disposed of his remaining 
property, and, leaving the scene of his great misfortune, removed to 
Orange with his son, Micajah, where he had several married daughters, 
and where he spent the remainder of his days. By his departure the 
town lost one of its noblest citizens, and the Baptist Church a strong 
right arm. 

" Governor Harrimnn, in his ' History of Warner,' says,—' The tornado 
passed across the northeriy part of .Sutton, cutting a swath through the 
forests which is visible to this day.' The woods where this hurricane 
did its worst damage have to this day been known as ' The Hurricane 
Woods.' " 

The Great August Freshet of 1826.'— The sum- 
mer of 1826 had been very dry. With the drought 
came innumerable grasshoppers, which were, however, 
swept away by the freshet. On Monday, iVugust 28th, 
rain began to fall in the forenoon, — occasional showers, 
accompanied by thunder. From three o'clock till ten 
P.M. it fell in a continuous torrent, and did great 
damage to roads and bridges. At the White Moun- 
tains occurred the land-slide whereby the Willeys 
lost their lives. This freshet made great havoc in 
Sutton, especially in places near the foot of the moun- 
tain. The rain-storm lasted but a few hours, but it 
was more violent than any ever before known. It 
came down in sheets and floods. The grass and 
potato-fields in the intervales were quickly covered 
with water four feet deep, and so great a deposit of 
gravel-stones and rocks was left that the fields were 
then supposed to be ruined, and many of them were 
not cultivated for twenty years after. 

A torrent came roaring down Kearsarge Mountain, 
bearing along whole trees and rocks weighing tons, 
tearing out a channel as wide as Connecticut River, 
and depositing all its frightful burdens in the valleys 
and intervales below. It changed the course of one of 
the main tributaries of Stevens Brook from the War- 
ner to the Blackwater River. It carried away a log 
house and a saw-mill from the base of the mountain 
so entirely that no vestige of them met the owner's 
eyes next morning. It filled Merrill Roby's yards 
with stones, washed away every part of the founda- 
tion stones of his house, and deposited a pair of cart 
wheels in place of them. The awful gulfs and ra- 
vines created by this freshet are not even now obliter- 
ated. 

Centenarians of Sutton. — Francis Como (a native 
of Canada), supposed to be aged 100; Mrs. Mary 
Bean, wife of Samuel, died in 1811, aged 100; Mrs. 
Sally Philbrook, mother of Benjamin, Sr., died in 
1813, aged 100; Jacob Davis, died in 1819, aged 105; 
Thomas Walker, died in 1822, aged 103; Nathaniel 
Eaton, died in 1875, aged 100 ; Cesar Lewis, died in 
1862, aged 100 ; Anthony Clark, aged 107 ; Benjamin 
Philbrook, Sr., aged 99 ; Mrs. Jacob Davis, died in 
1819, aged 99; Sally, wife of Thomas Burpee, died in 



1 Most of the details of this freshet \ 



i furnished by the recollections 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1859, aged 99 ; Joseph Johnson, aged 98 ; Mrs. Jesse 
Fellows, aged 97; Samuel Dresser, Sr., aged 97; Mrs. 
Thomas Peaslee, aged 90 ; wife of Samuel Dresser, 
Sr., aged 95; Joseph Wells, aged 95; Nathaniel 
Cheney, aged 93 ; Edmund Richardson, 92 ; widow of 
Henry Dearborn, aged 91 ; Jane, wife of Jonathan 
Eaton, aged 91 ; Sarah, widow of Daniel Messer, 
aged 91 ; Mrs. Nathan Andrew, aged 91 ; widow of 
Joseph Wells, aged 91 ; Sarah, widow of Reuben 
Gile, aged 90 ; David Davis, aged 90 ; Martha, wife 
of Abraham Peaslee, aged 90 ; Cornelius Bean, son of 
Samuel and Mary, — the centenarian, — aged 90 ; wife 
of Cornelius Bean aged 95 ; Jonathan Stevens and wife 
died within a few days of each other about 1840, aged 
one 96, the other 97. Their daughter, wife of Jacob 
Osgood, of Warner, was aged about 100. Jonathan 
Johnson, died in 1844, aged 90 ; Ephraim Gile, aged 
90 ; widow of Daniel Dane, aged 90 ; widow of Jona- 
than Davis, aged 90 ; Mrs. Lovejoy, sister to Mrs. 
Philbrook, above-named, aged over 90 ; the wife 
of Thomas Walker, was a Philbrook of the same long- 
lived family. She died at a very great age, supposed 
by some to be 100 years. Phineas Stevens, aged 90. 

Some of the Earliest Physicians. — Dr. William 
Martin came to Sutton to practice his profession about 
1793, being the first regular physician in Sutton. Mar- 
ried Sally Andrews. Lived in town till he died. 

The four following practiced in town about 1800: Dr. 
Ezra Marsh, who married Sally, sister to Daniel 
Page. Dr. Thomas Wells, who came to Sutton from 
Hanover. Dr. Arnold Ellis, who came from Newport. 
Dr. Crosman, who was preacher as well as physician. 

Dr. Lyman practiced some in town in the early 
years of this century ; was among the best of his time. 
Dr. Benjamin Lovering came about 1816; resided 
here till his death, in 1824. Dr. John A. Clark suc- 
ceeded him ; was popular as citizen and physician ; 
was chosen town clerk. (For Dr. Robert Lane see 
biographical sketches.) 

The following is a list of some of the earliest mag- 
istrates, with date at which they received their com- 
missions : 

Benjamin Wadleigh, Sr., 1786; Matthew Harvey, 
1798; Moses Hills, 1804; Thomas Wadleigh, 1805; Jon- 
athan Harvey, 1809 ; Joseph Pillsbury, 1820 ; Benja- 
min Wadleigh, Jr., 1823; Enoch Page, Sr., many 
years, date of lirst commission not known. 

The Samuel Peaslee Lawsuit.— In 1804 the town 
votes to assist Samuel Peaslee in an action commenced 
by Dr. Haven against him for the recovery of certain 
lands sold by him, as collector for the town, for non- 
payment of taxes. This affair takes us back to 1777, 
at which time several of the non-resident proprietors 
being delinquent of paying their taxes, Samuel Peas- 
lee, by right of his office as collector, sold these delin- 
quent rights, and gave titles defending the same 
against the claims of the former owners. The lots 
were sold entire to the highest bidder at public ven- 
due. The buvers afterwards sold oil' parcels of these 



lands to accommodate settlers, who made settlements 
and improvements, and, of course, greatly increased 
their value. 

About 1803 the original proprietors commenced 
action for the recovery of these lands, claiming that the 
sale was illegal ; that due notice thereof was not given, 
and, in fact, that it was not legally advertised. The 
town chose a committee — Benjamin Wadleigh, Sr., 
and others — to assist Peaslee in defending the claims 
of those to whom he had sold the lands. The settlers 
meantime were suffering the greatest alarm lest they 
should lose, not only their original purchase, but all 
their buildings and improvements thereon. 

The case was not decided until 1808, — a long time 
to be in suspense about one's homestead. 

It is probable that the proprietors felt confident 
that at that late day — nearly thirty years after the 
sale — there was not in existence a copy of the news- 
paper containing the advertisement of the vendue, 
and they were even suspected of having bought up 
and destroyed all the copies thereof themselves. But 
the committee spared no pains to find the necessary 
proof. They rode day and night and searched the 
whole State through. They even offered fifty dollars 
for a copy of the paper. At last, when they had al- 
most abandoned hope, they succeeded in finding one 
paper containing the advertisement, in the possession 
of a former Governor of the State. This was enough. 
The whole case turned on that one point, of evidence 
of the sale being legally advertised. The court im- 
mediately decided in favor of Peaslee. The great 
joy of the settlers may well be imagined. 

Natural Features of Sutton. — Surface.— Sutton is 
a rocky, uneven township, on the height of land between 
the Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers. Along Mill 
Brook, from New London to Kezar's Pond, except 
where there are falls, are valuable meadow lands. 
From Kezar's Pond to the falls above Mill village is 
a large body of meadow and plain land of even sur- 
face, and free from stone. From Mill village to the 
falls below the South village are valuable meadow 
lands and also near Roby's Corner. On Stevens' 
Brook are meadows and other natural mowing lands, 
valuable for the hay they produce. On Fowler's 
Brook and its tributaries are productive intervale and 
meadow lands. 

Stkeams. — On the east side of the town is Stevens' 
Brook, running southerly nearly half the length of 
the town, entering Warner River a little below War- 
ner village. The main branch of Warner River from 
Sutton rises in the northwest part of New London, 
near Sunapee Lake, passing through Harvey's and 
Minot's or Messer's Ponds and Kezar's mill-ponds 
to Kezar's Pond or Lake; thence by Mill village and 
South village to Roby's Corner, where it joins War- 
ner River. Most of the mills in town are on this 
stream. Jones' mill, the first made in town, was be- 
low the South village. Quiraliy's mill was next 
made at .Mill village. Fowler's Brook, a lirani-li of 



SUTTON. 



63!) 



the Blackwater, is in the northeast part of the town, 
wliere were formerly Fowler's and Roby's saw-niilla. 
A stream passes from Long Pond to Warner River, 
where have been mills. 

Ponds. — Kezar's Pond, a beautiful body of water, 
containing about two hundred acres, is in North 
Sutton. Early settlers in the vicinity of this pond 
were Ebenezer Kezar and his son Simon, David 
Eaton, Matthew Harvey, Samuel Bean, Benjamin 
Wadleigh, Esq. 

Gile's Pond is on a level with Kezar's Pond, about 
half its size, and not far distant from it. Appearances 
indicate that they both at some time formed one body 
of water. Ephraim Gile, Jonathan Davis and Daniel 
Messer early settled near Gile's Pond. 

Billings' Pond is in the southwest part of Sutton ; 
also Russell's Pond, and Peasley's or Long Pond, 
the latter being about one and one-half miles long. 
Isaac Peasley, Hezekiah Blaisdell and Jonathan John- 
son settled near it previous to this century. Russell's 
Pond, near Captain Aaron Russell's, contains but a 
few acres. There are other smaller ponds in town. 

Hills. — King's Hill is about two thousand feet 
high, being the highest land in town, the very top- 
most point of Sutton. A part of Kearsarge Mountain 
lies within the limits of the town, but not its highest 
point, the town line crossing the mountain at an alti- 
tude lower than two thousand feet. Kezar Lake, or 
Pond, as it is usually termed, is noted for the beauti- 
ful scenery around it. This lake lies west of North 
Sutton village. Approaching King's Hill from North 
Sutton, the excursionist passes Kezarville, on the 
north end of the lake. Here is one of the most lovely 
and picturesque places in Central New Hampshire, 
its natural beauties increased, its attractions added to 
manifold, through the artistic eye and liberal hand 
of Jonathan Harvey Kezar, aided by his sons. These 
men are descendants, in the fourth and fifth genera- 
tions, of Ebenezar Kezar, who early settled here, and 
from whom the lake takes its name. From Kezarville 
the base of King's Hill is soon reached by a good car- 
riage road; thence by the Samuel Kezar and Benjamin 
Wells farms (anciently known as such) to the old 
school-house of District No. 5; thence by Kezar's 
road to the granite ledge near the top of the hill. To 
accommodate the workers on the ledge, Mr. Kezar 
has here built a temporary house, which is on a level 
with the Winslow House on Kearsarge Mountain. 

On the top of King's Hill is a large rock of forty or 
fifty tons' weight resting on the ledge, but not a part 
of it, so evenly balanced as to be readily moved by 
hand. From the top of this balance-rock, as it is 
termed, the rain that falls there may be conveyed to 
either the Merrimack or the Connecticut, it being on 
the lieight of land between the two rivers. From the 
top of the hill is an enchanting view of Kezar Lake, 
and Gile Pond and the pleasant village of North Sut- 
ton on the east, of Sunapee Lake on the west, and the 
Sunapee Mountain range near by, with Ascutney and 



the Green Mountains in Vermont farther on in the 
west. On the north are the Grantham, Croydon and 
Cardigan Mountains, and also on the north and north- 
east are Bald, Rugged and Kearsarge Mountains. On 
the south are the Mink Hills, in Warner, Lovcnvell 
Mountain, in Washington, Munadnock and other 
mountains and hills. 

The western view from King's Hill is better than 
from Kearsarge, while in another direction may be 
seen in the distance the White Hills. On the north 
are Harvey's Poud and Messer's Pond and the vil- 
lages of Scytheville, Low Plains and WilmotFlat. 

King's Hill contains an inexhaustible quarry of 
excellent granite, easily wrought and extensively 
used in this part of the country. Formerly, near the 
top, bricks were made extensively, and here are 
numerous living springs of good water. 

King's Hill was early settled by John King, Wil- 
liam Bean, Amos Pressey, Moses Hills, Esq., Joseph 
and David Chadwick and Hugh Jameson. 

In the vicinity of the entrance of the stream into 
Kezar's Pond and along the western shore were found 
many Indian relics, among which were hearths or 
fire-places, skillfully made, arrows, gun-barrels, toma- 
hawks, pestles and mortars, etc. There was also an 
Indian burial-ground where the original forest had 
been cleared. 

On the road passing over the southeastern porticm 
of King's Hill is a beautiful rivulet and cascade, run- 
ning over solid rock, through a gorge or ravine and a 
primeval grove. 

It will perhaps be a convenience to the reader if 
the following table of altitudes above mean tide- 
water at Boston be inserted here : 

Ascutney Mountain 3186 feet 

Kearsarge " 2942 *' 

Croydon " 2789 " 

Sunapee " 2083 " 

King's Hill 2000 " 

Sunapee Lake is eleven hundred and three feet 
above mean tide-water at Boston, and by a survey 
made in 1816 it was found to be more than eight 
hundred and twenty feet above Merrimack and Con- 
necticut Rivers. 

Fellow's Hill is a little south of King's Hill, ad- 
joining Newbury line. First settled by Jesse Fellows 
and Ensign Jacob Bean. Burnt or Chellis Hill is in 
the westerly part of the town, south of Mill village 
and east of South village. The early settlers in its' 
vicinity were Lieutenant Joseph Wadleigh, Samuel 
Andrew, Thomas Wadleigh, Esq., Samuel Peaslee and 
Leonard Oolburn. 

Kimball Hill is in the southeast part of the town 
and was early settled by Caleb Kimball. The locality 
is now known as Eaton Grange, being owned by the 
Eaton descendants of Caleb Kimball, one of the most 
remarkably honorable and justly successful families 
Sutton has ever produced. 

Birch Hill is west of Kimball Hill and was the 



640 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



former residence of Ichabod Koby, James Roby, Jon- 
athan Eoby and other early settlers. 

Meeting-House Hill, northeast of the South Meet- 
ing-House, is noted for the large quantity of plumbago 
found there. The surface of this hill is remarkably 
rough, steej) and uneven, which is a great hindrance 
to the obtaining of the plumbago. 

Easterly of this last hill is Peaslee or Dresser Hill. 
The early settlers here were John Peaslee, Ezra Jones 
and son, Ezra and Samuel Dresser. Mr. Dresser and 
wife both died at great age, ninety-seven and ninety- 
five years, being, with one exception, the oldest couple 
who have died in town. 

Nelson Hill, on Newbury line, was early settled by 
Philip and Moses Nelson. 

Pound or Hildreth Hill is in the centre of the 
town. Ephraim Hildreth and Jeremiah Davis were 
early settlers there. 

Davis or Wadleigh Hill is where Milton B. Wad- 
leigh lives and was early settled by Benjamin Wad- 
leigh, Esq., Rev. Samuel Ambrose, Jacob and John 
Davis. 

Kearsarge Hill extends more than half the length 
of the town, adjoining and embracing a part of 
Kearsarge Mountain. The early settlers here were 
Hezekiah Parker, Jacob Mastin, George Walker, 
Jonathan Phelps, Nathan Phelps, Aquilla Wilkins. 

Gile's Hill was formerly owned by Captain Levi 
Gile. It was once a great impediment to teamsters. 

Porter Hill, for many years owned by Reuben Por- 
ter, Esq., is on the west side of Kezar's Pond, and 
from it may be obtained a beautiful view of North 
Sutton and surrounding scenery. 

Oak Hill, east of the North Meeting-House, is a 
noble eminence, almost a mountain, and the views to 
be obtained by ascending it more than repay the dif- 
ficulty of the steep ascent. 

Many more lofty elevations merit especial mention, 
but enough have been named to convince the reader 
that Sutton not only is located in, but forms a part of 
the Central Ridge of New Hampshire. 

Keaesaroe Mountain.— No sketch of Sutton would 
be complete without some description of Kearsarge, 
since a large portion of the body and foot of this no- 
ble eminence lies within the town limits, though not 
its head and orown. King's Hill, the highest land in 
town (two thousand feet), whose regal title chances 
to be so appropriate, being the only representative of 
royalty in which Sutton claims absolute proprietor- 
ship. No municipal limitations, however, hold with 
regard to the landscape view of Kearsarge. From 
most of our hills, from many points in the lowlands, 
can be obtained an unobstructed view of its whole 
magnificent proportions. No point of observation 
in Sutton, perhaps, is better than Harvey's Hill, iuthe 
north part of the town. 

Both Kearsarge and Sunapee Mountains show evi- 
dence of glacial action of the ice jitriod, though in 
different ways. Sunapee, with its broad biLse and 



blunted cone, owns up to having lost its crown by 
the scraping of icebergs over it, while Kearsarge, which 
yet holds its bare head nearly three hundred feet 
higher in the air than the Sunapee of this age, escai)ed 
with many scratches, its top being much scarred and 
striated. 

The highest part of Kearsarge is now bare rock, 
though it was once covered with soil which supported 
a rather stunted growth of forest-trees. In the early 
part of the present century a tire ran over it, burning 
not only the woods, but the soil itself Since that time 
its granite top, forever wind-swept, has been as bare 
of soil and vegetation as are the sea-shore rocks washed 
by daily tides. 

Slowly, slowly, in the long ages to come, by imper- 
ceptible accumulations, soil will gather again, and the 
forests that now cover the mountain-sides will creep 
timorously upward till the top of Kearsarge shall be 
again a mass of waving woods. So much will the far- 
remote future accomplish ; but that, in past ages, the 
mountain has been sending down more of value than 
it has carried up needs no better evidence than the fact 
that the Lord Proprietors, when they granted the char- 
ter of Perrystown, selected for their own eighteen re- 
served shares the lands lying where they get the wash 
of the mountain. These lands have not yet lost their 
richness. They were often termed the Lord Proprietors' 
Lots, and were all laid out one mile long and one hun- 
dred and thirty-five rods wide, containing two hun- 
dred and seventy acres. 

As to the question of priority of right to the name 
of Kearsarge, the question that caused some discussion 
between those who favor the Conway Kearsarge and 
those who favor the Merrimack County Kearsarge, it 
would seem to be settled by the fact that, in the char- 
ter of Perrystown, the date of which was 1749, the 
tract of land is described as lying to the west of Kear- 
sarge Hill, while the claim of the Conway Kearsarge 
is of a recent date. 

Geology of Sutton. — For the convenience of 
those readers who may not always have at hand 
Hitchcock's " Geology of New Hampshire," the fol- 
lowing, descriptive of Sutton's geological character- 
istics, is here copied from that noble work : 

" Sutton is nearly all underlaid by porphyritic gneiss. Near the north 
line, by C. A. Fowler's, the dip is 7.'i°N., 75° W. The main road through 
the hamlets of North Sutton, Sutton Mills and South Sutton abounds 
with porphyritic ledges. At the Mills the descent is considerable. Be- 
tween Kezar and Gile ponds there is an extensive meadow, and also 
below Sutton Mills. 

'- About South Sutton are steep, conical hills,— steepest on their South 
side — as seen from the Northeast. At the head of Long pond is a 
mass of compact, flinty rock, dipping 80° N., 25° E., girt by the por- 
phyritic rock on both sides. On Stevens' brook this rock begins at the 
town line, and for two miles the ledges are continuous. 

"Sand obscures the ledges in the northern half of the town, on the 
road to Wilmot Flat, from Stevens' brook. It was surprising to us to 
find such a level road between Warner and Potter Place, through the 
Stevens' brook valley, in this mountainous region." 

Davis' Mineral Springs. — Ezekiel Davis was 
for several years the owner of the meadow wherein 
these springs are found ; whence their name. They 



SUTTON. 



are not far from the base of Kearsarge Mountain, be- 
tween which and tlie springs the possibility of a secret 
understanding has been suggested. Were we able to 
interpret the hints which these springs are continu- 
ally throwing out they might perhaps give us some 
valuable information respecting the structure, nature 
and disposition of the inner-man of the mountain. 
iS'ot far from the base of Mt. Monadnock, issues a 
sjjring of similar character to these in Sutton. Here 
is a fact for the geologist to inquire into. 

It appeared that Davis' Springs were not discov- 
ered, at least by white people, till soon after the be- 
ginning of the present century, as is shown by the 
following notice copied from The Farmer's Cabinet, 
printed at Amherst, N. H., October 21, 1806 : 

" A mineral spring has lately been discovered in Sutton, which, from 
its medicinal qualities, promises to be of great utility. Many pei-sons of 
respectability have drank of the water and hare uniformly experienced 
verj- sensible effects. Its taste is slightly alkaline, and appears to con- 
tain a large quantity of Sulphuric Acid and Fixed Air. Gentlemen who 
have visited Stafford springs the present season are decidedly of opinion 
that the use of this will be attended with similar success. It is situated 
in a pleasant, shady vale, the property of Lieutenant Hutchins, which 
might be made an elegant place of retreat." 

Cooking-Stoves began to be introduced soon after 
1830. Friction matches began to be introduced soon 
after 1834. Metal pens began to be introduced soon 
after 1834. At first these pens were not well re- 
ceived, the paper, as it was then finished, not being 
well adapted to their use. This defect was perceived 
and remedied by a different finish, and then the steel 
and copper pens found univer.sal fiivor and their use 
became general. 

The first carding-machine in the United States 
was set up by Arthur Scolfield, from England, in 
Pittsfield, Mass., in 1801. These machines found 
their wav into Central New Hampshire soon after 
1810. 

The first stage making regular trips through Sutton 
was about 1830. On its appearance the post- rider 
disa|ipeared. 

Biographical.— Deacon Matthew Harvey was 
born in 17")0 in Amesbury, Mass., where his ances- 
tors had resided since they came first to this country 
from England, a century before. He was son of 
Jonathan, who removed to Nottingham, N. H., where 
he died about the year 1760. From thence, in 1772, 
Matthew removed to Sutton, where he purchased a 
farm, he being then in his twenty-third year. Like 
all the early settlers, his wealth consisted in his men- 
tal and physical powers. He remained unmarried 
till 1779, when he married Hannah Sargent, of 
Weare. Soon purchased more land and employed 
help, and took the lead in faroiing. He was a man 
of sound judgment, industrious and sagacious in his 
financial aftairs, and died at the age of forty-nine, the 
wealthiest man in town. He was a man of piety, 
and upon the formation of a church in town was its 
first deacon ; was active and prominent in all town 
and public business; was a wise and influential 



magistrate, and was the first representative of Sut- 
ton under our State Constitution of 1793, and held 
this office by annual re-election till his death, in 1799. 
He left five sons — Jonathan, Matthew, Philip S., 
John, Benjamin— and two daughters — Susan, who 
married Joseph Emerson, of Hopkinton, and Han- 
nah, who married Dr. Dinsmore, of Henniker. 

Hon. Matthew Harvey, second son of Deacon 
INIatthew Harvey, was born in Sutton June 21, 1781, 
in the log house which Deacon Harvey did not ex- 
change for a frame house till 1787. 

Matthew fitted for college under the instruction of 
Rev. Dr. Wood, of Boscawen; graduated at Dart- 
mouth College in 1806 and immediately commenced 
the study of the law in the office of Judge Harris at 
Hopkinton. Having assiduously pursued his studies 
during the required period of three years, he was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1809 and opened an office in 
Hopkinton, where he successfully conducted the busi- 
ness of his profession till the year 1830, when his 
election to the chief magistracy removed him from 
the scenes and duties of professional life. His pro- 
fessional course was marked by that honesty and up- 
rightness which many men have been led to suppose 
is incompatible with success at the bar. It is too 
often considered that a person cannot be a good 
lawyer, in a worldly sense, and at the same time a 
good man, in a Christian sense — an error which such 
an example as Judge Harvey gave to the community 
ought to have dispelled; for, while clients found him 
always true to their cause, and learned that they 
might safely rely upon his industry, judgment and 
discretion, they also learned that they might never 
hope for success through the suggestion, or sufferance 
by him, of any compromise with justice and truth. 
A trick, a quibble, a subterfuge or an evasion he 
scorned. Whatever was unmanly or dishonorable 
was intolerable to him ; and, observing the undiverg- 
ing path of his rectitude, people were insensibly led 
to respect the honest lawyer and to confide in the 
discreet and faithful counselor. In the later years 
of his life especially he was often the guardian by 
choice or appointment, the administrator, the execu- 
tor by testamentary creation, the adviser of those who 
sought counsel with regard to the disposition of their 
worldly estates, and the depositary of their wills, 
many of which were found among his papers after 
his death. 

.Judge Harvey was chosen to represent the town of 
Hopkinton in the Legislature of 1814, and was an- 
nually re-elected to the same office seven successive 
years, during the last three of which he was Speaker 
of the House. 

He was then elected a member of Congress, where 
he served four years, or until 1825, when he was suc- 
ceeded in the same office by his elder brother, Jona- 
than, who represented the same constituency six 
years successively. 

Retiring from Congress, Judge Harvey was imme- 



642 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



diately chosen a State Senator, in which office he 
continued three years, being during all that time 
president of the Senate. 

In 1828 and 1829 he was a member of the Execu- 
tive Council, and in 1830 lie was elected Governor. 
Before the expiration of his term of office he was 
appointed by President Jackson United States judge 
for the district of New Hampshire, which position he 
held for more than thirty-five years, and until the 
day of his death, which occurred April 7, 1866. 

It will thus be seen that for more than fifty-two 
consecutive years Judge Harvey occupied official 
position in the State. Probably no other person in 
New Hampshire ever received so many, such contin- 
ued and so well-merited tokens of public confidence. 
Judge Clifford said of him, on the reception of reso- 
lutions of respect for his memory, presented by the 
bar of the Circuit Court: "Few men of this State 
have enjoyed greater honors, and none have gone to 
the grave with a more general acknowledgment of 
their integrity and purity of life."' This sentence 
contains the key and explanation of Judge Harvey's 
worldly success, — hu integrity and purity of life. It 
was known and observed of all men, and it was 
adorned and made attractive by its combination with 
an unvarying demeanor of kind and gentle courtesy. 

The foregoing eulogy of Judge Harvey is copied 
verbatim from "A Sketch of the Life and Character 
of Hon. Matthew Harvey," by William L. Foster; 
read before the New Hampshire Historical Society, 
June 13, 1866. 

Governor Harvey is his own authority for the 
statement that the suggestion for the State to furnish 
the State prisoners, on their release, with at least 
enough of money to save them from being driven into 
immediate crime to satisfy immediate wants, origin- 
ated with him, in his message to the Legislature. 

Judge Harvey's mental and physical powers were 
faithful to duty till almost the last possible demand 
for their use. The day before his death he walked 
about the street, came home, lay down and passed 
into an unconscious state, from which, in this mortal 
life, he never awakened. In twenty hours afterwards 
he ceased to breathe, dying without the least evi- 
dence of pain or suffering of any kind, being in his 
eighty-fifth year. 

Matthew Harvey (3d). — The following is an ex- 
tract from the Boston Journal, of February 2, 1885 : 



urday 



i.f thu 



"Matthew Harvey, whosedeath occun-.d ;i 
night, January 31, 1885, was bora in Sii 1 1 m 
longed to one of the most di8ting\iish..l i; 
State. Ho was H eon of ColonelJohn Ilai M > , 1 iinl-.n iMiiithcw 
Harvey, Sr., and nephew of Matthew Ilarviy, Jr., wlio was Governor, 
Representative to Congress, and a judgo of tlie United States District 
Court, and of Jonathan Harvey, who was also Kopresentativo to Congress. 
He received a common school education and went to Newport in 1831, 
where he served a full apprenticeship in the Argtit and Spectator office, 
under Beruamin B. French and Simon Brown. Then he came to Bos- 
ton, where ho worked several years as a journeyman printer. Returning 
to Newport in 1837, he became a compositor in the Argiu office. In 1840, 
in company with Mr. Carleton, he purchase<l 



forty years the firm published the Argutaud Spectator, Mr. Harvey being, 
during that time, the leading editor. In 1880 the deceased retired from 
business to private life with a couiii.teuce. Jlr. niirvcy was, from 184S 
to 1852, register of deeds of Sulliv^ni i u,,i-iMi)it inn-l ,1 f.,r tak- 
ing the census in 1860, and was i i. ii.lato for 
Representative to the Lcgislaliir. n > ; : ■ « .sin the 
minority. He was a giMitl>-i]i:iii i 'in m.lwasthe 
author of many most i. hiii -inn hy request for 
special occasions. H' I. . i i , . : ■ i ■ I \| i-nn for many years, 
and had been twice r I, , '\ i \|, \h Vernon Lodge of 
Newport. Inprivat.lii M- 1 1 . 1 1 i a , . n >:, ! il,.- liighestpurity of 
character. As a citizen he was liberal iu hia views, popular, generous 
and public-spirited, and was a gentleman of the old school." 

This Matthew Harvey (3d) was the only brother of 
Mrs. Augusta Harvey Worthen, author of this sketch 
of Sutton. 

Hon. Jonathan Harvey w^as the oldest son of 
Deacon Matthew Harvey, being born at Sutton Feb- 
ruary 25, 1780. Immediately after becoming of age 
he took the lead in the political affairs of the town, 
being repeatedly chosen town clerk and selectman ; 
was a civil magistrate from 1810 till his death, August 
23, 1859. A brief reference to his long career of pub- 
lic service will show how deeply he shared the con- 
fidence of his fellow-citizens. He made his first ap- 
pearance in the House of Representatives in 1810, 
and to this body he was annually re-elected till 1815; 
he then represented his district in the State Senate 
from that date till 1823, and was president of that 
body during the five last years of his connection with 
it. By reference to dates it will be seen that the two 
branches of the Legislature were, from 1819 to 1821, 
three years, presided over by the brothers Jonathan 
and Matthew Harvey, — Jonathan being President of 
the Senate at the time Matthew was Speaker of the 
House. 

In 1823 and 1824 Jonathan Harvey was a member 
of the Executive Council. In 1825 he was elected a 
member of Congress, as the successor of his brother, 
Hon. Matthew Harvey, then of Hopkinton. 

He was in Congress six years, at the expiration of 
which time he was again elected to the Legislature of 
this State, where he served two years, thus completing 
an unbroken term of twenty-three years of public 
service. He was again returned to the Legislature iu 
18.38 and re-elected in 1839, when he finally retired 
to private life, after leaving a spotless record upon 
the journals of his State and nation and securing 
those enviable tokens of approbation which but few 
unprofessional men have either merited or received. 
He filled all the places of trust within the gift of his 
townsmen. 

He was never defeated at the polls in the election 
to any office for which he was a candidate. 

But little need be said of the virtues that adorned 
the private life and character of Jonathan Harvey, 
because the public needs no information upon those 
points. His social and genial nature made his ever- 
hospitable home the abode of cheerful hearts and the 
resort of numerous friends. 

These proniiiicnt cliaractcristics of the man shed a 



5<¥r^^- 




(j/a^-^^ 



/i(C<^^^^^ 



SUTTON. 



ti43 



bright halo of light around his declining years and 
illumined his path to the grave. 

But few men have been permitted to complete the 
entire circle of eighty years and die upon the soil of 
their ancestral homes ; yet such a life and such a 
death was reserved for the well-known subject of this 
notice. 

The above, extracted from one of the public prints 
issued a few days after his decease, is only one notice 
among many of similar date and character. 

This record of his public services is know-n to be 
correct, having been carefully gleaned from the rec- 
ords at Concord by the writer of the sketch above- 
copied. 

George A. Fielsbury was born in Suttou 
August 29, 1816. (For sketch of Mr. Pillsbury, see 
"History of Concord," in this volume.) 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



WADLEIGH. 

On the town records of Sutton, as well as on the 
proprietary records of Perrystown, the name of Wad- 
leigh occurs so frequently in connection with town 
affairs as to demand some special notice of the family. 

Several years prior to any settlement in Perrys- 
town Thomas Wadleigh, of Hampstead, became a 
proprietor by the purchase of a right, and consequent- 
ly used his efficient endeavors to promote its interest, 
and occasionally resided here with the earliest set- 
tlers. From the record, as well as from some known 
facts, it is to be inferred that he was possessed of 
much practical ability, good sense and judgment. He 
was also a man of immense bodily strength — double 
that of average men — which was in itself about as 
desirable capital as could be had to invest in an 
enterprise so full of hardship as the settlement of 
Perrystown. This Thomas Wadleigh had nine sons 
and three daughters. Several of the sons settled 
early in town, the father being at one time the 
possessor of a thousand acres of land in one tract. 
His deed to his son Benjamin, conveying to him a lot 
of land, Xo. 68, in the first division, in Perrystown, 
is yet preserved and bears date November 11, 1777. 
This lot, unimpaired and undivided, is now possessed 
by Milton B. Wadleigh, one of the fifth generation 
from him, counting himself one. 

This, with two exceptions (the Johnson estate, and 
Caleb Kimball estate, owned by his descendants, the 
Batons, of whom General John Eaton, so long United 
States commissioner of education, is one), is the only 
instance in Sutton of an entire lot remaining, un- 
changed and undivided, in the same famik-. 

This Benjamin, coming here as a settler, at the age 
of twenty-one, became one of the leading men of the 



town. Mr. Dresser, who, maii\ yiar;- ;it;i), iire|)artda 
brief sketch of some of the most prominent early 
settlers, says of him, — "He was firm and uncompro- 
1 raising, a wise counselor to the town, church and 
I society. His wife, Hannah, a daughter of Ebenezer 
Kezar, at the age of nineteen, came with him to live 
I on Wadleigh Hill, and had there her home till the 
j end of her long and useful life. She died in 1836, 
! aged eighty -six. He died in 1817, aged sixty-eight, 
his death being occasioned by an accidental slight in- 
jury to the knee, resulting in mortification." 

Much of the town business was transacted by the 
two noble brothers, Benjamin and Thomas Wadleigh. 
The latter, however, did not settle here till after the 
close of the Eevolutionary War, in which he had 
served six years and seven months; was at the battle of 
Bunker Hill, and fought side by side with his brother 
John. The main-spring of the gun that John carried 
broke at the first discharge, rendering the weapon 
useless; but telling Thomas he would load while the 
other fired, he did this so quickly that the piece 
became too hot for holding. But the two brothers 
with one gun were able to load and fire all the ammuni- 
tion of both before they left their position. 

Thomas AVadleigh was very highly esteemed in his 
day by the citizens of Sutton for capacity, integrity 
and patriotism ; was the first town clerk after incor- 
poration, and every year afterwards till 1806, a period 
of twenty -two years ; selectman and representative, 
as elsewhere stated in this sketch. 

Benjamin presided over town-meetings thirteen 
years in succession. Both brothers were civil magis- 
trates. The commission of Benjamin is dated Sep- 
tember 16, 1786. 

At this time it can hardly fail to seem to us that 
the distinction of being justice of the peace was worth 
something a century ago, when Benjamin Wadleigh, 
Sr., received his commission, signed by John Sullivan, 
"PreMdent," — i. e., Governor of New Hampshire ; while 
in the list of those justices who were contemporary 
with him we find such names as Samuel Livermore, 
Josiah Bartlett, Matthew Thornton, John Langdon, 
etc. 

Erastus Wadleigh was made a civil magistrate in 
18-57, and so continued till his death, in 1881, he be- 
ing the third " Esq. Wadleigh " in regular line of 
descent from Benjamin Wadleigh, Sr., who received 
his commission — the first in town — in 1786 ; his son 
Benjamin, Jr. (the judge), in 1823. It will thus be 
seen that the time covered by their several commis- 
sions is but little short of a century, and includes al- 
most the entire corporate existence of the town. 

The Thomas J. Wadleigh whose name appears 
on the town record as selectman in 1857 and 1858, 
and as representative in 1865, who, in 1858, received 
his commission as justice of the peace, was son of 
Moses AVadleigh, brother to Thomas and Benjamin, 
Srs. 

Hon. Bainbridge Wadleigh, of Milford, X. H. 



644 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



(since of Boston), six years United States Senator 
from New Hampshire, is grandson of Moses, being 
son of John 1). Wadleigh, of Bradford. 



JUDGE BENJAMIX WADLEIGH, JR. 

Benjamin Wadleigh, Jr., was born in Sutton in 
1783. He was the youngest .son of Benjamin Wad- 
leigh, Sr., and succeeded to the homestead of his fa- 
ther, who died October 8, 1817. The mother of 
Judge Wadleigh survived her husband more than 
twenty year.s, and it was this period of her long wid- 
owhood which gave room and opportunity for the 
manifestation of that filial devotion, on his part, 
which was so noticeable in him continuously, and up 
to the last day of this venerated lady's life. She died 
in 183(), aged eighty-six. 

Judge Wadleigh married, early in life, Polly Mars- 
ton, daughter of Jacob, a native of Sutton, a woman 
whose kind and unselfish nature is still reverently 
remembered. 

As a wife and mother, she was ever ready to sur- 
render every thought of self to the welfare of her 
family. Shedied December 17, 1S57, aged seventy-six 
years. 

The product of this union was six sons and two 
daughters, and two children who died in infancy. 

Eliphalet was born November 21, 1804; died in 
Illinois about the year 1866. 

Luther, born July 11, 1806 ; married aud settled in 
East Corinth, Me., where he died in 1873. Dur- 
ing all his life there he occupied positions of trust 
and responsibility. 

The resolutions passed by the town at his death 
testify to the esteem in which he was held. These 
resolutions speak of him " as a municipal officer com- 
petent and faithful ; as a citizen, he was unpretend- 
ing, yet at all times ready, by fitting words and timely 
deeds, to help the needy ; a consistent lover of his 
country aud his home and those virtues so pleasing 
to the patriot and the parent ; an unobtrusive worker ; 
a doer of the word ; steadfast ; a keeper at home, med- 
dling never with that which did not concern him, 
but faithful in all life's duties." 

Erastus, whose biography is elsewhere given, was 
the third son. 

Milton, the fourth son, graduated from Norwich Uni- 
versity, Vermont, as civil engineer, in 1837. Subse- 
quently he went West and engaged in railroad engineer- 
ing ; located at Galena, Jo Daviess County, 111., then 
distinguished for its mines, and the most flourishing 
and promising place in the State. For many years 
he filled the ofiice of city engineer. At the present 
time he is surveyor of Jo Daviess County, an office to 
which he has, for many consecutive years, been 
elected, irrespective of political ascendancy. 

Hannah, the fifth child, born November 23, 1S14 ; 
married Nathaniel A. Davis; died November 8, 1853, 
lovingly remembered by her surviving family. 



Lydia F. was educated at New Hampton Institu- 
tion, where she remained as teacher three years. For 
the past thirty years she has been engaged in teach- 
ing in New York City, — first, as organizer and princi- 
pal of the Senior Public School, in Twelfth Street ; 
and, since 1870, as superintendent of the Normal 
College in that city. 

Benjamin, the seventh child, was engaged in mer- 
cantile business in Newport and elsewhere. Died in 
Newport, N. H., November 8, 1868. 

Gilbert, the youngest sou, graduated at Dartmouth 
College in 1847 ; studied law and settled in practice 
at Milford, N. H., where he now resides. During 
the Civil War he was paymaster in the army. 

Judge Wadleigh was born and spent his life, mar- 
ried and reared his family, on the same farm. He is 
remembered as being of fine personal appearance, 
gentlemanly in manner and possessed of a pleasant, 
genial nature, wliich was very attractive to young and 
old. 

He was an earnest promoter of education, and no 
sacrifice Vfas deemed too great to afford the educa- 
tional advantages of the times to his children. 

Through life he commanded the confidence, re- 
spect and friendly regard of his fellow-townsmen ; 
while, as a citizen and the leader of a party, no man's 
views had more weight thau his. 

His sound judgment and recognized integrity 
caused his opinions and advice to be much sought in 
controversies, not only between his own townsmen, 
but by those of neighboring towns, and for 
many years no inconsiderable part of his time was 
devoted to the settlement of such controversies in 
which he acted as arbitrator — sometimes with associ- 
ates, but frequently alone — by mutual consent of 
parties. 

Judge Wadleigh has now beeu dead more than 
twenty years, but within a few days one man, a law- 
yer, who used frequently to act with him in reference 
cases, has volunteered this testimony to his uprightness, 
— "I remember him well; I remember his unflinching 
honesty ;" and he added, " If I were his worst enemy, 
or if he were mine, I would trust him for honest deal- 
ing. He never gave opinions at random." 

Judge Wadleigh was active in the public service 
during most of his life. His name appears on 
the record as selectman in 1809, 1810, 1813, 1814, 
1815, 1817, 1820 and 1822; as moderator in 1822, 
1823 and 1824; as representative in 1823, 1824 and 
1825 ; as town clerk in 1825, 1826, 1827, 1828 and 
1829. 

He was justice of the peace from 1823 till his death. 

He was judge of the Court of Common Pleas from 
1833 till his age (seventy years) disqualified him. 

Ho died June 24, 1864, aged eighty-one years. 



ERASTUS WADLEIGH, ESQ. 

Erastus Wadleigh, Esq., was the third son of the 





l^y-€tJtZid Mx cX 'Cu.^yJ^ 



SUTTON. 



645 



late Hon. Benjamia Wadleigh, and was born April 
27,1808; died May 21, 1881. 

,\ high-minded, honorable geiitlenuiii, scholarly, 
courteous and hospitable, he was one of those men 
whose presence gives character and dignity to the 
community in which they make their lite-long abid- 
ing-place. 

Possessed of superior intellectual powers, cultivated 
and strengthened by the habit of study and investi- 
gation, with much natural sagacity, quickened by 
thorough acquaintance with men and practical ex- 
perience in the managing of public affairs, his in- 
fluence was strongly felt. As a politician he was 
conservative enough for safety, yet not too timid to 
adopt new measures in place of the old when the 
new seemed founded in justice. 

In his young manhood, as teacher and as superin- 
tending school committee, he was the means of giv- 
ing to the cause of education in Sutton a decided 
impulse forward, being among the foremost of those 
who substituted emulation to excel in scholarship for 
the old fashion of seeking to govern by authority 
founded on the rod and ferule. 

No man who ever lived in Sutton has a clearer 
right to the favorable remembrance of his fellow- 
townsmen than Erastus Wadleigh, since no man ever 
did so much as he has done to rescue from oblivion 
the names and memories of others. He prepared 
many biographical sketches of deceased citizens, 
which found their way into the journals of the day, 
and copies of which are still preserved. In this work 
he spent many laborious days, but it was his favorite 
employment, and many of the latter years of his life 
were largely devoted to the early history of his na- 
tive town. No one so well as the writer of this 
sketch, who labored jointly with him on that work, 
can testify to the enthusiastic interest, the study, 
the faithful accuracy and patience which he brought 
to bear upon it. 

Both authors were descended from original settlers 
prominent and active in the earlier years of the 
town, — the one from Benjamin Wadleigh, Sr., and 
the other from Matthew Harvey, Sr., — and both hav- 
ing access to the papers and records of their respec- 
tive ancestors, much valuable matter was thus col- 
lected and recorded. Selections from this unpub- 
lished history have, to some extent, formed the basis 
of the present work. By his separate and individual 
efforts Mr. Wadleigh added greatly to that which is 
the chief merit of those historical collections, as in- 
deed it is of all historical works, — -their reliability. 

He left no means untried for obtaining correct infor- 
mation. By many letters of inquiry, by conversation 
with aged persons, and by carefully consulting burial- 
stones in ancient grave-yards he compelled both the 
living and the dead to add their testimony to the writ- 
ten record. No part of the town was left unvisited, and 
from every part he gathered something. In reponse 
to his close questioning, "North" Sutton "gave up" 



all it ever knew about it.self, and "South" Sutton 
" kept not back." He left nothing for guess-work ; 
accepted no statement unless supported by other and 
well-known facts. 

He was, perhaps, at first led into this pursuit by the 
strong love and interest he always felt for the scenes 
and localities amid which his infancy and boyhood, 
his young manhood and mature life had been spent. 
To him every hill and valley, every lake and stream 
had a history of its own, suggestive of the toils, the 
alternate successes and defeats of the men of the 
preceding generations; of their continuous conflict 
with the very roughest side of nature ; of the cold 
and hardships, sometimes even hunger, that they 
braved ; of the rocks that they blasted, the stone 
walls they built, the swamps they filled up and the 
hills they laid low to make passable roads; of the 
forests their determined arms converted into fields 
and farms. Occasionally, too, there bubbled up in 
his memory, like a living spring in the dense forest, 
some jest or joke, some anecdote of fun or frolic, that 
had its origin among those hardy pioneers, and which, 
having served its refreshing purpose of making an 
hour or a day of their toilsome life more endurable, 
had reached down to our time. 

Kezar's Pond was to him an object of especial love 
and admiration ; there was no sheet of water so beau- 
tiful, no sandy beach so white and smooth as that 
on its south and southeastern shore. For more than 
seventy years he had watched its face, playful or 
frowning, as it lay nestled at the foot of the noble 
eminence on which stood his ancestral home. 

Following with his eye the hills beyond, and in 
every direction, the desire grew upon him to repeople 
them all; not, like the novelist, with creatures of 
his own imagination, but with those to whom these 
localities had been the theatre on which they had 
acted their part in the drama of real life. 

The history of Sutton was commenced, but the 
work had not proceeded far before the discovery was 
made that it is one thing to put on record facts al- 
ready within reach, and quite another to find right 
answers to all questions of genealogy and descent to 
which those facts gave rise. 

(And here, perhaps, is as good a place as any other 
to state, for the benefit of all those who are ambitious 
of entering the field of antiquarian and genealogical 
research, that no one ever yet entered that field with 
any adequate conception of the amount of labor in- 
volved in the attempt to operate there. Why, then, 
does not the aspirant quickly abandon a work the 
proportionate results of which are so small ? Simply 
because he cannot. His interest in the work grows 
with his constantly-enlarging conception of its mag- 
nitude and its importance. He soon becomes thor- 
oughly identified with it, or rather the work has 
mastered him, and he has become subordinated to it. 
For genealogical research, apparently so dry, once 
entered upon, becomes the most fascinating of all 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



literary work, becomes magnetic even in its attrac- 
tiveness to its pursuer. Very unwillingly, and only 
under pressure of strong necessity, will the genealo- 
gist suspend, even temporarily, his worl^ while search- 
ing for "missing links" in some family chain. The 
clue he may chance to hold in his hand is so slight, 
so elusive, has been so difficult to attain, and yet is 
of such value if it leads to the result he is working 
for; with the conviction that, if he lets it slip, it is 
lost forever, and no future genealogist will be able to 
reach it, and yet will blunder for lack of it, — all this 
makes him cling to it with a miser-like tenacity till 
he finds the desired link and has got it fairly riveted 
in its proper place. Not only does the genealogist 
feel compelled to do his work, but he must do it 
aright. An assertion based, for lack of proof, upon 
supposition or even upon probability may prove to 
be a misstatement, which will fatally bewilder and 
mislead the future historian. For history is forever 
going on, and the record is by no means completed 
when the writer of our day lays aside his pen forever.) 

Jlr. Wadleigh,of course, realized that in succeeding 
years some otlier would take up the work where he 
dropped it, and would make this, his early work, the 
foundation on which to build his own. It was this 
sense of double responsibility to the past which, to 
his ear, clamored for remembrance, for recognition 
and historical justice, at his hands, as well as to the 
future, which was to sit in judgment upon his work, 
united with a natural honesty and conscientiousness 
which, if a man possess it, enters as closely into his 
literary work as into his business dealings, — it was 
all this which urged him to use the strictest accuracy 
of statement rather than fullness of detail. Through- 
out his entire work there is no possibility of miscon- 
struction through diffuseness or carelessness. 

When, with advancing age, the hand of disease 
was laid heavily upon him, it was with deepest re- 
gret that he yielded to the conviction that he was no 
longer able to continue his chosen work. And yet 
he could not fail to view with satisfaction that which 
was already accomplished. He had brought the 
thirty years succeeding the first settlement out of 
the region of fog and fable in which the antiquarian 
usually finds such years, when searching for material 
for the centennial address, long before the town had 
seen its hundredth birthday. 

In the following brief words lie explains his aims 
and object, and gives his moderate estimate of what 
he had accomplished. He says : 

" FeUom-CUismt of SuUon : 1 submit to you the following early his- 
torj- of the town and a sketch of the settlers prc\ious to 180(), and some 
of then- descendants, taken from the records of the original grantees, 
town records and information preserved by some of the settlers them- 
selves, together with personal knowledge of a large number of the 
persons referred to. It is believed by tlie writer, so far as his knowledge 
extends, to be materially con-ect, although deficient in other respects — 
not embracing all that is desirable. It is designed to be a record of mere 
fads, as far as it goes, without embellishment or exaggeration. If the 
writer has been able to make himself understood, lie will feci that he 
has done something towui-ds rescuing the memory of our forefathers 
from immediate oblivion, which is his principal design." 



The love of kindred, always so noticeable a charac- 
teristic of Mr. Wadleigh, became much more marked 
towards the last of his days. This peculiar feature, 
which not unfrequently manifests itself, is always 
gratifying, yet painful for relatives to observe, indi- 
cating, as it does, this return to our earliest affec- 
tions, this coming back to where we started from, 
that our life-circle is nearly completed. Whenever 
we shall detect this change in ourselves, it will not 
require the knowledge that our seventy allotted years 
are already past to tell us that the end of our life is 
near. 

With a modesty remarkable in a man of his ac- 
knowledged and recognized ability, Erastus Wadleigh 
never sought distinction or preferment. Here, in 
our quiet town, he was content to pass his whole life; 
here he gave his interest, and here he gained what 
so many sons and daughters of Sutton have sought 
elsewhere, and some have failed to find, — competence, 
influence, friendship, true regard. 

He was married three times. His first wife, who 
was the mother of his children, was Almira Challis, 
married Feb. 21, 1839, daughter of Timothy Challis ; 
born October 15, 1815, and died July 14, 1842. His 
only surviving child is Milton B. Wadleigh, who lives 
on and owns the old Wadleigh homestead, which re- 
mains unimpaired and undivided, though greatly en- 
larged, and is one of the finest farms in Sutton. His 
second wife was Mary W. Flanders, who died May 4, 
18(i5. His third wife was Olive Holmes, widow of 
Dr. Dimond Davis. She died November 1, 1880. 



TRC.MAS PUTNEY. 

It is valuable to preserve for coming generations, 
in connection with the history of events, something 
of the personality of those who, at various times and 
in various ways, have been representative men, and 
have taken their part as actors in those occurrences 
which, when recorded, become to future readers the 
history of the past, and the history of Sutton would be 
incomplete without a record of the life of Truman 
Putney. 

Hazen Putney, the son of Joseph Putney, of Hop- 
kiuton, married Susan Page. He was a farmer and 
tanner, and also added harness-making to his other 
trades, and was a respected and industrious citizen. 
The children of this worthy couple were Mary N., 
wlio married Carlos G. Pressey, and had one child, 
George H.; Lydia E., married Walter W. Stone (chil- 
dren,— Edwin C. and Charles H.) ; Almira M., mar- 
ried Jacob S. Harvey (their children are Walter, 
Fred. P. and Albert) ; and Truman. 

Truman Putney, the youngest child of Hazen and 
Susan (Page) Putney, was born in Sutton, N. H., 
July 4, 1828. Like most of the sons of New England 
farmers, he attended the district schools of his native 
town, and also endeavored by his assistance to aid his 
father in his labors. His education was supplemented 



I 







Jlcl-^^'Jr. 



647 



by the advantages of a school at Washington, N. H., 
where he was for a short time. The young man made 
the most of his opportunities, and, before reaching 
his majority, he commenced business-life by serving 
as cleric for his brothers-in-law, C. G. Pressey & Jacob 
S. Harvey, who were merchants. After a few years 
Mr. Harvey sold out his share of the business to Mr. 
Putney and went to Texas, and later Mr. Putney pur- 
chased Mr. Pressey's interest and continued merchan- 
dising in his own name for some years. 

Mr. Putney married Lydia A. Woodward, of Sut- 
ton, daughter of Jonathan Woodward. They had two 
children, — Cora Belle, who died at the age of seven 
years, and Fred., who was born September 4, 1855. 
Mrs. Putney died March 2, 1875, and he married 
Frances E., daughter of P. S. H. Gile. She died 
February 8, 1879, and Mr. Putney married, February 
28, 1880, Mrs. Lydia M. Nelson, daugliter of Emery 
Bailey. 

In April, 1878, Mr. Putney took his son, Fred., into 
partnership, under the iirm-name of Truman Put- 
ney & Son. 

About 1881, Mr. Putney's health becoming impaired 
from his long-continued devotion to business, and ob- 
taining no relief from medical aid, and believing that 
a change of climate might accomplish the desired 
result, accompanied by his wife, he went to Colorado 
Springs, where he rapidly grew worse, and died Sep- 
tember 30, 1882. His body was interred in Sutton. 
The funeral services were conducted in exact accord- 
ance with his previously made arrangements. 

Entering into trade early in life, Mr. Putney devel- 
oped a manhood well worthy the imitation of young 
men. For nearly thirty-five years he continued the 
same business in the same place. He had a' natural 
aptitude for commercial transactions, and by honesty, 
l)erseverance and industry he was prospered. By in- 
tegrity, years of fair dealing and a strict adherence 
to his word he built up a character of solidity, and 
never dared malice or envy whisper aught against his 
name or his broad Christian charity. In his business 
relations he was widely knowu, and his uniform 
courtesy and kindly manners won for him many 
friends, both in financial and social circles. He was 
a leading man in the town, and many, among all 
classes, sought his counsel and advice, and he was 
ever ready with his generous aid for any good object, 
and for a long period took an active part in every- 
thing tending to promote the growth and prosperity 
of the town. 

Politically, he affiliated with the Eepublican party, 
and represented Sutton in the New Hampshire Legis- 
lature. He was appointed postmaster in 1861, and held 
the office until his death. For many years he held the 
office of town treasurer, and other official positions 
within the gift of his fellow-citizens, and all these 
duties he discharged with his characteristic fidelity. 

Mr. Putney was not a member of any church, but 
his religion was exemplified in his life. His principles 



were Christian, and his sympathy, kindness and 
accord with the people of Clirist were shown by his 
liberal contributions for tlie support of the gospel. 
His temperament was cheerful and sunny, always 
seeing the silver lining of the dark cloud. 

By his death Sutton lost a valued citizen, and all 
who knew him cherish liis memory with reverent 
regard. 



>R. KOBERT I..\NE. 



Dr. Robert Lane was born at Newport, N. H., 
April 2, 1786. He studied medicine with Dr. Tru- 
man Abel at Claremont. He first settled in the prac- 
tice of his profession in New London, moving to 
Sutton about 1810. He married Mary Kelsey, of 
Newport, January, 1807. They had three children, — 
Elizabeth, who married Dr. James R. Smiley, of 
Grafton; Mary, who died when two years old; and 
Adelaide, who married George W. Ela, of Concord. 
June 10, 1812, his wife died, and Dr. Lane returned to 
New London for residence, but continued to occupy 
the same field of practice. During the first years of 
his practice he spent the winter months in attend- 
ing- medical lectures at Harvard and Dartmouth, 
and in 1814 received his degree of M.D. from the 
latter college. 

Close application to the study and practice of his 
profession, continued through several years, told up- 
on his health, and in 1817 he gave up practice 
for a season of rest. He went South, and, after visit- 
ing most of the Southern States, accepted an appoint- 
ment as surgeon in the expedition of General Jack- 
son against the Indians and Spaniards in Florida. 
After the capture of Pensacola he was stationed there 
for a short time and then was ordered to Mobile, Ala., 
and placed in charge of the military hospital 
at that post. In the summer of 1820 he resigned 
his position in the army and returned to Sutton to 
settle permanently. He bought a farm near the 
North village and the rest of his life was spent in 
the routine work of a country physician and in farm- 
ing. 

The breaking out of the War of the Rebellion re- 
awakened his military ardor, and it was with keen 
regret that he felt the infirmities of age bearing too 
heavily upon him to permit his acceptance of the 
responsible position in the service which was tend- 
ered him. Towards the close of the war he was ap- 
pointed by the Governor an examining surgeon in 
the preparation of the ^raft rolls, and, as it did not 
take him from the State, he was able to perform 
the duties of the office. He continued in active prac- 
tice until he was eighty years old. In the spring of 
1872 he fell upon the floor, crushing the bones of one 
hip, from the effects of which accident he died May 
3d, aged eighty-six years. 

For more than fifty consecutive years Dr. Lane 
was an influential citizen of Sutton. As a physician, 



648 



HISTORY OF MKRRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



he stood in the first rank among his contemporaries. 
He loved his profession and gave to it the best efforts 
of a clear and vigorous intellect. Beginning prac- 
tice with a better ])reparation than was common at 
that day, he was a life-long student, both of books 
and in the line of original investigation. He re- 
garded his profession as a field for unlimited research 
and study and held it to be the physician's first 
duty to be always learning. He was gifted by na- 
ture with the special qualifications of a good surgeon, 
and the circumstances of his army connection gave 
him unusual facilities for the study of surgery. Up- 
on his return to New Hampshire he gave special at- 
tention to that branch of his profession, and soon 
became widely known as one of the best surgeons of 
the State. His reputation as a physician was also 
far more than local ; and, in addition to his home 
practice, which embraced all the towns adjoining 
Sutton, he almost always had patients under 
his care in more distant towns. Professionally, he 
may be said to have belonged to the county rather 
than to the town of his residence. 

In the midst of his professional work, Dr. Lane 
found time for the watchful supervision of his farm. 
He was a devoted lover of New Hampshire soil, and 
stoutly maintained that it was the equal of any as a field 
for progressive and profitable agriculture. In this pur- 
suit, also, he was a close student of books and of nature, 
and in his efforts to harmonize book farming and prac- 
tical farming he was a generation in advance of his time. 
He was fond of experiments and held many pecu- 
liar theories ; but these were the result of a careful 
study of the soil and the crops with which he had to 
do, and for the most part experience proved them 
correct. At a time when New Hampshire farming 
was generally the practice of a blind routine, his 
work was based upon an intelligent study of the nat- 
ural laws which governed it. 

In politics. Dr. Lane was an Old-time Whig and in 
later years a Republican. Sutton was a stanch 
Democratic town, only three Whig votes being cast 
at its polls for several years. After awhile the num- 
ber of Whigs increased to thirteen, and so remained 
until the little band, known as " Dr. Lane and his 
twelve disciples," became politically famous in the 
region round about. In politics, as in all things, his 
opinions were sharply defined and tenaciously held, 
and he was always well informed upon current polit- 
ical ideas and events. He, however, had no wish for 
ofiicial position and little time or taste for political 
controversy ; but it was with pardonable pride that 
he at last saw his faith triumphant at home as well 
as in the country at large. In 186G the Democrats 
failed of a majority at the annual election, and Dr. 
Lane was chosen the first Republican representative 
from Sutton to the State Legislature. He was then 
eighty years old and the oldest member of that Leg- 
islature. 

The mental characteristics of Dr. Lane were 



strength and breadth of view united with accuracy 
and minuteness in the notice of details. Aside from 
his profession, he was self-educated, but his educa- 
tion was broad and thorough. He had marked lit- 
erary tastes and was especially devoted to the study 
of the English classics. When wearied with profes- 
sional work he habitually found rest in the reading 
of standard English literature. But he took nothing 
for granted. Everything he read must pass the or- 
deal of his independent judgment. His books — 
medical, agricultural and literary — were dotted along 
their margins with his comments and notes of 
approval or dissent. He possessed rare conversational 
gifts and a great store of anecdotes ; and, having a 
retentive and exact memory, his talk was an in- 
structive and interesting mingling of facts and quo- 
tations with his own argument. He was always em- 
ployed, finding his recreation in study or a change of 
work rather than in rest or sport. Thus the meas- 
ure of his long life was filled with useftil activity. 

The genealogy of the Lane family may be traced 
for several generations until lost in the traditions of 
the seventeenth cenmry. The ancestors of Dr. Lane 
were prominent among the early settlers of Con- 
necticut and New Hampshire. His father, Jesse 
Lane, was born at Lebanon, Conn., December 1, 
1746, and removed to Newport, N. H., in June, 
1766. February 22, 1770, he married Hester Wright, 
of Killingworth, Conn., who was born October 31, 
1750. He was a leading citizen among the first 
settlers of Newport, serving as representative three 
years and selectman eight years. He died at the 
age of seventy-two years. His family consisted of 
eleven children, of whom Robert was the fifth son 
and eighth child. Jesse Lane was the second son 
of Robert Lane, who was born at Killingworth, Conn., 
in November, 1718. He married Mary Thatcher, 
of Lebanon, Conn., July 4, 1744, and moved to New- 
port, N. H., about 1770. He, too, was active in 
the early history of that town, holding various town 
oflices for many years. He was, perhaps, a son of 
the Robert Lane who lived in Stratford, Conn., 
from 1665 to 1685, and who is probably the same 
mentioned by Field as coming from Derbyshire, 
England, and making one of the first settlers of 
Killingworth, Conn. Tradition connects him with 
the loyalist Lane who aided Charles the Second. 



The Page family were of the pioneers of Rocking- 
ham County, and among the first settlers of the town 
of Atkinson, N. H., we find the name of Edmund 
Page. He was a man of note, and his descendants 
are among the brave and good men of their day and 
generation ; some served their country in the dark 
days of the Revolutionary War, and many have served 
their God, living worthy and honorable lives. July 
17, 1772, there was recorded the birth of one Captain 




(^;^tny^^^ 




y^t-^x.-'^^ -e- ^-^'^'^iA — ' 



^^ 



649 



Enoch Page, in Atkinson, and about the year 1795 
he married Sarah Noyea, who was born March 12, 
1774. Enoch was a carpenter by trade, and remark- 
ably skillCul in the use of tools, besides possessing an 
unusual amount of energy and enterprise, and soon 
after his marriage he moved to Sutton, of which place 
he continued to be a resident during his life. He 
carried on farming, was also an " inn-keeper," keep- 
ing the old tavern located at the corner of the road 
leading to Sutton's Mills. In those early days the 
inn-keeper was looked upon as one of the "solid men" 
of the town, and was elected to and served in many 
town offices. Whatever Mr. Page did, he did well ; 
his farm was productive, his other business prospered 
and from an humble beginning he gained a com- 
petency by his own unaided exertions. He died 
October 31, 1828. 

The children of Enoch and Sarah (Noyes) Page 
were Susanna, born April 21, 1797 (she marrried 
Hazen Putney, October 24, 1810, and had four chil- 
dren, — Mary, Lydia, Almira, Truman), and Enoch. 
Mrs. Page died August 8, 1855, aged eighty-one. 

Enoch Page was born in Sutton October 2, 1804, 
and died January 14, 1882, in the seventy-eighth year 
nf his age. He received his early education in Sut- 
t.)n, and afterwards attended Pembroke and Meriden 
Academies. 

Mr. Page married, December 2, 1846, Hannah C. 
Oulby, of Warner, N. H. They had six children,— 

1. Daniel, died in infancy. 

2. Josephine, born August 1, 1848, and married, De- 
cember 31, 1868, George Roby, the fourth in descent 
from Samuel Roby (1), Ichabod (2), Samuel, Jr. (3). 
The Roby family were among the early settlers of 
New Hampshire. George Roby was born in Sutton 
September 21, 1834, and at the commencement of the 
war he enlisted in the Eleventh New Hampshire 
Volunteers, Company D. Mr. and Mrs. Roby have 
one child, Eva B., born September 14, 1870. 

3. Eugene, born May 16, 1851 ; died August 19, 
1S51. 

4. Martha C, born December 12, 1852, and married. 
May 9, 1882, George H. Littlehale, a native of Sutton, 
and son of Henry, and grandson of Isaac Littlehale, 
an old resident of Sutton. 

5. Sarah, born February 24, 1856 ; died August 23, 
1856. 

6. Mary, born May 4, 1860 ; died July 29, 1860. 

Mr. Page was a farmer, and took pride in the im- 
provement and cultivation of his farm, and was 
interested in the affairs of the town to a large extent. 
He was postmaster for a great many years, the post- 
office being in the old tavern, the latter of which his 
father had remodeled into a private residence, and in 
this house, which is now occupied by his daughter, 
Mrs. George H. Littlehale, both Enoch Page, Sr., and 
Enoch Page, Jr., died. 

In politics Mr. Page was first a Democrat and 
afterwards a Republican, and was always found in 



accord with progress, and served his native town 
faithfully in all the various offices to which he was 
elected by his townsmen, by whom he was universally 
esteemed. He was a leader in town matters and was 
honored with many public trusts. He held a com- 
mission of justice of the peace, and was a captain in 
the militia; be was mwn clerk from 1831 to 1838, and 
for the years |s|;;, Is ii' :iii<l 1853; town treasurer for 
1839, 1852, \s..:,. Isiiu, imH and 1862; representative 
for the years 1840, 1841 and 1842; county com- 
missioner for 1870 and 1873. Mr. Page also attended 
to probate business and settled a great many estates. 
He was a man of good judgment, unimpeached in- 
tegrity, unassuming and unostentatious in his manners, 
kind and benevolent, doing many an act of charity 
known only to the recipient, and, although not a 
member of any particular religious denomination, yet 
he believed in the principles of that charity which 
never faileth — love and good-will to all — and left to 
his descendants the record of an honorable and well- 
spent life. 



CONVERSE GAGE. 

The Gage family is of old and honorable English 
lineage. It is also of historical interest, as one of its 
members was the last royal Governor of Massachu- 
setts, — General Thomas Gage. He planned the ex- 
pedition to Concord which resulted in the battle of 
Lexington, April 19, 1775, where the initial struggle 
of the Revolutionary War took place. 

Phineas Gage emigrated from Haverhill, Mass., ami 
became one of the first settlers and pioneers in the 
town of Enfiel(3, N. H., and married a New Hamp- 
shire girl, Phebe Eaton, who bore him twelve chil- 
(jren, — Jesse married Hannah Swetland ; William 
(deceased) married Eliza Sanborn ; Samuel (deceased) 
married, first, Rosamond Alden, second, Nancy Lit- 
tle ; George married Mary Whitford and resides iu 
Waterford, N. Y. ; Calvin (deceased) married Abigail 
Prescott; Hiram (deceased) married Elizabeth Green- 
dell, of Maine; Harry married, first, Mary Go.s3, sec- 
ond,' Susan Fuller (they reside in Royalton, Vt., and 
have one son, Henry) ; Converse ; Eliza married, first, 
Benjamin Collins, second, Benjamin Perley ; Amelia 
(deceased) ; Abigail married Francis Robbins, she re- 
sides in Warner, N. H. ; Nancy (deceased) married 
Aaron Wells. 

Phineas Gage was a good, old-fashioned farmer, 
toiling early and late, striving to care for a large fam- 
ily from the avails of his farm. He died September 
1 1849, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. His 
wife, Phebe, who was born July 4, 1776, died March 
7, 1860, aged eighty-three. 

Converse Gage, the youngest son of Phineas and 
Phebe (Eaton) Gage, was born in Enfield, N. H., June 
17, 1817, and died in Sutton April 20, 1882. He was 
one of a family of eight sons and (bur daughters. His 



oso 



IIISTOKY OF MKRRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



father being an early settler, his acres were, like many 
others common to New England, well fitted to de- 
velop both mind and muscle. The constant problem 
to be solved by their owner is how to extort from the 
stony soil the necessaries of life. This problem has 
been solved by many, and the earth made to yield to 
those engaged in its cultivation something more than 
a subsistence, and developing in many instances both 
physical as well as intellectual growth. Farming is 
an old and honorable calling, dating back to the time 
of Adam, and at the present day, if more of our young 
men would adopt agriculture as their work, there 
would be more honest and vigorous manhood and truer 
patriotism. 

Converse passed the early part of his life assisting 
his father on the farm, and availing himself of the 
opportunities afforded by the district schools. He 
married, November, 17, 1844, Cerlania, daughter of 
John P. and Kachel (Powers) Carroll, of Croyden, N. 
H. Carroll is an old and respected name. Mrs. Gage's 
grandfather Powers was one of the old residents of 
Croyden. 

The children of Converse and Cerlania (Carroll) 
Gage were Susan E., born December 13, 1847 (she 
married Charles W. Purinort, of Enfield ; they have 
had four children, — Frank M., Herbert C, George C. 
(deceased) and Mabel M.); George, who died in in- 
fancy ; and George W., born December 12, 1853, un- 
married, and who,with his mother, carries on the place 
at Sutton. 

Mr. Gage remained in Enfield for ten years after his 
marriage, leading the life of the hard-working farmer, 
which means unwearied, unremitting industry and 
])atience ; but assisted by the sympatly, encourage- 
ment and aid of his wife, without which many men 
with the brightest of prospects for future success have 
utterly failed, he was prospered. 

About 1854 he removed to Sutton, where he con- 
tinued to be a " tiller of the soil," and for nearly 
thirty years was a resident, taking jn-ide in the culti- 
vation and improvement of his land. Here he became 
interested in town affairs, identifying himself to such 
an extent that he was elected to office, and was a se- 
lectman for nine years, and proved a man of under- 
standing and intelligence in public business. Repub- 
lican in politics, he represented Sutton in the Legis- 
lature two years. In religious belief he was a llni- 
versalist, trusting rather to the God of love than the 
God of fear. His religion was exemplified more by 
practice than preaching. He was a man of genial 
and cheerful nature, a kind neighbor, a good citizen 
and enjoyed the resjioct and esteem of a large range of 
acquaintance. 



William Smiley, the grandfather of Dr. Smiley, 
was of Scotch-Irish origin, born in the north of 
Ireland in 1728. lie was one of the first settlers of 



Jaflrey, N. H., in 1758. He had ten childroii, two of 
whom, David and Robinson, were the first college 
graduates from the town. David became a lawyer. 
He married Mary Harkness, whose mother, Eliza- 
beth Putnam, was a relative of General Israel Put- 
nam, of Revolutionary fame. They had five children, 
only two of whom lived beyond infancy, — Mary 
Harkness, born July 5, 1806, married October 9, 1834, 
to Deacon David Fosdick, died June 25, 1804 ; and 
James Robinson, born in Bristol, N. H., June 17, 
1808. 

When about eight years old he moved, with his 
parents, to Plymouth, and two years later to Graf- 
ton. He graduated in 1826 from Kimball Union 
Academy, aud entered Dartmouth the same year. 
In his sophomore year he left college and began the 
study of medicine under Dr. Reuben Muzzey, of 
Hanover. His studies were interrupted by ill health, 
but he resumed them later with Dr. Robert Lane, 
of Sutton, and received his degree from the Dart- 
mouth Medical School in 1833. He practiced metli- 
cine four years with Dr. Lane, and in 1837 married 
Elizabeth Lane, and removed to Grafton. Here he 
lived, with two short interruptions, for nearly thirty 
years, building up a large and successful practice, 
which commanded the whole of Grafton, and por- 
tions of Danbury, Springfield, Canaan, Orange and 
Alexandria. 

He was a thorough medical scholar, a close ob- 
server of diseases and their causes, careful aud 
judicious in his treatment of them. He was earn- 
estly devoted to his profession, making himself, liter- 
ally, the servant of all, if only he might save life or 
relieve suffering. He received in return, to an unu- 
sual degree, the love and confidence of the peoiili' 
whom he served. 

In Grafton all his children were born, — Adelaide 
Lane, Mary Elizabeth, Frances Farley, Susan Ela, 
Pamelia Tarbell, Robert l^ane. 

Dr. Smiley began, at length, to sufter from the 
labors of his profession, and a change became neces- 
sary. At the same time the failing health of Dr. 
Lane required the presence of Mrs. Smiley, his only 
surviving child. In 1866, therefore, he returned with 
his family to Sutton, where he has since lived, doing 
some business as a physician, but giving most of his 
attention to farming. 

In 1828, Dr. Smiley received an appointment to 
the ofiice of deputy sheriff of Grafton County, and 
to the horseback riding which its duties involved in 
those days he always attributed his restoration to 
health. He was also, abo^it the same time, an otticcr 
in the old State militia, ranking up from ensign until 
he held a colonel's commiSion. While in active 
practice he was a member of the New Hampshire 
Medical Society, and he has been a justice of the 
peace for over forty years. He was an early member 
of the Christian Church, organized in Grafton in 
1855, and for many years the superintendent of pub- 




J^,^^^^-^^^ /{'^/^'.-^^^■'^y 



ir bank- 
'" lias 



Hf)! 



lie schools in that town. In his later lite ho has 
helped establish a Division of the Sons of Tem- 
perance, and he is one of the charter members of 
the Sutton Grange. An Old-Line Whig and a stanch 
Republican, he has held intelligent and decided views 
upon all the great public issues which have entered 
into the history of the country for the last half- 



FREDEEICK EATOX. 

Sutton has been honored by her sons who went 
from her rocky farms into the business sphere as well 
as by those who engaged in the professions and in the 
affairs of state. Frederick Eaton, of Toledo, Ohio, 
is one of her sons who, at the age of seventeen, 
w ent out from his father's farm on Kimball Hill to 
begin a remarkable career as a merchant. His edu- 
cation was limited to what the old red school-house 
in his district had furnished and to one term's attend- 
ance at an academy in Thetford, Vt. But the Sutton 
rocks are disciplinarians as well as are the teachers 
in her schools. No lad can haul lumber and logs out 
of her woods in the deep snow and drive loaded carts 
over her side-hill pastures and swing the scythe in 
her stony fields without having his mind trained to 
alertness, concentration and nice discernment. In 
this vigorous schooling, where the pitiless rocks held 
the ferule, young Fred put in early and late hours 
summer and winter. He was born February 10, 
1835. His first continuous service in merchandising 
was as a clerk to Messrs. Daniel & William A. Carr, 
in Bradford. With them he served three years, his 
salary for the first year being a little less than one 
dollar a week and his board. From there he went to 
Manchester and engaged in the dry-goods store of Mr. 
< »ti3 Barton. In the mean time his brother, now Gen- 
eral John Eaton, United States commissioner of 
education, had become the superintendent of the 
Toledo public schools. In 1856 he joined his brother 
in that city, where he has ever since resided. He 
found employment as a dry-goods clerk at ten dollars 
a week and continued to work in that capacity a few 
months. In August, 1857, having received the loan 
of six hunch-ed dollars from his father, he engaged in 
the retail dry-goods business on his own account, with 
the exception of a silent interest his brother John 
had in the enterprise. His opening stock of goods 
amounted to only three thousand dollars in value and 
his first year's sales to only twelve thousand dollars. 
The financial crash of 1857 came the very month 
his store was opened, and hard was the fate of all the 
merchants throughout the country. Toledo's popu- 
lation was then between six thousand and eight thou- 
sand. But the new enterprise weathered the storm. 
Mr. Eaton has battled with all the calamities which, 
in war and peace, in the past twenty-eight years have 
at times crushed commerce and manufacture and 
agriculture and sent giant millionaires to poverty; but 



he has- never taken shelter under insolvency or bank- 
ruptcy laws ; and, what is wonderful, his own note ha.s 
never gone to protest. He has pushed his business 
so vigorously that some years his sales have exceeded 
one million dollars,— a sum which but few Boston 
merchants outran twenty-five years ago. As indica- 
ting the expense of doing business in the West within 
his experience, it should be recorded that the interest 
on money — bank discounts— was fifteen and eighteen 
per cent, for several years and never less than ten per 
cent, up to 1879. New York exchange cost in the 
earlier years from a quarter of one per cent, to five 
per cent. Freight from New York and Boston to 
Toledo has been as high as one dollar per hundred 
pounds. Mr. Eaton does his business in two immense 
double stores situated a square apart on Toledo's main 
street. He has given to his city's prosperity a great 
share of his generous heart and immense energy. 
He is a stockholder in thirteen of her manufactories, 
a director in the Merchants' and Clerks' Savings-Bank 
and vice-president of the Merchants' National Bank 
and a like officer in the Toledo Mower and Reaper 
Company, which is the owner of the wonderful plat- 
form grain self-reaper and binder. His money has 
helped build nearly all the churches in the city and 
he is a liberal supporter of her charities. He has 
been a member of the First Congregational Church 
since 1858 and is a trustee of the same. He is a 
member of the advisory board of managers of the 
Protestant Orphans' Home. In politics he has always 
been a Republican. On March 8, 1861, Mr. Eaton 
married Miss Mary H., daughter of R. BI. and Soj^hia 
Shirley, of Goflstown. The only child (a daughter) 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Eaton died, in 1876, at the age 
of ten. 

Kimball Hill is five or six miles directly south of 
Kearsarge Mountain. It receives its name from 
Caleb Kimball, who settled there from Hamstead 
with his wife — Miss Sarah Sawyer — about one hundred 
years ago. His children were Mrs. John Eaton, the 
grandmother of the subject of this sketch ; Jacob 
Kimball, of Montpelier, Vt. ; Mrs. Moore, mother of 
the Moores of Canterbury ; Mrs. Adams, mother of 
the Adamses of Highgate, Vt. ; Mrs. John Adams, of 
Sutton, mother of a large family ; Mrs. Haddock, of 
Franklin, mother of the Haddocks of Chicago ; Mrs. 
Pinkerton, of Boscawen; and Mrs. Dr. McCrillis, of 
Sandwich, mother of Hon. W. H. McCrillis and of 
Mrs. Dr. Griswold, of Bangor, Me. 

John Eaton, the grandfather of the subject of this 
sketch, settled on this hill a short distance east of 
the Kimball mansion. On a ledge near this point 
the school-house stood. He was a silversmith and 
for a time kept a store of general merchandise. Over 
this hill was the main road south of Kearsarge, for 
the travel north and south to Concord, and Kimball's 
mansion became a tavern. On Kimball'.s broad field 
east of the house the militia had their annual muster. 
1 Indeed, the business of Sutton first centred on and 



652 



HISTORY OF MEllKIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



around this hill. On the western spur of this 
hill, called Potash Hill, because a potash establish- 
ment flourished there, was reared the family of Tay- 
lors, three of whom became clergymen, one of whom, 
William, was one of the founders of a Baptist college 
in Kalamazoo, Mich. 

John Eaton's father, Nathaniel, was a native of 
Haverhill,. Mass., and commanded a company at 
Bunker Hill and served through the Revolutionary 
War. He married Mary Dodge, of Lunenburg, Mass., 
and first settled on the bank of the Merrimack, where 
are still the remains of the chimney of his house by a 
brook of his name near Pennycook, not far from the 
spot where Mrs. Dustin killed her Indian captors. 
Two brothers of John Eaton, Elijah and Nathaniel, 
joined him in Sutton and settled easterly on the same 
road, where they also reared large families. Carlos 
Eaton, son of Elijah, still occupies the homestead. 
Nathaniel lived to celebrate his one hundredth birth- 
day, and was the father of George, who still occupies 
the homestead. 

John Eaton, the grandfather above mentioned, is 
described by the venerable Levi Bartlett, of Warner, 
and others who remember him, as a man above the 
usual stature, of fine physique and strong mind and 
a leader of men. He was convivial, and though full 
of vigor and activity, was not thrifty. 

Mary Kimball Eaton, his wife, was a woman of 
rare powers and extraordinary Christian faith and 
piety. Eleven of the children of John and Mary 
Eaton survived to active life, as follows: 



Frederick ; Ruth (Mrs. Robert Sherburn, of Con- 
cord) ; Rebecca, unmarried, teacher; John, father of 
the subject of this sketch ; Sarah (Mrs. Samuel 
Dresser) ; Hiram, unmarried ; Lucretia K. unmarried ; 
Jacob S., M.D., still resident of Harvard, Mass. ; 
Charles, unmarried ; Lucien B., now living in Fre- 
mont, Ind. ; Rev. Horace, D.D. (see memorial by 
his wife, Mrs. Anna R. Eaton, of Palmyra, New 
York). 

John Eaton, the father of the subject of this 
sketch, married Janet Cole Andrews, of whose chil- 
dren there survive : 

John Eaton, born December 5, 1829; Caroline, 
born July 10, 1831 ; Nathan Andrew, born April 11, 
1833; Frederick, born February 10, 1835; Lucien 
Bonaparte, born March 8, 1837 ; Christina Landon, 
born August 23, 1839 ; James Andrew, born Sep- 
tember 30, 1841 ; Charles, born on the 28th of August, 
1843. 

John Eaton, the father of the subject of this 
sketch, became possessed of the estate of his mother's 
father, Caleb Kimball, and to the same he added form 
after farm till he owned at one time eighteen 
hundred acres. He inherited the sturdy frame 
and stronger mental characteristics of his father. 
His children above named still retain the greater por- 
tion of iis Sutton lands and have enlarged and 
improved the old mansion on Kimball Hill and 
occupy it as a summer resort. Being owned and 
enjoyed by them in common, they call the mansion 
Eaton Grange. 



HISTORY OF WARNER. 



BY FRED. MYRON COLBY. 



CHAPTER I. 

The Grant and the Settlement.— The township of 
Warner is situated in the western portion of Merri- 
mack County and is bounded as follows: North, by 
Sutton, Wilmot, Andover and Salisbury ; east, by Sal- 
isbui-y and Webster ; south, by Hopkinton and Hen- 
niker; west, by Bradford and Sutton. The area of 
the town comprises thirty-one thousand eight hun- 
dred and fifty-one acres ; the number of acres of im- 
proved land is about twenty-one thousand. The 
centre of the town is eighteen miles from the State- 
House at Concord in a northwesterly direction. 

The territory now embraced in the present limits of 
the town of Warner was granted in 1735, by the Gen- 
eral Court of Massachusetts, to Thomas Stevens and 
sixty other inhabitants of Amesbury and Salisbury of 
that province, under the name of " Number One." 
The terms of this grant were that each grantee should, 
within three years, clear and fence in five acres of 
land and build a house thereon, erect a church and 
"settle a learned orthodox minister;" otherwise it 
would revert to the province of Massachusetts. 

In April, 1737, the several grantees met. The 
township was rechristened " New Amesbury," in 
honor of the home of the larger number of the pro- 
prietors, and by June of the following year the allot- 
ments had been made and sixty-three house-lots, con- 
taining about five acres each, had been laid out. 
These lots were near the extreme southeast part of 
the town, at what is now called Davisville, where are 
located several excellent mill privileges. On March 
21, 1739, the proprietors " Voted to pay Orlando Col- 
by, Joseph Jewell and John Challis, Jr., £120 in 
Province bills of the old tenor to build a good saw- 
mill." The mill was erected in 1740. It was at 
Davisville. The men who built it camped near the 
stone watering-trough below that village In the 
hut which they used as a camp the proprietors held 
their first meeting in town. May 28, 1740. At this 
meeting Joseph Jewell was chosen moderator and 
Ezekiel Morrill clerk. These were the first men 
elected to office in Warner. 

Strong inducements were held forth to colonists, 
twenty pounds being offered by the proprietors to 



each man who would .settle upon the conditions of the 
grant. As late as 1749, however, only four houses had 
been built on the five-acre building lots in Davisville. 
These houses stood some distance west of the store at 
the corner, stretching along on the five-acre lots. The 
persons who built them were Thomas Colby, Moses 
Morrill, Jarvis Eing and Gideon Straw. The begin- 
ning of the French and Indian War put an end for 
the time to all projects for settlement. The saw- 
mill and the cabins were destroyed by the Indians 
and the progress of civilization was stayed for a dozen 
years. 

During the time that this first settlement was going 
out in smoke and ashes the Masonian proprietors 
granted the territory to seventy-six men, mostly res- 
idents of Rye and Newcastle.' Many of these gran- 
tees bore the name of Jenness, and the town was ac- 
cordingly sometimes called Jennesstown. A sharp 
controversy now arose between the Amesbury pro- 
prietors and the inhabitants of Rye, which assumed 
at one time a serious aspect. The question was final- 
ly settled by arbitration in 1769, the Amesbury pro- 
prietors agreeing to pay a certain sum for a quit- 
claim. Controversy still continued as to the sum to 
be paid, but it was ended in 1773 by the decision of 
the arbitrators, who awarded one hundred and forty 
pounds. The General Court of Massachusetts, to re- 
munerate the Amesbury proprietors for their loss, 
gave them one-half of the townships of Solon and 
Poland, in Maine. 

The terms of this grant from the Rye proprietors 
to the Amesbury proprietors indicate the same care 
for religion and education which was noticed in the 
charter granted by Massachusetts. Some of these 



1 RECORD OF THE PROPRIETORS' MEETING, 1741. 

"att a meeting of the Propritors of the Towuship No. one, in 

the line of towns held by an Atljurnnient from the 18th day of January, 

1741, for first day of february folowing and then met att the house of 

Jonathan Barnard, Inholderin Almsburey. 

"Att the Same meeting voted That Thomas Rowel, Esq., and Joseph 
Juell Be a Committee to prefer a Petition, in the name of the proprlctoni, 
to the Governour and Ckjuncil, in the province of New Hampshire, in 
order to obtain orders and directions therefrom to bringe foward the Set- 
tlement of S'' Township. 

*' A true coppy, as attst. by me, 

"Jonathan I^arsard, Proprietors^ CJark.'^ 
G.53 



654 



HISTOllY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



terms were that the grantees "lay out three rights or 
shares of land — one for the use of the first minister of 
the gospel who should be ordained or settle there ; 
one for the use of the ministry in the town forever ; 
and one for the use of a school, for and towards the 
support thereof forever ; each of said rights to be 
laid out in lots as the grantees mauage the other 
rights, and to be free from the charge of settlement or 
any public taxes to that end." Also, " that they 
build a meeting-house and maintain constant preach- 
ing there from and after the term of three years from 
the date thereof." 

The first permanent settlement was made in 1762 
by Daniel Annis and his sous-in-law, Reuben Kim- 
ball and Daniel Floyd. Mr. Annis' house was in Di- 
mond's Corner District, on the north side of the high- 
way, a little west of the Paine Davis buildings. Reu- 
ben Kimball at first lived near by, on thesouth side of 
the highway, some twenty rods from where it now 
runs. Daniel Floyd (or Flood), afterwards known as 
Captain Floyd, lived on what is now Denny Hill. 
Annis, Kimball and Floyd all came in under the Rye 
proprietors and had probably lived in the neighbor- 
hood of Rye. Hannah, daughter of Daniel Annis 
and wife of Reuben Kimball, came into Warner in 
1762. She was the first English female who ever 
lived here, and her son Daniel, born October, 1762, 
was the first English child born in town. Mrs. Kim- 
ball died in Warner February 23, 1823, aged eighty- 
three. Daniel Kimball died in Enfield July 29, 1843, 
aged eighty years. 

In 1763 the proprietors voted to give each of the 
first ten settlers a forty-acre lot of upland and five 
acres of intervale. Some engaged to settle on these 
on similar conditions. Isaac Waldron, his two sons, 
Isaac, Jr., and Theodore, and Paskey Pressey, came in 
early in 1763. We cannot name the exact order in 
which the settlers came afterwards. At the end of 
1763 those named above and the following persons, 
withtheir families, constituted the population: Thomas 
Annis (from whom Lake Tom took its name), Moses 
Annis, Solomon Annis, David Bagley (who was town 
clerk thirty-nine years, holding oflice for a longer 
period than any other man in town), Enoch Blaisdell, 
Elijah Blaisdell, Isaac Chase, Daniel Chase, Abner 
Chase, Joseph Currier, Daniel Currier, Theophilus 
Currier, Moses Clark, Hubbard Carter, Moses Colby, 
Francis Davis, Daniel Flanders, Ebenezer Eastman, 
Stephen Edmunds, Eliphalet Danforth, James, Chris- 
topher and Philip Flanders, Jeremy Fowler, Joseph 
Foster, Jonathan Fifield, Seth, Richard and Ezekiel 
Goodwin, Robert Gould, Nehemiah Heath, Barnard 
Hoyt, David Gilmore, Samuel Roby, Theodore Ste- 
vens, Thomas Rowell, Jos. Sawyer, Jonathan Smith, 
Jacob Tucker, Nathaniel Trumball, Parmenas Wat- 
son, Daniel Young and Abner Watkins. 

These settlers, so far as we are able to ascertain, re- 
sided as follows : Davis and Grilmore lived at Davis- 
ville ; Th. Annis, Moses Annis, Solomon Annis 



and Fifield, at Dimond's Corner ; Smith and Bagley, 
at Bagley's Bridge ; Heath, Hoyt, Joseph Currier, 
Daniel and Christopher Flanders, at the Lower vil- 
lage; Watson Fowler, Moses Clark and Daniel Cur- 
rier, at Joppa ; Roby, Trumball, Philip Flanders and 
Seth Goodwin, at Schoodach ; Joseph Sawyer, Abner 
Chase and Richard Goodwin, on Kelly Hill; Joseph 
Foster, in the Kimball District ; Gould, Stevens, Row- 
ell, Theodore Currier and Ezekiel Goodwin, on Wal- 
dron's Hill ; Moses Colby and James Flanders, on 
Burnt Hill; IsaacChaae, on Pumpkin Hill ; Edmunds 
and Carter, on Tory Hill ; Abner Watkins, in the 
Gore ; Daniel Young, at the Levi Bartlett place, on the 
Joppa road ; and Jacob Tucker, near the site of the 
Kearsarge Hotel, at the Centre village. By 1770 
about fifty-five families were settled in Warner, or 
New Amesbury, as it was then called. 

The habits of the early settlers, their privations, 
sufferings and endurance, possess a fascinating inter- 
est. Their first dwellings were rude and simple. As 
late as 1773 there were none but log houses. David 
Bagley built the first frame house at Bagley's Bridge, 
a little after this date. Francis Davis and Reuben 
Kimball built the next earliest ; Mr. Kimball also built 
the first frame barn. Rev. William Kelley, the first 
settled minister, erected the first two-story frame house 
in 1774. Money was scarce ; watches and clocks were 
few. When houses were built, compasses were set to 
square them by, so that the sun might shine in at the 
front doors when it was noon. They had also nine 
o'clock marks, one o'clock marks and others. These 
rude time-pieces, of course, were available only on 
sunny days. 

The fareof the first inhabitants was plain andsimple. 
Bean porridge, Indian corn, rye, pumpkins, turnips, 
fish and game were the most common articles of food. 
One barrel of potatoes was considered a large quan- 
tity for one family to store for winter use. Sometimes, 
when provisions were scarce in the summer-time, boiled 
beech-leaves were substituted. For a number of years 
after the place was settled the people went to Concord 
to grind their corn, drawing it upon hand-sleds or car- 
rying it upon their shoulders. Captain Daniel Floyd 
used to carry two bushels at a time on his shoulders 
to that place, and bring it back in the same way. 
Another settler, Jacob Collins, carried the boards of 
which to build his rye-bins on his shoulders from 
Waterloo, through the woods and over the hills, to 
the edge of Bradford, because no team could go by the 
wood-path. The first grist and saw-mills were erected 
in 1765, and they stood at Davisville. 

Some of the first roads laid out in town were the 
main road to Perrytown (now Sutton), which ran over 
Denny Hill and south of Frank Bartlett's, crossing 
the Tory Hill road about a third of a mile up; the 
road to the North village, by the first meeting-house 
and Levi Bartlett's ; the one from the first meeting- 
house, by Kimball's Corner and the Major Hoyt place, 
to Henniker; the one through Joppa; the one 



65.': 



through Sehoodaeh, which crossed ihc rivor at liag- 
ley's Bridge ; and the Pumpkin and Burnt Hill roads. 
The first bridge built in town was across the river at 
the Lower village. It was built in the autumn of 
1774, and a part of its cost — forty dollars — was contrib- 
uted by Councilors Daniel and Jonathan Warner, of 
Portsmouth. 

The first public meeting of the inhabitants of the 
town was held December 27, 1770. At another meet- 
ing held July 14, 1774, among other actions it was 
" Voted that Captain Francis Davis shall go and get 
the town incorporated, if the Proprietors will find the 
money to do it with." The proprietors were accord- 
ingly consulted, who found the necessary funds, and a 
petition was drawn up asking for a charter and pray- 
ing that the town be named Amesbury. Ezekiel 
Evans, of Salisbury, Mass., agent for the proprietors, 
and Captain Davis, who was also a proprietor, together 
journeyed to Portsmouth and presented their petition 
to Governor Wentworth and his Council. They se- 
cured a charter, but the Governor and Council named 
the new borough Warner. This was by no means an 
exceptional case, as Governor Wentworth named sev- 
eral other towns to pleasehimself and honor his friends, 
regardless of the wishes of the inhabitants or pro- 
prietors. The town was incorporated September 3, 
1774, receiving its name in honor of Hon. Jonathan 
Warner, of Portsmouth, the Governor's most intimate 
friend, his cousin by marriage and a member of the 
Royal Council. 

The Corporate Town. — The first town-meeting of 
the legal town of Warner was called a month later, 
October 4, 1774. The first civil officers of the town 
as elected that day were as follows, viz. : Moderator, 
Isaac Chase; town clerk, Daniel Flanders; selectmen, 
Daniel Floyd, Jacob Waldron and Isaac Chase. The 
number of voters at that time was forty-eight; the 
population was probably in the vicinity of two hun- 
dred and thirty souls. The records of the Committee 
of Safety, published December, 1775, furnish some 
interesting facts as to the popuLition at the breaking 
out of the Revolution. By the census ordered to be 
taken by the Provincial Convention held at Exeter, 
August 25th of that year, Warner had, of white males, 
78 under sixteen years of age, 45 between the ages of 
sixteen and fifty not in the army, and 6 above fifty, 
126 females and one negro, — total, 262. Ten men 
from Warner had joined the patriot army before Bos- 
ton. The town reported twenty-one fire-arms fit for 
service, and twenty-six instances in which fire-arms 
were wanting. At a town-meeting held that summer 
the inhabitants had " Voted that the selectmen should 
provide powder, lead and flints for a town stock, and 
as many fire-arms as should be found wanting in 
town." At another meeting held at the meeting- 
house on the old parade, August 3, 1775, Captain 
Francis Davis, Captain Daniel Floyd and Daniel An- 
nis, Sr., were chosen a Committee of Safety. 

Warner sent no representatives to the General As- 



sembly of the province or the State until 1770, the 
first election for that purpose being held November 
lOthof that year. Captain Francis Davis was then 
chosen ; in 1777, Daniel Morrill ; and in 1778, Caji- 
tain Daniel Floyd. The General Assembly met in 
those days at Exeter. Representatives to that body 
were required by law to possess real estate to the value 
of two hundred pounds, lawful money. Tiie following 
is a list of those who have served as representatives 
of the town from 1779 to 1885: 

Thomas Ilowoll, 1779 ; Isaac Cliiiso, 1780 ; Captain Tnppan Evans, 
1781 ; Nathaniel Bean, 1782-83; Caiitiiin Francis Ilicvis, 1784; WarDC-r, 
Sutton and FiBhereflcUl elected Jludi ITn m > : -nih.n, reprcscntic- 

tivo in 1785; the same towns olccl.,1 / , ■ 1 risherslieW, in 

1786; the three towns elected J;iri,. I i , ". ir nir, in 1787-Si) 

(this was tlte end of tlie class i-._-|i[i- ; i. :- i - li.reafter Warner 

elected and sent her "iMij. |L. , lirlore) ; .lames Flaudera, 

173(I-!I4; A(]nilla DuM>, I, i , l;.iri:ett, 1799-1801 ; AquilU 

Davis, 1.S02-:,; James II,. I, h.ird Bartlett, 1808-11 j Ben- 

jamin Kvaus, 1812; Ki.ii.nl i'..,ii, ii, iM,,: Benjamin Evane, 1814; 
I'hilij) Klandcrs, 1815 ; Henry II. (.liase, I.sl(l-I7 ; Benjamin Evans, 1818 
-1 9 ; Richard Bartlett, 1820 ; James Bean, 1821 ; Benjamin Evans, James 
Bean, 1822 ; Benjamin Evans. Henry B. Chase, 1823 ; Henry B. Chase, 
Abucr 11. liull.-v, 1S.J4: Tini.ifl.v FliiM.l..rs, Caleh Buswell, 1826; Bonja- 

" '"- I'.'... I' I-'. I ....... iiiu Kvans, Ahner B. Kelley, 

1^-^ . ' I I . -s , ! , , ^ . .11.. V, 1820; Nathan S. Colhv, 

Z''l'"l I I'"'- i . /.I." I'..'i% r.. i.i.iinu K. Harriman,1831;Ben- 

Jainiii L. 11,11 1 1111. ui, iittiiiL-l Juiie,s, in...: ; Lnuiiel Jones, Nathan S. Coll.y, 
isaa ; Nathan S. Colby, limotliy Davis, 1834 ; Timothy Davis, Philip 
Colby, Jr., 1830 ; Philip Colby, Jr., Mitchell Gilmore, Jr., 1830 ; Mitchell 
GilMii.r,., .Ir., NHtliiiii Davi.s 1837; Nathan Davis, .\l)ner Woodman, 
l.*;- Mi., ^^ ", .n. Mi,. 1 Wutkins, 18.39; Abncr Watkins, Afa 
I'iii' II , I II ,1 Tliompson, 1841; Robert Thompson, 

■I'.l.i, 1 I , 11 I' II I , il son, Robert Thompson, 1843 ; H. D. 

K.,1., ,!■ I., i ,, , II., . Ill Kiios Collins, Daniel Bean, Jr., 1845; 
nom- plictcl, 1S1I-. ; .liiines ,11. Harrinmn, Daniel Bean, Jr., 1847 ; J. M 
Harriman, Franklin Simonds, 1848 ; Franklin Simonds, Walter Harri- 
man, 1849; Walter Harriman, George A. Pillsbury, 1830; George A. 
Pillsbnry, Leonard Katon, 1851 ; Leonard Eaton, H. II. Harriman, 1852 ; 
H. D. Robertson, Ira Harvey, 1853 ; H. D. Robertson, Levi Collins, 1854 ; 
Levi Collins, Benjamin C. Davis, 1855; Benjamin C. Davis, Lewis 
Holmes, 1850 ; Lewis Holmes, Samuel W. Colby, 1867 ; Samuel W. Colby, 
Waltei- Harriman, 1858; Cnmmings Marshall, Ephraim M. Dunbar, 
1859 ; C. Mareball, E. M. Dunbar, 1860 ; .\ugustine N. Harriman, 
Stephen C. Pattce, 18G1-02 ; John P. Colby, Hezekiah B. Harriman, 
18G3-04 ; Elijah E. Gilmore, John Rogers. 1865-66 ; Samuel Davis, 
Moses J. Collins, 1807-68; Christopher G. McAlpine, Lemuel W.Collins, 
1869-70 ; Charles Currier, Moses D. Wheeler, 1871-72 ; John E. Robert- 
son, John W. Clement, 1873-74; John H. Dowlin, NehemiahG. Ordway, 
1876-76 ; N. G. Ordw,iy, Henry C. Davis, 1877 ; Henry C. Davis, 1878 ; 
.Augustus R. Putnam, 1880 ; Harlan S. Willis, 1882 ; none elected, ls.'i4. 

Of the value of money, land and labor during the 
early history of the town, a few facts gleaned from 
the town records and other sources will give one a 
good understanding. It should be premised that the 
"pounds" spoken of in the early records was in the 
"new tenor" currency, which was six shillings to a 
dollar. A pound, therefore, was equal to S3.33, and 
a shilling to sixteen and two-thirds cents. One stipula- 
tion made in regard to Rev. Mr. Kelley's salary in 1771 
was to give him one hundred dollars in labor, at two 
shillings and six-pence (forty-one andtwo-thirds cents) 
per day, or, if dinners were found, then two shillings 
(thirty-three and one-third cents) per day. Work on 
the highways was reckoned at three shillings (fifty 
cents) per day in 1785. March 22, 1791, the town 
voted to reckon, work on the highways as follows: 

"From the first of June to the last of August, three shillings per dny ; 



IIISTOllY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



from the last of August to the last of Suptembcr, two shillings aud six- 
pence per day ; from the last of September to the first of November, two 
shillings per day ; from that to the first of April, one shilling and six- 
ponce (25 ctii.) per day ; aud from then to the firat of June, two shillings 
and six-penco per day," 

December 28, 1797, the town voted to allow men for 
work iu building bridges two shillings per day till 
April 1st and after that three shillings per day until 
the bridges were finished. February 8, 1798, it was 
voted to pay minute-men enlisted by the town enough 
to make up to them ten dollars per- month while they 
did duty, including what they were allowed by Con- 
gress. 

Several lots of land, varying from forty to eighty 
acres, were sold at public auction for non-payment of 
taxes in 1784, for whicli prices were paid varying 
from six-pence to one shilling per acre, with taxes 
and costs. 

At a similar sale, in 1797, different lots were sold at 
five cents, seventeen cents, thirty-one, forty-one, 
sixty and a dollar and fifty-four cents per acre. 
Twenty lots were sold in the same way in January 
and February, 1812, the average price per acre being 
twenty cents. In 1782 the furnishing of the twenty 
cords of wood, which were a part of Rev. William 
Kelley's salary, was struck off to the lowest bidder, as 
follows : Ten cords to Esq. Joseph Sawyer, at four 
shillings aud six-pence (seventy-five cents) per cord ; 
five to Francis Ferrin at four shillings and five-pence ; 
and five to the same at five shillings (or eighty-three 
and a half cents). 

When the first pound was built, in 1798, which, by 
popular vote, was to be thirty feet square and seven 
feet high, of green white-pine logs, with the bark 
taken off, with a white-oak door and a heavy lock, its 
building and providing all the materials wasstruck off to 
Tappan Evans for ten dollars aud a half, all of a quarter 
less for what it could be built for now. At the close of 
the last century a girl's wages were two shillings a 
week and board. The commonest quality of calico 
was four shillings a yard, so that a woman could no 
more than pay for a dress by three months of hard 
labor. In the year 1788 wheat was rated in Concord 
at seven shillings per bushel, Indian corn at four 
shillings, potatoes at one shilling, cheese at six-pence 
per pound and stall-fed beef at four-pence. 

The census statistics of Warner from the close of 
the Revolution to the census of 1880 will show the 
period of its greatest growth and likewise of its de- 
cline. The increase for the first decade was remark- 
able, and that of the second as much so, the popula- 
tion nearly doubling in each instance. The large in- 
crease between 1810 and 1820 must, in part, be at- 
tributed to the annexation of the Gore in 1818, the 
population of that territory being one hundred and 
twenty-five persons by the census of 1810. The pop- 
ulation of the town has been constantly decreasing 
since 1825, though at the present time there are more 
voters than at any previous period. Population in 
1783 was 458; 1790,863; 1800, 1569; 1810, 1838; 1820, 



2446; 1830, 2221; 1840, 2139; 1850, 2038; 1860, 1970; 
1870, 1667; 1880,1537. 

Upon looking at the map of Warner one will see a 
narrow neck of land stretching northward, like a 
mason's apron, between Sutton and Salisbury, till it 
reaches the Wilmot and Andover lines. This terri- 
tory constitutes the famous Kearsarge Gore. It orig- 
inally stretched over the mountain northward to the 
present site of Wilmot Centre. Up to the year 1807 
this Gore was a sort of a town by itself, the inhabit- 
ants holding their own town-meetings and electing 
officers like any corporate organization. When Wil- 
mot was incorporated, in June, 1807, the new town- 
ship took a third of its territory from the Gore. The 
description of its boundaries on this side reads as fol- 
lows in the charter of incorporation : "Also all the 
lands and inhabitants within said Kearsarge Gore, 
north of a straight line beginning at the southwest 
corner of Andover; thence running westerly to the 
highest part of said mountain; thence westerly to 
Sutton line." The territory on the south side of the 
mountain continued separate until 1818, when, by an 
act of the State Legislature, approved June 13th, the 
Gore, with tlie inhabitants thereof, was annexed to 
Warner. By this the fine mountain of Kearsarge, its 
glorious bold summit, overlooking the whole central 
and southern part of the State, became, to all intents 
and purposes, our mountain. 

The first post-ofiice was established in Warner in 
1813, at the Lower village, then the chief business 
centre of the town. Henry B. Chase, who was ap- 
pointed postmaster at that time, held the office till 
1817, when he was succeeded by Dr. Henry Lyman. 
Levi Bartlett was appointed to succeed Dr. Lyman iu 
1825 and held the office until 1830, when it was dis- 
continued. An office meanwhile had been instituted 
at Waterloo, with Philip Colby, Jr., as postmaster. In 
1830 this office and the one at the Lower village were 
consolidated and established at the Centre village, 
when Harrison D. Robertson was made postmaster. 
Mr. Robertson was succeeded as follows: George A. 
Pillsbury, 1844; William Carter, Jr., 1849; Gilman 
C. Sanborn, 1851; Abner B. Kelley, 1855; Hiram 
Buswell, 1861; E. H. Carroll, 1877; E. C. Cole, 1884; 
Lloyd H. Adams, 1885. In 1865 a post-office was re- 
established at Waterloo, which was discontinued aftL-r 
two years. Walter H. Bean and T. Leavitt Dowlin 
served successively as postmasters. In 1885 another 
office was established at the same place, with Roger 
Gage as postmaster. In 1871 an office was established 
at Roby's Corner and Moses H. Roby was appointed 
postmaster. In 1884 offices were established at Mel- 
vin's Mills, W. Tappan Melvin as postmaster, and at 
Bagley's Bridge, Fred. H. Savory as postmaster. In 
1885 an office was also established at Davisville, with 
Moses Twitchell as postmaster, making six post- 
offices in town. 

Tlie Simonds Free High School was established iu 
1871. It received its name from Hon. Franklin 



657 



Simonds, who left the bulk of his property for this 
purpose. Mr. Simonds died in 1809 :ind Mrs. Simonds 
the following year. 

At a legal meeting of the inhabitants at the town 
liall, March 18, 1871, the following resolution was 
adopted by unanimous vote: 

"Resolueit, That the Town of Warner, in view of the bequests of Frank- 
lin Simonds, late of Warner, of twenty thousand dollars, and of .Abigail 
K. Simonds, late of Warner, of five thousand dollars, as a fund, the in- 
ruuie to be applied for the purpose of a high school, establish a high 
pchool, and that said town be and hereby is constituted a high school 
district, including the whole territory of said town." 

Tlie following summer a brick school building was 
erected on a pleasant site, and in December the school 
was opened. The building cost about ten thousand 
dollars. The succession of principals have been as 
follows: E. C. Cole, 1871; N. N. Atkinson, 1874; 
William Goldthwaite, 1876; E. H. Farnsworth, 1880 ; 
Charles A. Strout, 1881 ; H. S. Koberts, 1884. 

A home fair was inaugurated in Warner, in 1871, 
by several of the leading farmers During two years 
the exhibitions were at the town hall and in the 
street. In 1873, Hon. N. G. Ordway laid out twelve 
acres of land near the village for a fair-ground, erec- 
ted buildings and stalls and made a race-course. 
River Bow Park Association was incorporated by the 
Legislature in 1875. The association, which em- 
liraces a dozen or fourteen towns around Kearsarge 
^Mountain, purchased the grounds and buildings in 
1876 and have held several successful fairs at the 
place. In the summer-time the park is open and is 
used as a driving resort by the citizens. 

The Kearsarge Mountain Road Company was char- 
tered in 1866. For several years the company endeav- 
ored to secure the co-operation of the town in 
building a road to the summit of the mountain, but 
unsuccessfully. At the Presidential election in No- 
vember, 1872, a resolution was introduced by S. C. 
Pattee, authorizing and instructing the selectmen 
to subscribe for and hold, in the name of the 
town, twenty shares, of the value of one hundred 
dollars each, of the stock of the Kearsarge Road Com- 
pany, provided, however, that the foregoing resolu- 
tion shall not be binding on the town until said 
road is completed, or until responsible parties 
shall furnish a bond to the satisfaction of the 
selectmen, to build said road, without ftirther a.ssist- 
ance from the town. An amendment proposed by 
Major Samuel Davis, providing " that the town have 
two-fifths of the five directors, and that the first and 
second selectmen shall be ex-officio said directors," 
was adopted. The resolution, thus amended, passed. 
Subsequently N. G. Ordway and William E. Chand- 
ler furnished a bond in the sum of four thousand dol- 
lars to complete the mountain road, without expense 
to the town beyond the appropriation of two thou- 
sand dollars, and binding themselves to finish the 
road on or before the 1st day of June, 1874, to a 
point some eight rods below the summit of Mount 
Kearsarge, the selectmen for the town coming under 



! obligation to pay over the two thousand dollars on 

1 these conditions. 

Work was begun on the new road in the fall of 
1873, and by June, 1874, the five miles were completed, 

j a wide roadway being made from Hurricane Gate to 

j the top of the mountain. July 4th of the same year 
the road was formally opened, a large crowd being 
present, and addresses being made by Hon. N. G. 
Ordway, Hon. W. E. Chandler, Hon. M. W. Tappan, 
Robert Thompson, Esq., and Hon. Walter Harriman. 
In 1876 there was a decisive change of political 
opinion in the town. Warner had always been a 
Democratic town, and in some years had been the 
banner town of the Democracy in New Hampshire. 
In 1838 the town gave a majority of 311 votes for 
Isaac Hill, which was the largest given him by 
any town in the State. From the beginning of the 
century the Democratic vote of the town had averaged 
150 in excess of the opposite party, sometimes no 
opposition being recorded. But after the formation 
of the Republican party the Democratic majority 
was constantly reduced. In 1854, the vote for Gov- 
ernor was as follows : For N. B. Baker, Democratic, 
257; Jared Perkins, 75; James Bell, 24. In 1874 
the vote stood as follows : James A. Weston, Demo- 
cratic, 242; Luther McCutchins, 172. In 1875, Hiram 
R. Roberts, Democratic, had 238 votes; Person C. 
Cheney, 202. In 1876, Person C. Cheney had 253 
votes ; Daniel Marcy, 222 ; giving the Republican 
candidate a majority of 31. For the first time in the 
history of the town the Board of Selectmen was 
Republican, and one of the representatives to the 
General Court was also a Republican. In 1878 the 
Democrats regained the Board of Selectmen, and at 
the gubernatorial election Frank McKean, Demo- 
crat, received 247 votes, while Natt Head received 
272 votes. Since then the Democrats have carried 
all the town elections, though most of the biennial 
elections have gone Republican by a small majority. 
Warner being such a Democratic stronghold, it was 
perfectly natural that her leading citizens should 
play prominent parts in the politics of the county 
and the State. We wish to notice a few who in their 
day and generation " strutted upon the stage," acting 
a part at home and abroad that recalls the Scriptural 
statement, — " There were giants in those days." 
One of the most prominent men of the last century 
was Hon. James Flanders, who lived on Burnt Hill, 
between the Clough and Bartlett places, the buildings 
having long since been taken down. He was a native 
of Danville, N. H., and came to Warner about the close 
of the Revolutionary War. He was by occupation a 
farmer and cordwainer, but wa-s almost constantly in 
public life. He was repeatedly moderator of the town- 
meetings, was representative several years to the 
General Court, both of Warner alone and of the three 
classified towns— Warner, Sutton and Fishersfield (now 
Newbury). Beginning with 1794 and ending with 
1803, he was Statc_Senator from his district every 



658 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



year excepting 179il, when Colonel Henry Gerrish, of 
Boscawen, was elected, and during all this time was 
a leading man in the councils of the State. His large 
natural abilities, his sound judgment, his talent as a 
speaker, gave him an influence much greater than 
that exercised by men of larger culture and educa- 
tion. 

The man of the most commanding influence in 
town during the first of the present century was Hon. 
Henry B. Chase, who came to Warner from Cornish, 
N. H., in 1805, and practiced law at the Lower vil- 
lage. He represented Warner several years in the 
Legislature of the State, and in 1817 was the Speaker 
of the House. He was the first postmaster of the 
town, and in 1823 was elected the first register of 
Probate for Merrimack County, serving in that office 
until 1840. His reputation as a sound lawyer was 
second to none in the State. Mr. Chase died in 1854, 
aged seventy -seven years. Another of the " giants " 
of that period was Hon. Benjamin Evans, son of Tap- 
pan Evans, one of the early proprietors of the town. 
He was born in Newburyport, Mass., but was, during 
the greater part of his life, a citizen of Warner. 
He was a man of the Benjamin Pierce stamp, and, 
like him, vviis a power in his own town and in the 
State. He had great business capacity, and though his 
education was limited, his energy, penetration and 
sound judgment were untiring and unerring. The 
town elected him its representative several times ; in 
18.'iO he was elected Senator in old District No. 8, and 
in 183G and 1837 he was in the Council of Governor 
Hill. In 1838 he was solicited to run as Democratic 
candidate for Governor of the State, but because of 
his advanced age he refused the honor, at a time 
when a nomination was practically an election. 
From 1838 to 1843 he held the office of sheriff of 
Merrimack County, resigning the same a few months 
before his death. Hon. Reuben Porter, the son-in- 
law of " Squire Evans," was a man of influence in 
his day ; served as selectman in both Warner and 
Sutton (he resided at the latter place a few years) ; 
was representative from Sutton, and was elected Sena- 
tor in District No. 8 in 1834 and 1835. Robert 
Thompson, Esq., has been a prominent man in the 
county for many years, and Major Samuel Davis is 
a marked man in his party in the State. 

The era of greatest prosperity in Warner was un- 
doubtedly from 1820 to 1850. The town had reached 
the acme of its populousness at the beginning of this 
period, and that enterprise and activity which make 
the pro.sperity of a municipality wasjust then begin- 
ning to operate in a large measure. There was more 
wealth then in the town, although that fact is not 
shown by the amount of valuation as recorded in the 
town-books. We must remember that one dollar in 
1825 was certainly worth two at the present day. 
There were not so many horses in town in 1820 as 
now, but there was a greater number of o.xen, cows 
and sheep. Farms were more productive. Every 



farmer raised his own corn, flour and hay. Tlurc 
was a greater number of useful industries. Every 
brook turned one or more water-wheels, and there 
were sixteen mills and factories on AVarner River and 
its tributaries. More money was brought into the 
town than was carried out; the stores and taverns did 
a prosperous business, and everything was " rushing." 
That was the age of style and aristocracy. The 
village 'squire, physician, lawyer and minister lived 
in a more expensive way than their neighbors. Their 
houses were statelier, they wore richer clothes, had 
the foremost seats in public places and were recog- 
nized as beings of a superior order. These old patri- 
cians, like Dr. Lyman, Hon. Henry B. Chase, Major 
George and "Squire Evans," constituted a class by 
themselves. Their influence was great, and they 
practically ruled the town. They expended liberally 
of their means for the good of the town, and they set 
the tide a-flowing toward a better and more elegant 
way of living. The first piano in town was brought 
in by Mrs. Herman Foster in 1832. The first two 
stoves, of the James patent, were introduced and 
used by H. G. Harris, Esq., and Elliot C. Badger, in 
1825. The first brass door-knocker was put on the 
residence of Rev. Jubilee Wellman, about the year 
1830. A few of the "best families" used carpets as 
early as 1836. 

One of the causes which operated to develop 
Warner industries and stimulate activity was the 
building of several new roads. Highways may be 
considered as an excellent standard of civilization. 
In fact, there is no better physical sign or symbol by 
which to understand an age or people than the road. 
The savage has no roads. His trails through the for- 
est, where men on foot can move only in single file, 
are marked by the blazmg of trees. In half-civilized 
lands, where law is weak and society insecure, 
wheeled vehicles are seldom seen, and roads are ob- 
structed, rather than opened. The strength and 
enterprise of men are utilized in fortifying themselves 
against the invasion of danger. Huge castles are 
built on inaccessible rocks, walled cities cover the 
plain, and horses and mules ofl'er the only means of 
transportation and communication, by which, along 
rude bridle-paths, the traveler and the merchant are 
conveyed from one country to another. It is only 
civilized art that constructs a royal highway or a 
magnificent railroad, and by these means offers con- 
veyance for men and goods over rugged steeps and 
along frightful precipices by routes once deemed in- 
superable. Roads are the ducts of trade, and com- 
merce is one of the pillars of a civilized State. No 
nation can become great without intercourse with its 
surrounding States, and necessarily roads must be 
built. Something can be learned of the status of 
society, of the culture of a people, of the enlJL'htin- 
ment of a government, by visiting universitie^ and 
libraries, churches, palaces and the docks of trade ; 
but quite as much more by looking at the roads. For, 



659 



if there is any material or art enterprise in a nation, 
or any vitality to a government, it will alwaj's be in- 
dicated by the highway, — the type of civilized motion 
and prosperity. All creative action, whether in 
government, industry, thought or religion, constructs t 
roads. , 

Prior to 1820 \\'aruer had no highway leading 
directly west; consequently no great degree of travel I 
passed through the town. Reposing in the deep 
valley, shut in almost on all sides by high hills, War- 
ner seemed to be cut adrift from the rest of the world. 
It was distant from all the great lines of travel, and, 
in fact, the travel that might naturally have come to 
the town was diverted from it by those very lines. 
The turnpikes had been the exciting topic for several 
years, the craze in this State beginning in 1795 and 
culminating twenty years afterwards. Fifty-three 
turnpike companies were incorporated in this State, 
and the enterprise wrought a revolution in public 
travel, relatively, nearly as great as that brought 
about by the railroad system between 1840 and 1850. 
The second New Hampshire turnpike road, which was 
incorporated December 26, 1799, ran from Ciaremont 
through Unity, Lempster, Washington, Marlow, 
Hillsborough, Antrim, Deering, Francestown, Lynde- 
borough, New Boston, Mont Vernon and to Am- 
herst. It was fifty miles in length, and took, of 
course, all the travel that passed west and south of 
our town. The following year the fourth New Hamp- 
shire turnpike was incorporated and laid out. (The 
third New Hampshire turnpike road, running from 
Bellows Falls and Walpole, through Westmoreland, 
Surry, Keeue and .Taffrey, towards Boston, was incor- 
porated December 27, 1799.) This turnpike was at 
the north and east of Warner, and extended from 
Lebanon, through Enfield, Andover, Salisbury and 
Boscawen, to the Merrimack River, thus opening the 
means of communication between the two great river 
valleys. 

It will be seen that these two routes combined to 
turn the public travel directly from Warner. The 
condition of affairs aroused the attention of certain of 
the enterprising business men of the town, and they 
devised a way to remedy it. The only road leading 
any way west was the old Perrytown highway, laid 
out in the early period of the settlement, which went 
over Kimball's Hill (now Eaton Grange) to South 
Sutton and Sunapee and Ciaremont, and thence into 
Vermont. Just beyond Eaton Grange, at- what was 
called the old Potash, a road branched ofl' from the 
Perrytown highway which led to North Sutton, 
Springfield, Hanover and White River Junction. , 
Both of these roads were indirect and exceedingly 
hilly, and consequently not very inviting to the 
traveler. A committee of the leading citizens of 
Warner, Bradford and Fishersfield (now Newbury) 
met in consultation, and after a thorough examination 
of the ground, decided to layout and construct a road 
from the head of Sunapee Lake to Bradford, thus 



opening a convenient route from Windsor, Vt., 
through the Sugar and Warner River valleys to 
Concord. There was one obstacle in the way: the 
people of Fishersfield were so poor tliat they did not 
feel able to construct their part of the road. What 
was to be done? Warner necessarily would be bene- 
fited more than any other town by this new road. 
Our citizens saw this, and a number of them took hold 
of the afl'air of their own free .will, and without any 
vote of the town or any help from the municipality. 
Several of the most able and enterprising men, inclu- 
ding Benjamin Evans, Daniel Bean, Sr., and John E. 
Kelley, accordingly drove to Fishersfield, took their 
families and plenty of provisions, and boarding in an 
old school-house, labored there for weeks, giving their 
labor and "finding themselves." Before the autumn 
of 1821 the road was completed. 

The result was all that its designers could wish. It 
turned a portion of the travel which had formerly 
passed around Warner on either side along this new 
thoroughfare. It became a stage-route, connecting 
Western New Hampshire with Concord and Boston by 
the shortest and most easily accessible way. Travel 
poured in abundantly, and Warner became a grand 
centre and halting-place for the caravans of people 
and merchandise. During nearly a decade of years 
the travel was unchecked, and the individuals who 
had labored so hard and expended so liberally of time 
and money found themselves amply recompensed 
both in the increased prosperity of the town and in 
their own natural share of the general prosperity. 

In 1830 the adjacent town of Henniker on the 
south went to road-building, and constructed a good 
highway from Bradford to Weare, thus devising a 
nearer cut from the west to Nashua and Lowell on 
the south. This as effectually diverted the travel from 
Warner as water would be turned from a barrel b.\- 
knocking out its head. Warner people did not, how- 
ever, give up the battle, but went to work to tap the 
channel of travel from the west, higher up on the 
Connecticut. To do this, it was necessary to construct 
a new highway through Sutton, New London and 
Springfield, to intercept the stream of travel that 
naturally poured along the fourth New Hampshire 
turnpike. The road was laid out in 1831, a serpent's 
trail from Hanover, through Springfield, New London, 
Sutton, Waruer and Hopkinton, to Concord. The 
town of Hopkinton shortened the line by building 
the Bassett Mill road. Springfield and New London did 
their part, but Pike's Ledge in Sutton was so formid- 
able that the people of that town refused to take hold 
of the enterprise. Again the spirit and the enterprise 
of the citizens of Warner met and overcame the 
dilemma. These citizens met the authorities of the 
town of Sutton, and gave a bond holding them to the 
building of two hundred and nine rods of their psirt 
of the road, if the town would do the rest. So the 
work went on. The first ten rods were built by 
Henry B. Chase, the second ten rods by Harrison G. 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Harris. Benjamin Evans built forty rods, and his 
son-in-law, Nathan S. Colby, built forty rods. Robert 
Tliompson built five rods. Levi Barlett four rods. 
Zebulon Davis two rods. Daniel Eunels two rods, 
and Daniel and Stephen George constructed the road 
over the formidable Pike's Ledge. The road was fin- 
ished that fall, and Robert Thompson, Esq., of Warner, 
was the first person to drive over it in a carriage. 

A route was now established as the shortest and 
most feasible from the north and northwest to the 
growing cities of Massachusetts ; but Warner was not 
yet satisfied. To still further increase the tendency 
of travel in this direction, it was determined to put on 
a flying stage-coach line which would carry passen- 
gers from Hanover to Lowell in one day. Many said 
it could not be done ; others thought differently. 
Nathan Walker, an " old whip," subsequently the 
second landlord of the Warner and Kearsarge Hotel, 
made one trip, going through in the time specified, 
but concluded he did not care for the job. The next 
year the route was purchased by Major Daniel George, 
and his son Henry drove the stage for a number of 
years. Afterwards Moses E. Gould, of Bradford, took 
the reins, and continued the business until the open- 
ing of the Concord and Claremont Railroad in 1849. 

This stage-route was one of the best and most suc- 
cessful lines in the country. It became the main 
thoroughfare of travel from the Canadas to Boston, and 
the stream of business that poured along the road was 
enormous. Every town along the route was benefited 
by it. Stores sprung up and hotels were built, for 
where there is travel and motion there must be life. 
In Warner alone there were eight licensed taverns 
doing business at one time. Those were busy, pros- 
perous days. 

Public-Houses in Warner. — Washington Irving, 
in his ever-delightful " Sketch-Book," tells the story 
of his quest for the immortal Boar's Head Tavern, 
East Cheap, London, where Shakespeare made his 
" roystering crew" to gather, — Falstaff", Prince Hal, 
ISardolpli, Dame Quickly, Ancient Pistol and their 
memorable confreres in the drunken bout and social 
strife. The history of the first inn or hostelry in 
Warner would be nearly as interesting as the story of 
the Boar's Head told by this inimitable sketch-writer. 
The town had been settled four years when it was 
built. It was made of logs and combined the uses of 
a tavern and dwelling-house. Jacob Hoyt was the 
]ilc:is:iiit HoiiilMcr of this early hostelry. In 1775 
Laipllonl ll(i\i .ri'cted a frame house in place of the 
oiif of I.p^-,, nriil tliis, in turn, was displaced in the be- 
ginning of this century by a large two-story house, 
which had all the appointments of a country hotel. 
The successors of Mr. Hoyt, as taverners at this place, 
were Dr. John Currier, Richard Pattee and William 
Carter. The old stand was finally sold to Samuel 
Brooks, who took down the sign and made it a private 
residence. It was removed about 1862, and not even 
the cellar remains to show the spot where the first 



travelers through Warner were hospitably enter- 
tained. 

The first hotel was built at the Lower village ; the 
second stood at the Centre. It was built by Captain 
Asa Pattee, of Haverhill, Mass., who settled in War- 
ner directly after the close of the Revolution. It was 
the first frame house erected in that village. Captain 
Pattee sold the stand to Daniel Whitman, who kept 
open house here until after 1812. Captain Joseph 
Smith purchased it for a private residence, and it has 
been occupied since his day successively by Dr. Caleb 
Buswell and Dr. Leonard Eaton. While the Lower 
village was still the " Centre" of the town, another 
hotel was opened at the opposite end from the old 
Hoyt tavern. It stood a little below the John Tewka- 
bury place, on the opposite side of the highway, and 
was kept by John E. Kelley, a nephew of the first 
minister. A store occupied one end. The whole 
stand was burned January 16, 1828. 

At Waterloo stood the fourth house used as a 
tavern in town. The leading family at this flourish- 
ing borough were the Beans. They owned the mills 
there and carried on a large farm. Daniel Bean, a 
son of Nathaniel Bean, who was prominent as an 
early settler, built a commodious mansion about 18(U, 
which was kept open for a tavern near a score and a 
half of years. It is now occupied by a son of the 
founder, Dolphus S. Bean. 

In the fall of 1828, Major Daniel George, who had 
purchased the timber procured to rebuild the Kelly 
house, erected a building for a hotel at the lower end 
of the North Lower village. This was kept by Major 
George for a number of years, and subsequently by 
Ebenezer Watson. This hotel and two or three ad- 
joining buildings were destroyed by fire near the year 
1846. Colonel Richard Straw, who lived in that sec- 
tion of the town called Schoodach, was for many 
years one of the most prominent citizens of Warner, 
one of the largest land-holders, selectman for several 
years, colonel in the State militia, prosperous yeoman 
and farmer, also kept a hotel, and was a " licensed 
taverner." His large mansion-house and inn still 
stands and is owned and occupied by John Jones. 

About 1833, General Aquilla Davis, who had been 
occupying the old family mansion at Davisville, erec- 
ted a stately brick residence on a fine site near his 
former home, where he spent the remainder of his 
days. His son, Nathaniel A. Davis, then converted 
the old family mansion into a hotel, which he kei)t 
open as long as the public travel required it. At 
present it is a private residence, the home of Mrs. N. A . 
Davis. At Dimond's Corner, Hiram Dimond, son of 
Israel, who was farmer, potter and store-keeper, also 
kept a public-house. It is still standing, a large, old- 
fashioned, red-painted structure, but the tavern sign 
has long since been taken in. 

The ninth tavern came into existence owing to 
changes of travel and the building of the road from 
Bradford to Henniker. On that road, one mile and a 



half from Bradford Pond, and iu the limits of Warner, 
Joel Howe, somewhere about 1831 or 1832, built a 
tavern, which he kept open until the opening of the 
raihoad, in 1849. Most of these hotels did a lucrative 
business until the introduction of railroads and the 
consequent change of travel in this section. 

The tenth hotel had a longer and more eventful 
history than any other in the town. It stood in the 
Centre village, at the corner of Main Street and the 
road that leads to North village and the south part 
of the town. The house was built by Nathan S. Col- 
by, a prominent citizen, in 1832. It was a large, two- 
story buHding, with an ell and pleasant piazzas and 
hall in the second story, which was often used by the 
public. It was a central stopping-place, and always 
very popular with the traveling public. The follow- 
ing is the list of gentlemen who have entertained the 
public at the Warner Kearsarge House since Mr. Col- 
by's regime: Nathan Walker, Messrs. Nevins & Bar- 
bour, Joseph Ferrin, Dudley Bailey, George & 
Charles Eowell, Thomas Tucker, Geo. D. Chadwick, 
P. B. Putney, Martin Bartlett, Fred. Smith, A. C. 
Carroll, E. P. Hutchinson and T. B. Underbill. In 
1875, Hon. N. G. Ordway purchased the property and 
enlarged and remodeled it. Thursday morning, Jan- 
uary 29, 1885, the house and its contents were de- 
stroyed by fire. To-day the town is in the same con- 
dition that it was in 1765, in having no public-house. 
Plans are, however, maturing for the erection of a 
first-class hotel on the site of the one recently destroyed. 
Warner Village in 1825. — Future generations 
may like to know how our main village looked and 
who were the dwellers therein sixty years ago. In 
this year of grace 1885 there are one hundred and 
forty buildings in Warner main village, exclusive of 
barns ; iu 1825 there were just forty. Of those who were 
inhabitants at that time, only four are living to-day, 
namely, Abel Waldron, Mrs. Abner Woodman, Mrs. 
Harrison Robertson and Mrs. Ira Harvey. There 
were no public buildings then on the street, except 
the school-house ; no bank, no church, no post-office, 
no hotel, no depot, and only one store. The Lower 
village was still the principal place of business, and 
there all public interests centred. 

Beginning at the lower end of the street, where 
School District No. 13 commences, and where John 
Tewksbury now lives, resided Deacon David Heath, 
a prominent citizen and a deacon of the Congrega- 
tional Church, which edifice stood a few rods below, 
on the same side of the road. The house this side, 
afterwards occupied by "Parson Wellman," and now 
by Moses Johnson, was owned by Daniel Young, the 
son of a Revolutionary soldier. Mrs. French's house, 
at the corner, was the home of Widow Judith Hoj t 
and her two daughters, one of whom went as a mission- 
ary to Honolulu. After this there was no house west- 
erly for a quarter of a mile, until we arrive at what 
is now the McAlpine house. Here lived Thomas 
Haekett. Almost opposite, on the site of Hiram Pat- 



ten's house, stood a vine-covered cottage, the home of 
Abraham Currier. 

On the site of the John Savory stand was a low, un- 
painted dwelling, where a Mrs. Folsom lived. Abel 
Waldron's house, on the opposite side of the way, re- 
remains unchanged, the home sixty years ago of his 
father. Where Mrs. H. H. Harriman now re- 
sides lived Captain Safford Watson, who had a wheel- 
wright-shop near by, which was afterwards moved on 
to School Street, the residence of Zebulon Currier. 
Just beyond Captain Watson's, where the Kearsarge 
Hotel stood, lived Dudley Bailey. Ira Harvey's 
house was then the residence of Isaac Annis, "the 
village blacksmith," whose shop stood under the 
large elm-tree in front of where Louis Chase now lives. 
Going back, on the opposite side of the street, to 
the dwelling-house of Deacon J. W. Clement, we find 
Benjamin Evans living there sixty years ago. The 
large mansion that is now the residence of Oilman C. 
George was then occupied by Nathan S. Colby. Mr. 
Colby was a "store-keeper," and his "shop" was just 
above his dwelling-house, the same building now used 
by B. F. Heath. The Uptons lived where P. C. 
Wheeler resides, and Joseph True in the house Mrs. 
H. D. Robertson occupies. The Dr. Eaton homestead 
was then owned and occupied by Dr. Caleb Buswell, 
who was at that time surgeon of the Fortieth Eeo-i- 
ment of New Hampshire militia. 

Union Block occupies the site where stood a long, 
low cottage, a part of which was remodeled into the 
old post-office building, now the office of the Xear- 
sarge Independent. Here lived Isaiah Fl antlers and 
his daughter, who was familiarly known as "Aunt 
Anna." In the broad hall which ran through the 
centre of the house the songs of the " Osgoodites " 
might have been heard every Sunday morning, for 
" Uncle Isaiah " was a devoted disciple of that sect. 
Mr. Flanders' barn stood where Shepard Diniond now 
lives. The Harris mansion, now owned by the Misses 
Harris, has remained in the family all these long 
years. Harrison G. Harris was the owner sixty years 
ago, the lawyer of the place, and who had been select- 
man the preceding year. In the George Upton 
house, above, where Erastus Wilkins lived a number 
of years, there lived Deacon Barrett, who carried on 
a large scythe-snath manufactory. Where the Arthur 
Thompson house stands on the hill was a small, un- 
painted house belonging to Nathaniel Treadwell. 
The house now owned and occupied by Joseph Rogers 
then stood on the site of the Baptist parsonage and 
was the home of Josiah Colby. 

Moses Colby lived at the place now owned by Hiram 
Buswell, and Ezekiel Flanders lived where Jacob 
Rodney resides. Where Leonidas Harriman lives was 
the home of the Widow Pattee, and on the opposite 
side of the street, in W. C. Johnston's house, lived 
Paine Badger. James Bean, the father of Mrs. Ira 
Harvey and Mrs. George Rowell, lived at the Uriah 
Pearson place. In the A. P. Davis house, now oc- 



HISTORY OF MKlllUMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMI'SHIIIE. 



cupied l>y Rev. Smith >i'orton, lived Ezra Buswell, 
who had a tannery by the brook just beyond. 

Ezekiel Evans owned the house now occupied by 
S. T. Stanley, and Daniel Morrill lived somewhere 
near where hi.s grandson, Samuel, now resides. George 
Ajavory's house, the farthest on "the plain," was then 
owned by Jonathan Emerson. 

Over the river, at the Robbins place, lived David 
Colby, the road to his place running nearly where 
the present Fair-Ground road is. Where the saw- 
jnill now stands stood a grist-mill, the owner, Stephen 
Badger, residing in the little red house near by. The 
road running to it was across the land owned by W. 
€. Johnson and through Pine Grove Cemetery, ter- 
minating at the mill. The district school-house, a 
■wooden building, stood where the brick structure 
now is, and between it and A. D. Farnum's place 
there was but one dwelling-house, occupied by Ben- 
jamin Waldron,' where P. M. Wheeler resides. Rich- 
ard Morrill, who lived at the Farnum place, owned a 
saw and irrist-raill on Willow Brook, somewhere near 
where the Clark Brothers have their mill. On Denny 
Hill, at the old Floyd place, lived Capt Denny, and 
where I'lank Bartlett lives resided Simeon Sargent. 



CHAPTER II 



F.CCLKSIASTIUAL IIISTOKY. 

Congregationalists. — For more than half a cen- 
tury the only active evangelical denomination in 
town was the Congregationalist (orthodox). The 
history of this church begins with the history of the 
town. 

One of the conditions of the grant, as we have no- 
ticed, was that the grantees should, " within the space 
of three years from the time of their being admitted, 
build and furnish a convenient meeting-house for 
the public worship of God and settle a learned or- 
thodox minister." Before the actual settlement of a 
minister the proprietors paid considerable sums for 
the maintenance of preaching in the town. The 
earliest ministers who are known to have preached 
in Warner are Timothy Walker and Nehemiah Ord- 
way, Jr. The proprietors' records contain mention 
of sums |iaid them for their services in preaching in 
1767, 1769 and 1770. In 1771, Rev. Robie Morrill, of 
Epping, preached several Sabbaths and a little later 
a Mr. Farrington. 

Timothy Walker was the son of Rev. Timothy 
Walker, the first minister of Concord. Ha was a 

■This Mr. Wnldron was tho first man in Warnor to use a wood- 
saw. Robort Thompson bmught tho first wood-saws to town and sent 
for Mr. Waldron to come and saw wood. Ho replied that " he knew 
nothing about saws ; " but on Squire Thompson agreeing to teach him 
was soon initiated into tho mysteries of wood- 



graduate of Harvard College, and being licensed to 
preach in 1759, preached in several places a num- 
ber of years, but was never settled. He was prominent 
afterwards in civil life: was councilor, chief justice 
of the Court of Common Pleas, and several times 
was the candidate of the Democratic party for Gov- 
ernor of New Hamj)shirc. 

Nehemiah Ordway, Jr., was the son of Nehemiah 
Ordway, of Amesbury, one of the proprietors ot 
Warner. He graduated at Harvard in 1764, and af- 
ter his preaching in Warner was settled a number of 
years over the church at Middleton, N. H. Of the 
other itinerants little is known. ' 

The Congregational Church was formally organized 
February 5, 1772, and Rev. William Kelley, the first 
settled minister, was ordained the same day. Mr. 
Kelley had been preaching in town since the first of 
1771. He was born at Newbury, Mass., October 31 , 
1744. He graduated at Harvard in 1767 ; studied di- 
vinity with Rev. Henry True, of Hampstead, and 
married Miss Lavinia Bayley, daughter of Rev. Ab- 
ner Bayley, of Salem, N. H. He belonged to the old 
style of ministers, had the manners of a Chesterfield 
and the theology of the moderate Calvinists. His 
prayers and sermons are said to have been not so 
wearisomely long as were most of that day. He was 
the pastor of his people no less than the minister of 
his church. 

The little church thus organized in the wilderness 
was weak in numbers and wealth. The covenant 
was signed and assented to by only eight of the cit- 
izens, although there was a larger number of women. 
Everybody, however, attended meeting, and each cit- 
izen of the town paid a proportionate part of the tax 
for support of preaching, for church and State were 
then one. The church building was a rude, barn-like 
structure, with rough board benches for seats, and the 
pulpit was perched like a bird's nesthighupon thewall. 
The first two deacons of the church were Parmenas 
Watson and Nehemiah Heath, who served the church 
in this oftice, the first for a period of fifty-eight years, 
the latter forty-eight years. 

Mr. Kelley was continued in his pastorate until 
March 11, 1801, when he was dismissed. He spent 
the remainder of his life in town, and was never set- 
tled over any other church. He was elected the 
moderator of the church, and the people continually 
gave proof of their afiection for their former pastor. 
Very often he occupied his old pulpit Sundays, and 
he went down to his grave honored and revered. 
After his dismissal the church was without a regular 
pastor for thirteen years. There had been dissension 
in the church. It was divided and weakened by the 
location of the meeting-house " under the ledge," and 
by other causes. The wounds were slowly healed by 
time. 

In June, 1814, Rev. John Woods, of Fitzwilliam. 
was settled over the church. He was a young man 
of great intellectual strength, but lacked the courtly 



WARNER. 



manners of his predecessor. His jireudiing, how- 
ever, stirred up the dry bones, and there was a won- 
derful revival. A new church building was erected, 
in 1819, by twenty-nine individuals of the society. 
It stood, first, a little west of the Lower village, but 
was removed to its present location at the Centre in 
184.'). Mr. Woods was dismissed, at his own request. 

From 1823 to 1827 the church was without a pas- 
tor. Rev. Henry C. ^Vright preached about two 
years, and several others a few months. September, 
1827, Rev. Jubilee Wellman was installed, remain- 
ing ten years, during which time the church was 
strong and prosperous. Mr. Wellman was followed 
by Rev. Amos Blanchard, who was settled over the 
church February, 1837. The Rev. Dr. Xathan Lord, 
president of Dartmouth College, preached the ser- 
mon, and Mr. Wellman gave the charge to the pas- 
tor. Mr. Blanchard remained over the church only 
two years, accepting the pastorate of the church at 
Mcriden, X. H., in 1839, where he remained more 
than twenty-five years. The next pastor, Rev. James 
W. Perkins, was installed March 4, 1840, and dis- 
missed in 1846. He was an earnest, laborious, effi- 
cient pastor. Rev. Robert W. Fuller was settled 
over the church from 1846 to 1850. He was a man 
of strong will and active habits. The church flour- 
ished during his stay. In 1853, Rev. Harrison O. 
Hiiwland, who had been preaching for the society 
more than a year, was settled over the church. Mr. 
Howlaud remained here until 1857, when Rev. Daniel 
Warren was installed pastor. In 1863 he was dis- 
missed, and for three years the pulpit was .supplied 
chiefly by Rev. Henry S. Huntington, of Norwich, 
Conn. In 1866, Mr. Huntington was settled over the 
church. He resigned, in the fall of 1872, to accept 
the pastorate of a church at Galesburg, 111. The one 
hundredth anniversary of its organization was cele- 
lirated by the church in June, 1872. 

Rev. Matthew M. Gates immediately followed Mr. 
Huntington as pastor of the church. He closed his 
connection, after four years of service, in 1876, since 
which time there has been no settled pastor. The 
following are the names of those who h.ave preached 
for the church during periods of more than one year : 
Rev. George A. Beckwith, Rev. George J. Pierce, 
Rev. George E. Foss, Rev. George W. Savory. Rev. 
Smith Norton, the present pastor, commenced his 
services with the church April 1, 1885. 

Baptists. — In 1793 the religious affairs of Warner 
were considerably agitated. A large body of citizens 
separated themselves from the orthodox church and 
established another religious society. The cause of 
the schism was a diversity of opinion regarding the 
baptism of infants, the separatists declaring them- 
selves Anti-Pedobaptists. The new church began a 
meeting-house, but never finished it, and no settled 
minister ever presided over the society. It gradually 
weakened, and in a few years was practically extinct. 



The present Baptist Church was organized, in 1833, 
by twenty-two citizens of the town, who built a 
church building, and dedicated it in September ot 
that year. The dedicatory sermon was preached by 
Rev. Ira Person, of Newport. The first settled pastor 
of this church was Rev. George VV. Cutting, a native 
of Shoreham, Vt., wlio remained from January, 1835, 
to September, 1848, when he accepted a call from the 
Baptist Church in Lyme. He was a popular citizen 
and an able preacher. Rev. John M. Chick, of 
Maine, began his ministry over this church in 1840, 
and continued his services until 1846, when Rev. J. 
S. Herrick succeeded him, who remained five years. 
The fourth pastor. Rev. Lorenzo Sherwin, who began 
his labors with this church in February, 1852, was 
obliged to resign his charge, the following year, on 
account of failing health. 

In April, 1853, Rev. N. J. Pinkham, of Dover, be- 
gan to preach, and retained his connection with the 
church until February, 1857. Rev. Henry Stetson 
succeeded him, and was the pastor from 1860 to 1864. 
From 1865 to 1870, Rev. Albert Heald was over this 
church, and from 1873 to 1881, Rev. William H. 
Walker. Mr. Walker resigned in May, 1881, and in 
the fall of that year Rev. N. M. Williams, of Lowell, 
was installed as pastor, which position he continues 
to hold. In 1883 the church had existed fifty years, 
and on the 13th of September its semi-centennial 
took place. 

At times during the last eighty years there has 
been an organization of Free- Will Baptists in town, 
though they never have had a church edifice nor a 
settled minister. For many years they used the old 
school-house of District No. 8 as a sanctuary, hav- 
ing regular preaching and observing the church 
ordinances in the building. 

Methodists. — This denomination at one time had 
quite an organization in Warner. The church built 
a meeting-house at the Lower village somewhere 
about 1835, and maintained public worship until 1870, 
since which time it has not been regularly occupied. 
Rev. William Abbott, Rev. Charles Knott and Rev. 
M. V. B. Knox were pastors of this church at various 
periods. 

Universalists. — In 1844 a Universalist Church 
organized in Warner, and a meeting-house was built. 
Regular preaching was sustained during twenty 
years or more. Walter Harriman, Rev. J. F. Weth- 
erell and Rev. Lemuel Willis occupied the pulpit the 
larger part of this time. The meeting-house was 
purchased by N. G. Ordway in 1865, moved from its 
old site and remodeled. The portion used as a 
church is now Union Hall. 

Osgoodites. — The religious sect known by this name 
first made themselves prominent about the year 1814. 
The founder was one Jacob Osgood, son of Philip 
Osgood, one of the early settlers of the town. He 
was an enthusiast, a powerful singer and of much 
skill in repartee. In the early part of this century 



664 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



he took au active part with the Free- Will Baptists. 
Naturally ambitious and headstrong, he was disposed 
to be autocratic, and as some of his religious views 
were not strictly conservative, he was not approved 
by them as a leader. He then opposed them, claim- 
ing special power from the Almighty, and announc- 
ing that he was a prophet, and could heal the sick, 
and was a sort of vice-gerent. He was opposed to 
going to law, performing military duty and sup- 
porting preachers. For some time his followers in- 
creased about Mink Hill, the Gore, Sutton and 
vicinity. There were also about thirty families in 
Canterbury led by Josiah Haynes. During two or 
three years subsequent to 1830 the Osgoodites held 
great revival meetings, one of which was on Kear- 
sage Mountain. Their singing and peculiar service 
attracted many hearers. The hymns sung by them 
were usually of their own composition. Songs, 
prayers and exhortations were intermixed in their 
services without any regularity. Osgood's custom 
was to sit in his chair and preach, with two eyes 
shut and one hand on the side of his face. He was a 
very large man physically, weighing over three hundred 
pounds. He died in 1844, and Nehemiah Ordway 
and Charles H. Colby became the ruling elders. 
There are but few of the sect left. They were an 
honest, upright people in their dealings with others, 
and sometimes dishonorably treated by the officers of 
the law. 

The following is a list of the names of the natives 
of Warner who have gone out and taken a position 
in the ministry : Hosea Wheeler, son of Daniel 
Wheeler, graduated from Dartmouth in 1811, and be- 
came a minister in the Baptist denomination. Asa 
Putney, son of Asa Putney, Sr., graduated at Amherst 
inl81S,and became aCongregationalistminister. John 
Gould, son of John and grandson of Jonathan, one of 
the first settlers, was for a long time connected with the 
Methodist denomination. Daniel Sawyer, son of Ed- 
mund and grandson of Joseph, studied at Gilmanton 
Seminary, and was settled over several Congrega- 
tional societies. Reuben Kimball, son of Jeremiah 
and grandson of Reuben, the first settler, studied at 
Gilmanton, and entered the Congregational minis- 
try. Mrs. Lois S. Johnson, daughter of John and 
Judith Hoyt, educated herself for the work of a mis- 
sionary, and went with her husband to the Sandwich 
Islands about 1831. Richard Colby, son of Jonathan 
Colby, of the Congregational Church, went in 1830 as 
a missionary among the Western Indians. John 
Morrill pursued his studies at Amherst College and 
Audover Theological Seminary, and became a home 
missionary in the West. Joseph Sargent, son of Zcb- 
ulon, born in 181C, entered the ministry of the 
Universalist denomination, and during the war was 
the chaplain of a Vermont Regiment. Alvah Sar- 
gent, brother to Joseph, is a minister in the Free- 
will Baptist denomination. Samuel Morrill, son of 
Daniel and grandson of Zebulon, graduated at Dart- 



mouth College in 1835, and died while a member of 
Bangor Seminary. James Madison Putney, son of 
Amos and grandson of Asa, Sr., studied at Dart- 
mouth and entered the Episcopal ministry. Isaac 
D. Stewart, son of John Stewart and grandson of 
Deacon Isaac Dalton, entered the ministry of the 
Free- Will Baptist denomination in 1843. Marshall 
G. Kimball, son of John Kimball and grandson of 
Daniel Bean, Sr., studied -at Dartmouth and Cam- 
bridge Divinity School, and entered the ministry of 
the Unitarian denomination in 1855. Elliot C. Cogs- 
well, son of Dr. Joseph Cogswell and grandson of 
Elliot Colby, entered the Congregational ministry 
about 1822. John C. Ager, son of Uriah, born in 
1835, is settled over the New Jerusalem Church at 
Brooklyn, N. Y. John George, son of Charles and 
grandson of Major Daniel, is in the ministry of the 
Free- Will Baptist denomination. Rev. George \V. 
Savory, son of Cyrus Savory and grandson of Ben- 
jamin E. Harriman, was ordained in the Cougrega- 
tionalist ministry, and is settled over the church at 
Stratham, N. H. 



CHAPTER III. 

Vf ARS^Ji— (Continued). 
MILITARY HISTORY. 

Warner did not participate in the old French 
and Indian Wars, for the township was not then set- 
tled. When the War of the Revolution commenced 
she was not behind her neighbors in patriotic ardor 
and enterprise. Upon the first alarm at Lexington 
and Concord ten of the citizens seized their arms and 
hurried to the scene of action. Among these wen- 
James Palmer, John Palmer, Richard Bartlett, Jona- 
than Roby, Francis Davis and Wells Davis. These 
men were never organized into any regiment and 
probably returned home. The State allowed the tow-n 
for their services as follows : " Lexington ten men, 
1775, £22 10s," which was about $7.50 to each man. 

Five Warner men were in the battle of Bunker 
Hill, namely, — William Lowell, Amos Floyd, Fran- 
cis Davis, Wells Davis and Jonathan Roby. In the 
same year Richard Bartlett and Charles Barnard (the 
latter settled in Warner after the war) participated 
in a skirmish with the British near New Brunswick. 

ROLL OF DANIEL FLOYK'S f(nlp\\\, rTr 
"Daniel Floyd, captain ; Thomas Ri-'V'i i ;! ; n,,, i | lim- 
dyi-s, second lieutenant; Joseph Curriii, . I i \ < -. 

Abner Watkins, Cliriatopher Flandii ~. I > I i i • : : , 

David Annie, Ebenezer Eastman, Ezr;i II. I : : i- v ijn- 

cis Davis, Jr., James Palmer, laajic flia-1 i \\ : ' i im 

Gould, Joseph Foster, Jonathan FifieM, .1 I i ^ ■ .' ih, 

John Palmer, Moses Call, Moses Clement, n ui.m. 1 I ; ni,,i . i:, l:, :,,n.l 
Goodwin, Robert Gould, Stephen Edmunds, Samuel Tniriitinll, Th-iiias 
Annis, Wells Davis, Zebulon Davis, Theophilus Currier. 
'* Gone Into the Set'vice. 
" Jacob Waldvon. .lacob Tucker, Isaac Walker, David Gilmore, Dan- 
iel Young, Hubbard Carter, Mosos Clark, Paekey Pressy. 



665 



Ho:. 



'' Alarm-List Mm. 

Flandere, Daniel Aniiis, Jr., Francis Davis, 
A ver, .lonatllan Palmer, Jacob Uoyt, Nohomiah 
I, William Kelley, Bei^amin Currier, Samuel 



" ^iV,— I lmvi> s.iil von a return of mj- company according to your or- 
ders wee mustered, and Can not make out to Chuso any Serjants as yet ; 
m for fire-arms wee have not got half enough, and where to get them 
wee know not. Our men Saith they Cannot get guns for they are not in 
the Country and shall see you next week. 

" This from you to serve, 

"Daniei. F1.0VI). 
" To Major Chandler, in HopJcinton.'' 

Of these men, Hubbard Carter enlisted for the war 
and Isaac Walker, Paskey Pressey, Daniel Young and 
John Palmer as militiamen. Three Warner men — 
Aquilla Davis, Amos Floyd and Philip Rowell — en- 
listed for a term of three years. At the expiration of 
the service of these men, William Lowell, Isaac Low- 
lU, Stephen Colby and Ichabod Twilight, a mulatto, 
were enlisted to succeed them. During Burgoyne's 
campaign several of our citizens were in service at 
Bennington and Saratoga. Elliot Colby, Francis Da- 
vis, John Palmer, Ezekiel Goodwin, Samuel Trum- 
bull, Paskey Pressey, Robert Gould, Abner Watkiua 
and perhaps others took the field at that time. 

We copy the following from Hammond's " Town 
Papers : " 

soldiebs' deposition relative to back pat. 

" November ye 8, 1777.— Then Paskey Pressey, Ezekiel Goodwin, 
Samuel Trumbul, Francis Davis, all of Warner, in the State of New 
Hampshire, in ye county of Hillsborough, yeomen, personally appeared, 
and Being Duly Examined and Corshened made Solemn Oath that they 
Sarved as Soldiers in Capt. William Stillson Company, in Colo. Wyman's 
Eegiment, at Mount Independence in the year 177G, for five months, and 
Rec'd ower Pay until the month of November, and never Rec'd any Pay 
for said November, not by ower Selves nor orders, direct nor inderact, 
and that they never Rec'd any Travelling Money nor aney Sans ^ Money 
During Said Sarves Except ower Travelling Money from hom to said 
Mount Independence, which we rec'd, and tharefore Prays that Honora- 
ble house of Representatives or Committee of Safety of Said State would 
Said Mouth Pay and the Remaining Part of ower travelling money and 
SauB money. 

*' Examined and sworn before me, 

"Coram Jeremiah Page, Justice of P&tce.^' 
RETURN OF SOLDIER.S, 1780. 

" Warner, June the 30, 1780. 

" Agreeable to an act passed June the sixteenth, for raising Six hun- 
dred Good, able-bodied men out ' f this State for to fill up the battalion 
of this State in the Continental Army, in Compliance thereto, wee have 
raised said men, which two was on proportion, as followeth : Isaac 
Dalton, James Pressey." 

" This is the return of Capt. Daniel Floyd : 

" Colo. Stickney, — I am afraid Said men Cannot get ready .So Soon as is 
required of them by reason of having my orders so late." 

" Warner, July the 8, 1780. 

" Persuant to orders Dated July the first for to raise five men out of 
jiy Company, andaccorrting to orders, I have proceeded, have rjiised four 
men for to joyn the armey at Amherst by the 12 Day of this month , ae 
follows; John Palmer, Kathaniel Trumbull, Israel Rand, Simon Palmer. 

'* I have alSo Draughted EbenEzar Eastman for to go to Haverhill, in 
Coos, and ordered him to be at Concord by the tenth of this Instant to 
pass muster and then to proceed on to Coos, there to remain till further 



Daniel Floyd. 



• Colo. Thomas Stickney, in Conct 



1 Money was furnished soldiers, sometimes, to purchase vegetables, 
which was called by them "sauce-money." 



I'ibeiu'ziir ICastman was not the only Warner man 
who was raised for the defense of Coos. When, in 
October, 1780, an eruption of British and Canadiiin 
Indians swept over the eastern part of Vermont, plun- 
dering and destroying the settlements. New Hampshire 
was alarmed for the safety of her own soil, and raised 
a volunteer force to proceed to the threatened locality. 
Warner furnished fifteen men for the expedition, the 
greater number being old men and boys under age. 
Jacob Iloyt, mine host of the first hotel, was one of 
these volunteers. The names of the others are not 
known, an there are no rolls of these men in existence. 
Their term of service was short, for the invading army 
took the alarm and made a hasty retreat. They were 
allowed by the State the sum of £12 17«., or $2.02 
each. 

CERTIFICATE OF SIMON WARD'S SERVICE. 
" This may certify that Simon Ward has served the United States ii> 
Capt. Chase's Company, Second Now Hampshire Regiment, one year 
being the time he engaged for. And is hereby discharged the service. 
" West Point June 25, 1780. 

•' Calku RoniNsoN, Caft. Commanding 2(1 .V. //. Segt. 
" Whom it concerns, civil or viilUary." 

" Wabnek, Jan'y 23">, 1789. 
" We do hereby rehnquish all our right and title to any emolument 
that may be due to Simon Ward for doing a short turn of service in the 
late Ameriean army, for this town, of about nine or 12 months, in tho 

"Benjamin Sariient, l Sciectoien o/ 
" RiciiAEn Barti.ett, J Warner." 

Warner Soldiers in the War of 1812.— There 

were two hundred and sixty men enrolled in the 
town in 1812 as capable of doing military duty. Of 
these, between eighty and ninety did service at one 
time or another during this second war with the 
mother-country. The following is the muster : 

ROLL OF CAPTAIN JOSEPH SMITH'S COMPANY. 
Enlisted February I, 1813, for one year. 
Joseph Smith, captain ; Daniel George, flirst lieutenant ; James Bean, 
second lieutenant ; Richard Patter, ensign ; Stephen George, sergeant ; 
Philip Osgood, sergeant; David Straw, sergeant ; Daniel i'loyd, sergeant ; 
Benjamin Evans, c.irporal ; Daniel Bean, corporal ; John Barnard, pro- 
moted to corporal ; t:,' i: ] Till \ , lu-iTioted to corporal ; Samuel Roby, 
promoted to ci'i|> : -il\.r, musician; William Barnard 

Walker, musiihin. l> i i i l;,.bert Bailey, Timothy B.Chase, 
Timothy Chanel !■ ■ 'i i , i liarles Ci.lby, I'liimni! Danfortb, 

Zadoc Dow, John |i. i h. i.-Im: ir, M.pli.M (;. Katon, 

Moses C. Eaton. I :: I ' i i •' :, i l I'honusW. 






Stevens, Royal W. Stanley, Samuel G. Titcomb, Abraham Waldron, 
Piumer Wheeler, Samuel Wheeler, James Wheeler, Ebenezer Woodbury, 
Humphrey Bursiol, .John Smith, Ambrose 0. Sargent, .Tonathan Stevens, 
privates. 

In Captain Jonathan Bean's company of Salisbury 
Warner had fifteen men, as follows : 

Nicholas Evans, sergeant ; Joel B. Wheeler, corporal ; Isaiah S. Colby, 
Mariner Eastman, Joseph Goodwin, Seth Goodwin, John Goodwin, Na- 
thaniel Hunt, David H. Kelley, James G. Ring, James H. Stevens, 
Stephen Sargent, Thomas Thurber, Abner S. Colby, Jacob Harvey, pri- 

In Captain Silas Call's company of Boscawen there 
were six Warner soldiers, who enlisted October 2, 
1814, for forty days. They were Reuben Clough, en- 
sign ; Christopher Sargent, musician ; Harden Seavey, 



666 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



sergeant; John Hall, Simeon Bartlett and Jacob 
Colby, privates. There were four Warner men in Cap- 
tain Josiah Bellows' company of Walpole, who were 
enlisted September 26, 1814, for sixty days, namely: 
David Harvey, Samuel Page, Benjamin Spalding 
and Daniel Wheeler. Other Warner men served in 
various companies. The following are their names : 

\\inthrop D. .^ger, sergeant-major in the regular army ; Daniel Pilin- 
Jjury, corporal ; Obadiah Whittaker, corporal ; Dudley Trumbull, Na- 
thaniel Jones, Beiyamin C. Waldron, Joseph Burke, privates. 

In conformity to the suggestion of the Governor, 
the Legislature, December 22, 1812, passed an act 
establishing the pay of men detached, or to be de- 
t.tched, including the pay from the general govern- 
ment, at the following rates : Sergeant-major, $13 per 
mouth ; quarterma.ster-sergeant, $13 per month ; prin- 
cipal musician, $12 per month; sergeant, $12 per 
month ; corporal, $11 per month ; private, $10 per 
month ; and it was also provided that the towns that 
had paid, or should pay their detached soldiers extra 
pay to the amount paid by the general government, 
should be refunded by the State to the amount per 
month for each soldier, as specified above. 

The citizen of Warner most prominent in this war 
was General Aquilla Davis, son of Captain Francis, 
the first representative, and a large mill-owner and 
lumberman. In 1812 he raised the First Regiment 
of New Hampshire Volunteers, enlisted for one 
year, and was chosen and commissioned its colonel. 
The law for raising volunteers having been re- 
pealed January 29, 1813, by Congress, the First New 
Hampshire Regiment of Volunteers was mostly trans- 
ferred to and formed the Forty-fifth Regiment of 
United States Infantry, and Colonel Davis was com- 
missioned its lieutenant-colonel. It is related of 
Colonel Davis that, while stationed on an island in 
Lake Champlaiu, he mounted a battery of huge guns, 
and kept the British at a respectful distance from the 
shore by his formidable battery. The chagrin of the 
British officers was not small when, too late to profit 
by the knowledge, they discovered that the Yankee in 
command had exercised his mechanical skill, and 
had improvised a battery of huge guns from pine logs, 
hewn, fashioned and painted in imitation of "the 
real article." General Davis retired after the war to 
his mills, and spent the rest of his life in his avocation. 
He died February 27, 1835, while on a journey to 
Sharon, Me., aged seventy-four years. He was 
prominent in the old State militia, was lieutenant- 
colonel commandant of the Thirtieth Regiment from 
1799 to 1807, and brigadier-general of the Fourth 
Brigade, from 1807 to 1809. 

The first man to hold a military commission in 
Warner was Francis Davis, father of General Aquilla, 
who was commissioned a captain by His Excellency, 
John Wentvvorth, in 1778. The earliest military 
trainings iu town, were at the Parade, near the First 
Church. Here, in the last days before the Revolution, 
Captain Davis used to call together the Twenty- 



second Company of Foot, in the Ninth Regiment of 
militia. Here, for years and years, those liable to 
military duty were warned to appear " armed and 
equipped as the law directs." There were two train- 
ings, generally, each year, in May and in September. 
The militia laws of the State, passed in 1792 and 
remodeled in 1808, remained the laws of the State, 
without any very essential modification, nearly forty 
years; and perhaps our militia was never better organ- 
ized or in a more flourishing condition than for the 
twenty years succeeding the War of 1812-15. But 
innovation and change are natural laws. Forty years 
of peace made men forgetful of that truth embodied 
in our Bill of Rights, that a " well-regulated militia is 
the proper, natural and sure defense of a State." Our 
militia, by legislative enactment of July 5, 1851, 
became a mere skeleton, and that existing only upon 
paper. The days of the old-fashioned musters were 

The following is a partial list of general and field 
officers which Warner furnished the State militia from 
1792 to 1851 : 

Brigadier-General, Aquilla Davis ; Colonels, Richard Straw, Simeon 
Bartlett, Isaac Dalton, Jr., James M. Harriman, John C. Ela ; Lieuten- 
ant-Colonels, Hirum Dimond, Timothy D. Robertson, William G. Flan- 
ders, John A. Hardy, Calvin A. Davis, Bartlett Hardy ; Majors, Daniel 
Runnels, Joseph B. Hoyt, William H. Ballard, Joseph Burke, Daniel 
George, Joseph S. Hoyt, Eliezar Emerson, Stephen K. Hoyt; Captains, 
Jacob Davis, Timothy Flanders, David Harriman, Nathaniel Flandere, 
Nicholas Evans, William Currier. 

Warner in the Civil War. — When the Rebellion 
broke out, in 1801, and New Hampshire raised a regi- 
ment to proceed to Washington, this town sent seven 
men who were mustered May 2, 18G1. This first regi- 
ment were three-months' men, and were discharged 
August 9th of the same year. Five of the Warner 
men enlisted again in other regiments. New Hamp- 
shire raised, from first to last, seventeen regiments of 
infimtry, two battalions of cavalry, a regiment of 
artillery and one of sharpshooters, embracing in all 
thirty-four thousand five hundred men. Warner had 
men in most of these organizations. The whole number 
furnished by the town was two hundred, of which one 
hundred and twenty-four were citizens and seventy- 
six were recruited abroad. Three Warner men were 
mustered in the Second Regiment of New Hampshire 
Volunteers, of three-years' men ; one in the Fifth 
Regiment; two in the Seventh Regiment; forty-six 
in the Eleventh Regiment ; thirty-one iu the Sixteenth 
Regiment, nine months; eight in the Eighteenth 
Regiment, nine months; two in New Hampshire Bat- 
talion, First New England Cavalry ; six in the First 
Regiment New Hampshire Volunteer Cavalry ; throe 
in the First Regiment Heavy Artillery ; eleven men 
in the First Regiment United States Sharpshooters ; 
four others served in various organizations out of the 
State. 

Of the citizens who held prominent positions in the 
service during the War of the Rebellion, was, first, 
Walter Harriman, who was commissioned colonel of 



WARNER. 



GOT 



the Eleventh Regiment August 26, 1862. He fought 
with his regiment in the battle of the Wiklerness, 
and entered Petersburg in command of a brigade of 
nine regiments. March 13, 1865, he was appointed 
brigadier-geueral by brevet, for gallant conduct 
during the war. General Harriman subsequently 
went into civil life, became Secretary of State, 1865 j 
and 1866, and was elected Governor of the State in ' 
1867 and 1868. 

Samuel Davis, who served as major of the Six- 
teenth New Hampshire Volunteers, was born in 
Bradford, but has been a citizen of Warner since 
ISoii. He was educated at the military academy at 
West Point, and in 1863 and 1854 he was in the 
North Pacific Railroad exploration and survey, under 
the late General I. I. Stevens as engineer, and for 
one thousand miles had charge of the meteorological 
department. He studied law in the office of Hon. 
Herman Foster, of Manchester, and is now engaged 
in the practice at Warner. 

David C. Harriman, a brother of General Walter, 
both sons of Benjamin E. Harriman, Esq., was com- 
missioned second lieutenant September 4, 1862 ; pro- 
moted to first lieutenant Febriiary 27, 1863 ; resigned 
July 1, 1863 ; appointed first lieutenant of the Eigh- 
teenth Regiment October 6, 1864; mustered out as 
captain June 10, 1865. Charles Davis, .Jr., enlisted 
as first sergeant September 2, 1862; promoted to 
second lieutenant, and then to first ; appointed cap- 
tain September 20, 1864. Philip C. Bean was com- 
missii mt-d steond lieutenant November 4, 1862. 

Manufacturing Interests. — The inhabitants of 
Warner are principally employed in farming, but 
manufacturing is an important and growing interest. 
The town is watered by Warner River, a pleasant 
and rapid stream, which takes its rise in Sunapee 
Mountains and in Todd Pond, Newbury. From 
Newbury it passes through Bradford and enters War- 
ner at the northwest corner; thence running in a 
northeasterly direction through the town, separating 
it in nearly two equal parts, and uniting with the 
( 'ontoocook River in Hopkinton. In its passage 
through Warner it receives a considerable stream 
coming from Sutton. This river affords abundant 
water-power in its passage through the town, and 
during two or three miles of its course the water can 
be used over every thirty rods. At Melvin's Mills, 
at Waterloo, and at Davisville there are excellent 
privileges, which have been utilized more or less 
since the first settlement of the town. More than a 
hundred years ago there were saw and grist-mills at 
Waterloo (Great Falls), and atone time since the little 
borough could boast of a tannery, a clothing-mill, a 
trip-hammer and a paper-mill. The latter factory 
was in operation from 1816 to 1840, manufacturing 
all grades of paper from the finest note to the coarsest 
wrapping. 

At Melvin's there was also a saw and a grist-mill, 
a bedstead-factory, a chain-factory and a woolen 



cloth factory, all of which did considerable business. 
The grist and saw-mill are still in operation, the 
woolen-factory was destroyed by fire, the others have 
discontinued business. At Davisville there was an 
iron foundry, at which clock-weights, hand-irons and 
like articles were manufactured. Old iron was run 
up and used for these purposes instead of ore. The 
business was discontinued about the year 1830. 
There was also a woolen-factory at the same place, 
but the cloth-mill was washed away by the great 
freshet of 1826.' 

Notwithstanding the decay and suspension of sev- 
eral manufactures, it is believed that the manufac- 
turing which is done in town at present will equal, if 
not surpass, that of any previous period. The lead- 
ing manufacturing industry is probably at Davisville. 
Here the Davis Brothers are engaged in the manu- 
I facture of straw-board. The firm consists of Walter 
S. Davis and Henry 0. Davis, grandsons of General 
Aquilla Davis. They began business in 187J, and at 
present employ about forty bauds. They manufac- 
j ture some seven hundred tons of straw-board annually, 
amounting in value to seventy-five thousand dollars. 
The firm also own a grist-mill and a saw-mill, and 
this very year have commenced the manufacture of 
boxes. Five hundred thousand feet of pine timber 
is now lying in their yard for this purpose. 

At the Centre village the Merrimack Glove Com- 
t pany has established a very thriving business. The 
' company procured, on favorable terms, the commo- 
1 dious building near the freight and passenger depots 
of the Concord and Claremont Railroad, which had 
been erected by the defunct Boston Boot and Shoe 
I Company, and established its business in the early 
part of 1883. Late in the fall of the same year a 
large tannery was erected in connection with the fac- 
tory. During the year 1883 the factory was run 
eight months, turning out some twenty-five hundred 
dozens of different kinds and qualities of buckskin 
gloves, which were sold to the largest jobbing-houses 
from Maine to California, giving perfect satisfaction 
j and finding no superior in the market. The man- 
agers, having perfect confidence in the success of 
their enterprise, in 1884 increased the business more 
than one hundred per cent., and manufactured five 
thousand, employing some thirty-five hands. The 
amount paid for help during the year was fifteen 
thousand dollars. The company purchased, during 
the time, eighty-five thousand pounds of deer-skins ; 
and the entire product of the factory, five thousand 
dozen gloves and mittens, were sold to different par- 
ties throughout the country. A cash dividend of 
six per cent, was paid the stockholders January 1, 
1885. The stockholders of the company are as fol- 
lows: A. C. Carroll, W. H. H. Cowles, George Savory, 



' 1 This was the same freshet that destroyed the Willey family at the 
White Mountain Notch. All the bridges of Warner were carried off by 

I the flood, and the crops on the lowlands were entirely destroyed. Av- 
gust 2Sth is still remembered as the day of the " Great Freshet." 



HISTORY OF .MERRIMACK COUxNTY, NEW HAMISIIIRE. 



B. F. Heath, L. W. Chase, E. H. Carroll, Ira Har- 
vey, J. R. Cogswell, R. S. Rogers and A. G. Marsh. 
The directors are A. C. Carroll, VV. H. H. Cowles, 
George Savory, L. N. Chase and K. H. Carroll. 

The Warner Glove Company, located on Depot 
Street, are doing a large and increasing business. 
The company employ about fifteen operatives, and 
do an annual business of ten thousand dollars. The 
stockholders are A. P. Davis, P. C. Wheeler and H. 
M. Gitfin. Another enterprising firm is that of 
Bartlett Brothers, who manufacture coarse and fine 
excelsior at Melvin's Mills. This firm began busi- 
ness in 1871. They have six thousand dollars in- 
vested, and do a business amounting to seven thousand 
dollars annually. Number of employes, seven. 

At Roby's Corner O. P. & C. W. Redington are 
engaged in the manufacture of hubs. They have a 
large establishment, employing some ten or a dozen 
men, and do a business of fifteen thousand dollars 
annually. The Ivearsarge Fruit Evaporating Com- 
pany have erected two large buildings at the centre 
village, containing five evaporators of the capacity of 
five hundred bushels of apples per day. They em- 
ploy between fifty and sixty operatives during three 
months of the year, and sometimes evaporate forty 
thousand bushels of apples per year. Arthur Thomp- 
son is general manager. The total value of manu- 
factured goods annually produced in town is not far 
from four hundred thousand dollars. 

An article of this description would hardly be com- 
plete without some allusion to the more interesting 
features of Warner. The main street is situated in 
a valley, through which flows the Warner River 
with graceful, sinuous curves, while on either side 
the hills rise grand and green and beautiful, towering 
far above the spires of the churches. There is not, 
of a verity, a pleasanter or a more picturesque ham- 
let in the county of Merrimack. The streets are wide 
and beautifully shaded by maple and elm. Neatness 
and thrift characterize the whole surroundings. It 
is only eight miles to the summit of Kearsarge Moun- 
tain, which aftbrds some of the finest scenery in New 
Hampshire. Summer tourists have had their atten- 
tion attracted by the fine scenery of the adjacent 
country, and have visited the town in large numbers. 
The income from this class amounts to more than 
three thousand dollars. 

Warner is famous for its picturescjue nooks and 
rural drives. One of the most charming drives in 
Merrimack County is on the road i'rom Warner vil- 
lage to Bradford. The distance is about nine miles, 
following the river valley and crossing the stream 
several times. Three little hamlets are passed on the 
route, each dignified on the map as railroad-stations, 
namely: Waterloo, Roby's Corner and Melvin's Mills. 
The former contains some twenty or twenty-five 
houses, a saw-mill, depot, post-oflice and school- 
house. Ex-Governor N. G. Ordway, of Dakota, 
and ex-Secretary of State William E. Chandler have 



very fine summer-residences at this place. The name 
Waterloo was bestowed upon this little riu"al neigh- 
borhood in honor of that great battle whose issue 
decided Napoleon's career forever. When the result 
of that conflict was announced, most of the citizeii> 
were collected at a mill-raising. The victory of tla- 
Allies was pleasing to those few individuals, and one 
in the excitement of the moment, broke a bottle of 
rum (they drank liquor in those days), and chris- 
tened the mill and the village with it, — Waterloo. 
The name has "stuck." 

Two miles beyond Waterloo is Roby's Corner sta- 
tion, the residence of M. H. Roby and George C. 
Eastman. A beautiful scene lies here. A broad 
intervale stretches to the south; green sloping pas- 
tures are on the west, and the east and north are 
bounded by high hills, covered with sombre pines 
and gnarled oaks that have bid defiance to the storms 
of years. Betvfeen Roby's and Melvin's Mills tliere 
is a gorge of wonderful beauty and wild grandeur. 
The river, bound in by a narrow defile, dashes and 
foams and roars, so as to be heard many rods away. 
Several dwelling-houses and a busy factory nestle 
below in the valley, and the railroad, with its high 
grade and trestle-work over the river, carries the 
steaming iron horse high above the chimney-tops. It 
is a wild and picturesque scene. 

Melvin's Mills was so named after the Melvin 
brothers, who built a saw and grist-mill there as 
early as 1825. The Melvins were large, muscular 
men, and their feats of strength are still the wonder- 
tales of many a rural neighborhood. To the genera- 
tions that have passed away Melvin's Mills and the 
Calico school-house were landmarks of particular in- 
terest. Davisville, in the southeasterly part of the 
town, is a beautiful and busy little village. It has 
the finest water-power to be found on the Warner 
River, and from the time the first mills were built 
here until the present time, it has been taken advan- 
tage of in every possible way. Most of the manufac- 
turing interests of the place are controlled by various 
members of the Davis family, who have given their 
name to the little hamlet which has grown up around 
this valuable water-power. There is a small store at 
the place, a post-ofiice and some fine farms in the 
adjacent section. 

"North village," so called, is one of the pleasant 
little neighborhoods of Warner. The name has been 
in use during more than a hundred years. In the 
early days of the settlement there was quite a far- 
mers' village on the Gould road and over Waldron's 
Hill. Between Bartlett's Brook and "Kiah Coraor," 
a dozen deserted building-sites can be counted where 
families once resided. These, with the buildings 
that still stand, made a lively, bustling street, the 
first of the century. At the north of this line of 
dwellings extended another cluster of farm-houses, 
taking in the Elliots, at the J. O. Barnard place, and 
Isaac Dalton and his tannery, at the Levi O. Colby 



WARNER. 



669 



place. The people ol' the South road called this 
settlement of the North road the North village. 

It is not strictly a village or hamlet now, the houses 
being too scattered to allow such a dignified appel- 
lation, but within the radius of a mile are some twen- 
ty-live houses, jirincipally the homes of hard-work- 
ing and prosperous yeomen. The surface of the land 
is uneven and somewhat rocky, but the soil is strong 
and fertile and large crops are raised. A wild, dash- 
ing little stream, called Silver Brook, having its sources 
among the eastern slopes of the Minks, flows down 
through the valley and joins the Warner River near 
River Bow Park. Along the banks of this rivulet 
the highway leads, lined on either side by the farm- 
houses, the shops and the ample barns of the rural 
populace. Graceful willows and birches, with here 
and there a maple or an elm, throw their branches out 
on the breeze and make a grateful shade in the warm 
summer-time. A drive through this neighborhood 
on a still, hushed noon or at the sunset hour is per- 
fectly enchanting ; and if one drives round by "Kiah 
Corner," he will view a scene that is not easily sur- 
passed in New England. Another beautiful drive is 
through the Kimball District. A view from Kelley 
Hill, looking to the north and west, at the sunset 
hour, the whole Warner Valley, with the village in 
the foreground and Kearsarge Mountain standing as 
a si^ntinel in the background, is worth going miles 
to see. 

.Six ponds are within the limits of the township, 
namely : Tom, Bear, Pleasant, Bagley's, Simmonds 
and Day's. The largest of these is Tom Pond, or, 
rather, as it is now called " Lake Tom." This is a 
beautiful sheet of water half a mile long and a quar- 
ter of a mile wide. Its shores are attractive, its 
waters clear as crystal. During the last few years it 
has become quite a summer resort. A company has 
erected a commodious pavilion on its western shore, 
improved the adjacent grounds and built a fleet of 
boats for aquatic and piscatorial purposes. The pa- 
vilion and grounds were formally opened and dedi- 
cated on Julv 4, 18S4. 



CHAPTER IV. 



MEMORABLE EVENTS, N.VTIT.AL .4ND SOCIAL. 

The Old Meeting-House Fight.— The quarrel in 
which Warner was involved over the question of the 
location of the meeting-house, from 178.3 to 1790, was 
on • which was fought out to the bitter end with intense 
feeling, and has probably never been equaled by 
anvtliing which has occurred since in the history of 
the town. 

Prior to 1819, when the State Legislature passed 
the '-Toleration Act," bv which the building of 



churches and the support of preaching was divorced 
from the State and the meeting-houses and the min- 
isters were remanded to the support of those only of 
the citizens who were voluntarily disposed to give 
their aid, it was binding on every tax-payer to con- 
tribute his share, according to his means, to build 
meeting-houses and to pay the mini.ster'8 salary. 
Therefore, it followed that every voter had a personal 
and direct interest in churches and ministers. 

In our review of the evangelical history of the 
town we had something to say about the first church. 
This structure, which was built at the South Lower 
village, was small and rude, and was in use only four 
years. In 1770 it was superseded by another of lar- 
ger proportions and superior architectural design, 
erected on the same site. This, too, in process of 
time, became too small for the needs of the citizens, 
and the question of a new one was agitated. Mean- 
while the population had been increasing on the 
north side of the river, and they, for reasons of the 
greater convenience to themselves, wished a meeting- 
house built on their side of the river. The tr>\vn 
could support but one church, and as the peojile on 
the east side, for similar reasons, wished the new build- 
ing to be erected on the old site, a sharp controversy 
grew out of the matter. Innumerable town-meet- 
ings were held, and votes for and against a new house 
and against changing the location were passed in al- 
ternate confusion for several years. 

Finally, at a town-meeting held in May, 1788, the 
town voted both to build and not to build, and, in 
hopes of a final adjustment of the vexed question, 
voted, according to the record, "to petition the General 
Court for a committee to appoint a place where to set 
a meeting-house in this town." In June of that 
summer Benjamin Sargent and Richard Bartlett, 
two of the selectmen, appeared before a committee of 
the Legislature with a formal petition, and the court 
accordingly appointed a trustworthy committee to 
decide on the location of the meeting-house. This 
committee was composed of Col. Ebenezer Webster, 
of Salisbury; Robert Wallace, of Henniker; and Jo- 
seph Wadleigh, of Sutton ; and their report was as 
follows : 

"The committee, Laving attended to the business referred to, and after 
viewing the greater part of the town, with tlie situation of the inhab- 
itants thereof, agree to report as tlieir opinion tliat tlie spot of ground 
where the old meeting-house now stands is tlie niosl suitable place to set 
the new meeting-house on. 

" Warner, Sept. 12. 1788." 

This did not, however, end the fight, for at a meet- 
ing in October and at another in November the town 
repudiated the decision of the committee and voted 
not to build on that site. At last, April 25, 1789, it 
was voted to build between Ensign Joseph Currier's 
and Mr. Isaac Chase's, on the north side of the road, 
under the ledge, at the northwest end of what is 
now the Lower village. A building committee was 
appointed at the same time, consisting of Joseph 
Sawyer, Tappan Evans, Richard Straw, Jacob Wal- 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



(Iron, Benjamin Sargent, Reuben Kiniljall and Wil- 
liam Morrill. 

In the face of a protest of forty-six of the promi- 
nent men of the town, headed by Aquilla Davis, the 
committee proceeded about their work, and before 
the end of the summer erected a church, which was 
called "The Hou.se under the Ledge." But this did 
not soothe the spirit of discord, and the evil results 
of this division lasted for some time, as is shown by 
the vote, which was passed at the November town 
election not to meet in the new house, and that 
preaching should not occur there. There was even 
an effort on the part of some to get a vote to move 
the house over to the south side of the river. Oppo- 
sition, however, gradually died away, and in August, 
1790, it was " Voted That Mr. Kelley should preach in 
the new meeting-house for the future, and the inhab- 
itants meet there for public worship." In March of 
the next year a vote was passed to take down the old 
meeting-house and appropriate the stuff towards 
fencing the burying-ground. 

A Day of Terror.— The 19th of January, 1810, 
was, in the central part of New Hampshire at least, 
a day of terror, one never to be forgotten in the an- 
nals of the " hill towns " of this beautiful State. 
The afternoon of the ISth was unusually warm and 
mild ; the thermometer indicated forty-three degrees, 
or eleven degrees above freezing. Before light the 
next morning a winter hurricane was sweeping over 
the mountains, hills, plains and valleys, snapping off 
good-sized pine-trees, in its extended path, as if they 
were but fragile reeds. Great oaks were twisted by 
the force of the wind like withes in the hands of a 
giant. Barns were swept to ruin, and sheds of lighter 
construction were carried away by the storm of wind 
like chaff. This horrible blizzard continued during 
nearly a whole day. Nearly all the while the air was 
filled with fine, hail-like particles of snow, caught up 
by the gale, so that it was impossible to see more than 
a few rods away. To add to the gloom of the occa- 
sion and its deathly danger, the mercury of the ther- 
mometer sank, in the sixteen hours following the 
previous day's thaw, to twenty-five degrees below zero. 
The mercury runs as low every winter as it did that 
day, but mortal man has never known a severer day 
in this New England. Thousands of fowl were 
blown away and never seen by their owners again ; 
rabbits, partridges and crows were frozen in the 
thickest woods ; young cattle were frozen solid as they 
huddled together in the half-open barn-yard sheds, 
some of which withstood the force of the wind ; 
many cattle perished where they were tied in their 
stalls. 

The heavens roared like the sea in a cyclone. 
Branches of trees, hay from demolished barns, loos- 
ened clapboards and shingles from such houses as 
had great oaken frames and immense chimneys to 
hold the structures in place, rose in the air and 
mingled together in terrifying confusion. The loss 



of live stock and buildings in Merrimack County 
aggregated scores of thousands of dollars. The 
" cold Friday " was known and is remembered 
throughout the New England States. 

A Year without a Summer.— The year 1816 is 
known among the few old men who remember it as 
" the year without a summer." In every month there 
was a severe frost, and the greater part of the crops 
were substantially destroyed. There are old farmers 
living in Warner who remember it well. It was 
often referred to as " eighteen hundred and starve to 
death." January was mild, as was also February, 
with the exception of a few days. The greater part 
of March was cold and boisterous. April opened 
warm, but grew colder as it advanced, ending witli 
snow and ice and winter cold. In May ice formid 
half an inch thick, buds and flowers were killed and 
corn frozen. Frost, ice and snow were common in 
June. On inauguration day, in June, there was snow 
to the depth of four inches on a level in Warner ; in 
Maine the snow was ten inches deep. Almost every 
green thing was killed, and the fruit was nearly all 
destroyed. July was accompanied with frost and ice. 
On the 5th ice was formed of the thickness of win- 
dow-glass in New York and all the New England 
States. In August ice formed half an inch thick. A 
cold northern wind prevailed nearly all summer. 

Corn was so damaged that a great deal was cut and 
dried for fodder. Very little ripened in New Hamp- 
shire, and even in the Middle States the crop was 
small. Farmers were obliged to pay four dollars, and 
even five dollars, a bushel for corn of 1815 harvest 
for seed for the next spring's planting. The first 
two weeks of September were mild ; the rest of the 
month was cold, with frost, and ice formed a quarter 
of an inch thick. October was more than usually 
cold, with frost and ice. November was cold and 
blustering, with snow enough for good sleighing. 
December was quite mild and comfortable. 

The Tornado of 1821.— Warner has not often been 
visited by great and noteworthy disasters, either 
natural or otherwise. The great whirlwind or tor- 
nado of 1821 was the most terrible of the kind that 
ever visited this section. Many of the older inhabit- 
ants of the town still remember the catastrophe, 
and the path of the tempest is visible in several 
places after the passage of more than sixty years. 

The month of September, 1821, according to the 
testimony of those who were living at the time, was 
eminently a season of uncommon storms and tem- 
pests. But the most of them, severe as they were, 
produced little injury in comparison with the whirl- 
wind of the 9th of the same month. The tornado is 
said to have commenced near Lake Champlain, gath- 
ering in violence as it went along. It passed over 
Lake Sunapee and through a portion of New Lon- 
don and Sutton, and entered that part of Warner 
called the Gore not far from the base of Kearsarge 
Mountain. The tempest carried away the barn of 



WARNER. 



671 



VVilliaua Harwood, injured the houses of M. F. Good- 
win, J. Ferrin and Abner Watkins, completely de- 
stroying Ferrin's barn and unroofing Watkins'. 
Next in the path of the wind stood tlie dwelling of 
Daniel Savory. Apprehending a storm, Samuel Sa- 
vory, aged seventy-two, the father of the proprietor, 
who was himself absent, went up stairs to fasten a 
window that was open. The women went to assist 
liim, but all were too late. The tornado seized the 
house in its giant grip, lifted it and whirled it around, 
burying six of the family in its ruins. The body 
of the aged Samuel Savory was found six rods away, 
his brains dashed out against a stone. Elizabeth, his 
wife, was badly injured by the falling timbers. Mary, 
tlie wife of Daniel Savory, was severely bruised, and 
an infant that she had in her arms was killed. The 
others escaped with slight wounds. 

The house of Robert Savory was also demolished. 
The family, consisting of eight persons, were all 
wounded, but not seriously. John Palmer, who lived 
half a mile away, saw the cloud coming, in shape, as he 
represented it, like an inverted funnel, the air filled 
with leaves, limbs of trees and pieces of timber. Before 
lie could enter to give an alarm, the house came down 
over his head. Mrs. Palmer was considerably hurt, 
but the rest of the family were not sensibly injured. 

Between Savory's and Palmer's the wind tore up 
everything in its course. Whole acres of corn and 
grain were swept off clean, trees were uprooted, stones 
half-buried in the earth were overturned ; one stone 
weighing six hundred pounds was moved several 
feet. 

From this place the tornado passed two and a half 
miles, sweeping away the buildings of Peter Flan- 
ders, killing a Miss Anna Richardson and injuring 
the infant child of Mrs. Flanders so severely that for 
several days her life was despaired of. Mr. and Mrs. 
Flanders testified that no sound of wind was heard, 
although some might have observed the cloud, until 
the crash of the building took place, and then all 
was over in an instant. 

The buildings of Deacon Joseph True, in the cor- 
ner of Salisbury, were next swept away. The whole 
family was buried in the ruins. Mr. True was saved 
by a huge timber, which fell endways into the 
ground, within two feet of the place where he stood, 
and the other timbers falling upon that one pro- 
tected him from injury. By almost superhuman 
exertions he dug Mrs. True and four children out 
from beneath the bricks, where they were actually 
buried more than a foot. The oven had just been 
heated, and the bricks were so hot that in removing 
them from his children the deacon burned his fin- 
gers to the bone. Mrs. True was badly hurt. The 
youngest child, an infant, seven weeks old, was 
found at the distance of one hundred feet under the 
bottom of a sleigh, the top of which could not be 
found. After this the tornado passed into Warner 
again, tearing down a barn and passing over a pond. 



the waters of which were drawn up in its centre, ami 
finally terminated its ravages in this quarter in the 
woods bordering on what is now Webster. 

Lafayette's Visit.— In 1825 the Marquis of Jvafay- 
ette made his famous journey through the United 
States. In the course of fourteen months he trav- 
ersed the whole country, visiting every State in the 
Union and all the leading cities, and was received 
everywhere with sincere tokens of reverence and affec- 
tion. June 22, 1820, he was at Concord, where 
a grand reception was given him. Among the mili- 
tary companies of the State that were in attendance 
at that time was the Warner Light Infantry, under 
the command of Captain William Currier. Monday, 
the 27th of June, the Marquis proceeded westward to 
Vermont, going through Warner. When he rcacheil 
the Warner line an escort of our citizens met him, and 
Dr. Moses Long made an address of welcome. The 
party then marched in a formal procession to Captain 
Kelley's tavern, where the old veteran alighted from 
his carriage and was conducted to the church near at 
hand. It was now noon, and, in front of the church, 
on the level green, stood a long table spread with 
choice refreshments. The general partook lightly of 
these, being waited upon by several of the beautiful 
young ladies of the village. One, who remembered 
how he looked at this time, says that his appearance 
surprised every one. He presented a fine, portly fig- 
ure, nearly six feet high, and his weight of years was 
lightly worn, his only apparent infirmity being a 
slight lameness resulting from his old wound at 
Brandywine. 

After the collation was served, and Lafayette had 
shaken hands with every man, woman and child, the 
distinguished visitor remounted his carriage and con- 
tinued his way through Warner, the old and young 
thronging the door-yards to catch a glimpse of the 
great man's face. As he passed out of sight the old 
brass cannon was fired repeatedly, awaking the echoes 
of the hills around him. And so the "Nation's guest" 
passed from Warner. 

Citizens of Note. — Warner has raised her share of 
noted characters. Near the northeastern border of 
the town still stands the birth-place and early home 
of ex-Governor Ezekiel Straw. At the opposite ex- 
tremity of the town are the ruins of the old home- 
stead where ex-Governor Walter Harriman was bom 
and brought up. Half-way between these extrem- 
ities, and under the very shadows of the Minks, was 
the early home of ex-Governor N. G. Ordway. 

Hon. John Pillsbury, ex-Governor of Minnesota, 
spent a part of his boyhood here, and his brother, 
Hon. George A. Pillsbury, mayor of Minneapolis, was 
once a trader in the store now occupied by B. F. Heath 
More extended notices will be found of these men in an- 
other portion of this volume. 

A short distance from the road leading from War- 
ner to Honniker is an old ruined cellar, all that now 
remains of what was once the habitation of Prince 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Hastings. Prince was a negro, who, for many years, 
lived in the Warner woods, enjoying a local reputa- 
tion not below that of many better men. Yet Prince 
wa.s no ninny. He was a great jokist, and could sing 
songs and play on the bones. Many stories are re- 
lated of him, but none, perhaps, better than the one 
told of his being discovered in the mill stealing meal, 
when he explained, "It is not I ; it's Tony Clark." 
Tony, or Anthony Clark, was auother negro, who was 
quite a character fifty or sixty years ago. He was a 
fiddler and dancing-master, and probably did more to- 
wards instructing the young folks in the arts and 
graces of politeness than any other man of his day or 
generation. He was born a slave, served in the Rev- 
olutionary army, was a waiter for several years to 
General Washington, and finally was manumitted 
and came to Warner to live. Prince Hastings was 
born free, and, consequently, always regarded Tony 
with contempt. So, when caught in the flagrant 
dereliction before alluded to, it was natural that he 
should charge the deed to his rival, though the man- 
ner in which he did it did not materially serve to ex- 
culpate himself Prince died in 1846 at or about, 
the age of seventy-five. Tony Clark also lived to a 
great age, dying in 1854, aged one hundred and four 
years. In honor of his Revolutionary service, they 
gave him a military funeral, which was a splendid 
affair. 

In 1876 (centennial year) a little excitement arose 
over the matter of changing the town's name from 
Warner to Georgetown. A petition, backed by the 
names and influence of a number of the prominent 
citizens, was presented to the General Court for this 
purpose. But a counter petition, containing the names 
of three-quartere of the citizens of the town, several of 
whom had signed the first, was also 'presented, and, 
after a protracted discussion by the representatives of 
both parties, the committee decided not to change the 
name; so Warner it is to-day, bearing the noble cog- 
nomen of the patrician councilor whose very name 
recalls all that wealth and ease and almost baronial 
greatness that is associated with the great crown o8i- 
cers of colonial times. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



c;exer.\I; wat.ter HARiii>r.\s.' 
The name of no New Hampshire man of the pres 
ent generation is more broadly known than that of 
Walter Harriman. His distinguished services to the 
State, both in the Legislature and in the executive 
chair, his honorable service as an ofiicer of the Union 
army, the important trusts he held at the hands of 
one and another of our national administrations, and 



I From a sketch by Rev. S. C. Boano, witb s 



not least, his brilliant gifts as an orator, which made 
him always welcome to the lyceum platform, and 
caused him to be widely and eagerly sought for in 
every important election campaign for many years, 
combined to make him one of the most conspicuous 
men in our commonwealth. 

The Harriman family is of English origin. 

Rev. Ezekiel Rogers, a man of eminence in the 
church, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1590. 
He graduated at the University of Cambridge in 
1610. Becoming a dissenter from the Church of 
England, after twenty-five years of faithful service, 
his ministerial functions were suspended. He says 
of himself, — " For refusing to read that accursed book 
that allowed sports on God's holy Sabbath, I was sus- 
pended, and by it and other sad signs driven, with 
many of my hearers, into New England." This 
stanch Puritan arrived on- these shores in 1638. In 
his devoted flock there was an orphan lad, sixteen 
years of age, named Leonard Harriman, and from 
this youthful adventurer the subject of this sketch 
descended, being of the seventh generation. 

Rogers selected for his colony an unoccupied tract 
of country between Salem and Newburyport, Mass., 
to which he gave the name of Rowley, that being 
the name of the parish in Yorkshire to which he had 
long ministered. 

The oldest son of Leonard Harriman was massa- 
cred, with ninety of his comrades,—" the flower of 
Essex County," — in King Philip's War, September 
18, 1675, at Bloody Brook. The great-grandfather of 
Walter Harriman saw eight years of hard service in 
the French and Revolutionary Wars. His grand- 
father settled in the wilds of Warner, N. H., at the 
foot of the Mink Hills, but lost his life by an acci- 
dent at the early age of twenty-eight. His father, 
the late Benjamin E. Harriman, was a man of 
character and influence through an honorable life. 
He reared a large family at the ancestral home in 
Warner, where the subject of this sketch, being a 
third son, was born, April 8, 1817. 

Muscle and intellect and the heroic virtues can 
have no better nursery than the rugged farm-life of 
New England, and the Warner homestead was a 
challenge and stimulus to the qualities that were 
needed in the future man of affairs. This child of 
tl\e third generation that had occupied the same home 
and tilled the same soil grew up with a stalwart 
physical organization and a fine loyalty to his native 
town, a deep interest in its rude history and tradi- 
tions, and a sympathy with the common people, 
which, in turn, made him a favorite with all. To 
him there was no spot to be compared with his birth- 
place, and there were no people so interestiuL' and 
endeared as his old neighbors in the rugged hill-town. 
A few years before his death he wrote a "History of 
Warner," which is regarded as " one of the most syste- 
matic, comprehensive and generally interesting works 
of the kind yet given to the public in the State." 



WARNER. 



673 



His "schooling" was obtained at tlie Harriraan dis- 
trict school and at the academy in the adjoining town 
of Hopkinton. 

When hardly more than a boy, he made a success- 
ful trial of the excellent self-discipline of school- 
teaching, and at different times taught in New 
Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and New Jersey. 
While in the latter State, at the age of twenty-two, 
he became deeply interested in the principles of 
Liberal Christianity (the form of religious faith to 
which he always held), and occasionally wrote ser- 
mons, which were well received from the pulpit, and 
some of which found their way into print. It was 
certain, from his early youth, that nature designed 
him for a public speaker, the rare oratorical gifts 
which afterwards distinguished him having shown 
themselves gradually and prophetically in the district 
school-house and the village academy. This tenta- 
tive experience iu preaching, undertaken of his own 
motion and without conferring with flesh and blood, 
resulted in his settlement, in 1841, over the Univer- 
salist Church in Harvard, Mass., where he remained 
in active service four years. Returning now to 
Warner, and soon leaving the pulpit altogether, he 
became the senior partner in trade with John S. 
Pillsburj% late Governor of Minnesota, probably the 
only instance in our history where two young busi- 
ness partners in a retired country town have after- 
wards become the chief executives of different States. 

In 1849, Mr. Harrimau was elected by his towns- 
men to the New Hampshire House of Representa- 
tives, where he almost immediately became promi- 
nent as a leader in debate on the Democratic side. 
Of his record as a party man little needs to be said, 
except that from first to last, and whatever his affilia- 
tions, he displayed great independence in espousing 
measures and principles which commended them- 
selves to his judgment and conscience, even when it 
jmt him in a minority with his political associates. 
In his first legislative term, on the (juestion of com- 
muting the death sentence of a woman who was sen- 
tenced to be hung for murder, he not only advocated 
such commutation, but was a leader in the movement 
for the abolition of capital punishment altogether, to 
which purpose he always stood committed. In the 
Legislature of 1850 he was the leading advocate of 
the Homestead Exemption Law. at which time a reso- 
lution was adopted submitting the question to the 
people. The voters of the State gave their approval 
at the next March election, and in the following 
June the act was consummated. No Legislature has 
dared to repeal it, and the foresight and courage of 
its authors and earliest advocates have been so 
approved by thirty years of experience that it is 
doubtful if a single citizen can be found to-day who 
would desire to undo their work. 

It was no accident or trifling smartness that could 
give a man prominence in those two Legislatures of 
a third of a century ago. Among the men of marked 



ability, now deceased, who held seats in those years 
were Horton D. Walker, Samuel H. Ayer, Lemuel 
N. Pattee, Edmund Parker, Samuel Lee, John Pres- 
ton, William Haile, Richard Jenness, William P. 
Weeks, Thomas E. Sawyer, W. PI. Y. Hackett, Na- 
thaniel B. Baker, Charles F. Gove, Thomas M. Ed- 
wards, Josiah Quincy and scores of others, now living, 
of equal merit. In this galaxy of brilliant minds it 
is no exaggeration to say that, young as he was, Mr. 
Harriman was an honored peer in legislative duty 
and debate. Besides the two years named he repre- 
rented Warner again in the House in 1858, when he 
was his party's candidate for Speaker. He also rep- 
resented District No. 8 in the State Senate in 1859 
and 1860. In 1853 and 1854 he held the responsible 
position of State treasurer. Appointed, in 1856, by 
the President of the United States, on a board of 
commissioners, with ex-Congre.ssmon James H. Relf, 
of Missouri, and Colonel William Spencer, of Ohio, 
to classify and appraise Indian lands in Kansas, he 
spent a year of official service in that inviting terri- 
tory, then turbulent with ruffianism. Border raids, 
burnings and murder were daily occurrences; but 
the duties of this office were faithfully attended to, 
and no breath of complaint was ever heard against 
the delicate work of the board. 

During the reign of that un-American political 
heresy popularly called Know-Nothingism, in 1854, 
1855 and 1856, Mr. Harriman was its firm and un- 
yielding enemy. In a discussion of this question 
with Hon. Cyrus Barton, at Loudon Centre, Mr. 
Harriman had closed his first speech, and Mr. Barton 
has just begun a reply, when he dropped dead upon 
the platform, a tragedy which lingered sadly in the 
memory of his friendly antagonist of that day. 

The outbreak of the Civil War began an era in the 
life of every public man in the nation. It projected 
issues which made party allegiance a secondary afl^air. 
It sent many earnest and honest men across the party 
line, while some of our best citizens simply took their 
stand for the time being outside all political folds, 
independent and ready for whatever calls the ex- 
igencies of the country might give forth. In that 
fateful spring of 1861, Mr. Harriman became the 
editor and one of the proprietors of the Weekly Union 
at Manchester, wliich heartily espoused the war 
policy of Mr. Lincoln's administration for the preser- 
vation of the republic, and thus found himself the 
leader and spokesman of what were known as tlie 
" War Democrats." He was placed in nomination as 
a candidate for Governor of the State at a large mass 
convention of this class of voters, held at Manchester 
in February, 1863, and the movement resulted in 
defeating a choice by the people and throwing the 
election into the Legislature. 

No man uttered braver or more eloquent words for 
the Union cause than Mr. Harriman, and his tongue 
and pen were an important element in the rousing of 
the citizens of New Hampshire to the graver duties 



674 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



ofthehour. In August, 1862, he was made colonel 
of the Eleventh New Hampshire Regiment of Volun- 
teers. He led his regiment to the field, and was at 
its head most of the time until the close of the war, 
except the four months, from May to September, 1864, 
when he was an inmate of Confederate prisons. With 
some other captured Union officers, he was for seven 
weeks of this time imprisoned in that part of Charles- 
ton, S. C, which was most exposed to the fire of the 
Union guns from Morris Island ; but, providentially, 
though that part of the doomed city was destroyed, no 
harm came to him from the guns of his fellow-loyal- 
ists. 

The first set battle in which the Eleventh Regiment 
bore a part was that of Fredericksburg, in December, 
1862, when, with unflinching courage. Colonel Har- 
riman and his men faced the dreadful carnage of that 
long day before Marye's Heights, less than three 
months after their arrival in the field. The loss 
of the regiment in this engagement was terrific. 
Passing over much (for want of space) that is thrill- 
ing aad praiseworthy, we find the Eleventh, under 
their colonel, at the front in the battle of the Wilder- 
ness, May 6, 1864, where they made a daring and 
stubborn onset on the Confederate entrenchments, 
carrying before them two successive lines of the 
enemy's works. But among the five thousand Union 
men that were captured in that bloody engagement, 
the commander of the Eleventh New Hampshire 
was included. Colonel Harriman and the survivors 
of his charge were present at the final grapple of the 
war, before Petersburg, and on the 3d day of April, 
1865, he led a brigade of nine regiments (a force three 
times as great as the whole American Army at Bun- 
ker Hill) into that fated city on the heels of Lee's 
fleeing command. The war was now virtually ended; 
the surrender of Lee at Appomattox followed six 
days afterward, and the Eleventh Regiment, of proud 
and honorable record, was mustered out of service 
the following June. Their commander was appointed 
brigadier-general United States Volunteers, by 
brevet, " for gallant conduct during the war," to date 
from March 13, 1865. 

On his arrival home, at the close of the war. Gen- 
eral Harriman was elected to the office of Secretary 
of State by the Legislature then in session, and he 
at once entered upon the duties of the office, which 
he held two years, and until his promotion to the 
gubernatorial chair. In the large Republican Con- 
vention, consisting of six hundred and seventy-five 
delegates, and held at Concord in 1867, he was nomi- 
nated on the first ballot as candidate for Governor of 
the State. One of the most salient and memorable inci- 
dents connected with this period was the joint canvass, 
made by amicable arrangement between General Har- 
riman and the Hon. John G. Sinclair, the Democratic 
candidate. Such canvasses are not uncommon in the 
West and South ; but in New England, and with men 
of such forensic ability as the distinguished nominees 



posessed, it was an event fraught with great popular 
interest, and which drew forth, possibly, the most 
earnest and eloquent discussions of questions to which 
a New England people has ever listened. Many 
flattering notices were given of these discussions ; 
there were thirteen in all. Commenting on one of 
the number, a leading newspaper said of General 
Harriman : " Soaring above all petty personal allu- 
sions, he held the audience as if spell-bound, and 
made all his hearers, for the time being, lovers "f 
the whole country — of the Union, of liberty and inde- 
pendence throughout the world. He spoke not as a 
politician, but as a patriot, a statesman, a philan- 
thropist, and his noble sentiments had such power of 
conviction that it was impossible to ward oft' the 
results by argument." His election followed by a 
decisive majority. 

The campaign of 1868 occurred at a time when a 
strong reaction was setting against the Republican 
party throughout the country. Fresh candidates lor 
the Presidency were about to be nominated ; the ini- 
peachment of Andrew Johnson was in progress ; 
military rule had been established in the South ; utter 
financial ruin was hotly foretold ; and the dominant 
party was suffering crushing reverses in many of the 
States. To add to the discouragements of this party 
in New Hampshire, when the municipal election 
came on, in December, Portsmouth and Manchester 
rolled up adverse majorities, and the tide was tending 
strongly in one direction. Encouraged by such 
promising signs the Democratic party held its State 
Convention at the early day of the 14th of November. 
Their old and tried war-horse, John G. Sinclair, was 
again put upon the track, and his election was, by 
that party, deemed a foregone conclusion. A long 
and fierce contest ensued. Governor Harriman met 
his fellow-citizens face to face in every section of the 
State. He addressed immense meetings, holding one 
every secular day for six weeks, and failing to meet 
no appointment on account of weariness, storms or 
any other cause. He was triumphantly re-elected, 
obtaining a larger vote than any candidate for office 
had ever before received in New Hampshire. 

Of Governor Harriman's administration of the af- 
fairs of the State, in its principal features, with the 
exacting duties and the keen prudence required of 
the chief executive in those days of large indebted- 
ness, unbalanced accounts and new legislation to 
meet the new and unprecedented demands, his con- 
stituents seem to have been hearty and unanimous in 
their approval. Their feelings may be summed up 
and expressed in the words of the Boston Journal 
when it said : "The administration of Governor Har- 
riman will take rank among the best that New Hamp- 
shire has ever had." 

General Harriman was appointed naval officer of 

the port of Boston by President Grant in April, 186it, 

which office he accepted after the expiration of his 

1 gubernatorial term, in June following. He was re- 




/j^^^^^ l^l^-^:e,y^^l^ 



WARNER. 



675 



appointed in 1873 for a term of four years. Tlie affairs 
of this office were conducted iu sucli a manner as to 
preclude any word of criticism. 

General Harrimau engaged in political canvasses 
repeatedly in most of the Northern States, and in 1872 
he participated extensively in the State campaign in 
North Carolina. In this later canvass the key-note 
of the national campaign was pitched, and the result 
of the desperate contest there in August made the re- 
election of General Grant in November a certainty. 

Thousands have warmly testified to the rare ora- 
torical powers of the subject of this sketch, the Meri- 
den (Connecticut) Recorder being one of the number. 
That paper says of him : " As a platform speaker we 
never heard his equal. His delivery is fine, his logic 
clear as a crystal, his manner easy and natural and 
his physical force tremendous. With a voice clear 
and distinct as a trumpet, of immense compass, vol- 
ume and power, his influence over an audience is 
complete. He affects nothing, but proceeds at once 
to the work in hand, and from the very outset carries 
his hearers with him, rising at times with the in- 
spiration of his theme to the loftiest flights of elo- 
quence." 

In 1881, General Harrimau was chosen to the Leg- 
islature from Concord, and in the Hall of Represent- 
atives, where he had stood over thirty years before, 
he took a fearless and independent position on the 
great questions that were agitated at that session. In 
1882 he made an extended tour through Europe and 
portions of Asia and Africa, visiting London, Paris, 
Rome, Athens, Alexandria, Cairo, Jerusalem and 
many other places of note, going to the heart of the 
great pyramid and bathing in the Dead Sea and the 
waters of Jordan. On his return he wrote a book of 
his travels, which was his last work, entitled " In the 
Orient." The book is characteristic of the author, 
who saw much in a short time, and taking one rapidly 
through that interesting country, on foot and horse- 
back, where brave armies fought and where patri- 
archs, prophets and Apostles went. The book was 
published by Lee & Shepard, of Boston, and two 
editions have been sold. 

General Harriman was twice married : first, in 1841, 
to Miss Apphia K. Hoyt, daughter of Captain Ste- 
phen Hoyt, of Warner, who died two years afterwards ; 
and again, in 1844, to Miss Almira R. Andrews, 
of Warner, who survives him. By the latter marriage 
he had three children,— Georgia, the only daughter, 
is the wife of Joseph R. Leeson, an importer, of Bos- 
ton ; Walter C, the oldest son, a lawyer in Boston ; 
the younger sou, Benjamin E., having prepared him- 
self for the medical profession at some of the best 
schools in the land, took his degree at Dartmouth 
College in 1877 and began practice in Manchester, 
N. H. ; but his health soon failing, after patient and 
determined efibrts for its recovery, and after attempt- 
ing, in Troy, N. H., to follow his profession, where, in 
a short space of time, he acquired a large practice and 



aroused the strongest feelings of friendship and sym- 
pathy of the people, he returned to his father's home 
in Concord, where he died of consumption and a heart 
difficulty May 23, 1880, lamented not only by his own 
family, but by a large circle of devoted and enthusi- 
astic friends. His wife, so early bereaved, was Miss 
Jessie B., only daughter of the late Colonel Isaac W. 
Farmer, of Manchester. 

A biographical paper, read before the New Hamp- 
shire Medical Society by Dr. A. H. Crosby, a i)hy- 
sician of wide reputation, and printed, portrays the 
character of Dr. Harriman in generous outline and 
fine and tender tinting. He was a young man of a 
keen mind and of high integrity, large capacities for 
friendship and superior equipment for his life-work. 
There are two grandsons and one granddaughter of 
General Harriman's surviving children to represent 
the family. 

In the month of July, 1883, General Harriman wa.s 
prostrated, although apparently in his usual health, 
with cerebral embolism, resulting in aphasia, and al- 
though he made a wonderful and unexpected recov- 
ery therefrom, it was evident that his days on earth 
were hastening to a clo.se. Early in the spring of 
1884 he became confined to his home. Calmly he 
awaited the great transition, as the shadows gathered 
about him, with the oft-expressed wish that it might 
come suddenly and that his days of weariness might 
not be prolonged. 

Like passing into a deep .sleep, he died on the 
morning of July 25th. His remains repose in Tine 
Grove Cemetery, beneath a tall granite shaft, among 
his kindred, where the waters of the river ripple be- 
low and in full view of the hills that overshadow the 
place of his birth. 



BEXJAMIX EVANS. 

Benjamin Evans, son of Tappan Evans, was born 
at Newburyport in 1772, but was brought to Warner 
with the family before 1780. His mother was calkd 
the " handsomest woman in Newburyport," and the 
son was aman of striking personal appearance. The 
writer has been unable to gather many facts in rela- 
tion to the early life of this noted man. His educa- 
tion was limited, but, having commanding natural 
abilities, he wielded a large influence in Warner and 
in the State for many years. He married a Miss 
Wadleigh (an aunt of the late Judge Wadleigh, of 
Sutton) and commenced life at Roby's Corner. There 
he had a farm and saw-mill, Ihe mill being a few 
rods below the present river bridge. In 1803 he went 
into mercantile business at South Sutton and at once 
became a prominent and influential man in the town. 
Though he only remained at Sutton four years, he 
served several times as moderator at town-meetings 
and several times as selectman. In 1807 he returned 
to Warner and made his home from that time through 
life at the village. 



676 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



He was the leading business man in town for a 
long period of time ; besides carrying on his country 
store, he dealt largely in cattle. 

He lived some twenty-five or thirty years in what 
is now known as the Bates house, and the remainder 
of his life at the Porter house. He was a soldier in 
the War of 1812. He knew every man in town and 
couUl readily call each man by name. He served as 
moderator of town-meetings, as selectman and as 
representative to the General Court a great many 
years. 

He was elected Senator in old District No. 8 in 
1S30, and was in the Governor's Council in 1836 and 
1S37. He was appointed sherifFof Merrimack County 
in 1838 and held this, his last office, till 1843, the 
year before his decease. 

His children were Abigail, married Reuben Porter ; 
Susan, died in infancy; Susan (2d) married Dr. 
Eaton; Lucinda, married Nathan S.Colby; Sophronia, 
married Stephen C. Badger; Sarah, married H. D. 
Robertson; Hannah M., married Abner Woodman 
(he was a farmer and did considerable justice business 
in settling estates in the town of Warner) ; Benja- 
min, the last child, died at the age of six years. Mrs. 
Hannah M. Woodman' is the only surviving child of 
the late Benjamin Evans, and furnishes this illustra- 
tion as a tribute to her father's memory. 



LEVI BARTLETT. 

Levi Bartlett, oldest son of Joseph Bartlett, was 
born in Warner, N. H., April 29, 1793, and is, there- 
fore, at this date, ninety-two years of age. 

His grandfather, Simeon Bartlett, of Amesbury, 
Mass. (a brother of Governor Josiah Bartlett, of 
Kingston, N. H., who was first after General Han- 
cock to vote for and to sign the " Declaration of In- 
dependence"), was one of the original proprietors of 
the town of Warner, and he gave to his three sons, 
Joseph, Richard and Simeon, valuable tracts of land 
in the then newly-settled township. 

The Bartlett family are from Stopham, Sussex 
County, England. John and Richard, progenitors of 
most of the name in this country, came over in 1634 
and 1635, and settled at Newbury. They trace back 
their family for over eight hundred years of unbroken 
pedigree. Sir Walter B. Barttelot, a lineal descendant 
of .\dam Barttelot, who came over with William, the 
Conqueror, now inherits the old family estate, con- 
sisting of some seven or eight thousand acres. 

Sir Walter is member of Parliament, a Conserva- 
tive and a stanch supporter of the Queen. 

The subject of the present sketch, Levi Bartlett, of 
Warner, was early employed in his father's store, at 
the Lower village. A country store was then, even 



' Since the above was written Mre. Woodman has passed away. She 
did May 26, 1885. 



more than now, the centre of all masculine gather- 
ings for the interchange of news and political and re- 
ligious ideas. The incidents of the Revolutionary 
War were still fresh in the minds of the old habitues 
of the place, and the lad, always eager for informa- 
tion, listened with breathless interest to tales of daring 
and heroic deeds, and gazed with flashing eye as some 
old veteran of the war "shouldered his crutch and 
showed how fields were won." Added to the history 
of his country they orally delivered were the contents 
of the town library, kept at his father's store, and su])- 
plied, among other works, with copies of most of the 
popular histories then extant,— Hume, Gibbon, Gold- 
smith, etc., — and while the rest of the family were 
gathered of an evening in the " east room " for social 
and neighborly converse, the young man, stretched on 
the old-fashioned kitchen settle, read, by the light of a 
tallow, candle, or possibly by a blazing pine-knot, his- 
tory, Shakespeare, translations of Virgil and Homer, 
or whatever else of poetry or romance those early times 
afforded. His extreme predilection for agriculture 
was fostered, if not induced, by the " Georgics," read 
at that susceptible age. Opportunities for education 
were very limited in those days, and the common dis- 
trict school did not set ordinary pupils very far on the 
road to knowledge. Private instruction, through a 
couple of winters, by Hon. Henry B. Chase, then a 
rising young lawyer of the town, and a " finishing 
term " at Amesbury Academy were all the additional 
scholastic advantages enjoyed by Mr. Bartlett. This 
rather meagre training was, however, largely supple- 
mented in his case by constant, varied and extensive 
reading, and by a critical study, in later years, of 
geology, chemistry and other works connected with 
what was then dubbed, rather sneeringly, by the pop- 
ular voice as " scientific farming." He was sent early 
to Newburyport to the book-store of Thomas & Whip- 
ple, and later to the store of his uncle, James Thorn- 
dike, of Salem, Mass., with the expectation that he 
would engage in mercantile pursuits. But he had 
little taste for " trade " and the embargo and non- 
intercourse with foreign nations, owing to the un- 
friendly and exasperating conduct of England, which 
worked so disastrously upon the fortunes of those 
once opulent merchants in the " City by the Sea," 
completed the disgust of young Bartlett for that oc- 
cupation. The trade of tanner and currier appeared 
to him the only safe and lucrative business, and his 
father arranged to set him up accordingly. 

He pursued this avocation for several years, but the 
passion for agriculture, which had all this time found 
vent in the cultivation of fruits and flowers, grew too 
powerful to be resisted, and he left what was fast be- 
coming a lucrative employment for the pursuit of 
farming, which he has since followed. 

He began at once towrite for agricultural papers, 
experimented largely in diflerent ways of managing 
crops, adopted most of the new theories of scientific 
men in relation to the constitution of the soil and its 



^ ^v ), 




^4>«^ /3/vT^T^:^r 



WARNER. 



677 



adaptation to certain growtlis, etc. His opinions and 
writings were favorabl)- received, and he, as pioneer 
in a new field, since pretty thoroughly investigated, 
was considered " authority " on most points relating 
to improved agriculture. 

In 1834, Mr. Bartlett was invited to become a regu- 
liir contributor to the Neic England Farmer, and from 
tliat date till after he had passed his eightieth year he 
wrote regularly for various agricultural periodicals. 
He was special correspondent and associate editor of 
the Boston Journal of Agriculture during its brief life. 
He wrote constantly for the Country Gentleman, oc- 
casionally for the Farmer's Monthly Visitor, The 
Statesman and Blanchester Mirror and many other 
papers. He was for a time associate editor of the Bos- 
ton Cultivator. His writings have been published in 
various States of the Union, and not unfrequently 
copied into English papers. 

When an Advisory Board of Agriculture met at 
the Patent Office, Washington, D. C, in 1859, Mr. 
Bartlett was selected by a committee of that board to 
represent New Hampshire, and he was present during 
its session of eight days. 

A year later, when a series of important lectures on 
scientific agriculture was to be given at Yale College, 
Hon. Henry B. French, then of Exeter, late Assistant 
Secretary of the Treasury at Washington, and Mr. 
Bartlett were invited from this State to be present. 



After he had passed his eightieth birthday he began 
and completed a "Genealogy of the Bartlett Family," 
which has been largely called for all over the country. 

The work cost a vast amount of labor and research, 
and proved a very trying labor for the aged com- 
piler. 

In politics Mr. Bartlett has been an "old-time 
Whig," and in a town which was for many years the 
very "keystone of the Democratic arch" in New 
Hampshire, was seldom troubled with offers of office, 
but held the office of postmaster for five years imme- 
diately preceding General Jackson's term at the 
White House. 

It is curious to note the difference in that " institu- 
tion " between those years and the present time. Mr. 
Bartlett declares that more papers and letters are re- 
ceived in a single day now at our office than he dis- 
tributed in the course of a whole year. 

Mr. Bartlett married, June 1, 1815, Hannah Kelly, 
only daughter of Rev. William Kelly, the first minister 
of Warner. They had two children, who lived to 
mature age, — William K., who married Harriet X., 
daughter of Nathan AValker; Laviuia K.,the daugh- 
ter, married Dr. Dana D. Davis, who died soon alter 
of yellow fever in Baton Rouge, La., where he was in 
the practice of his profession. Their only child, Wil- 
liam D. Davis, married Louise Harding, of Virginia, 
and is a clerk in the Custom-House, New York City. 



[.V difference of opinion seems to exist concerning the derivation of the name of this town. Hon. Walter 
Harriman claimed that it was named in honor of Seth Warner, of Bennington, Vt., while others claim that 
it derived its name from Hon. Daniel Warner, of New Hampshire. Isaac W. Hammond, however, author of 
" Town Papers," and an indefatigable searcher in matters relating to the early history of New Hampshire, 
says he " finds himself of the opinion that Governor Wentworth named the town for his intimate friend. 
Colonel Jonathan Warner, of Portsmouth, who married a cousin of the Governor, and was, at the time of the 
incorporation of Warner, a member of the Governor's Council." — Publishers.] 



HISTORY OF WEBSTER. 



BY MISS E. M. BUXTON. 



CHAPTER I. 

Ilitrodvlct.iry—Dnscription—IiKlustiies— Early Settleniciits— I urorponi- 

Introductory. — The historical instinct, if we may 
use the ('X]iression, is not strong in Americans. We 
iuvvc been too intensel}' busy with the present to 
spend much time in gathering up the story of the 
past. But we are beginning to realize the great value 
of our heritage of history. States.counties, towns and 
families are searching among records and traditions, 
trying to weave the scattered and broken threads into 
something like continuous narrative. The sketch 
here presented in behalf of the town of Webster is 
exceedingly fragmentary, having been prepared un- 
der great disadvantages. This word of apology is 
due, not to the writer, but to the citizens of Webster. 
Much of the material used has been drawn from the 
"History of Boscaweu," by Eev. Ebenezer Price, 
published in 1823, and from the "History of Bos- 
cawen and Webster," by Charles Carleton Coffin, 
published in 1878. The writer would acknowledge 
also assistance furnished by Messrs.' W. W. Burbank 
and Sherman Little. Another esteemed citizen of 
Webster should also be named here, whose record 
henceforth is on high— Mr. Ephraim Little. He was 
familiar with the history of his native town, and was 
o-reatly interested in gathering materials for this 
work, but died before he had put them in shape to be 
used. 

Webster looks back with a just pride upon her past. 
Those early settlers who gave character to the town 
were men of sturdy natures, courageous, persevering, 
clear in their perceptions of right and of duty, posi- 
tive in their opinions, abounding more in solid sense 
than in refinement. These qualities have appeared 
in a marked degree in all the subsequent history of 
the town. The institutions of the gospel and of edu- 
cation were among the fir.st cares of those who came 
to the wilderness, and these have exercised their own 
softening and refining influence on the generations 
who have succeeded. The results of this influence 
have been felt, not only within the limits of Webster, 
but wherever the migratory spirit has led her sons 
and daughters. These are filling honorable positions 
nil the Pacific slope, in the great Northwest and in 
the Mississippi Valley. Such men as Jacob Little, in 
078 



Ohio, and Henry Little, in Indiana, have laid a 
strong molding hand on thousands of the inhabitants 
of those and other States, and have helped to make 
the interior of our country what it is to-day. 

In common with many of the country towns of 
New England, Webster has decreased in population 
within the last forty years, and the present inhabit- 
ants speak with a shade of sadness of the large 
families and the crowded school-houses of a half- 
century ago. But the fountain does not complain 
because it cannot keep all its waters at home. It 
sends them forth in streams which carry life and 
verdure hither and thither until at last the clouds 
bring them back again. So to the country hill- 
sides of New England come back the blessings and 
prayers of those who have gone forth to other homes. 

Description. — More than a century and a half 
have passed away since John Coffin and eighty other 
citizens of Newbury petitioned the General Court of 
Massachusetts Bay for " a grant of land situated on 
the west side of the Merrimack, adjoining Penacook 
plantation." The grant, which was obtained tlie fol- 
lowing year, lays down the boundaries of the pro- 
posed township as follows : 

"A plot of township of land granted at [by] the Conrt to John Coffin 
.ind others, lying on Merrimack river, above Penacook, surveyed by 
Richard Hazen and two chain men on oath, being bounded as follows, 
viz.: beginning at the middle of Contoocook river, when it empties into 
the Merrimack, where it joins the Penacook Plantation; thence running 
west, 16° South, adjoiningTenacook line, four miles, to a white pine 
tree, marked for Penacook corner bound ; thence, further on, the same 
line three miles and eight poles to a Norway pine marked for the corner 
bounds: thence turned at right-angles and running North 15° west seven 
miles and eight poles, to a crotched, white birch lettered and standing on 
the southeast side of a hill, which is the North west corner ; thence 
turned at right-angles and run east 15 deg. north, near seven .miles and 
a half, to a white oak and two white pines marked, by Merrimack river, 
and by said river ae it runs to Contoocook Kiver." 

This was known by the Indian name of Contoo- 
cook, until the formal incorporation of the town, in 
1760, when it took the name of Boscawen, in honor 
of Admiral Boscawen, who distinguished himself in 
the British navy during the French and Indian War 
and at its close. The present article has to do only 
with the western part of this tract, which, in 1860, 
became a separate town, bearing the name of Web- 
ster. The account of the division of the old town 
will be given more at length hereafter. 

Webster is an agricultural town, possessing a var- 



G79 



ietv of soil ailapteil to t'armiug and grazing, witli a 
good ijroportion of forest growth. Oak aud maple, 
pine and hemlock are abundant. The Bhukwater 
River runs through from north to south, afl'ording 
several good water privileges. The surface is diver- 
sified with hill and dale, abounding in bits of the 
most picturesque scenery. The chief eminences in 
the town are Little Hill mid ( '....K's Hill in the north 
part, Corser Hill in tin i:i-.t. I'mid Hill in the west, 
aud Rattlesnake Hill souihwoi nl' the centre. Long 
Pond is a beautiful sheet of water, nearly two miles 
long and from one-half to three-fourths of a mile 
wide, towards the west part of the town, at the foot 
of Pond Hill ; while, on the east. Great Pond lies on 
the boundary between Webster and Boscawen. 

From various points in the town commanding views 
may be obtained of landscapes presenting an endless 
variety of feature. One of these " mounts of vision '" 
is on Little Hill. Looking toward the southwest in a 
summer morning, one sees Long Pond nestling among ' 
the surrounding hills, reflecting in its glassy surface ^ 
every line of their contour with wonderful clearness, j 
The farm-houses of White Plain can be seen here and ] 
there, almost hidden among the trees, until the nar- I 
row valley broadens out into a vista of sunny slopes, 
blending at lasc with the sky. 

The highest land in Webster is the hill west of the 
house of Captain William D. George, which probably 
has an elevation of between nine hundred and one 
thousand feet. Mount Washington is plainly visible 
from that point in a clear atmosphere. The elevation 
of Corser Hill Meeting-House is seven hundred and 
eighty-six feet. Mount Kearsarge, with its graceful 
outline, is seen to fine advantage from Corser Hill, 
while from the height of land south of the house of 
Mrs. John Sanborn a rare view may be enjoyed in a 
clear day eastward, westward and northward, includ- 
ing some of the White Mountain peaks. 

From Sanborn Hill, in the west part of the town, 
the eye sweeps over an extensive landscape, by no 
means inferior in its varied beauty to those already 
mentioned. 

A small village clusters about the Congregational 
Church on Corser Hill, and a mile southwest of that 
is the larger village of Sweatt's Mills, containing the 
^Methodist Church, post-oifice and the Blackwater 
Jlills, which are at present closed. There are two 
stores in town, one kept by George Little on Corser 
Hill, and the other by Arthur C. Call at Sweatt's 
Mills. 

The location of the town is a healthy one and peo- 
ple grow old here. At the opening of the present 
year (1885) there were fifteen individuals in town 
over eighty years of age and two of these were upwards 
of ninety, — Mr. Jacob Waldron, ninety-four, and Mrs. 
Amos Corser, ninety-two. Both have died since the 
beginning of the year. 

The population of the town, according to the cen- 
sus of 1880, is six hundred and forty-seven. 



Industries. — Lumbering has always been predomi- 
nant among the industrial interests of Webster. The 
first saw-mill was built by Henry Oerrish in 1779, on 
the Blackwater, a little above the mill now owned by 
W. W. & I. A. Burbank. That at the outlet of Long 
Pond was built about 1800 by Jeremiah Gerrish, and 
somewhat later the mill on the Blackwater, a little 
north of Dingit Corner, and the Danforth and Jack- 
man Mills farther down the river. Pillsbury's mill 
was built about 1809. The mill on Knight's Meadow 
Brook was built by Henry Little about 1825. The 
first clapboard-mill was below the Pillsbury mill and 
w;is built by Colonel John Farmer. The second wjis 
built in 1834 and is still in use, being owned at 
present by W. W. & I. A. Burbank. The first grist- 
mill was the Norris Mill, at Sweatt's Mills. There 
was also one run of stones in Pillsbury's mill. 

In the early part of the century there were two 
fulling-mills in town, one at Sweatt's Mills and the 
other at Burbank's Mills. Both were ruu at one 
time by Paul Pearson. At Sweatt's Mills, when 
the river was low, the fulling-mill and grist-mill 
were rufi alternately, one by day, the other by night. 

Coopering was carried on by Captain Boyden, 
Jabez Abbott and Benjamin Sweatt. At Sweatt's 
Mills a building, put up originally for a carding-mill, 
was used for a long time as a match-mill. The 
manufacture of hats was carried on by Mr. Columbus 
George, on White Plain. Cut nails were made by 
Jeremiah Gerrish, on the place now owned by 
Charles D. Glitten. They were cut out of hoop-iron 
with large shears, driven by horse-power. 

At the present time the manufacture of shingles, 
broom-handles, chair-stock, etc., is carried on by 
James Snyder, on the mill-site on Blackwater River, 
near the residence of Samuel Little. Box-making is 
a special branch of business at Burbank's Mills, to- 
gether with general lumber business and making of 
chair-stock. In 1881 between five and six thousand 
dollars were paid out by F. L. Burbank & Son for 
labor, including teaming. 

Early Settlements. — In 1745, Thomas Cook built 
a log cabin in the northeast part of what is now Web- 
ster, near "Mutton Road," and not far from the swell 
of land which bears his name. This was probably 
the first house built in the town. Upon the breaking 
out of Indian hostilities in the following year, he 
deemed it prudent to leave his cabin, but was killed 
at Clay Hill in May, 1746. During the |)eace which 
followed the first outbreak of Indian warfare, Edward 
Emery built a house at the foot of Corser Hill, on the 
south side of Long Street, on land now owned by 
Miss Nancy Couch. He moved his family thence 
to the fort, upon the second Indian attack, and the 
house was rifled by the savages. It is not known 
that he ever occupied it afterward. In 1756 he, with 
Ezekiel Flanders, was killed by the Indians at 
Newfound Lake, whither they had gone to hunt 
beavers. Permanent settlements began about 1763. 



680 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Benjamin Day was probably the first settler. He built 
a house on land now owned by Mr. John Dodge. 
About the same time Jonathan Cass built a house 
by Long Pond, near the house lately owned by Mr. 
David Sweatt, the foundations of which may still be 
seen. These two were the only houses west of the 
Blackwater when, in 1774, Enoch Little built his 
house on Little Hill. The first framed house in Web- 
ster was built by Mr. David Oorser, on Corser Hill, 
and is now occupied by Mr. Tilton. 

Not far from 1795, Mr. Stephen Putney bought and 
cleared the ftirm in the south part of the town, on 
which his son, Mr. Charles E. Putney, now lives. 
A little later, William Clough settled on Sanborn 
Hill, west of Pond Hill, and, shortly after, Mr. 
Tristram Sanborn built a house near where his 
son, Jesse Sanborn, lives at present. In Bashan, 
Moses Gerrish and William Danforth settled, per- 
haps a little earlier. From 1775 to 1800, settle- 
ments rapidly increased. "In the year 1777 there 
were probably not more than ten legal voters west of 
Beaver Dam. In thirteen years the number had in- 
creased to seventy-one." From this time until 1860 — 
the date of the incorporation of W^ebster — its civil 
history is hardly separable from that of Boscawen. 
Mr. Coffin, in his excellent "History of Boscawen and 
Webster," gives a variety of facts in regard to the 
" west end of the town," some of which will be given 
nearly in a chronological order. 

Up to 1791 there was no meeting-house in the ter- 
ritory now called Webster, the only place of worship 
in Boscawen being at the northwest corner of the 
cemetery west of \Voodbury's Plain. This was a long 
way oft' for the residents west of Blackwater, and the 
question of a new meeting-house was agitated in 1784, 
but without result. In 1 791 they presented the fol- 
lowing petition to the General Court: 

" To the Honorable Seuate and House of Representatives of the State 
of Xew Hampshire in General Court Assembled : 

"The subscribers, Inhabitants of the westerly half of the town of Bos- 
cawen, in said state, Humbly beg leave to show that the easterly half of 
eaid Town was (irst settled, & that the meeting-House built to accommo- 
date that part of the town only, giving the westerly part, which was 
then thinly inhabited, encouragement for a parish, when their numbers 
were sufficient, but aa it is not agreeable to the laws of the state, your 
petitioners are exposed to great inconvenience and hardship in attending 
public worship, town meetings & especially in the winter season, it being 
more than five miles from the Meeting-House to the Centre of the west- 
erly half of said Town & that from the combination of Ponds Hills & 
Swamps 4c., which lie between the easterly * westerly half, will ever 
render it inconvenient to remain in our District & in our present situa- 
tion we have no redress without the aid of this court. 

"Your petitioners, therefore, pray that the westerly half of said Town 
may be set off from the easterly half, and incorporated into a separate 
Town by the name of Bristol, with the same privileges ob other Towns 
in this state or otherways relieved, as j'our Honors, iu your wisdom, shall 
see meet, * your petitioners, as in Duty bound, shall ever pray. 

" Boscawen, June 1, 1791." 

This was signed by seventy-one names, — that is, by 
all the legal voters west of Beaver Dam. This alarmed 
the citizens of the eiust section, who did not wish the 
town divided, and, at a special town-meeting, a com- 



mittee of non-residents was chosen to select a site for 
a new meeting-house. One of this committee was 
Judge Ebenezer Webster, of Salisbury, father of Hon. 
Daniel Webster. It was voted that the frame be raised 
and the pews sold during the year. This building i.s 
now the town-house of Webster. 

In 1793 the first store was opened in Webster by 
Samuel Gookin, in a house that stood on the site now 
occupied by the residence of George Little, Esq., on 
Corser Hill. 

" In 1812, Colonel John Farmer, Abraham Burbank, JIoso i;.ii i-li, 
William Danforth, Moses Tj'ler, of Hopkinton, Little Burbaiil., .11 .- 
Little and other citizens, formed an association known as tlx' I'm-Liu 
Mining Co. It was thought that lead and silver would be fouiMi ^n 1it.<l 
owned by William Danforth. Extravagant stories werBCurrt-nt in m,,ii 1 
to lead mines known to the Indians. It was currently reportc.llliai :Ih 
Indians knewa place where they could cut out the lead with tli'-ii !uii\. -, 
and thus obtain bullets. If the citizens 'Jiad known ought of mitp t:il. 
ogy, they would have rejected such fictions at once, for lead^nevcrexi?!.-, 
iu its native state, in such a form. 

"The first meeting of the association was at the house of Abraham 
Burbank, October 2", 1812. Moses Gerrish was chosen moderator 8n<l 
John Farmer clerk. 

" At a second meeting it was ' Voted that John Holmes shall have a 
share in said mine, providing that he will show the company where tin- 
real substance of lead is, and uot^witliout.' ^ Voted, that ap]>lication b<- 
made to Israel Diamond, of Goffstown, for the discovery of the mine, if 
Holmes should fail.' ' Voted, that application be made to Doctor Withs 
[Withem], of Plymouth, if Holmes and Diamond should fail.' 

" These gentlemen — Holmes, Diamond and Withem — were supposed to- 
be able to locate a mine by the use of witch-hazel rods, which, when 
carried in the hand, would point to the precious metal. 

" Which of these located the mine is not known, but operations began 
near William Danforth's house. A hole thirty or forty feet deep was 
dug, but no silver or lead was found, and the mine was soon aban- 

In February, 1824, and August, 1826, great freshets 
occurred, the latter having been known ever since as 
" the great August freshet." More than twelve inches 
of rain fell in six hours. " Every bridge across the 
Blackwater was swept away with the exception of that 
at Sweatt's Mills. The water ran through the ravines 
west of the village at Sweatt's Mills and also took 
the short cut from the bend near the residence of 
Mr. Orlando Fittz to the mills near Samuel Little's. 
The roads were very much washed. The damage in 
other towns was equally great. At the White Moun- 
tains occurred the slide by which the Willey family 
lost their lives." 

A post-office was established at Sweatt's Mills in 
1830 and the mail was carried once a week to Hopkin- 
ton. Most of the citizens, however, received their 
mail from Concord, and, in 1841, a petition was en- 
tered for a new post-route to Boscawen, with a mail 
service twice a week, which was granted. In 1851 a 
tri-weekly mail was obtained, and since 1881 the mail 
has been delivered daily. 

The Granite Mutual Fire Insurance Company was 
organized in 1841. S. B. Little was president, and 
Rev. Ebenezer Price secretary. This association 
gave place, in 1877, to the Merrimack County Mutual 
Fire Insurance Company, with the following directors: 
Francis B. Sawyer, president ; Friend L. Burbank, 



WEBSTER. 



Joseph L. Coiuli, Cyrus Fittz, Ej)hraiin Little sec- 
retary aud trea-siirer. 

Incorporation. — In 1791, as has already been seen, 
tlie people of West Boscawen petitioned for a division 
of the town, that they might secure a meeting-house 
for themselves. This was, however, prevented by the 
citizens of the east part of the town, who agreed to 
the building of the desired place of worship. In 
course of time other causes conspired to bring about 
a permanent separation between the two sections. 
The Northern and Concord and Claremont Railroads 
had changed the currents of trade to Concord, Warner 
and Contoocook instead of Boscawen Plain, as formerly. 
The lack of a central town-house furnished another 
reason for discontent. Town-meetings had been held 
at the east and west ends of the town alternately; but, 
in 1840, the meeting-house on the Plain being re- 
modeled, the meeting was at West Boscawen two years 
in succession, and this raised the question of division 
again. Some of the voters at the west end com- 
})lained of unfair dealing in the application of public 
funds, being aggrieved by the purchase of a fire-engine 
for Fisherville (now Penacook), which, they afHrmed, 
had been voted upon after the majority had gone 
home. On tlie other hand, taxable property at the 
east end was rapidly increasing, and the citizens of 
that section retorted that they had heavy taxes of 
their own to pay without being obliged to keep so 
many Blackwater bridges in repair. Political jeal- 
ousies naturally arose between the two parts of the 
town, and at length, in 1860, the centennial year of 
the town of Bo.scawen, a petition was presented to the 
Legislature, signed almost entirely by the citizens of 
the east part of the town (but one name having been 
obtained from the other part), praying that the town 
might be divided, the east section retaining the name 
and records. This roused strong and indignant feel- 
ings among the people of West Boscawen. In spite 
of all causes of discontent, they were proud of the 
p;xst history of the noble old town, and were unwilling 
to be thus thrust out from their inheritance in its name 
and fame. They opposed the division stoutly; but 
stronger influences were brought to bear upon the 
legislative body by the other side, and on .luly 4, 1860, 
the Governor approved the act of imcorporation, the 
first section of which, defining the boundaries of the 
new town, is as follows : 

" That aU that part of the town of Boscawen lying westward of the 
fol lowing described line, to wit : beginning at the centre of Bearer-Dam 
Brook, 30 called, on the northerly bonndary line of said town, and run- 
ning thence southerly along the centre of said brook to Couch Pond, so 
called ; thence in a straight line across said pond to the brook connecting 
the same with Great Pond, so called ; thence along the centre of said last- 
mentioned brook to said Great Pond ; thence in a straight line across 
said Great Pond and the brook running therefrom, at the southerly end 
thereof ; thence along the centre of said brook until it strikes the south- 
erly side of the highway, near Burbank's Mills, so called, leading from 
Ephraim Plumer's to Dodge's Mills, so called ; thence easterly, along 
the southerly side of said highivay to a point in a line with the westerly 
side line of the fifth range of the forty-five acre lots in the fourth division, 
as originally laid out ; thence southerly to and along said westerly line of 
said tifth range, and in continuation of the i 
43 



erly bonndary line ofsa 
Webster." 

Great dissatisfaction wiis felt in regard to the name. 
It was claimed that it had been given in honor of Daniel 
Webster ; but the jjeople of the town believed it to 
have been given out of "malice prepense" as a last- 
ing sarcasm upon the relations of certain men jiromi- 
nent in both towns. Moreover, they claimed that, 
even if given in good faith and in honor of the great 
statesman, it was the east end, where he had engaged 
in the practice of law from March, 1805, until Septem- 
ber, 1807, which should have the name, rather than 
the west, with which he had no connection whatever. 
They petitioned the Legislature for the name West 
Boscawen, but were refused. This, however, was re- 
tained as the post-office address until a later period, 
and the name of Webster was rarely used, save in legal 
matters. 

Probably the true explanation of the origin of the 
name is to be found in the following extract from a 
letter written by Judge Smith, of Manchester, in 
reply to inquiries addressed to him by Sherman Lit- 
tle, Esq. : 

" The bill to divide the town w.is reported favorably by some conunit- 
tee, probably by the committee on division of towns. The bill, at 
reported, gave the new town the name of West Boscawen. 1 knew no- 
thing about the merits of the bill, or of the feeling that had arisen be- 
tween the people of the east and west parts of the old town. When the 
bill was reported and read, it occurred to me that it would be in better 
taste, as well as more convenient, to give the new town a distinctive 
name, rather than a name not differing from that of the old town, except 
by the geographical prefix. Accordingly, I cast my eye over a township 
map of New England in search of an appropriate name. Almost the 
first name that caught my attention was "Webster. It immediately oc- 
curred to me that it would be peculiarly appropriate to name one of the 
towns W^ebster, for th.at distinguished son of Xew Hampshire, Daniel 
Webster. ... I at once suggested the matter to the counsel who 
represented the old and new towns, and they both assented that I migh» 
make the motion to amend the bill in the particular mentioned, or made 

"\Vhenthe bill next came up in the House, I moved to amend by 
striking out the words West Boscawen, wherever they occurred, and in- 
serting the word Webster, and stated briefly my reasons for so doing. 
. . . My recollection is that no one said a word against the change of 
name, and the motion was adopted without dissension or opposition." 

The first town meeting was held August 11th, S. B. 
Little, Esc]., being elected moderator, and D. E. Bur- 
bank town clerk. 

It was expected that the new town would return a 
Democratic majority, but, in its first town-meeting 
and ever since, Republican principles have prevailed. 
In 1866, fifteen ballotings for representative resulted 
in no choice, and the town was unrepresented for 
that year. 

Before the first year of the incorporate existence ot 
Webster had passed, the cloud of Civil War, which 
had been slowly gathering over the land, burst in all 
its fury. There was a diversity of feeling among the 
inhabitants of the town, some believing the war to be 
unnecessary, a few sympathizing openly with the 
South, while the larger part were ready, with heart, 
hand and purse, to sustain the administration in its 
eftbrts to put down rebellion. 



682 



HISTORY OF MEKIUMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



January 15, 1862, it was voted to support the fami- 
lies of those who had enlisted, and the selectmen 
were authorized to raise money for that purpose. 

August 7th, " Voted, that the town pay one hundred 
dollars to each recruit who is an inhabitant of this 
town, who will enlist before the IStli of the present 
month, for the term of three years, not to exceed the 
quota required of this town, to be paid when mus- 
tered into the service." " Voted, that the selectmen 
be authorized to hire a sum not exceeding three 
thousand dollars, to meet the expense of paying the 
above bounty to volunteers." 

September 3d, " Voted, that the town pay to volun- 
teers for nine months in the army of the United 
States one hundred dollars each, upon their being 
mustered into the service of the United States, and 
the selectmen are empowered to hire money suffi- 
cient to pay the same. 

January 7, 1863, " Voted, that the selectmen procure 
men to fill the town's quota on the best terms they 
can, and pay from any money belonging to the town 
not otherwise appropriated." 

September 7th, " Besolved, that the town of Web- 
ster pay to its drafted men, and all those that may be 
drafted, or their substitutes, the sum of three hun- 
dred dollars, in accordance with an act of Legislature 
passed June session, 1863, and approved July 10, 
1863." 

March 8, 1864, " Voted, that a bounty of three hun- 
dred dollars be paid to its veteran volunteers, who 
have or may re-enlist to the credit of the town, and 
authorize the selectmen to raise the sum." 

August 16, 1877, the ninety-ninth anniversary of 
the battle of Bennington was celebrated in the Con- 
gregational meeting-house with appropriate exer- 
cises. Sherman Little, Esq., was president of the 
day. A historical oration was delivered by C. C. 
Coffin, Esq., of Boston. This was followed by ad- 
dresses by Rev. Edward Buxton, Rev. Arthur Little, 
of Fond du Lac, Wis., and others, with music by a 
select quartette and au original song by Major Alfred 
Little. 

November 7th, the State having voted a convention 
for the revision of the Constitution, Rev. Edward 
Buxton was chosen delegate from Webster. 

August 16, 1883, the town of Boscawen celebrated 
the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of its settle- 
ment, and proposed to Webster, as having been for- 
merly a part of its territory, to unite in the celebra- 
tion and preparations therefor. The town in its official 
capacity did not respond to the invitation ; but the 
sum of $50.50 was contributed by individuals towards 
the expenses of the occasion, and Webster ladies, with 
their usual liberality and housewifely skill, furnished 
generous baskets of provisions for the tables. 



CHAPTER II. 

W E BSTE R— ( Continued). 

Militiiry History— Ecileeiastical llietory— Educational IlisK.ry. 

Military History.— The history of the Revolution 
has been written over and over again. Some writers 
have wearied themselves and their readers with their 
careful detail of the causes that led to the glorious 
struggle. Others have lavished their powers of de- 
scription upon the brilliant battle-scenes of the war, 
while others still have devoted their pens to the 
character and achievements of their favorite heroes. 
But a large part of that history can never be written 
by human pen. The struggles between love and 
patriotism, the hand-to-hand fights with poverty, the 
heroism that nerved the hearts of wives and mothers 
to bid God-speed to their husbands and sons, and 
then turn back without flinching into their lonely 
homes to do as best they could the work that belonged 
to stronger hands— these can be found only in the 
records kept above. Webster has her full share in 
this unwritten history, though there may be little 
which can be put upon paper. Her adult citizens in 
1776 were not more than thirty in number, but these 
all signed the Articles of Association, by which they 
did "solemnly engage and promise that we will, to 
the utmost in our Power, at the Risque of our Lives 
and Fortunes, with Arms, oppose the Hostile Pro- 
ceedings of the British Fleets aud Armies against the 
United Colonies." " This was the people's Declara- 
tion of Independence, agreed to before the signing of 
that document by the Continental Congress on July 
4th. They put their names boldly to the paper, there- 
by declaring themselves rebels." Such men were not 
slow to answer their country's call to active service. 
They were found at Bunker Hill and on the field of 
Bennington, undaunted by perils, not shrinking from 
hardship, always proving themselves sturdy patriots. 

The military spirit seems to have been active in 
Webster even after the emergencies of war had 
passed by. Two companies of the volunteer militia 
of Boscawen, the Light Infantry and the Rifle Com- 
pany, were formed almost entirely of men residing 
in the westerly part of the town. Both these com- 
panies were well organized, well officered and well 
drilled. 

The breaking out of the Rebellion, in 1861, roused 
the citizens of the newly-formed town to a higher 
appreciation than ever of the "Union one and indi- 
visible." The following is the list of soldiers from 
Webster as given in Mr. Coffin's history and drawn 
from the papers in the town-clerk's office and from 
the reports of the adjutant-general, neither of them 
giving in full the company and regiment : 

Calviu M. Burbank, enlisted in Company B, Second Regiment. 
Lieutenant David E. Burbank, enlisted -in Company E, Sixteenth Kegi- 



Ezckiel W. Burbank, enlisted in Company E, Sixteenth Kegimi 
Carter F. Blanchard, enlisted in Company E, Tenth Regiment. 



WEBSTER. 



(.ieorge Call, fulistod in Foui-toeuth Regiment. 

Hamilton P. Cwrser, onlisted in Fourteenth Regiment. 

David S. Corfler, onlisted in Fourteenth Regiment. 

George C. Chase, enlisted in Company E, Sixteenth Rigimcnt. 

Calvin P. Conch. 

John B. Chase, enlisted in Cumiwiny K, Sixteenth Regiment. 

George W. Fisk. 

George S. Fellows, enlisted in Eighth Regiment. 

Daniel F. Flandere, enlisted in Company E, Sixteentli R.-Kinient. 

James L. Gerrish, enlisted in Company E, Sixti-eJiIh Kegimunt. 

Charles N. Heath, enlisted in Company B, .Second Regiment. 

Edward F. Jaffere, enlisted in Company U, Fourteenth Regiment. 

Hiram A. Jack, enlisted in Company H, Sixteenth Regiment. 

Willard W. Jones, enlisted in Company H, Sixteenth Regiment. 

Jesse M. Jackman, enlisted in Company il, sixteenth Regiment. 

Daniel P. Kilburu, enlisted in ('.>iii|.,iii> ■ . Sii.rpsliooters. 

Andrew J. Kelley, enlisttd ir) ( ,ii|.,,i,. i , ~l, u |.~liootera. 

Lucien M. liilburn, enlisti-a in ' -ini .n> ' , -iMi.-nth Regiment. 

W. H. Libhe, enlisted in Coiiii«uiy II, liiurl. . nth Regiment. 

Frank Libbe, enlisted in Heavy Artillery. 

George W. Ladd, enlisted in Company H, Fourteenlii Regiment. 

Joseph M. Ladd. 

Warren F. Lock. 

Charles Little, Surgeon, Navy. 

Captain David A. Macurdy, enlisted in lV.m]Biny H, Fourteenth Regi- 

Matthew Macurdy, enlisted in Company H, Fourteenth Reginu-nt. 
Tristram S. Page, enlisted in Company E, Sixteenth Regiment. 
Gardiner Roby. 
George S. Roby, enlisted in Fourteenth Regiment. 

Sumner J. Sweatt. 

Blaisdell Sweatt, enlisted in Company H, Konrth Regiment. 

Lieutenant Frederic P. Stone, enlisted in Cavalry. 

Jefferson Searles, enlisted in Seventh Regiment. 

Joseph 0. Sanborn, enlisted in Fourth Regiment. 

Joseph E. Sanders, enlisted in Company E, Sharpshooters, 

Lieutenant Walter H, Sargent, enlisted in Company H, Fourteenth 

Regiment. 
Isaac P. Sargent, enlisted in Company E, Sixteenth Regiment. 
Jolin Sargent, enlisted in Heavy ,\rtillery. 
Warren A. Story, enlisted in Company E, Sixteenth Regiment. 
Hiram Thompson, enlisted in Fourteenth Regiment. 
Lnther C. Titcomb, enlisted in Company E, Sixteenth Regiment. 
Joseph Tliurber, enlisted in Company E, Sixteenth Regiment. 
John Whittier. 
David J. Whittier, enlisted in Company E, Sixteenth Regiment. 

These did their duty nobly. Som'e fell on the field 
of battle, others were slain by the malarious atmos- 
phere of the South, and some of those wlio came 
home bore honorable scars. 

The Webster enrollment is given as follows : 

Citizens Uable to do military duty April ,'i, l.SO,i Ki 

Total quota under all calls 3i> 

.Soldiers in service ^'l 

Surplus 10 

Ecclesiastical History. — The " old meeting-house" 
Stands on Long Street, not far from the Blackwater, 
keeping guard over the "old graveyard," where two 
whole generations lie buried. The house was built 
in 1791, but the burial-ground was not laid out until 
1813. This was the first meeting-house built in Web- 
ster, and was occupied as a place of worship by the 
Congregational denomination until the erection of 
the meeting-house on Corser Hill, in 1823. In 1804 
the " Westerly Religious Society " was formed, com- 
posed of seventy members, including the citizens 
west of Beaver Dam, together with some from Water 
Street, in Boscawen. The society was incorporated in 



1810. The " Second Congregational Church in Bos- 
cawen" was organized September 26, 1804, and at the 
same time Rev. Ebenezer Price was installed as its 
pastor. He continued in the sacred office until 1837, 
when he was dismissed by mutual consent, and Rev. 
Edward Bu.xton was installed as pastor December 13, 
1837. With the exception of a few months in 1875- 
76, when the church was served by Rev. William 
Schofield, he wiis in active service until 1882, when 
Rev. Charles E. Gordon began his labors as stilted 
supply. In October, 1883, he was installed as pastor, 
" Father Buxton " being at the same time dismissed. 
For a period of seventy-nine years this church had 
had but two pastors, a record which is seldom sur- 
passed. 

Deacons have been elected as follows: Benjamin 
Sweatt, Eliphalet Kilburn, 1805; Enoch Little, 1811 ; 
James Kilburn, 1825; George T. Pillsbury, 1831; 
Jeremiah Gerrish, 1836 ; Enoch Little, Eldad Austin, 
1843 ; Henry Gerrish, Henry Pearson, 1874. Since 
the formation of the church, four hundred and thirty- 
four members have been added to its fellowship, — 
one hundred and seventy-five males and two hundred 
and fifty-nine females; sixty-five of these were 
received by letter; four hundred and ninety-nine 
children and one hundred and six adults have been 
baptized. The name of the church was changed, 
December 20, 1868, from "The Second Congregational 
Church in Boscawen" to "The First Congregational 
Church in Webster." 

The forty-fifth anniversary of Father Buxton's 
settlement over the church was celebrated December 
13, 1882. Invitations were sent, as far as possible, to 
all who had ever been members of the church. The 
day proved unpropitious, one of the heaviest snow- 
storms of the year filling the .sky ; but the meeting- 
house was filled with a happy throng of friends, old 
and new. There were beautiful decorations of ever- 
green, while on the pulpit and platform bouquets and 
flowering plants were tastefully arranged. The ven- 
erable pastor gave a retrospective address, recalling 
briefly and vividly the circumstances of his installa- 
tion and the men who took part in it, all of whom 
had now finished their earthly labors. C. C. Coffin, 
Esq., of Boston, a former member of the church, then 
gave a historical address, throwing the strong light 
of his graphic style over the manners and customs of 
the olden time. Rev. .1. H. Hoflman, of Hcnniker, 
N. H., spoke in behalf of the pastors of neighboring 
churches. A purse of three hundred dollars was 
presented to Father Buxton by Deacon H. H. Ger- 
rish, in behalf of his friends. After a generous sup- 
per, served in the gallery, which has been fitted up as 
a "sociable-room," the evening was spent in listening 
to letters from absent friends and in social converse, 
interspersed with music. Poems written by Mrs. 
James B. (ioodhue and by Mr. Luther B. Little were 
read. Another, written by Miss Getchell, of Xew- 
buryport, wa.s received too late for reading, an<l wa.s 



684 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



inserted in the ijaniphlot containing the published 
account of the day. The occasion was declared by 
all who participated to be a rare success. 

In 1820 the " Christian Union Society" was formed, 
the reasons for which are thus stated in the preamble 
to the constitution, — 

'* mti^reas, Religiou aud morality, grounded on Evangelical principles, 
hij'S the ftnnest foundation for happiness hei-e and hereafter, and in order 
to inculcate and support this grand principle, it hecomes necessary that 
men associate together and form themselves into societies for the mutual 
support and happiness of each other ; and such is the lot of human na- 
ture in this imperfect state that it becomes necessary for every society to 
form and adopt certain rules of government for the mutual happinu'.'is of 
the whole ; Therefore, with these views and impressions, we, the sub- 
scribers, agree to form ourselves into a society under the above pre- 

The society was composed of fifty members. 

They voted, in the next year, to lay claim to "their 
privilege in the West meeting-house" and also their 
equal share of the parsonage money. They believed 
this to be legal from the fact that the town had 
erected the frame of the house and had sold the pews 
for raising money to finish it. Some of the members 
of the society were pew-owners and the rest held 
that, on the ground of citizenship, they had a right 
to a share in the house. Various negotiations passed 
between the two societies, but without reaching any 
settlement, until at last the Christian Union Society 
" Reaoloed to occupy the house." "This was done June 
15th and 16th, in connection with a session of the 
Christian General Conference. The Christian Union 
Society took possession of the meeting-house at an 
early hour on Sunday morning, and Elder Peter 
Young was occupying the pulpit when Rev. Sir. Price 
entered the house at the usual hour for public service. 
The assessors of the Westerly Religious Society made 
a formal demand for the house. There was some 
confusion, but no breach of the peace. The time had 
gone by for a compromise between the two societies, 
and the Westerly Religious Society resolved to erect 
a meeting-house for themselves, thus leaving the 
Union Society in undisturbed and peaceable pos- 
session of the old house." 

"In 1844 the Christian Union Society voted to re- 
model the meeting-house — flooring over the galleries, 
removing the east and west porches aud making a 
convenient chapel of the upjier story, the lower floor 
being reserved for a town-house. All the slips — fifty- 
two in number — with the exception of two, were sold." 

The society was vigorous and flourishing for several 
years ; but emigration thinned its membei-ship and 
since 1869 no regular service has been held. 

The Christian Baptist Church was formed in 1808, 
consisting of five male and seven female members. 
It was organized June 16th under the following com- 
pact : 

"This church have agreed to lay aside all the party names by which 
professors are called, with all such things as are called creeds, covenants, 
platforms and articles of faith, with all the commandments of men ; and to 
consider (;hrist their only Master and the New Testament their only 
rule, and to be known by the name given at Antioch— which is Chris- 



At the close of the year 1808 the church numbered 
twenty-five members. It is now virtually extinct. 

The Methodist Church of Webster was formed in 
1839, having its place of worship at Sweatt's Mills. 
Ai that time the Methodist Biblical Institute was at 
Concord and the church was supplied by its students. 
At a subsequent period, the institute was removed 
from Concord, and, as a result, preaching has not 
been regularly sustained. 

Sabbath-schools have been maintained in Webster 
more than sixty years. At first they were holden in 
the difierent districts, in the school-houses or at private 
residences. In 1824 the number of scholars was 
ninety-seven ; these recited twenty-nine thousand nine 
hundred and fifty-seven verses of Scripture during 
the six months ending October 24th. Mr. Coflin tells 
of " one scholar of retentive memory, who tired out 
the patience of his teacher, reciting chapter after 
chapter, and was told that he might finish the recita- 
tion on the next Sunday." 

In 1831 the schools were organized into one, and 
the sessions held on Sabbath noon at the meeting- 
house. Sabbath-schools are at present maintained by 
both Methodist and Congregational Churches, includ- 
ing all ages. 

Educational History. — No picture of New Eng- 
land life is considered complete without its church 
and school-house. These are not always found in 
close proximity, it is true ; nevertheless, religion and 
education lay very near the hearts of the early set- 
tlers. To be sure, they sometimes lost sight of the 
distinction between religion and theology, and were 
more zealous for orthodoxy than for holy living ; and 
we, in the late afternoon of the nineteenth century, 
smile at their narrow views of education. But the 
church of to-day owes them sincere gratitude for their 
stanch adherence to the principles of the Bible ; 
and many a man among the mature scholars of the 
present age looks back with a wholesome respect to 
the humble school-house and the stern school-master 
with whom his childhood had an acquaintance, feel- 
ingly remembered, even now. The sum total of in- 
formation which those ancient schools afforded was 
very small, and their appliances for education and 
mental culture were exceedingly few ; but they kept 
alive and stimulated a love of learning, and, by their 
very deficiencies, prepared the way for better things. 

In 1787, if we could have looked into the southwest 
corner room of the house in Webster now occupied 
by Mrs. S. B. Little, we should have found forty or 
fifty large boys and girls assembled for school. The 
seats are benches of plank without backs. The only 
window is a half-sash of six lights. The teacher is 
Enoch Little, a young man of shrewd common 
sense and ready mother-wit, both of which stand him 
in good stead in the possible emergencies which may 
arise out of his uncouth surroundings. He is, per- 
haps, as fond of argument and as decided in his opin- 
ions as when, sixty years later, he used to settle, with 



calm authority and to his own entire satisfaction, the 
interpretation of prophecy. He has a turbulent set 
to deal with, but he is master of the situation and 
impresses upon his pupils, from his own personality, 
lessons far more valuable than the reading, writing 
and arithmetic which they receive. 

Another man, famous among the schools of the 
olden time, was Moses Thurston, then and through 
his long life known as " Master Thurston." 

"He was a severe disciplinarian. One of Iiis instriiuieuts fur maiu- 
taining discipline was a leather ferule, composed of two pieces of ham- 
mered sole-leather, with sheet lead stitched between them. On one side 
he punched four holes, on the other, five. He usually asked a culprit 
which he would have — four holes or five. If the trembling urchin said 
four, Master Thurston usually gave this reply ; ' For fear of making a 
mistake, I will give you both.' Each stroke left an array of blisters the 
size of the holes, on the aching palm. He taught several years in West 
Salisburj'. It was a turbulent school, and it used to be jocosely said that 
the surrounding farms never would have been cleared of aldere if Master 
Thurston had not been employed as teacher." 

The writer's most vivid recollection of him is as he 
sat in church in a pew at the north end of the gallery, 
on the ea-st side of the meeting-house on Corser Hill. 
He always sat in the same seat, in the same position, 
looking down from his serene height upon the minis- 
ter, attentive, but otherwise apparently unmoved by 
pathos or eloquence. He was a regular attendant un- 
til advancing years rendered him too infirm. He 
died in 1861, aged eighty-eight years. 

The first " school-dame " whose name appears on 
the records of Webster was Phebe Knight, who kept 
school on Little Hill in 1791, and afterwards on 
White Plain. We find no further record of her as a 
teacher ; but she was a poetess as well, and perhaps 
some of her instructicms to her pupils were softened 
and blended into rhymes. The following fragment 
might well cheat a boy into learning a good lesson 
without knowing it : 

•A FRAGMENT. 



' How great is my use ! ' cries the quill of f 
' Who duly my merits appraise ? 
My praises resound the world all around— 
I make even fools to be wise.' 

•' The Nee,lh. 



■ Hold ! hold ! prating goose, for V 

Although I am shorter and slin 

By my little head many thousand 

Whilst your scribble 



purchase a dii 



" The Wheel. 
' ' .\ud what were your head were it not for my 
So, then, independent Miss Steel, 
Jtist acknowledge thy due to the wheel.' 
"The Loom. 
' ' And what were your worth were it not for ui 
The loom, looking largely, replied. 
' Both needle and thread might beg for their I 
If I did not keep them employed.' 

" The Are. 
* Mr. Axe raised his head and to them he said,- 

' Come, yield the precedence to me, 
For to me, yovi must know, your being you o\v 



[ like f 






gins to swell and rise, 
.\nd makes us great in our own eyes 
Shall human tools contend with God, 

We are His clay, formeil by His li:iii. 
For His own use, at His couuuan.l. 
Let not curst pride our hearts deceiv. 



Miss Knight was afterwards married to Mr. Nicho- 
las Moody, and lived to a good old age. The mantle 
of the teacher and poetess has fallen upon her grand- 
daughter. Miss Ellen K. Abbot, who was for a long 
time a very successful teacher among the schools of 
Webster, and for some years a member of the super- 
intending committee, and whose pen runs naturally 
to rhymes. 

Mary and Phebe Thurston, sisters of Moses, were 
also among the schoolma'ams of early days. The 
former taught on Little Hill in 1792 and 1793. She 
was married afterwards to Mr. Ephraim Noye.", but 
kept school in her own house, the same now occupied 
by her daughter. Miss Edna Noyes. Miss Noyes 
remembers that on one occasion her mother saw fit to 
correct a girl in school, but administered chastise- 
ment lightly. The mother of the child was weaving 
in the "shed-room," and apprehensive that Mrs. 
Noyes was not severe enough, she appeared upon the 
scene and proceeded to carry out Solomon's precept, 
"Withold not thou correction — spare not for his cry- 
ing." The teacher's authority was vindicated, nor 
was it disputed again by that child. Truly, parental 
good sense was not unknown in those days. 

Phebe Thurston continued teaching until the de- 
mand for "higher education" left her modest attain- 
ments in the back-ground. She was a woman of 
natural dignity of manner and of firm will. On being 
asked what wages she used to receive in school, she 
answered, " Seventy-five cents a week and boarded 
round." She died in 1867, at the ripe age of eighty- 
nine years. 

The list of studies in those days was very brief, for 
books were few. The Bible and Catechism were dili- 
gently studied, and the girls carried their sewing and 
knitting to school, in which important branches of 
domestic economy the teacher, if a woman, was ex- 
pected to be proficient. The grand problem of edu- 
cation is not yet fully solved even by the school sys- 
tem of our own country, of which we are justly so 
proud. Between the limited curriculum and bare 
practicality of the schools at the opening of this cen- 
tury and the extended courses of study and infinite 
amount of general information about everything 
which scholars of the present are expected to absorb 
there is a golden mean, which, perhaps, will be found 
to be nearer a true solution of the problem than 
either extreme. 

In 1809 a new school law was passed. The dis- 
tricts .were re-established and a superintending com- 
mittee appointed, consisting of Rev. f^benezer Price, 



686 



HISTORY OF MElllllMAe'K COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Rev. Samuel Wood and the selectmen. It must be 
remembered that this committee supervised the whole 
town of Boscaweu, including Webster. Rev. Mr. 
I'rice took a lively interest in all the educational 
art'airs of the town, and his influence was deeply and 
■widely felt among teachers and pupils. From this 
time there was a marked improvement in the schools. 
It was found that strength of nerve and muscle was 
not the only qualification needful for the teacher, 
and the absolute despotism of the ferule passed away. 

The committee voted to visit the schools "the 
second Tuesday after their commencement and the 
Tuesday preceding their close, and to this end public 
notice shall be given the Sabbath before such visit." 

The following is Mr. Price's report of the first visi- 
tation of the committee under the new law: 

"ISO'J, May IG, No. 1. — Tuesday the committee, accordiug to public 
notice, visited the school district No. 6, Little Hill, under the care of 
Jlisa Mary Gerrlsh,— 32 children. Books, Spelling book, Preceptor, 
Geography, Grammar, Bible & Catechism. 

■• May 30, No. 7.— Tuesday a.m. visited School at White Plain under 
the care of Miss Sally Pillsbury,— 25 children. Books, Spelling hook, 
; Catechism. The scholars young, but ambitious and very 






" No. 3.— Same day a.m. visited School on Corset Hill under the caro 
of Miss Phebe Thurston —50 children, 3.5 girls. Books, Columbian 
Orator, Geography, Testament, Catecliisni. Some writers, but none in 

"June 13, No. 9. — Visited Long Pond School, under the care of Miss 
Mary Parker,—;)? children. Books, Spelling B., one in Webster's 3d P. 
A one in the Bible. No Granimur, lii-i.g'y .ir rnU-t 
pleasant number of scholliii.^ w h., li i\ . i, , [, i,,,,], , 
poor instructors, a miseraiilr i^ m .-! books. 

"Same day, p.m., No. s.- \ (■ h ".1, under the care of 

Miss Abigail Allen,— 13 cliil.li ;. n : - -| Min- Bo., Webster's 3 P. & 
Catechism, None in Grammur, (l.-ij^'y ur \\ riling; the School well- 
governed & the children ambitious. 



*' We found in the several sdioolfi ; 
dated with suitable school-l...ii|,- ; 
capable Instructresses & und-i tlj:ii > 
advantage to the children A -nit -,ii 
shews a very wise appropriiilioii mI j,i 



■ well provided with 
which promises much 
eir Parents, & at once 
education of children 



In this report of summer schools, arithmetic does 
not appear in the list of text-books. " Mental arith- 
metic was not introduced until about 1830. Its in- 
troduction produced great excitement. Many of the 
l)arents opposed it on the ground that it would con- 
fuse the minds of the children and produce insanity." 

Reports of two of the winter schools will be sub- 
joined, and then we will pass on to a later period, — 

"Jan. 15, No. 3.— Visited School Corsor 11111,-51 children: 20 girls, 
41 boys. Benjamin Gookin, Master. 
1st Class. 15 in Geog. 
2d C. Gin Webster 3 P. 

3d 0. 12 in Preceptor. 



Cth (' 


11 in Spelling, 
;i in 4 syhiblcs 
1 in 2 sylables 


%1. 


v,-l 








" 20 writers, 10 in arithn 


clic A 


lii 


liranimar. 


.ScllO 


ol 


A governeil. 

" Keb. Uth. No. G.-Visited School I.ittio Hill 
range.! in a new and comn.odious School-house, 
Smith. 


-.V2 
inder 


cl 
th 



1 class. 3 in 2 sylables. 

3 " 4 in Poetical lessons. Spell. B. well. 

4 " 10 in Preceptor. 

6 " 4 in English Reader, well. 

I) " 27 in Geog. ; some too fast, others slow. 

17 parsed grammar. 

■Xi Spelt in Dict'y— Girls better than boys. 
4 in Arithmetic. 

2G in writing. 
"This School promises fair." 

For many years Rev. Edward Buxton was a mem- 
ber of the superintending committee of the town and 
labored indefatigably for the improvement of the 
schools. He did much to secure a uniformity of text- 
books throughout the town. Under the direction of 
Mr. Price, select schools had been kept on Corser 
Hill, taught by students from Dartmouth College. 
Mr. Buxton revived this practice, and for a long 
series of years a flourishing school was held every 
autumn. These schools did not a little toward raising 
the standard of attainments among the scholars of 
Webster, putting within reach of many, advantages 
which otherwise they could not have enjoyed. 

In many, if not all, of the districts of the town, 
some weeks of private school are often added to the 
term of public instruction. Some of the districts 
show their appreciation of a good teacher by securing 
the same one for several terms in succession. 

In 1867 the town voted to raise one hundred and 
fifty dollars, in addition to the amount required by 
law, for educational purposes. 

A word is due in this connection to the musical 
culture of Webster. Deacon Enoch Little taught the 
fii-st singing-school not far from the beginning of this 
century, in the house now owned by Henry L. Dodge. 
He said of himself, "I knew but little about music, 
but I guess I knew more at that time than any other 
man in town." He was leader of the choir, which 
numbered about sixty persons. His son Enoch was 
afterwards a successful teacher and leader. 

Twenty-five or thirty years ago Webster numbered 
among its musicians many of rare excellence and 
sweetness of voice. Notable among these were Mrs. 
F. B. Sawyer, Mrs. George Little, Mrs. Moses Trus- 
sell, E. W. Burbank, all of whom have joined the 
choir above. Others who have taken deep interest in 
music, or have been 'teachers of singing-schools, are 
J. P. Farmer, now of Glyndon, Minn. ; D. E. Bur- 
bank, now of Norwich, Vt. ; C. C. Coffin, Esq., of 
Boston; J. L. Gerrish, H. F. Pearson, J. B. Chase 
and Mrs. H. H. Gerrish. 



CHAPTER III. 

WEBSTER— {C<mli,„i<-d). 

Iliograiihical— List uf Town Officers from 1800 to 1885. 

Biographical. —The following biographical sketches 
are prepared, to a great extent, from Mr. Coffin's his- 
tory, with his permission. 



WEBSTER. 



(JS7 



Abraham Buebank, eldest son of David Bur- 
bank, and grandson of Captain Moses Burbank, one 
of the early settlers of Boseawen, was one of the 
prominent business men of Webster. He was born 
November 16, 1781 ; learned the trade of blacksmith 
of his father, and carried on blacksmithing with Jesse 
Little, on Little Hill. He was an adept in making 
axes, giving them a shajie much liked by the wood- 
choppers at the beginning of the century, and of such 
keen temper that "Abe Burbank's axes" were widely 
known and had a ready sale. 

With his son. Friend L. Burbank, he became pro- 
prietor of the mills on Blackwater Kiver, of a mill on 
Knight's Meadow Brook and of one on Pond Brook. 
At one time nearly every mill in Boseawen was em- 
[iloyed in sawing his lumber, which was sent down 
the Merrimack River to Lowell and Boston. He was 
greatly respected by his fellow-citizens and was re- 
peatedly elected to represent them in the Legislature. 
He was a cheerful supporter of religious and chari- 
table organizations, and alive to all interests affecting 
the public welfare. He died in 1836, aged seventy- 
five years, an active, energetic, honored citizen to the 
last year of his life. 

Rkv. Edward Buxtox, the youngest son of Cap- 
tain Benjamin and Hannah (Flint) Buxton, was born 
in Xew Boston, N. H., August 17, 1803. His early 
educational advantages were very limited. The dis- 
trict school, a little study of Latin with his beloved 
old pastor. Rev. E. P. Bradford, a term at Frances- 
town Academy, another at Exeter (Phillips) Academy 
comprised the whole of his opportunities of school. 
But up to the very end of his long life he was a close 
student. He was a good Greek and Latin scholar, 
and late in life he engaged with much zest in the 
study of Hebrew. A young lady who was visiting in 
his family, on going into his study one Monday 
morning, found him seated at his table with pencil 
and paper before him, deeply engaged in study. He 
said he was trying to see if he could construct a table 
of logarithms if he had none to refer to. and that he 
thought he could do it. He added, half apologeti- 
cally, that he allowed himself to be idle on Monday 
and to indulge in recreation a little after the labors 
of the Sabbath. She declared she was afraid of a 
man who found his recreation in the con.struction of 
logarithmic fables. 

His father said of him, in his early childhood: 
"Edward must be my minister;" but a habit of stam- 
mering developed itself, which was greatly aggrava- 
ted by a fright received in early life; and though he 
himself desired to carry out his father's wish, the 
impediment in his speech seemed to interpose an 
insuperable obstacle. He turned his attention to the 
study of medicine; but a severe illness cut short his 
studies just before the completion of his last course 
of lectures. About this time he fell in with Barber's 
"Grammar of Elocution," which gave him valuable 
hint.s in regard to the training of the voice, and he 



became convinced that he could, in time, entirely 
overcome his impediment. He .succeeded so fully 
that, in later life, he was remarkable for his clear 
enunciation and for perfect control of his voice. 

He took charge of the academy in Greenland, 
N. H., when he read and talked theology with his 
friend, Rev. Samuel Wallace Clark, pastor of the 
Congregational Church in that place. He assisted 
in pastoral duties, and, in the absence of the pastor, 
conducted Sabbath services. He was sometimes 
called to supply vacant pulpits in adjoining towns, 
and, almost unconsciously, found himself performing 
ministerial duties. In 1836 he was ordained as an 
evangelist, and preached in Rochester, N. H., and 
afterwards in Lancaster, Dalton and Whitefield. In 
1837 he received a call from the church in Webster, 
and was installed December 13th of that year. The 
celebration of the forty-fifth anniversary of his in- 
stallment occurred December 13, 1882. At this time 
he ceased from active pastoral duty, but was not dis- 
missed until the installment of his successor. Rev. 
C. E. Gordon, October 4, 1883. He died May 27, 
1885, aged eighty-one years. 

Mr. Buxton was a man of singular simplicity and 
sincerity of character, of uniform kindness of heart 
and of ready sympathy. The testimony of those 
who knew him best was that he lived habitually 
above the world. He was a faithful pastor, thor- 
oughly devoted to his work, patient and self-denying 
in labor, availing himself of all means in his power 
for doing good. His sermons combined the doctrinal 
and practical elements, and were clear and forcible 
in style, with but little of mere rhetorical orna- 
ment. 

He watched over the schools of the town with a 
fatherly solicitude, and, when he was superintending 
committee, knew the name of every child in town. 
In the earlier years of his pastorate many of the 
young people of the town were, at diff"erent times, 
members of his family and under his private tuition. 

He inherited from his mother a love for music, 
amounting almost to a passion, which continued till 
his death. When he was a young man he played 
the violin ; but, after entering the ministry, he laid 
it aside, fearing it might lessen his chances of useful- 
ness. In his old age he took it up again, playing 
with much skill, but confining himself almost exclu- 
sively to sacred music. When flesh and heart began 
to fail under the pressure of disease, he often resorted 
to his violin, for the sake of the spiritual stimulus 
which it afforded him; for, in his hands, it was a 
sacred instrument, and his spirit, perhaps uncon- 
sciously to himself, plumed her wings for a heaven- 
ward flight as he played. 

A letter read on the occasion of his forty-fifth anni- 
versary, speaks of him on this wise: 

" Tho more I reflect on tlie history of his life, so far as I know it, th« 
more I feci tliat he has been, in many wave, a remarkable n\an. Ilia 
purity of motive, his loftiness of purpose, his singleness of aim, his 
patient peisistenre in striving against obstacles, his constant determina" 



HI«TOKY OF MERRIMACK COUiNTY. NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



tiou to make the iiiuttt of hiiiigelf in body and soul, and his consequent 
scholarly attainments, all the result of his own unaided efforts, these 
things reveal a nature of more than ordinary Urmneas and evenness of 
flhre." 

Mr. Buxton was married, first, June 12, 1838, to 
Miss Elizabeth McFarland, of Concord, who died Sep- 
tember 11, 1842; second, September 27, 1843, to Miss 
Lois Jewett, of Gilford, who died November 20, 1870 ; 
third, December 29, 1871, to Mrs. Louisa F. Pillsbury, 
of Londonderry (fornierly of Webster), who survives 
him. 

Charles Carletox Coffis was born in Bos- 
cawen July 20, 1823, and was the youngest child of 
Thomas and Hannah (Kilburn) Coffin. His education, 
beyond the advantages of the district school, was ob- 
tained at the academy on Boscawen Plain and at the 
Blanchard Academy, Pembroke, N. H., where he re- 
mained only one term. But he was a lover of books, 
and read all that came in his way. In the westerly 
part of the town (now Webster) was a circulating 
library of one hundred and fifty well-worn volumes, 
gathered about 1816. Among these were sundry books 
of history and travels, which the boy devoured eagerly 
and which may have had no small part in giving di- 
rection to his literary tastes and labors in after-years. 
His great ambition was to go to college, but ill health 
rendered this impracticable. During the winter of 
1842, more for pastime than from any plan for the 
future, he studied land surveying and the rudiments 
of civil engineering. He afterwards joined the engi- 
neers' corps in the preliminary survey of the Northern 
Railroad in 1845, and was employed upon its construc- 
tion in 1846 ; also in the preliminary survey of the 
Concord and Portsmouth road, and later on the Con- 
cord and Claremont. 

He was married, February 18, 1846, to Miss Sallie R. 
Farmer, of Webster, sister of Professor M. G. Farmer. 
He purchased a farm in Webster, but his health failed 
and he decided to turn to other pursuits. In 1849 he 
constructed a telegraph line between Harvard Obser- 
vatory and Boston, by which uniform time was given 
to railroads leading out of Boston. In 1851 he had 
charge of the construction of the telegraphic fire- 
alarm in Boston, under the care of Professor Farmer, 
and gave the first alarm ever given by that system 
April 29, 1852. 

Before that time his fugitive contributions to the 
newspapers of the day had been received with much 
favor, and some of them had been republished in 
" Littell's Living Age." His tastes led him towards 
journalism. From 1854 to 18G0 he wiis employed 
on several of the newspapers in Boston, — the Journal, 
Atlas, Traveler, Bee and Transcript, and during the 
winter of 1860-61 was night editor of the Journal. 
The Southern States were then seceding ; the Peace 
Congress was in session, and Mr. Coffin saw, what all 
men did not see, that a conflict of arms was approach- 
ing. He was then a resident of Maiden, and the 
morning after the surrender of Sumter took measures 
for the calling of a public meeting of the citizens of 



that town to sustain the President, — one of the first 
of the meetings held throughout the country. Upon 
the breaking out of the war Mr. Coffin became a cor- 
respondent of the Journal, writing over the signature 
of " Carleton." 

During the entire war he was an indefatigable cor- 
respondent, ever on the alert, noted for his prompt- 
ness and for his lively narrative, and for his vivid 
description of the scenery of war. During the twelve 
days of the Gettysburg campaign he rode between 
two hundred and fifty and three hundred miles in the 
saddle, nine hundred miles in the cars, 'vi'as on the 
battle-field three days and nights, and wrote a full 
and elaborate account, which was republished in 
many papere throughout the country, and translated 
and copied by the press of Berlin and Paris. When 
General Sherman reached the sea-coast Mr. Coffin 
hastened south, and the information that the flag of 
the Union once more floated over Sumter was given 
to the world through the Journal, and was telegraph- 
ed over the country before any paper in New York 
had possession of the intelligence. His letters were 
regularly read by more than a fourth of a million of 
people. 

Upon the breaking out of the war between Austria 
on the one side and Prussia and Italy on the other, 
Mr. Coffin, accompanied by Mrs. Coffin, sailed for 
Europe, but Austria having been crippled by the 
single battle of Kouigratz, a truce was declared. 
Mr. Coffin remained abroad, however, writing a 
series of letters on current events. He was absent 
two years and five months, traveled extensively 
in Europe and Asia, and made the acquaintance of 
many of the public men in the countries visited. 

Mr. Coffin's published books are " My Days and 
Nights on the Battle-field," " Following the Flag," 
" Winning his Way," " Four Years of Fighting," 
"Oar New Way Round the World," "The Seat of 
Empire," " Caleb Krinkle," " The Boys of '76," 
"Story of Liberty," "Old Times in the Colonies," 
" Building the Nation," " Life of Garfield," " History 
of Boscawen and Webster," and he has in preparation 
a volume on the battle-fields of the war. 

He has given many addresses before teachers' asso- 
ciations, and a course of lectures before the Lowell 
Institute. During the winter of 1878-79 a movement 
was made by the Western grangers to b^ing about a 
radical change in the patent laws. Mr. Coffin appeared 
before the committee of Congress and presented an 
address so convincing that the committee ordered its 
publication. He also appeared before the committee 
on labor and made an argument on the " Forces of Na- 
ture as Affecting Society," which won high encomiums 
from the committee, and which was ordered to be 
printed. The honorary degree of A.M. was conferred 
on Mr. Coffin in 1870 by Amherst College. 

He is a resident of Boston, and was a member of 
the Legislature for 1884 and '85, and served on the 
committees on education, civil service, the liquor law 



WEBSTER. 



689 



and the special comiiiiltfc lor a metnipulitaii imiHcc 
lor the city of Boston. 

Mr. CofJiu possesses, in an eminent dejrri'e, tlie re- 
spect and confidence not only oi' the citizens of Boston, 
but of thousands throughout the hind who know liini 
through his books. 

Moses Gerkish Farmer, eldest child of Colonel 
John and Sally (Gerrish) Farmer, was born in 
Webster (then Boscawen) February 9, 1820. In early 
life he attended the district school and the academy 
on Boscawen Plain. He entered the Phillips Academy, 
in Andover, Mass., in 1837, and in 1840 he entered 
Dartmouth College, where he remained three years, 
and then was obliged to leave on account of ill 
health. (The degree of A.M. was conferred on him 
by the faculty of Dartmouth in 1853.) After leaving 
college he became preceptorof Elliott (Me.) Academy, 
and was married in that town, December 2.5, 1844, to 
Miss Hannah T. Shapleigh, of Berwick, Me. After 
this he taught in Dover, N. H., until 1847, when he 
turned his attention wholly to scientific pursuits, 
which were much more congenial to his tastes than 
school-teaching. 

He began his experiments in electricity in 1845, 
inventing at that time an electro-magnetic engine. 
In 1846 he constructed a small electro-magnetic 
engine, also a small railroad track, and exhibited the 
same in various towns and cities, lecturing upon the 
subject of electro-magnetism and its applications, 
showing also how it could be adapted to the use of 
torpedoes and submarine blasting. His first lecture 
was given in Dover, and one of his experiments was 
made with a miniature ship placed in a wash-bowl of 
water. The ship was blown up by electricity, and, 
coming down, struck on the top of the lecturer's 
head. This was, perhaps, the reason why the experi- 
mtnt was never repeated before another audience ; 
but the circumstance is often recalled now as ships 
may so quickly be turned into kindling-wood by the 
torpedoes which he uses at the present day. 

In 1848, Mr. Smith, president of the Portland Line 
of telegraph, and Mr. L. L. Sadler, superintendent 
of the Boston and New York Line, were one day 
talking over the possibilities of the telegraph system 
and the uses to which it could be applied, and Mr. 
Smith suggested that an alarm of fire might be given 
by it. They agreed that Mr. Farmer could devise 
the machinery necessary to do it, if any one could. 
They laid the matter before him, and, at the end of a 
week, he had constructed the first machine in the 
world for giving an alarm of fire by electricity, con- 
sisting of the striking part of an old clock and a 
miniature electrical machine. The matter was 
dropjied at that time, but Mr. Farmer continued his 
investigations, and, in 1851, he was summoned to 
Boston to superintend the construction of the tele- 
graphic fire-alarm. Great difficulties were to be over- 
come, and fresh inventions were needed at every step 
until, on April 29, 1852, the first alarm was given, 



and for the next three or tour years Mr. Farmer 
was untiring in his labors and watchings. During 
the fii-st fifteen months after it went into operation 
he spent forty-three nights in the fire-alarm office in 
Boston, considering it unsafe to leave it long enough 
to return to his home in Salem. In 185'J lie gener- 
ously gave the system to the city, waiving all his 
rights under the patent law-. 

His investigations have been unceasing in the de- 
partments of electro-metallurgy, multiplex telegraphy 
and the electric light, and his inventions are mani- 
fold. 

In October, 1872, Mr. Farmer accepted the pro- 
fessorship of electrical science at the United States 
Naval Torpedo Station, established in 1869 at New- 
port, R. I., for the instruction of the officers of the 
navy in electricity and chemistry as applied to the 
arts of war; and since his connection with the de- 
partment the station has been supplied with the best 
known magneto-electric machines and appliances to 
be found in this or any other country. 

" He stands in the foremost ranks of scientific men ; and it may, per- 
liaps, be truthfully said that, us an electrician, Ue is without a peer on 
this side of the Atlantic, while among the scientists of Great Britain, 
France and Germany, his opinions are quoted as authority. His reputa- 
tion is world-wide and his inventions are everywhere known. He is 
often called, as an electrical expert, in the United States courts, where 
his statements are never questioned. 

" An eminent electrician said of him recently, — ' Mr. Fanner has un- 
doubtedly done more real and lasting good to the world through his aban- 
doned inventions than tluunj;]i tli"sf which lie has perfected, for the 
former are seed-tiiMii-tii-, - ,tt.i,,i ,\,i di. \v..ild, which many will 
gather up, and li'i ; his life-work is over.' 

" Unlike maiiv -■ I' J.I -I - : i i^ ii.ulation$ lead them to 

:> in ! I , I'n I 1 ivflation, Prof. Farmer 
vs uf iiiitiiif ;i Iiiviiie mind. Each new dis- 
8 thoughts, and with him religion and science 



doubt the existeiK 
sees in all the woi 
covery to him is o 
go hand in-hand.' 



Hezekiah Fellows was born in Salisbury, De- 
cember 22, 1782, but settled in Webster and engaged 
in trade on Corser Hill with his brother Moses. For 
many years he was a prominent citizen of the town, 
and a man of too much individuality to be unnoticed 
or easily forgotten. From 1816 until 1855, he was 
town clerk, losing his office when the Know-Nothing 
or Native American party rose to its brief eminence. 
He was in the Legislature in 1820, '24, '25. 

He was a man of remarkable independence of 
character, which manifested itself in dress and 
manner, as well as in opinion. His integrity was 
unimpeachable. Everybody trusted him. In trade 
he was strictly honest and impartial. He always ad- 
hered to the old currency, marking his prices in shil- 
lings and pence. His face would sometimes relax 
into the semblance of an amused smile at the puzzled 
look of some customer better versed in the new 
arithmetic than the old. 

Under an apparent gruffhess was hidden a kindly 
heart and a love for children. Perhaps his most 
marked characteristic w-as his shrewd, strong common- 
.sense. 

In 1817 he presented the Congregational Church 



HISTORY OF MKUUIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and Society with a large Bible, which was used in their 
pulpit for many years. He was a constant attendant 
at church, occupying the jievv nearest tlio pul|)it on 
the right hand. 

" Prior to 1835 it waa the custom of town clerics to make public an- 
nouncement of tliosc intending marriage, which waa done by Esquire Fel- 
lows, after the benediction, at the close of the afternoon service. The 
congregation waited to hear the 'crj-ing,' as it waa termed, and possibly 
allowed the publishing of the bans to usurp the place of the sermon in 
their minds, as they smiled and nodded one to another.'' 

He died October 10, 1861, honored and respected 
by all. 

Major Alfred Little was born in Webster, June 
3, 1823, and was the son of Henry and Susan Little. 
He became crippled in early life through severe ill- 
ness, and was obliged ever afterwards to use crutches. 

He was noted from childhood for his musical talent 
and for his correct ear, which had much to do with 
shaping his career in after life. In 1840 he began to 
work in the raelodeon and seraphine shop of Charles 
Austin, in Concord, N. H. He soon became tuner of 
these instruments, and succeeded to a great degree in 
overcoming the slowness of speech and reedy quality 
of tone, which had been serious defects in them. He 
invented and manufactured for his own use an or- 
chestral melodeon, an instrument of considerable 
power, and yet of remarkable sweetness, unsurpassed 
for its versatility of musical effects, its inimitable 
tremolo and its power of dynamical expression. He 
attained wonderful skill in the manipulation of this 
instrument, and, as a player of the round-keyed 
melodeon, was without a peer in the world. 

He began giving concerts in 1846, the first one 
being in Fisherville (now Penacook). His musical 
entertainments were full of variety, for he possessed 
a rare gift of improvising and an extensive acquaint- 
ance with popular music, old and new, and a voice of 
great sweetness and pathos. He excelled as a ballad- 
singer, and knew how to unlock the fountain of tears 
as well as to touch the springs of laughter. 

"Kver ready to respond with voice and instrument to tlie calls of 
charity and patriotism, cheering the patient on his bed of suffering or 
teaching a Sabbath-school song to children, he made friends everywhere ; 
and many a wayfarer was aided by his helping hand or cheered by his 
tuoyant sympathy. 

" He was appointed life-major of the Twenty-first New Hampshire 
Regiment by ColonelJoseph L. Pillsbury, receiving the honorary com- 
mission at the hands of Governor N. B. Baker." 

Although music was his special delight. Major Lit- 
tle was a man of varied tastes and culture, a poet as 
well as a musician. 

He died suddenly in West Concord, Deceml)er 27, 
1880. Few carry with them " beneath the low green 
tent" more blessings of the poor or more heartfelt 
liive of friends than did Alfred Little. 

Arthtr Little, D.D., was the son of Simeon B. 
and Harriet (Boyd) Little, and was born in Webster 
May 24, 1837. His boyhood was spent on his father's 
farm where he acquired that invaluableand yet indefi- 
nable development of mind and body which the boys 
of well-ordered New England homes gain from nature 



and domestic surroundings. He prepared for college 
at the Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, N. H., and 
graduated from Dartmouth College in 1860. He 
studied theology at Andover and Princeton. Before 
the completion of his studies, he received theappoint- 
mentof chaplain of the First Vermont Heavy Artil- 
lery, and was ordained for this office at Webster, 
March 16, 1863. He was mustered out of seryice July 
7, 1865. In October of the same year, he was settled 
over the Presbyterian Church in Bedford, N. H., where 
he remained three years. He then received a call to 
Fonddu Lac, Wis., where he was settled over the First 
Congregational Church in November, 1868. In 1878 
he was called to the pastorate of the New England 
Church in Chicago, where he still remains. He was 
elected moderator of the National Congregational 
Council, in Concord, N. H., in 1883, and performed 
the duties of that office with great acceptance. 

Dr. Little is a man of genial temperament and pos- 
sesses rare tact in winning the esteem of all classea. 
He is a good speaker, having somethingof the strength 
and depth of voice which many will remember as hav- 
ing belonged to his father. His sermons are charac- 
terized by earnestness and practicality. His style is 
clear and vigorous. He married, August 1.5, 1863, 
Miss Laura E. Frost, of Thetford, Vt., who died in 
January, 1883. 

Deacon Enoch Little (2d) was the son of Deacon 
Enoch Little and the grandson of Enoch Little, one of 
the early settlers of Webster. He was educated at Pem- 
broke Academy and taught school in Boscawen and 
other towns. He gave much attention to music and 
was a member of the Martin Luther Musical Society, 
of the Central Musical Society, and of the Bos- 
ton Academy of Music. He did much to cultivate 
a taste for sacred music in his native town, 
having been, for a long time, leader of the choir 
in the Congregational Church, as well as a successful 
teacher of singing-schools. He took great interest, 
also, in the advancement of agriculture and of sheep- 
husbandry. 

He was a man of vigorous mind, of strong convic- 
tions, a diligent student of the Bible, a constant at- 
tendant upon church services, and for thirty years an 
officer of the church. From early life he was an ac- 
tive member of the Sabbath-school, both as teacher 
and pupil. He was ever ready to give to objects of 
benevolence and was a strong pillar in the church. 
He died in the full hope of Christian immortality, 
honored and respected by all, October 13, 187.5. 

Ei'HRAiM Little was the son of Richard and Pris- 
cilla (Plumer) Little, and was born in Webster, April 
14, 1820. He was married, December 22, 1847, to 
Jane G. Farmer, sister of Professor M. G. Farmer. 
He purchased the farm on Pleasant Street, now 
owned by Plumer Kilburn, and built a house on it, 
where he resided until the feebleness of his wife's 
health made a change of residence desirable, when he 
sold his farm. Mrs. Little died June 27, 1867. He 



WEBSTER. 



afterwanls purchased the farm f'onnerly owned l>y 
Nathan Pearson, near the Blackwater, where he lived 
until his death, April 23, 1885. 

Mr. Little was a man ol' tjuiet tastes, but intelligent 
and thoroughly informed on all subjects of current in- 
terest. He was for some years a member of the super- I 
intending committeee of schools. He also held the 
position of secretary and treasurer of the Merrimack j 
County Mutual Fire Insurance Company from its 
organization until his death. 

Rarely have we met with one who realized more 
fully, in his life and character, David's description of 
a citizen of Zion, in Psalm xv. His unselfish kind- 
ness and ready sympathy won for him the sincere love 
and respect of all who knew him. 

Henry Little, D.D., son of Jesse and Martha 
(Gerrish) Little, was born in Webster, March 23, 
ISOO. At the age of fifteen he united with the Con- 
gregational Church, and from that time was an ac- 
tive Christian. When he was nineteen, he taught 
school in Boscawen, where fourteen of his scholars be- I 
came Christians. He visited from house to house, 
and helped twelve men to begin family worship. 

He fitted for college with Rev. Dr. Wood of Bos- 
cawen, at Salisbury Academy and at Hanover. He 
graduated from Dartmouth College in 1826, and from 
Andover Theological Seminary in 1829, and w^as at I 
once ordained as an evangelist in Park Street Church, 
Boston, with fifteen other home and foreign mission- 
aries. While a senior at Andover, Dr. Porter gave 
him the credit of bringing twenty from the two i 
classes below him in college to the seminary. This 
fact led to his being chosen agent for the American 
Education Society, a position which he filled for two 
years in New England and the West. 

In June, 1831, he accepted a call from the Presby- 
terian Church in Oxford, Ohio, where, in less than 
two years, two hundred and ninety-seven were added 
to its membership. In 1833 he was appointed secre- 
tary and agent of the American Home Missionary 
Society, having the whole country west of the Alle- 
ghanies for his field, in which his labors were crowned 
with success. He was pastor of a church for two 
years in Madison, Ind., during which time sixty were 
added to the church. His main life-work was that 
of home missions ; but he was an earnest Sabbath- 
school worker, and was active in promoting the cause 
of general education. He is said to have been the 
originator of the first graded school in Indiana. j 

An article in the Independent of May 9, 1867, by 
Rev. Dr. Tuttle, of Wabash College, sets forth the 
labors of Dr. Little : j 

" From Mariettji to EvausviUe, from Cleveland to La I'orte, this man ' 
has gone, planting churches, building up waste places, encouraging 
home missionaries, searching out the scattered sheep, holding protracted ^ 
meetings, everywhere welcomed, honored and loved. Thirty-aix years 
has he been at this work, until he has publicly addressed more audiences, 
visited more churches, worked directly in more revivals in Ohio and In- | 
diana, talked to more people, seen more changes in communities and per- 
sons than any other man that can be named. ' 



l.od 8 instrument— those who have been encouraged by him, those who 
have caught the beat impulses of life from him, and now, in this year, 
1807, this blessed man has preached fourteen times in eight days, in one 
pulpit, preaching the gospel in such a cheerful light that his hcarore ex- 
claim, — ' Would to God we could love it as he does I ' " 

He died February 25, 1883. He married, Septem- 
ber 19, 1831, Miss Susan Morton Smith, of Hatfield, 
Mass. 

Of his eight children, four are sons, all of whom are 
in the gospel ministry. 

jAfOB Little, D.D., son of Jesse and Martha (Ger- 
rish) I.,ittle, was born in Webster, May 1, 1795. At 
the age of eleven years he became a Christian and 
united with the Congregational Church. He fitted 
for college with Samuel Wood, D.D., and at Meriden 
Academy, graduated at Dartmouth in 1822, and at 
Andover in 1825. He was ordained as an evangelist 
at Goffstown, N. H., and first preached six months at 
Hoosick, N. Y. In 1826 he went to Ohio and spent 
a year in home missionary work in Belpre and neigh- 
boring towns. 

In 1827 he was settled over the Congregational 
Church in Granville, Ohio, where he remained until 
1864. An unhappy quarrel had divided the church, 
but, with consummate tact, Mr. Little brought the dif- 
ferent factions together, and became pastor of the re- 
united organization. He was an indefatigable worker, 
exceedingly systematic, not at all bound by conven- 
tional rules or methods, but eminently successful in 
attaining results. His parish was six miles square, 
but he regularly visited every family belonging to his 
congregation, oi'ganizing Conference and prayer-meet- 
ings, as well as Bible classes in every district, which 
were conducted with astonishing efiiciency. He had, 
also, the rare faculty of setting everybody at work. 
He soon became known as "the plain preacher," the 
man who dared to speak boldly in condemnation of 
vice. 

His New Year's sermons were always reviews of the 
year, and proved him to have a genius for sta- 
tistics, as will be shown by an extract from the one 
for 1849 : 

" This township has 411 families and 1376 adults. It has 37 drinking 
families, 119 drinking adults, 21 drunkards, and during the past year has 
consumed 4153 gallons of intoxicating liquors. The families having no 
altar are 219 ; reading no religious papers, 223 ; children between six 
and twenty-one attending no Sabbath-school, 179 ; adults who visit* 
work or journey on the Sabbath, 183 ; neglect public worehip, 113 ; can- 
not read, 22 ; use profane language, 189 ; use tobacco, 3G4 ; play cards 
83 ; attend balls, 40 ; supposed to be impenitent, 777. The sending of 
150 persons to Botany Bay_would blot from our history most of the above 

During Dr. Little's pastorate at Granville there 
were added to his church one thousand and forty-one 
members, of whom six hundred and sixty-four were 
received upon profession of their faith. In these 
years he preached about five thou.sand sermons, and 
more than one thousand persons are supposed to have 
been led to a religious life through his ministry. 

Besides his pastoral labors, he wa.s a frequent and 
a valuable contributor to the religious press. The 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



academy for young men and the seminary for young 
women in Granville both owed their existence and 
much of their prosperity to his efforts, and of the lat- 
ter he was a trustee. At different times he was a 
trustee of Western Reserve, Central and Marietta 
Colleges. 

In 1864 he resigned his pastorate at Granville and 
removed to Warsaw, Ind., where he lived until 1874, 
preaching occasionally. Thence he removed to the 
home of his son, Rev. Charles Little, in Wabash, 
Ind., where he died December 17, 1876, aged eighty- 
one years. 

He married, first, Lucy Gerrish, of Canterbury, 
N. H., June 1, 1826, wlio ,li,-,l ( »,tober 5, 1834; sec- 
ond, Ann Dorothy Tlioi,i|is,.n, .Ahiuli 23, 1886. His 
three sons are all in tlu' ynsiiel ministry. 

SiJiEOX Bartlett Little was born in Webster 
December 16, 1797, and was the son of Benjamin 
Little, Esq. His education was acquired at the com- 
mon school. In early life he was a news-carrier, sup- 
plying the people of Hopkinton, Boscawen, Salis- 
bury and Andover with the Concord Gazette. Be- 
sides carrying papers, he executed errands. By this 
means he acquired his first money. 

Mr. Little was a born leader, and wjis recognized 
as such by his fellow-citizens without any effort of 
his own. He was selectman ten years, two years a 
member of the legislature and a delegate to the con- 
vention for the revision of the Constitution. Be- 
tween the years 1839-1858, inclusive, with but two 
exceptions, he was elected moderator at the annual 
town-meeting. He was endowed with a judicial mind, 
and held through the active years of life a magis- 
trate's commission. He was administrator of between 
thirty and forty estates and was concerned in the set- 
tlement of nearly as many more. He received near- 
ly twenty appointments as guardian for minors or 
insane persons, and held a large amount of funds 
in trust. His business as a conveyancer of deeds 
was very large, — nearly one thousand. Men who 
wished to make their last wills and testaments called 
upon him for counsel, and he wrote a large number. 
He was for about fifteen years president or director 
of the Granite Mutual Fire Insurance Company, 
and, for fifteen years or more, director and secretary 
of the same. In speaking of the part he had taken 
in public life, he once said, — " I have been elected 
more times to some responsible office in town by 
ballot, from 1828 to 1860, than there are years, and I 
can say what many cannot, — that I never, directly or 
indirectly, solicited a nomination or vote." He was 
one of the leading men of the church and religious 
society. He waa a frequent contributor to the press, 
writing on a great variety of subjects and always in 
a clear, vigorous, incisive style. Mentally and physi- 
cally, he was sturdy and honest. He was naturally 
conservative, a Puritan of the eighteenth century and 
opposed to all innovation ; but those, even,who opposed 
him politically, ever acknowledged his integrity, the 



honesty of. his intentions and his sterling worth. 
He died December 29, 1874. His first marriage was 
September 16, 1824, to Miss Harriet Boyd, of An 
trim, N. H., who died October 3, 1850. His second 
marriage was to Miss Phebe Kilburn, of Webster, 
October 20. 1851, who survives him. 

Rev. Ebesezer Price, first pastor of the Congre- 
gational Church in Webster, was born in Newbury - 
port, Mass., September 14, 1771. He began his 
preparation for college at the age of seventeen in 
Moore's Charity School in Hanover, entered Dart- 
mouth College in 1789, and graduated in 1793. He 
studied theology with Rev. Elisha Thayer, D.D., of 
Kingston. He was first settled in Belfast, Me., in 1796, 
where he remained for six years. He was married 
in 1799 to Lucy Farrar, of Hanover, N. H. 

It will be remembered that the first meeting-house 
in Webster was built in 1791. At that time there 
was no organization, either of church or society. 
The town owned the frame of the meeting-house, 
and individuals owned the pews. In this state of 
aflkirs Mr. Price was invited by the citizens of the 
town to labor among them, and his preaching was 
followed by manifest increase of religious interest. 
The Westerly Religious Society was organized in 
January, 1804, and a church of eight members was 
formed in September following, when Mr. Price was 
installed pastor. The whole number added to the 
church during hi.s pastorate of thirty-three years 
was two hundred and sixty-two. Thegreatest number 
added in any one year was sixty in 1838. The great- 
est number on the church rolls at any one period was 
one hundred and ninety-eight. After his dismissal. 
May 10, 1837, he continued to reside in town, and be- 
came superintendent of the Sabbath-school, which 
position he held for eleven years. 

Upon the formation of the Granite Mutual Fire 
Insurance Company he was elected secretary. In 
1859 he went to Boston to live with his eldest son, 
Ebenezer Sewall Price. He died in Boston, Febru- 
ary 19, 1864, aged ninety-two years. 

Father Price was a perfect gentleman and noteil 
for his dignified courtesy. He was fond of riding on 
horseback, and sat upon his old black horse with a 
stately grace not often seen at this day. 

He took a lively interest in all benevolent or phil- 
anthropic movements. He was a faithful minister, 
an exemplary Christian, respected even by the irre- 
ligious, and greatly beloved by those who could appre- 
ciate godliness of life and character. 

He was twice chosen to represent the town in the 
Legislature. In 1830 he collected materials for a 
chronological history of the town, which was pub- 
lished by private subscription in 1823. 

"His sermons preaclied at the funeral of Deacon Beiyamin Swealt 
and upon the (leiith of Kev. Dr. Wood, were published by request. He 
woe the author of the letter to Hon. Daniel Webster, which elicited his 
reply to his New Hampshire neighbors. 

"His relations to the church and society, and especially to hie succes- 
sor in the ministry. Rev. Edward Buxton, were always fraternal and 



WEBSTER. 



693 



syiiipatbizing 


with them 




H 1 


iiigashearlil 


•into all tl, 






ill his public; 


jrayers, tli.,- 




, ;ii 


• lie infants w 


re all renic 


iLc 


C.I. 


to neglect no 


class, to fill 


the 


full 


frequently m 


Ae his prayers 


anil 


from fifty lo 


evenly niiu 


itCS 




" In this re 


spcct lie (li.l 


1]..| 


,l,ui 



I II the ministi-j- at that period 
brevity was the oxcepti.iTi, v. . ; At the beginning of the 

century ji'-uplv expected ;i - : . i ' i . a l-;ist two hours. During 

tile short days of winter tih- \' li li\ i tuilirst from meeting some- 
times saw the sun disappear ludiind tli.- W'.mier hills before they reached 
home. Nor were they restless under a sermon that occupied an hour in 
the delivery. They expected a long sermon, and would have found fault 
with the brevity of the sermons of the present day. 

" His last years were marked by serene peace and composure. He was 
an attendant at Mount Vernon Church, in Boston, and listened with de- 
light to the preaching of Rev. Dr. Kirk, who looked upon him as a 
father in the ministry. His influence never can be measured, for under 
ills preaching such men as Enoch Corser, Jacob and Henry Little were 
led to enter the ministry, and through their instrumentality thousands 
have been brought to a religious life." 

On being asked by his sou liow he felt in regard to 
death, he answered, "Oh I that was all fixed years 
and years ago. I committed myself into the hands 
of my Maker : He has taken care of me hitherto, 
and I have no feare for the future." 

He was buried in Webster, almost under the 
shadow of the old meeting-house where he began his 
labors, and among the graves of his old people. 

There are many other citizens of Webster, in the 
past and in the present, who deserve record here. 
Every shade of character, every variety of talent has 
been developed on the hillsides of this quiet country 
town. Poetry, romance and tragedy, written and un- 
written, have been lived in these valleys. Neither is 
the history of Webster without its comic side. It 
has had its full share of odd characters, whose names 
and sayings have come down to us by tradition. 

James Corser was one of these men, — an eccentric 
genius, fond of puzzling answers. His neighbors 
on either side bore the names of Knight and Day. 
Mr. Corser was asked where he lived, and answered, 
•• In Twilight." Being asked still further where 
Twilight was, he replied, " Between Knight and 
Day." 

Oljadiah Elkins was a man whose natural oddities 
may have been intensified by disappointed love in 
his youth. It is not strange, then, that his stream of 
domestic bliss did not always flow smoothly. But_ 
unlike most aggrieved or aggrieving husbands, he 
usually left his better-half in peaceable possession of 
the fireside, and sought another spot whereon to 
build his cabin and and set up his individual house- 
hold gods. By the time this was accomplished 
the quarrel would be over, and he would take his 
wife to the new house and begin over again. At 
last, having built, so tradition runs, twenty-eight 
bouses, he grew tired of moving, and resolved to build 
a house for his sole possession. This was not an im- 
possible thing, for he was a man of slender propor- 
tions, while his wife was a woman of majestic stature. 
So he built a house of but one room, with one door. 



so narrow that only himself could enter, and here he 
could retire to dwell in peace until the storm of 
feminine wrath should blow over, or his own fit of 
sulks should clear away. 

Once he made his way to Pillsbury's mill-pond, 
resolved to commit suicide; but after holding his 
head under water for a while, he waded back to 
.shore to take up the burden of life again, complain- 
ing that he " couldn't hold his breath long enough to 
drown." 

One night, when the moon was at its full, a pa.sser- 
by found Mr. Elkins busy with a burning-glass, try- 
ing, as he said, " to light a fire by moonlight," adding 
that he " had often done it with sunlight, and did 
not know but he could with the moon." 

James Fellows was another man of i)ronounccd in- 
dividuality, whose words and actions ran in diametri- 
cally opposite directions, and who must always be 
interpreted by the law of contrariety. Xo man ever 
was a kinder neighbor than he ; neither was there 
ever a man who could be more surly and gruff. At 
one time a neighbor was in want of hay. He went 
to beg Mr. Fellows to sell him some, knowing that 
he had an abundance in his barn, but met with a flat 
refusal. He urged the matter, but Mr. Fellows de- 
manded gruffly, " what he was hanging about there 
for ■? " and ordered him ofl^ The would-be purchaser 
obeyed, and turned reluctantly homeward ; but before 
he had reached the road, Mr. Fellows called out 
imperiously, " What are you going away for? (.ome 
back! I've got hay enough I Why, I'll give you 
five hundred ! " 

David Heath was a living illustration of the gro- 
tesque in speech, look and manner. He earned the 
sobriquet of Jester by his fondness for jokes. In those 
days hoop-poles were au article of commerce, and Mr. 
Heath was more solicitous about securing his desired 
complement of hoop-poles than regardful of bounda- 
ries between his own and his neighbors' wood-lots. At 
last Captain Little Burbank, tired of a commerce so 
unprofitable to himself, said to Mr. Heath," If you will 
agree never to cut any more poles on my land I'll give 
you a pig." "All right," was the answer, " I'll [irom- 
ise." In due time Captain Abraham Burbank, hear- 
ing of his brother's success, resolved to make a bar- 
gain for himself with the Jester, and oftered him a 
sheep if he would resign all claims to hoop-timber on 
his land thenceforth and forever. "Ah-h-h ! " he re- 
plied, shaking his gray head, " t'won't do to sell all 
out. Captain Burbank." 

Moses Jackman was drafted for military service dur- 
ing the war of 1812, but when he presented himself 
for examination he was, to all appearance, blind. 
Various expedients were resorted to by the examin- 
ing surgeons to ascertain whether his blindness was 
real, but his eyes showed no symptoms of seeing. He 
was retained for further trial. While the matter was 
pending he astonished those about him by exclaim- 
ing, as a mouse ai>pearcd upon the scene, " Oh ! see 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



that mouse." " What ! do you see him?" asked some- 
one. " No," was the quick reply ; " but I smell him." 
At last a plank was laid over the edge of a boat, and he 
was placed upon it and ordered to walk over it. He 
obeyed and walked oti" the end into the water. 
Whereupon he wiis adjudged stone-blind and sent 
home. A guide went with him, but after they had 
gone a few miles Mr. Jackman said he " thought he 
could find the way now," and nothing more w;is ever 
heard of his blindness. 

TOWN OFFICERS FROM 1800 TO 18S5. 

I860.— Simeon B. Little, moderator ; David E. Burbauk, clerk; Na- 
than Pearson, Jeremiah S. Webber, Albert Runnels, selectmen. 

1861. — Simeon B. Little, moderator; David K. Burbank, clerk; .Jere- 
miah S. Webber, Albert Runnels, George Little, selectmen ; Albert Run- 
nels, representative. 

1862. — Simeon B. Little, moderator ; David E. Burbank, clerk ; George 
Little, William D. Call, David A. Ma^urdy, selectmen.i 

1863.— Simeon B. Little, moderator ; Atherton Sweatt, clerk ; George 
Little, William D. Call, John 0. Pearson, selectmen ; Jeremiah S. 
Webber, representative. 

1864.- Simeon B. Little, moderator ; Atherton Sweatt, clerk ; William 
D. Call, John C. Pearson, Hiram G. Stone, selectmen ; George Little, 
representative. 

1865.— Simeon B. Little, moderator ; Atherton Sweatt, clerk ; John 0. 
Pearson, Hiram G. Stone, Henry H. Gerrish, selectmen ; George Little 
representative. 

1866.— Simeon B. Little, moderator; Atherton Sweatt, clerk; Hiram 
G. Stone, Henry U. Gerrish, Sherman Little, selectmen ; no representa- 
tive. 

1867.— Joseph L. Couch, moderator ; .-Vtlierton Sweatt; clerk ; John 
Colby, John Sanborn, D. C. Hubbard, selectmen ; William D. Call, rep- 



1868. — David A. Macurdy, moderator ; .\therton Sweatt, clerk ; Sher- 
man Little, William W. Austin, Atherton Sweatt, selectmen ; William 

D. Call, reiir>'senlative. 

1869.— lin) I \ M ' i:i 1>, lii.iderator ; Atherton Sweatt, clerk ; Sher- 
man Litti w I \\ .-iiii. Atherton Sweatt, selectmen ; David A 
Macui.li , ; I : . , 

1870.— I'l li \ M I Ml l_\ , niu<lerator; Atherton Sweatt, clerk ; Charles 

E. Kimball, J..s<-plt L, (Vuicli, .\therton Sweatt, selectmen. 

1871.— David S. Corser, moderator ; Atherton Sweatt, clerk ; Charles 
E. Kimball, P. F. S. Clark, .\Ibe 0. Sweatt, selectmen ; John C. Pearson, 
representative. 

1872.— David S. Corser, moderator ; Atherton Sweatt, clerk ; Albe C. 
Sweatt, P. F. S. Clark, W. W. BurbanU, selectmen ; John ('. Pearson, 
representative. 

1873. — Sherman Little, moderator ; Atherton Sweatt, clerk ; Atherton 
Sweatt, P. P. S. Clark, W. W. Burbank, selectmen ; Albe C. Sweatt, 



1874.— Sherman Little, moderator ; .\thorton Sweatt, clerk ; W. W. 
Burbank, Charles C. Kimball, George Little, selectmen ; Albe C. Sweatt, 



le, moderator ; Atherton Sweatt, clerk ; Cliarles 
C. Kimball, Hiram G. Stone, James L. Gerrish, selectmen ; Sherman 
Little, representative. 

1876. — Sherman Little, moderator ; .Vtlierton Sweatt, clerk ; Charles 
C. Kimball, James L. Gerrish, James M. Snyder, selectmen ; Sherman 
Little, representative. 

1877.— Sherman Little, moderator ; Atherton Sweatt, clerk ; James 
L. Gerrish, James M. Snyder, William W. Austin, selectmen ; Charles 
C. Kimball, representative. 

1878.— Sherman Little, moderator; Atiierton Sweatt, clerk; James 
M. Snyder, William W. Austin, Moody A. Pillsbury, selectmen ; Charles 
C. Kimball, representative. , 



.\fter many ballots 



1879.— Sherman Little, moderator ; .\therton Sweatt, clerk ; William 
W. Austin, M. A. Pillsbury, James H. Truraball, selectmen ; John B. 
Chase, representative. 

1880.- Shennan Little, moderator; .\therton Sweatt, clerk; M. A. 
Pillsbury, James H. Trumball, Sherman Little, selectmen. 

1881.— Sherman Little, moderator; Atherton Sweatt, clerk ; James H. 
Trumball, Shennan Little, George .Sanborn, selectmen ; William W. 
Burbank, representative. 

1882.— Sherman Little, moderator; Atherton Sweatt, clerk; Sherman 
Little, George Sanborn, Daniel G. Holmes, selectmen. 

1883.— Sherman Little, moderator ; .\therton Sweatt, clerk ; George 
Sanborn, Daniel G. Holmes, W. W. Burbank, selectmen ; James L. Ger- 
rish, representative. 

1884. — Thomas J. Corser, moderator ; Atherton Sweatt, clerk ; Daniel 
I G. Holmes, W. W. Burbank, Joseph B. Thiirber, selectmen. 

1885.— W. W. Burbank, moderator ; Atherton Sweatt, clerk; W. W. 
Burbank, Joseph B. Thurber, Moody A. Pillsbury, selectmen ; W. W. 
Austin, representative. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



Enoch Couch was born in Boscaweii (now Web- 
ster), N. H., April 12, 1793, on the old place where 
two generations had preceded him. He received his 
education at the district school, and, like all farmers' 
boys, assisted in required duties at home. Upon the 
death of his father, in 1821, the responsibility of the 
farm devolved entirely upon him. He was a man 
of strong physique and very active, adding largely to 
the home-farm by industry and hard work. He was 
shrewd and far-seeing in business affairs, yet strictly 
honest and upright in his dealings. He was firm iu 
his convictions, conscientious in his adherence to 
principles, and willing to give the credit of like hon- 
esty where it belonged. He w^as greatly respected 
in the community, and was regarded by those who 
knew him as a Christian, although he never con- 
nected himself with any church. He died April 23, 
1867. 

He married, first, Nancy Eastman ,who died without 
children ; second, Jane O. Stickney, of Brownfield, Me., 
who died July 30, 1877. By this union he had three 
children, — Nancy E., born February 12, 1835, who 
occupies the old homestead ; Joseph, born March 
22, 1837 ; Mary S., born June 12, 1844. She married 
Orlando Whitney, and died .Vpril 17, 1870, leaving 
one son, Herbert C. 

Joseph, the son of Enoch Couch, was also a man 
highly respected in his native town. In early man- 
hood he was a successful teacher, and, after the death 
of his father, assumed entire charge of the farm. 
He died of quick consumption March 14, 1872. 

Miss Nancy Couch, the only surviving member of 
his family, furnishes this portrait as a tribute to her 
father's memorv. 




(r?'^i^(>^ (^^H^-£^^^ 



HISTORY OF AVILMOT 



BY W. W. FI-ANDEESl. 



CHAPTER I. 

At the commencement of the present century the 
territory which now constitutes the town of Wilmot 
belonged to and was a part of New London, Kearsarge 
and New Chester. New London bordered on Spring- 
field, Daubury, New Chester, Kearsarge, Sutton, 
Fishersfleld and Wendell. 

The most thickly-settled parts of New London at 
that time were in the extreme southerly part of said 
town, on Colby Hill, Burpee Hill, Morgan Hill and 
Leper Hill. There town-meetings were held and 
town affairs were managed. 

In the northerly part, near Daubury line, in the 
vicinity of what is now known as the Hobbs neigh- 
borhood, was the most considerable settlement of that 
part of the town — a region, also, of hills and elevated 
laud. There were settlements on Prescott Hill, and 
along down the slopes toward the swamps, valleys and 
water-courses. Between these settlements in the north 
and in the south there was an extensive forest-land 
situated in the valley of the outlet of Pleasant Pond, 
and its water-shed on either side, tenanted by a few 
in log cabins and humble residences, scattered and 
isolated in small openings, many of them spending 
much of their time in fishing and hunting. 

The most direct and shortest way of communicating 
between these settlements at the north and south 
ends was over foot-paths, private cart-ways and 
other private ways, meandering from settlement to 
settlement, a distance of about twelve miles. But to 
reach one of these settlements from the other by a 
continuous open public highway, the travel must 
have been north through Springfield to Colby Hill, 
or south through Andover, Kearsarge and Sutton to 
Colby Hill and a distance of about twenty miles. 

The two ends had no occasion to meet except for 
town purposes, and to vote for State and county 
officers. In politics, Federalism prevailed at the 
south, and ever controlled the town by a large and 
reliable majority, while Republicanism was the pre- 
vailing and almost unanimous political sentiment at 
the north. 

Were it not for voting the State and county ticket, 
and for electors, a general meeting of the citizens 



would never have occurred, or of any considerable 
portion of those in the north with those in the south, 
except casually and by accident. 

Between these sections there was no business con- 
nection to call them together. Agriculture was then 
the vocation of all. Whatever was done by way of 
manufacturing lumber was for local use in building 
residences and stables ; none for transportation or for- 
eign market. The mercantile business consisted 
wholly in exchanging farm products for groceries and 
other necessaries. This was accomplished by the 
farmer himself, who, in early winter, transported with 
their own teams, generally horses, but .sometimes 
oxen, "below," as it was generally termed, their pro- 
ducts, and brought back in exchange a yearly stock 
of goods for family use and a little cash. From a 
common knowledge of the varying energy and en- 
terprise of individuals in all communities, it is easy 
to perceive how readily the business of teaming and 
of a country merchant spring into a regular and con- 
stant business. 

Whatever progress may have been made in produc- 
ing the teamster and merchant at this time, one thing is 
certain : the surplus products of the north went down 
through Andover to Salisbury, from whence came 
their groceries in return, while those of the south went 
down through Warner to Hopkinton, and onward. 
Thus the business relations of our section extended 
down the east side of Kearsarge Mountain, and that 
of the other down the east side, making the two sec- 
tions isolated and independent, in respect to each 
other, so far as the business of gaining a livelihood 
was concerned. 

The history of civilized communities shows that a 
community of business interests, though varied and 
branching out in different kinds and channels, when 
co-operating, so as to build up and encourage each 
other by creating and extending a market for the 
various products, enhancing the value and increasing 
the demand for each kind of labor, thus promoting the 
wealth of the community, lias an element of power to 
maintain and perpetuate itself, through local attach- 
ment and aspiration for gain it would foster and 
gratify. 

Yet, from the same source it appears, indistinct 
and emphatic lines, that, while an important and nec- 
695 



HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



essary ligaiiiciit in Imlding and perpetuating com- 
munities in i)roai)eiity and union, it is of itself and | 
iilone, the weakest of tlie necessary bonds for that great 
«nd. . The sentiment of reverence for a Supreme Being 
and of worship for such Being, is as universal in man 
as his selfishness, and stronger than all other senti- 
ment. Honest, sincere devotions of a religious faith 
and worship, common to them all, are bound to- 
gether by ties that can be severed only by death. To 
maintain and enjoy the inestimable privilege of com- 
munion and worship, they will sacrifice comfort, con- 
venience and property ; will break the fires of perse- 
cution and wade through seas of blood to the fagot, 
the stake and to martyrdom. 

This strength of conviction and purpose applied to 
the great leading doctrines of the Bible, in which all 
religious denominations agree, has brought inestima- 
ble blessings to man. Whenever the differences 
which distinguish religious denominations enter and 
become an element of this conviction and purpose, 
exerting equal power and influence over the believer's 
conduct, it brings mischief only. Unfortunately, 
there was not a common religious sentiment and wor- 
ship at the north and the south ; unfortunately 
their dift'erences became the leading and foremost 
thought in the presence of each other; unfortu- 
nately, there was apparently greater zeal manifested 
and greater sacrifices made to promulgate a partisan 
and sectarian religion than in promulgating those 
great and all-important truths in which all agreed. 
It is conceived that this zeal and effort was not so 
much on account of the importance given to the 
point of ditterence between the sects as from a sense 
of wrong done to each from a misconception and 
statement of their views and reasoning. 

The prevailing religion and only organized church 
at the south was that of the Calvinistic Bai)tists, 
•who were close communionists and believed in the 
doctrine of election and fore-ordination. 

In the north there were Free- Will Baptists, with 
some Congregationalists. The burden of their ser- 
mons, exhortations and sacred songs was the free 
moral agency of man ; his power, privilege and duty 
to flee from the wrath to come and escape eternal 
misery, denouncing bitterly the doctrine of election 
and fore-ordination as wholly irreconcilable with that 
of the free moral agency of man. They charged 
the Calvinistic Baptists with preaching and pro- 
claiming from the pulpit infant damnation, and that 
the spirits of eternal misery were suffering by the 
predetermined will of Jehovah. And thus the very 
excellent, moral, religious, patriotic and enterprising 
people of the south were regarded by the equally 
worthy people of the north as Federalists favoring 
an aristocratic and monarchical form of government; 
as religious exclusionists, who claimed to believe in 
the saved, to be such by election. Such were some of 
the diverse and inharmonious relations in the year 
ISOO. 



Kearsarge Gore at this time embraced a large tract 
of land lying on the north and south sides of Kear- 
sarge Mountain. It was an unincorporated place, 
paid a public tax and had town privileges. Its pop- 
ulation was one hundred and seventy-nine. In poli- 
tics and religion they agreed. Their town-meetings 
were held on the north and south sides of said moun- 
tain alternately. 

Nothing existed among them in the way of con- 
tention, except it might be in the selection of local 
officers and matter of highways. Whichever side of 
the mountain election was held, they were sure to 
carry the day. This was accounted for by the incon- 
venience in getting over the mountain. 

At this time the construction of a road leading 
from Concord to Vermont, at the White River Junc- 
tion, leading through what is now the town of Wil- 
mot, and then the northern part of New London and 
Kearsarge, became an important, if not the leading, 
enterprise with the people of New Hampshire along 
the line of the proposed route. 

The settlements in New Hampshire and Vermont 
had become numerous and extensive enough to re- 
quire more direct and feasible roads to accommodate 
the increasing demands of an increasing interest in 
Northern New Hampshire and Vermont. The old 
rough and hilly roads winding high up mountain- 
sides and over hill-tops, in diverse ways, to accommo- 
date hill settlements, could no longer serve the long 
travel and freight seeking the sea-board for the nec- 
essaries and luxuries desired for home comfort. 

Tramways had been made to accommodate through 
travel and freight, but only so far as they would 
accommodate the local settlements, which were uni- 
versally upon the hills and elevated lands, as such 
were more easily reduced to cultivation, all such 
local improvements still left the ways for any and all 
travel unnecessarily steep, tedious and dangerous. 

At that time local means were too limited to open 
up and put in safe condition roads on the most feasi- 
ble route for through travel by taxation. The business 
enterprise of traffic and travel sought accommodation 
and relief through its own resources, and in 1800 
applied to the New Hampshire Legislature for an act 
of incorporation, authorizing certain persons to build 
the Fourth New Hampshire turnpike road, on the 
most feasible route, leading from Concord, N. H., to 
Connecticut River, at White River Junction, in 
Lebanon, N. H., which enterprise resulted in making 
the Fourth New Hampshire turnpike and putting it 
in running order, in the year 1806. This enterprise 
opened a new channel of business, new and better 
ways of communication, new business relations and 
better outlook to those living and located along this 
Fourth New Hampshire turnpike. This change in- 
duced the inhabitants [in North New London and 
Kearsarge to apply to the Legislature for an act to 
incorporate the northerly part of New London and 
that part of Kearsarge Gore north of Kearsarge 



697 



Mountain into a town by the name of Wilniot. This 
act was obtained in 1807. This act authorized Sam- 
uel Messer, Jr., and Benjamin Cass to call a meeting 
of the inhabitants for the purpose of choosing all 
necessary town officers. Agreeably to said act, Samuel 
Messer warned a town-meeting for the inhabitants to 
meet at the dwelling of James Philbrick on the 
.second Tuesday in March, 1808. 
■ At this meeting they elected Samuel Messer, Jr., 
moderator ; William Johnson, town clerk ; Insley 
tireeley, Eliphalet Gay and Jabez Morill, selectmen. 
I II the vote for State and county officers at this meet- 
ing, it appears that John Langdon had twenty-nine 
votes for Governor and John T. Gilmau two votes ; 
Benjamin Pearce thirty votes for councilor ; James 
Flanders twenty-two for Senator, Benjamin Phil- 
brick had one vote for Senator, John Moody one 
vote, Samuel Prescott one vote ; for register, Isaac 
Brooks, twenty-two ; for treasurer, Joseph Town, twen- 
44 



ty-one. There were votes taken also for dtlier minor 
officers. 

At said town-meeting they voted to raise two hun- 
dred dollars for schooling and voted the town be 
divided into three school districts— North, Centre and 
South Districts ; also voted to raise twenty dollars for 
defraying town charges. In the year 1808 there were 
forty-six resident tax-payers; twenty-four of these 
resided in that part known as Kearsarge Gore, and 
twenty-two in the part formerly New London. 

The Kearsarge Gore and the northerly part of New 
London constituted the town of Wilmot till the year 
1832, at which time, by an^act of the Legislature, a 
certain tract of land then a part of New Chester, on 
the northerly side of Ragged Mountain (so called), 
and separated from the main part of New Chester by 
Ragged Mountain, was severed from New^ Chester 
and annexed to Wilmot, and at the present writing 
(1885) constitutes the town of Wilmot. 



HISTORY 

OF 

BELKJSTAP COUNTY, 

NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



HISTORY 

OF 

BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



CHAPTER I. 
ORGANIZATION OF COUNTY— BENCH AND BAR. 

BY JOHN N. MCCLINTOCK A. M. 

Belknap County, named in honor of Kev. Dr. 
Jeremiah Belknap, the earliest historian and annalist 
of New Hampshire, occupies the geographical centre 
of the State, and, with the adjoining county of Mer- 
rimack, is entirely surrounded by other counties. It 
does not come in contact with any territory outside 
of New Hampshire. Its surface is considerably above 
the level of the ocean, five hundred feet at the shore- 
line of Lake Winnipiseogee, and is diversified by 
mountain, hill and valley, rivers and lakes. Gilman- 
ton Mountain is the highest elevation. Its area of 
about one hundred and fifty-five thousand acres of 
improved land is very fertile, and the soil produces 
good crops of wheat, corn, potatoes, hay and other 
products of a temperate climate. 

Politically, it came into existence December 20, 
1840 ; before that it had formed a part of Strafford 
County. It is divided into ten townships, one of 
which was incorporated during the reign of George 
I., two in the reign of George III. and seven since 
the organization of the State government. It began 
to be settled at the close of the French and Indian 
War. Laconia is the shire-town. 

Its chief sources of wealth now are the manufac- 
turing industries mostly located along the Winni- 
piseogee River, which, in its course through the 
county, falls about two hundred and fifty feet. 

The scenery is very pleasing and annually attracts 
a large number of visitors during the summer. 

The Bench and Bar. — The legal fraternity of the 
towns comprised within the limits of Belknap County 
have always held a high social position in the com- 



munity, and would compare favorably with the same 
class in any other county in the Slate. They have 
been called upon to occupy the highest offices within 
the gift of the people, and have honored the confi- 
dence reposed in them. At no time in the history of 
the State have they stood higher in the esteem of the 
people than at present. 

The record of the early lawyers in many case.'* is 
lost — a name only being handed down by tradition. 
In 1794 Eben Smith was practicing law in Meredith. 
In 1814 John Mooney and Jonathan C. Everett were 
in practice there. In 1820 John Thompson was in 
practice at Centre Harbor. In 1832 W. G. Webster 
was at New Hampton. S. W. Rollins, of Meredith 
village, has been county solicitor, and later judge of 
Probate for many years. 

William Harper, the first lawyer of Sanbornton, 
came from Deerfield before 1785, was a member of the 
convention which framed the State Constitution, was 
representative from 1791 to 1800, was frequently mod- 
erator at town-meetings, and was a land-owner. He 
died December 31, 1809. 

John A. Harper, son of William and Mary (Lane) 
Harper, of Sanbornton, was born in Deerfield Novem- 
ber 2, 1779, was the first postmaster of Sanbornton, 
was colonel in the militia, member of the Eleventh 
Congress (1811), settled at Jlcredith Bridge and died 
June 18, 1816. 

Daniel C. Atkinson, son of Simeon and Phebe 
(Clark) Atkinson, was born in Boscawen September 
8, 1784-85, graduated at Dartmouth College in 1806, 
studied law with Parker Noyes and Daniel Webster, 
settled at Sanbornton Bridge in 1810. He was Sena- 
tor, councilor and judge of Probate (1824) and mod- 
erator of town meetings. He married, first, Mahala 
Tilton; second, Mehetable Tilton (sisters). He died 
April 5, 1842. 

701 



702 



HISTOKY OF BELKxNAP COUxNTY, XEW UAMPSHIRE. 



Matthew Perkins, born in Sanbornton June 17, 
1788, married Jane Little, was a lawyer of decided 
talent, and an orator. Settled at Sanbornton Square, 
and died August 17, 1826. 

Chaki.ks J. Stuart, born in Peterborough Septem- 
ber 20, 1788, of Scotch-Irish parentage; graduated at 
Dartmouth College in 1809, and commenced practice 
at Sanbornton Square. He was a famous singer and of 
large size. He married Eliza Austin and finally moved 
to Lancaster, where he died May 17, 1836. 

Charles Oilman studied law with Matthew Per- 
kins, and succeeded to hia practice at Sanbornton, 
where he remained from 1826 to 1833. He is said to 
have died in Baltimore in 1878. 

Benjamin Boardman, born in South Reading, 
Mass., February 16, 1798; studied law with Samuel 
Fletcher, of Concord ; was admitted to the bar in 1825 ; 
married Anne Stickney, of Concord; practiced law 
in Sanbornton from 1833 to 1836, when he removed 
to Meredith Bridge ; in 1847 he moved to Lawrence, 
Mass., where he remained until 1867 ; he died in 
Concord April 3, 1871 ; his house in Laconia was 
the pleasant home of the judges during the sessions 
of the court; he was the last lawyer settled at San- 
bornton Square. 

Asa p. Cate, born in Northfield June 1, 1813; 
read law with Judge Nesmith ; married Clara Proc- 
tor, and commenced to practice about 1843. Although 
his residence was in Northfield, his office was on the 
Sanbornton side of the river ; he was several times 
representative, president of the State Bank, candidate 
for Governor, president of a national bank, and judge 
of Probate of Merrimack County ; he died December 
12, 1874. 

Benjamin A. Rogers, a native of Northfield ; 
practiced law at Sanbornton Bridge from about 1840 
to 1858 ; he married, first, Viola E. Rundlet ; second, 
Adeliza S. Rundlet (sisters) ; he afterwards studied 
for the Episcopal ministry and is settled in Texas. 

Charles C. Rogers, born in Bloomfield, Vt., 
August 19, 1834; read law with Benjamin A. Rogers 
and succeeded to his practice in Tilton in 1858 ; he 
married Sophia T. Curry, and is still in practice. 

Francis R. Chase, born in Gihnanton April 5, 
1818 ; studied law with Judge Dana, of Fryeburg, 
Me. ; married Huldah P. Fessenden ; settled in 
Conway; was representative in 1852; Speaker of 
the House of Representatives in 1855; settled in 
Northfield in 1866, and practiced in Tilton; repre- 
sented the town in 1871-72; was a prominent Episco- 
palian and died March 12, 1876. 

James O. Lyford, born June 28, 1853, in Boston ; 
moved to Canterbury in 1866 ; read law in Concord ; 
opened a law-office in Tilton in 1880; he holds 
a clerkship in the War Department, at Washing- 
ton. 

SfEi'iiEN Moody, born in West Newbury, Mass., 
January 21, 1767; graduated at Harvard College in 
I7;»0; wa-s admitted to the bar in 1793, and settled 



the same year in Lower Gihnanton ; he was the first 
lawyer of Belknap County ; he married Frances Cof- 
fin ; was repeatedly moderator of town-meetings, and 
died April 21, 1842. 

John Ham, born in Dover December 30, 1774; 
graduated at Dartmouth College, 1797 ; was admitted 
to the bar in 1800, and a year later settled in Lower 
Gilmanton ; he was frequently chosen selectman and 
representative ; he married Wealthy C. Brigbam, 
and died March 7, 1837. 

Benjamin Emerson, born in Alfred, Me., March 
20, 1792 ; graduated at Dartmouth College in 1816 ; 
married Rebecca S. Porter and settled in Gilmanton, 
where he was admitted to the bar in 1822; he was 
repeatedly moderator and representative. 

Nathaniel Cogswell, born January 19, 1773; 
graduated at Dartmouth College, 1794; commenced to 
practice in Gilmanton in 1805 ; he was afterwards a 
general in the Mexican army and died August, 1813. 

Nathan Crosby, born F'ebruary 12, 1798 ; gradu- 
ated at Dartmouth College in 1820 ; read law with 
Stephen Moody; was admitted to the bar in 1824, 
practiced a short time in Gilmanton. and finally set- 
tled in Lowell, where he died in 1884. 

.Tames Bell, son of (iovcrnor Samuel Bell ; gradu- 
ated at Bowdoin College in 1822; was admitted to the 
bar in 1825; married Judith Upham, and opened an 
office at Gilmanton iron-Works; he afterwards re- 
moved to Exeter. 

GEOiKiE Minor, a graduate of Dartmouth College 
in 1828; was admitted to practice in 1831 ; he opened 
an office at Gilmanton Iron- Works, but soon removed 
to Concord. 

Arthuh Livermore, a graduate of Dartmouth 
College in 1829 ; was admitted to practice in 1833 ; 
opened an office in Oilmanton and afterwards moved 
to Bath. 

Ira a. Eastman. (See Merrimack County Bench 
and Bar History). 

Edward St. Loe Livermore practiced law for a 
short time at Gilmanton. 

William Butterfield graduated at Dartmouth 
College in 1836; admitted to the bar in 1840; mar- 
ried Rosamond Robinson and practiced a few years at 
Gilmanton Centre ; he afterwards moved to Concord 
and for many years was editor of the Patriot. 

(Jeorge G. Fogg, a native of Meredith; graduated 
at Dartmouth College in 1839 ; was admitted to the 
bar in 1842, and settled at Gilmanton Iron- Works; 
he was afterwards an editor, minister to Switzerland 
and United States Senator. 

General Joseph Badger, for many years judge 
of Probate of Straflbrd County, was born in Haver- 
hill, Mass., January 11, 1722; married Hannah Pear- 
son and moved to Gilmanton in 1763. He was a 
prominent citizen; a member of the Provincial Con- 
gress and the first Constitutional Convention. He 
was several times a member of the Governor's Coun- 
cil. He died April 4, 1803. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



703 



TiioiMAS l'0(;sWKi,i,, from 1784 to 1810 chief jus- 
tice of the Court of Uommon Pleas, was born iu 
Haverhill, Mass., August 14, 1746; married Ruth, 
daughter of General Badger; served in the army 
during the whole Revolutionary War; won the rank 
of colonel ; settled in Gilmanton on return of peace. 
He died September 3, 1810. 

TuojiAS CogsweIjL, son of William and Judith 
(^ Badger) Cogswell, a nephew of Thomas Cogswell, 
was born, December 7, 1798, in Atkinson; lived in 
Gilmanton. He was a judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas for Belknap County from 1 841 to 1855 ; was 
justice of the peace for over forty years and a coun- 
cilor in 1856 ; married Mary Noyes and died August 
8, 1868. His son, Thomas Cogswell, is a prominent 
lawyer of Gilmanton. 

William Badgek, a grandson of General .Joseph 
Badger, was born in Gilmanton January 13,1779; 
married Martha Smith ; was representative, Senator, 
president of the Senate, Governor of New Hampshire 
two years. From 1816 to 1821 he was associate jus- 
tice of the Court of Common Pleas. 

Lyman B. Walker was an attorney at Gilford 
for many years. For five years he was Attorney-Gen- 
eral of the State. He was a brilliant man, and a man 
of much influence. He frequently encountered Frank- 
lin Pierce in the court-room. 

Stephen C. Lyfoed, at Laconia for many years, 
was a lawyer of large practice ; esteemed to be a good 
lawyer and stood well in the profession. He went 
South late in life and died there. 

WakrexLovell, from A^ermont. settled atWent- 
worth, in 1830. He soon after came to Meredith, 
where he built up an extensive practive and accumu- 
lated a large property. He was appointed judge of 
Probate and moved to Laconia, where he died shortly 
before 1876. 

<iEORGE W. Stevens, a native of Salisbury ; was 
educated at Meriden Academy ; read law with John 
P. Hale and settled in Laconia, where he married ; 
represented the town several years ; a smart lawyer 
and a good advocate ; did a large business. He died 
at Concord. 

Benjamin Morgan and E. S.Moulton were prac- 
ticing law at Laconia in 1854. 

\Vm. N. Blair, a cousin of H. W. Blair, was a na- 
tive of Campton ; was practicing law in Laconia in 
1861 ; was county solicitor for five years. He re- 
turned to Campton, where he died. 

B. M. Colby, a native of Colebrook, was in prac- 
tice at Tilton from 1854 to 1861. 

I. F. Folsom was in practice at Meredith Bridge 
in 1854. 

O. A. J. Vaughau, a native of Hanover; read law 
with Judge Jonathan Kittredge, of Canaan ; admit- 
ted to the bar about 1846 ; first settled at Gilmanton 
Iron Works, succeeding G. G. Fogg in practice. He 
soon settled in Laconia, where he married and died. 

Jeremiah Elkins was a well-educated lawyer: 



born at Andover, N. H., August 31, 1795; graduated 
at Dartmouth College in 1817; died at Meredith 
February 24, 1854 ; .settled in Meredith in 1847 ; was 
clerk of New Hampshire House of Representatives ; 
register of Probate of Strafford and solicitor of Bel- 
knap County ; married, first, Sarah G. Emerson ; 
second, Mary A. Bunker. 

George T. Sawyer, afterwards of Nashua, prac- 
ticed law a number of years at Laconia. 

Horace L. Ha/elton was practicing law in Gil- 
ford in 1844. He was a lawyer and advocate of good 
reputation, and moved to Boston, where he became 
distinguished. 

Joseph Ela was a statute lawyer at Meredith; a 
sharp, shrewd practitioner, who had considerable 
success. 

Henry T. Simpson, of New Hampton, was an as- 
sociate justice of the Court of Common Pleas; noted 
for his corpulence and good sense. 

Hon. Ellery A. Hibbard, born in St. Johnsbury, 
Vt., July 31, 1826 ; was educated at Derby Acad- 
emy ; read law with Nathan B. Felton, of Haverhill, 
Charles R. Morrison, of Manchester, and Henry F. 
French, assistant secretary United States Treasury ; 
was admitted to the bar in 1849 and settled in Ply- 
mouth ; he came to Laconia in 1853. He has served 
one term in United States House of Representatives, 
and has been a member of the Supreme Court of New 
Hampshire. He is a strong, level-headed, evenly- 
balanced and safe lawyer. 

Col. Thomas Jefferson Whipple was born 
January 30, 1816, in Wentworth, N. H. ; educated 
at New Hampton, Bradford, Vt., and at Norwich 
University ; read law with Josiah Quincy and Sal- 
mon Wires, of Johnson, Vt. ; admitted to the bar in 
1840, at Plymouth, and settled in Wentworth. He 
raised an independent company — the Wentworth Pha- 
lanx^ — before 1840, and was aide-de-camp of General 
Cook when seventeen years of age ; commissioned 
first lieutenant in Ninth New England Regiment; 
adjutant of Colonel Pierce's (afterwards Colonel 
Ransom's Regiment, of Norwich, Vt.) in the spring 
of 1846, at Fort Adams, R. I. He was in the Mex- 
ican War, and was taken prisoner at Vera Cruz, and 
exchanged at Jalapa ; was adjutant-general of Gen- 
eral Lewis' stafli'. He returned and settled in Laco- 
nia. 

During the War of the Rebellion he served as 
lieutenant-colonel of the First New Hampshire Regi- 
ment, colonel of the Fourth, and was chosen colonel 
of the Twelfth. Col. Whipple has been assistant 
clerk and clerk of House ; secretary of 1850 Constitu- 
tional Convention ; member of 1876 Constitutional 
Convention, and has been attorney for the Boston, 
Concord and Montreal Railroad, since 1870. He has 
also been attorney for the Lake Company since the 
death of Senator J. D. Bell. Col. Whipple is an able, 
eccentric lawyer and a powerful advocate. 

.lorHA.Nf Pattex Hiitcuiin.son, born February 29, 



70i 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1824, at Sidney, Me.; studied law with Colonel Thomas 
J. Whipple, of Laconia; was admitted February 
term, 1853 ; settled in Laconia; in 1862 settled in 
Nashua. In April, 1872, he was agent of the Lake 
Company, and in 1873 settled in Lake village. He 
resigned March, 1883. He married, in June, 1851, 
Abigail Elizabeth Hadley, of Rumney. One son, 
Frederick J. Hutchinson, born November 27, 1853 ; 
graduated from Dartmouth College, 1878, and Boston 
Law School, 1882 ; married and settled in the practice 
of his profession in Boston. 

Samuel C. Clark, Esq., born in Lake village 
January 9, 1832 ; was educated at Gilford and New 
Hampton Academy and fitted for sophomore class in 
college; read law with Hon. Stephen C. Lyford, of 
Laconia, and Hon. Asa Fowler, of Concord ; was 
admitted to the bar in 1854 ; practiced law in Lake 
village till 1857, when he was admitted clerk of the 
courts for Belknap County until 1874, since which 
date he has followed the profession in Lake village. 
He was a member of the Legislature in 1867-68 and 



again in 1878. For two years he was assistant clerk 
of the House of Representatives, 1870 and 1872, and 
for two years he was clerk, 1873 and 1875. 

During the war he was deputy-provost marshal, and 
a director of the Laconia National Bank and the 
Lake Village Savings-Bank since their organization. 
He was a promoter and is a director of the Laconia 

' and Lake Village Horse Railroad. He is a Royal 
Arch Mason and attends the Baptist Church. He mar- 
ried Clara E., daughter of Captain Josiah Hale, of 
Dover, and has two children, Samuel C. Clark, Jr., 

i and Clara Belle Clark. 

j Erastus p. Jewell, forty-eight years of age, is a 
native of Sandwich ; studied at New Hampton ; read 
law with Colonel Thos. J. Whipple ; was admitted to 
the bar in 1859, and has since practiced in Laconia. 

Charles F. Stone, forty-two years of age ; was 
born in Cabot, Vt. ; He graduated at Middleton 
College in 1869 ; and read law with Governor Stuart 
and Judge Hibbard ; He was admitted to the bar in 
1872, and in practice in Laconia. 



HISTORY OF ALTON. 



CHAPTER I. 

The town of Alton lies iu the eastern part of the 
county and is bounded as follows: North by Lake 
Winnipiseogee, east by Strafford County, south by 
Uarnstead and west by Barustead, Gilmanton and 
Gilford. 

This town was originally called New Durham Gore. 
It was first settled about 1770 by Jacob Chamberlain 
and others. In the petition of 1794, for incorpora- 
tion, the citizens asked that it might be called Rox- 
hury, but it was finally named Alton, after a town in 
Southamptonshire, England. Barndoor Island was 
annexed to the town in 1799. A portion of the town 
was annexed to Barnstead in 1840, and a portion to 
Wolfboroughin 1849. 

Incorporation of Town.— The following is the 
petition of the first inhabitants to have New Durham 
Gore incorporated, 1794: 

"To the Honorable the Senate and Huuse of Kepreseutiitives, for the 
State of New Hampshire, to l>e convened at Amherst iu said State 
on the first Wednesday in June next. 

" The petition of us, the subscribers, Freeholdei-s and Inhabitants of a 
place called New Durham Gore, in the County of Strafford and State 
aforesiiid. 

" Humbly Sheweth— That your petitionei^ have a long time labored 
under many inconveniencies, for want of an incorporation, in their not 
having legal power to lay out and make roads for the accommodation of 
the Inhabitants and public, to build a meeting-house for public worship, 
settle a minister of the Gospel, raise money for the maintenance of 
schools, and to transact and do many other things relative to town af- 
fairs, which the Inhabitants of incorporated towns in this State, by law, 
exercise and do, notwithstanding which ditflculties they have always 
cheerfully contributed their full proportion towards the support of 
Government, and been firmly attached to the Laws of the State. Your 
Petitioners therefore pray that the above-nientioued Tract of Land, now 
called New Durham Gore, and bounded as follows — to wit — Beginning 
at the southwesterly corner of New Durham, and running north by the 
side line thereof, about nine miles and three-(iuarters, to the north- 
westerly corner of said New Durham, then running North forty-eight 
degrees East, by said New Durham line about two miles and throe- 
quarters to the southerly corner of Wolfborough, then running north- 
west to winuipeseoke pond, then running by the shore of said pond, as 
that runs a westerly course as far as Gilmantown line, then southerly 
upon said Gilmantown line as far as the line of the town of Barnstead, 
then running southeast or as said Barnstead line runs to the Boands first 
mentioned,— may be erected and incorporated into a township by the 
name of Roxbry, and that the inhabitants thereof may be erected into a 
Body politic and corporate, to have continuance and succession forever, 
and invested with all the powers and enfranchised with all the rights 
privileges and immunities which other towns in this State hold and en- 
joy, to hold to said inhabitants and their successors forever. And that 
Mr. Eleazer Davis may be authorized to call a meeting of said inhabi- 
r and customary town ofiiciMs, giving such 



notice and under huch regulations as your honors may deem 

and that the officers then chosen may be invested with all the powers of 
such ulTicfis ill other tn« iis in this State. And that every other im-.niiit' 

whirh ^li;iil i> , iilK liri.linsaid Gore for that purpose ni:n !..■ .■,, 

the s I I , I M , I. h forever, or otherwise point out m. 11,1 

"lodf (1 ; ;[ I I. \ 1.1 ; iiLuiners iu the premises, aayourhuiiui- 111 >niii 
wise euii=;.lLi.ai..ii ^ii.ul ilujiU best, and your petitioners as in dul,v U-iiinl 
will ever pray— 

" New Durham Gore, March the 31«, Anno Domini 1794. 

"Lera' B. Mason, Mi(aJ;ili Tliirisi.n. .rames M'-DufTee, Kb.ne/.r W.i.t- 
worth, Jun., Jot^rpl, t;. ' ; ;-, Tli.-, ,- "I'.jj d- -, , ,T..i, ^ a[. fiur". ■-. 1 [lii.iiTu 
Chamberlain, Jr, .1 l: 1 ,11-1 1,,, \ ,1. n 

Allai-d, David Gil. I. m ... ■ - , 1 , , 1 ■,,,-, 

Jr., Stephen Fall, .1 , ■ ■. ^l : ■ M . \i , .. , i, . \ , , .,;,,!- 
den, Thoe. Boiin.'ii ~ 1 ■ 1 ■ . 1 ■ . ■ 1: ■ , ■ |-., ■ . 1 ' , 1 1 ,u' 

M«--Duftee, Jr., iJ-i'^ ■ : I n. . v. , v !■, 1 . ■ , |.,, , ,1. 

Ephraim Chainl.-, i : ■ 1 ■, 1 : ■ ■ 1 ■ , i, . , ■ . 1:, , , ■ .,„.. 






KUt 



DreM 



StorkiiM I . Ml, Jr., Richard ilandoi-s, 

Juhli r '^ .., i: I :, .■. -i . ; ,.: I. .1. :,...l...:, ! ■ i - htuU, ThomaS Edgeflv. 
Jr., JiUiK.^ Uvl.1i>;,, J...,» i.h 1 i.-inilK ihij,,!,,.-,,:^;.!, i;u/,zell, Andrew Fiip'-rly, 
Anthony Ilawlings, Ichubud liawliugs, Jonathan Laighton (iSd), Itl.;Mi,,,r 
Buzel [?], James Rogers, paul Leathers, Paul Chamberlin, E|'li" i:.! .1 ' , 
Tristi-am Hurd, Stephen Drew, James Woster, Tlieoder Ricliail-, .l. i. 
miah Woodman, Reuben Smith." 



The following is the 
1794: 



)etiti 



Joseph Picrrt 



at .\mhei'st in said State. The Petition of Joseph Pierce, of New Dur- 
ham Gore in said County 

" Humbly Shews— That a petition, signed by sundry of the Inhabit- 
ants of s;ud New Durham Gore, has been presented to tlie General 
Court, praying that the Tract of Land called New Durham Gore in said 
County might be incorporated, and have such Privileges as other town- 
of said State enjoy. That it is not convenient said Tract should be in- 
corporated as the form of the same is such that the Inhabituiifc^ ncMi 
can, without much difficulty, meet together for public worship, Li tin- 
doing the necessary town business, or for any other p ubh'o t/r m ^ [,i 1 n 1 - 
poses, as said Tmct is not six miles wide in the widest part. :in>i il it 
Part is separated and (liviii.tl fur several iiiiliK together by a laiL'- Ann 
of Uinii-i.iM .I,.. |...ii.[ . .ill. .1 nirMN ii.i ■■tin_ Imv. t hat said tnict is nearly 
sixteen ii;:i ^ i :! :■ i ii'i i-irr!y to the most north- 

west.iiv I ' : M II : '; I i^i>vsing from one to the 

other i^ ,l:, ' .'I II, 1, I .1 \._\ 111. till- 1 \. tit I 11 ..r large and almost im- 
passixble Jluuntaius, luw, we( grounds and swamps that the most south- 
easterly part of said Gore is an acute angle, and your petitioner's farm is 
80 situated as to make said Angle, and is removed further from the 
Centre of said Gore than any other farm in the same is or can be. That 
your Petitioner's said farm, which contains about fifteen hundred Acres, 
is about seven miles from said Centre, and the roads leading to the same 
go over very high bills and arc in general very rough, and ever will be 
very uneven. That your Petitioner has left tlie employments he for- 
merly pursued, and iias for several years last past cnguged himseU in 
cultivating waste Lands, making public roads and advancing the general 
good of said Slate. That your Petitioner never had any thought that 
«ijil Tract of Land would be incor[)o rated, more especially as said In. 

705 



lllSTUrtY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW llAMl'SlllUE. 



babituDts hnvo heretofore, at a public meeting held for that purpose, 
voted that they would not petition the LeRisIaliiro for such Incorpora- 
tion. That such incorporation, if had, would evidently lessen the value 
ofyourPetitiouer'a Interest in said Gore, and would place him in a sit- 
uation much worse than he now is. Therefore your Petitioner asks of 
your honours that if the I-egislature should pass an Act incorporating 
said New Durham Gore, that the said farm of your Petitioner may not 
be included in said Incorporation, or that his said farm may bo made 
into a separate cori>oration, or that your honours would take such other 
order therenn, as you in your great wisdom shall think lit. 
" New Durham Goi-e, Blay 27"", ITH. 

The followiug memorial is relative to incorporating 
the town, 1794: 

"To the houomblo the Senate and House of Kopresentatives of the State 
of Now Hampshire, to bo convened at Amherst in and for said State 
uu the flrst Wednesday in June next. 

'* The petition of the Subscribers, freeholders and luhabitants of a 
certain tract or parcel of land called New Durham Gore, Humbly 
Shewoth That whereas wo understand sundry Inhabitants of said Gore 
are about petitioning the General Court of said State for an incorpora* 
tiou, which, if K""a'>tcd without the liberty heroin after exprest, will 
gn-atly distress the undersigned petilionci-s as well as the Inhabitants of 
the other remote nm] ;iti(-mi;it,c(l pints of said Gore, by reason of its 
being so extonwiv .i. i. n ih mi iirming into sharp peaks and narrow 
corners, whicti l;i| ' <: i ^ !>•' behind almost imi>as8able Moun- 

tains— and you I J" iMi IP 1 li\ n,_ ,ii tin; southerly peak of said tract, and 
so far distant Iium iln- iiiUii.it-a ■ iMiler as to render it utterly incon- 
venient for thorn to be cunuecled or embodied with the aforesaid appli- 
cants and would greatly lessen their property. But they are of opioiou 
that A town or parish might bo formed and erected out of tho middle of 
sjiid tract of land by cutting off the several cornere of it agreeably to a 
plan thereof herewith exhibited. 

" Your petitioners therefore pray, that in case said incorporation 
should take place, your hoDors would reserve liberty for your potitionei-s 
and such others as now do or may hereafter live in the aforesaid extreme 
parts or corners of said tract of land, at any time when either of them 
may think it convenient to bo set of with their estate and be annexed to 



ministry, schools and for the laying out, making and rejiairing bigb 
ways. That your petitioners conceive an incorporation would remedy 
many evils besides those above enumerated ; be & means of disscminatiuf. 
knowledge and contentment among the inhabitants, conduce to a speed^ 
settlement of unimproved lands, and Anally add a respectable town t> 
the State of Now Hampshire. 

" Your petitioners therefore pray your honors that they maybe rank-i; 
among the happy citizens of this State by being admitted to an inrori- 
ration, and as in duty bound will ever pray. 

*' Jacob Ch.vmbeblin, 1 
" James SIcDuKFE^ j. Stlectmeit. 
" Daniel M^DuFKEF., J 
"Jonatlmii Lui^titwii, Ji., Jonathan Leighton (3^), James Itogert. 
Kbenezer Weutworth, Benj. Beunet, Thomas Edgerley, Juur., Georj:i 
Walker, Paul Chamberlin, David McDuffee, Jacob Cbamberhn, Jr., Lem 
B. Mason, John Kawlings, John PJiiiikt. Tlioinas Jewett, Silas Robert--, 
Thomas Lanchlen, Oliver W-.r-.y, l i [,. r W.-ntworth, Jr., Jofici>l. 
Roberts, Esqf., Thomas K.l- i i ^ r^, \V"m M«Dufifee, An 

thony Rawling, Charles Ri;:i ' i i rlin, Hezekiah Davii-. 

Jonathan Leighton, Davi<l 11. v, \,m r Min.l. David Wentworth 
Thos. Bennett, Andrew Edg<rl*->', .liim.-s ItMbcrts, Eph"' Chamborlii.. 
Junr., Jon* MoDuffoe, Ichabod Rawlings." 

The foregoing petition was before the House ot 
Kepresentatives June 13th, and a vote passed grant- 
ing the petition ; the Senate concurred, and an act ()t 
incorporation received the approval of the Go vomer 
June 16, 1796. 

The following is the petition of Jacob Chaniln rlin 
relative to the election of representatives in 177S ; 

" To the Honorable the House of R<!pr<.'ScntHtives fur the State of Nf" 
Hampshire. 

" Gentlemen: 

" I, who am an Inhabitant of the Gore, have, by jiocident, heard your 
Honours had sent a precept to Wolfborough, tho gore and New Durham, 
requiring these three towns to meet and make choice of some man to 



iugt 



ive th. 



adjacent, for the owners ul' Majioua ritjbt, und «1ii. ii ■ i \ i ■ > i. li 

would be incori>orated in its pn'sent form, but u.,iil . ,. : .iii.r 

towns, which might have been obtained without uniM iiir\ .1 .i.i..riMii 
had it been seasonably requested, but wo are sorry ro sav ihut \\v have 
every reason to believe our Brethren are too much biased to consult the 
Benefit of their Noighboura as well as themselves ; but we are convinced 
that a hare suggestion of our situation to your honors, to whom wo look 
up for protection as to our Fathers, will be sufhcient. 

"New Durham Goro, May tho 27">, A.D. 1794. 

"Timothy Davis, Nicholas Glidden, Gideon Davis, Zehulon Glidden, 
Zebulon Davis, Thomas Norton, John Penny, Mdscs Meder." 



The following is a 
of incorporation, 17()( 



the! 



in said State. That your petitioners are, by means of their prt.'sent 
situation, subjected to many disagreeable inconveniences, being unin- 
corporated, and, of course, deprived of those privileges and immuiiitius 
enjoyed by the neighboring towns. That the land on which your poti- 
tiouei-s are settled, and that which remains as yet in a state of nature, is 
good and capable of rapid improvement, was settlement further en- 
couragi'd by an incorpor.ition. 

"That wo are already more numerous than many places, within our 
knowledge, which have been admitted to the ei^joyment of town privi- 
leges, and that a speedy augmentation of numbere can only be retarded 
by the want of an incorporation. That we are deprived of the speediest 
uud most eligible method of niiwing money for the support of the Gospel 



uureasouuble that a ^uw Durham seluctatau t^iiould Determine whether 
we in the gore should be represented or not I cannot think why wo were 
not notified, unlfss it Wil^ for this Rea*wm— that as they know Wolf- 
boroii^-ii I. \ 1 ,!t[ h 1 ill (-; , iiii-^ they might cbuse whomo they 
plea,s(ii. ,11. I I li;LYf no one in their town fit they 

must |iii. I 1] ,1 I Miirs Distant, who, we think, verj* 

littlf a. .jUi'Mii'-i :viiii 111 ' H iiiiii.itir.s of the gore, what over he may 
be with Wolfbnrungb, and we Desire to submit it to your honours 
whether such a person, chosen in such an illegal manner— and, as I have 
been informed, only by 5 or G men— is a suitable person to Represent 
three towns. If we have no man among us fit for a Kepresentativo we 
had much rather confide in tho wisdom and justice of your honours to 
Represent us than that any i)ei'8on, chosen in an illegal manner, should 
presume to Do it. We, upon the whole, think wc are slighted and very 
ill treated in this mater, and hope tbaf your honours, in your great 
goodness, will see we have Justice Done us. I am, in behalf of the gore, 
your most humble Servant, 



'Jacob Cha 



, December the ID^ 

following is 



Tho following is the petition of Wn^ inhabitants 
L-oncerniiig the same matter : 

"State of Nkw Hami-shiuk. 
•' To the Hon'''<» the House of Representatives of the State of New Uamp- 



"The Humble Petition of uv t 
in tho County of StraflTord, in -. 

"That we have been inf.^nu 
had Sent a precept to the Sd. . : ^ 
Notify the Inhabitants of Woltli 
Now Durham, for the Choice of i 



-'. Tnhabitantsof the Gore, 

- thr Late General Co«rt» 
ii[hani, Directing thorn to 
(be Gore to Meet at Said 
> attend this present 



ALTON. 



Golitjml Court ; un<i tluit, nutwitlistaiuiing the Siiiiif Pin-rtion, we uyvur 
hiui any kind of Nutice or wuruiiig ofsii'-Ii ^If^lttii: l.nf th.. lulinbitaiittj 
of miid Now Durham met and CIiohc ;i I;, i i ■ ■ ni ii u . \\ in, ii appeitru to 
UB to bo illegal, and Pray the Said Choi., 1,1, n i,, >i ,, i.l, . iliat we may 
have the privilodgoof Voting at anyliiiiir,- .M,,ii,i- i,,, iiuj Choice of 
Rfpreseutatives, wliich we think we liave a jtii,! Highl lo Claim; And 
that the lnhabitaut8 of Wolfborough have never attended Such Meet- 
ings, on account of the (Jreat DiKtttuce they are from New Durham Moot- 
ii.g-House. 

•That they have intinial-,! I" ,1^ H, n ,.,.,, l,, -,,, , . i. ,, ,, ,,i;it 

Such Meetings, if the Pla.- ,11 ,,.i. i .. ■ .;i ii i , m 

for the three towns, and Tli:ii I ,. ni ,i,,i! k ., ., \i i,,,j^ 

Bay, W'ould be the most sMiLil.l, , .11 nl,i.l, ll,,, , ii,,_, ,,.,., ,;,i , i,,..lly 

attend. And your IV-tition, 



Imty lluuiid. 



" JOSKPII RonEKTS -v 

"Charles Kogkrs, ysclcctmeii. 
"Timothy Davis, J 
"<jeorge Horn, Jacob Chamberliu, Eleazcr Davis, Olivah Reave, Kph- 
raiin Chamborlin, John Barker, Benj'" Bennett, Ephraim Roberts." 

(Jolonel Thomas Tasb was the man elected. The 
iimtter was before the House of Representatives 
March 10, 1770, and a hearing ordered lor the 24th ; 
hut in the journal of the House for tluit day iki men- 
tion is made of the matter, and |)rolial>ly it wa.s 
dropped. 

The following is the petition relalivc t<i roads 
through the Gore : 

"Stateof New Hamp'i To the llonUt Council and House of Repre- 
Strafford ss. j sentatives in General Assemby convened. 



■ngt 



nsu, it was enacted that said Road all,, I,! : • i m.il as afore. 

said at the Cost of the Inhabitants & <,^\i,'i.- I ,,<! i. i,,in the same 
Proportion as the State Tax, and that tt»e saitl Inliabitaiits & owners shall 
be liable to the same Pains and Penalties as any Town in the State for 
not repairing Highways, by which act your Petitioners, the Inhabitants 



ber, living i 



he Borders of i 
cols of Land they severally live i: 
poratiou, being obligeil to make i 

obliged to make an- ; , , ,: 
petitioners can r, , , , , I ,, , 



your Petitioners would til. 1, i , ,, 1,1,1, 

the owners of Land within si, I I, i ,1, , 1 
necessary for Highways; or,,- u ,,i , [, , ,(, , , , 

willing that their Lands sh.ji, 1,1 1,, 1 .i,', ,. > ; , 

said Gore, to all Necessary Highways, in whiLJi s- 1, , 
humbly conceive to be the Prayer of the first Pclii, [, 
aforesaid act was made, otherwise your present r, h , 
taken Benefit in shewing Cause why the Prayer u( 11.. . 
to have been granted. Wherefore your Petitioners hui 
Hon"' Court to take under Consideration their present C 
inability to fulfil the Requisitions of said Act, & to oriler 
only in said Gore bo taxed towards said Roads, and your V 
over pray. 

" October 121'', 1780. 

"Joseph Roberts, 
"EI.EAZEE Davis, 

The following is relative to ])roeuriug ni 
urmy : 



"Gore, acUoining Now Durham, March ■iH"', 17B1. 

" At the anual mealing, held in said Town by the inhabitants, by law 
Qualified to vote in town alTairs. 

" Voted that the said mealing stand acyourued to monday, auUi Day of 
Api, to BOO if the Hon* Court will consider ous in our Proportion of 
Ta.ve8 for the present year ; we, the s-i inhabitants, think wo are agroved, 
therefore beg your Honours would consider ous, being but few iu Num- 
ber, & Likewis Poor, <fe it is out of Power to get those men sent for to 
serve iu the Ccntiuenlal serviB as beinp more than our proportion, ai- 

•• altes 

■•.l..Ni,l'l[ RoliBuTS, rn,m CiiTk. 



"To the Uon"« the House of Hepresenlatives of the State of New 
Hampshire, or, in their Kecoss, To the Honb'" the I'ommitloe of 
Safety of said State. The Representation of the Select Men for them- 
selves and other inhabitants of the Gore, in the County of Strafibrd, 
Sheweth,— 



"That there has been demanded from ue, by the Honf^^ Court, four 
Men to serve in the Continental Army for three years, or during the War, 
when it is a common thing iu other Towns for forty Men, much more 
able than we are, to be classed in one Class, to get ono Man. 

"That we have, iw ■ we conceive, been always much over rated, and 
altho' the Honblc Court have ordered a considerable Abatement in our 
Taxes, yet the Treasurer constantly sends bis precept to us for the whole 
Sum demanded, and we are this year charged a high price, for the Defi- 
ciency of Beef not supplied hist year, which we suppose ought not to be 
the case, us it is contrary to a Resolution of the IlonWo Court. 

"And that notwithstanding we Labour under so numy peculiiu' Dis- 
advantages, we have exerted ourselves to the utmost to get two Men, 
hoping, if we could have succeeded in the Attempt, we might have been 
favored as to the othei- two. but w., are sorry to say that after spending a 

great deal of Timi- a; I,, M y, n, I, ,nf not been able to get one Man at 

any Rate; we huv.- ,.,1, ,, ,i .,,u , :.rM,., part of our Lands, or any other 
Thing within our I;. „ I., i. ,„■ |i,,r|-,-, . 

"We thought iloiii iiulj Iu iiial.i; this Representation, hoping that we 
might be allevialeil of some of our Ditfioulties, and that you might take 
such further order herein, as you in your great Wisdom should think 



July f 



" The Select Mcu beg leave to note further That if their whole pro- 
portion of Men are four, the number now required of them, allowing the 
above-mentioned abatement, their , just proportion would be but about 
three, altho' they have heard that the SheritThiW aprecept for the whole 
Sum in Lieu of the four Men." 



The following is 
ratable polls, 1788: 



" Strafford ss. Pursuant to A Vote of the General Court, This may 
Certify that there is forty Rateable Pools, From Twenty-One years Old 
and Upward, Living In New Durham Gore. 

"Taken by Order of the Select men. 

"Gore, December 3^1, 178:i. 

"JoSEra RoBtliTs, Town Clerk. 

" Strafford ss. 

"Now Durham Gore, Decf. 3-*, 1783. Then the above-named Joseph 
Roberts nnide Solemn Oath to the above Certificate by him signed that it 
Contained the full number of Kateabte Polls living in Town. 

"Coram Matth» T. Parker, Jut. I'taca." 



HISTORY OF BKLKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The following is the copy of a petition asking to 
have the annual meeting held in March, 1784, legal- 
ized : 

"State of New Hami'Shike. 
" To thf IlonWe the General Assembly of the Slate of New Hampahiro : 

•' Tlie petition of the Subscribers chosen Select-men of the Gore, in the 
County of Strafford, in said State, Humbly Shews,— 

" That the Inhabitants of the Gore aforesaid held an annual Meeting 
in March last I'iihI. uhcii th. y tlmso Solect-nien, Collector, Ac, as usual 
at Mit ii III. .■!. !,■_■-, I'll! ,1- ii,. 11 ; ..V. , I ..I ii..:.iiiiLr meetings ceased with the 

" w i> I .1 I : . I : I I. ii, ,; II . < lioice of the Town Offi- 



■iiiLKAZKK UAViH. 

This petition resulted in the passage of the follow- 
ing resolution, legalizing annual meeting: 

"State of New Hampshikk. 
" In the House of Representatives, Octo. 29, 1784. 

" Whereat the Selectmen of the Gore (so called), in the County of Stnvf- 
ford, have petitioned the General Court, setting forth that the inhabit- 
ants of siiid Gore, in March last, held a meeting Jl chose all utiicers as 
usual to assess & colUct their Taxes, but as their power of holding meet- 
ings ceased with the late proportion act, their proceedings were void; 
whcrefure they prayed that the choice of officers & other proceedings at 
said Aiiiiuul IMcetinj: might be established. 

" Thtrtfon- lit'soh-ed, That the meeting held in said Gore, in March 
last, be ustuMisheil, and the officers chosen to assess & collect their Taxes 
are hereby fully authorized & empowered to transact the necessary busi- 
ness of their respective offices as fully as if said Proportion Act had con- 
tinued in force through the current year. 

"And the officers chosen at said meeting are hereby empowered to call 
a meeting for the purposes aforesaid, sometime in March next ; And the 
officers for the respective years to call meetings annually to choose such 
necessary officers until a new proportion of the State Taxes shall be made. 
Sent up for Concurrence. 

"Geo. Atkinson, Speaker. 

** In Senate, October 3n, 17S4, read & Concurred, 

"M. Weaue, Prtnidaitr 

At the first town-meeting after the town was incor- 
porated it was voted to build an " Orthodox Con- 
gregational Meeting-Hou^e.'* The frame of this 
church was raised in the fall of 1797, but it was never 
entirely finished. Meetings Avere held in it, however, 
more or less, until about 1840, when it was sold for a 
town-house. 

In 1798 the town voted to raise one hundred and 
sixty-six dollars for the support of the gospel minis- 
try, and about this time the Rev, Mr. Whipple was 
employed to preach, and remained here two years. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



MAJOR GEOllUE I>. SAVAOH. 

Major George D. Savage was born in New Durham, 
N. H., March 7, 1818. His father, Captain Benja- 
min Savage, was one of the sturdy pioneer yeo- 
manry of the State, and his mother was descended 
from a like ancestry. Major Savage was tlie oldest 
of ten cliililn'M. ciglit of whom lived to adult life. 



His boyhood and youth and part of his early man- 
hood were spent on his father's farm. After he had 
attained sufficient age, the winter months were spent 
in teaching school. He early evinced great ardor for 
military life, and as a boy and young man, took much 
interest in the militia trainings and musters of half 
a century ago. As soon as old enough he enlisted 
in the State militia and gradually rose to the rank 
of major, and served in that capacity a number of 
years. The title thus obtained clung to him through 
life, and he was known far and near till the time of 
his death as Major Savage, notwithstanding the fact 
that he was promoted to a higher rank during the 
War of the Rebellion. 

In 1849 he moved to Alton, N. H., and engaged 
successfully in shoemaking, merchandising and ho- 
tel-keeping, being proprietor of the Cocheco House 
about twenty-five years, where he achieved the rep- 
utation of being one of the most genial and popular 
Bonifaces iu the State. He was active, generous- 
hearted and public-spirited, and was held in the 
highest esteem by those who knew him best. The 
projection and building of the Cocheco Railroad was 
largely due to his enterprise and influence. In pol- 
itics he was a prominent, active Republican, saga- 
cious in council, bold in utterance and uncompro- 
mising in his political principles. 

When war sounded its dread alarums, and the call 
came for more troops to defend the nation's flag, the 
old military ardor was once more aroused, and with 
the cry of "Come, boys!" Major Savage oftered his 
services in his country's cause. Says one writer, 
"The history of the raising of the Twelfth New 
Hampshire Regiment is too well known to be re- 
peated. The fabled Cadmus sowed dragon's teeth 
and raised a crop of men, but we are ignorant of 
the time it took to mature that crop. Colonel Whip- 
ple, Colonel Stevens and Major Savage sowed the 
seeds of patriotism and loyalty, and in four days a 
tlwusand men, as loyal as ever stood, was the result." 

Mythology was eclipsed by reality. The major of 
militia was commissioned major of volunteers. They 
were enlisted Sejitember 17, 1862, and went at once 
to the front. His regiment went into action in the 
battle of Fredericksburg, and at Chancellorsville, 
May 3, 1863, as Major Savage was repeating orders 
from the colonel, he was shot through the jaw by a 
sharp-shooter, which shot nearly cost him his life. 
After partially recovering from the wound he re- 
turned to the regiment and remained until honor- 
ably discharged. May 28, 1864. He was promoted to 
a lieutenant-colonelcy February 5, 1864. At the 
same time he was wounded at Chancellorsville, his 
brother Henry, captain of Company A, in the same 
regiment, was killed. The military career of Major 
Savage was perhaps not distinguished by superior 
generalship or his knowledge of correct military 
mana>uvres or tactics, but niaiiy a sick and weary 
soldier w^as cheered by bis kind words and hearty 




■^. (t). ^7^^-^ 




"/rrxi 



df^. 



W^J lHS)o^J^.f<i^^ 



ALTON. 



sympathy, he often dismounting from his horse to 
give such one a ride or carry his knapsaclc. He 
possessed in an eminent degree tliose qualities of 
heart that served to endear him to the members 
of his regiment, and his memory is tenderly cher- 
ished by every surviving comrade. 

After returning to private life (1864) he was ap- 
pointed a deputy sherifl', wliich position he held to 
1880. In 1861-62 he was a member of the State 
Legislature. In 18(56 he was elected railroad com- 
missioner for three years. He was a member of the 
Masonic order and the first Commander of the (i. A. 
R. Post at Alton. Few men were better known in 
the State, and perhaps none had more friends. He 
died of consumption at his home in Alton, Febru- 
ary 17, 1883, leaving five children who still survive 
(1885), — Mrs. John W. Currier, Mrs. George F. Jones, 
Mrs. Charles H. Downing, George Frank (who is pro- 
prietor of the Cocheco House, so long kept liy his 
fatborj and Miss Je.ssie Savage. 



Amos L. Rollins was born in the town of Alton, 
N. H., December 11, 1826. His fether, Ichabod Rol- 
lins, Jr., was a farmer and died when Amos was 
but nineteen years of age. His grandfather, also 
named Ichabod, was one of the earliest settlers in 
the town of Alton, whither he came from Newing- 
ton, N. H. 

Amos L. was brought up as a farmer's sou, receiv- 
ing only such educational advantages as were to be 
obtained at the common schools of the village. He 
has done more or less at husbandry all his life ; but 
for many years his time has been chiefly taken up 
with the public business of the town. 

The first official duty to which he was chosen 
was that of town clerk, which position he held five 
years. In 1862 he was elected second selectman of 
Alton, and in 1864 was chosen chairman of the board, 
and that position he has held each consecutive year 
to the present writing (1885). He has also held the 
otlice of moderator for twenty-one years in succes- 
sion, and the office of town treasurer seventeen years. 
He was chosen a member of the Constitutional Con- 
vention which met at Concord, 1876. He has been 
county commissioner three years, and has been treas- 
urer of the Alton Five-Cents Savings-Bank from its 
organization to the present time. 

He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity 
since 1866, and was secretary of the order four years. 
In political affiliation he is a Republican, and in 
religion a Free-Will Baptist, and has been superin- 
tendent of the Sunday-school three years. 

He married, in Alton, December 25, 1851, Sarah 
K. Kimball. They had five children,— three sons and 
two daughters. In 1866 he lost two of his sons aged 
nine and oue years respectively, by diphtheria. 
Mrs. Rollins died April 2.3, 1871, leaving Mr. Rollins 



with a family of three children. His second mar- 
riage was to I'ermclia A. Pendergast, of Barnstcad, 
N.H., June 14, 1872. March 29, 1875, he lost his 
only remaining son by consumption. At present his 
family consists of wife and two daughters, one of 
whom, the elder, is married and lives in Manchester, 
N. H.; the younger resides with her father. 

The best evidence of the esteem in which Mr. Rol- 
lins is held by his neighbors and townsmen is shown 
by the various positions of ofiice and trust in which 
they have placed him. Probably no man who has 
ever lived in the town of Alton has filled so long and 
ably the various offices of the town, or made more per- 
sonal sacrifices for the welfore of its people. In what- 
ever position he has been placed he has sought 
neither personal emolument or aggrandteement, but 
simply and solely to do his whole duty. 

His advice and counsel are sought constantly ia the 
multiform perplexities that arise in the course of 
daily life and business, and is candidly and freely 
given. There is, probably, no one who knows Mr. 
Rollins who would for oue moment doubt his sin- 
cerity or candor in any opinion he might e.xpress. 
He is widely known and highly respected through- 
out the State. The family from which he sprang is 
an ancient and honorable one in the annals of New 
England. It has furnished men who have filled ably 
the public trusts of our land, men who have worn 
with credit and ability the judicial ermine, men who 
have stood high in the councils of the nation ; but it 
has furnished no better representative of the pure, 
high-minded, useful and honorable citizen than Amos 
L. Rollins. The value of such men in a community 
is best known and appreciated when their career has 
closed, and their neighbors seek, too often, alas ! in 
vain for some one to ably fill their places in all the 
duties of citizenship. 



.\I.OXZO HAVINGToN .SAWYEK. 

The Sawyer families of New England trace their 
lineage to Thomas Sawyer, who emigrated from Lin- 
colnshire, England, to America in 1635 or 1636. He 
was about twenty-one years of age at the time of his 
immigration, and settled first at Rowley, Ma.ss.,butin 
1647 he went with the first proprietors to settle the 
town of Lancaster, Mass. He was married to Mary 
Prescott. They had a family of eleven children, and 
from them are descended most, if not all, of the Saw- 
yers of this country. 

Alonzo H. Sawyer was born May 17, 1827, in Alton, 
N. H. He was the son of Hon. Daniel and Tamson 
(Walker) Sawyer, of that place. His grandfather, 
Enoch Sawyer, was one of the pioneers of Alton, be- 
ing the second who built a house in what is now the 
village. Years later, as the village grew and pros- 
pered, he kept an inn and a general store, and was 
one of the substantial men of the town. His son, Hon. 
Daniel Sawver, was one of Alton's principal towns- 



710 



HISTORY OF BKLKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



men, his time being almost wholly employed in pub- 
lic affairs. He wjis counselor on the staff of Ichabod 
Goodwin, New Hampshire's famous war Governor, 
represented his town in the General Court, and held 
repeatedly the various offices in the gift of his towns- 
men. He had but one brother, Seth, who was a 
Free- Will Baptist minister. There were two sisters, 
one of whom became the wife of Judge Ira Mooncy, 
of Belmont ; the other married a Mr. Gate, of Alton. 
Hon. Daniel Sawyer was easily the leading citizen of 
his town ; a man of strong physical and mental or- 
ganization, pronounced in his views and opinions and 
not easily swayed in his judgments. An ardent Whig 
in politics, he was particularly strong in his anti- 
slavery views, and also an earnest advocate of the 
temperance "cause. In religion he was a Free-Will 
Baptist. Public-spirited, and with broad views for 
the welfare of his towns-people, he was a man whose 
loss was severely felt in the community. He died 
September 13, 1869, aged sixty-eight years. His 
children were Alonzo H., Ellen (afterwards Mrs. Jer- 
emiah Jones, of Alton) and Frank P., who married 
Jennie Farnham, and resides in Lynn, Mass. 

Alonzo H. was educated at New Hampton and Gil- 
manton Academies. He then taught school at various 
places in New Hampshire and Maine till his twenty- 
third year, when he married (November 7, 1850) 
Martha J. Shapleigh, of Lebanon, Me. She was the 
daughter of Samuel and Eunice Shapleigh. After 
his marriage he went to Great Falls, N. H., and en- 
gaged in merchandising. Continuing there four years, 
he returned to his native town of Alton ; established 
himself there as a merchant and continued that avo- 
cation till within two years of his death, part of the 
time alone and part of the time in connection with 
his brother-in-law, Mr. .lones, who succeeded him in 
the business. 

They had one child, a son, Fred. Shapleigh Sawyer, 
born July 20, 18n3 ; died May 9, 1872. 

Mr. Sawyer was appointed postmaster of Alton du- 
ring Lincoln's administration, and held the office un- 
interruptedly a period of twenty-two years. He was 
a member of the Winnipesaukee Lodge, F. and A. M. 
He was town treasurer several years, holding that office 
at the time of his death. He was a member of the 
Provident Mutual Relief Association, and one of the 
trustees of the same. He was an ardent lover of mu- 
sic and possessed a good voice, well cultivated, and 



was for more than twenty years leader of the choir in 
the Free-Will Ba])tist Church, of which he was a 
member. 

He held for many years a commission as justice of 
the peace, and only for his position as postmaster 
under the government he might have held at any 
time any office in the gift of his townsmen. He was 
a director in the Alt(m Savings-Bank and a share- 
holder in the Hover and Winnipesaukee Railroad. 
He died of heart disease July 17, 1885. His widow 
survives him, and resides at the homestead in Alton. 

At the close of his funeral services the following 
lines, from the pen of his fellow-townsman, John W. 
Currier, were read by Rev. W. S. Packard, the offici- 
ating minister : 

" Toll the bell softly, toll the bell low, 
Ringing out gladness, ringing in woe 
Telling of anguish, blinding my eyes; 
Breaking my heart-strings, sundering such ties ; 
Earthly hopes blasting, cherished dreams tied, 
Hearthstone so lonely, he l^ing dead. 
Xothing to live for, of him bereft. 
Nothing rcmaineth, nothing is left; 
Constantly asking— Can it be so? 
Yes, answers Reason— my poor heart— no. 
Reason be gone ! — It cannot be so. 
Husband is sleeping— toll the bell low. 
Thus, brother, sister, kindred and friends, 
Neighbors and townsmen, life's chapter ends. 
(>ne of our number just stepped Ijefore, 
Into the unseen, shutting the door, 
into the realms of unending day. 
Into the mansion over the way. 
Leaving a record for us to read, 
Teaching us lessons worthy of heed. 
Diligent in business, honest and true. 
Giving to each his merited due. 
Sincere in purpose, noble of mind. 
Simple in msnnel^, neighborly, kind. 
Seeking no honors, wishing no fame, 
Character unquestioned, unsullied name, 
Ijoyal to countrj', sturdy for right, 
liatlling forJMStire with all his might. 



Best of all places he loved his lujme. 
Loathing the false and shunning parade. 
Such is the record our frieiul has made. 
Take him up gently, bear him away. 
Lay him down softly in the clay. 
Under the green grass, under the skies ; 
Cover with flowers the spot where he lice. 
Leaving bim there sleeping under the sod. 
Angels t<p watch bim— trusting to God.'' 



HISTORY OF BAI^XSTKAI). 



CHAPTER I. 

Ueographical— Original Grant— The First Settlements— Names of Set- 
tlers— The First Town-Meeting— Initial Events— Educational— Law- 
yers— Physicians— The French War— War of the Revolution- List of 
Soldiers— War of 1812— War of the Bebellion— List of Soldiers— Ec- 
cleslastical- Civil History— Bepresentativcs-Town Clerks— The Barn- 
stead Reunion. 

Thls town lies in the southern part of the county, 
and is bounded as follows : North by Gilmanton and 
Alton; east by Alton and Strafford County. 

This town was granted by Lieutenant-Governor 
John Wentworth, May 20, 1727, to Rev. Joseph 
Adams, of Newington, and one hundred and five 
others, with the following bounds : 

"To begin on the Head of the Town of Barrington on the South West 
aide of the Town of Coulraine and niuuing by the said Town of Coul- 
raine eight miles & from the said Town of Coulraine to run on the 
Head of Barrington Line South West forty Two Deegrees six miles & 
then North West eight miles, then on a straight Line to the head of the 
tirst eight miles." 

It was irapracticable at that time to fulfill the con- 
ditions of the grant, and but few settlements were 
made until 1767. 

Amoug the early settlers were the following: Ebe- 
uezer Adams, Colonel Richard Sinclair, James Deal- 
ing, John Bickford, Arthur Bickford, Charles Hodg- 
don, John Elliott, John Nutter, Joseph Bunker, Moses 
Dennett, John Bunker, Eli Bunker, Jacob Pickering^ 
John Peavey, Isaac Garland, John Keniston, Pitt 
Lougee, P. Daniels, Samuel Caswell, Captain John 
Drew, Aaron Chesley, John Tasker, Moses Rand, 
William Lord, Lemuel Hayes, John Pitman, E. Nut- 
ter. 

The First Town-Meeting was held November 22, 
1775, with Gilmanton. The first grist-mill was erect- 
ed by John Bunker, about 1769. He also built the 
first saw-mill in town. 

The first postmaster was Charles Hodgdon, Jr., 
and the first mail-carrier was John S. Shannon, of 
Gilmanton. 

The first reference in the town records to schools is 
dated March 1;"), 1792, when it was voted "to have 
agents in each school district to build a school-house 
in each district," and the following were chosen : 
Samuel Nelson, Dependence Colbath and Charles 
Hodgdon. 



The first settled teacher was Cornelius Kirby and 
his school was in the south part of the town. Money 
was first raised for school purposes in 1785, — thirty 
pounds. 

The first lawyer in Barustead was Caleb Merrill, in 
1811. Among the other lawyers who have practiced 
here may be mentioned Isaac 0. Barnes, Moses Nor- 
ris, J. Elkins, A. E. Hodgdon, Benjamin Winckley, 
Charles S. George, Charles R. Rogers and H. B. 
Leavitt. 

The first physician was Dr. Joseph Adams, in 1792. 
Dr. Jeremiah Jewett, Sr., also settled here, in 1792. 
He died in 1836. Among other physicians have been 
Noah J. T. George, S. P. Woodward, William Grovcr, 
Charles Whittle, John Wheeler, William Walker, 
George W. Garland, Mark Walker, B. W. Sargent, 
A. G. Weeks, Alvin Jenkins, S. S. Wentworth, Jere- 
miah Blake, Dana Buzzell, J. P. Elkins, James Em- 
erson. The present physicians are G. H. Hawley and 
William H. Nute. 

The following citizens of this town were in the old 
French War : John Aiken, Colonel Joseph Sinclair 
and Joseph Bunker. 

War of the Revolution.— The town resjionded 
nobly to the colonial cause. In 1775 the population 
was two hundred and fifty-two. The first reference 
to this war found on the old town records is under 
date of April 26, 1775, when Captain Richard Sin- 
clair was paid £1 lis. 6d. for " going down below 
for the defence of our country." 

The following is a list of Revolutionary soldiers 
from this town : 

Ebenezer Nutter, John Clark, Mtgor John Nutter, Jeremiah Jewett, 
Anthony Nutter, Joseph Place, Valentine Chapman, .Joseph Taker, 
William Xuttvr, Tlioniiui W,l,h, Ivl.liah Penny,' J. P. Dame, Jarnen 

Davis, S:. iv, i, I \ III! , |i, .l.l:icobs,J. Young, E. Tebbetts, 

H. Null I > Captain John Drew, Thomas 

Brown, ^^ : I ' [I. t'aptain Joseph Kaime, Samuel 

Easfinaii. r : h, I Nnh r. i-, ll.iirrl Tebbetts, Samuel JcnnesB, 
Ralph Hall, .losuph lluckius, .(..liu Welch, Richard Sinclair, Nathan 
Nutter, Eli Hani, John Pitman. Perry Hixon, W. Ayre-s, John Aiken, 

Avery, William Hill, Thomas Ayres, James Mardon, .lohn Emerson, 

Samuel Pitman. 

War of 1812. — The following men from Banistcad 
were in the War of 1812 : 

Captain John I'eavev, J. Davis, F. Chesley (died), D. Bunker. P. C. 
711 



HISTOKY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Hoit, Joseph Foyc, John liaiid, \V. lUind, John Kitinie, C. Peavey, Silaa 
Hunker, T. Bunker, James Davis, G. T. Barker, Jolin I'lace, W. Ruud 
and T. Conner. 

Nicholas Kenison and Alfred T. Muiisey served in 
the Mexican War. Kenison was killed in battle. 

War of the Rebellion.— Barnstead responded 
proniptly to the call ol' her imperiled country, both 
in men and money. 'Die Ibllowinfr is a list of sol- 
diers from the town : 

William B. .\iken, Kronk Sleeper, G. H. Bridges, Dudley, Wil. 

liam Briniage, E. G. Hodgden (killed). Captain and Major H. H. Huse 
Lieutenant J. 11. Greenwood (killed). Lieutenant S. J. Smart (died), D, 
D. Hanscom, L. \V. Jackson (mortally w.iiiiiili-.l,. Itiiliis rh.ik, .1. K- 
Bunker, Smith Davis,!. IM, lln-. .1 - ih!' im,.,. i i,,,i- i i 
Moores, B. B. Mnnsey (dipili, .1 I i. -:, - ■ - , ^ 

H. Williams, Albert Davis, W r. mIi. )■ > I , , i m ., , : 
(died). Colonel Thomas E. Ti.iil.rr, I; I i i , -/, , i j , ,f, lnni xi, l.Jm 
McNeal, W. P. Huntress (killed;, .1. W. Hill (nioilally wounded), Assis- 
tant .Surgeon A. C. Newell, Thomas Moore, J. L. Garland (killed), C. 
Chesley, G. W. Pitman, J. L. Piper, O. W. Aiken (died), J. N. Bunker, 
(killed), T. J. Pierce (mortally wounded), J. Pendcrgast (died), A. D. 
Hall, S. W. Young, W. T. Knight (killed), Moses Bickford, J. M Tiusker, 
Lieutenant David Sackett, H. H. Emerson, M. Jenkins, J. H. Edgerly 
H. M. Parshley, A. L. Bickford, George Jones, Solomon Clark, J. C. 
Russell, W. H. Berry (mortally wounded), G. T. Munsey (mortjilly 
wounded). Noble Sackett, C. H. Pickering, C. H. P. Young, W. V. 
Shaw, Lieutenant H. Edgerly, Horace Munsey (died), L. Place, W. A. 
Fiyc, OeorKc- W Wake, J. K. Eniersou, G. II. Ki,i,rs,.u, II. II. Y..ii,ik, 

J. M..Iun.-, J t 11,,. . I-,, J, ,1,1 , [„,i , I, I, II,,-,. ,,i„,|,, rl,;,,|.,s 

W. A, I,,:, ,, 1 , I i. > ,1 1 r,,. , l; .,'),,,, , \ - l;., .„||, 
Timolii* l: , I, , \\ \ , ■ . , I , I I , M ,. , II 

D. Nutt.r h, 1. H 1. ~1, ,, I, ,..,,!. -, I II , I,,, I,, ,, w |;i. ,],,., KH 

H.Foss, A.O. A.liuns, W. F. lluiistomlj, ('. Kaim.-, Hurace Ciogli, J. c. 
Kaime, N. Sackett, N. Blaisdell, J. C. Ham, J. S. Hayes (mortally 
wounded), Charles Hill (navy) ; Surgeons, John Wheeler, T. H. Wheel- 
er and L. M. .Sanders. 

The first meeting-house in Barustead was erected 
about the year 1760, and the first preacher was Rev. 
.Joseph Adams. The " Parade Meeting-House" was 
built about the year 1788, and was the first frame 
church in town. It was not completed until 1799. 

The Second Congregational Church building was 
erected in 1803. It was demolished in 1848. The 
North Meeting-House was erected in 1820, and re- 
paired in 1853. The Centre Church was erected in 
1830. There are at present five churches in town. 

Representatives, — The following is a list of repre- 
sentatives from 1797 to 1885 : 



John McNeall, 180I-C2. 
George W. Emerson, 1802-03. 
John Dorr, 1863-M. 
H. N. Colebath, 1804. 
D. r. Davis, 18C.>-86. 
Charles H. Dorr, I8C0-CO. 
Mark Walker, 1807-C8. 
J. M. Tasker, 1807-08. 
William I'rocktor, ISG'.i. 
J. W. Evans, lsc,;i. 
(Soel«-ti,minlxTO), 

Town Clerks.— The 
clerks from 1775 to 188 

Benjamin Nutter, 1775-81. 



John F. Holmes, 1871-72. 
D. E. Tuttle, 1871-72. 
Joshua VV. Ayres, 1873-74. 
Joshua W. Pickering, 187:i-74. 
Joseph P. Blaisdell, 1875-70. 
Martin V. B. Nutter, 1875-76. 
George W. Emerson (2d), 1877-78. 
Samuel A. Hodgdon, 1877-78. 
Cllarles E. Walker, 1880. 
Jacob W. Kvans, 1882. 
George H. Hawley, 1SS4, 

following i.s a list of town 



H. N. Colebath, ISiaj. 
C. W. Blanchard, 1801. 
Charles E. Walker, 1862-C4. 
L. C. Scrutton, 1805. 
John H. Hill, 1800. 
J. E. Pendergast, 18G7-G8. 
George Emersob, 1809-73. 
Albert V. Shackfoi-d, 1874 ti 
ent time. 



Cliarles Ilodgdoi 



1797-99, 1804- 



- I Stepl 



Wni. Walker, Jr, 18I9,'22,'2 
John Peavey, 1823-20, '28. 
Charles Hodgdon, 1823, MS. 
John Kaime, 182.5-26. 
John Kent, 1828. 
Isaac O. Barnes, 1829-30. 
Samuel Webster, 1829-30. 
George Nutter, 1831-32. 
W. H. Newall, 1831-32. 
T. P. Hodgdon, 18:13-34. 
.Samuel Kaime, l«i3-34. 
8. G. Berry, 183.''>-,36. 
W. .S. Hill, 18.'V.-,)0. 
Timothy Dow, 1837-:>8. 
It. Garland, 1837-38. 
Joseph A. Walker, 1839-40. 
J<jseph Jenkins, 1839^0. 



Enos George, 1816-59. 
C. S. George, 1859. 

The Bamstead Reunion.— One of the most inter- 
esting events in the history of Bamstead was the 
Barnstead reunion, held August 30, 1884. The fol- 
lowing is a condensed description of the celebration, 
taken from the history of the reunion by Horace N. 
Colebath : 

Barnstead, N. H., situated in the southwestern 
part of Belknap County, northeast from Concord 
twenty miles, and bordering on the counties of Mer- 
rimack and Strafl'ord, contains thirty-six square 
miles of territory ; was chartered by Governor 
Wentworth, May 20, 1727, containing, in 1880, one 
thousand three hundred and seventeen inhabitants. 

On the east lie the Blue Hills, on the north are the 
Alton and Gilmanton Mountains, and on the south 
lies the Catamount, looking down on the valley of 
the Suncook River as it passes the westerly boundary 
of the town. It is a region of hill and valley, ol 
beautiful rivers and ponds and laughing brooks. 

A community born and educated amid such scenery, 
breathing the air of its hills and drinking the waters 
that rtow in hundreds of rills down its hillsides, till 
they form the Suncook, must love their childhood 
home. For the past fifty years Barnstead has been 
sending out her sons and daughters to other parts of 
the land to find new homes. Its first emigrants found 
homes in Massachusetts, Vermont and New York, and 
afterwards they sought Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and 
Wisconsin. As new territory was opened, they helped 
swell the mighty stream of em Juration that has peopled 
the great West. 

To-day they may be found in twenty-eight States 
and Territories. Some of its sons and daughters 
are looking out on the Pacific, others are in the 
valley of the Father of Waters or are fanned by the 
soft winds of the Gulf. 

Scattered over the land these emigrants have ever 
yearned for the home of their fathers, while those 
who remained around the old hearth-stones were eager 
to once more clasp the hands of loved ones, look 
once more into long-remembered faces, and hear once 



HARNSTEAD. 



ri3 



again the voices thiit were umsie ti> their ynulhrul 
ears. 

This was especially true of those who hud passed 
the meridian and were nearing the sunset of life. 

By a sort of common consent, residents and emi- 
grants seemed ready for a reunion of the children of 
old Barnstead. 

The question has been asked, Where did the idea 
of this reunion originate? This may be a fitting 
place for answering that question. During the winter 
of 1877-78 a few of the sons and daughters of Barn- 
stead, residing in Concord, N. H., prominent among 
whom were Colonel E. S. Nutter, J. L. Pickering, Esq., 
George W. Drew, Esq., Mrs. James R. Hill and Laura 
Garland Carr determined to hold a reunion of the 
sons and daughters of Barnstead living in Concord, 
with invited guests from the mother-town and other 
places in New Hampshire where Barnstead sons had 
located. 

Such a reunion was held on the evening of Feb- 
ruary 28, 1878, at the Phenix Hotel, in Concord. 
There were present from Barnstead a delegation of 
sixty citizens, led by the Barnstead Brass Band. 

Colonel E. S. Nutter presided and made the recep- 
tion address. Laura Garland Carr read an original 
poem. Short addresses were made by J. G. Sinclair, 
Lewis W. Clark, J. Horace Kent, J. P. Newell and 
Charles S. George. This, with a supper such as that 
famous hotel can provide, made the occasion a most 
enjoyable one. 

The resident sous of Barnstead returned home 
feeling that some day the wanderers from the old 
town should be invited home to the old domain, and 
here, amid the scenes of childhood, hold a grand 
family reunion. 

The subject was talked of from time to time, but, 
from various causes, no decided action was taken 
until, at the annual town-meeting in March, 1882, it 
was voted to hold a reunion the coming autumn. 

Subsequently the following officers were chosen : 



Presi. 



John 



Pender^. -I i ■ i « i r, •. ,i.i. .John L. 

Nutter, >■■'! -', , I !■ ' i l; .-Mf. -.,..,'•. I , . II I . ,1,1.13; t'orre- 

land; Executive CiiMnittee, Jt.l.n WalJo, Tlioniu,<L, Jloitt, IraL. Berry. 
Horatio G. Willey, Horace Walker ; Town Committee, George A. Hall, 
Albion P. Nutter, Thomas K. Proctor, Smith W. Locke, Seth Shackfonl, 
E. Frank Jones, Lewis Clark, .Mbert F. Shackford, diaries F. Emerson, 
Daniel E. Tuttle, Hiram Hand, Frank S. Jenkins, John Pendergast, Ja- 
cob "W. Evans ; Auxiliary Committee, E. S. Nutter, Concord, N. H., J. 
L. Pickering, Concord, N. H., H. A. Tuttle, Pittsfield, N. H., J. P. New- 
ell, Manchester, N. H., C. M. Murphy, Dover, N. H., J. Horace Kent, 
Portsmouth, N. H., George S. Pendergast, Boston, Mass., Joseph E. 
Hayes, Lowell, Mass., George F. Kuowles. Lynn, Mass., Chaplain, Bev. 
William 0. Carr ; Marehal, Timotliy Enui>ou ; .\ssistant Marshals, 
Frank 0. George, Henrj-0. Iliiii' I. , TJ,., i:,,,.l: Superintendent of 
Halls, Tents and Grounds, III ' >' i: n; Committee to pre- 
pare Sentiments, Horace N.I - '• gc; Committee to 

arrange Programme, Dr. Geor,^ ^ w I ■ 1 1 , 1 1 . l are N. Colbath, Frank 

S. Jenkins, Thomas L. Hoitt ; Cuniiuittee on JIusic, Charles E. Walker, 
Thomas L. Hoitt ; Commissary, Frank S. Jenkins ; quarteruuister, John 
Waldo ; Toast-Master, Rev. John George. 

Thus organized, the work of preparation began. 



Meetings of committees and sub-committees followed 
in rapid succession, until a week before the day of 
reunion, when officers, committees and citizens, 
uniting, made it their special business. 

The arrangements as finally made were as follows : 

The reunion to be held on Wednesday, August 30, 
1882, at ten o'ch)ck a.m. 

The president to make the welcoming address. 

Rev. A. H. Quint, D.D., to deliver an oration. 

Laura Garland Carr to read a poem. 

Dinner, free to all, in the tent. 

Speeches, sentiments, and responses at the stand. 

Music through the day by the Barnstead Brass 
Band, — the oldest band in the United States, organ- 
ized February 22, 1837. 

A tent, seventy-eight by one hundred and sixty 
feet, was placed on the grounds of Seth Shackford, 
Esq., adjoining the town hall and Congregational 
Church, and both these buildings were opened to the 
public. The speaker's stand was placed between the 
hall and church ; fronting it vvas the band-stand. 

Under the direction of the superintendent, Dr. 
Emerson, the tent was beautifully decorated with 
flags, bunting, etc., and tables were arranged in the 
tent to seat one thousand and fifty persons at one 
sitting. 

Such were the measures adopted to welcome home 
those whose hearts had been throbbing at the 
thoughts of the reunion. 

In every part of the town little plans had been 
laid to bring families and friends together. It was to 
be the gathering of a great family. 

The number in attendance was estimated to be five 
thousand, over half that number having partaken of 
the dinner. 

The best order prevailed. It was a meeting of 
well-dressed, orderly and respectable men and 
women, whom any town might be proud to own as 
her children. 

Owing to the prevailing heat and dust, some things 
were omitted in the reception, and others might have 
been changed for the better. Yet, on the whole, we 
can say, what every visitor did say, " Well done, old 
Barnstead !" 

The following is a list of toasts proposed : 

"1. 'Old Barnstead— A good town to go from, abetter one to return 
to.' Responded to by Hon, H. A. Tuttle. 

"2. 'A kind remembrance to the sons and daughters of old Barnsteatl 
providentially detained from our Reunion.' Response by Colonel E. S. 
Nutter, Concord, N. H. 

" 3. ' Old Barnstead— Her fair fame a sure passport for her sons 
wherever they go, her principles a guarantee of success.' Responded to 
by Colonel M. B. V. Edgerly, of Manchester, N. H. 

"4. 'The adopted sons of Barnstead— They have honored her name, 
andshe rejoices in their success.' Hon. C. M. Murphy, of Dover, N. H., 
responded. 

"5, ' The emigrant sons and daughters of Barnstead- Wherever may 
be their abiding-place, or whatever their duties, let them never forget 
that they cannot be delinquent without being degenerate.' Hon. John 
P. Newell, of Manchester, N. H., eloquently responded. 

" C. 'The town of Barnstead— She loves her hills and beautiful valleys, 
but feeling the sentiment and borrowing the language of the Ronuin 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



inotlii^r, sho points to lier chiidreu and exclaims, " These are my jewels.'' ' 
Jiev, Frank H. Lyfort responded. 

" 7. ' The aimual crop produced in Barostead— judges, clergymen, phy- 
sicians, merchante, mechanics and farmers— may the crop increase until 
she has enough for home consumption and a large surplus for exporta- 
tion.' Ilesponso by John D. Nutter, Esq., of Montreal, Canada. 

" 8. ' The friends and scenes of our childhood.' Colonel J. Horace 
Kent had been invited to respond to this sentiment, and had written hie 
acceptance ; but at the last moment was detained by imperative business, 
and was unalile to be present at the Reunion, much to his regret, as well 
as to the regret of his many early friends. Colonel Kent, however, sent 
an addresa, delivered at the Itarnstead Keunion in Concord, N. H., Feb- 
niaiy 28, 1S79, in response to a similar sentiment. 

**9. ' The soldier sons of Barnstead— The fathers in the Bevolution, 
the sons in 1812, the grandsons in the Rebellion- the love of liberty con- 
strained them.' Responded to by letters from ColonelJas. S. Hoitt, of 
Laconia, N. H., a native of Barnstead and a veteran of 1812 ; from Col- 
onel Thos. E. Barker, of Boston, Mass., a native of Barnstead and col- 
onel of the Twelfth Regiment in the Rebellion ; from Hon. Henry H, 
Huse, of Manchester, a former resident of Barnstead, who served in the 
Eighth Regiment as captain and major. 

"10. ' The birth-place of our fathers— Portsmouth and Newingtou— 
names as familiar as household words to every child of Barnstead — may 
peace and prosperity be in their borders.' 

"11. 'The host of men whose lives have been made better and happier 
by choosing for wives, daughter's of old Barnstead.' ReBjionded to by 
Howard A. Dodge, Esq., of Concord, N. H. 

'*12. 'The social history and reminiscences of old Barnstead.' Hon. 
John G. Sinclair eloquently and wittily responded to this sentiment. 

"13. 'The resident sons and daughters of Barnstead— May they pre- 
serve unsullied its ancient reputation, keep sacred the memory of the 
fathers, and be always ready to welcome its wandering children to the old 
domain.' John B. Garland, Esq., of Barnstead, was invited to respond 
to this sentiment, but on account of ill-health and the infirmities of age 
was obliged to forego that pleasure, but answered by letter." 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. JOHN «. SI.VCI.AIK. 

Perhaijs the grandest feature of American ciWliza- 
tion and the highest tribute to American institutions, 
is the opportunity and facility offered her sons to rise 
from the lowest to the highest rank, whether wealth, 
power, fame, or all these united, be the ambition of 
the aspirant. There is probably no country on the 
globe where the results are so entirely in the hands 
of the individual, and so wholly commensurate with 
the ability, energy and merit displayed in the prose- 
cution of the end desired. And it is to-day America's 
proudest boa.st that her sons have proved worthy the 
unusual advantages offered them. 

Of the various sections of our land, New England 
has, perhaps, been most prolific in the production of 
what are popularly known as " self-made men ; " 
men whose childhood and youth were passed amid 
scenes of privation and poverty, and who, without the 
advantages that wealth alone can secure, have risen 
by dint of their own industry and ability, and the 
innate heroism of their natures, to the highest posi- 
tions of honor, power and achievement. 

Hon. .John G. Sinclair is a fair representative of 
that type of New Englander who, throughout the 
length and breadth of our land, may be found ever in 



the vanguard of progress — leaders in the struggle 
for success in whatever special field they may have 
chosen. Starting in life under more than usual dis- 
advantages and discouragements, he has achieved an 
honorable success, of which he and his posterity may 
be justly proud. 

He was born at Barnstead Parade, in the town of 
Barnstead, N. H., March 25, 1826. He is the only 
child of Charles G. and Martha G. (Norris) Sinclair 
of that town. 

His ancestors were of a martial spirit, and for three 
generations did military duty in their country's serv- 
ice. One of the pioneers of the town of Gilmanton, 
N. H., was Richard Sinclair, and it is claimed that 
he erected the first frame house in the town. He 
was a soldier in the French and Indian wars, and also 
in the War of the Revolution. In the latter war, he 
attained the rank of captain, though in the locality 
where he lived he was generally known as Colonel 
Sinclair. He married Polly Cilley, a sister of Colonel 
Joseph Cilley, and a descendant of one of the oldest 
and proudest families of New Hampshire. Their 
eldest son, Richard Sinclair, Jr., was one of the ear- 
liest settlers of the town of Barnstead. Like his 
father, he was a soldier in the Revolutionary army, 
and was an ensign in his father's company. His wife 
was Betsey Hodgdon, and Charles G. Sinclair (father 
of Hon. John G.) was their only son, who, at the age 
of seventeen, enlisted as a soldier in the war of 1812, 
and for a time was clerk for General Ripley. At the 
sortie on Fort Erie he received a gunshot wound near 
the right lung, which disabled him for life. He died 
July, 1834, leaving his wife and only child (then a 
lad but eight years of age,) in destitute circumstances. 
Mrs. Sinclair was a woman of true Spartan heroism 
and courage. She set bravely to work with her nee- 
dle to support herself and son. With true motherly 
pride and a confidence in her boy's ability, which has 
since been eminently justified, she determined to do 
all in her power to give him an education, and so kept 
him at school at Pittsfield Academy till he was thir- 
teen years of age. He then entered the employ of 
Webster & Peavey, merchants at Landaff, N. H. The 
firm consisted of Hon. Samuel Webster of North 
Barnstead, and Samuel P. Peavey, a former resident 
of Barnstead, who had married a sister of Mrs. Sin- 
clair. 

He remained at Landaff" six years, and during the 
time attended five terms at Newbury Seminary in 
Vermont, where he fitted for college under the tui- 
tion of Bishop Baker and Rev. Clark T. Hiumaii. 
Ambitious as he was to enter college and acquire a 
liberal education, yet a fear le.st he might die and his 
mother be left destitute induced him to forego his 
desires in that regard and bend his energies to busi- 
ness pursuits. His first venture was a restaurant at 
the corner of Hanover and Elm Streets, Manchester, 
N. H. This not proving consonant with his tastes 
was soon abandoned, and he established an auction 




l,c^ 



^J. 



tA^i^i 



Cl^-'i^ 



15AKNSTEAD. 



715 



juid commission business at Lawrence, Mass. He 
was fairly successful in this, and having acquired 
limited means, he returned to his native State and 
established a country store, and also engaged in the 
manufacture of starch in Bethlehem, N. H. Here 
he soon won the esteem and confidence of the com- 
munity, as was evidenced by the fact that in 1852, 
'o'.i. '54, '55, and in 1862, and '63, and again in 1876, 
'77 and '78 he rejn-esented Bethlehem in the State 
legislature, and served as its member in the last Con- 
stitutional Convention. In 1873, he represented Lit- 
tleton in the legislature, being then a resident of that 
town. He was appointed Bank Commissioner by 
Governor Baker, and served until the American party 
came into jwwer. In 1858 and '59 he was elected 
Senator from the Twelfth Senatorial district, composed 
of Grafton and Coos Counties. He was the demo- 
cratic candidate for Speaker of the House, and demo- 
cratic candidate for Governor in 1866, '67 and '68. In 
1868, he was chairman of the New Hampshire dele- 
gation to the National Convention, and in 1876 was 
democratic candidate for United States Senator, 
against Edward H. Rollins, republican. 

During all of his connection with the political 
afiairs of New Hampshire he was considered one of 
the safe.st, shrewdest and most efficient party leaders. 
The estimation in which he was held as a public 
speaker and debater, finds illustration in the fact that 
the convention which nominated him for Governor 
in 1867, instructed him to invite General Walter 
Harriman, the republican candidate (New Hamp- 
shire's most eloquent champion of the republican 
party), to a public discussion of the issues involved 
in the campaign, the result of which was thirteen 
joint discussions at principal points in the State, (the 
first of the kind ever held in New England, though 
quite common West and South, for many years). 
Although so frequently elected to offices of trust and 
responsibility, Mr. Sinclair has never been an office- 
seeker, and w^hen he left his native State in 1879, he 
made a public avowal that he would never again 
be a candidate for a political office, a resolution to 
which he has rigidly adhered. 

In 1879, Mr. Sinclair removed to Orlando, Orange 
County, Florida, where he has established a large and 
lucrative real estate business, and is also engaged in 
the cultivation of oranges and other semi-tropical 
fruits. 

Though he has chosen his abode in the land of 
flowers, yet he cherishes an abiding love for the snow- 
clad, rock-ribbed hills of the land of his birth, and is 
keenly alive to all that affects her prosperity, perpe- 
tuity or interests. His recent speech before the New 
Hampshire Club in Boston fully sustains his reputa- 
tion as a most gifted jwst-prandial orator. He is vig- 
orous in mind and body, giving promise of many 
future years of usefulness. 

Mr. Sinclair has been twice married ; first in 1847, 
to Tamar M., daughter of Colonel Daniel Clark of 



Landaft". By this marriage, there were three chil- 
dren — Charles A., EmmaS. and Martha A. His first 
wife dying, he married in 1872, Mary E. Blandiu, 
daughter of John Pierce, Esq., of Littleton, N. H. 



THOMA.S L. HOITT. 

Graceful versatility is generally a marked trait in 
the character of the New England man. When 
promising prospects invite he will promptly change 
his home and business for another location and un- 
tried occupation. While he readily conforms and 
adapts himself to changed circumstances and customs 
in a new situation, he still holds in sweet remem- 
brance the home and scenes of his youth, for no land 
affords homes with dearer childhood associations than 
New England. 

Thomas Lewis Hoitt was born in Barnstead, near 
the Parade-Ground, April 1, 1827, being the seventh 
in a family of five sons and seven daughters, children 
of Benjamin Hoitt, a respectable farmer, who was 
born in Hampstead, N. H., in 1790. His grand- 
father, Thomas Hoitt, born in Chester about 1750, 
was a gentleman of fine education for his time, espe- 
cially in mathematics, and in his younger days was 
engaged in teaching and land-surveying. The late 
Rev. En OS George, of Barnstead, was one of his pupils. 
His name appears on the roll as ensign in the com- 
pany of Captain Samuel McConnel at the battle of 
Bennington. He subsequently joined the United 
States navy, and rose to the rank of lieutenant, and 
was serving in that capacity on a vessel of war at the 
time of his death, of yellow-fever, in Surinam, in 1796. 
He was honored by burial in the garden of the 
Governor of that colony. 

Mr. Hoitt traces the lineage of his family to John 
Hoyt, who came from England and was living in 1639 
at Salisbury, Mass., of which town he was one of the 
original settlers. His name appears on all the earlier 
records of the town, and he is almost the only indi- 
vidual who received all his earlier grants of land at 
the first division. With thirty other families, he 
moved west of Powow River in 1645, and formed the 
West Parish, which, in 1668, became Araesbury. 
Frequent mention is made of him on records of that 
town as selectman, constable, juryman, moderator 
and committee to settle a minister. 

The mother of Mr. Hoitt was Mehitable (Babson) 
Hoitt, daughter of Isaac Babson, of Dunbarton, a 
graduate of Harvard College, in the class of 1779, and 
Nelly (Stark) Babson, daughter of Major-General 
John Stark, of the Continental army, and of illustri- 
ous memory. 

This family of Babsons de.scended from James 
Babson, who, with his mother, Isabel, a widow, came 
from England to Salem, Mass., where they were resid- 
ing in 1644. Isabel moved to Gloucester and died in 
1661, aged eighty-four. James settled at Little Good 
Harbor and died December 21, 1683. 



716 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Mr. Hoitt remained at home attending tlie public 
and select schools and assisting in fiirm-work till 
1842, when, at fifteen years of age, he entered the 
employ of Mr. Baily Parker, a careful and successful 
merchant of Pembroke, N. H., and for several years 
received the advantages of that excellent preparatory 
school for business-life, — the training of clerk in a 
country store. 

After leaving the service of Mr. Parker he was 
employed in a woolen-factory by the husband of his 
eldest sister, J. B. Merrill, Esq., and also became 
associated with him in the ownership of a general 
store in his native place. In 1855 he located at 
Salmon Falls, where for several years he did a brisk 
and large business in the dry -goods trade, from which 
ill health compelled him to retire. At the breaking 
out of the War of the Rebellion, in 1861, moved by 
the patriotic, martial and heroic example of his an- 
cestors, he promptly supported the war measures of 
President Lincoln, and by voice and example en- 
couraged enlistments for the Union army, although 
he was not in sympathy with the new administration, 
having been a decided and active Democrat. He 
joined the " Fighting Fifth " Regiment New Hamp- 
shire Volunteers, and followed its fortunes till the 
close of McClellan's Peninsula campaign, when he 
was discharged. He is pensioned for injury received 
during the famous retreat. After leaving the army 
he engaged in trade for a while at North Berwick, 
Me. He next took charge of business, which required 
him to travel much of the time, and traversed a large 
part of the United States, taking ample time and 
pains to examine and inform himself as to objects 
and places of interest. It has been the fortune of Mr. 
Hoitt to happen to be present on many remarkable 
occasions, and to witness many striking and peculiar 
transactions. For instance, while traveling between 
Washington and the army on business, he arrived at 



the scene just in time to be a witness of the destruc- 
tion of the frigates, "Cumberland" and "Congress," by 
the rebel iron-clad " Merrimac," and the terrible con- 
test of the latter vessel with the " Monitor." Mr. Hoitt 
was the first postal agent between Boston and Portland,. 
Me., and when others were appointed he was made 
chief. For several years he owned and managed a 
shoe manufactory in Lynn, Mass. After passings 
through many changes, reverses and successes, in 
1880 he did, what he had long desired to do, returned 
to his native town, and, with two widowed sisters, 
established a pleasant home at the Parade, on the 
bank of the Suncook River, where he enjoys the- 
scenes and associations of his boyhood and the so- 
ciety of his neighbors. The old Congregational 
Church, near his home, the place of his early reli- 
gious teachings, and where he now is a constant 
attendant on public worship, has been an object of 
peculiar regard with him. Once it was saved from 
destruction by his efforts. Extensive improvements, 
of it have been mo.stly paid for by himself and sisters. 
His wife was Miss Martha Seavey, of Saco, Me. They 
have a daughter, Henrietta Babson Hoitt, born No- 
vember 26, 1876, and lead a very pleasant domestic 
life. Imitating the example of his uncle. Colonel 
James S. Hoitt, of Laconia, soon after attaining his 
majority, Mr. Hoitt became an enthusiastic member 
of the Masonic fraternity, and rose rapidly to the 
degree of Knight Templar. He is a skillful vocal and 
instrumental musician, and has freely used his talent 
for the entertainment of his friends and for the pro- 
motion of benevolent objects. He may frequently 
be seen enjoying a part with Barnstead Brass Band, 
which is almost fifty years old, and of which he be- 
came a member nearly forty years ago. 

Mr. Hoitt has seen much of the world, mingled 
with all classes of society and remains a kind-hearted, 
generous and friendly man. 



HISTORY OF BELMONT. 



BY ALLAN J. HACKETT. 



CHAPTER I. 

Previous to 1859 the section comprisiug the pres- 
ent town of Belmont was a part of Gilmanton. In 
1761 the proprietors of Gilmanton laid oiT a tract, 
six miles square, on the Barnstead line. This sec- 
tion was thereafter known as the Lower Parish. The 
rest of the town was divided into two parts, — Gunstock 
Parish on the northeast, and Upper Gilmanton, or, as it 
was called later, the Upper Parish, on the southwest. 
In June, 1812, Gunstock Parish was severed from Gil- 
manton and incorporated as a town under the name of 
Gilford. Previous to this time the term Upper Parish 
appears to have been applied to the whole section 
of the town lying north of the Lower Parish ; subse- 
quently, it was employed to describe what is now the 
town of Belmont. It will be so used in this article. 

Previous to the division, in 1859, the political and 
general history of the section comprising the present 
town of Belmont was so closely identified with that 
of the rest of the town of Gilmanton that it is ob- 
\iously impossible, at this late day, to separate the 
one from the other. The Upper Parish does not ap- 
pear to have been a very important part of the town. 
The Lower Parish (now Gilmanton) was settled at an 
earlier date, and, in addition to this advantage, the 
founding of the academy, in 1794, formed a nucleus 
around which, or, at least, in whose near vicinage, 
was gathered by far the greater proportion of the 
wealth, culture, enterprise and social distinction of 
the town. In those old days, before the advent of the 
manufacturing genius induced settlement on the 
banks of the streams, the pioneers of civilization 
courted the hill-tops and piously shunned the valleys. 
As Mr, Howells' Lady of the Aroostook " wanted to 
know," so, evidently, these early settlers " wanted to 
see," They made their homes, for the most part, on 
the high, sightly ridges, and this habit doubtless ex- 
plains the otherwise inexplicable fact that nearly all 
the old highways of the town fully merit the name, 
being constructed over the loftiest hills, in utter dis- 
regard of all questions of economy, with sublime con- 
tempt for the consideration of mere distance, and to 
the annoyance and serious detriment of modern 
travel. 



The settlement of the Upper Parish progressed but 
slowly. The site of the present village of Belmont 
remained an unbroken forest for many years after the 
" Corner," as theAcademy village is still called, had 
become a thriving and somewhat noted settlement. 
The first store was opened in 1820, In 1834 an 
association of public-spirited citizens, foremost among 
whom was Governor Badger, built a brick factory for 
the manufacture of cotton cloth. This building is 
still standing, and is used by the Gilmanton Mills 
Company, to which reference will be made further on. 
Previous to the building of the factory, the villiige, if 
it may be dignified by that name, had been known as 
"Fellows' Mills,"— the ambitious plural being pos- 
sibly justified by the fact that the one building was 
used both as a grist-mill and as a saw-mill. This 
building, long ago destroyed, is said to have been 
located on the right bank of the river, below the 
bridge, and not far from the dam of the present Gil- 
manton Mills, After the building of the Badger fac- 
tory, the village grew quite rapidly, and was called 
" Factory Village," as a compliment to the new 
industry. This name is still frequently heard. About 
the time that the factory was built. Governor Badger 
also built a saw-mill and a grist-mill, at the upper 
dam, a few rods above the bridge. The saw-mill was 
situated on the right bank of the stream ; the grist- 
mill on the left bank, and nearly opposite. In the 
spring of 1852 there was a great freshet. The dam 
at the reservoir, five miles up the stream, was broken 
through, and the flood wrought sad havoc in the little 
village. Several buildings were swept away, and 
among them the grist-mill. The other mill escaped. 
In 1876, it was purchased by the Gilmanton Mills 
Company, enlarged and altered, and used in the 
manufiicture of cases. It was burned in May, 1885. 

The freshet entailed a severe pecuniary loss upon 
Governor Badger, and that gentleman dying a few 
months later, the village experienced no considerable 
growth, either in size or in general prosperity, for 
several years. 

But the devout settlers did not await the slow 

development of worldly prosperity before erecting 

houses of worship. Perhaps, no other feature of 

the earlv historv of New England is so striking 

717 



718 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUxNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and impressive as the religious zeal of its people. 
Notwithstanding the bigotrj-, fanaticism and harsh- 
ness which so largely characterized the religion of 
the Puritans, one cannot but admire their devotion, — 
a devotion so intense, so imperious and so despotic, 
even, that it subordinated to itself all other emotions 
and passions, and not only became the controlling 
influence in their own lives, but was also transmitted, 
almost as a part of their being, to their descendants. 
In this respect, the history of one is the history of all, 
the history of each community, the history of every 
other community. Worship was as truly a necessity 
as food or raiment. In none was the religious spirit 
stronger than among the settlers of the old township 
of Gilmanton, whose grant was signed by the hand of 
a Wentworth. They brought, unimpaired, to the 
wilds of this frontier town that same brave and per- 
fect faith which, a century before, had guided the 
Pilgrim fathers to the frozen fastnesses of the Massa- 
chusetts coast. In the charter of the town, grants of 
land were reserved for a parsonage and for " the first 
settled minister." For several years there was no 
meeting-house, the religious services being held in 
private houses and in barns. The first church in the 
Upper Parish was erected at the Province road (so 
called) in 1792. The members of this church adopted 
the tenets of the Free- Will Baptist denomination in 
1816. 

In 1835, it was incorporated by the name of 
the " Third Free-Will Baptist Meeting-House Society 
in Upper Gilmanton." Soon after, the society low- 
ered its meeting-house to one story, removed the gal- 
lery-pews, and made other alterations. So far as the 
writer can learn, this Ijuilding, still in use and in a 
good state of preservation, is the one that was erected 
in 1792. If so, it is the second oldest building of the 
kind in this section of the State. There are no 
church records to be found previous to 18.35; but it 
would appear, from Lancaster's " History of Gilman- 
ton" (1845), that "Elder John Knowles," one of the 
founders of the church, was its pastor from 1816 until 
his death, in 1837. At this time the church was re- 
organized. Following is the list of pastors from 1837 
.to the present time: Samuel P. Fernald, 1837-38; 
John G. Tuttle, 1838; Hugh Beede, 184.5-18; Lem- 
uel Mason, 1848-50; E. G. Knowles, 1850-52; H. F. 
Dickey, 1852-55; AV. A. Sargent, 1855-57; Uriah 
Chase, 1857-61; H. F. Dickey, 1861-65; J. B. Leigh- 
ton, 1865-68; O. F. Russell, 1869-70; John Davis, 
1871; G. B. Blaisdell, 1872-75; C. M. Emery, 1876- 
79; S. J. Gould, 1880-83, and J. C. Waldron, the 
present pastor, who came to the church in April, 
1883. The present membership is forty-four. 

In 1810, a church, composed of persons who had 
previously constituted the " Third Monthly Meet- 
ing," was established at what is now Belmont village. 
Lancaster's " History of Gilmanton " states that the 
meeting-house was built in 1811, but private informa- 
tion puts the date of its erection at 1815. In 1835 



the society was incorporated by the name of the First 
Free Baptist Society in Gilmanton L'pper Parish. 
Rev. Peter Clark was the first pastor, and officiated 
for more than thirty years. He was a man of very 
considerable ability, intense convictions and com- 
manding personal appearance. He was one of the 
most widely-known clergymen in this part of the 
State, and probably performed more marriage cere- 
monies than any other man in the history of the 
town. He was succeeded by Rev. David Moody, 
about 1841, but continued to preach occasionally af- 
ter that time. Mr. Moody, who is still living at an 
advanced age in Sutton, N. H., finally severed his 
connection with the church in 1851. Oth«fr pastors 
have been, L. S. Wells, J. M. Bedell, 1854-55 ; H. S. 
Sleeper, 1856-61 ; W. H. Yeoman, 1861-64 ; Almon 
Shepard, 1864^65 ; M. Cole, 1865-68; HoseaQuinby, 
1869 ; A. K. Moulton, W. G. Willis and J. Walker, 
1870; M. Henderson, 1871; J. L. Sinclair, 1872-76; 
M. A. Quimby, 1876-81 ; and T. G. Wilder, the pres- 
ent pastor, whose connection with the church began 
in 1881. The present edifice was built in 1852. The 
membership in 1884 was one hundred and six. 

A Christian Baptist Church was established at the 
village in 1839. It was incorporated in 1841. A 
meeting-house was built in 1840, and was burned in 
1867. The present building was erected in 1868. 
The following have been the pastors : Richard Davis^ 
1839-42; Josiah Knight, 1842-43; John Burden, 
1843 ; John Gillingham, 1844-47; Samuel Xutt, 1851;. 
Moses Policy, 1852-56 ; George Osborn, 1858 ; Abiah 
Kidder, 1860-72 ; E. S. Moulton, 1879-81. There is 
at present no pastor, and the membership is small. 
These three are the only churches that have ever 
been organized in the town. 

The most distinguished citizen in the history of the 
town was Hon. William Badger,- who was born in 
1779. He was the son of Hon. Joseph Badger and 
the grandson of General Joseph Badger. Both these 
gentlemen were distinguished soldiers in the Revolu- 
tion. Joseph Badger (2d) removed from the Lower ta 
the Upper Parish in 1784 and settled upon the farm 
which has ever since been owned by the Badger family. 
His son, William Badger, received his education ia 
the common schools and at Gilmanton Academy. He 
was an active Democrat, and early became prominent 
in political life. He was representative in 1810, '11, 
'12; State Senator in 1814, '15, '16, and president of 
the Senate in the year last-named ; justice of the Court 
of Common Pleas from 1816 to 1820; sheriff of Straf- 
ford County from 1820 to 1830; Governor of the State 
in 1834-35; and Presidential elector in 1836 and 1844. 
He was also for a long time president of the board of 
trustees of Gilmanton Academy, and filled other 
places of trust. As has already been stated, he was^ 
chiefly instrumental in building the cotton-factory 
and other mills at the village, and he may be said to 
have been the founder of the manufacturing industry 
in Belmont. He was a gentleman of great business 



BELMONT. 



719 



sagacity and enterprise, an honest man and a public- 
spirited citizen. He died in September, 1852. 

Governor Badger's first wife was tlie daughter of 
Rev. Isaac Smitli, the first settled pa.stor of Gilman- 
ton. She died in 1810, leaving a son and a daughter, 
both of whom died a few years later. 

In 1814, Mr. Badger married Hannah Pearson 
Cogswell, daughter of Dr. William Cogswell, of At- 
kinson. She was a woman of great ability, highly 
accomplished, and distinguished for her benevo- 
lence and public spirit. She came of a family that 
is very prominent in the history of New England. 
Among her numerous relatives now living and 
eminent in political circles, may be mentioned her 
nephews, John B. Clarke, of the Manchester Mirror, 
Colonel Thomas Cogswell, of Gilmanton, and General 
J. B. D. Cogswell, of Massachusetts, and her cousin, 
" Long John " Wentworth, of Illinois. She died in 
February, 1869. Her two sons are living, — Colonel 
Joseph Badger, who lives at the old homestead, and 
Captain William Badger, U. S. A., at present stationed 
at Salt Lake City. 

Houses, like faces, are either passed heedlessly by, 
or impress upon the mind a sense of their indivi- 
duality. Of the latter kind is the old Badger man- 
sion. It needs but a glance at its generous propor- 
tions, its wide grounds, its grand old shade-trees to 
enable one to realize that it has a history. It is 
situated on a high hill, at a right angle in the 
road from Belmont to Gilmanton, midway between 
the two villages. The present building is a large two- 
story wooden house, fronting the southwest, and was 
erected by Governor Badger, in 1825. The Badgers 
have lived on this farm for more than a hundred 
years. In Governor Badger's time it wa-s the most 
noted and valuable country-estate in this part of Xew 
Hampshire ; but the farm has since been somewhat 
reduced in size. 

The house contains many objects of historic inter- 
est, but the limits of this article admit only of the 
briefest reference to a few of them. In the west 
parlor are the oil portraits of Governor and Mrs. 
Badger, painted in the early days of their married 
life. It would be difficult to find a more comely pair. 
The portrait of the Governor represents a handsome 
gentleman, with a large, florid, open face, and a sug- 
gestion of portliness that gives promise of the three 
hundred pounds to which he attained later in life. 
That of Mrs. Badger is one of unusual beauty, and is 
said, by those who remember her in her youth, to be 
a faithful likeness. On a table near by, lies the sam- 
pler which her young hands wrought eighty-five 
years ago. 

Across the wide hall is the family sitting-room. 
The walls are hung with paper in rich brown and 
wood tints, representing a variety of Eastern pic- 
tures, comprising street scenes, landscapes and sea- 
views. This paper cost one hundred dollars in 
Portsmouth sixtv vears ago. It is in an excellent state 



of preservation, and its like is j)rol)ably not to be 
found anywhere in the country. Suspended from 
the wall are the Governor's sword and horse-pistols. 
The sword was taken from a British soldier near 
Crown Point, in 1777, by General Joseph Badger, the 
Governor's father. It has an ornamental silver hilt, 
and its faded scabbard attests its age. Adjoining this 
room is the china closet, in which are to be seen the 
old family china, that was brought from Portsmouth 
in saddle-bags, and which is e-xcelleutly well pre- 
served, and the silver tea-service. The latter is mas- 
sive, and of a beautiful unique pattern. It would 
tempt the collector of antiques to break one of the 
commandments, and it is by no means certain that 
the sin would not be forgiven him. 

Ascending to the chambers, the visitor finds in one 
of them the canopy bedstead and (luaint, high-backed 
chairs, which Mrs. Badger brought from her girlhood's 
home in Atkinson three-quarters of a century ago. 
The view from these upper windows is wide and 
beautiful, ending, as do all westerly views in this 
part of the town, in the majestic outlines of " lone 
Kearsarge." Among tlie objects of interest in the 
great roomy attic, may be mentioned several tall, stiff 
military caps, relics of the old "training" days, 
and a venerable poke-bonnet, that is a prodigy of 
size and a marvel of ugliness. It is at least two feet 
deep. The carping critic, who is wont to declaim 
against the foibles of the feminine mind of to-day, 
should peer into the unfathomable depths of this 
ancient monstrosity, and "ever after hold his peace." 
Descending by another stairway, the visitor enters 
the dining-room. The dining-hall of an old mansion 
is frequently the room richest in historic associations. 
Here, in this room, the largest in the house, have 
been entertained a President, a member of the Cabi- 
net, Senators, members of Congress, Governors and 
State functionaries almost without number. Such a 
royal banquet-hall would be incomplete without its 
great clock, and there it stands, a grand old time- 
piece, aged but not defaced by the more than a hun- 
dred years, whose flight it has faithfully recorded, 
the while its solemn moon-face looked down upon 
the revelers, and its deep voice, like that of the now 
silent poet's never silent horologe, kept on repeat- 



A few rods south of the Badger mansion, is the 
early home of the late Hon. W. H. Y. Hackett, a 
distinguished lawyer, banker and legislator of Ports- 
mouth. Mr. Hackett w^as born at the Academy vil- 
lage, September 24, 1800, but his parents removed to 
this part of the town nine years later. He received 
his early education in the common schools, and at 
the academy, walking daily to and from the latter 
institution. He began the study of law in the office 
of Matthew Perkins, Esq., of Sanbornton, and re- 
mained there a year and a half. In 1822 he went to 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Portsmouth and continued his studies in the office of 
Hon. Ichabod Bartlett. He wa.s admitted to the bar in 
1826, and immediately entered upon the practice of 
his profession in Portsmouth. In the same year he 
married Olive, daughter of Joseph W. Pickering of 
that city. 

Mr. Hackett was assistant clerk of the Senate in 
1824-25; clerk of the Senate in 1828; representative 
in 1850, '51, '52, '57, '60, '67, '68, '69; Senator in 
1861-62, and president of the Senate the latter year; 
Presidential elector in 1864; member of the Consti- 
tutional Convention in 1876. He was jjresident of 
tlie First National Bank of Portsmouth (which was 
the first national bank organized in the country) ; 
president of the Piscataqua Savings- Bank, and trustee 
of the Portsmouth Savings-Bank. He also held 
many other positions of honor and trust in the city 
which was his home for more than fifty years. 

Originally a Whig, he naturally joined the Repub- 
lican party, and for years he was one of its acknowl- 
edged leaders. He ranked among the ablest lawyers 
and most successfiil financiers of the State, and was 
a man of strict integrity. 

He always retained an active and aflfectionate in- 
terest in his native town. Indeed, so warmly was he 
attached to "old Gilmanton," that when the bill to 
change the name of Upper Gilmanton to Belmont 
was introduced in the Legislature, in 1869, he voted 
against it. 

Mr. Hackett died August 9, 1878, and was buried 
in the South Cemetery, at Portsmouth. His brother, 
Charles A. Hackett, occupies the old homestead. 
A short distance to the east of the house, is the high- 
est hill in this section of the town. The view is 
beautiful and extensive, and, a few years ago, a signal 
was placed here for use in the triangulation of the 
State. 

Belmont owes its existence as a separate town to a 
combination of political convenience and partisan 
advantage. The political convenience subserved by 
the separation of the town from Gilmanton, is ex- 
plained by the fact that the elections were held at the 
Academy village, and the voters in the upper part of 
the town were forced to travel a tediously long dis- 
tance, amounting, in many cases, to eight or nine 
miles. How serious an affliction this really was, needs 
not to be explained to the country voter, who has had 
a personal experience of the difficulties of going to 
the " March meeting," over roads either blocked by 
snow-drifts or, rendered equally impassable by the 
spring " thaw." 

The partisan advantage secured by the division of 
the town, consisted in the gain of two Republican 
representatives in the Legislature. Under the old 
apportionment, Gilmanton was entitled to three repre- 
sentatives. For a long time political honors were 
about equally divided. Victory perched with ap- 
proximate impartiality upon the banner of either 
party. But about the time of the formation of the 



Republican party, the Democrats had gained a per- 
manent control of town affairs. They were in an 
overwhelming majority in the northern section of 
the town, while the Republicans outnumbered them 
in the southern part. A careful analysis of the vote 
showed that a division of the town on the old parish 
line, would give the lower section two representatives 
and the upper section one. The subject was con- 
sidered for some time, and, in 1859, it took the 
definite form of a petition to the Legislature for a 
division on this basis. The bill was introduced into 
the House by A. H. Cragin, of Lebanon, afterwards 
United States Senator from New Hampshire. The 
representatives from Gilmanton were Abraham S. 
Gale, Joshua B. Pulcifer and Enoch Brown, all of 
them Democrats, and all opposed to the division. The 
bill was warmly contested, almost wholly on partisan 
grounds. It was put upon its passage June 24th. The 
minority filibustered persistently. Motions to post- 
pone, to adjourn and to lay on the table, were suc- 
cessively made, the roll-call being demanded upon 
each motion. But the bill passed by a vote of one 
hundred and seventy-four to one hundred. An 
equally vigorous, but equally futile opposition was 
met in the Senate, and the bill was approved June 
28th. Following is the first section of the act, de- 
fining the limits of the town : 

"All that part of the town of Gilmanton contained within the follow- 
ing described limits, to wit; Beginning at the northeasterly corner of 
said town, where its easterly line is met and intersected by the south- 
erly lino of the town of Gilford ; thence running in a northwesterly di- 
rection, following the division line between said towns of Gilford and 
Gilmanton, until said division line is met by the parish line, so called, as 
the same is laid out and described upon the original plan of lots in said 
town of Gilmanton ; thence running southwesterly, following said 
parish line, until said pai-ish line meets and intersects the westerly line of 
said town of Gilmanton, as the same now is ; thence southerly on said 
westerly boundary line of said town of Gilmanton to its southwesterly 
coi-ner; thence easterly on the southerly line of said town of Gihiiautoii 
to its southeasterly corner ; thence northerly on the easterly line of sjud 
Gilmanton, us said line now runs, until it arrives at the point begun iit, 
be and the same hereby is severed from said town of Gilmanton, and 
made a new body politic and corporate under the name of Gilmanton ; 
and that all the territory remaining, which, together with the part 
severed, constituted the town of Gilmanton, as the same was before the 
parage of this act, shall be called by the name of Upper Gilmanton." 

The act further provided that all demands, dues 
and funds should be divided between the two towns in 
the proportion of $6.50 to Gilmanton and $3.50 to 
Upper Gilmanton. It is suggestive of the change in 
the relative wealth of the towns, that in the apportion- 
ment of public taxes in 1883, Gilmanton was assess- 
ed only one cent per thousand dollars more than 
Belmont. 

The first meeting for the choice of town officers in 
Upper Gilmanton, was called by John E. Page and 
Isaiah Piper, August 6, 1859. In the following 
October the line between the two towns was drawn. 

But there was soon developed a considerable dis- 
satisfaction with the name of the town. Its length 
was found to be quite formidable by those who had to 
write it often, and as there were three post-offices in 
the town of (Tilmanton, there was much confusion in 



the delivery of the mails. Therefore, iu 1809, ten 
years from the division, the citizens of Upper Gil- 
manton petitioned the Legislature to liave the name 
of the town changed to Belmont. There was no con- 
siderable opposition to the proposed change, the bill 
passed, and the rechristening of the town was cele- 
brated by a picnic held in Sawyer's Grove, July 5th, 
the day when the act went into effect. 

An amusing incident in connection with this 
change of name, is to be found in the town records. 
It appears that a meeting was called on the 
second Tuesday of November, 1869, "to see if 
the town would vote to notify Hon. August Bel- 
mont, of New York, that the town had been named 
Belmont, as a marli: of honor to him, and invite 
him to make a donation to the town as a token 
that he appreciates this action of the town." 
It further appears from the records that " the 
prayer of the petitioners was granted." But this 
language applies only to the action of the meeting. 
The prayer for a donation has never been granted. 
Tlie great banker has shown himself surprisingly 
indifferent to the high honor thus conferred upon 
him, not having acknowledged the compliment even 
by the inexpensive formality of a courteous letter. 
Perhaps he did not fully realize how great the 
distinction really was. Perhaps it occurred to him 
that the name, not having begun with him, was not 
likely to die with him. Possibly he suspected that 
the idea that the town was named for him, was only 
an afterthought of the tax-payers. Possibly, he had 
received similar letters before. But whatever the 
reason, the hard fact remains that he has never sent 
his expectant namesake so much as a godfather's 
blessing, but continues to enjoy and profit by the 
honor so trustingly conferred upon him, without ren- 
dering therefor any equivalent whatsoever ! 

It should be added, for the good name of the town, 
that only fifty-eight voters were present at the meet- 
ing in question, to share the responsibility for this 
mendicants' appeal. 

The Belmont of to-day is a thriving farming and 
manufacturing town. By " Fogg's Statistical Gazet- 
teer " (1874), it ranks twenty-first among the towns 
of the State in the value of its agricultural products. 
The assessors' valuation for 1884 was as follows: 
Polls, $31,100; real-estate, $324,874; stock in banks 
and other corporations, $21,060 ; stock in public funds, 
$1,000; money on hand, at interest, or on deposit, 
$16,452; stock in trade, $8,042 ; mills, factories and 
machinery, $21,600 ; carriages, S918 ; live-stock, $39,- 
463 ; total, $464,509. The population in 1880 was 
122(> ; it has probably increased somewhat since that 
date. Belmont is bounded on the north by Laconia 
and Gilford ; east, by Gilford and Gilmanton ; south, 
by Gilmanton and Canterbury ; west, by Northfield 
and by the Winnipesaukee River and its line of 
lakes, which separate the town from Tilton and San- 
bornton. The surface of the town is broken, hills 



abounding evt-rynlierc c.\ctpl in the siuilhwestern 
part, where the land is low and level. 

The scenery of Belmont is exceptional, even in a 
section so justly celebrated for its beautiful views. 
Only the unfortunate lack of railroad facilities can 
explain the fact that the town is so little frequented 
by tourists. The western and northern parts of the 
town do not suffer from this lack, and so boast of sev- 
eral houses for the accommodation of summer guests, 
the largest and best-known being the " Bay View," 
near the Laconia line. The views from "Ladd Hill," 
"Gale Hill" and "Prescott Hill," all within two 
miles of Laconia, cannot easily be surpassed. No 
element of a perfect landscape is wanting. In the fore- 
ground lies the embryo city of Laconia and Lake 
Village, flanked on the one hand by the fair lesser 
lakes of the Winnipesaukee, and on the other by a 
rugged hill country that finds its fitting climax in the 
bold outlines of the Belknap Mountains; while to 
the northward, a beautiful diversity of hill, field 
and forest, stretches away to meet the great blue 
mountains, the advance guard of the White Hills, 
whose higher peaks can be faintly discerned in the 
far distance. Other exceptionally fine prospects are 
gained from the summit of "Bean Hill," two miles 
from Belmont village, and from the hill in "James- 
town," near the village of East Tilton. There are 
many pleasant drives, the most attractive being the 
"Province road," the road from Belmont village to 
Laconia, that to Gilmanton Academy, and the 
shadowy, leafy " Hollow Route," — always pronounced 
"holler out" in the local vernacular. Indeed, beau- 
tiful views abound on every hand, and it is the judg- 
ment of experienced tourists that the scenery of Bel- 
mont is surpassed by that of few towns in the State. 
The air is dry and bracing. In point of healthfiil- 
ness, the town will compare favorably with any in 
the State. Instances of great longevity are common. 
Mrs. Eunice Swain Sweatt, who died in 1881, at tlie 
age of one hundred and five, was, just prior to her 
death, the oldest person in the State. 

The most notable natural curiosity in town, is " Por- 
cupine Ledge," one and one-half miles southeast of 
the village. The name carries its own explanation. 
Porcupines are seldom seen at this time, butquillsare 
frequently found. The " Ledge " is really a remark- 
able place, and well repays the slight trouble which a 
visit to it involves. Situated in the mountain or lake 
region, or in any other place largely frequented by 
tourists, it would longagohave become fixmous. Itcon- 
sists of a mass of great rocks, roughly tumbled upon 
each other, and is about one hundred and fifty feet in 
height. Either the ascent or descent is considerably 
laborious, but entirely devoid of danger. The summit 
of the cliff is formed by the great, overhanging " Table 
Rock," which is not unlike in appearance to its Niag- 
ara namesake, and whose shape suggests the probabil- 
ity that the other rocks were torn from its side by 
some natural convulsion. Directly below is "Pulpit 



722 



HISTOKY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Kock," the largest of the number. It is about seven- 
ty-five feet high on its lower side, and almost per- 
fectly perpendicular. The main rock is surmounted 
by a smaller one, whose fancied resemblance to a pul- 
pit doubtless explains the name. Other points of 
interest are the " Kitchen," the "Arch," " Devil's 
Den" and the " Bottomless Pit," — the last two having 
no known diabolical associations that would seem to 
justify their unfortunate names. Local tradition has 
it that many years ago a gang of counterfeiters here 
made their rendezvous. The place has long been a 
favorite resort for those who have known of its 
charms. It enjoys high favor among the students of 
Gilmanton Academy, who come hither en tnagse at 
least once each year. Indeed, the " Ledge " appears 
always to have had a subtle but strong attraction for 
all love-sick youths and maidens, whether fresh from 
academic halls, or escaping for an hour from the din 
of factory life. The well-worn path down its steep 
side is a veritable " Lovers' Lane." The great rocks, 
could they speak, might repeat many an amorous 
tale whispered within their inviting shade. For a 
hundred years Cupid has shared with tlie fretful por- 
cupine the possession of the miniature caverns, and 
worked far sadder havoc with his rankling arrows 
than his bristling cohabitant with his more visible 
darts. The scarred trunks of the old trees bear the 
illegible outlines of many a pair of initials carved in 
close and suggestive propinquity. Let us trust that 
the early love, thus rudely expressed, has more succes- 
I'ully withstood the ravages of time. 

The (inly village in Belmont, the " Factory Village" 
of a half-century ago, aud the " Fellows' Mills " of a 
still more remote period, is situated five and one-half 
miles east of Tilton, six miles south of Laconia and 
eighteen miles north of Concord, and occupies both 
banks of the Belmont River, or Great Brook, as it was 
formerly called. The village has a population of be- 
tween five hundred and six hundred, or nearly one- 
half the entire population of the town. Most of the 
houses are new and freshly-painted, and the general 
appearance of the village is singularly thrifty and at- 
tractive. The principal business block is the building 
erected by Geo. W. Riley in 1874, and now owned by 
Haven Grant. This building is forty by sixty feet; 
the lower part is used for the post office, a store and 
tenements, the second story for tenements, and in 
the third is the principal hall of the town. The 
First Free-Will Baptist and Christian Churches, 
referred to elsewhere, are handsome buildings. In 
connection with the former is a beautiful cemetery, 
the largest in town. Among the more attractive res- 
idences may be mentioned those of M. Sargent, Jr., 
J. P. Cilley and T. E. Clough. The business directory 
is as follows: Postmaster, C. 0. Judkins; groceries 
and dry goods, D. S. Hoyt & Co. and Bean & Smith ; 
watches and jewelry, F. K. Johnson ; meats and pro- 
visions, A. T. Bean ; papers and periodicals, G. W. 
Hunt; millinery, Mrs. R. G. Hoyt; confectionery 



and cigars, C. O. Judkins ; drugs, E. C. Bean ; hotels. 
Brown's Hotel (A. W. Brown), Belmont House (Ira 
Mooney); Gilmanton Mills, hosiery, M. Sargent, Jr., 
agent, D. W. Gale, clerk ; lawyer, E. P. Thompson ; 
physician, S. A. Merrill ; justices, W. C. Wells, C. A. 
Hackett, A. P. B. Currier, I. Piper, J. W. Wells, E. 
P. Thompson, D. W. Judkins, I. Mooney, A. J. Hac- 
kett, E. C. Bean, C. E. Moody, J. B. Matthews, M. H. 
Philbrick, F. K. Johnson ; livery stable, C. H. .-Vikens ; 
lumber, J. L. Allen, J. M. Folsom, N. D. Garmon; 
blacksmiths, Abbott & West; builders, Cyrus Xorris, 
Edgar Willard, Andrew Phillips, Dayton Hunkius; 
barbers, G. Woodward, H. J. Fuller. 

Belmont has no railroad, but excellent mail and 
passenger facilities are afforded by the Tilton and 
Gilmanton line of stages, Davis & Son, proprietors. 
The first stage leaves the post-office at 8 a. m., aud 
connects at Tilton with the 9.30 train for Boston over 
the White Mountains Division of the Boston and Low- 
ell Railroad ; returning, leaves Tilton on the arrival 
of the noon train from Boston, and reaches Belmont 
at 1.30 P.M. The second stage leaves Belmont at 1 
P.M., connects with the 2.30 train for Boston, leaves 
upon the arrival of the up train, about 4 and arrives 
at Belmont at 5.30. 

A charter for a railroad between Tilton and Bel- 
mont was granted by the Legislature of 1883, but 
work upon it has not yet been begun. 

A branch line of the Winnipesaukee Bell Tele- 
phone Company runs through the town to Gilman- 
ton Corner and Gilmanton Iron-Works, the central 
office in Belmont being at the post-office. 

It will doubtless surprise not a few of the readers 
of this article to learn that here, in this little inland 
village, far removed from any railroad, and but little 
known to the general public, is located the largest 
manufactory of hosiery in New Hampshire. Such^ 
nevertheless, is the case. The Gilmanton Mills, of 
Belmont, turn out a larger annual product than any 
other hosiery-mill in the State. These mills are situ- 
ated on the west side of the principal street of the vil- 
lage, just south of the road to Tilton. They occupy the 
site of the old Badger mill, and this building, erected 
in 1834, is still standing and forms one of the grou]). 
After Governor Badger's death, in 1852, the mill 
property was successively owned by several parties, 
and the business conducted with indiflerent success. 
Previous to 1865, the mill was used in the manufac- 
ture of cotton sheeting. At that time, M. Sargent, 
Esq., of Lake village, bought it, put in new machin- 
ery, and began to manufacture hosiery. In 1870, Hon. 
Amos Lawrence, of Boston, became the owner, and 
from this date the mill entered upon a new era of 
prosperity. In 1875, a joint-stock corporation was 
formed, with a capital stock of one hundred thou- 
sand dollars, Mr. Lawrence being elected president, 
and M. Sargent, Jr., clerk of the corporation. Mr. 
Sargent has been the local agent for twenty years, 
and ranks among the most successful and efficient 



mill managers in New England. As has been al- 
ready intimated, at the time of Mr. Lawrence's pur- 
chase there was but one building, the old Badger 
mill. This is a brick building, eighty feet by forty, 
and three stories high. Since 1870 several buildings 
have been added. These are a brick factory, one hun- 
dred and thirty-five feet by sixty ; dye-house, one 
hundred and ten feet by thirty ; three large store- 
houses, a machine-shop and the office. There is also 
a library connected with the corporation for the use 
of the operatives. The water is carried to the mills 
in a canal one thousand feet long, ten feet wide and 
five feet deep, and is conducted on to a giant turbine- 
wheel, through an iron penstock one hundred feet 
long, with a head of thirty-three feet, furnishing one 
hundred horse-power. There is also a steam-engine 
uf fifty horse-power, for use as an auxiliary, there 
being about two months in each year when the water 
supply is insufficient. 

The average number of operatives at the Gilman- 
ton Mills, is two hundred, most of whom are of Ameri- 
can birth. The annual product is two hundred 
thousand dozen; annual consumption, six hundred 
bales of cotton, and one hundred thousand pounds 
of wool. There are also used twelve hundred cords 
of wood, and one hundred and fifty thousand feet of 
lumber, each year. The power is supplied by the 
Belmont Eiver, a small stream rising in Gilmanton, 
and tributary to the Winnipesaukee. The supply of 
water is carefully husbanded in three reservoirs, situ- 
ated three-quarters of a mile, three miles and five 
miles from the mills, and called, respectively, the 
Badger, Sargent and Sawyer reservoirs. The Saw- 
yer reservoir was constructed by Governor Badger, 
and contains fifty acres ; the Badger reservoir was 
built by the immediate successors of Governor Bad- 
ger in the ownership of the mill, about 1854, and 
contains twelve acres ; the Sargent dam was built by 
the present company in 1871, at a cost of three thou- 
sand dollars, and the flowage is seventeen acres. 

A freight team is kept constantly on the road be- 
tween the mills and East Tilton. There are eight 
very good tenement-houses owned by the corpora- 
tion. 

It hardly needs to be added that the Gilmanton Mills 
constitute the leading industry of the town, nor can 
it be estimated how great a proportion of Belmont's 
prosperity is due to the presence and existence of this 
thriving corporation. Its owners and managers are 
courteous and public-spirited gentlemen, and their 
relations both with their employes and with the peo- 
ple of the town in general, have always been most 
cordial and friendly. 

Farrarville is a small collection of houses, situated 
on the river, one and a half miles northeast of the 
village. Formerly, there was a mill here for the man- 
ufacture of cotton batting. The site is at present 
occupied by K. D. Garmon's lumber mill. 

Following is a complete list of the officers of the 



town from the division, in IS.'iO, to, and including, the 
present year : 



John w. 



ISJO, , rcjiri-MMitalivu ; John I.. Keil«.r, Lju 

lows, Jeduthan Fiurar, Bek'ctmon ; X. D. Gunnon, clerk ; 
Wells, troiisnrer ; S. Lowell French, school committee. 

1860.— Morrison Rowe, rcpreeentiitivo ; Lyman B. Fellows, Perley Fiir- 
rar, Stephen L. Taylor, selectmen ; N. D. Carmon, clerk ; John W. Wells, 
treiisiiror ; S. Lowell French, school committee. 

1861.— Jlorrison Rowe, representative; Stephen L. Taylor, Perley Far- 
rnr, John W. Wells, selectmen ; N. D. Garmon, clerk ; John W. Wells, 
trcusunr ; Diiniel M. Page, school committee. 

1862.— Joseph Badger, representative ; John W. Welle, James S. Wey- 
mouth, Isaac Bennett, selectmen ; N. D. Garmon, clerk ; John W. Welb, 
treasurer ; Daniel M. Page, school committee. 

1863.- Joseph Badger, representative ; John W. Wells, Isaac Bennett, 
John M. Roberts, selectmen ; N. D. Garmon, clerk ; John W. Wells, 
treasurer; Joseph Plumer, school committee. 

18C4.— Joseph M. Folsom, representative ; Isaac Bennett, John M. 
Roberts, James C. Cilley, solcotmen ; N. D. Garmon, clerk ; John W. 
Wells, treasurer ; Joseph Plumer, school committee. 

1865.— Joseph M. Folsom, representative ; Isaac Bennett, James C. r'il- 
ley, John M. Roberts, selectmen ; N. D. Garmon, clerk ; John W. Welle, 
treasurer ; Fdgar A. Rowe, school committee. 

1866. — No representative ; Joseph Y. Weymouth, James S. Weymonth, 
Henry W. Oilman, selectmen ; N. D. Garmon, clerk ; John W. Wells, 
treasurer ; William A. Bucklin, school committee. 

1867.— Napoleon B. Gale, representative ; Joseph Y. Weymouth, ,Iamc» 
S. Weymouth, Henry W. Gilman, selectmen ; N. D. Garmon, clerk ; 
John W. Wells, treasurer; Williurn .\. Bucklin, school committee. 

1808. — Napoleon B. Gale, i. ii . ntii i . ■ I un. s s. Weymouth, Henry 
W. Gilman, Joseph Y. Wevm N I). Garmon, clerk ; 

John W. Wells, treasurer ; I ii . a I. , -liuol committee. 

1869.— Benjamin B. Lamin'i^ iji -. iim - ; .lames S. Weymouth, 
Daniel T. French, James G. i at.-, bc-lertiiieii ; William M. Leonard, clerk ; 
John W. Wells, treasurer ; Charles W. Knowles, school committee. 

1870. — George W, Rundlett, representative ; Daniel T. French, Nicho- 
lasD. Garmon, James G. ('ate. selectmen ; William M. Leonard, clerk ; 
Daniel E. Batchelder, treasurer ; Elbridge G. Ladd, school committee. 

1871.— Moses Sargent, representative ; Nicholas D. Garmon, Daniel T. 
French, James G. Cate, selectmen; William M. Leonard, clerk; Johiv 
W. Wells, treasurer ; Elbridge G. Ladd, school committee. 

1872, — Charles B. Gile, representative ; Nicholas D. Garmon, Edgar A. 
Rowe, Dudley W. Judkins, selectmen ; Ira Mooney, clei-k ; John W. 
Wells, treasurer ; Herman C. Weymouth, school committee. 

1873. — Joseph Sanborn, representative ; Edgar A. Rowe, Dudley W. 
Judkins, Charles E. Moody, selectmen ; Charles E. Clough, clerk ; John. 
W. Wells, treasurer; George B. Blaisdell, school committee. 

1874.— Langdou Ladd, representative ; Edgar A. Bowe, Dudley W. 
Judkins, Charles E. Moody, selectmen ; Charles E. Clough, clerk ; Joha 
W\ Wells, treasurer ; George B. Blaisdell, school committee. 

1875.— Nathan Chase, representative ; diaries E. Moody, Charles H. 
Rowe, Jewett E. Maxfleld, selectmen ; Charles E. Clough, clerk ; Timo- 
thy E. Clough, treasurer ; Charles E. Clough, school committee. 

1876.— Jesse S. Towle, representative ; Jewett E. Maxfleld, Charles H. 
Rowe, Nicholas D. Garmon, selectmen ; Charles E. Clough, clerk ; Tim- 
othy E. Clough, treasurer ; Solon F. Hill, school committee. 

1877.— Arthur W. Brown, representative ; diaries H. Rowe, Xicliola» 
D. Garmon, Jewett B. Maxfleld, selectmen ; Charles E. Clough, clerk ; 
Timothy E. Clough, treasurer ; Solon F. Hill, school committee. 

1878.— William A. Bucklin, Joseph Plumer (November),' representa- 
tives ; Calvin J. Sanborn, Dudley W. Judkins, James G. Cate, stlect- 
mcn ; Charles K. Clough, clerk ; Isaiah Piper, treasurer; Allan J. Hack- 
ett, school committe ; Charies A. Hackett, Charles W. Knowles, Solon F. 
Hill, supervisore. 

1879.— Calvin J. Sanborn, Dudley W. Judkins, James G. Cate, select- 
men ; Walter C. Wells, clerk ; Isaiah Piper, treasurer ; .Mian J. Hack- 
ett, school committee. 

1880.— Elbridge G. Folsom, representative ; Dudley W. Judkins, Jameo 
G. Cate, Calvin J. Sanborn, selectmen ; Walter C. Welle, clerk ; Isaiah Pi- 



I The first election under the biennial system was holdeu i 
verabcr, 1878, necessitating the choice of two repreeentativi 
year. Also, the law providing for the choice of supervisora we 
L-ffect that year. 



724 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



imund S. Moulton, school committee ; Charles A. 
Hackett, John C. Pearsons, John S. Young, supervisors. 

1881. — Isaiah Pijwr, Horace C. Woodward, James G. Gate, selectmen ; 
Edwin C. Bean, clerk ; William U. Shepard, treajsurer ; Selden J. Gould, 
•school committee. 

1882.— Allan J. Hackett, representative ; Isaiah Piper, Horace C. Wood- 
ward, .\lpiieus h. Bean, selectmen ; Edwin C. Bean, clerk ; William U. 
Shepard, treasurer ; Selden J. Gould, school committee ; Charles A. 
Hackett, John .S. Young, A. P. B. Currier, supervisors. 

1883.— Isaiah Piper, Horace 0. Woodward, Alpheus L. Bean, select- 
men ; Frank K. Johnson, clerk ; William H. Shepard, treasurer ; Wal- 
ter H. Philbrick, school committee. 

1884.— .\llan J. Hackett, representative; Isaiah Piper, Pike Davis, 
Samuel N. Jewett, selectmen ; Frank K. Johnson, clerk ; Kdwin P 
Thomiison, treasurer ; Walter H. Philbrick, school committee ; Charles 
A. Hackett, John S. Young, A. P. B. Currier, supervisors. 

1885.— Pike Davis, Samuel N. Jewett, William H. Shepard, selectmen ; 
Frank K. Johnson, clerk ; Daniel W. Gale, treasurer ; John M. Sargent, 
school committee. 

But few of the present citizens of Belmont have 
held important offices outside of the town, or can be 
said to have become especially prominent in public 
life. Joseph M. FoLsom was appointed bank com- 
missioner by Governor Weston in 1871, and again 
in 1874. John W. Wells was county commissioner 
from 1871 to 1874. Charles A. Hackett has several 
times been the Republican candidate for Councilor 
and Senator ; but, living in a Democratic district, has 
failed of an election. Moses Sargent, Jr., was the 
Republican candidate for Senator in 1880 ; but for 
the same reason was defeated. Napoleon B. Gale, 
president of the Belknap Savings-Bank, of Laconia, 
and representative from Laconia the present year, 
is a native, and, until lately, a resident of Belmont. 
His brother, Hazen Gale, who died in 1882, was a 
man of marked eccentricities. It is related of him 
that he somehow acquired a strong aversion to La- 
conia, and declared that he would never visit that 
town again. Although living within a few minutes' 
walk of the town line, he faithfully kept his promise 
until his death, more than thirty years later, e.xcept 
on one occasion, when his presence was required as a 
witness at court, and the sherift' would not respect his 
-scruples. Captain William Badger, to whom brief 
reference has already been made, was born in 1826, 
graduated from Dartmouth College in 1848, and for 
several years was engaged in manufacturing. At the 
outbreak of the Rebellion he joined the Fourth New 
Hampshire Regiment, served as captain of Company 
D, and was honorably discharged in June, 1864. In 
February, 1865, after the death of Colonel Bell, he 
was appointed colonel of the Fourth Regiment. At 
the close of the war he joined the regular army, and 
still remains in the service, with the rank of captain. 
He is an accomplished soldier and a gentleman of 
ability and culture. He is engaged upon a history of 
the towns of Gilmanton and Belmont, which promises 
to be one of the most valuable and complete works 
of the kind in the State. 



Such, in brief, are some of the more salient fea- 
tures of the pa.st and present life of the town of 
Belmont. No attempt has been made to give a de- 
tailed biographical history. The narrow limits of 
this article have precluded such an attempt, and, even 
with a broader opportunity, the task would be neither 
easy nor grateful. The story of the simple daily life 
of a small country town is of little interest to the 
great, bustling outer world. Its local celebrities, its 
personal achievements, its struggles, its hopes, its 
disappointments, the thousand nameless factors in its 
existence, — these must therefore be found in home 
traditions and fireside legends, not in the ])rii)ted 
page. 

The local Warwicks, that have played upon this 
lesser stage the self-same dramas of political strategy 
and intrigue, which, cast in larger parts, have shaken 
nations ; the village Hampdens, who were wont, on 
a summer eve, to discuss the great questions of the 
day, with a fire, vigor and rugged eloquence that 
might well be transferred to a wider forum ; the mute, 
inglorious Miltons, who have thought the poems 
they could not put in words, as they followed the 
l)low in its rocky course through the autumn fields ; 
the hoary Nestors, that, on winter nights, stirred the 
young blood to quicker throbs, as they told of 
thrilling deeds in the olden time, — who shall write 
the history of these ? And there is that other and 
still more sacred history, common to every town, 
but all the more pathetic because so common : those 
never-to-be-forgotten summer days, when nameless 
heroes, soon, alas ! to sleep in nameless graves, 
rushed, heedless of the whitening fields, to fill the 
"quota" of the town ; and those weary months that 
followed, when the lonely and heart-sick wives and 
mothers, sisters and daughters, waited and ever waited, 
longing for the tidings they might better never hear, 
— who may write such history as this, or who would 
write it if he might? 

Loyal, honest, faithful, earnest people, patiently 
filling up the measure of their uneventful lives, nei- 
ther squandering nor wanting, sparing in the midst 
of plenty, but having abundance in their rigid econ- 
omy, bound together in that unspeakably close fra- 
ternity which characterizes every rural community, 
rejoicing in each other's joys and grieving in each 
other's griefs, mutually helpful and sympathetic, 
alike ready to attend the marriage-feast or to go 
forth under the cold winter stars to perform for the 
dead those last offices which here are never left to 
stranger hands, — their history, like that of the people 
of every other New England country town, lives in 
the hearts of those who know their worth. 



HISTORY OF CENTRE HARBOR. 



CHAPTER I. 

The town of Centre Harbor lies in tlie northern 
part of the county, and is hounded as follows : 

On the North west and North, by Grafton County; 
Northeast, by Carroll County; South, by Meredith 
and New Hampton. 

This town was incorporated December 17, 1797, 
having been set oft' from New Hampton. 

For several years previous to the incorporation of 
the town the locality of the present village was 
known as "Centre-harbour." Moultonborough harbor 
being east and Meredith harbor west, made this the 
centre harbor, and from this source the town de- 
rived its name. 

The village of Centre Harbor is located on Lake I 
Wiuuipiseogee, and commands a charming view of 
the lake and neighboring hills. It is somewhat cel- 
ebrated as a watering-place. There are two churches 
in this town — Congregational and Free Baptist. 

The first petition for the incorporation of this town 
was made in June, 1788, and signed by Benning 
Moulton and fifty others. This petition, however, 
was not granted, and, in 1797, a second petition was 
presented to the General Court, which was granted, 
and the town incorporated, as mentioned above, De- 
cember 7, 1797. The signers of this petition were, — 
Ezekiel Morse, C. Sturtevant, John Pain, John 
Hawkins, Chase Robinson, Jesse Sturtevant, John 
Sturtevant, Hosea Sturtevant, Amos Pain, Jr., Stephen 
Hawkins, John Knowles, A. B. Glines, NehemiahLee, 
Benning Moulton, Daniel Page, Moses Morse, Hugh 
Kelsea, Joseph Kenney, Daniel Norris, Robert Kelsea, 
James Tebbets, Caleb Towle, Perez Sturtevant, James 
Little, W. Robinson, W. Pain, William Berry, Jona- 
than Robinson, Joshua Pain, Jeremiah Towle, Pelham 
Sturtevant, Joseph Moulton, J. M. Pain, Abel Morse, 
Moses Kelsea, Smith Cram, Joshua Norris, Benjamin 
Sturtevant, John Pain, Jr., Isaac Morse, James 
Towle, Wadleigh Cram, Jos. Senter, E. Chamberlain, 
C. Hawkin.s, Stephen Kenney, Amos Pain. 

The First Town-Meeting was held March 12, 
1798, and the following othcers were elected: Win- 
throp Robinson, Captain Jesse Sturtevant and Hugh 
Kelsea, selectmen ; Winthrop Robinson, clerk. 



The following is a list of clerks, selectmen and 
representatives to 1886: 

1799.— Hugh Kelsea, James M. Greenleaf, Pelham 
Sturtevant, selectmen ; Hugh Kelsea, clerk. 

1800. — Hugh Kelsea, Pelham Sturtevant, Daniel 
Norris, selectmen ; Hugh Kelsea, clerk. 

1801. — Moses Morse, Charles Little, selectmen ; 
Moses Morse, clerk. 

1802.— Hugh Kelsea, Benning Moulton, Daniel 
Norris, selectmen ; Moses Morse, clerk. 

1803. — Benning Moulton, David Norris, John 
Clement, selectmen ; Moses Morse, clerk. 

1804. — Benning Moulton, Hugh Kelsea, Daniel 
Norris, selectmen ; Moses Morse, clerk. 

1805. — David Norris, Charles Little, Moses Jlorse, 
selectmen ; Moses Morse, clerk. 

1806.— David Norris, Charles Little, Moses ilorse, 
selectmen ; Moses Morse, clerk. 

1807.— David Norris, Charles Little, Moses Morse^ 
selectmen ; Moses Morse, clerk. 

1808. — Hugh Kelsea, Charles Little, Joshua Norris, 
selectmen ; Moses Morse, clerk. 

1809.— Hugh Kelsea, Jonathan S. Moulton, Joshua 
Norris, selectmen ; Moses Morse, clerk. 

1810. — Hugh Kelsea, Jonathan S. Moulton, Jona- 
than M. Pain, selectmen ; Moses Morse, clerk. 

1811.- J. S. Moulton, Jonathan M. Pain, Hugh 
Kelsea, selectmen ; J. S. Moulton, clerk. 

1812.— Hugh Kelsea, J. S. Moulton, Richard C. 
Wiggin, selectmen ; J. S. Moulton, clerk. 

1813.- — J. S. Moulton, John Kuowdes, James Hunt- 
ress, selectmen ; J. S. Moulton, clerk. 

1814.— J. S. Moulton, Jonathan M. Pain, William 
Clark, selectmen ; J. S. Moulton, clerk. 

1815.— J. S. Moulton, Jonathan M. Pain, William 
Clark, selectmen ; J. S. Moulton, clerk. 

1816.— J. S. Moulton, Jonathan M. Pain, William 
Clark, selectmen ; J. S. Moulton, clerk. 

1817.— J. S. Moulton, Jonathan M. Pain, Willian» 
Clark, selectmen ; J. S. Moulton, clerk. 

1818.— J. S. Moulton, Daniel Norris, William Clark, 
selectmen ; J. S. Moulton, clerk. 

1819.— J. S. Moulton, Daniel Norris, John H. MouU 
ton, selectmen; J. S. Moulton, clerk. 

725 



726 



HISTORY OF I5KLK.VAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1820.— J. f>. Moulton, William Clark, Daniel Norris, 
seleetineu ; J. S. Moulton, clerk. 

1821.— Hugh Kelsea, William Clark, John Coe, 
selectmen ; John Coe, clerk. 

1822.— Hugh Kelsea, William Clark, John Coe, 
-selectmen ; John Coe, clerk. 

1823.— Hugh Kelsea, John Coe, William Clark, 
selectmen ; John Coe, clerk ; Hugh Kelsea chosen 
first representative. 

1824.— Hugh Kelsea, John Coe, William Clark, 
selectmen ; John Coe, clerk ; Hugh Kelsea, repre- 
sentative. 

182-5. — John Coe, Hugh Kelsea, John H. Moulton, 
-selectmen ; John Coe, clerk ; Jonathan S. Moulton, 
representative. 

1826. — John Coe, Daniel Xorris, John H. Moulton, 
selectmen ; John Coe, clerk ; John Coe, representa- 
tive. 

1827.— John H. Moulton, Timothy Perkins, Gil- 
7nan Fox, selectmen ; Gilman Fox. clerk ; J. S. Moul- 
ton, representative. 

1828. — John H. Moulton, Gilman Fox, Timothy 
Perkins, selectmen ; Gilman Fox, clerk ; J. S. Moul- 
ton, representative. 

1829. — Gilman Fox, Josiah C. Sturtevant, William 
dark, selectmen ; Simon Drake, clerk ; J. S. Moul- 
ton, representative. 

1830.— John H. Moulton, Simon Drake, William 
•Clark, selectmen ; Simon Drake, clerk ; Josiah C. 
Sturtevant, representative. 

1831.— Gilman Fox, Timothy Perkins, J. C. Stur- 
vant, selectmen ; Simon Drake, clerk ; J. C. Sturte- 
vant, representative. 

1832.— John H. Moulton, J. C. Sturtevant, Timothy 
Perkins, selectmen ; Simon Drake, clerk ; Simon 
Drake, representative. 

1833.— John H. Moulton, J. C. Sturtevant, Timothy 
Perkins, selectmen; Gilman Fox, clerk; Simon Drake, 
representative. 

1834.— Gilman Fox, James M. Pain, Timothy Per- 
kins, selectmen; Gilman Fox, clerk; (iilman Fox, 
representative. 

1835.— James M. Pain, Simon Drake, David Blake, 
selectmen ; Gilman Fox, clerk ; Gilman Fox, repre- 
sentative. 

1836.— T. Perkins, John H. Kelsea, Ebenezer L. 
Sturtevant, selectmen ; Gilman Fox, clerk ; Gilman 
Fox, representative. 

1837.— T. Perkins, .lohn H. Kelsea, Ebenezer L. 
■Sturtevant, selectmen ; Simon Drake, clerk ; Timothy 
Perkins, representative. 

1838.— John H. Kelsea, T. Perkins, E. L. Sturte- 
vant, selectmen ; Simon Drake, clerk ; Timothy Per- 
kins, representative. 

1839.— Timothy Perkins, E. L. Sturtevant, Jolin 
W. Clark, selectmen ; James M. Pain, clerk ; Tim- 
othy Perkins, representative. 

1840. — Levi Bean, Enoch True, Jas. M. Pain, select- 
men ; Jas. M. Pain, clerk ; Jacob Libby, representative. 



I 1841.— Timothy Perkins, E. L. Sturtevant, Benjamin 
Perkins, selectmen ; Isaac Knowles, clerk; Jame.s M. 
I Pain, representative. 

1842. — Timothy Perkins, Benjamin Perkins, J. C. 
1 Sturtevant, selectmen ; Isaac Knowles, clerk ; James 
M. Pain, representative. 

1843.— Timothy Perkins, John Smith, Daniel S. 
Follett, selectmen; John Canney, clerk; Timothy 
Perkins, representative. 

1844.— James M. Pain, John Smith, D. W. Follett, 
selectmen; James Jackson, clerk; Timothy Perkins, 
representative. 

1845.— Timothy Perkins, J. M. Pain, Ira Davis, 
selectmen; John Canney, clerk; David Blake, repre- 
sentative. 

1846.— T. Perkins, J. M. Pain, Ira Davis, selectmen ; 
John Canney, clerk ; David Blake, representative. 

1847.— James M. Pain, T. Perkins, William P. 
Sturtevant, selectmen ; John Canney, clerk ; John 
H. Moulton, representative. 

1848.— James Jackson, T. Perkins, Wm. P. Sturte- 
vant, selectmen ; John Canney, clerk ; John H. Moul- 
ton, representative. 

1849. — James M. Pain, Thomas Webber, Jonathan 
P. Norris, selectmen ; John Canney, clerk ; James 
M. Pain, representative. 

1850. — James M. Pain, Thomas Webber, Jonathan 
P. Norris, selectmen; James Jackson, clerk; John 
B. Dow, representative. 

1851.— J. M. Pain, Harrison C. Smith, J. H. Moul- 
ton, selectmen ; James Jackson, clerk ; John B. Dow, 
representative. 

1852.— T. Perkins, J. H. Moulton, Harrison C. 
Smith, selectmen; John Canney, clerk; John H. 
Moulton, representative. 

1853.-J. M. Pain, J. C. Sturtevant, Samuel S. 
Plaisted, selectmen ; John Canney, clerk ; James H. 
Clark, representative. 

1854.— J. M. Pain, Samuel S. Plaisted, J. C. Stur- 
tevant, selectmen ; John Canney, clerk ; James H. 
Clark, representative. 

1855.— J. M. Pain, Rufus Say ward, J. C. Sturtevant, 
selectmen ; John Canney, clerk ; James M. Pain, 
representatative. 

1856.— J. M. Pain, Rufus Sayward, J. C. Sturte- 
vant, selectmen; John Canney, clerk ; John H. Moul- 
ton, representative. 

1857.— James M. Pain, Noah Smith, Wm. P. Stur- 
tevant, selectmen ; John Canney, clerk ; Rufus Say- 
ward, representative. 

1858.— J. M. Pain, Noah Smith, W. P. Sturte- 
vant, selectmen; John Canney, clerk; Rufus Say- 
ward, representative. 

1859.— J. M. Pain, Samuel S. Plaisted, James H. 
Clark, selectmen ; J. Canney, clerk ; William P. Stur- 
tevant, representative. 

I860.— J. M. Pain, S. S. Plaisted, James H. Clark, 
selectmen ; John Canney, clerk ; Wm. P. Sturtevant, 
representative. 




zy/t&^^-^^-^^v 



CENTKE HARBOR. 



727 



1801. — J. M. Pain, Noah Smith, Amos S. Davis, 
selectmen ; John Canney, clerk ; there is no record 
of any representatives being elected in 1861, although 
there was an article in the warrant to elect one. 

1862.— J. M. Pain, N. Smith, A. S. Davis, select- 
men ; J. Canney, clerk ; S. S. Plaisted, representative. 

1863. — John H. Moulton, Jonathan P. Norris, 
Oeorge Fogg, selectmen ; John Canney, clerk ; Jacob 

D. Reynolds, representative. 

1804. — John H. Moulton, Jonathan P. Xorris, 
Oeorge Fogg, selectmen ; Charles H. Cauuey, clerk ; 
Jacob D. Reynolds, representative. 

1805.— J. H. Moulton, J. M. Pain, Jesse Eaton, 
selectmen; Charles H. Canney, clerk; J. C. Sturte- 
vant, representative. 

1800.— J. H. Moulton, J. M. Pain, Jesse Eaton, 
selectmen ; C. H. Canney, clerk ; J. C. Sturtevant, 
rei)reseutative. 

1807.— J. H. Moultuu, J. M. Pain, Otis F. Haw- 
kins, selectmen ; C. H. Canney, clerk ; Levi W. Wat- 
son, representative. 

1808. — Arthur L. True, William J. Perkins, James 
Bartlett, selectmen ; William C. Clifton, clerk ; Har- 
rison C. Smith, representative. 

1809.— Arthvir L. True, James Bartlett, Curtis S. 
Coe, selectmen ; William C. Clifton, clerk ; Harrison 

C. Smith, representative. 

1870. — Curtis S. Coe, George M. Pain, Jacob L. 
Merrill, selectmen ; W. C. Clifton, clerk ; John R. 
Buzzell, representative. 

1871. — Curtis S. Coe, George -M. Pain, Jacob L. 
^lerrill, selectmen ; William C. Clifton, clerk ; John 

E. Buzzell, representative. 

1872. — Ira Davis, Jonathan P. Norris, Hiram S. 
McCrillis, selectmen ; W. C. Clifton, clerk; Abner C. 
True, representative. 

1873.— Jonathan P. Norris, H. S. McCrillis, Smith 

F. Emery, selectmen ; W. C. Clifton, clerk ; A. C. 
True, representative. 

1874. — Smith F. Emery, Arthur L. True, Alonzo 
W. Canney, selectmen ; William C. Clifton, clerk ; 
Almon Benson, representative. 

1875. — J. M. Pain, Daniel B.Smith, Simeon Batch- 
elder, selectmen ; Charles H. Canney, clerk ; Almon 
Benson, representative. 

1876. — J. M. Pain, Benjamin F. Wentworth, Amos 

D. Webster, selectmen ; David W. Cram, clerk ; 
Charles H. Canney, representative. 

1877.— J. M. Pain, B. F. Wentworth, A. D. Web- 
ster, selectmen ; David W. Cram, clerk ; C. H. Canney, 
representative. 

1878.— Charles H. Canney, J. C. Sturtevant, Perkins 
F. Mclntire, selectmen ; W. C. Clifton, clerk ; Ran- 
dall S. Kenerson, representative. 

1879.— Charles H. Canney, J. C. Sturtevant, Perkins 
F. Mclntire, selectmen ; W. C. Clifton, clerk. 

1880.— C. H. Canney, James H. Clark, Frederick T. 
Hawkins, selectmen; W. C. Clifton, clerk; George 
Fogg, representative. 



1881. — C. H. Canney, Frederick T. Hawkins, James 
H. Clark, selectmen ; W. C. Clifton, clerk. 

1882.— J. C. Sturtevant, Charles C. Cook, Lester 
Plaisted, selectmen ; W. C. Clifton, clerk. 

1883.— J. C. Sturtevant, Charles 0. Cook, Lester 
Plaisted, selectmen; W. C. Clifton, clerk; (ieorge 
Fogg, representative. 

1884.— J. C. Sturtevant, Alonzo Perkins, Meltlicno 
C. Clark, selectmen ; George H. Piper, clerk. 

1885.— J. C. Sturtevant, Alonzo Perkins, Meltheno 
C. Clark, selectmen ; George H. Piper, clerk ; George 
L. Mason, representative. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



COL. ,IOHN HALE MOVLTOX. 

History is the rhume of the lives and events which 
are to-day among the things ot the present, to-mor- 
row those of the past, and in history mention should 
be made of those whose personal qualities, business 
enterprise and moral worth have contributed in some 
way to the wealth, knowledge and welfare of the 
community in which they lived, and to this number 
belongs Colonel John Hale Moulton, who was born 
at Centre Harbor, N. H., June 24, 1795, and died at 
his residence, Moulton House, June 3, 1885, aged 
ninety years. 

Colonel John Hale Moulton was of the sixth gen- 
eration in descent from the emigrant John and grand- 
son of General Jonathan and son of Penning and 
Sally (Leavitt) Moulton. (See biography of Hon. 
John C. Moulton.) After a common-school educa- 
tion, he entered his brother's store in his native 
town and continued with him until 1812, when he 
was employed as a clerk in Hampton for three years. 
Returning to Centre Harbor, he resumed his old po- 
sition in his brother's employ, and also had the op- 
portunity of adding to his education by receiving 
instruction from that able teacher, " Master " Dudley 
Leavitt, and of that period of school-time he ever 
retained pleasant memories. Three years after, 1818, 
he established himself in trade and continued mer- 
chandising for ten years. Naturally energetic and 
enterprising, he sought other channels of business, 
and, in 1828, purchased a mill privilege in an adjoin- 
ing town, erected a saw, grist and shingle-mill, and 
also owned and conducted a freight! ng-boat on Lake 
Winnipesaukee, with which he conveyed his lumber 
to market. In 1836, Colonel Moulton again estab- 
lished himself in Centre Harbor as a merchant, and, 
in 1848, he purchased the hotel which has for so 
many years borne his name. Assuming the duties of 
its landlord, for many years he was known to the 
community and elsewhere as an active and popular 
host, possessing the courteousness and affability of 



728 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the inn-keeper of the old school. As an evidence of 
his active and enterprising spirit, when he was over 
seventy years old, he rebuilt the hotel in a style com- 
mensurate with the increasing demands of summer 
travel. He continued in business, managing his store 
and farm in connection with other labors, until 1880, 
when he retired from active life. 

In 1832, Colonel Moulton married Susan Sargent, 
daughter of Rev. Huntington Porter, of Eye, N. H. 
Mrs. Moulton is a descendant of two old colonial 
families of consequence, Huntington and Porter, and 
is a lady of winning personal presence and amiable 
character. Her father. Rev. Mr. Porter, was an able 
and noted minister of the gospel, and one whose 
counsel was often called upon in important affairs 
Colonel and Mrs. Moulton had three children — Frank- 
lin Hale {died aged two years), Oliver Porter (died, 
in infancy) and Susan Huntington, who married 
Smith F. Emery. They have two children — Caroline 
Porter Emery and Alice Huntington Emery. The 
family reside at the Moulton House, which Mr. Emery 
has conducted for some years. 

Before he attained his majority, in 1815, Colonel 
Moulton enlisted in the New Hampshire Light In- 
fantry. He was much interested in the service, and, 
with his directness and ambition to excel, attracted 
the attention of his superior officers, and he was pro- 
moted, successively, as captain, major and, in 1832, 
received his commission as colonel, and was con- 
sidered an able officer. 

In politics he was an uncompromising Democrat, 
and always manifested a lively interest in party 
affairs, and he performed the duties of the many 
public offices to which he was called with credit to 
himself and honor to his constituents. He repre- 
sented Centre Harbor in the General Court in 1847 
and 1848, and again from 1852 to 1856, and was 
county commissioner from 1858 to 1861. In 1819, 
when comparatively a young man, he was chosen 
selectman, and was ofteu re-elected, until 1862, when 
he was made chairman of the board and retained the 
position until 1868. He was moderator for years, and 
repeatedly served as town treasurer, and for over 
half a century, from 1824 to 1881, he held a commis- 
sion as justice of the peace. He also held the office 
of deputy-sheriff of Strafford County for five years. 

In early life Colonel Moulton was a believer in 
Universalism, but, later, changed his views and sub- 
scribed to the "Articles of Faith" adopted by the 
Congregationalists, although he never became a com- 
municant with the church in Centre Harbor. A 
prayer written by him was found among some of his 
papers in his store in 1864, which breathes the true 
spirit of Christianity. 

Colonel Moulton possessed a strong and vigorous 
mind, a very retentive memory and great firmness of 
character. His intellect remained clear and his facul- 
ties almost unimpaired, so that he took an active 
interest in public affairs until witliin a few davs of 



his death. He was fond of reminiscences, and his. 
vivid portraitures of the manners of other days gave 
enjoyment and profit to many. He had a kind greet- 
ing and pleasant word for every one, and in the deeper 
and holier relations of the home circle he exempli- 
fied the highest elements of a Christian nature, and 
he left an impress by his strong character on hi:* n.i- 
tive town that shall not speedily be effaced. 



.lOHX coi;. 

The Coe family came to this country from Suffolk- 
shire, England, where they had resided for many 
generations. The earliest notice of them which can 
now be found is in Fox's "Book of Martyrs," which 
states that "Roger Coo," of Milford, Sufiblkshire, was 
burned by Queen Mary, September, 1855, at Texford, 
in that shire. Little is known of the family till 
the removal of Robert Coe to this country. In the 
authentic family record he belongs to the first gener- 
ation. In the records of the custom-house, preserved 
in the State Papers Office, Westminster Hall, Lon- 
don, the name is written "Cooe." The oldest origi- 
nal signature found in America is in the town rec- 
ords of Jamaica, L. I., and was written February 14, 
1663, " Robart Coe." Robert Coe was born in Suf- 
folkshire, England, in 1596. With his wife, Anna, 
and their three sons, he sailed from Ipswich, Suffolk- 
shire, April 10, 1634. They reached Boston the fol- 
lowing June, only six years from the date of the first 
settlement in the Massachusetts colony. Robert Coe 
settled in Watertown, near Boston, and in 1635 he 
moved to Wethersfield, Conn. On the 30th of Octo- 
ber, 1640, Mr. Andrew Ward and Mr. Robert Coe, 
with about twenty other planters, commenced a set- 
tlement in Stamford, Conn. In 1644, Robert Coe 
and several others formed the first settlement at 
Hampstead, L. I. In 1652 he made a settlement at 
Middlebury, (now Newton), L. I. In 1656 he, with 
others, commenced a settlement in Jamaica, L. I. 
He continued to be one of the most active and prom- 
inent men in public affairs till about 1672, at which 
time he was seventy-six years old. The time of his 
death is not known. 

John Coe, of the seventh generation from the 
above-named Robert Coe, was the son of Rev. Cur- 
tis Coe and Annie Thompson, and was born at Dur- 
ham, N. H., January 15, 1797. His father moved to 
Newmarket, N. H., with his family when John was 
about nine or ten years old. A few years thereafter 
John engaged as clerk in a store kept by his brother 
Ebenezer, at Northwood, N. H. After faithful ser- 
vice for several years, gaining the confidence of all 
who knew him, he became acquainted with a gentle- 
man who owned an unoccupied store at Centre Har- 
bor, N. H. Mr. Coe visited the place, then very 
thinly settled, leased the store and, returning, bought 
at Portsmouth, N. H., a stock of general merchandise, 
onlering it shipped to Dover, thence to Alton Bay 




aycTU^oc ^< 



Cs-J^ , 



CENTRE HARBOR. 



(29 



by teams, thence to Centre Harbor by boat propelled 
by oars and sails. On his arrival at Centre Harbor, 
soon after, he found his goods at his store. He at 
once began to take an interest in public affairs of the 
town, holding in succession nearly all the offices of 
trust. Being town clerk at the time of his marriage, 
he was, according to the law at that time, obliged to 
rise in church and declare his own intentions of mar- 
riage. He married Lavinia T. Senter, eldest daugh- 
ter of Samuel M. Senter, one of the first settlers in 
the town which afterward took his name. 

After about eight years of active, successful busi- 
ness as a country merchant, he removed to Durham, 
N. H., where he engaged extensively in ship-build- 
ing. During his stay at Centre Harbor he became 
convinced of the need of a temperance reform, and 
banished from his table and places of business all in- 
toxicants. Upon entering his new business of ship- 
building at Durham, he found that it was a long es- 
tablished custom for the men employed in the ship- 
yards to have liquor dealt out to them at regular 
hours of each day. True to his convictions, he de- 
termined to break up that custom in his yard, and 
gave notice that no more "grog" would be furnished 
or allowed on the premises. His men all refused to 
work without it, knowing that he had a large amount 
of work that must be finished at a given time or he 
would lose heavily. Not heeding the advice of his 
friends, he stood firm on the side of temperance, go- 
ing in the night to Dover and engaging a new crew 
of men, who came to his yard at sunrise the next 
morning. His work went on and no more intoxica- 
ting liquor was ever allowed on his premises. 

About 1832 he moved to Dover, there residing 
till 1835, when he came back to Centre Harbor, where 
he still owned much real estate, and bought the 
"Senter House" of its first proprietor, Samuel M. 
Senter, and began a very successful career as a hotel 
proprietor, and, with his estimable wife, enjoyed a 
reputation as landlord and landlady second to none 
in the State. As the business increased, he made ad- 
ditions to the hotel until, instead of forty feet front- 
age, he had a house with one hundred and twenty 
feet front, and comparatively large additions in the 
rear. In 1846, leaving his son Curtis S. in charge of 
the " Senter House," he removed to Boston and leased 
the Marlboro Hotel, on Washington Street, which be 
kept four years. Returning to Centre Harbor, he 
sold the "Senter House" to his son, C. S. Coe, and 
repaired and modernized the house he built when he 
first came to Centre Harbor, thinking to retire from 
active business ; but, being largely interested in real 
estate at Jamaica Plain and Xewton, for several 
years he spent most of his time in Boston, returning 
to his family and country home to spend the Sabbath, 
which he always, during his whole busy life, regarded 
as a day of worship. In early manhood he made a 
public profession of religion and united with the 
Congregational Church at Centre flarbor, bearing 



his full share of the expenses of the churih and so- 
ciety and then making up all deficiencies in the 
finances at the close of each year. 

During most of his life he was much interested in 
agriculture, owning and tilling several large farms. 
It has been aptly said : " He .is a public benefactor 
who makes two blades of gra.ss to grow where but one 
grew before ; " so will the main street of Centre Harbor 
village, bordered on either side by its fine elms and 
maples, render praise to Mr. Coe, who planted them. 

In 1860 Mr. Coe visited the South on business, 
spending several weeks in and around Natchez, Miss., 
and was much pleased with the hospitality of thi^ 
Southern people. Returning home, he was taken ill 
and died, April 2, 1861. 

The children of John and Lavinia S. Coe were, 
Curtis S., Anuie L. (Mrs. Charles P. Towle), John L., 
Ellen L. (Mrs. Dr. S. J. Quinby), Rufus L., and 
Daniel W. 

RANDALL S. KENESON. 

Randall Seavey Keneson, .son of John and Polly 
(Jackson) Keneson, was born in that part of Eaton 
now Madison, N. H., December 14, 1811. John 
Keneson was a man of great versatility of talent, of 
much mechanical ability, and, with his trade of watch 
and clock making, carried on a boot and shoe manu- 
factory in Eaton, his native place. He married, 
February 8, 1804, Polly, daughter of Phillip and Mary 
(Place) Jackson. They had nine children, — iwo sons 
and seven daughters. Mr. Keneson was a Whig in 
his political views, and, although the town was largely 
Democratic, he often received more than the vote of 
his party when nominated for office. He was a man 
worthy of the confidence and esteem which he re- 
ceived in a large degree from his fellow-townsmen. 
He was town clerk for twenty-five years, and also held 
a commission as justice of the peace for along period, 
and served in various minor offices. He was a Frco- 
Will Baptist in religion, and an active and uniform 
member of that church. He was of medium size, 
social, made many friends, and always took an intel- 
ligent interest in the welfare and growth of his native 
town. He was born May 18, 1784, and died March 
24, 1838. 

Randall, from his earliest childhood, had a great 
aptitude for mechanics, " had rather frame a slate at 
home than use it at school," and, not altogether 
willingly, received the instruction which was given 
him for several years at the public schools, and 
learned the jeweler's trade and custom boot and slioe 
making, remaining with his father until he was twenty 
years of age. His mechanical skill soon made him 
more than ordinarily proficient in these avocations, 
so he went to Haverhill and worked at custom shoe- 
making with good success forone season. His health 
failing, he was obliged to give up labor for a year. 
After the recovery of his health he went to Dedham, 
Mass., where he was employed in a broadcloth-factory 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



for four yeara. He was diligent and industrious, de- 
voted the time not required iu his duties at the fac- 
tory in repairing cloulcs, watches, etc., and in this 
way, as his habits were good and his manner of living 
prudent and economical, he was enabled to save 
enough money for a capital for future business opera- 
tions. He then returned to Eaton, and went to work 
on his father's farm, and also, in connection with his 
agricultural labors, fitted up a small shop and estab- 
lished himself as a jeweler. 

Mr. Keneson married, first, January 9, 1838, Al- 
mira, daughter of Moses Morse, of Centre Harbor. 
She died August 9, 1842. They had two children, — 
Elvira (Mrs. George B. Blake) and Newell, who died 
when an infant. He married, second, Miranda S., 
daughter of Isaiah and Deborah (Mason) Forest, of 
Eaton where she was born, April 8, 1816. They had 
one child, Adelaide H. (Mrs. Lewis R. Veasey). 

Mr. Kenesou continued in business in Eaton until 
August, 1852, when he removed to Centre Harbor, 
and has since been a resident of that town. Here he 
devoted himself exclusively to his jewelry trade, and 
carried it on until 1880, when he retired from com- 
mercial transactions, having, by his frugality and 



honest endeavors, acquired a competency. His me- 
chanical ingenuity has always been of good service to 
him; for instance, when needing any work done, he 
could do it himself and in the best manner. His uni- 
form kindness and pleasant manners have won for 
him many friends. His faithfulness iu the perform- 
ance of his work has secured for him the respect 
and esteem of all. Democratic in politics, he represent- 
ed Centre Harbor in the legislative term of 1878-79, 
and has also served in town offices. A plain and 
unassuming man, he has not sought official position, 
and such offices as have been conferred upon him 
have been given without his solicitation, he having 
never asked a man for his vote. 

Mr. Keneson is a member of the Congregational 
Church, and is always in accord with everything 
tending to improve and elevate the community in 
which he resides, while his conservative nature pre- 
vents him from going precipitately into the advocacy 
or support of any measures which are not grounded in 
reason and practicality. Kind in his domestic rela- 
tions, a valued friend and a prized and estimable 
citizen, he worthily stands high in the esteem of his 
townsmen. 



HISTORY OF GILFORD. 



BY REV. J. P. WATSOX. 



CHAPTER I. 

The historical matter connected with, and the 
occurrences that have taken place in, the territory 
included at diflerent periods within the limits of the 
town of Gilford largely mingle with those of other 
towns associated and near, and of other civil organi- 
zations remote and seemingly dissociated. 

The continuous and complete course of the annals 
of the town will cover some of the early records of 
Gilmantou, from which it was detached, and preface 
largely the history of the recent town of Laconia, 
increased by detached portions herefrom, and also I 
supplement that of Meredith, which has contributed | 
to the domain of both. The boundary line of Gil- 
ford has been so frequently changed for enlargement 
and diminution that it shares with other towns much 
of their enterprise and honor and history. Its loca- 
tion on or near an important river and other waters 
gives it special importance, not only as the centre of i 
various industrial enterprises and professional prac- | 
tice, but as related to older divisions, involving ques- j 
tions of rightful possession and jurisdiction. 

By the charter from King James, in 1606, Virginia 
extended from the thirty-fourth to the forty-fourth 
parallel of north latitude, aud hence included the 
greater part of New Hampshire territory, and com- 
prehended that part in which Gilford is situated. By 
a subdivision of this grant into North and South Vir- 
ginia, the former was limited by the fortieth and 
forty-eighth degrees of north latitude, and hence 
included all of New Hampshire territory, and Gilford 
was in North Virginia. This division of the territory 
granted by the royal patent, which at iirst was assigned 
to certain dignitaries of Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth, 
England, was .subsequently committed to forty men 
of distinction and means, who constituted the Council 
of Plymouth, whose official business was the " Plant- 
ing, Ruling and Governing of New England in Amer- 
ica." This council was constituted November 3, 
1620, and they made grants of minor sections to other 
particular parties and organizations in subsequent 



1 This article is an abridgment ot a more extended work, " A Histori- 
cal Sketch of the Town of Gilford, N. H.," iu preparation, and soon to 
be published by the writer. 



Though the Duke of Lenox was the first-named of 
the Council, and though there were also several others 
higher in the !i.st,yetSir Ferdinando Gorges, Governor 
of Plymouth, in Devonshire County, England, after 
1604, appears to have been the most active and the 
leading man of the Council, and was elected their first 
president. Also Captain John Mason, of London, 
and, after the peace of 1604, Governor of Newfound- 
land, as well as of Portsmouth, Hampshire County, 
England, was elected to fill a vacancy in the mem- 
bership, and made secretary of the Council. 

He made the first purcha.se from the Council March 
9, 1621. It was a tract of land thence known as 
Mariana, and impossible of boundary. It was to ex- 
tend from the Naumkeag to the Merrimack River, and 
from their mouths to their head-waters, and to be 
inclosed by a straight line from the source of the one 
to that of the other river, which line would cut the 
whole grant asunder, and at the same time both 
include and exclude certain territories or portions. 
August 10, 1622, Mason and Gorges jointly made a 
purchase of land, supposed to be directly and contig- 
uously on the north of Mariana, or Mason's first 
purchase, and extending from the Merrimack to the 
Sagadehock, and back to the " Great Lakes and the 
River of Canada " (i. e., Winnipesaukee, Champlain 
and the St. Lawrence). 

This was termed Laconia ; and this was the first 
conveyance of the territory of Gilford. The Company 
of Laconia, consisting of Mason, Gorges and others, 
was formed, and endeavored to effect settlements on 
the tract purchased, which they did at Dover in 1623. 
That part of Laconia bordering on Lake Winnipesau- 
kee was not reached aud settled at this time, though 
considered as the most desirable and valuable on 
account of its supposed mineral deposits. Seven 
years later, John Wheelwright and others took a 
deed from four Indian sagamores of land bounded 
by the " Merrimack and Piscataqua, extending back 
to the falls of Nuichawannock, in the Piscataqua, and 
to the Pawtucket falls, in the Merrimack, and thence 
20 miles N. W. into the woods; and thence N. E. to 
the first-mentioned point, Nuichawannock Falls." 
This deed evidently did not comprehend Gilford ter- 
ritory ; but on November 7, the same year, 1629, 
Mason took a new grant of territory, less iu extent, 
731 



732 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



but more definitely bounded,— viz. : " From the 
mouth of the Piscataqua to 60 miles in the course of 
the river ; and from the mouth of the Merrimack to 
its farthest head-waters ; and so forward up into tlie 
land westward until 60 miles were finished, and 
thence to cross overland to the end of the 60 miles 
accounted from the Piscataqua River, including the 
Islands within 15 leagues of the shore." This evi- 
dently included the territory of Gilford ; though it 
was not certain whether the line connecting the 
points designated on the rivers should be a straight 
line or a curve line, maintaining at all parts a dis- 
tance of sixty miles from the sea. The lands included 
between the arc and chord thus drawn were in dis- 
pute, and were in part in Gilford, and claimed in 
Mason's right. The line subsequently was determined 
as a straight line, running from the point on the pres- 
ent State boundary sixty miles from the mouth of 
the Piscataqua (which was several miles north of its 
source, and in the town of Eaton), crossing the lake 
and Long Island, passing over Mount Major, of the 
Gunstock range, and terminating in the town of 
Rindge, on the Massachusetts boundary. Hence, the 
eastern part of Gilford was afterwards assigned to 
Mason's heirs, and called Masonian shares, when the 
remainder was bought of said heirs. 

In 1632, the lake and its shores were visited by ex- 
plorers from Portsmouth, but no settlements were 
made or marks left. Mason died in 1638, and willed 
his claims and property to various heirs. The dis- 
puted jurisdiction of Massachusetts over land in- 
cluded in the after-grant to the proprietors of Gil- 
manton, being found in part in Gilford, was appar- 
ently decided in 1652, when commissioners appointed 
by the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Com- 
pany were sent to establish the bounds agreeable to 
their construction of their charter. They claimed 
that the charter carried a strip of land on the left 
bank (north and east side) of the river, three miles in 
width, and extending to its source, at which point 
a line laid ofi"due east and due west should mark the 
northern limit of their chartered lands. The exten- 
sion of this line eastward, as well as westward, was 
the claim of the Massachusetts Bay Company, but 
was rejected by the claimants to the territory on the 
north side of the river, and was finally decided in 
their favor. But, agreeably to that interpretation of 
their charter, the said court appointed, on the 27th of 
May, 1652, a commission to settle the north line of 
their domain, and Captains Simon Willard and 
Edward Johnson were put in charge of this business. 
They procured the services, as survej'ors, of Jona- 
than Ince, a student at Cambridge, and John Sher- 
man, sergeant of Watertown, and these, following the 
guide of certain Indians, employed to direct the route, 
ascended the river to Aquadocton, the outlet of the 
lake, which was declared to be the head of the river 
(now the Weirs), and there they took astronomical 
observations, and determined the latitude thereof to 



43° 40' 12". This point was indicated by inscrip- 
tions on a large boulder in the middle of the outlet. 
This inscription, made by drills, consisting of the 
date, the initials of Governor Endicott, and those of 
the surveying party, etc., may be seen at the pres- 
ent time, though the action of the elements for two 
hundred and thirty-three years has rendered them 
somewhat illegible. This bound was unknown, or 
unidentified, for many years and till 1846. From 
this point three more miles were to be included, north 
of the river, so three minutes more were to be allowed, 
making the utmost limit to be at 43° 43' 12" north 
latitude, and said to be " out into the Lake." As the 
course from the mouth of the river was westerly, and 
the charter said three miles north of the rh-er, — i.e., on 
its left bank, — and the course at the last was nearly 
due north, it was, and is, a question where the limit 
should fall. If it be determined by a perpendicular 
line three miles in length, maintained throughout the 
entire course, then it would be three miles nearly due 
east of the Weirs, and oft' Smith's Intervale, or a little 
east of Governor's Island. If due north is taken, 
which seems to be implied by the addition of three min- 
utes for the three miles, then the boundary line will 
pass through a point either three miles due north 
of this inscribed stone, — i.e., near or on Meredith 
Neck, — or three miles north of the point three miles 
east of the stone, — i.e., in the broad expanse northeast 
of Governor's Island and towards Bear Island. 

These observations were made August 1, 1652, and 
report was made to General Court, October 19th. 
Jonas Clarke and Samuel Andrews, shipmasters, were 
sent to mark the same latitude on the Atlantic shore, 
and determined it to fall on the northern part of 
Upper Clapboard Island, in Casco Bay, near Portland. 
An east and west line drawn through these two points 
of the parallel 43° ^Z' 12" was to constitute the 
border line of the province of Massachusetts Bay ; but 
this demarkation did not abide time and contendings, 
as it was based on a forced construction of the patent 
letter. Gilford territory, which was cut by it from near 
the Province road and Cotton's Hill and over Liberty 
Hill and down Gunstock Valley to the Intervale, was 
not permanently dismembered, and assigned to the 
jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Bay Company. At 
Aquadocton there was originally about three feet fall, 
which has been overcome by flowage in consequence 
of the dam at Lake village, formerly Folsom'sMill. 
While these lands, bordering on the upper Merri- 
mack and on the South Lake shore, from Aquadocton 
southward and eastward, had evidently qualities 
valuable, and calculated to induce occupation and 
cultivation, and Aquadocton itself was one of the best 
fishing-grounds, yet, in opposition to all prospects, 
but for suflicient causes, this part of the common do- 
main remained unused and undeveloped for more 
than a full century after 1652. These places were 
known, to be sure, but scarcely more than as a thorough- 
fare of the aboriginal wanderings, and assemblings. 



GILFORD. 



r33 



and migrations, and a^i feeding-places. The settlers 
of Piscataqua made early reconnoissance of these 
regions, and as early as 1632 visited, in their course, 
the lake and the White Mountains, and penetrated 
even to Champlain. They evidently marked the 
place a desired resting-place and there built a block- 
house as early as 1722, " at the Lake," as it is sup- 
posed, farther east than the bounds of Gilford, prob- 
ably in some part of Alton, or at Merry Meeting 
Bay, of after fame. 

From the four quarters of the land there seemed to 
meet here, as in a centre, the great trails or pathways 
of the Indians, living in all directions. And Aqua- 
docton was, even before, a place of no mean repute, or 
an unheard-of retreat of the savage wilds. 

From the south came up the Penacooks, the Nash- 
uas and various remoter tribes from Naumkeag and 
remoter parts of the Massachusetts Bay territory. 
From the west and northwest the Iriquois and St. 
Francis and others, through the valley of the Con- 
necticut, Baker's River and the Pemigewasset. From 
the north, over the lake, and from the valley of the 
Ossipee, the Saco and Androscoggin, come the Pekwau- 
ketts, the Ossipees and others. From the east came 
up the Cochecos and various tribes of Maine. Here 
wa.s their general rendezvous, and here councils of 
war were held, tribal feasts enjoyed, questions settled 
and disputed, and here issues, now unknown, were 
made and destinies determined. The summits of the 
Gunstock range were the outlooks over all this region, 
and from them to the Ossipee, Chocorua, and the 
greater, more distant northern peaks and lesser 
southern hills, were heralded the decisions of the con- 
tending and the couneiling savages. The Indian 
wars that marked that century had much of their 
scenes laid in this locality. The exceeding great haz- 
ard in effecting progressive occupation and settlement 
kept the few actual settlers closely compacted in five or 
seven towns that constituted the province of New 
Hampshire, viz.: Dover, Portsmouth, Exeter, New 
Castle, Hampton, Oyster Bay and Great Island. 

The changefulne-ss of the mother-country at this 
time also had its effects, both directly and indirectly^ 
on the expansion of the colony. The uncertainty of 
the sovereign personnel, and the spirit of the admin- 
istration at home, and the changing figures of ap- 
pointed magistrates and Governors here, made every- 
thing unsubstantial and problematic, and destroyed 
the vital germ of enterprise. The commonwealth 
lasted scarcely a decade from the execution of Charles 
I., and Charles II. for a quarter of a century from 1660, 
held the throne, but, in regard to these colonies, only 
to appoint six or seven successive Governors in the 
provinces of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. 
The short reign of James used three more Governors, 
tlo.sing with the tyrannical and hated Edward Andros. 
William III., in a reign of a little more than one dec- 
ade, constituted and removed five more; and the 
distressful King William's War vexed the whole 



country and distracted and paralyzed the energies of 
the feeble band that had set down on the coast and 
the Piscataqua, but had their eye and hope on Aqua- 
docton. Queen Anne's dozen years' reign and the 
succession of George I. brought not much better times; 
so that when Samuel Shute assumed the Governorship 
of the two provinces jointly, in 1716, there was 
scarcely any sign of Aquadocton's being redeemed 
from its wilderness state, or the condition of the older 
settlements being much improved. Indians period- 
ically assembled on the shores of the lake, and men 
from Massachusetts visited the Weirs for a winter's 
stock offish, but the glebe was yet unbroken, and the 
forests pathless, save by the trail of the red man. 

By the appointment of John Wentworth as Lieu- 
tenant-Governor of New Hampshire, to act under and 
with, and, in certain contingencies, instead of. Gov- 
ernor Shute, of Massachusetts Bay province, on June 
15, 1716, the interests of New Hampshire, and espe- 
cially of the undeveloped places about the lake were 
revived, more carefully looked after and attended to. 
The decadence of the spirit of expansion and enter- 
prise that followed the putting of New Hampshire un- 
der Massachusetts' protection and control, in 1689, and 
during the troublous times of William and Mary 's reign, 
seemed to have reached its lowest point about the 
time of the accession of Queen Anne, in 1702, or of 
her death and the commencement of the reign of 
George I., in 1714. Those who had suffered loss and 
endured hardships in the earlier wars, from the time 
of King Philip's, in 1674, and especially in that of 
King William, in 1G88-90, now begin to claim .some 
indemnification or reward. This is sought in grants 
of unoccupied lands. The paralyzing effect of the 
massacre at Dover, and the ruin of Salmon Falls, and 
the absence of that master-spirit of Major Waldron, 
now dead, determined that the tide of progress would 
not set up the Cocheco Valley to the shores of the 
lake and Aquadocton, though this would have been 
the most natural course of expansion. Nor did the 
contingencies of the disputed limitations and juris- 
diction of the Massachusetts Bay Company favor the 
extension of settlements up the Merrimack, the second 
most natural path of progress in occupation and im- 
provement. Hence, the third and most unlikely move- 
ment was made from Exeter into the wilderness by 
the route of no river valley, but along the highlands. 
Hence, in 1727, these claimants, numbering nearly 
two hundred, a charter is granted to them of all the 
land left, from the corner of Chichester, northwest of 
Barnstead, and northeast of the north line of Canter- 
bury (then including Loudon and Northfield), and 
extending to the lake and river, and abutting on both 
Barnstead and the unincorporated land eastward, after- 
wards known as the New Durham Gore, since Alton. 

The occupation of this land was now considered 
feasible, since the Province Council and Assembly had 
caused a fort or block-house to be built and garrisoned 
on the shore of the lake. This was ordered in 1722, 



734 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and was to be fifty feet square, constructed with tim- 
bers eight inches square, ha\nng two wings, or flanlc- 
ers, and capable of giving accommodation to a garrison 
of one hundred and fifty men, and was to be provi- 
sioned duly. It was to be located near the bank of 
the lake, where there is an opening into the lake, and 
on the southeiist side; which language, in its first 
statement, would seem to indicate Aquadocton, but, in 
its other vv^ords, appears to refer to Alton Bay, and 
probably the eastern side. The purpose of building 
and arming this block-house was declared to be to 
"annoy and cheek tlie Indians of this region," and so 
secure quiet to the settlers. Hence the grantees and 
actual settlers of Gilmanton had thus a defense in 
their rear, as far as it concerned some of the most un- 
friendly tribes in this region ; and, therefore, the fear 
of molestation was measurably removed. The pro- 
prietors were not all from Exeter, but some of Ports- 
mouth ; many of the settlers first sat down tem- 
porarily in the southern part of the grant, and after- 
wards re-located in the northern section, or Gilford- 
The territory was divided into two hundred and fifteen 
shares, and severally apportioned to one hundred and 
ninety-two shareholders, besides the Masonian heirs ; 
and the public and governmental reservations were 
five shares. 

The proprietors were not, to a great extent, actual 
settlers, yet their names very largely correspond to 
those known in the history of the plantation. Ninety 
different names appear in the original list of proprie- 
tors, among which that of Gilman leads with twenty- 
four, viz.: Andrew, Caleb, Daniel, Edward (1st and 
Jr.), Jeremiah, John (Sr., Jr., 3d and Captain), Jona- 
than, Joseph, Nathaniel (Sr. and Jr.), Nehemiah, 
Nicholas (Sr., Jr. and 3d), Peter, Robert, Samuel (1st 
and 3d), Thomas and Trueworthy. Hence the name 
Gilmanton was most natural. The charter bears 
date of May 20, 1727, and in the thirteenth year of the 
sovereign, George I., and had three conditions, viz. : 
1st, the settlement of seventy families within three years 
each in a separate house, and each having cleared 
three acres fit for tillage, and having paid all assess- 
ments. 2d, a meeting-house shall be built within 
four years. 3d, three shares shall be appropriated for 
public use, viz. : One for the ministerial support, one 
for minister's residence and one for support of schools ; 
providing, however, that no Indian war prevent the 
settlement, and in such event, granting three years 
from the close of such war. 

The consideration of this deed or title was the 
quit-rent of one pound of flax annually forever, if 
demanded, and due the second Tuesday of March. 
Also all pine-trees, twenty-four inches in diameter, 
were reserved, under the act of Parliament, for the 
construction of ships in the royal navy, which trees 
had been nuirkcd and registered by a surveyor, ap- 
pointed first in the time of William, and agreeably 
to the provincial statute of 1708, by the approval of 
(iueen Anne. 



The line of boundary, sis defined by the charter, 
was a straight northwest course, or, more accurately, 
north, 47° west, and from the southwest corner of 
Barnstead till the Merrimack waters were reached, 
about twelve and three-eighths miles, which terminal 
point was on the shore of the bay, a little south of 
the outlet of Great Brook and one and a half miles 
southwest of Burley's bridge, at East Tilton. The 
other line ran six miles on the Barnstead line, or, 
more accurately, six miles and one hundred and 
twenty-two rods, passing one mile, ninety-five rods 
beyond Barnstead northeast corner, as now estab- 
lished. This course was east, 43° north (said to be 
northeast), and thence the line was to run northwest 
(north, 47° west) two miles (two miles, sixty-five rods), 
and thence north (north, 1° west) seven miles to the 
lake, — i.e., seven miles, forty-eight rods. Thence the 
shore of the lake and the river, or series of bays, was 
to be the terminal margin, not including the islands 
off shore in the whole course. This tract contained 
about eighty-five thousand acres of land, about one- 
third of which constitutes the original town of Gil- 
ford as set off. 

At the expiration of the three years, in 1730, the 
settlement of the seventy families had not been ef- 
fected, and the proprietors petitioned for extension of 
time. It is not alleged that the condition of out- 
breaking Indian wars formed the basis of this neglect 
and needed prolongation of time ; but the country 
was far from being tranquil during this period. The 
charter, still unpaid for, was held by the clerk of the 
Council ; yet they made provision for its redemption, 
and for laying out the plant and making it accessible 
by a chosen and cut or cleared-out pathway or road ; 
but this work was delayed another year. 

The principal names connected with the survey 
and much of the early doings of the proprietors were 
those of Edward Gilman, who seems to be the ac- 
cepted surveyor, and Jethro Parsons and Oliver 
Smith. These, with five other men as assistants, l>e- 
gan the bounding of the town June 14, 1731, and 
simply ran the easterly line, as defined by the words 
of the charter. This took twelve daj'S, as the line 
was about sixteen miles long, and lay over the moun- 
tains. Beginning at a beech-tree, they ran six miles 
to a birch, then two miles to another beech, and 
finally reached a hemlock at the pond. With these 
four trees, only one in Gilford, the domain is located. 
One hundred and fifty years might not have wrought 
the decay of the beech and the hemlock (perhaps the 
birch should have gone) ; but tradition identifies 
them not, nor are seen the initials inscribed on them. 

The next year a plan of the town and the laying 
out of lots were ordered, and these lots were to equal 
or exceed the number of proprietors. Five ranges of 
home lots were laid out in tiers, resting on the south- 
west base line, containing about forty acres each, and 
extending to the base of the mountains and nearly to 
the extent of the present town of Gilmanton. Tliese 



GILFORD. 



(35 



1 were drawn by the proprietors for actual settling 
or for disposition to whomsoever they could induce 
to take up the land and improve it for themselves. 

October 18, 1732, these lots wore drawn and each 
one began to take measures to have the conditions of 
the charter carried out. 

In 1733 it was decided to lay out a second division 
of lots, and to build block-houses at the extreme 
southeast part, and also at the extreme northwest, or 
Aquadocton, which is said to be " fishing-grounds," 
and also to examine the soil there, and see if it be 
good and fit for a settlement. 

An opinion had already obtained that this part of 
the grant was more valuable and more desirable for 
a settlement than the lots already laid out. This 
l)ropositi()n was not immediately carried out, but was 
renewed the three following years with variations in 
the committee to accomplish it. 

In 1736 the committee performed their assigned 
work, and in eleven days from the 14tli of June, 
cleared a pathway from Epsom to Gilmanton and 
built two block-houses, one at the southeast corner 
(if the first division of lots, and the other at the 
Weirs. These were the first houses built on the 
grant. As they were simultaneously constructed, the 
one in the present Gilmanton and the other in Gil- 
ford, the two towns may be said to be of equal age. 
The former was eighteen feet square and the latter 
fourteen feet; and these, with the other and larger 
one at the eastern part of the lake, constituted a tri- 
angulation of the region for fortification and protec- 
tion, and for aggression. The laud on the lake-shore 
and river border was pronounced to be of good 
quality and suitable for settlement ; and, therefore, 
its laying out was recommended and urged by the 
committee and demanded by others. The lay and 
quality of the land inclined the judgment of the 
committee, that these lots should face the river, or 
west; and as a detached section, should be erected in 
ranges extending from Aquadocton towards the Can- 
terbury line, and not connecting with or reaching 
the first division. 

A boom was now made for the settlement of the 
north part of the town, and two important privileges 
were offered, viz. : First, the choice of the lots to be 
laid out in the second division should not be in the 
arbitrary manner of drawing them by lot, but the 
proprietors, or settlers, could choose their shares 
together and at either end of the division, and so 
avoid being too scattered and exposed. Second, a 
bonus of forty shillings from each proprietor was 
offered to the first twenty or more settlers, who 
would within five years commence settlement, and 
would clear and break up two acres of land. This 
was an extension of time, two years, and a reduc- 
tion of the quota of land to be cleared by one acre, 
as compared with the proposals made for settling in 
the first division ; and, besides, the premium was not 
inconsiderable, as two pounds from each of one hun- 



dred and ninety-two proprietors meant a little fortune 
in those days, to a mere settler, or husbandman. It 
would seem that these inducements should have been 
sufficient. But they did not secure acceptance ; and 
the next year resort had to be made to the General 
Court to extend the time of settlement, and for 
authority to collect taxes of the proprietors. Already 
nearly two hundred pounds had been expended in 
surveying, building block-houses and cutting path- 
ways, and several proprietors were in default of pay- 
ment, and their shares had to be sold to satisfy the 
assessments made. 

In 1738 a committee, increased to the number of 
twelve, was constituted to lay out these lots, which 
they did in June, by the assistance of twenty other 
hired men, in ten days from the 20th of the month. 
The first four days were employed in clearing a way 
from White Hall, or the first block-house, to the 
Merrimack River, presumably at Aquadocton. The 
lay or route of this pathway was sketched, but with 
some indefiniteness ; and hence different opinions 
as to its exact location may be entertained. As the 
first cleared pathway, or road, in the town, its position 
is of importance. The surveyors' returns say that it 
lay " from White Hall to Loon Pond, one mile and a 
half; thence to Block-House Pond, a mile and a 
half; thence to Third Camp Meadow, four miles ; 
thence N. W. by N., to Skeiler's Meadow, three 
miles ; and on the same course, five miles, to the 
Pond." With the want of expressed direction in the 
first three courses, or stages of advance, we are to 
make special use of the definiteness of direction and 
distances mentioned in the last two stages. Reversing 
the course of northwest by north, and laying off five 
miles, the meadow land in the valley of the Miles 
River will be reached, near the estate of the late 
DavidBrown,Esq.,orthatnear John Foster's and Jona- 
than Morrill's, above the flowage. Then, laying off 
three miles in the same direction (nearly), the pond at 
the summit or the head-waters of the Suncook will be 
reached (or, from Foster's and Morrill's meadow, the 
margin of Young's Pond). Loon Pond is easily 
identified, and there remains only Block-House Pond 
for identification. A radius of four miles from Third 
Camp Meadow, considered as at the head-waters of 
the Suncook, would very nearly reach the Reservoir 
Pond, or the small pond a little to the east of it, and 
at the head of Mill Brook ; or, measured from Young's, 
would reach Pickerel Pond. Either of these three 
ponds may have been referred to as Block-House 
Pond. The only other plausible identification of 
points and direction of the route is, that Pickerel 
Pond, near Parsonage Hill, represents Block House 
Pond ; and the vicinity of Young's Pond, the Third 
Camp Meadow; and the upper Gunstock Valley, south 
of Gilford village, to Esquire Weeks' estate, that of 
Skeiler's Meadow ; and that thence the way crossed 
Meeting-House Hill to the Weirs ; and this, though 
answering well as to distances, does not agree as to 



736 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the directions mentioned in the returns. As the first 
division of lots had already been laid out, it would be 
natural to follow them as far as they extended, and 
80 avail themselves of the advantage of the surveyor's 
marks and partial clearing of pathways; and this 
would be in the direction of Young's Pond, and the 
pond at the summit, or head-waters, from which 
point Aquadocton, or its immediate vicinity, could be 
sighted, and its bearing taken ; and hence at this stage 
first mention is made of direction ; and the course 
thence is made as direct as possible. 

With this way cleared, the communication between 
the first and second divisions was made easy ; and 
these thirty-two men now divide themselves and their 
work into four parts. Two parties lay out the lots 
in five ranges, — In all, numbering one hundred and 
seventy-seven lots. 

For encouragement to settle on these, not only 
might the settlers have the choice of their lots 
together, but they should receive forty shillings annu- 
ally from each proprietor, — a generous offer indeed. 

The third house was built by one section of this 
I)arty "for their shelter," but its site was not described, 
iior does tradition locate it. 

Another section of the party spent six days in 
" looking out a convenient place for a way to Canter- 
bury." This second way in the territory was distinct 
from the one from Epsom, via White Hall, and ran 
parallel with the ranges, along the margin of the 
river at first, and then south through the upper part 
of the town, or Upper Parish. 

AVhen it seemed so assured that the town would be 
speedily settled, and the union of New Hampshire 
and Massachusetts under one civil administration had 
kept somewhat in abeyance the conflicting claims to 
lands on the margin of the river, so that without hes- 
itation, question or protest, the second division of lots 
was laid out and offered to settlers, being nevertheless 
all comprehended in that part of the domain claimed 
by Massachusetts, and the settlement of the boundary 
in 1741 had given advantage and impulse to the pro- 
jects and interests of the proprietors, there seemed un- 
accountably a stay in proceedings, as neither the town, 
or parts of the town, realized progress. 

Then the unsettled state of affairs in Europe cul- 
minated in the declaration of war between England 
and France, and brought on the dark night of conflict 
in the American colonies, paralyzing all schemes. So 
that from 1738 to 1748 all things remained stationary, 
or were retrograding. Two cleared ways and three 
houses were all of Gilford and Gilmanton. On the 
cessation of hostilities, in 1749, there were attempts 
made to revive the interests of the scheme, and, as pre- 
paratory to it, a committee, with twenty men, by order 
of the proprietors, spent eleven long summer days in 
renewing the metes and bounds and repairing the 
houses and adding one new house at Third Camp 
Meadow (the claim to which is not determined either 
in favor of (iilfbrd or (iilmanton, as its site is not set- 



tled) and renewing the way cut ten years before, which 
by disuse, had become almost untraceable and useless. 
But the time of peace was too short to admit of 
much progress, and a second war deferred for another 
decade all advancement ; and this, despite new and 
generous offers held out to pioneers. To at most forty 
settlers, who, within one year, should build houses and 
bring under cultivation three acres of land yearly, 
there was proffered a premium of fifty acres of land 
additional from the undivided land, and this to be 
doubled at the end of six years, as an additional bonus. 
The only immediate eft'ect of this proposed bounty 
was some felling of trees in 1750 by parties from Pena- 
cook, on land chosen and intended for a homestead, 
but which was soon quit by reason of the renewal of 
hostile demonstrations. Indeed, so low did the enter- 
prise run, that twenty-one shares were to be sold to 
pay arrearages of unpaid taxes. The sale of Mason's 
claim to twelve men of Portsmouth further complica- 
ted and embarrassed matters pertaining to the settle- 
ment of the town. 

To overcome this effectual obstacle, the uncertainty 
of valid title, a way must be devised. A compromise 
was made whereby these purchasers, called the heirs 
of Mason, quit-claimed the remainder of the territory 
for eighteen shares in equality with the original pro- 
prietors; the.se shares to be reserved in guaranty to them 
and exempted from taxation till occupied. With this ob- 
stacle removed, a new bonus is offered of one hundred 
pounds old tenor, in eightquarterly instalments, and two 
forty-acre lots of land, to the first twenty settlers, and, 
when there should be ten families, to support a minis- 
ter and also to build a saw-mill. It would seem that 
such liberal conditions should have secured a rush for 
the prize. But dangers and war are more powerful 
than all gain. 

The contract with the Masonian heirs involved or 
required the survey and laying out of their eighteen 
shares and the making of a plan of the town, which 
was done in 1752 by one Nathan Sanborn, under the 
direction of a committee whose chairman was Oliver 
Smith. This was the third division, or third laying 
out of lots, and was made, as the contract specified, 
from the extreme eastern side of the grant. They 
werelaidoffin two ranges running from the lake-shore 
on the north, and extending to the margin of Young's 
and Lougee's Ponds, and quite to the north-eastern 
limits of the first division of forty-acre lots. These 
lots were to be equal in quantity and quality to the 
shares of the original proprietors, and they varied in 
size from two hundred to four hundred acres. 

Thus, having the two vexed questions settled, — viz., 
that of title and that of jurisdiction,— the way seemed 
prepared to easily carry out the plans for improvement 
of the grant. But there remained still one, and an 
abiding, hindrance, — that of exposure to Indian cru- 
elties and attacks. The block-houses and fort did not 
prove sufficient for defense. The borders of the lake 
were no ordinary or insignificant locality. The drama 



737 



ol' Indian conHicts and struggles was conspicuously- 
laid on this battle-ground and rendezvous. 

And another and extremely severe conflict was at 
hand ; or rather the former one, supposed to have 
ended in 1748, broke out anew in 1754, and ended not 
till the most stubborn of these foes (the St. Francis 
tribe) was broken, in the year 1759, and peace was se- 
cured. 

Indeed, the fear and reluctance of men to throw 
themselves too far fromabase, into theunoccupied and 
exposed places, was not relieved till the various colo- 
nies began to combine and make common cause. The 
action of the congress of commissioners and their 
declaration in 1754, and the consequent successful 
conduct of affairs in the five following years, did much 
to assure men who would undertake enterprises in the 
new parts. But the second French War employed and 
exhausted all the reserve forces of the country, and 
no one turned his thoughts toward the development 
of his interests in unsettled lands till after 1760. 
Although, to any sagacious eye the northern part of 
Gilmanton had the most promising future, and, witli 
its mighty motive-power in the three water-falls at the 
Weirs and Lower Weirs (Lake village) and Wiune- 
squam (Laconia), was destined to outstrip the other 
sections, yet the settlement came up, and that slowly, 
from Epsom, through the cleared way, to the southeast 
part of the grant. Here the appearance of a settle- 
ment was effected in the last days of 1761. But, in 
order to effect this, increasingly generous offers had 
to be made. 

The fourth laying out of lands was made of that 
lying contiguous to the first division of forty-acre lots, 
and was disposed into six ranges, and two ranges of 
gores, these equal in number on each side of the 
first division ; and these, of one hundred acres each, 
(though varying somewhat), were offered in pairs to 
go with each home lot to the first forty settlers. A 
grist-mill and a saw-mill were also promised to be 
erected by the proprietors for the settlers as soon as 
there were ten families. 

A great inconvenience and impediment to progress 
at this time was tlie want of proper roads. The one 
'■ cut " and twice afterwards " cleared," from Epsom to 
the Weirs, twenty-six miles in extent, and also others, 
were not much more than mere foot-paths or trails, 
capable, however, of use to riders on horseback, which 
mode of travel and transportation was then most 
common (even the iron-work of the first saw-mill and 
grist-mill being brought into town in this manner). A 
road for wheels was first partially made to the border- 
line of the town in 1750, but was impassable for ox- 
teams in 1762. The town had to make their road 
through the unsettled portions of the town next to it, 
in order to find access or approaches to its own do- 
main. 

Water communication in places bordering on the 
lake and river in a measure supplied this defect, and 
travel in this wav was there common. The first im- 



provement fif land was not in the northern or second 
division. The two families that came in 1761, the 
eight that were added in 1762, and even the total of 
forty-five found there in 1767, comprising two hundred 
and fifty individuals, all took their choice of lots in 
the lower part of the grant, though some of them sub- 
sequently moved into the upper section, or Upper Par- 
ish. It was not till 1777 and 1778 that families made 
jiermanent location in the northern part. Contrary to 
reasonable expectation, and strange to say, one hun- 
dred and fifty-five years elapsed between the settle- 
ment of Dover and that of Gilford, though only less 
than forty miles lay between their boundaries, and a 
natural roadw^ay extended directly from one to the 
other, via the lake-shore, and, moreover, though pe- 
culiar advantages offered inducements to expansion 
in this very direction. So, also, upwards of sixteen 
years has marked the progress of only ton miles in 
occupation northward from White Hall. 

The laying out of the first parish, in 1761, in the 
southeast corner of the town, six miles by six and a 
half, almost identical, in position and extent, to the 
present town of Gilmanton, and the providing for 
preaching there, and the building of a saw-mill and 
grist-mill, respectively, in this and the following year, 
all by the proprietors for the benefit of the settlers, 
seemed to act unfavorably to the wider di-spersion of 
the inhabitants, and to the development of the upper 
and better lands, and the using of its natural re- 
sources. This effected concentration of privileges and 
interests there, formed the germ of a distinct munici- 
pality, and gave rise to a counter and competing cen- 
tralization, which resulted, after fifty years of munici- 
pal unity, in the dismemberment and separate civil 
existence of Gilford, and, in the end, of Belmont. The 
special adaptation of the upper part of the territory 
to agricultural purposes, and of its great motive- 
power in the immense volume of water furnished by 
the lake to manufacturing, as contrasted with the in- 
significant streams on which the first proprietors' 
mills were placed, only to be shifted or to go to de- 
cay, evidently pointed to future separation and 
growth. Men of keen foresight plainly saw this to 
be inevitable and wisely acted upon the evidence; 
and, first of all, after Samuel Jewett, two men, Cap- 
tain S. F. Gilman and James Ames, in 1778, chose 
their lots here and pitched. 

The way to this step was prepared, in a large meas- 
ure, by the building of the Province road, eight 
years before. To facilitate the settling of new towns 
to be granted, and those already granted, but not im- 
proved (for many waited long for inhabitants), the 
General Court laid this road in 1770, to extend from 
Portsmouth to Canada ; and its lay was diagonally 
across Gilmanton, from the I'lrst Division and settled 
portion to the narrows in the river as it enters Win- 
nesquam, just below the FalKs, in Gilford, at later 
times called Jleredith Bridge. 

The General Court imposed on the towns the 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



building ol'tlie road through their domain. The in- 
habitants of Gilmanton were opposed to the extension 
of the road into the upper part of their territory, 
and officially refused to construct it. It cut the lots 
diagonally and much to their damage, while the lay- 
ing out of the town provided for a regular system of 
roads and made the lots rectangular. The e.xpense 
was considered excessive and burdensome, while they 
were struggling to provide for other things, as schools 
and churches and the necessary roads to reach their in- 
dividual lands and residences. It was also unfavor- 
able to concentration and prosperity in the neighbor- 
hood already formed, to induce the forming of distant 
and rival neighborhoods ; so that the project was not 
viewed with favor. But the General Court ordered 
the road to be built by contractors, and the cost, 
three hundred and thirty-one pounds, was assessed 
on the town. Thus a passable highway was opened, 
in 1770, into Gilford, and, very wisely, to the part 
where the power was. This assured a settlement 
there and growth. 

About the same time Samuel Jewett settled above 
the Falls, at the terminus of the Province road. It 
is claimed this was in 1777. 

The first two to locate afterwards were farmers, and, 
with good judgment, made their choice in the vicin- 
ity of the Intervale, the one at the southeast and the 
other at the southwest angle of that rich tract of al- 
luvial land. 

James Ames settled near the house built and occu- 
pied by Ebenezer Smith, Esq., and Captain S. F. Gil- 
man at the bead of the spur of the valley or meadow 
land, near the heads of Black Brook and the Meadow 
Brook. 

About this time Levi Lovit made a temporary resi- 
dence near the outlet of the Lily Pond, and opposite 
the house afterwards and lately occupied by Increa.se 
W. Davis. 

Abraham Folsom began improvements at the 
Lower Weirs, and though his residence was in that 
part which, till recently, belonged to Meredith, and, 
later, Laconia, yet his enterprise was for the interests 
of Gilford, and his mill (grist-mill) was the one ne- 
cessary accommodation of the first settlers. 

Daniel Stevens located on the Gilford side of the 
river, and his house, still standing, was for many 
years the only house at that place on the Gilford 
side. 

Soon after these came Malachi Davis, Samuel 
Blaisdcll and Lowell Sanborn, the first two of whom 
settled near the residence of Captain Gilman, and the 
last of whom at the extreme end of the range, on the 
lake-shore. 

■ Esquire Benjamin Weeks, who came into the lower 
part of the town in 1768, led a party into the upper 
section and located at the western base of Mount Ma- 
jor, in 1787, where there afterwards dwelt a large 
community of that name. He was a leading man 
and large land-holder, and successful in business. 



The population of the town increased rapidly after 
the first few years. There are no returns extant that 
show the number of actual residents within the limits 
of that portion of Gilmanton which was set oft' to 
constitute the town of Gilford at the time of such de- 
tachment living there. But by the census of 1810 we find 
that the whole town then contained 4338 inhabitants ; 
and by the census returns of 1820 it had then 3752 re- 
maining in the old town, and Gilford had 1816 ; so that 
it is probable that about 1500 inhabitants were set off to 
form the new town. The little band of 250 in 1767, 
of 775 in 1775, or of four at the beginning of 1762, 
had a remarkable growth. And the increase in the 
second division was not less rapid than that of the 
first, or of the whole, which numbered only 775 in 
1775, two years before the first families entered the 
upper part and actually made a beginning of settle- 
ment there. The census of 1790 gives a population 
of 2613, and that of 1800 makes it 3762. As above 
stated, in 1810 it was 4338, and probably in 1812 the 
aggregate was not less than 5000. 

Thelist of tax-payers of Gilford in 1813, the first 
one made after the incorporation, contained 294 
names, including a few non-residents. The assess- 
ment of that year was for $1207.08, comprising State 
tax, $182.68; county tax, $67.35; and school tax, 
$492.08; and town tax, S465.73. 

They spent nearly as much for schools as for al 1 
other town expenses, and maintained ten schools about 
six months each. 

Captain James Follet was the first collector, and 
had been several years before for the Fourth Col- 
lector's District of Gilmanton, or the Second Division. 

The first Board of Selectmen were John Smith, 
Thomas Saltmarsh and John Gilman. In 180(3 there 
were in the Fourth Collector's District, nearly con- 
terminous with the future new town, 166 assessed 
persons ; and the amount assessed was $643.60, out of 
$2803.92, assessed on the whole town, showing that 
the district had not then attaine4 to the fourth part 
of the taxable value of the whole. In 1808 this sec- 
tion had 192 tax-payers, including a few non-residents, 
and was levied upon for $616.62 in the total of 
$2574.42, or about one-fourth part. The list of as- 
sessed had increased in 1810 to the number of 206. The 
inventories of these years show that but few acres of 
land had been improved by each settler, they having 
been extensively engaged in constructing their build- 
ings, and were now distracted by the opening of an- 
other war with England. Born or inaugurated in the 
warlike season, the public afFaira were conducted 
somewhat in a spirit of contention. Notonly political, 
but even ecclesiastical affsiirs witnessed many a battle, 
long drawn out and most bitter. A child of strife, 
nursed in conflicts, she grew valiant in war. With 
room for free exercise of her arms over the adjacent 
waters on the north and the west, she was prepared to 
meet any assailant from either quarter; and, trusting, 
in her munition of rocks, she attended to domestic 



GILFORD. 



739 



improvements without fear or distraction ; and the re- 
sult has been not otherwise than laudable, as the fol- 
lowing exhibit will jjlainly establish: 

The Personnel of the Early Settlers.— As an ar- 
ticle of the prescribed extent for siieli a work as this 
does not admit of a booR, or even full chapter, of gen- 
ealogies, it will be sufficient to append a few words 
on the persons and characters of those early citizens 
who constituted the body politic in its first years of 
separate and corporate existence. And for this pur- 
pose will we use the list of tax-payers in the first year 
of assessment. Thirty-five years had doubtless wit- 
nessed some falling out as well as the gathering in of a 
body of inhabitants, so that our notices may be wanting 
in some names of parties who had come and gone 
already, and some who had not yet been placed on the 
list of tax-payers, though really resident. 

Daniel Avery appears to be among the number as 
early as 1790, and he commenced trade here at that 
time, at the bridge, the terminus of the Province road. 
He afterwards enlarged his business and built a fac- 
tory and ran it many years, and he was one of the 
heaviest tax-payers at the first year of the town's sep- 
arate and independent management, and even before 
that date. His family remained there for many years, 
but are not represented in the place now by that 
name. James and David Ames are among the earliest 
on the ground. James settled at the foot of the hill 
in the road, now discontinued, near Esquire Ebenezer 
Smith's, and David located where Richard Dame lived, 
now owned and occupied by William W. Watson. 
They appear to have made a good beginning, but 
long since the families have been reduced and scarcely 
represented among us. The family is not, however, 
extinct, but have mostly removed elsewhere. 

Jeremiah Bartlet came early to Gilford and took up 
land, about 1790, at the west base of Gunstock Moun-. 
tain, and was a successful farmer and an upright, re- 
spected man. He lived to an honorable and ripe old 
age on the lot he first occupied, and in his later years 
was afflicted with deafness and a troublesome wen on 
the neck, which increased in size as his years ad- 
vanced. His exemplary piety was characteristic. 
He had two sons and several daughters. One married 
John Jewett. His sons were dealers in stock and 
for a time drovers. The line of descent is not traced 
by numerous posterity, but the homestead is still occu- 
pied by lineal descendants, some of another name. 
Samuel Bartlett was a citizen also at the same time. 
Rev. Robert Barllett moved into town in later times, 
with a large family, occupying the Osgood place, on 
Liberty Hill, and supplying the Universalist pulpit 
for a time, and dying only a few years ago at his 
daughter's, in Lake village, at an advanced age. He 
was a man of good ability and of activity in his early 
life, and had some good positions before coming to 
Gilford. 

The name of Bean, so common in Gilmanton, was also 
well represented here in the persons of Elijah, James, 



Solomon and John, and later by Henry, Joel, Chase 
and True. The first of these settled in the southern 
part of the town and the others in the northern. 
Their families arc still represented, though not by 
great numbers of the same name, but by changed 
names. 

The family of Bennett was among the first of the 
assessed, and the names of John, John, Jr., John (4) 
and Winthrop appear on the first year. They settled 
in Chattleborough and near Liberty Hill. Some of 
the name in after-years, as Harrison, was of honorable 
mention in public affairs and educational depart- 
ment.s. The family is still represented by a few. 

The Blaisdell family was a prominent one from 
the very first years. Samuel Blaisdell settled north 
of and near to Captain Oilman, at the Lily Pond. He 
worked at blacksmith work, and several of his sons 
afterwards carried on the same business. His sons were 
William, John, Daniel, Enoch, Aaron, Philip and 
Samuel, all men of intellectual and executive abili- 
ties. He exercised his talents as a lay preacher, 
holding meetings at his own house before a regular 
service was established or meeting-house built. Per- 
haps there was some lack of agreement of his doc- 
trinal sentiments and those current or entertained by 
many in the vicinity. William, the oldest son, was 
later representative of and preacher to the Order of 
Christians, or, as they are sometimes called, Christian 
Baptists. He had good talents and education and 
was promoted in civil offices. Others of the family 
exercised limitedly their gifts in lay preaching. Mrs. 
Samuel Blaisdell was efficient as nurse and doctress 
to her sex before the regular physician was settled or 
could be easily called. The family were largely nat- 
ural and apt mechanics. Samuel, of another branch 
of the family, was the framing carpenter of those and 
later days. The family is now numerously rcpre^ 
sented. Eliphlet and Jacob were also early settlers 
Eliphlet (2), deacon a long time of the Baptist Church 
at Lake village, and some of that branch, were, by 
affiliation. Baptists and efficient members. Other 
branches of the family were Free- Will Baptists and 
prominent, and slill others were of other and more 
liberal belief and practice. 

Dr. Zadock Bowman was practicing phj'sician at 
the beginning of the century, and located at Meredith 
Bridge. David Bowman was the successor in the 
estate, which was and has been one of prominence. 
Mrs. Daniel Tilton now represents the family. John 
Boyd is sole representative of that name in the tax- 
list of 1806, and was possessed of an estate near Ben- 
jamin Jewell's. Enoch Boyd represented tlie name 
in later years, and occupied the homestead. Abel 
and Ephraim Brown, with Ephraim, Jr., are the 
representatives of that name, the former living at the 
lakeside, at what was afterwards the Almsliouse 
farm, and the others in Miles Valley. They were 
men of means, except Ephraim, Jr. ; and Xehemiah 
and Daniel were the children in possession succes- 



740 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY; NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



sively. Captain Daniel and Nehemiah were of hon- 
orable standing in town affairs. 

The name Buzzell (or Buswell) is early mentioned, 
and the names of Isaac, Ebenezer, Ichabod, Ichabod, 
Jr.. Stephen, George and James are enrolled. The 
family settled in the east part of the town, on both 
sides of the mountain. The family of manufacturing 
men at Laconia bearing that name came later to 
town, and first operated the fulling and carding-mill 
on Gunstock River, and also did business in the 
woolen line at Lalce village, and since have pros- 
ecuted an extensive and successful enterprise at La- 
conia, first in the old Parker warp-mill and later in 
Morrison's carding and fulling-mill and the Belknap 
Mill and later enlargements. They have shown 
business tact and skill. The names of Boynton, Bur- 
bank, Bradbury, Badger, Burleigh, Blake, Beede, 
Burns and Bickford are found in the list ; but some 
are non-resident, and of others but little is known. 

Tradition locates Bickford at Richard Dame's or 
Joseph P. Smith's. Captain Charles Beede came 
later and did blacksmithing at Gilford village and 
later at Laconia, and enlisted in the Union army at 
an advanced age. 

The name of Robert Carr is associated with the 
Quaker faith, and he is known as Elder Carr. He early 
settled on an excellent glade of land at the mouth of 
the Miles Brook, and was one of the frugal and fore- 
handed farmers, living in a stately and neatly-kept 
house — a semi-inn — of honorable repute. The team- 
ing of products to Portsmouth and freighting back of 
groceries was a considerable branch of business in 
those days, and way-places for halting and accom- 
modation were in demand. The sons of Robert Carr 
(John and Richard) located one at the homestead 
and the others at Alton. The family still remains in 
tpwn. 

The Clough family, represented by David, Aaron, 
JMoses and Caleb, were here early, one at the east 
base of the mountains and the other at the Hoyt's 
neighborhood ; and these families have gone. John 
C. Clough lived at Laconia and kept store on the 
Meredith side. The family remains in the place, but 
the business is closed. 

The Clark name is more common, and applies to 
more than one lineage. Samuel Clark settled a little 
north of Folsom's Mills, and the family is of honor- 
al)le mention, and from it came the Hon. Joseph 
Clark, of Manchester, Esq. Samuel Clark, of Lake 
village and others. William Clark settled farther 
north, on the Plains. Jacob and Mayhew were of 
Meredith Bridge, the former a shoemaker and musi- 
cian. Others of the Same name dwelt at .Tewctt's 
Ci)rner and Laconia. 

Ezekiel Collins settled hei'e about 1X07, in the 
neighborhood of Chattleborough Pond, and the family, 
in later generations, preserved its compact condition 
in its own neighborhood, and in large numbers. 
Seven sons settled near, and daughters settled here 



and elsewhere. The mill in their plant has long been 
operated by some one of the name for sawing and 
threshing. They were an industrious and quiet peo- 
ple and mainly successful. 

John Cotton settled near the- hill bearing this name, 
in the south part of the town Snd a little otf the Prov- 
ince road, and the family still has its representatives 
there. Simon Cotton was of the same line. 

The Chase family is represented as early as 1806, 
and by the individual names of Mark, Green, James, 
Jr., and Widow Nancy. Their location is uncertain. 
Later, Albert and Hazeltine Chase came from Loudon 
and were connected with the business and firm of 
Jewett, Chase & Thing, store-keepers at Gilford vil- 
lage ; Albert, also, as clerk in the store of Charles 
Stark there, or Stark & Goodhue. Samuel Connor is 
among the inhabitants as early as 1810, and Joseph 
Connor lived near Captain Oilman's and Lieutenant 
Rand's. The house has gone and the family name is 
not preserved at present. They were connected with 
the McCoys. The name of Cram is associated with 
inhabitants at Meredith Bridge. Jonathan and Widow 
Cram are the only names that appear in the lists. 

Taxes were assessed on property of Dr. Call and 
James Crocket, residing in Meredith. A little later 
the Chesley family settled in the east part of the 
town, near Alton ; but the family is no longer known 
among the people of that section. The Coles came 
later from Conway to Lake village and engaged in 
the furnace and foundry business. There were sev- 
eral of the second generation, and they at one time 
comprised a large portion of the active business men 
of Lake village. Benjamin Cole, Esq., has been 
prominent in public affairs for many years. The iron 
and hardware trade and works were largely in their 
hands, and it was successfully conducted and associ- 
ated with general trade. The Crosbys have been of 
honorable mention. Josiah and Dixi have practiced 
medicine here with skill and ability. The former was 
also connected with the Avery Factory awhile. They 
were first from Sandwich and later lived at Gilman- 
ton Corner. The father, Asa Crosby, had an exten- 
sive practice in all the region. Sanborn Crosby was 
long an inhabitant near Meredith Bridge,^another 
family. Richard Dame settled near the Intervale and 
was a laborious and successful farmer; wore his uncut 
hair in a queue after the manner of the Quakers, and 
raised a large family, which have almost lost the 
name and representation in the place ; yet, by mar- 
riage, the line is preserved under other names. Ben- 
jamin Dame pursued the blacksmith business and 
lived in different places in town. The family is 
largely gone, but few remain. The Davis family was 
prominent in early years. Malachi Davis settled, in 
1790, near the Lily Pond and held a good estate. He 
was a father in matters of religion and politics. His 
house was for many years the place of holding the 
Democratic caucus, as well as the social religious 
meetings. His life was prolonged by means of a 



741 



difficult surgical operation. His family was not large 
in the line of sons, but several daughters of good 
ability became well connected in married life, and 
still some are alive iu advanced age. Several families 
of the name, and related, settled in his immediate 
neighborhood and also on the east side of the moun- 
tains. A family of the name resided at Meredith 
Bridge, and one at Lake village, known as Neighbor 
John. Nathaniel, called also Island Davis, occupied 
Governor's Island. He was a stalwart and command- 
ing personage, and exercised his gifts as a leader in 
matters of free church order in preaching and public 
discussion. He raised a family of four sons and 
about the same number of daughters, who became 
well connected. The sons and himself were leaders 
iu political and other public affairs. One, John, was 
a prominent teacher and afterwards agent of the fac- 
tory company at Lake village. They have gone from 
the island, but are represented elsewhere. The family 
largely embraced Miller's doctrine, though at first 
following one Osgood, of anti-church government 
sentiments. William Miller, in person, held a camp- 
meeting on the island in 1840. 

Abraham Dearborn lived awhile near the head of 
the gully and elsewhere. Jeremiah Dow, Josiah 
Dow, Samuel Dicey, William Drew and Joseph Drew 
are among the voters of 1813. They were connected 
with Meredith Bridge, except Drew, who was in the 
central part of the town. These are now largely gone 
from the place as families. The name of Eager was 
formerly known, but is now not current. Lieutenant 
Winthrop Eager is mentioned in 1813. Asa Eager 
and John Eager were citizens at Meredith Bridge 
(.\sa Eager was sheriff and otherwise a public man ; 
he kept hotel in early years) and known as connected 
with the county affairs and the court. Eager's tav- 
ern was situated nearly opposite the court-house. 
The name is not at present met here. 

The Eaton family settled in the eastern part of the 
town. The same name is associated with the settle- 
ment at the Weirs, as occupying on the Meredith 
side. We have, in 1806 and 1813, Joseph, Joshua, 
Benjamin and Elias. Later, Elisha, Jonathan and 
Sherburn are on the records. Daniel, Esq., was re- 
cently a successful teacher. John and Martin have 
been in trade here and in Salem, Mass. 

The Elkins family was formerly quite large. Dan- 
iel, Richard, Jonathan, James, John and Ezekiel are 
among those early here, and for the most part lived 
near the Suncook Mountains (west of them), and one 
family on the Lake road. 

John Evans, Esq., was a leading man, living on the 
east part of the Lake-Shore road. Samuel and George 
were members of the family, and the former a teacher. 
The name is not now found in the town. 

The Edgerly name at Meredith Bridge, as Nathan- 
iel, the register of deeds, is of later date. 

The Edwards family was here early, and Nathaniel, 
in the second generation, was a long while a propri- 



etor and conductor of the shoe business at Meredith 
Bridge. 

The Foster family first located in the centre of the 
Intervale, occupied the D. Y. Smith place, and also, 
later, on Miles River, near the Morrill neighborhood. 
Thomas was first here before 1806, and Thomas, Jr., 
John and Daniel continued thefamily to recent years; 
but now the name is but little known. 

Samuel Foss was early living near Mount Minor. 

Ezekiel Flanders occupied land on the east side of 
Mount Prospect, and belongs to the large family of 
that name in Alton. The line is still continued here. 

James Follet came to Gilford about 1792, and 
wrought at blacksmith work. He was brother-in-law 
to Rev. Richard Martin, and settled near him on 
Meeting-House Hill. He was efficient in public af- 
fairs, being repeatedly the collector of taxe.s, consta- 
ble and captain in the militia. He carried on the 
tanning business, and engaged to some extent in trade, 
which his sons also took up and conducted at different 
places. He raised a large family of sons and 
daughters ; the sons are all enterprising, efficient men, 
and the daughters have all married well. They have 
been scattered and reduced in numbers in later years, 
and the original house, so intimately associated wilh 
the early town-meetings and the Sabbath meetings, 
and the first store, Pearley's, has been burnt. Sam- 
uel Follet is once found on the tax-list, and that in 
1810. 

The Folsom name appears very early and in fre- 
quency. Jonathan Folsom signed the Test Paper 
(political), in 1776, as an inhabitant of Gilmanton ; 
probably located not within the limits of the present 
Gilford, as it is conceded that there were no families 
then settled on its territory. He is, however, a tax- 
payer in 1813. Abraham Folsom is said to have set- 
tled in town in 1781, and to have built his mill at that 
date, for the town gavethe five acres for a mill privilege 
and built the bridge at his mills, or the Weirs (Lower 
Weirs), the year before,— i. e. 1780, — and the bridge 
was located above the mills in 1782. He subsequently 
built his house on the Meredith side and was a citizen 
of that town, and the estate and property was included 
therein till that section was set ofl' to Gilford re- 
cently. Two lots in the eighth range were sold to 
build the bridge, and the five acres given to him. The 
other families of this name were those of Nathaniel, 
Benjamin, John, Dudley and others, who have held 
high places in public affairs and several have been 
distinguished. 

The Gilmans are both conspicuous and numerous. 
They came early and later. Foremost is Captain John 
F., who settled near the Lily Pond in the same year 
that Abraham FoLsom came, in 1781. He was a prin- 
cipal citizen and land-holder, and by his captaincy 
was always a marked character. His family was by 
adoption, including James McCoy and Oilman Thing. 
Ezekiel Oilman came the same year and settled near 
Benjamin Jewett's place. Lieutenant John Oilman 



742 



HISTORY OF BELKxNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



settled on the south of Captain John F.; and Dudley 
still further to the southwest, coming in 1789 ; and 
Andrew possessed a large estate at the foot of the 
mountains, west side, and near by Samuel and Joshua. 
Levi and iSamuel settled near Gunstock or Meeting- 
House Hill. Robinson Oilman located at Meredith 
Bridge, and Antipas on Liberty Hill. These all have 
held lineal connections with the great Oilman fra- 
ternity, and they are also, by one branch or other, 
connected by intermarriages with most of the fami- 
lies of the town at large. Most of them had large 
families. 

Abel (elder) and Manoah Glidden settled near 
Alton line and the mountains. The latter came in 
1796. They were leading men in that section, and 
their descendants are still in possession of the estates. 
Abel (2d) is also a minister. The father was a man 
of native talent. 

Levi, John and Jethro Ooss settled on the north 
part of Gunstock Hill, and from that place the large 
families of sons and daughters settled in difierent 
parts of the town and elsewhere. The homesteads 
have passed out of the name, but not all of them from 
the lineal heirs. 

Elijah Gove settled on the west side of Gunstock 
Hill, and his son Daniel was a successor to the estate, 
and a mechanic and constructor of various farming 
implements. The estate is in the same name. 

David Gould settled land to the southeast of Gil- 
ford village and had one son and one daughter. They 
all lived to a good old age and the family became 
extinct. They were engaged in cooperage and were 
in comfortable circumstances. 

Jonathan Grant was early an inhabitant, and 
several families of the name, as Paul's, Daniel's and 
Levi's, have been citizens. They have been located 
in the south and in the north extremes of the eastern 
part of the town, and their families are but little 
represented now. 

The names Godfrey, Greene, Gilbert and Gilford 
were known at Meredith Bridge. 

Jacob Hacket and John Hacket settled in Chattle- 
borough and their families have become extinct, or 
nearly so, and the remnant has removed. 

David Hale settled on the Oaks road and was a 
prominent citizen and of good property, but died 
about the time the town was incorporated. The name 
has disappeared. The Hibbard and Plummer fami- 
lies succeeded to the estate, and they, in turn, have 
become extinct in that neighborhood. 

Nathan Hatch settled in the lower Gunstock Valley 
and carried on the cooper's business, and had a family, 
who are still in Gilford, though not occupying the 
homestead or pursuing the trade. 

The Hoyt family was one of prominence and large 
numbers and rank. Simeon, Daniel and Enoch Hoyt 
settled in Chattleborough and held large estates and 
excellent lands. They had large families, who settled 
in ditl'erent parts of the town and many emigrated to 



other places. Simeon Hoyt built, with Ebenezer 
Smith, Esq., the Gunstock Mills in 1789, six years 
after his settling in Gilford. Ebenezer Hoyt went to 
Hampstead, and Samuel, James and James, Jr., were 
citizens in 1806. 

James Hoyt (3d) is also in the list of 1S13 and 
1808. One of this name lived near Lieutenant J. 
Oilman's, and one settled near the Upper Weirs and 
had two sons, who were well educated and held posi- 
tions of importance in educational affairs, and a 
daughter, who was married to Captain Winborn San- 
born, so long in command of steamers on the lake 
and lately deceased. Colonel Peaslee Hoyt settled at 
the base of Mount Major ; Nathaniel on Liberty 
Hill ; Simeon, Jr., Enoch, Jr., and Thomas near 
Chattleborough Pond. These families were in good 
social standing and were active citizens. 

The name of Hunt is also of prominence. Abel 
Hunt came in 1783 and settled near the Intervale. 
He raised a large family and carried on the carpen- 
ter's and cabinet-maker's business. He had the only 
turning-lathe in the place, and made chairs and other 
furniture. He was employed to do the inside work 
and construct the pews in the first church. 

Enoch Hunt settled, in 1794, near Captain I. F. 
Oilman's and was a prominent citizen, and his sons — 
William, Samuel, Joseph, Ebenezer S., John S. and 
Enoch — were persons of standing and figured largely 
in public afl'airs. Benjamin Hunt also settled in this 
vicinity ; his successors carried on mechanical enter- 
prises and have settled elsewhere. 

The names of Horn, Hadley, Hill and Hutchinson 
also are found among the early inhabitants ; the two 
last named lived at the foot of Gunstock Mountain, 
and the name has ceased to exist there. 

Aaron Jackson settled near Jacob Jewett's and 
was related to Richard Martyn by marriage. His 
son Stanford built near him and committed suicide 
in his building. The name has disappeared. 

Major Jabez James came into town in 1784 and 
settled near Cotton's Hill, on the north incline, on 
some excellent land. He was one of the largest tax- 
payers in the first years. His estate still remains in 
the name and the family holds its rank. He was a 
Revolutionary soldier and had sons, John and Jona- 
than, who settled near. Jonathan and John James 
settled near each other in the same neighborhood 
and their families are still represented in the place, 
though some have removed to other places. The 
families were not large, but of good standing and 
worthy in example. 

The Jewett families, already alluded to, are of 
honorable mention and have been important as con- 
nected with the business aftairs and pursuits of the 
people. Samuel Jewett is said to have settled in 
1777 (though another statement makes him to have 
been first mentioned in the records in 1789) and lived 
a half-mile from the Bridge, or Falls, and above 
them. He sold land for a mill privilege in 1780. 



GILFOKD. 



743 



IViijainiii :iiul Jacob settled, successively, to the north 
of him, and their estates extended in a line two miles 
t) the northeast. Their families have continued 
distinct and prominent till the present time. In 
1806, Benjamin, Jr., is found in the list. He suc- 
ceeded, about 1816, Jonas Sleeper in trade and other 
business at Gilford village and did the chief business 
there for many years. As postmaster, justice, town 
treasurer and in other positions of trust and responsi- 
bility he proved a valuable citizen and efficient 
official. His brothers were John and Moses. Other 
families of the name were John, Smith, Woodman, 
Samuel, Jr., and Kev. Daniel, all active men. 

Joseph Jones was a citizen in 1813, but does not 
appear in earlier lists. 

Abel, Samuel and Daniel Kimbal and George 
Koniston were assessed, but the time and place of I 
their settlement is not certain. Later, Mr. Kimbal 
lived north of Samuel F. Gilmau. 

Elder John Knowles settled on the south part of 
Liberty Hill and became the minister of a church 
organized in that part of the town. He also preached 
at Gilford village and other places. He was a farmer 
at the same time and a man of high standing. His 
sons, John D. and Elbridge, became ministers also. 
The former preached at various places and embraced 
Second Adveutism. The latter was settled at the 
Province Road Church, a Free-Will Baptist. Wil- 
liam, another son, lived at different places, and was 
a while the miller at the Hoyt (then Morrill's) Mill. 
Another son became a Shaker at Canterbury. The 
family and name is but limitedly known at the 
])resent time. 

Colonel Samuel Ladd came to Meredith Bridge and 
bought of Stephen Gale his mill and mill privilege. 
This mill was built about 1775 on the Meredith side 
and was carried away by a freshet in 1779. In 1780, 
Colonel Ladd rebuilt the mill on the Gilford side, and 
also built a dwelling-house, which was the first one 
at that place, and has ever since been known as the 
Mill-House. The dam built here proved insufficient 
to withstand the pressure of so great a volume of 
water. It was carried away three times (in three 
successive years) after Colonel Ladd built it and once 
before. The mill was burnt in 1788 and rebuilt and 
enlarged, with machinery for sawing added to that 
for grinding. With heroic courage, he established 
the milling business at this place. Dudley Ladd con- 
tinued the enterprise, and Jonathan appears taxed 
in 1813. 

John Lamprey settled near the Alton line and 
built a saw-mill on a small stream near his house. 
His was the only family of that name in Gilford at 
that time, but at a later date a family of the name 
located at Meredith Bridge. He was a man of great 
strength and endurance. His sons were John, Rich- 
ard, Samuel and Reuben, who settled in different 
places. The family is but limitedly represented at 
the present time here. 



Winthrop, Moses and N'owell La:igley appear in 
the lists, and their location was in the northwest jiart 
of the town, and the name is not now common. 

The Leavitt family is reckoned as among the early 
comers into town. Stephen is said to have come in 
1785, and Jonathan in 1793. The particular families 
that have located in town, besides Jonathan's and 
Stephen's, were those of Reuben, Jonathan, Jr., 
Lieutenant Samuel and Miles, all on the Lake- 
Shore road; and Benjamin, Stephen, Jr., and Jacob, 
all on the Intervale ; Miles Jr., in the Miles River 
Valley ; Nehemiah, Samuel, Jr., and Jonathan (the 
Little) and Levi, elsewhere in town. The family 
grant was a large one, and the descendants are 
widely dispersed and variously connected. Fred- 
erick Lewis is in the list, but his location is 
uncertain. Joseph and Benjamin Libby settled on 
the Oaks road, and later, Elias occupied the place. 
The family was of good repute, and is still there. 
Levi Lovit w:is one of the earliest settlers, first lo- 
cating near Black Brook, then near Governor's Is- 
land, after a short residence in Meredith ; his trade 
was that of basket-making, and the sous followed 
the same business. Ephraim Mallard settled early 
at Meredith Bridge, and carried on the cabinet and 
furniture business ; and he was for many years moder- 
ator at town-meetings, and was a man of distinction, 
and trustworthy. Was representative, and held sev- 
eral other offices in the gift of the people. The only 
other family of the name was that of Henry, a 
brother, who lived at the centre and eastern part of 
the town, in different houses. James McCoy was 
brought to town by Captain S. F. Oilman, by whom 
he was brought up, and near whom he lived. He had 
the care of the burying-ground in that part of the 
town, and was thought to have magic power, or art, to 
cure the toothache. His family and name have not 
been known in town for some years. 

Elder Richard Martin came to Gilford in the year 
1796. Four years previous, in 1792, two meeting- 
houses were begun in what was then called, as a whole, 
the Upper Parish, viz. : the Province Road and the 
Gunstock meeting-houses. The one was intended as 
a Second Parish Congregational Church ; and, as the 
Baptist interests and cause was pushed in the Lower 
Parish, to a separation the Upper Parish Church 
(being built by common taxation, or town aid) was to 
be for the free use of Baptists also, and even of any 
other dissenting i)arties or bodies. The Baptists were 
conceded the use of the church a portion of tlie time, 
and to the occupancy of the church for that part of 
the time Elder Martin was invited by the Baptist 
party, as he had been ordained the year previous, at 
Lee, as a Baptist preacher. He settled on the lot 
next to the church. It is not stated that this lot was 
the one regularly reserved as a parsonage lot. It partly 
abutted on the lot set apart, in 1780, for the minis- 
terial support, viz.: No. 10, in the thirteenth range, 
and the one on which the village is mostly situated. 



744 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



A forty-acre lot, on the south end of the second divi- 
sion of such lots, was, in 1771, assigned, apparently, for 
each of the two Upper Parish ministerial supports, and 
another one hundred acre lot in Tioga, No. 13 of the 
seventh range, so that the two North Parish enter- 
prises seemed to have their provisions made for sup- 
port. Perhaps the Baptists did not claim exclusive 
right to this ; hence Mr. Martin did not settle on it. 
He built his house conveniently near to the church 
as it were, forty rods. 

When measures were taken to install him by the 
Baptists he dissented from the Ualvinistic feature of 
their articles of faith, being an Immersionist, but not 
a Calvinist. He therefore became a preacher of that 
party, which also rejected the Calvinistic sentiments 
and which was organized into an Anti-Calvinistic 
Baptist Church, agreeing substantially with the 
preachings of Benjamin Randal and John Buzzell 
and which had already been termed the Free-Will 
Baptists. 

He exercised his ministry with and for this class of 
people, in this and adjoining places, for a little more 
than twenty-five years, until his death, in 1824. He 
was a man endeared and faithful. He cultivated his 
farm, and, with his sons, carried on some business in 
the line of tanning, as did his brother-in-law, James 
Follet, who was settled by his side. His family in- 
cluded two sons — Richard, Jr., and John L. — and a 
daughter, who married George Saunders. These 
were persons of marked power. Richard was efficient 
as a ready lay preacher, and John L. as a propagator 
of doctrines difl'ering from those held by the father, 
and more coincident with the Universalist faith. 
He was prominent in public civil affairs while he re- 
mained a citizen of Gilford, from which he emigrated 
after the death of his father, and was of honorable 
standing elsewhere. Richard, Jr., lived at Lake 
village, or near there, for many years, and left a 
daughter. 

Aaron Martin, of another lineage, was a manu- 
facturer of paper at Meredith Bridge, in the days of 
its beginning. His paper-mill, located on the Gilford 
side, was burnt, and ceased operations many years 
ago, and the manufactory has not been rebuilt or the 
work resumed by other adventurers. 

The Martin name has not been on the lists in later 
years. 

Lieutenant Samuel B. Mason and Ephraim Mason 
are in the lists. Mason located near the lake, east 
from Governor's Island. The family, once of some 
standing, has not remained to the present. 

Caleb Marsten came to town in 1793, and settled 
east of the Intervale, on the Mountain road. He was 
a man of leading ability, a leader in meetings, and 
improved his gifts as lay preacher, and was deacon of 
the first church. He had but one son. Captain Caleb 
0., who was a prominent citizen, and several daugh- 
ters, who became well connected; and, though the 
name has disappeared, the lineal descendants are 



from 
The 



Mills, 



the 



man)', and preserve the qualities of the parent 
stock. Some of the best elements of society are 
traceable to this source. 

James Merrill settled on the Intervale, ani 
this family was Major J. Q. Merrill descended, 
family had but few members. 

Another brother settled south of Folsom's 
and was a farmer. 

John Meloon was an early settler and millei 
Morrill grist-mill. 

A son, Waldo, emigrated to Bear Island, and the 
name is no longer known here. 

John Mooney came from New Durham, and settled 
near Alton, on the Mountain road. He was a man 
of standing and property. ' He had a large family ; 
his sons were Benjamin, Burnham, Joseph, Stephen 
(who was a preacher among Adventists) and Charles. 
The estate is still held in the name, and many of the 
descendants live in the vicinity. 

The Morrill families are prominent among the in- 
habitants. These are not from the same stock, and 
are located in different parts. 

Barnard Morrill came early from Brentwood ; 
worked with Jeremiah Thing and learned the tan- 
ning business. Mr. Thing's residence and business was 
on Liberty Hill. Afterwards Mr. Morrill located at 
Hoyt & Smith's mill, on the ministry lot, and carried 
on the tanning and shoe business. Subsequently he 
purchased the mill and the grist-mill and the 
ministry lot, and carried on the large part of the 
business of the place. He was esquire and captain 
and a leading man in his times. He had but one son. 
General J. J. Morrill, who continued his business, 
enlarged it and, in company with other men at 
different times (in the tanning department only), 
prosecuted it for many years by steam-power. The 
lumbering interests have all the time engaged their 
special attention. The property held by them has 
been large, and located in different parts of the town 
and elsewhere. Farming, and on an improved plan, 
has been successfully and continuously conducted, 
and profitably. 

Jonathan Morrill settled in the upper part of the 
Miles River Valley, at the natural pond included in 
the Foster's Pond flowage. The descendants, a large 
family of sons, settled in the immediate vicinity, 
called the Morrill Neighborhood. They have gained 
wealth by industry and economy, and still hold their 
numbers and standing. 

James Morrill settled near the mountains ; Zebedee, 
near the Jewetts; Samuel and John D., at the foot of 
Mount Major, and afterwards elsewhere. 

Amos Morrill carried on the wool- carding business 
at Hoyt's Mills at one time, which business was 
transferred to the fulling-mill below, on the same 
stream, and carried on by other parties. 

Benjamin and Henry and Uriah Morrison were 
citizens at early times, the latter being minister of 
the Baptist Church when it worshiped in the Gun- 



GILFORD. 



745 



stock meeting-house, or in the school-house and 
other places in the vicinity, as that was their custom 
for many years before the church was built at Lake 
village. He came from Somersworth to supply the 
Baptists in the Upper Parish, then organized into the 
Second Church, and placed under his care in 18] 1. 
He lived near the Locklin, in the house afterwards 
occupied by Dr. Josiah Sawyer. He died in 1817, 
after a pastorate of about six years, and his wife died 
soon after this, in 1819, and the family did not remain 
in town afterwards. 

The other Morrison families were not long con- 
tinued in town, save that of James and Alirani. 
Benjamin is said to be of Deerfield. 

The Morrison family located on Liberty Hill, of 
whom Mrs. Barnard INIorrill, Esq., was descended 
(viz., Jonathan Morrison, who was a Revolutionary 
soldier), emigrated elsewhere, and was succeeded by 
John Stevens. (He lived awhile, after leaving 
Gilford, in Tuftonborough, N. H.) 

James Morrison succeeded to his father's estate at 
Meredith Bridge, and was a teacher at times, and 
afterwards carried on the wool-carding business at 
Meredith Bridge, in the old Parker warp-mill, and 
added fulling and dressing of cloth to his business, 
and was succeeded in the business by the Buzzells, — 
father and sons. He left no family, and was a man 
of good ability and decided character. 

Abram Morrison, his brother, has long been a busi- 
ness man at the same place. He kept the Eager 
Hotel from 1846 to 1857, the Willard from 1857 to 
1868, and since then a livery-stable, and succeeds to 
the homestead and brother's residence. 

Captain John Moody was assessed but not definitely 
located. The Moody family and name was known to 
the Lower Parish, and not, save as land-holder, here. 

Jacob Morse settled on the border of Alton, near 
two sons, — Abner and David, — whose families still 
remain. They were industrious farmers. 

Dr. George W. Munsey, in boyhood, lived with 
Samuel Blaisdell. In youth he studied at Dummer's 
Academy, in Newbury, Mass., aud wiis a teacher ; 
when a young man, married Hannah Barton, of 
Epsom, and afterwards practiced medicine in Moul- 
tonborough. Centre Harbor and Gilford, living in 
several places in this town, as at David Hale's, on the 
Oaks road, near the Alton line, on the Pond road, 
and at two places in the Centre village. He was a 
practitioner of no ordinary ability and skill ; but, 
having a large family to support and an uuremuner- 
ative practice, peculiar to those days, was often in 
straitened circumstances. He had good powers of 
oratory, and after the Washingtonian movement, led 
by John Hawkins, he lectured on temperance as a 
reformed man. He lived past his four-score, and his 
wife to her one hundredth year. Of his sons. Barton 
is a physician of the eclectic practice and the homce- 
opathic principle. His skill as a practitioner and 
handiness as an artisan are beyond doubt. He early 
47 



worked at the jeweler's business, and in that showed 
rare inventive ability. His travel has been extensive, 
both in this and in other countries, and his attain- 
ments are commensurate. 

The other sons were George W., Benjamin, William, 
Amos Prescot and David Hall. Of these, George W., 
first, and afterward Amos Prescot and David Hall 
worked at the trade of shoe-making; and William 
and Benjamin, who emigrated to Cape Ann, were in 
trade and business there. Of the six daughters, four 
remain living, and are active in their spheres. One 
of these is the wife of Rev. Josiah Oilman, of Lynn, 
Mass. 

Josiah and Robert .Moulton are early tax-payers, 
but tradition fixes not their habitat ; and John C, 
of Meredith Bridge, was of prominence as postmaster, 
trader and later as a manufacturer. He began busi- 
ness at Lake village, where he was burnt out. His 
social an<l political and official standing has been 
high. 

Captain Jonathan Nelson was tax-payer, but his 
habitat uncertain. 

Captain John S. Osgood settled near Samuel Jew- 
ett's, and Samuel located on Liberty Hill ; Prescot at 
Meredith Bridge. The name and family was of some 
standing. In later years Enoch Osgood (wheel- 
wright) lived at Gilford village, and Dr. Osgood 
(dentist) practiced his profession at Laconia. 

Of Micajah Osborne, only his assessment is men- 
tioned. 

John and Joseph Odlin have been citizens and 
tradesnjen in recent times. 

A Page family, that of a soldier in the War of the 
Revolution, wassettled near Daniel Hoyt's. The house 
and family soon disappeared, but Henry Page, of San- 
down, was a tax-payer for many years, and then ceases 
that name altogether. 

Captain Rufus Parish is tax-payer for Cynthia 
Parish. 

William Peasley also is a tax-payer, though prob- 
ably non-resident. 

Steplien Pearly was settled at Meredith Bridge, 
where he was in trade, and stocked a store at James 
Follet's, and by clerks carried on a business some years. 
He was a tax-payer in the early years of the town ; a 
man of distinction and enterprise at the village where 
he lived. The family included Dr. John L. Pearly, of 
some note as a practitioner and as a citizen of Mere- 
dith and Laconia. 

The Piper family was settled first in the south- 
eastern part of the town, and the names of Nathaniel 
and Thomas are the only ones in the early tax-lists. 
Alfred lost an arm and lived many years at Mere- 
dith Bridge. 

Henry Plummer came early to Gilmanton. Henry, 
Jr., settled at the base of Mount Minor, or the Piper 
Mountain ; he was a mason by trade. William or 
Billy Plummer is in the list, and Jesse Plummer also 
lived near the mountain. The heirs of Hannah 



746 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Plummer are also in the list of the iissessed. Thomas 
and Moses are found dwelling on the Oaks road on 
the homestead, and Thomas lateral the Plains and in 
Lake village. He was a wheelwright and worked at 
that trade many years, and died at an advanced age 
and left no family. Moses left two sons, Thomas and 
James, who were active business men, but lived at 
different places. James was hotel landlord and 
tradesman. 

Joseph and Israel Potter settled early in the vicinity 
of Gilford village. They were brothers, held good 
lots and their families remain to this day. They 
came directly from the Lower Parish, where Samuel 
Potter settled in 1783. Their families were not large 
and they both worked at shoe-making. In the second 
generation these families were large, through Josejih, 
Jr., of one, and Thomas of the other. The late Adju- 
tant John M. and Thomas D., of Boston, being of 
considerable note as traders and manufacturers, rep- 
resent these families respectively. 

Jonathan Prescot came to Gilmanton in 1793, and 
died in 1809. Jonathan, of the third generation, son of 
Timothy, was tax-payer in 1813. Horatio G. was also 
a citizen at the same time, and did business at Mere- 
dith Bridge, and was the first postmaster there, in 
1824. The office was named simply Gilford, though 
sometimes kept on the Meredith side. 

Richard Palmer is assessed in 1808, but his habitat 
is uncertain. 

Jacob Quimby was a resident at one time near the 
Intervale. 

Lieutenant Philbrook Rand settled near Abel 
Hunt's in 1790, and north of Gunstock Hill, and im- 
proved .some excellent land. The family still occupy 
the old homestead, and Simon, his son, has been a 
prominent citizen. Joseph Rand lived awhile at the 
village, and removed from the town in its first years. 
The Rand family was not large. George Rand was 
once a resident, but emigrated early, and Samuel also. 

Benjamin Richardson appears to be an inhabitant 
in 1813. Habitat uncertain. 

. Joseph Robberts, from New Durham, settled in 
the Mooney neighborhood, and was, by trade, a 
tailor. He carried on also farming, and had a large 
family, of whom Charles and Joseph are successful 
business men in Boston, — dealers in iron and ma- 
chinery. They wrought at blacksmithing before 
leaving Gilford. The fiimily has gone from the 
homestead, and settled in various places. 

The Rollins name, so common in Alton, had one 
re])rcsentative in Gilford in John Rollins, who is 
taxed lor property near the Alton line. Elder John 
Rollins, from Moultonborough, preached a while, 
succeeding Richard Martin. 

The Rowe family is quite extensive, and was early 
settled in the place. Ezekiel and Jacob came in 
1796. Jeremiah appears soon afler, and Richard and 
Samuel ; also Jeremiah (2d and 3d), and Joseph. 
They settled in the south part of the town, near 



Liberty and Cotton's Hills. Kelley Rowe was after- 
wards a Baptist preacher, though never ordained. 
Benjamin Rowe came from Brentwood in 1816, and 
worked at the wool-carding business, at the Upper 
Mill, near Hoyt's saw-mill, and also at the Lower Mill, 
whither the machinery was removed. He also car- 
)ied on farming, brick-making and the making of 
farming implements, as wheels, plows, rakes, etc. 
He lived to be nearly one hundred years old ; was a 
teacher of vocal music and a drummer in early life. 
His oldest son, Hon. John M., wiis long engaged in 
the quarry business, at Frankfort, Me., and resides 
still there. Another son, Benjamin F., was professor 
of elocution, teaching that department at Bowdoin 
College and elsewhere, and died young. The members 
of this family were all excellent singers and musicians. 

Moses Rowell settled on the Oaks road, between 
the Weirs and Upper Weirs, and had two sons, Jacob 
and Philip. These three families are nearly extinct; 
the name is not left. 

Jacob Rundlet (.sometimes spelled Ranlet) settled 
near Governor's Island, and was a man of influence, 
and held the office of deacon. The family name 
is lost, though a lineal descendant represents the 
family. Theophilus Ranlet is the only other one of 
the name on the tax-list. 

Isaac Runnells settled on the Intervale at the 
Thomas Foster place. The name and family have 
not had a representative in later years. 

Thomas Saltmarsh, selectman the first year of the 
town's corporate state, had settled at the Pond, called 
sometimes the Saltmarsh Pond, and sometimes Chat- 
tleborough Pond, after the name of one Thomas 
Chattle, who had lived awhile and squatted on the 
opposite (south) shore of it; and he (Saltmarsh) had 
a good farm and good social standing. The family 
continued, represented by three sons, Thomas, Wil- 
liam and Seth, but has now disappeared. 

The Sandborn, or Sanborn family, is extensive and 
of several distinct divisions. The numerous inhabit- 
ants of Sanbornton are allied. Deacon Jonathan 
settled at the foot of Liberty Hill, and had a good 
estate. He was a man of piety and influence, and 
his sons wfere Jonathan, Jacob and Joseph. The 
latter was a trader at Gilford village, and carried (in 
extensively the cooperage business, making baricl< 
for the Portsmouth market. Israel settled south <if 
Liberty Hill, and his son was Deacon Levi, of Mere- 
dith Bridge, and daughter Mary, the school-mistre.ss 
of those early years. Benjamin Sanborn, of another 
lineage, settled in the Jewett neighborhood; and his 
sons were Benjamin Jr., Esq., and Abial. Lowell 
Sanborn, of still another lineage, whose sons were 
Lowell, Richard and Elisha, settled near the lake, 
off Governor's Island : and Samuel Oilman Sanborn, 
father of Captain Winborn and John G. (also a son 
of Lowell, Sr.), was located in the same neighbor- 
hood, and was a man of uncommon ability and hon- 
orable influence. 



GILFORD. 



747 



Richard settled near Captain S. F. and Lieuten- 
ant John Oilman. He was a carpenter, as was 
Lowell and his sous, and also his own three sons, — 
Lowell, Jr., Richard, Jr., and Osgood. By these six 
or seven men much of the building of those days was 
done. Samuel and David are reckoned in the same 
connection. Benjamin, of Laconia, the carpenter, 
was of the family of Lowell; and Benjamin, the shoe- 
dealer, first at Lake village and later of Laconia, 
^vas of another family. Mesheck Sanborn came later 
to Gilford village from Brentwood, to conduct the 
wool-eardiug and fulling business. He bought and 
run the Chapman (or Miugo) Mill ; was afterwards post- 
master and store-keeper, alone and in company ; was 
town clerk and in various places of responsibility. He 
had no sons, but five daughters, who are well con- 
nected, one of them being the wife of General J. J. 
3Iorrill, and another married Dr. A. G. Weeks. 
Lowell Sanborn, popularly termed Deacon Lowell, 
■a. millwright and mechanic at large, was from Gil- 
nianton, and returned thither and was miller at Mor- 
rill's grist-mill awhile. Joseph Sanborn, the tailor, 
lived and worked at his trade near Gunstock Hill. 
John Sargent settled very near and to the southwest 
of Captain Gilman's. He had no son ; so his estate 
was inherited by his son-in-law, John S. Hunt. Wil- 
liam Sargent, drover and later a hotel-keeper at Lake 
village, first settled on that part of Meredith, and 
later of Laconia, which has been lately annexed to 
Oilford. He was a man of business, and had suffered 
the loss of an arm and an eye. George Sanders set- 
tled near the lake, by the Sanborns, and was a lead- 
ing citizen. He married the daughter of Richard 
Martin, had a superior farm, and a son of his, George 
W., still lives in town, though not on the homestead, 
but near by, on the Intervale, at Captain I. P. Smith's 
place. S. AV. Sanders, dealer in hardware at La- 
conia, is of another family. 

Josiah Sawyer early settled on the height of land 
west of the Miles River Valley, and cultivated a 
large plant there and adjacent. His sons were Is- 
rael, Dr. Josiah, John and Joseph, and of these, 
Israel had the homestead, John settled in West Alton, 
Joseph in Gilmanton, and Dr. Josiah practiced med- 
icine in Gilford. He was a practitioner of some 
medical skill, though not read in the regular course. 
Religiously, he held deistical sentiments. The Saw- 
yer name is still kept, though there were but few 
males in the line. Seth Sawyer afterwards preached 
a while in the Gilford village church. 

Thomas, William, Mathias and John Sewall are the 
individuals bearing this surname. Thomas first lived in 
the south part of the town, near Liberty Hill ; subse- 
quently he moved to the plains near Black Brook and 
married the widow of Samuel Bartlett ; he was a drover 
at one time. Mathias lived near him there and also at 
other places, and worked at the tanning business, as 
did also Thomas. He lived at Gilford village at dif- 
ferent times and worked at Thing's and Morrill's 



tanneries. William and John are supposed to have 
remained at the south i)art of the town. The family 
name has disappeared, though a lineal descendant re- 
mains. 

Levi Shaw settled first near Israel I'ottcr's, on 
the Sanborn place, then at or near Saltmarsh Pond, 
and afterwards to the south of the pond. He was a 
man of great physical strength and endurance. The 
family name has become extinct, but the line is 
kept by other names. William Sibley early settled 
near Gunstock Mountain. His father was the first 
merchant in Gilmanton. His half-brother, George 
Littlefield Sibley, located at Meredith Bridge ; was 
in trade many years and agent of the railroad com- 
pany, and afterwards retired and died at great age. 
William Sibley had no male children, and Mrs. John 
Elkins succeeded to the paternal estate. The family 
name is now extinct. 

The name of Sleeper is represented by Esquire Ne- 
hemiah, Henry, Joseph and Jonas. Nehemiah, Esq., 
settled on the lake-shore, near Esquire Evans', and 
was possessed of a good estate, to which George, 
now of Laconia, succeeded. Joseph and Henry were 
settled near Wm. Sibley's, at the west base of Gun- 
stock Mountain, and Henry did business at Gilford 
village and emigrated thence. Joseph was the ac- 
credited surveyor of his times, and had defined for 
conveyance most of the lands of the town. He sub- 
sequently moved to the farm in the Jewett neighbor- 
hood. Henry, Jr., lives at Lake village, and has held 
important offices in the town government. Jonas 
Sleeper was trader at Gilford village and died of 
spotted fever in the epidemic of the winter of 1814- 
1815. His sons were Dr. Francis, of Laconia ; Jonas, 
lawyer, of Haverhill, N. H. ; and Sarah, lately Mrs. 
Smith, of Bankok, Siam. It was an intellectual 
family. The mother was the daughter of Farmer 
Bean, of Gilmanton. The daughter was preceptress 
at New Hampton, and one of the first missionaries of 
the Baptist Society to India, and she has lived there 
for a period of some fifty years. Francis was maimed 
in childhood by the fracture of his skull from a 
fragment of a blast; and, though he sustained the 
loss of some portion of the brain, yet skillful sur- 
gery restored health, and there seemed no detriment 
of intellectual ability resultant. The mother mar- 
ried Benjamin Jewett, Jr., Esq., and died soon after. 

The Smith family is of special importance in Gil- 
ford history. Judge Ebenezer Smith, of Meredith, 
was a man superior in the affairs of the State 
about the time of the Revolutionary War. His 
connection with the early surveys of this territory 
enabled him to know the location of the best lands. 
He chose considerable tracts on and near the Inter- 
vale, and between bogs in Meredith. His sons, 
Ebenezer, Esq. and John, Esq., improved the land 
thus selected here — Esquire Ebenezer at the head, 
and Esquire John at the foot of the Intervale. One 
Oliver Smith, also connected with the survey, had a 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



place and a nulc building on the east margin of the 
Intervale. 

The sons of Esquire Kbene/.er were John, Isaac, 
Daniel, Joseph P. and Ebenezer, Jr. John Occupied 
the homestead after the sudden and accidental death 
of the father, and had no sons, Ebenezer, Jr., located 
a little distance north of the homestead, and had one 
son, Jeremiah. Joseph P. settled at different places, 
elsewhere and at the village, and finally on the flank 
of the Intervale, near Caleb Marston's estate — a place 
bought of Joseph Fifield, and improved by True Bean, 
and he had no sons. Daniel was of an inventive 
nature, and engaged in manufacturing at Meredith 
village, and afterwards, on a reverse in business, 
lived at his father-in-law's, Richard Dame's, and 
engaged in farming, and still later lived at Gilford 
village, where he died, and left no son. Isaac settled 
on the Lake-Shore road, beyond the limits of Gilford, 
and he had no son. The family held social distinc- 
tion from first to last. 

The other son of Judge Smith, John, Esq., lived 
awhile here, and latterly at the homestead in Mere- 
dith, and his son, Captain John, or Deacon John, 
called John P., occupied the spacious house in Gilford. 
The property of father and son, as well as that of the 
grandfather, was great, and was increased by inherit- 
ance from another son of Judge Smith, Daniel, of 
Meredith. The religious character of Esquire John 
and Deacon John P. was well marked and of a 
high order, and generous gifts to the needy were of 
no infrequent occurrence. Here was an asylum for 
the distressed. John P. had two sons and one 
daughter, — Daniel K., a proficient scholar, a surveyor 
of precision and repute, who died in middle age, after 
holding a major's commission and being married, but 
having no issue ; John P., Jr., who still lives in 
Gilford ; and the wife of Richard Gove, of Laconia, 
many years ago deceased, and without issue. A son 
of Washington Smith, of Meredith (the remaining 
son of Judge Smith), by the name of Joshua, lived 
in that part of Laconia lately annexed to Gilford. 
John Rice Smith, of Meredith, has been a tax-payer 
in Gilford on account of land occupied by sons-in- 
law, Stanford Jackson and Dudley Gilman and Moses 
Dockham. The Smith name was not, as elsewhere, 
proverbially common here. 

The Stevens family was early in Gilford. Paul 
Stevens, who worked at shoe-making, first lived in 
the south part of the town, and then near Israel 
Potter's, in the house built by Samuel Potter. He 
had a large family, of which was Colonel Ebenezer 
Stevens, who worked at the blacksmith trade at Gil- 
ford village, and since living at Meredith village,— a 
man of high social standing and rare ability. Also 
William, who also worked at blacksmithing at Gil- 
ford village, and afterwards emigrated to the West, 
having one daughter, the wife of Benjamin Wad- 
leigh, Esq. Also Paul, Jr., who was a mason by 
trade; and Sniitli, and John and Moses, and several 



daughters, who were residents, and conducted busi- 
ness in the line of millinery at several places. 

John Stevens settled on Liberty Hill and had a 
large estate there, bought of Jonathan Morrill. He 
had sons, Sherburn, Hubbard and Sickum. The 
estate was later occupied by his daughters, but has 
since passed into other hands. The sons, except Sher- 
burn, moved to other places, and the other members 
of the family also removed. Sherburn lived south of 
Liberty Hill and, at last, near Laconia. He had two 
sons, Frank and John, who were dentists, and the 
former was also physician. 

Daniel Stevens was an early settler, and located at 
the south part of the town. Benjamin Stevens lived 
near Lieutenant John Gilman, and afterwards moved 
to the town of Hill. Ensign Stevens (so called), once 
lived on Gunstock Hill, where Jeremiah Gilman 
afterwards lived, and later lived at Lake village and 
elsewhere. 

Nathaniel Stevens, a tailor, came to Meredith 
Bridge about 1840, and pursued his vocation there 
many years, and with good success. 

Nathan Swain and Joseph Swain were citizens; the 
latter located near the Locklin, and had sons, Moses 
and Silvester, who live elsewhere. He was a man 
of religious activity. His wife died from burns, 
when his house was consumed. The estate has gone 
out of the name, but to direct heirs. 

Chase Swain lived at different places, and a son, 
Charles, was a blacksmith at Gilford village and other 
places. 

Henry Swasey lived in the west part of the town, 
and his son Henry served his time at Henry Whit- 
tier's, and has since been in trade at Lake village. 

Littlefield Taylor was in the tax-list of 1813, and 
his residence not indicated. 

Badger Taylor was a machinist at Meredith Bridge 
for many years. He had one son, who became a 
minister, and a daughter who was well connected. 

General Tay (so called), lived at Meredith Bridge, 
and was builder there. 

The Thing family is an old one, and includes Jere- 
miah, Jesse, Joseph, Jeremiah, Jr., and Morrill, and 
some of later generations, though not numerous. 

Jeremiah settled on Liberty Hill before the begin- 
ning of this century, and carried on the tanning busi- 
ness, and had Bernard Morrill as apprentice, and 
others. He came from Brentwood and had two sons, 
Jeremiah, Jr., and Morrill, who also were tannere. 
The former lived at the homestead till, in later years, 
he went into trade with Jewett & Chase, at the vil- 
lage, and, still later, at New Hampton. 

He was in his younger years a school-teacher and a 
severe disciplinarian. Morrill Thing carried on the 
tanning business at Gilford village for several years, 
and afterwards at the homestead ; and, after the 
death of his parents, moved to the Mathias Weeks 
place, and remained there till death. He was 
repeatedly in office as selectman and representative 



GILFORD. 



749 



and in other positions. He was well ver.sed in town 
ad'airs, and, in the Legislature, a man of ability and 
trust. His family were mostly short-lived, and but 
few of them remain. His wife was from the line of 
Esquire Benjamin Weeks, and an executive woman. 
Associated is Jesse Thing, of whom less is known 
now. Joseph Thing lived near the mountain, by 
William Sibley's. His son Josei)h lived at Lake vil- 
lage, and a grandson is an artist in Ohio. He after- 
wards moved to Lake village, and was a man of 
ability. He was a carpenter by trade ; built the 
Goodhue house, and kept a small store. He was 
elevated to positions of trust, and was a useful citi- 
zen. Gilmau Thing succeeded to the Captain Gilman 
estate, and had no son. 

The Thompson family was one of the early ones, 
and quite large. David Thompson settled near the 
Miles River in its middle course. His sons were 
Jonathan, Jr., and Levi B., the latter being the 
youngest of the family, and inheriting the homestead. 
After the death of the parents he removed to Top- 
sham, Me., and was in trade in Brunswick, Me., for 
some years, where his son. Dr. A. J. Thompson, grad- 
uated. He afterwards was in trade at Gilford village 
with his older son, John, and, still later, moved to 
Sanbornton. Dr. A. J. Thompson was in practice at 
Meredith Bridge; went into the army, and, after 
practicing in Salem, Mass., awhile, died there. He 
was a man of superior talents and of high social stand- 
ing. Samuel Thompson settled on the Lake-Shore 
road, near the Intervale, and had three sons, who 
lived elsewhere in the State. Jonathan Thompson 
lived on the road near Governor's Island. Jacob 
Thompson lived at various places. Thomas and 
Charles are also named. Most of the members of 
these three Thompson families were of great stature, 
and one was called, to distinguish him from another 
of the same name, " Long John." The fivmilies have 
been much reduced in later years, and there is 
scarcely any of the lineage bearing the name left in 
town. 

The Thurston family was early on the ground as 
settlers. Benjamin Thurston came soon after Sam- 
uel, who is recorded as settling in 1791. Samuel 
located in the south part of the town, and Benjamin 
near the Intervale. Miles L. and Benjamin L. suc- 
ceeded him in the order of descent and on the home- 
stead. They held a large landed estate, and were in 
good circumstances and robust. The widow of Ben- 
jamin (1st) lived to be in her one hundredth year, 
and left one son and several daughters. Daniel, 
Benjamin, Jr., and Samuel, Jr., were of the other 
original family, and settled in various places, some on 
the Lake-Shore road and in Alton. Daniel Torsey 
settled near the mountain, in the south part of the 
town, but was reduced, and for long years lived at the 
almshouse, and died aged. Henry and Alva Tucker 
are in the list. The latter was a mechanic at Mere- 
dith Bridge. He was a man of ability and good 



standing. Henry Wadleigh came to town with Es- 
quire Benjamin Weeks in 1787. He was son-in-law 
to Esquire Weeks, and settled near him, and worked 
at blacksmithing. He had sons, William and Ben- 
jamin, who also worked at the blacksmith trade, and 
the latter also at stone-cutting, and has had important 
official positions, and is a skilled workman. The 
family is still represented in the third and fourth 
generations. 

• David Watson, of Meredith, cleared land in Gil- 
ford, near the Gunstock River and the present village, 
and began building in 1798. His sons, Jonathan 
and Job, lived on the place. Jonathan also subse- 
quently lived near the Locklin, in the Swain house, 
and at length moved back to Meredith. His son, 
David, of Boston, was born in Gilford, and has been • 
long in business in Boston. Job occupied the estate 
in 1811, and had a large tiimily. Two sons, John and 
Charles, graduated at Bowdoin College and at Union 
Seminary, and have labored in various places. David 
became a carpenter, learned his trade in Lowell, and 
worked there some years, and, later, at Laconia, 
where he lives now. The daughters are settled in 
different places, and have been well connected. 
Others bearing the name have at times resided in the 
town. 

John Webster, in 1806, and Dudley Webster, in 
1813, are taxed; supposed to dwell near Malachi 
Davis, and at a time near Jackson's meadow. 

The Weeks families are large and of special im- 
portance in the history of the town, both in its earlier 
stages and in its more recent course. Benjamin 
Weeks, Esq., as has been said, came to this part of 
the town in 1787. He had lost a barn and stock of 
hay in the Lower Parish a little before by fire. His 
father had died about the same time in Greenwood, 
N. H., and left not much property. He moved to 
Burton for two or three years, and returned without 
success, in 1792. He bought land largely, and sold 
many pieces, and had four hundred or five hundred 
acres. His older brother, John, came with him and 
lived near by, towards Jonathan Sanborn's, and died 
in 1816, aged about eighty-four years. Deacon Noah 
Weeks, another brother, came about the same time, 
and settled to the southwest of him, on Liberty Hill, 
or its vicinity. Esquire Weeks had six sons and one 
daughter, all born in the last quarter of the last cen- 
tury. He aided them in education and to commence 
trade. Daniel, the oldest, began trade in 1801 at the 
home place; Elisha, the third son, began trade there 
in 1802; Matthias, the second son, studied law, and 
run the tan-yard awhile ; and William attended the 
academy at Gilmanton, fitted for college and gradu- 
ated, and, being feeble in health, went South, and 
taught a few years, and died in 1810, probably the 
first one from this town, or its territory, who gradu- 
ated at college, which was in 1806. Benjamin and 
Levi R. also engaged in trade in their early life. 
Sally married Henry Wadleigh, and was inclined to 



750 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



literary life, but died early. From these were a 
large community of active, enterprising citizens. 
Elisha settled in Strafibrd ; Levi R. moved to other 
places; and from Benjamin's and Daniel's families, 
each large, came a number of tradesmen, and a good 
share of the business in this part of the town has 
been done by them. The family of Deacon Noah — 
viz. : Noah, Ira and Mathias — have also been of 
honorable career, and have been marked for piety 
and honesty. 

■i The Whittier family are iflso of honorable mention 
and important. Deacon Andrew Whittier came and 
settled early near Daniel Hoyt's. He was a man of 
influence, and raised a family who were among the 
enterprising men of former days. Timothy succeeded 
to the homestead. Jonathan settled nearly on the 
north, and was a wheelwright and framer. He after- 
wards built and operated a mill, including grist-mill, 
thresher and carriage-shop. Andrew wrought at 
shoemaicing nearer the village, and at later times 
lived, and died at his father-in-law's, Abel Hunt's. 
Moses and Henry settled on the Oaks road, near the 
Upper Weirs. Moses was a mechanic, but Henry 
was a farmer, and had no family. 

John Weymouth is taxed in 1813 ; and Charles 
Willey, who lived near Governor's Island ; and Jacob, 
at Lake village ; and Job Wilson and Benning Wil- 
kinson, concerning whom little is known ; also Jere- 
miah Young, of uncertain location and history. Dr. 
I. K. Young preached only a short time in the church 
at Meredith Bridge, while it stood on the Gilford 
side. Samuel York lived on the Intervale and had 
sons and daughters. 

These constitute the inhaliitaiits till time brought 
in new ones. 

The Topography of the Town.— The form of the 
plat is, in a iiu-asure, determined by the water frontage 
and the terminal mountain run. It would have been 
nearly rhomboidal, but for the truncation of the south- 
east corner, which was rendered advisable by reason 
of such section, by the line of the watershed upon 
a continuous chain of eminences. The only line 
that seems not determined by some natural feature is 
on the southwest, and is there in coincidence with the 
ranges of hundred-acre lots and lies between the elev- 
enth and twelfth ranges — (a detachment of a portion 
of the eleventh range, near Winnesquam was made 
only a few years ago and annexed to Gilford, and still 
laterthat same, with theadjacentportion ofthe twelfth 
range and several ofthe southernmost lots of the sec- 
ond division of forty-acre lots and with the common 
lots, was detached from Gilford and annexed to La- 
conia). About two-thirds ofthe territory of the town 
lies on the northern slope, and is drained directly 
into the lake. The other one-third slopes to the west, 
and is drained by short water-courses into the river 
at Lake village, Laconia village and Winnesquam. 
There are only four inland natural ponds and these of 
small dimensions, and are tlie sources of as many 



streams, which flow in three valleys in the town. The 
first is at the southeast border of the town, nearly 
on the division line, and while it has little or na 
basin of drainage, discharges any overflow in an 
almost indistinguishable outlet into the Suncook 
River. Proverbially, it is said to have no outlet or 
inlet, but catches and holds the rain fall on the surface 
and narrow terminal rim, and overflowing when this 
is in excess of its capacity. It abounds with horned 
pouts. The second is a little pool on the Miles River,, 
near its source. It was largely increased in extent, 
at one time, by flowage in consequence of the dam at 
Foster's mill, which is no longer kept up. The third 
is a small circular pond on the west side of the town, 
which abounds in lilies (hence called the Lily Pond), 
and also produces a species of leeches. With 
a very slight fall, it discharges its water through 
Black Brook (so called) into the bog at the Plains (so- 
called) above Lake village. The fourth is near the 
centre of the town, and is known as the Saltmarsh 
Pond, being near the residence of Thomas Saltmarsh, 
a prominent citizen of Gilmanton, and afterwards 
one of the first Board of Selectmen of Gilford. It is 
larger than the other three, and also abounds with lilies 
and the horned pout, and discharges its waters 
through Jewett's Brook into the river above the foils 
at Laconia. 

Besides the Winnipiseogee, or Merrimack, on the 
western side of the town, and by reason of the an- 
nexation recently of a portion of land detached from 
Laconia, also flowing now through a part of the town, 
there are seven other streams in or adjoining the 
town, and these, though mostly inconsiderable in 
size, furnish considerable hydraulic power. The 
most eastern rises and flows a short distance in Gil- 
ford, and then, flowing along the Alton line, passes 
finally into that town, and enters the lake at West 
Alton. It was not made much use of for motive- 
power, except in its lower courses in Alton. Its two 
branches drain the extreme eastern part of the town. 
The second is of greater volume, and rises near tlieSun- 
cook Pond, and flows north through a deep and rapidly- 
descending valley-bottom to the lake, and is called 
Miles River, or Leavitt's Brook, taking its name from 
two men by the name of Leavitt, Miles and Samuel, 
who had mills on it. It drains the eastern side of 
Mount Major and Gunstock and the western side of 
Mount Prospect. Foster's and Colby's mills were also- 
on this stream ; only Colby's is now operated. 

The third and still larger is the Gunstock, which ex- 
tends through the entire length of the town from 
south to north. It drains the western side of tlie 
former mountains, and also Mount Minor, the north- 
ern side of Liberty Hill, and the eastern slope of 
Meeting-House Hill, or Gunstock Hill. 

The valley of the Gunstock is broad in parts and 
contains some ofthe best land in the town. Midway in 
its course Gilford village is situated, where, in a narrow 
gorge, the mills are situated, and the power is great. 



GILFORD. 



751 



and the fall abrupt for a half-mile. Si.\ mills i 
have been located on this stream, and its lower waters I 
course shiggishly through a plain of about one mile ' 
square, of alluvial formation and exceedingly fer- I 
tile. A small stream, called the Meadow Brook, or | 
Black Brook, courses through an arm of this plain, I 
which is known as the Intervale, and enters the lake j 
near the mouth of the Gunstock. This stream has 
no fall, and is more of a creek than a river. These 
rivers at certain seasons abound with the sucker 
which comes up from the lake to spawn, in the man- 
ner of herring. 

The stream flowing from the Lily Pond, by the 
raising of the dam across the rapids in the Winni- 
piseogee at Lake village, and the consequent ilowage, 
has been rendered an inlet of Long Bay up half its 
course, and there is no hydraulic power on this 
stream. 

The sixth stream has about three miles course and 
several small tributaries. Its main branch, iu its upper 
course, has good power. Collins' mill is on it. It 
drains a section of the town extending nearly to the 
centre, in the direction of the Gully and the north- 
west slope of Liberty Hill. Its lower course is with- 
out much fall, and passes through some excellent 
farms, and reaches the river between bogs above the 
falls at Laconia village, in the original Samuel Jew- 
ett estate. It is called the Jewett Brook there, but 
Collins' Stream in that part where their mill is lo- 
cated, and where it issues from Saltmarsh Pond, or, 
as it is sometimes called, Chattleborough Pond. On 
the Gully branch lies an old meadow, called, formerly, 
the Jackson, or the Smith's meadow, owned first by 
I. K. Smith, of Meredith, and later by his daughter, 
Mrs. Jackson, and also by H. Bugbee and others. 

The seventh stream rises in the southwest part of 
the town, and in the edge of Gilmanton (now Bel- 
mont), and one branch of it near Cotton's Hill, and 
also receives the waters of the north slope of Ladd's 
Hill, in Belmont. Passing the Province road, it 
courses through the plain in the southwest part of ' 
the village of Laconia, and falls into the Winne- 
squam at it southeast angle. It was called the Durkey 
Brook, and on its banks, near its mouth, there was a 
spring, once reputed to be mineral and mediciual. 
Some use of its power is made near the Concord stage I 
road. I 

The great river, Winnipiseogee, has, or had, three 
places of power: At the Weirs, or Prescott's Mills, by 
wing-dams, three feet of head was utilized; but flow- 
age has ruined this privilege and it has long been in 
disuse. At Lake village a single head of twenty 
feet gives great power, and it has, from the first, been 
well used. The Lower Falls, at Laconia, has also a 
single head of some greater height. The current, 
however, is not quite all utilized, the river proper 
being here nearly a mile in length from bog to bog, 
in the natural state, or level. 

The altitude of the surface of the town is also re- 



markable. There are four elevated portions that re- 
ceive the title of mountains, and four that bear par- 
ticular names as hills, besides some lesser hills that 
bear no names unless those known only to the imme- 
diate locality. The most elevated portion, in the 
eastern part of the town, is called Mount Major, or, 
on the chart (nautical), Gunstock Mountain. Its 
summit is about two thousand six hundred feet above 
the level of the lake, and that level is five hundred 
feet above the sea-level ; hence, it is three thousand 
feet high. From its summit the surface of the ocean, 
ofi" Portsmouth, can be seen, by the unaided eye, 
under the morning sun. It has been a surveyor'a 
post, in thetriangulation of the Atlantic region, for 
the purpose of making a chart of the coast. The 
United States government had property in monu- 
ment signals, on it, and for a series of years occupied 
its apex as a signal and surveying-station, furnishing 
it with instruments and manning it with operators. 
It commands a view of the greater part of the State 
and a part of Maine. Its highest part is not 
wooded, and from it are seen some twenty-five bodies 
of water. 

Mount Gunstock, locally so called (and sometimes 
Suncook, and still again, sometimes Peaked Moun- 
tain), is the next in altitude, but of some three hun- 
dred feet less elevation. It stands to the northwest 
of Mount Major. It is in the western slope of this, 
in a ridge running down the mountain, that the mine 
of iron ore is situated, it being a trap of some two feet 
in width, and extending downward and inward, and 
has once been worked. It is protoxide and peroxide 
of iron, in the proportion to make magnetic ore. It 
is, in some of its parts, eighty-five per cent, pure 
iron, and a well-formed horse-shoe nail has been made 
from it, directly, on the anvil, without going through 
the process of smelting. A road was built to it by 
the mining company some sixty years ago, but is not 
now used. By a circuitous route, the -summit of the 
mountain can be almost attained by vehicle, and the 
remainder of the journey made on horseback or on 
foot. This summit was once much used for purposes 
of celebration. In one Presidential campaign an ox 
was dressed here and served, roasted whole, to a large 
assemblage of people, — a mass-meeting. A spur or 
wing of highland extends from this northward and 
abuts the lake in a bold headland, and is the ridge 
separating the valleys of the Miles and the Gunstock 
Rivers. 

Mount Minor, sometimes called the Piper Moun- 
tain, is the next in elevation, and stands to the south- 
west of Mount Major as a spur in the direction of 
the line of hills that extends through the town of 
Gilmanton. This mountain is some eight hundred 
feet less in height than Mount Major, and forms a de- 
scending slope without much valley between them, as 
is not the case between Mount Major and Gunstock. 
A spur runs from Mount Major to the northeast, in- 
to Alton, in the line of Suncook Pond, and its ridge 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



is the dividing line of Gilmanton, and is sometimes 
called Morse's Mountain. These highlands cover 
about one-third of the town, and have been heavily 
wooded at times. Parts of this tract were subse- 
fiuently cleared, and parts, at dift'erent periods, were 
burnt over by forest-fires. The whole tract, as far as 
it is cleared, is excellent grazing-land for sheep. 

The lesser elevations, called by distinctive names as 
Jiills, are, iirst. Liberty Hill, a cultivated plateau, 
about nine hundred feet above the lake-level, and 
commanding a complete view of the western part of 
the lake and the northwest part of the town and the 
more distant highlands and towns. It contains some 
excellent farms, but is not so extensively cultivated 
on its southern part as it was formerly. A road cuts 
another road at right-angles at the highest point, 
where a liberty-pole once stood. 

Cotton's Hill is on the border of Gilmanton (now 
Belmont), and is an isolated peak. Its northern slope 
is a gentle incline and contains excellent farms. 
Its southern and western declivities are more abrupt 
and the soil is less arable. It is crowned with a 
stately growth and is a conspicuous object from all di- 
rections, and beautiful for its symmetry. 

Gunstock Hill, across the Gunstock Valley, and 
opposite Gunstock Mountain, is a long ridge, some- 
what in the line of a detached section, called Boyd's 
Hill, and of the Lochlin, and extends north and 
south on the west side of the valley of that name, 
and is the eastern limit of the second division of 
forty-acre lots in the original survey. It was selected 
for the site of the first church, built in 1792, and is 
sometimes called Meeting-House Hill. Here it was 
that the first settlers intended to make the town and fix 
the centre and the pivot of all affairs ; but, with water- 
j)ower on either side and none there, it was the mani- 
fest destiny to yield to the valleys. This, at first, 
was the most improved part of the town, and, as far as 
excellency of glebe was concerned, it was not a bad 
choice. 

Other highlands received particular and local ap- 
pellations, from ownership or adjacent dwellers, save 
one, in the Miles Valley, called Cobble Hill, which 
is a conical pile between the two arms of the river, 
very symmetrical in shape and rising to about five hun- 
dred feet from the surrounding lands, like an artificial 
mound, and is of about one mile in circuit at its base. 
It is grazing-land, and beautiful to behold from valley 
or surrounding mountain brows. By slight change in 
the height of the flowage of the river, ils waters 
would flow on the opposite side of the hill, and into 
the other branch. 

The grades of soil and wood-growths are worthy of 
mention. A section adjacent to the river, or the west 
side, is mainly a strong, rocky soil, and produces a 
hardwood growth, with a slight exception of the 
plain near Black Brook. The northern part of this 
belt is called the Oaks road, and Oaks District. It 
produced a jicculiarly good variety of white oak. 



much sought after by wheelwrights for use in their 
craft. The more remote belt from the river was of a 
lighter soil, and produced a pine growth. This was 
of superior quality. 

It was a stately forest, and extended from the lake- 
shore up the Gunstock Valley to the base of Liberty 
Hill. In it the royal brand might have been seen, — 
perhaps, destiny — fixing some of the mammoth forms 
for the royal navy-yards. From these, in the plain 
of the upper Gunstock, the first settlers practiced the 
art of turpentine gathering as a source of income. 

These on that particular plot were early manufac- 
tured into the superior lumber of those days, which is 
now the wonder of those who witness the demolition of 
the original houses and buildings. The huge radical 
remains of these, seemingly imperishable in the soil, 
were cleared by a mechanical device called stump- 
wheels, which were constructed of some fifteen or 
twenty feet in height, with a revolving axle of great 
diameter and strength, from which a cable chain, of 
great size and strength, passed under and around a 
principal root, over which the wheels were set; and 
then the third wheel, fixed on the axle, with a chain 
wrapping it in a groove in the rim, to which chain the 
team was attached, and by a deploying advance wound 
up the cable and lifted the stump. Thus the ground 
was cleared and broken in, and now is some of the 
finest lots in this part. The third belt produces a 
hardwood growth, and is a rocky but loamy soil, 
with a clay subsoil and excellent for agricultural uses. 
It rises into the elevated parts, where there is a mix- 
ture of stately spruce and some inferior variety of 
oak. The average soil is best for grasses and native 
crops. There afe partial or limited deposits of clay 
and of sands. The present town and county boundary 
is in mid-lake, but originally the grant was limited by 
the shore-line of the lake, river and bays, including 
no islands. Governor's Island, long known also as 
Davis' Island, and connected to the mainland by a 
bridge built by the owner of the island, was annexed 
to the town at a later period. It contains about five 
hundred acres of land of a very superior quality. It 
was formerly covered with a very heavy growth of 
timber, pine at the eastern extremity and hardwood on 
the western portion. This is not the original grant 
or share of Gilmanton, reserved for the Governor, as 
that share was laid out to Governor Shute, in the cen- 
tre of the original town, and at the north extreme of 
the upper one hundred acre lots, and just to the west 
of Young's Pond, a rectangular plot of five hundred 
acres. But this island received its name from Gov- 
ernor Wentworth's taking a fancy to it. Another 
island on which were buildings built and a farm im- 
proved, and known as Welch Island, is also included 
within Gilford limits. Other smaller and unimport- 
ant islands — as Locke's, Timber and Mark — are asso- 
ciated with the south shore and contain excellent 
grazing land, and are in parts well stocked with tim- 
ber-growth, and are valual)le. 



GILFORI). 



753 



The system of ways or roads was provided for in the 
original laying out of the town by reserved range- 
ways and sideways at intervals in the setting out of 
the ranges and lots. Yet these, in a measure, were 
found to be so located as to be both inconvenient for 
use and impracticable for construction ; and yet many 
of the roads correspond quite nearly to the old range- 
ways, and the original lots preserve, for the most part, 
the original form and entirety, so that from many 
eminences the view shows the quadrangular sub- 
divisions of the whole territory. 

The road designed to accommodate the first and 
second tiers of forty-acre lots was built within, or 
alongside these ranges, from the Weirs to the Province 
road at the Lower Falls, or the present Laconia. In 
its lower part it coursed along the river-side and 
through the land left undivided at the time of the lay- 
ing out of the five ranges in the original survey, and 
which, lying between the river border and the second 
range, was later laid out and designated as the eighth 
range, the common and the village lots, and corre- 
sponded to like supplemental laying out in the upper 
part nearer the Weirs, which was classed as the sixth 
and seventh ranges, and a common or gore. On these 
lands were afterwards built the greater part of the two 
villages called Lake village and Meredith Bridge 
( now Laconia) and also a small collection of houses at 
the Weirs. 

A road for the accommodation of the third tier of 
lots ran parallel to this first road in a most direct 
course, till half the course was passed over, and then, 
by reason of the broken surface of the land and the 
abruptness of its inclines, it deflected to the west and 
met the first road at Jewett's estate ; only patches of 
it were built and are traceable in the south part of the 
town. 

The third parallel road began a little distance from 
the lake-shore, at the head of the Intervale, and 
passed over Gunstock, or Meeting-House Hill ; and, 
instead of crossing the Locklin Hill, deflected to the 
■east and joined with the fourth road, which also began 
near the lake, on the east side of the Intervale, and 
ascended Spring Hill, and by some deflections contin- 
ued past the village and over Liberty Hill to Gilman- 
ton, keeping on the first and second tier of one hun- 
dred acre lots through the whole length of the town. 

The fifth parallel road, on the third tier ofhundred- 
iiere lots, was built along the west base and under the 
brow of the mountains, from the Gilmanton line 
nearly through the town, though its last stages were 
not more than a drift-way. It was broken and disap- 
peared for the last mile or two before reaching the 
lake, where it would have crossed high hills. 

The sixth way was only opened as a bridle-road or 
cartway up the Miles Valley to near the Skeiler 
Meadow, and then, as a public, traveled road, to the 
base of the mountains ; and in two branches (one of 
which becomes a substitute for a seventh road, which 
would pass over Mount Prospect and to the terminal 



ridge on the south boundary line of the town, and 
through the Masonian lots). At the base of the 
mountain it turns to the east and goes to the Alton 
line, in two branches, as part of an eastand west road. 

The roads designed to cross these, and run east and 
west, were fewer in number and not so regular or 
ejisily traced, as the lots in different ranges overlapped 
and were not parallel to the extreme margins or bor- 
der lines of the town. The first, however, known as 
the Pond road, was quite direct and continuous along 
the lake-shore from the Weirs to the Alton line, 
and was determined more by the natural features of 
the land than by the division of lots and settlements 
made. 

The second road, in this direction, set off at the 
Plains, north of Black Brook, and continued to the 
head of the Intervale, ascended the Ames and the 
Sawyer Hills, and descended into the Miles Valley, 
and was deflected round thesouth end of Mount Pros- 
pect, and reached the Alton line as identical with the 
deflections of the sixth north and south road, and is 
known as the Mountain road or route. 

The third sets off a little north of Lake village 
and by slight deflections extends to Hoyt's Mills, or 
Gilford village, and should have passed over the 
mountain by theOld Stair- Way, a ravine with regular 
rock formation. 

The fourth sets ofi" at Jewett's Corner, and in two 
branches reaches the mountain bases, — one via Chat- 
tleborough and the qther by Liberty Hill. A third 
branch, of a later laying out, reaches Gilford village 
by the Gully route (so called). These, with later al- 
terations constitute the road system of the town. The 
sharpness of the hills, in the roads, has given occa- 
sion for the re-location of many roads, around the 
hills, in diSerent parts of the town. 

While this system of roads and cross-roads was all 
provided for in the plan and survey of the town, they 
were laid out at different times, as necessity required, 
and in separate sections when demanded. The oldest 
road is, of course, the Gilford portion of the Province 
road, laid out as a State or colony road by the General 
Court in 1770, and committed lo Gilmanton for con- 
struction through its own territory ; but, on its refusal 
to build it, it was built by contractors engaged by the 
colony government, and the cost, three hundred and 
thirty-one pounds, assessed on the town. It had to 
be repaired and the bridge rebuilt in 1790, at town ex- 
pense. The roads of the town have usually been 
built by direct individual assessment, and worked out 
by all the tax-payers of the town, but repaired and 
kept in order by a system of district supervision and 
taxation, the town being divided into some thirty 
highway districts. 

Portions of liighways were at first made by individ- 
uals for their own convenience, and on their own 
lands, without any formal laying out ; while to oth- 
ers there are records of legal laying out by proper 
authorities. Among those returned are the following — 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



an incomplete list, but sliowing the progress of settle- 
ment : In 1782, one by Abel Hunt's. In 1785, one 
from Peaslee Rodgers' to Noah Weeks', one to Fol- 
som's Mills and to Simeon Hoyt's and one from Sam- 
uel Smith's to Meredith Bridge. In 1787, from Thomas 
Foster's (Intervale) to the pond, etc., — i.e., on the 
Pond road. At the same date, from Ebenezer Smith's 
to the Gunstock Mills, — i.e., probably via Spring Hill 
and Kelley Corner, though possibly a mill-road 
through the pine woods lot. The present road, by the 
tannery and carding and fulling-mill, was of a much 
later laying and building. 

The older approach by traveled road was by Pot- 
ter's Hill to the mills. In 1788, one from the Prov- 
ince road to Simeon Hoyt's, probably the middle road 
from Liberty Hill south. In 1789, one from Philbrook 
Rand's to David dough's, that is, over Gunstock or 
Meeting-House Hill, to Thomas Hoyt's (now Mr. Eog- 
ger's.) Also one from David Ames' (R. Dame's) to 
Thomas Frohock's (late D. Y. Smith's), and one from 
Josiah Sawyer's to Ephraim Brown's. In 1790, one 
from Levi Gilman's to the Gunstock road. In 1792, 
one from Samuel F. Gilman's, via Ezekiel Gilman's 
(Zebedee Morrill's) to Jacob Jewett's (Deacon Isaac's), 
doubtless to meet a road already made from the Prov- 
ince road past Samuel Jewett's, the next house. In 
1794, one by Daniel Hoyt's and one from Samuel 
Gilman's (3d) to Samuel Gilman's. In 1797, one 
from Jeremy Rowe's to Samuel Thurston's, in the 
south part of the town. In 1799, one from Wil- 
liam Hunt's to Josiah Tilton. In 1800, one from 
Jeremy Rowe's to Meredith Bridge, and one from 
Thomas Foster's to James Ames', across the In- 
tervale, in 1801. Also in the same year, one from 
John Smith's to the Upper Weirs. In 1803, one from 
David Hale's to the Great Weirs (Lake village)." In 
the same year, one on Governor's Island to Nathan- 
iel Davis'. In 1805, from J. Smith's to the Great 
Weirs, probably by Malachi Davis'. In 1807,,from 
David Gould's to Joseph Potter's, and in 1808, one 
from D. Hale's to the Weirs (Oaks road), and from A. 
Jackson's to Samuel Thurston's (via the Collins 
neighborhood), and one more in 1812, from Bartholo- 
mew Gale's to Meredith Bridge. A few others, omit- 
ted here, make up most of the roads of the town. 

The bridges of the town, except a few of the larger 
and more costly, have been builtby the districts. The 
only bridge on the Miles River, of much expense and 
difficulty, was the one at Miles Leavitt's, which went 
down-stream in a freshet, with the mill also, which 
was rebuilt higher up-stream. The one at the town 
farm has also been damaged at times by the overflow 
of the stream. There are eleven bridges spanning the 
Gunstock, several of which have been carried away 
in high water. Three are on the Intervale, and that 
whole surface is overflowed in times of freshet. Two 
are at Copp's Mill and of recent construction ; one at 
the fulling-mill ; one at the tannery ; two at the saw- 
mill and Village road; one at Whittier's Mill, often 



damaged ; and one at Esquire Weeks' residence. The 
bridges on the Winnipiseogee, including railroad 
bridges, are now ten in number, and expensive struc- 
tures. 

Providence road bridge is the oldest, and has been 
three times rebuilt, and is now a substantial structure. 
The first was a rude affair and short-lived. The bridge 
at Folsom's Mills was built in 1782, and has been two 
or three times repaired, or substantially rebuilt. The 
raising of the water-level by the new dam necessitated 
the construction of a bridge of greater height and 
firmer build. There has been added, in later years, 
another bridge near where the old footway on the dam 
was. The railroad crosses the stream above these and 
again twice at the Lower Falls, orLaconia. The Weirs 
bridge was built in 1803, and hits been twice rebuilt 
and raised higher, to allow passage to steamers under 
it, in the river channel. The channel was cut deeper 
some years ago, and recently the United States gov- 
ernment has appropriated money for the improve- 
ment of the passage into and out of the lake. 

The second bridge was built at Laconia, on Mill 
Street, and has twice been rebuilt. It is just below 
the dam, and indispensable, though its approach from 
Lake Street or the Gilford side was difficult. The 
third bridge there, on Church Street, was built about 
1850, and was unfinished for some years. Meredith 
laid her road to the river centre and built the bridge 
to that point. Gilford endeavored to defeat the build- 
ing of the road and bridge, and refused to proceed 
in its construction. Butat length the project succee- 
ded, and the street and bridge is now much used. The 
Messar bridge, at the upper point of the narrows, or 
at the foot of Little Bay, was also strenuously opposed, 
as likewise the filling above it, which was deemed im- 
practicable at first, and stoutly opposed. The bridge 
in the lower part of the village is of recent construc- 
tion, but was found a desideratum by reason of the 
expansion of the village in that direction and the in- 
crease of business in that part. The bridge leading to 
Governor's Island was built in 1820, and mainly by 
the owners of the island. Its support being expen- 
sive, they asked the town's support of it, and the town 
at length assumed it. It is about thirty rods from 
shore to shore. Two natural formations project on 
the opposite sides and make a natural fitness for the 
place of a bridge. It was built by sinking a structure 
of logs in square sections and filled with stone, the 
greatest depth being about twenty-five feet, and there 
is left an open pass-way. not in the deepest part of the 
channel, of some fifteen feet width, through which 
row-boats, if small, may pass. The filling of stone 
on each side of the liridge renders it enduring against 
the action of the waves. 

The Industries of the Town.— The main pursuits 
of the inhabitants of Gilford have been agricultural : 
and yet various other pursuits have also been followed, 
and the mingled interests of these projects have held 
the attention of those who were readv for anv under- 



GILFORD. 



taking that evidently might be profitable or honor- 
able to the projector. 

While agriculture has been engaged in by most of 
the people, it has been conducted with varying wis- 
dom, and been variously successful in ditterent depart- 
ments thereof, and in diflerent times. The soil, vary- 
ing much in its productive power, and its special 
adaptation to particular growths, is, on the whole, good 
and remunerative. There are sections in the high- 
lands of the east part that are particularly adapted 
to grazing, and there wool-raising has been one prin- 
cipal object, and its ends attained without great diffi- 
culty. On the higher parts of the mountains the 
native grasses are unmixed with the baser or inferior 
grasses of the wet lowlands, and are more concentra- 
ted, nourishing and sweet-flavored. Hence, sheep 
seek these places, both for the coolness of the air or 
refreshing breezes and for the abundance and rich- 
ness of the feed. There they fatten, and yield their 
fibre, which brings in a good income to the investor 
and cultivator. Formerly, each and every farmer had 
his limited stock of sheep ; and it was thought to be 
an absolute necessity to the proper exercise of good 
hu.sbaudry to have a little store of wool for domestic 
manufacturing, and a little stock of mutton in a well- 
replenished larder. The surplus above home demand 
in these two items of flock-growth sought the market 
for revenue, or exchange for other necessaries, or, per- 
chance, for the mere glory of laudable and successful 
production. In response to this usual, known and 
tempting venal store, the far-seeing wool-monger 
was sure to be on hand at the fit season, and with the 
proper ore in sack or wallet, intent on a commercial 
raid. There is one "lost art," or lost dght, in these 
days of steam and vapor : that is, the old-time 
drover, in his long blue frock, — a professional uni- 
form, half-driving and half-walking, and riding anon; 
and collecting from farm-yard to farm-yard, till his 
bleating throng and lowing host fill the way, resem- 
bling a crusading army; and when the muster is 
complete, taking up the long, tedious pilgrimage, in 
one line of march, from the Aquadocton hill-sides 
and sheep-cots to the noisy sale-yards and .slaughter- 
houses of that far-famed and bloody Brighton. 

The meritorious generalship of such a campaign 
was for no ordinary man. The special commission 
for this royal order fell to the lot of such meat-men 
as Nathan, Jeremiah (called Jed.) and Asa Bachelder, 
Tliomas 8ewell, William Sargent, Nathan Bartlett 
and a few others, and in the later days, John O. 
Sanborn, Harrison Gilman, Joseph Sanborn, Jr., John 
Weeks, Carroll Follet, Ladd & Co. and a few others, 
who now are content to skirmish a little at short- 
range and on the ofl'ensive. While the old stock 
variety was generally raised, an improved variety of 
fine-wooled stock was kept in the mountan region by 
principally the Weeks Brothers & Sons. This merino 
wool was very superior for fine cloth-making, and 
brought a very high price in the market, — sometimes 



as high as a dollar per pound, and nearly double that 
of the common-stock wool. But as the sheep wore of 
a diminutive size bodily, each one yielded a less quan- 
tity both of fleece and meat, and they were lesa 
remunerative for the purposes of food or clothing; 
and so merino wool-culture declined. 

In later years, still another species was generally 
kept, of greater si/.e, and producing a staple of 
coarser and longer fibre. But the extent of sheep 
and wool-raising has grown less of late, by reason of 
lower prices of wool, though the less value in the 
fleece has been ofl'set by higher prices for the lambs 
and the mutton. 

In the line of stock-raising, tlie production of beef 
is and has been an important branch of business. 

The ridges of land devoted to pasturage were well 
adapted to neat-cattlc-feeding, and produced beef of 
an excellent quality, and gave abundant thrift to the 
stock so devoted. In the earlier years, in times of 
less demands for meats, with less population, and 
greater production of feeding, a large surplus of beef 
was sent to market by drift. Stock was kept less 
sumptuously at the barns, and in winter seasons, and 
almost universally, beef was grass-fed and young,, 
and less expensively produced for the market. 

The average farmer depended on his neat-stock 
sold for the greater amount of cash needed to meet 
obligations and procure other means of living- 
Nearly all the yearly increase of live-stock by genera- 
tion was kept, and little slaughter of the young 
was tolerated. Veal was a rarity on the table of the 
farmer or the inn. 

The dairy interests were important, and were 
mostly for distant markets. Cheese-making was aa 
extensive as butter-making. The better farmer was 
accustomed to take his ox-load of butter and cheese 
in the fall season, and draw it to Portsmouth, and 
exchange them for West India goods,— that is, for 
sugar, salt, and perchance a cask of "the ardent," 
and fish. The lesser farmer had to obtain these 
through the medium of the common store, and make 
the home-made spruce beer and domestic cider 
answer for the more costly and stronger drinks of the 
gentlemen. In those days, at about every tenth 
house was the cider-mill ; and hence, the demand for 
the cooper's service was immense. This craft, as far 
as the making, or rather, the repairing, of cider-casks 
was concerned, was carried on in a decidedly unique 
manner. 

About the time of the apple-picking and cider- 
making, in November, a set of craftsmen took up the 
march, and went the rounds of the neighborhood, to 
renew the hoops on the casks needed, and merry 
indeed was the music of the cooper's whack, ringing 
over the hills. Cider was scarcely a commodity for 
market ; either it was considered too sacred to be bar- 
tered, or it was not sufficient in quantity for more 
than the limit of home consumption. Improved 
fruit, or its culture, was quite largely undertaken 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



some years ago; and both new orchards were set 
from grafted nurseries, and old orchards were grafted. 
Very limited attempts were made to propagate or | 
cultivate other fruits. The cherry, the plum and 
pear were considered as the luxury of the favored 
few. Sugar-making, from the maple, has been en- 
gaged in only to a small extent, and that in a dimin- 
ishing proportion. 

Poultry-raising has always been engaged in to a 
considerable extent, and in greater variety formerly. 
The vigil-keeping goose and the turkey have had 
their day, but are fast disappearing. The former is 
almost unknown, and the latter scarce. The hen is 
current, but egg-production was never extensive. 

Other animals were sometimes kept, not entirely 
for profit, or for executing undertakings, but more 
particularly for convenience and fancy. The horse 
was thought to be as necessary to a complete furnish- 
ing of the barn-yard as the dog or cat was to the com- 
plete house. But yet some business was done in 
raising horses for the market or to sell. And now 
and then more than the one " domestic horse " graced 
the barn-yard of the more opulent; and, perchance, 
was spared to supply the needed horse-power in those 
•days of stage-coaches, or even to supply and serve the 
desire and passion of the rich and tliose indulging in 
pride-show. An exception, perhaps, may be taken in 
pork-producing, for though the keeping of swine was 
for domestic ends, to furnish the home larder, yet 
many a dressed porker found its way to Portsmouth 
market, and later into other cities, whither trade was 
subsequently directed, and sent back in lieu of it the 
daintier luxuries of commerce or clean cash. In 
earlier times wheat-raising was quite extensive and 
fairly profitable. But from about 1830 tliis crop be- 
came oftentimes uncertain or a failure, by reason of 
the weevil-fly, whose ravages were great after the de- 
crease of the native clover-growth, in which they had 
before that worked and spent their fury. Hence, 
gradually the wheat-culture declined, and the crop 
became insufficient to meet demands, and is now al- 
most absolutely a thing of the past, and not likely to 
be revived. It was a rare thing in former times for a 
farmer to buy a barrel of flour. It was considered 
evidence of miserable husbandry, and a sure omen of 
ill success, or a failing fortune, or a precursor to a 
financial ruin. Likewise the corn crop was abundant 
and extensively put on the market. But very little 
of it was used for stock-feeding, either in their ordi- 
nary keeping or for their fattening. The surplus above 
home consumption and local supply of the domestic 
market was not inconsiderable. The oat crop and the 
potato crop were also in excess of home consumption, 
and became articles of merchandise in the market. 
The cultivation of flax was formerly extensive, and 
now is unknown. As a general rule, each farmer had 
his plot annually sown, and its yield carefully se- 
cured, properly treated or cured and well stored. 
And in due time it was manufactured,— the seed into 



linseed oil, which was once successfully and exten- 
sively done at Meredith Bridge, and the fibre to the 
stage of the dressed hank, or thread, or the fabric. 
The diminutive linen foot-wheel, and the larger tow- 
wheel, also usable for wool-spinning, were the abso- 
lutely necessary and commendable articles of outfit 
to the then diligent housewife. The factory was not 
then on the water-courses, but the substitute was on 
all the hill-sides. Home-made fabrics of wool and 
flax, and to some extent of even cotton, were the 
almost universal supply for apparel and house- 
furnishing, and somewhat for the market. The blithe, 
sweet-singing maid of those days, standing at the 
helm of her new-improved,' Shaker-made patent 
spinning-wheel, was in her dignity, and when the 
accredited stent of four skeins daily of seven knots, 
each containing twenty double threads, on an honest 
reel, was got oft', and in good season in the afternoon, 
she was in her felicity, having earned the title of 
" clever girl " or " spinster." 

The diligence of all the members of the family 
made it no onerous service to provide adequate rai- 
ment and other textile furnishing for the household. 
The house was a busy place, and resonant with the 
hum of the spindle, the rattle of the whacking-loom 
and the hundred processes of domestic labor. 

One industry in the agricultural department de- 
serves mention, and that was the silk-culture. About 
1840 the mulberry-tree was cultivated on the light 
soil in the Gunstock Valley above Gilford Village, 
having been planted and introduced by Mr. Benjamin 
Rowe. The silk-worm grub was obtained and fed by 
the mulberry leaf, and a successful product of the 
silk cocoons was realized. These were sold unreeled, 
and the manufacturing of tlie silk of commerce from 
these was done elsewhere. An enthusiasm in this 
new industry was for a time quite extensively shared 
by the people possessing light soils, which were pro- 
nounced to be especially adapted to the mulberry 
culture ; but the enterprise, though not fruitless, was 
not extended, and for a want of interested, enterpris- 
ing operators, the scheme was not long prosecuted, 
and the silk-producing interests ceased. A few re- 
maining trees only indicate the former attempt. From 
the "light infantry" of domestic manufactory we 
proceed to notice some of the " heavy artillery " of 
man-operated machinery. And first of these is the 
saw-mill. Lumber-making has been practiced since 
the settlement of the town, but only at first to meet 
existing necessities in the first building of dwellings. 
In later years much lumber has been manufactured 
for the general market. The saw-mills at first were 



1 The improvoment of the Shaker wheel constated in the patent heail 
(so caUed), which secured greater velocity to the revolving spindle, by 
means of some gearing between the band-wheel and spindle-block, and 
also by an apparatus for adjusting the tension of tlie larger and lesser 
whoel-bands. This invention saved many a weary whirl during a day's 
work, for which benign appliance there was often heard a "God bless 
the good Shaker I" 



GILFORD. 



757 



mainly for producing boards and plank. The first 
dwellings were covered with shingles and clapboards 
made by hand, being rived and shaved by the farmer 
in his leisure days. Afterwards sawn shingles were 
used, but were vastly inferior. The saw-mills of the 
town have been the following : Lamprey's, near Alton 
line, which was abandoned forty years ago. It Wiis 
operated by a small and inadequate stream, and only 
survived to meet a local need at that time. Foster's 
mill was built after Lamprey's went to disuse, and 
was to supply its place in the interests and demands 
of that part of the town. It also was inappropriately 
located, and proved unsuccessful, and ran but a few 
years. A large tract of heavily-wooded land in that 
section of the town was subsequently cleared, and its 
timber was manufactured into lumber by steam- 
power, and the lumber marketed. Colby's mill, on 
the same stream, the Miles River, was built after the 
disuse of Foster's, but was more the successor of the 
Leavit mill, which had been twice built and carried 
away, the first being a grist-mill, and the second for 
sawing, and the third now in use, for both sawing 
lumber and also shingles, and lately for threshing, 
besides. On the same stream, below, was the ancient 
Brown & Leavit mill, for sawing, not now in operation. 
One of the earliest mills for sawing lumber was that 
built on the Gunstock stream by Simeon Hoyt and 
Esquire Ebenezer Smith, in 1789. As this was erected 
at the waterfall included in one of the public shares or 
the ministerial lot, it was subject to some conditions 
and limitations, and the permission of the use of the 
waterfall and adjacent lands was granted to these two 
gentlemen in 1788, to extend fifteen years, and conced- 
ing the right to clear and occupy for their mill -yard two 
acres, and on both sides of the river. They are also 
bound not to unnecessarily cut timber on the adjacent 
lots and to remove the mill at the expiration of the lease, 
or to sell it to the town; and, meantime, to give free 
right to saw on the part of the people any material 
desired for a meeting-house in that part of the town. 
This mill was then the only one in that heavily- 
wooded section. It was the source of all the board 
and plank-stock of that part, and shared, with other 
parts, the general patronage of the whole region. 
There was not much sawing of timber, that being 
almost always hewn. The mill was not removed nor 
sold to the town ; but the encroachments on the 
public lot being so frequent and easy, the whole lot 
was sold and the proceeds of the sale invested for the 
benefit of the ministry. The mill, with the lot, was 
bought by Bernard Morrill, and it has been owned 
and run by him and his son until the present time. 
The flowing of the meadows above the village, 
while owned by parties not operating the mill, was 
limited to the 20th of May yearly, when the mill 
must stop ; but by a single ownership, both of the 
mill and meadow, the flowing, and, consequently, the 
business of the mill, was afterward unrestricted as to 
times and seasons. 



This mill has been operated by employed men at 
most times and has not olten been idle ibr want of 
work on hand when there was a water supply, and it 
has been the source of a good income to the owners 
and operators. It has been several times damaged 
by freshets and substantially rebuilt, and, iu later 
time, has been furnished with circular instead of up- 
right saws. The greater part of an immense forest 
of timber in the Gunstock Valley and western moun- 
tain slopes has been converted into lumber at this 
mill, and thence taken to market or used in building 
in this vicinity. 

It has been an appreciated accommodation to the 
public and a source of revenue to the owners and the 
class of men to whom its business furnished employ- 
ment, and who lived upon the results of their engage- 
ment in its operation. 

About 1836 a movement was made to build a mill 
on the lower part of the stream, near the only re- 
maining large tract of pine timber land. This was 
built by Joseph Potter on his land, and under the 
foremanship of Mr. Bachelder (called Boston John). 
Mr. Potter and son entered upon the business of 
the manufacturing of lumber, including shingles and 
clapboards and lath. The mill was operated many 
years, mainly by John M. Potter, and was after- 
wards sold to Hazen Gopp, who built dwelling-houses 
near by, and is still operated by his son, Augustus 
Copp. Facilities for grinding corn were added re- 
cently, and it has cut the entire growth of heavy 
pine timber in its vicinity into marketable lumber. 
It was only after years of endeavor and repeated 
trials that the dam was made permanent and sub- 
stantial. 

The location of the mill was, atr first, on no public 
road, and it necessitated the laying and maintaining 
of the Valley road past it, and from the Intervale to 
the Fulling-mill route or road, involving two bridges 
over the stream. Shingle-sawing was early added to 
wool-carding and fulling, at the Mingo Fulling-Mill, 
and is still carried on by Deacon Heinan Hunter. 
The same business has been carried on there by the 
successive owners, Meshech Sanborn, Christopher 
Gilman, Benjamin Oilman and others. 

There were two mills at the Weirs — one on either 
side of the river. The Prescot Mill there gave name 
to the place for a time, as it was currently denomi- 
nated " Prescot's Mills" as well as Weirs. The head 
was so slight at this point that the power was small, 
notw'ithstanding the great volume of supply of water 
and its being constant ; hence the privilege was con- 
sidered as unimprovable and of little value, so that 
it naturally fell into disuse, and, later, the heighten- 
ing of the dam at Lake village destroyed the privi- 
lege altogether, and so both mills ceased long ago. 

The lumber manufacture was extensive at the falls 
at the foot of the bay. Here Abraham Folsom built 
in 1780, and the mill has been in nearly continuous 
operation for more than one hundred years. He also 



758 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



built and operated a grist-mill, and another saw-mill 
■was afterwards built on the eiist side of the river, 
then called, by way of distinction, the " Gilford 
side," and was called at a time Bachelder's Mill, and 
again Lyford's Mill, and by the name of other 
•owners or operators. In it the experiment was made 
of running a gang of saws, without good success. 

These mills have largely been supplied with a stock 
of logs from the lake and bay, by being rafted from 
places on the borders of the same. These mills could 
do business the year round ; whereas the mills on the 
smaller and variable streams would be capable of 
operation only in the seasons of the year when the 
water supply was abundant. This, however, was not 
altogether unfavorable to the owners, who had other 
business to prosecute, and the demand for sawing was 
limited to seasons intervening between the pressing 
■claims of agricultural interests. So great was the 
volume of lumber manufacturing at Lake village, and 
proportionally so in excess of all other pursuits and 
products, that the place became known best by the 
current designation of " Slab City," and bore that 
title for H long time. Well might it have been called 
Log Town, as the river approaches were crowded at 
nearly all seasons with rafts of logs, floated thither 
from the lake. 

At the season of low-water there was not the 
desired height of head or quantity of flow into 
the wing-dams and upon the rival wheels there on 
the different sides of the river; hence a de- 
vice was resorted to to effect this matter, viz. : the 
construction of a sort of submerged breakwater— a 
curb of plank-work filled with stone, to anchor or 
ballast it, extending far up the middle of the channel 
into the current places of the river, — which should di- 
vide the flow and direct it in due proportion into the 
respective mill-ponds, and not suffer it to flow in 
greater measure to either one side, as it was inclined 
to do by reason of any obstruction or change of 
channel. 

Competing interests were the foundation of rivalries 
;md jealousies and devices on the part of the actors 
in the Folsom and the Bachelder enterprises, which, 
however, gave life and thrift to the business under- 
takings. 

The lumber-mill at the Lower Falls — Meredith 
Bridge — was subject to just the same local competi- 
tion ; yet it found rivals and antagonists both in the 
competition of the upper mills and also in the com- 
petition of other and diverse interests and enter- 
prises near to it. 

In 1780, Colonel Samuel Ladd built his mill as the 
successor of that of Stephen Gale, who, in the four 
or five previous years, had been endeavoring to use 
the water-power at that place and had built a mill 
on the Meredith side, and had lost his hold on the 
reservoir by the yielding of his dam-structure to the 
force of the stream. Fire and flood alike opposed 
Colonel Ladd's determination, and his works were 



four times destroyed, but only to be rebuilt and en- 
larged by his indomitable will and equally-matched 
courage. He added compass to his undertakings and 
enjoyed a fair share of patronage in the lumber- 
making engagements of the time and place, and he 
even surpassed Folsom in the grinding and flouring 
patronage of the wide field. This saw-mill con- 
tinued, till a comparatively recent date, to do its 
proper work. But it was unfortunately located in 
regard to its yard-room and its approaches, and hence 
went into disuse many years ago ; and the sawing 
business at this place has been done since, first, by 
water-power, on the canal on Laconia side, by Cook 
& Co. at their sash and door manufactory, and 
still later, by the same company, by steam-power on 
the Gilford side, where no inconsiderable amount of 
lumber-making has been done. 

Besides the above enumerated sawing establish- 
ments, the Collins mill has been in operation for 
some years, where the sawing of both lumber and 
shingle has been prosecuted ; and the Whittier mill 
did gig-sawing and had small circular saws for the 
cutting-up business in carriage-making. 

With these saws Gilford has not only met its own 
building demands, but has done no small amount of 
work in furnishing other parts with stock. Its great 
wooded area and stately forests made this department 
of industry to be both inevitable and successful, and 
also inspiring and inviting enterprise. These primi- 
tive growths have disappeared before the vigorous 
lumbermen and made useful under the severe 
attacking saws; but the broadaxeman's blade played 
no unimportant part in bringing this beauty and 
service out of the rough wilderness and unused 
bower. 

A branch of industry akin to lumber-making was 
formerly prosecuted extensively, viz., stave-making 
and the associated cooperage. The oak growth of the 
mountain-sides furnished abundant and excellent ma- 
terials for making casks of various sizes and uses. 
These staves were rived on the hill-sides and wrought 
in the many cooper-shops and transported to the 
markets far and near. Shooks, for casks of one hun- 
dred gallons capacity and upward, were extensively 
made and sent to the West Indies for the molasses 
manufacturers. Barrels for flsh-packers, beef and 
pork-packers and for liquors were made and trans- 
ported to Portsmouth. This work of manufacturing 
was done principally at the centre of the town, 
though to some extent in other parts. Jonas Sleeper, 
Joseph Sanborn, Henry Sleeper, George Wm. Weeks 
and others engaged extensively in this iis a branch of 
trade and enterprise. Workmen were employed by 
them both for stave-riving and cask-making. The 
coopers in business were Nathan Hatch, Ebenezer S. 
Hunt, Joseph Sanborn & Sons, Samuel & Joshua 
Gilman, Moses Jewett, David Gould, Ezekiel & Na- 
than Collins, J. L. Davis, Simeon & Nathaniel Davis 
1 and many others. Indeed, the cooper-shop was a 



GILFORD. 



759 



common annex to the other buildings of many a 
place, and Cooper was not an unfrequent prefix to a 
surname, as, lor example, Cooper-Gilmau andCooper- 
Jewett. The latter emigrated to Cape Cod, where 
the fish-barrel was in requisition. 

The transportation of the manufactured casks was 
an undertaking of considerable magnitude. The huge 
load on the mammoth vehicle, drawn fifty miles in 
two days by stalwart ox-teams, was no trivial matter 
to carry out; and the sight of these huge moving 
piles was no tame affair to youthful curiosity and 
astonishment, as was also the music of the coopers' 
instruments, deftly handled, to their admiration of 
the arlinc.n-s. 

The mills for grinding have been erected and 
<)l>erated as follows: Folsom's mill, at the Lake vil- 
lage site. This was first and chiefly used for corn- 
grinding. In due time a rye crop was raised and was 
ground in the same set of stones, producing an un- 
bolted meal. Finally, wheat was a product and re- 
<iuired bolting, and hence a bolter was added, and it 
became a flouring-mill of general patronage. 

Ladd's mill was successfully run, from 1780, in con- 
nection with the saw-mill, which was in the upper story 
of the building, and the grinding on the lower floor. 
This mill rivaled the Folsom mill, being more accessible 
by the main part of the population. There was some 
competition between the two as to the quantity and 
tjuality of flour made from a bushel of farmer's wheat ; 
and m high did the enthusiasm of good millership 
run at times that it was declared of some that flour 
was produced and returned from their favorite mill 
exceeding the weight of the grist taken to the mill. 
But this must have been to special customers. Yet it 
must have efl'ectually annulled the tradition that 
millers were not scrupulously exact in taking only 
lawful toll, or, at least, it should have proved that 
< iilford millers were exceptionally honest. 

Ladd's mill was succeeded by one built by the 
factory company, and located farther down-stream 
and below the factory, or Ticking-Mill (so called). Its 
capacity was increased by adding two runs of stones 
and using two bolters. Many farmers used " fine 
Indian," or bolted corn-meal, as a substitute for 
wheat-flour, to make a superior bread. 

Millers Bachelder and Dimond successively and 
successfully presided for a full term of service and 
years at the wheels of the Meredith Bridge Grinding 
and Flouring-Mill. The univei-sal custom was for 
each farmer to carry frequent and small grists to the 
mill, and have them milled for a toll of one-sixteenth, 
or two quarts on a bushel. Ready-ground meal, or 
even flour, was at first rarely ever for sale or to be 
purchased. The toll-grain was on sale, but oftener 
transported than sold in the place and to residents. 
The balance of most crops was in favor of exportation 
■or the market, and usually went to the cities, Ports- 
mouth or Boston. In later years the great bulk of 
milling is that of the stock imported and on sale. 



The mill at Gilford village, at the Hoyt's and 
Smith's privilege, was built not many years after the 
two other ones at the river. It accommodated the 
centre and eastern and, to some extent, the southern 
parts of the town. It did both grinding and bolting, 
and continued in use till about 1840, or till the build- 
ing of the tannery at the same dam, and was repeat- 
edly repaired. It is still standing, and has been 
owned some seventy years by the same parties and 
the same that owned the saw-mill, viz. : Esq. Bernard 
and General J. J. Morrill and son. The millers at 
this mill have been J. Pickering, S. Trefran, W. 
Meloon, William Knowles, Lowell Sanborn (Deacon 
Lowell, so called) and others temporarily. At this 
mill, and at others also, for a limited appointed time 
in the spring, the yearly stock of gypsum, or plaster 
of Paris, a cheap fertilizer, was ground, and other 
grinding was deferred for that period and afterwards 
resumed. Also, in the last of May usually, a day or 
two was appropriated to salt-grinding, for dairy uses, 
which>wonderfully accommodated farmers' wives and 
saved them innumerable poundings of the mortar and 
pestle, whose music, however, was the delightful 
matinee of hill and dale, announcing to many a 
hungry toiler the sure progress of kitchen-work, and, 
like gong or bell or trumpet, was the first prelude of 
an unannounced but ready breakfast. 

The disuse of the mill at Morrill's left the field open 
for enterprise. Moreover, the Leavitt mill, on Miles 
River, had been carried away, and the eastern part of 
the town was left dependent on some other mill. It 
was opportune to build. 

At this time Jonathan Whitcher built a mill on 
the Upper Gunstock for grinding and bolting, to 
which he added also a threshing-machine, a turning- 
lathe and other machinery for making wheels, car- 
riages and furniture. This mill continued only a few 
years, and, after repeated damages to its long, weak 
and expensive dam, and to the mill itself, by freshet, 
by reason of a want of patronage and its unprofitable- 
ness, it ceased to be maintained and was consequently 
abandoned. 

Jeremiah Hunt was in business at this mill for 
himself, in the wheel and furniture interests, and in 
company in other departments, and was miller at a 
time. Then the whole of grinding and flouring was 
centred at Lake village and Laconia, except a little 
corn-grinding at Copp's mill at a time later. With 
less cereal products produced, and more imported and 
used, this is an adaptation both wise and in the line 
of natural drift. Yet it involves more labor and 
furnishing, and makes the result less lucrative. The 
old-time going to mill, with grist on the shoulder or 
on horseback, has given place to more extended trips 
in vehicles, light and heavy. The preparation of the 
grain for the milling state has been variously done. 
At one time the flail and coursing breezes were all 
the mediation used. Then the mechanical fanning- 
mill wiis resorted to to conquer a calm. Then the 



760 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



separating-mill, or tliresher, was used and operated 
by horse-power and by water-power. 

Two styles of the portable horse-power machines 
were invented and used. One was constructed with 
a sweep and gearing and rope-tension, operated by 
horses in draught. The other with a treadle incline 
and belting, and operated by horse-weight on the 
treadle. One of the former was owned and operated 
by a Mr. Bachelder, going from farm to farm. Sam- 
uel Blaisdell & Sons owned and operated one of the 
latter pattern ; and still others were brought into 
parts from adjacent towns. But the inconvenience 
of so frequent relocation and transportation, and the 
entertainment of the workmen and horses, was such 
that the stationary mill, to be operated by water- 
power, promised better success and speedy introduc- 
tion; and proved so. Hence, the almost simulta- 
neous construction of two such mills about the year 
1835 or 1840,— the first at the Whittier mill and the 
other at the carding, fulling and shingle-mill, owned 
by Christopher Oilman, then by Meshech Sanborn, 
Benjamin Oilman and Hermon Hunter. The same 
provision for the threshing season was made at the 
Collins mill and at Meredith Bridge and Lake 
village, and, later, at Colby's. 

The first years these mills were in use the patronage 
was extensive. Farmers drew their two, five, or ten 
tons of grain from one to eight miles to have it 
threshed and returned, each one going at an ap- 
pointed time. These mills have but little patronage 
now, and some of them have ceased to be used at 
all. So little grain is raised that it is not a great task 
to separate it by hand-flail, or not very unprofitable 
to feed the oat crop unthreshed. And rye is rarely 
threshed in this machine, because of the damage to 
the straw. 

Mills for wool-carding and cloth-dressing, were put 
in, one at Laconia, operated by James Morrison 
and afterwards by John Buzzell, who, though they 
lived in Gilford, did their work on the Meredith side. 
This was discontinued some years ago, on the decline 
of home-made cloth and yarn, and to give place to 
their enterprise of cloth-making. 

The carding was first done by machinery at the 
village on the Hoyt's and Smith's mill privilege. Sub- 
sequently a mill was built a mile below, at the junc- 
tion of an eastern branch of the river, and machinery 
for fulling and dressing and pressing cloth was put in 
and operated by skilled workmen, and the carding 
machinery was transferred from Hoyt's mill to this. 
Fulled cloth for men's wear and the pressed cloth, a 
kind of flannel, for women's wear, wa-s the general 
dependence. This mill and work was continued till 
the fa.shionableness of satinet came about, and then 
both the Buzzell's mill at Laconia and the private 
loom of the farmer's house produced that pattern of 
fabric. The warp (cotton) for the domestic article was 
made for many years by Mr. Parker and his children, 
at the end of the bridge opposite Ladd's grist-mill. 



Stephen Chapman was a fuller at Gunstock Fulling- 
Mill, and others conducted the business for a term, 
and the business ceased nearly a half-century ago. 
Later the wool-carding ceased, and neither is now in 
use. 

The Ticking Company was located on the Gilford 
side, at Meredith Bridge. It was very early in opera- 
tion, making bed-ticking ; while the brick mill made 
sheetings. 

The Ticking, Company of which \Y. Melcher, 
Thomas Bobb, Mr. Green and three others were 
members, was a well-managed and successful firm. 

It realized less changefulness than the other com- 
panies. Some changes occurred, however, in after- 
years, both in the personnel of the company and in 
its business. The new company built more exten- 
sively, and changed the machinery from cotton- 
working to that of wool-working, and from that of 
cloth-making to that of knitting-works, and are pro- 
ducing hosiery goods in all the mills belonging to 
the company. The daily products of these mills are 
immense, and go to commission agents in Boston, 
and thus are put upon the general trade, and are of a 
high standard. 

The first cotton-mill at Lake village was one of the 
earliest built, and in near succession to the Avery 
mill at Meredith Bridge. Later the woolen mill 
(so called) was built, but not immediately put into 
operation or furnished with machinery. These were 
both built on the then Meredith side of the river. 
The change of the ownership of the property at this 
place was unfavorable to the development of the 
interests in manufactures here. The Pingree owner- 
ship and management promised better times, but 
soon left no better condition, and the Locks and Canal 
Company, while, by a higher dam, it created greater 
head, left the use of the motive power undeveloped, 
and rather restricted and retarded expansion at this 
place. In quite recent years a mill has been built 
and put into operation on the east side of the river, 
and is producing hosiery goods. Hosiery was also 
made at one time in the carding-mill at Gunstock 
Valley, by Augustus Copp and others ; but it did not 
continue many years. 

The foundry industry was early and latterly an 
important one. The smelting furnace was never 
completed. It was begun at Folsom's or Bachelder's 
Mills, and was designed on a grand scale. A huge 
conical chamber was half-built of stone, and remained 
in statu quo, unfinished, for a time, and was then 
finally removed. 

Mismanagement and a fatal casualty at the moun- 
tain, the distance of transporting the ore and the 
expensivcncss of getting it out, the cost of preparing 
and running the furnace, so as to compete with other 
iron-mining companies in the northern part of the 
State, together with the limitation of capital, proved 
too great obstacles to the success of the iron-mining 
project; and hence it was soon utterly abandoned. 



GILFORD. 



761 



But a blast furnace was put into operation for usiiij;- 
pig in castings. This industry proved feasible, and, 
being well managed, was profitable. As the use of 
stoves came to be so extensive, their production was 
an important industry; also hardware, in the line of 
culinary utensils and farming implements, were in 
increasing demand. 

The discontinuance, gradually, <>( i\\v old wooden 
and iron-clad plow, and the intnidinlion of the cast- 
iron one, made ready market for a great quantity of 
foundry products, and gave employment to a large 
number of moulders and foundry-workers and much 
capital. This industry, conducted chiefly by the 
Cole family, has been an extensive and leading one 
at Lake village, and a substantial benefit to both the 
village and the town in general. The trade in, as 
well as the production of, this class of merchandise 
has been mainly at Lake village and in the hands of 
these men. Hence the place was called, for a long 
period, the Furnace village. 

The iron-work done in the repair shops of the rail- 
road located here has also increased the business of 
casting and added much to the bulk of foundry pro- 
duction, and the shops have given employment to a 
large force of workmen and given impulse and growth 
to the place. 

This village, in population and business, has in- 
crea.sed rapidly of late years, and is now the rival of 
Laconia, and by water approaches is even better con- 
nected. These two largest centres of business and 
population were begun at nearly the same time, but 
the lower one had decidedly the advantage for many 
years, particularly in having the court, the academy, 
the greater trade, the greater extent of manufactures, 
better connections in the old modes of travel by the 
stage lines, the bank, the taverns, the law-offices, the 
resident physicians, the churches and the central po- 
sition in relation to the other towns already then set- 
tled. All these things contributed much to the pros- 
perity and importance of the Lower village, and were 
almost entirely wanting in the Upper village. 

From the working of cast-iron to that of wrought- 
iron the transition is natural and easy. The initial 
department of this work was that of the common 
blacksmith. The places and parties of this industry 
have been alluded to in the notices of the personnel 
of the first settlers and need now no minute tracing. 
The services of the blacksmith were a primary neces- 
sity and demand, as not only for horse-shoeing and 
ox-shoeing and the ironing of vehicles and making of 
farming tools, but even the nails used by the carpen- 
ter were made of wrought-iron and produced at the 
common smith's forge in the early days of the settle- 
ment. 

Some of the first artisans in this line were Antipas 
Oilman, in the south part of the town, and his two 
sons, — Winthrop and Josiah, — the latter of whom 
worked also afterwards at the village and subsequently 
became preacher to the Universalist Society there and 
48 



finally settled in Lynn, Mas.s., following his profession 
there; and Henry Wadleigh, in Chattleborough ; 
and Samuel Blaisdell, at his place in the northwest 
part of the town ; succeeded by some four of his sons, 
particularly Philip O., who worked at the same place; 
and John, who wrought at the village and elsewhere 
and finally on Gunstock Hill ; and Daniel, at the Lake- 
side road (the Captain Locke place) and afterwards 
at the Plains, his present residence; also James Fol- 
lett, on Gunstock Hill ; and at the village also Wil- 
liam and Ebenezer Stevens, successively; and Josiah 
Gilman, already mentioned; and William H. Wad- 
leigh, who wrought in several shojjs and for many 
years; and in later times Charles Beede, Benjamin 
Dame, Gilman Leavitt, Dudley Leavitt, with Charles 
Beede, Jacob Blaisdell, Charles Swain, a Mr. Cross 
and others temporarily. There have been six shops 
at the village, and the work done there has been of 
considerable variety as well as magnitude. John 
Blaisdell made hoes and edge-tools. His shop stood 
near the present site of the church and town hall. 
Beede (alone and with D. Leavitt) made axes and 
pitchforks and chains, and he built, on the new road, 
the present Wadleigh shop. Gilman Leavitt and 
Wadleigh, and, to some extent, others, ironed wagons, 
carriages and sleighs, and were tire-setters, and all 
did shoeing. 

Smith-work was done at Lake village by Kabie and 
Hiram Gilman, and later, for carriages, by Rublee, 
who puts up the wood-work also. The same business, 
on a large scale, was done at Meredith Bridge by 
Thomas Babb, on the Gilford side. The most of the 
smith-work there was done on the Meredith side by 
Daniel Tucker and others. 

The machinist business was carried on in connection 
with the factory and afterwards in separate build- 
ings. Badger Taylor and Alva Tucker were early 
workmen at this trade. Later, a large building has 
been devoted to the business, located on the site of 
the old Ladd's mill. 

The tanning and shoe-making and peg-making in- 
dustries have been important. The old-style tan- 
yard and the bark-mill was quite common in different 
parts of the town. Benjamin Weeks, Esq., built one 
in 1792, and he did some business in the line and in 
connection with his son Matthias. Jeremiah Thing, 
nearly as early, pursued the business on Liberty 
Hill. Captain James Follett and al.so Richard Mar- 
tin had yards on Gunstock Hill. The latter was run 
by John L. Martin afterwards and bought by Joseph 
& S. S. Gilman. These all have ceased to be oper- 
ated. 

Bernard Morrill carried on an extensive business at 
the village, which was enlarged and continued by 
I. I. Morrill and by I. I. & J. D. Morrill and by I. I. 
Morrill and Samuel Wright. About forty years ago 
the old yard was abandoned and a new mill was built, 
with steam works and w^ater-power, for grinding bark. 
This has been in operation till within a short time 



762 



HISTOKY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



for tanning, but the currying ceased some years ago. 
Another yard was many years in use at the village, 
run by Matthias Sewall and also Morrill Thing, but 
ceased to be used thirty years since. Matthias Sewall 
had a yard and business at the Plains before and 
after doing business at the village. James Crocket 
did a large tanning business at Meredith Bridge, near 
the Eager tavern and court-house. This was aban- 
doned nearly fifty years ago. The main business in 
this line was done on the Meredith side by Worcester 
Boynton, on the site of the Buzzell mill and at 
Morrison's livery stable. A small amount of business 
was done in this line at other points in town. 

The craft of the shoemaker was a special one from 
the first. William Clark was the itinerant shoemaker, 
going from house to house to do the yearly shoe and 
boot-making for the families in turn. 

Joseph Potter, Sr., was a permanently-located 
shoemaker at his homestead. 

Samuel Gilman (1st), a deformed or crippled man, 
practiced cobblery on Gunstock Hill. His son Jere- 
miah and grandson Daniel continued the business at 
the village (at B. Morrill's) and on Gunstock Hill, 
and the last-mentioned at three different locations in 
the village, and, finally, at the homestead, near the 
original place, on the hill. Paul Stevens pursued the 
trade first in the south part of the town and after- 
wards near the village. Israel Potter and, lately, his 
grandson, T. O. Potter, worked at the business at the 
old homestead and near by. 

Leavit Sleeper very early was shoemaker at Gil- 
ford village. George W. Munsey early learned 
the business at Meredith Bridge, with one Mugget, 
and for many years pursued the business at the vil- 
lage. David Hale Munsey and Amos Prescot Mun- 
sey also carried on the business, in connection with 
George W., and the former also separately, and the 
work has not entirely ceased at the shop of David 
Hale Munsey. He has worked, or located his shop, 
at some four difterent points in the village. Thos. 
Perkins Ayer carried on the business at three difter- 
ent places in the village, and finally at the Plains. 
Daniel Gilman and T. P. Ayer worked also at har- 
ness-making. George Crosby, at Gunstock Hill, 
worked also at harness-making and shoemaking. An- 
drew Whittier pursued the trade in the east part of 
the village for many years ; and Joseph Potter, son 
of Joseph Jr., was his apprentice. John Avery was 
apprentice of Daniel Gilman, and Jonathan Leavitt 
of Thos. P. Ayer. Warren Thompson worked at the 
business at the village, and at Laconia afterwards. 
Nathaniel Edwards and Jacob Clark were shoe- 
makers at Meredith Bridge, and Daniel Dinsmore 
carried on the harness-making business, first on the 
Gilford side and afterwards on the Laconia side. Si- 
mon Rowe also for a time worked at the business at 
Gilford village, on sole-work. There has been no 
shoe manufactory on a large scale in Gilford, but the 
workmen at tjie business have been numerous. Some 



of these have also been dealers in leather, especially 
George W. and D. H. Munsey, Thos. P. Ayer and Dan- 
iel Gilman. The sole-leather trade was considerable. 
In later years ready-made shoes, for sale in shoe- 
stores, supply the greater part of the demand, so that, 
with a greater population and larger volume of bus- 
iness in the shoe line, the cu.stom-workers are less. 
It was the almost universal custom for each man to 
buy a stock of leather and have it made into shoes 
and boots for the family on measure. The first set- 
tlers rarely had boots, but used the shoe and buskin, 
and some thought it a sinful extravagance to wear 
boots, especially of calf-skin. 

The manufacture of shoe-pegs was begun on the 
north side of the river, on the canal, by Mr. S. K. 
Baldwin, and was brought to a pause by the great 
fire, which, originating in the peg-factory, destroyed 
the greater part of the business section of the place. 
This industry was resumed on the Gilford side in the 
place of the grist-mill, at Ladd's mill. It was car- 
ried on for a terra of years, turning out about fifty 
bushels of pegs daily, many of which were exported 
to Europe after supplying the home market. Af- 
ter the destruction of these works the enterprise 
was .started anew, with increased capacity, in build- 
ings erected a short distance up-stream, and operated 
by power at the dam, communicated by continued 
shafting. The drying process is attended by consid- 
erable danger of conflagration. The timber used, 
principally white-birch and white-maple, was at last 
brought by railroad from the upper part of the State 
and Vermont. The business was attended with suc- 
cess by Mr. Baldwin & Sous. 

The manufacture of hats and caps was undertaken 
by different parties at sundry times and divers places. 
A hat manufactory was started very early at Avery's, 
and Mr. Hibbard, on the Oaka road, was a hatter, 
and J. G. Weeks, at the village, conducted the bus- 
iness. G. W. & John G. Weeks, at the village, 
made also a stock of caps, of cloth and partly of fur. 
The industry of millinery was very limited in the 
days of home-made apparel. Miss Nancy and Fanny 
Stevens conducted a limited business in that line at 
the village, and some volume of business of the same 
was done at Meredith Bridge and Lake village. Like- 
wise, dress-making was but limitedly conducted as 
an industry of itself, the average woman consider- 
ing herself a master of the art, if the construction 
of their apparel in the simple style of former days 
could be said to involve anything of artifice at all. 
Yet to the higher class there were some ministering 
adepts to meet the imagined exigency ; and these 
were represented slightly among other craftsmen, 
and their services were generously rewarded. 

The tailor and tailoress w^ere much more in de- 
mand, though the major part of men's apparel was 
made up by the clever maid of the house, or her 
training and instructive mother and sister. The 
craft was, however, represented from the beginning. 



763 



The primitive tailor was also an itinerant, and, with 
bodkin and goose and press-board, migrated through 
tlie neighborhood to uniform the hid and sire; the 
'■ hailed of all men" was the tailor. A clever dame 
by the name of Hannah Parsons, from Gilmanton, 
used to make her yearly tour a-tailoring, to the in- 
finite delight of the ragged urchin and tattered swain. 
Joseph Sanborn, Sr., was also of this craft, and lived 
near Meeting-House Hill. Misses Ann and Sarah 
Munsey carried on this business some years at Gil- 
ford village; and later, Simon Goss and one McFar- 
land ; and in the east part of the town Joseph Rob- 
erts practiced the vocation. Mrs. Bartlet, on the 
Plains, and Messrs. Bugbee and Odlin, at the Furnace 
village, conducted the business. At Meredith Bridge 
the main business was done at first on the Meredith 
side by Francis Kussell, and afterwards by Charles 
Eussell and others. In later times, Nathaniel Stevens 
carried on the business in different shops. 

The artisans on wood-work have not been few in Gil- 
ford, nor inapt. Chief of these has been the carpenter, 
including ship carpenter and framer. The average set- 
tler was a clever worker on wood, and he consequently 
rudely constructed many things himself, as out-build- 
ings and many things needed in husbandry, and 
left for the carpenter the more difficult mechanisms, 
or the superintendence of non-journeymen workers. 
In the class of skilled journeymen workers were 
the following, — viz.: The Sanborns (Lowell, Richard, 
Lowell, Jr., Richard, Jr , Osgood, Benjamin, Lowell 
(Deacon) so-called) and others. They all, or nearly 
all, were practicing farming, or some other collateral 
vocation also at intervals. Then the Blaisdells 
(Samuel, the framer, Eliphlet and Hugh) and 
others. Then Joseph Thing, Sr. and Jr. ; also John 
and Abel and Abel, Jr., Hunt. The Hunts were 
finishers in panel-work, banisters and ornamenta- 
tions. In later years there were David Watson, 
Gardner Cook, Thomas M. Smith, F. Follet.P. Lovit, 
Jeremiah Hunt, A. Woodward and many others. 
Jonathan Watson and Thomas Ayers were broad- 
axemen, and had worked at ship-carpentry. Sam- 
uel Leavit and a Mr. Bachelder were handy as mill- 
wrights. Thomas Plummer, Joshua Gilman, Enoch 
Osgood, Jonathan Whittier, Daniel Gove, Benjamin 
Rowe, Simeon Hoyt, Jr., John Abel, Jr., and Jere- 
miah Hunt and a few others were wheelwrights, as 
well as handy at carpentry. 

Door, sash and blinds were formerly made by the 
common carpenter, but now at factories. The trade 
of carpentry has been an important one, as the work to 
be done has always been of considerable magnitude, 
the most of the buildings having been made of wood, 
and not a few of large dimensions and improved pat- 
terns. 

Cabinet and ftirniture-making, as an industry, has 
been carried on at different places, as at Meredith 
Bridge by Ephraira Mallard, and on the Meredith side 
by the Somes Brothers ; at Gilford village in the 



Whittermill, by Jeremiah Hunt; at Abel Hunt's by 
himself and son, and by a few others at other places. 
Coffins and caskets were formerly made by common 
carpenters. 

Artisans on stone work have been of some note 
and carried on a limited business, both here and in 
some other places. Esquire Benjamin Wadleigh and 
Prescot Goss are still in active life as stone-cutters. 
Formerly there was quite a general inclination on the 
part of the young men of this town to enter ujjon the 
stone-cutting business. John & Freeman S. Gil- 
man were engaged in the business extensively here 
and especially in Massachusetts. John M. Rowe in 
Frankfort, Me., where he quarried for Boston mar- 
ket great quantities of building-stone. William Levi, 
Dudley and Benjamin Folsom were also engaged in 
the business, and Joseph, son of Joseph Potter, Jr. 
Simeon Hoyt, Jr., also pursued the building of stone- 
work, and various other parties engaged in the 
coarser grades of stone-work and building, as stone- 
masons. There were here only a few formations of 
stone which were good for quarrying. The mountain 
deposits were of coarse and not compact substance, 
and the boulder masses were not usu.ally fissile ; yet 
some good monumental works have been made of 
them. 

Workers of marble have been Jno. Merrill and 
Merrill, Hull & Co. This establishment has been 
a successful one, and has been lately located on 
the Meredith side, at Laconia, and employs several 
workmen. 

The ordinary work of brick-masons has been limited, 
as but few brick buildings have been built in town. 
William and Henry Plummer, and Paul and Smith 
Stevens and some others did the masonry of former 
years, and in later times the work is dependent on 
artisans in the craft from other places. 

The industry of brick -making was prosecuted in 
town a few years, particularly by Benjamin Rowe, on 
the Pine Hill stream, and this yard supplied the 
domestic market. But the notable Dol brick-yard, at 
the Weirs, on the Meredith side, was such in capacity, 
and by reason of the peculiar character of its clay, 
and in the quantity and quality of its products, that 
competition was impossible; hence, the few clay de- 
posits in the town were not extensively used in brick- 
making. 

The industry of pottery was carried on for many 
years, conducted by one Mr. Goodhue, at Gilford 
village. The clay was obtained from the Weirs, and 
was made into kiln-burnt brown earthen-ware. For 
milk-pans and crocks of various sizes and forms it 
was an excellent article, and was in general use till, 
in later years, the use of tin in the manufacture of 
wares for dairy uses, and stone for making jars and 
other vessels, superseded them, and caused this in- 
dustry to be discontinued, and much to the satisfaction 
of the using public, as the earthenware was very 
fragile, as well as ponderous, and its glazing poisonous. 



764 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The manufacture of artificial limbs has been an 
industry pursued. The Palmer limb was invented at 
Meredith Bridge, and manufactured by him there 
(the iron-work by Charles Clement), at the corner of 
Main and Church Streets; but, subsequently. Wood- 
man Jewett pursued the enterprise in Gilford, and 
then Samuel Jewett and others engaged in it, and 
finally the works were mostly removed to other 
places, as New York and Philadelphia. 

Paper boxes have been manufactured by E. Bea- 
man and another firm at Laconia. The demand for 
them has been great, and the industry employs many 
hands and considerable capital. The old-fashioned 
band-box, of a wooden veneer, has been superseded 
by the modern paste-board box of various forms and 
sizes, in which light manufactured goods are packed 
and sent to the market or the commission agent. 

The trade of basket-making was pursued by Levi 
Lovit and Ichabod Buzzell at the east and west parts 
of the town respectively ; also the sons of these, re- 
spectively, at the same places ; and that of the former 
at Laconia in later years. Ezekiel Collins also pur- 
sued the business near Laconia, and Abel Hunt & 
Son at his place. These last also reseated the ashen 
chairs, and manufactured other articles. The indu.stry 
of palm-leaf braiding was extensively pursued at one 
time. The work was done in the families, and con- 
ducted by the traders ; those at Gilford village, Laco- 
nia and Lake village; particularly G. W. Weeks, 
Mesheck Sanborn, Horace Bugbee and a few others. 
The enterprise and business of general trade has 
been important, and was early entered into, and is 
continued in increased amount and compass. Ben- 
jamin Weeks, Esq. began trade at his residence in 
the last century. His sons, Daniel and Elisha, were 
conducting the business there in the two first years 
of this century, the former succeeding the latter. 
The latter also did business later in Boston, which 
business was crippled in the time of the War of 1812, 
and he returned to Gilford and did more or less trad- 
ing here in an informal way afterwards. His sons, 
John G. and George W., were long in trade at the 
village, and the latter, later, at Lake village. A store 
was stocked at Gunstock meeting-house by Stephen 
Pearly, of Meredith Bridge, and was run a few years 
by a clerk, and the same was closed and the building 
removed to the village. After this, Joseph Sanborn 
was in trade there for several years, and was suc- 
ceeded by Jonas Sleeper, and he, in turn, by Ben- 
jamin Jewett, Jr., Esq. About this time Levi R. 
Weeks began trade there, but soon removed from 
town, as did also Elisha. 

Charles Stark entered into trade at the Goodhue 
pottery, and in a few years was succeeded by Ben- 
jamin Weeks, Jr., and later by George W., and then 
by Weeks & FoUet. These stores were well patron- 
ized and successfully conducted. 

About the year 1840, the business being large, 
rivalry began, and a new firm was formed by Ben- 



jamin Jewett, formerly in the busine.ss, and Albert 
Chase, who had been clerk at the Stark store and 
also at Jewett's, and Jeremiah Thing. The firm of 
Jewett, Chase & Thing continued but a few years, be- 
came embarrassed, and was dissolved. The firm of 
Weeks & Follet was afterwards dissolved, and 
G. W. & Benjamin F. Weeks went into trade in the 
Jewett, Chase & Thing .store. Richard Glidden was 
afterwards associated with G. W., and B. F. went 
out of trade. In later years George W. went into 
trade with his sons at Lake village. Levi B. Thomps(m 
returned from Brunswick, Me., and set up trade in a 
new store, and George W. & John Munsey traded 
at the Jewett store, and afterwards in the Thompson 
store. Mesheck Sanborn, a long-term postmaster, 
traded in a third store, and was succeeded by John 
Sleeper. Trade began to decrease under the facilities 
of transit to Meredith bridge, after the building of 
the Gully road, and the three stores were succeeded 
by two, and at length by one, and, in reduced volume 
of business, Martin Eaton continued the business 
for awhile, and at present the Jones store supplies the 
demands. 

At Lake village the store on the west side was the 
only store at first ; afterwards, Cole's store at the fur- 
nace, and the Bugbee store, at the bridge, were added ; 
afterwards, G. W. Weeks and various other dealers 
opened places of trade, and the business is now of 
large capacity, and holds an enlarged place in the 
supply of the outlying districts, and in the patronage 
on the part of those who more and more make their 
marketing here. 

The bakery business has been carried on at Lake 
village by Charles Elkins. The trade at Meredith 
bridge in early years was predominantly given to the 
Meredith side, and to this day the bulk of trade is 
there. 

The French store, however, has done a fair share 
of business since its opening, which was at an early 
date, and has not frequently changed ownership. 
Henry French conducted it for many years, and was 
principal member of later partnerships. Avery's 
store was the first opened, in 1790, at the end of the 
bridge. Various other business concerns were located 
in two small buildings on each side of the roadway, 
at the abutment of the bridge. The one on the up- 
river side of the roadway was built by L. B. Walker, 
Esq., and extended beyond the natural shore-line 
into the river, and its supposed obstruction to the 
water-flow created a sensation on the part of those 
interested in the water-power above, and demands 
were made for its withdrawal, on penalty of its being 
overturned into the river. 

Richard Gove conducted, for nearly a half-century, 
the jewelry business in this and other buildings. The 
post-oflice, established in 1824, was once kept in the 
building on the down-river side of the way by Mr. 
A. C. Wright, who conducted the paper, the Winni- 
pueogee Gazette, and did business as shoe-dealer, and 



GILFORD. 



afterwards in Lowell, Mass., whence he came, and 
whither he returned. The large block on the corner 
has been occupied by various parties for offices, resi- 
dences and trading-places, and on its site, since its 
destruction, have been located various structures, 
among which is a market, a shoe-shop and drug-store. 
Swain's store has been recently added, and one oppo- 
site the hosiery was in occupancy by I. Tilton for 
some years. 

Hotel-keeping, a branch of trade, has been of some 
importance and has been conducted by a i'ew enter- 
prising men as landlords. 

The Lawrence tavern, on Gilford side, was rival of 
the Kobinson's tavern, on the other side. It was kept 
by Ebenezer Lawrence, and afterwards by John Til- 
ton, and then became the Willard Hotel, and was 
considered " beautiful for situation," and a favorite 
resort to the best class of the traveling public and for 
boarders. It was afterwards kept by Young, Morrison 
& Everet. The Eager tavern was nearer the court- 
house, but " the court " usually made his abode at the 
Willard, and the litigant more generally at tlie Eager 
and Robinson's. The Eager has often changed land- 
lords and name. It has been kept by Asa Eager, Frank 
Chapman, Charles Beede, Hiram Verrill, Mr. Tuck, A. 
Morrison, John Blaisdell and others, at diflerent 
times, and known as the Belknap House and by other 
names, and been enlarged and rebuilt. The building 
of another house at Winnesquam, "The Bay View," 
and now still another, " Vue De L'Van," has been 
in response to summer travel and required boarding, 
which has greatly increased; and other houses for 
boarding, such as the Maplewood, etc., have been 
opened. • 

At Lake village, Sargent's tavern was opened some 
thirty years ago, and before that there was no public- 
house and not much travel to require one. The travel 
by stage was mainly through Meredith. As to travel, 
its mode, direction and extent, great changes have 
occurred. The stage-lin&s were from Conway and 
the upper parts of the State to Concord and Boston. 
Daily trips were made each way. One day took pas- 
sengers from the upper towns to Concord, and the 
next day to Lowell and Boston. These stages were 
usually filled. Daniel Greene drove a mail line from 
Meredith Bridge, through Gilmanton, to Pittsfield, 
and a bi-weekly stage ran to Alton Bay. This last 
route underwent some alterations, — at one time pass- i 
ing through Gilford village, and, at another, via In- 
tervale to Lake village, and was finally discontinued 
and a special route made to the village ; and West 
Alton was connected with Alton Bay. 

Robert Carr kept a semi-hotel, or entertained 
teamsters and travelers, as a halting-place between 
Emerson's, at West Alton, and Meredith Bridge, j 
Captain James Follet furnished meals and enter- 
tained at town-meetings and on other public occasions i 
at the Meetiug-House Hill. These, with many other | 
places recently, furnishing board in the summer sea- ' 



son, constituted the hotel provisions in llie town and 
vicinity. 

About 1845 travel by rail began. The Boston, 
Concord and Montreal Railroad was first opened to 
Meredith Bridge, and afterwards to Plymouth, and 
finally to Wells River. 

The repair-shops were located at J^ake village, and 
a wharf and landing at the Weirs. 

Before this, in 1832, the first steamboat, the " Bel- 
knap," was built at Lake village, and got up into the 
lake by being buoyed up, to pass the shallows at the 
Weirs. She was a heavy, clumsy boat, and ran only 
a few years till she ran aground near Long Island, 
and was finally broken up and disposed of. Captain 
Winborn Sanborn was the commander of her, and he 
was, in after-years, also of the " Lady of the Lake." 
Since that time the " Lady of the Lake," the " White 
Mountain," the " Long Island," the " Winnipesau- 
kee," the " Minneola," the " James Bell" and many 
other smaller steamers have been put upon routes on 
the lake, and communicate with the Weirs and Lake 
village. Much transportation has been made also by 
the horse-power toll-boats, and in gondolas (so-called 
popularly), and by rafts and smaller boats. 

The corporations located in the town, or doing 
business therein, have been the Iron-Mining and Foun- 
dry Company, the Ticking-Mill Company, the steam- 
boat companies, the Academy Corporation, the Horse 
Railroad Company (formed in 1883, and running street 
cars from Laconia and Lake village), the Savings- 
Bank, National Bank and some smaller concerns 
that do bu.siuess on joint capital and have common 
interests. 

In educational work and fiicilities, the town has a 
commendable record in the past, and standing at 
present. 

When the town was incorporated there had been 
formed ten districts in which schools had been main- 
tained, and the money raised that year for the sup- 
port of these schools was four hundred and ninety- 
two dollars. These districts have since been increased 
till they numbered fourteen. The added districts 
were the Lake village (the village having grown up 
since that time), the Zebedee Morrill District, the 
Daniel Brown District and the Captain Marsten Dis- 
trict. These schools were maintained by the school- 
money, divided according to the valuation of the 
district, as bounded. Hence, they varied in duration, 
and often were of short duration. Usually, a sum- 
mer and a winter term was held, of eight or twelve 
weeks each. Select schools were occasiotially held at 
Gilford village and at Lake village in more recent years, 
and, in 1820, an academy was established at Jlcredith 
Bridge, which wiis sustained some forty years, and 
then consolidated with the High School or graded 
schools of that village. This was a rival school of 
the Gilmanton Academy, which was established there 
in 1794. 

The academy had not, alas ! the prestige of that of 



766 



HISTOKY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Gilmanton, a generous grant of land from the State 
and the appropriation of its school-lot from the town. 
But it had the moral support of the better class 
of the community, and a liberal patronage. It 
was well instructed and managed under Precep- 
tor Joshua M. Pitman, from Meredith, and Dyer 
H. Sanborn, from Gilmanton, and John C. Clark, Mr. 
Emerson and others, whose preceptorships were the 
good fortune of the corporation and the praise of the 
patrons and students. There had been a short interim 
in the principalship when Benjamin Stanton, from 
Lebanon, Me., and a graduate of Bowdoin College, as- 
sumed the duties of principal, and Clara Stanton those 
of assistant and preceptress, which was in 1849, and 
continued till 1853. 

The school was sustained a few years afterwards 
and was taught by several teachers, among whom were 
Woodbury L. Melcher, A.M., Mr. Richer, Professor 
Hammond, Professor Burleigh and, after consolida- 
tion, by J. G. Jewett and others, and was at length 
consolidated with the graded public schools, and its 
record becomes merged in that of the town schools. 
At different times select schools were held for a single 
term at Gilford village. Such were taught by Albert 
G. Weeks and Nathan Weeks, William H. Farrar, C. 
C. Watson, D. S. Frost, Dr. Dearborn and others. 
The old-time teachers were severe disciplinarians, and 
the scholars of that day stalwart and rude. The fe- 
male teachers of the summer school were somewhat 
noted for their matronly kindness and care and ad- 
vanced age. Two by the name of Mary Sanborn fol- 
lowed the vocation till in far advanced years. 

Among the male teachers who exclusively taught 
the winter schools were William H. Farrar, Albert 
G. Weeks, Ira G. Folsom, Rev. Mr. Damon, Daniel 
K. Smith, Rev. D. C. Frost and others, who were men 
of ability and extended education, and some were 
collegians. Of another class, athletic and disciplina- 
rians, were Jeremiah Thing, James Morrison, John 
Davis, J. J. Morrill, Daniel Eaton, George Hoyt, 
Samuel Evans, Jonathan Weeks, Harrison Bennet, 
William B. Weeks, Benjamin Sanborn, David Y. 
Smith, Aaron Blaisdell, Daniel Blaisdell, John M. 
Rowe, Nathan Weeks, William Morrill, Harrison San- 
born, Rufus Morrill, S.S. Ayer, William Hunt, George 
Sanders, George Sleeper, Nehemiah Sleeper, Simon 
Rowe, Shepherd Rowe, Rev. J.L.Sinclair, M. B.Smith 
and many others. Nehemiah Sleeper was school com- 
mittee for the town at its commencement, and Es- 
quire Benjamin Weeks was a leading man in educa- 
tional interests even before the incorporation of the 
town. A few sons of Gilford have graduated at col- 
lege, — William, son of Esquire Benjamin Weeks, 
Albert G. Weeks, Ira Folsom, J. P. Watson, Wood- 
bury L. Melcher, C. C. Watson, John B. Morrill, A. 
J. Thompson, Jonas Sleeper, Daniel Dinsraore, Joseph 
B. Clark and a few others. 

The town early contained circulating libraries, 
which dill much for the instruction and general intel- 



ligence of the community ; these were well read, but 
have not been maintained. A public library is pro- 
vided by Laconia for that part of Gilford now de- 
tached. 

There have been two newspapers published in 
town, — one more recently at Lake village and one 
formerly at Meredith Bridge, — but papers published in 
Boston and New York have larger circulation. 

The Qazette ( Winnipemiikei^, at Meredith Bridge, 
was edited and published sometimes in Gilford and 
sometimes in Meredith, and under changed names. 
Among its editors and managers have been Charles 

Lane, J. C. Moulton, A. C. Wright, Mr. Baldwin 

(of unhappy and premature death), and several other.'*. 
Mr. Drake was some years foreman printer. The La- 
conia Democrat maybe considered the successor of the 
Gazette, and has been well conducted, but belongs to 
Laconia properly. The Lake Village Times is under 
the management of the Hon. Mr. Haynes, member 
of Congress, and is a .successful issue and patronized 
by readers of the town of the Republican party and 
sympathies. Gilford has not been distinguished for 
authors and authorship, unless we except the work 
done in the line of text-books by Dyer H. Sanborn, 
and the ordinary editorials in the regular issues ot 
newspapers. 

In professional ranks and services there have been 
adepts and honorable success. The medical practi- 
tioners have been many, and by no means in dis- 
honor. They have been generally trustworthy and etH- 
cient, and,insome instances, distinguished. In the first 
years after thesettlement of this part of the Gilmanton 
territory the demand for medical and surgical services 
was met by the abundant supply of doctors resident 
in Old Gilmanton. Many of them had a wide prac- 
tice, even spanning Gilford, and extending across the 
lake into towns adjacent to the northern shore. Such 
men were Dr. William Smith, in 1768 and to 1830 ; 
Jonathan Hill, 1778 and onward into the present cen- 
tury; Obadiah Parish, 1790-94; Abraham Silver, 
1790-1801; Simon Foster, 1793-1824 ; Daniel Jacobs, 
1796-1815; Benjamin Kelley, 1801-39; Asa Crosby, 
1816-32; Thomas H. Merrill, 1814-22; William Pres- 
cott, 1815-33 ; Dixie Crosby, 1824-38, and at Gilford, 
1835-38; Otis French, 1828 and onward; Jacob Wil- 
liams, 1816-28 ; Nathan C. Tebbetts, 1825 and on- 
ward ; John C. Page, who practiced at Gilford village 
in 1826 and Gilmanton, 1832-36, and was afterward a 
minister ; Nahum Wight, 1832 and onward many 
years; Joseph Gould, 1820 and onward; Edward G. 
Morrill, 1834 and afterward ; and some others for a 
short time. 

Those who have located and practiced in this town, 
more exclusively, were Zadock Bowman, at Mere- 
dith Bridge, in early times; J. C. Prescot; Dixie 
Crosby, about 1835, and who became distinguished as 
surgeon and professor in Dartmouth Medical College; 
Josiah Crosby, succeeding Dixie ; Andrew McFarlaud, 
1838 and onward ; J. L. Peaslev, who soon retired 



GILFORD. 



767 



from practice ; Dr. Garland, about 1845-60 ; Dr. 
Ayer, 1850 and onward ; Dr. Francis Sleeper, native- 
born, and practicing till about 1860 ; Warren Sleeper 
and Warren I^each, homa-opathists, or of the Botanic 
School ; Dr. Knowles, a few years, about 1845 ; Dr. 
Prescot, succeeding Knowles ; Dr. Wilson, about 
1875, and again at present ; Dr. Weeks, homtpopathist ; 
Dr. Foster, to the present time ; Dr. B. Munsey, 
eclectic to the present time at Gilford village and 
alsoLaconia; Dr. Josiah Sawyer, at the village for 
many years prior to 1845; Dr. George W. Munsey, at 
the village for some forty years prior to 1856 ; Dr. 
Charles Tebbets, at the village and later at Laconia; 
Dr. Dearbon, at the village a short time ; Dr. Devan, 
at the village and Lake village ; Dr. Moore and Dr. 
Goss, homcBopathists at I^ake village ; Dr. Frank 
Russell and Dr. I. S. French, native-born, and gradu- 
ating as residents ; Drs. Frank Stevens and Hosea 
Smith and others studied medicine with Drs. Garland 
and Ayer, and practiced elsewhere. There was also 
in early times a class who practiced limitedly without 
professional education, as Mrs. Samuel Blaisdell and 
Mrs. Frohock, and others ; also, Nathaniel Davis, 
Sr., D. Y. Smith and I. S. Oilman, by patent prep- 
aration. Mrs. A. F. Wiley is sole representative of 
female practice, under a regular diploma, and after a 
full course of medical education. Her location was 
first at Gilford village, and afterwards at Laconia. 

The spotted fever epidemic was in 1816, and Dr. 
Asa Crosby discovered an effectual remedy for it ; 
other fevers, notably the typhoid, has been at times 
epidemic, but this array and force of medical ability 
has proved a defiance to their ravages, and protected 
life effectually. 

A special instance of surgical operation was the 
case of Malachi Davis, who was opened and had 
gravel extracted, and lived many years afterwards. 
The surgery of Dr. Ayer was skillful, as was also that 
of the Crosbys. 

The legal profession, though not represented by so 
numerous a host as was the medical, was nevertheless 
not without distinguished men. The shiretown of 
Strafford County, and later of Belknap, would natur- 
ally collect into its domain much legal talent and 
furnish much practice. 

The first court-house and courts were at East Gil- 
manton, where there is now no village. In 1799 the 
courts began to be held at the Academy village, and 
the legal men were collected and resident there. 
Later still, the courts and court-house were located in 
what was thereafter Gilford. The several lawyers of 
Gilmanton and from other places came here to trans- 
act business in the court, and at length the legal 
talent was massed at this point. Timothy Call was 
here as early as, or before, 1801, and ten years later 
Lyman B. Walker, and Stephen C. Lyford in 1815, 
and Benjamin Boardman ten years later. Gilmanton 
was thirty-two years without a lawyer, when, in 1793, 
Stephen Moody, pioneer of the profession in this part 



of the county, appeared in that cajiacity among the 
inhabitants of the Lower Parish. The more important 
matters in question had been managed by lawyers of 
E.xeter and other places of older settlement, and 
Joseph Badger, as magistrate, with the justices in 
their official administration before him, disposed of the 
matters of minor moment. In the immediately subse- 
quent years the law business of the early settlers of 
Gilford was done by the lawyers of Gilmanton pro- 
per, where there were practicing, besides Stephen 
Moody, John Ham, after 1801 ; Nathaniel Cogswell» 
after 1805; Benjamin Emerson, after 1822; Nathan 
Crosby, after 1824; James Bell, about 1825 (who 
afterwards pursued his profession in Gilford); George 
Minot, in 1831 ; Arthur Livermore, in 1833; Ira A. 
Eastman, in 1834; E. St. L. Livermore, in 1835; 
AVilliam Butterfield, in 1841 ; George G. Fogg, in 
1844; and others later. The courts of Strafford 
County being held at two places, Dover and Gilford, 
the share of litigation in the county was less for the 
term sitting at Gilford than that for the term sitting 
at Dover; yet some very important cases were tried 
at Gilford, and "court time," especially "great 
day," — i.e. the day for criminal cases, viz. : the first 
Thursday — was a season of great concourse and a gala- 
day for venders and jockeys and horse-racing, and all 
manner of excitement and e.xcesses, personal and 
social. The effect of the time was both to partially 
clear and to replenish the docket, and both to empty 
and to fill the pockets, as depended. 

Many lawyers of Dover and Portsmouth, of Exeter 
and Concord and other places, were accustomed to 
practice at the Strafford, (later, the Belknap) bar ; and 
many a powerful plea and weighty charge and able 
opinion or decisive verdict was made and heard and 
given and rendered in the court-house at this place. 
The mighty men, Pearce and Hale, Atherton and 
Bellows, Butters and Bell, argued causes masterly 
here. Later and not much lesser advocates before 
this bar were Whipple and Stevens, Hibbard and Lov- 
ell, Hutchinson and Melcher, Vaughan and Clark 
(both Joseph B. and Samuel), Jewel and Jewett, and 
others who follow in the train of Walker and Board- 
man, and Lyford and Hazeltine. 

The common justices of the town, who did much 
of the minor law business of the town, were headed 
by Esq. Benjamin Weeks, who, as mediator between 
man and man, heard and advised in those intermin- 
able questions of disputed rights of possession, aris- 
ing from the imperfectly-defined boundaries to 
plants in the wilderness; as also in matters of dues, 
not considered consistent with ability or determina- 
tion ; and in matters of demeanor, private and pub- 
lic ; and this, no narrow sphere for the good esquire. 

Among those thus honorably constituted and act- 
ing were the following: Benjamin Jewett, Jr., Ber- 
nard Morrill, E. S. Hunt, Mesheck Sanborn, Josiah 
Sawyer and Daniel Weeks, for the centre of the 
town; Joseph P.Smith, Daniel Brown and Daniel 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Eaton, for the east part of the town ; John Evans, 
Samuel Leavitt, Ebenezer and John Smith, for the 
north ; Charles Hibbard, Joseph Libbey, Aaron C. 
Blaisdell, G. Thing, George Saunders, Samuel G. 
Sanborn and Aaron Robinson, for the northwest; 
Benjamin Sanborn, Joseph Sleeper, Benjamin Cole, 
John Blaisdell, V. Barron, for the west part of the 
town ; and Morrill Thing, J. James, Ephraim Mal- 
lard , Ebenezer Lawrence, Woodbury Melcher, and 
many othere, in the south part of the town and Mere- 
dith Bridge. 

The Probate Court ,was held at Gilford, and after 
the division of the county Warren Lovell was many 
years the judge and Esquire Vaughn the clerk. 
The successors will be learned from reference to 
another chapter, treating of the courts, the bench 
and the bar. 

The Sherifts of the county have been Asa Eager, 

Philbrick, Bartlett Hill and others, as will also 

be seen from the section appropriated to the bench 
and the bar. The deputies have been these, some be- 
fore promotion, and as not promoted, Dudley, Smith 
and others, as will also be seen from reference to the 
same article. There have been important causes 
tried at this bar of the Court of Common Pleas,— 
e. g., the case of Hain v». the town of Alton, to re- 
cover damages by reason of imperfect or obstructed 
highways; twice tried without agreement and verdict 
by the jury, and transferred. The cases of land-hold- 
ers vs. the Locks and Canal Company, to recover dam- 
ages for unnatural flowages. The company, by Hon. 
James Bell, Esq., their agent, assisted by Hon. Charles 
G, Atherton and others, defended themselves vs. many 
land-holders and mill-owners on the Winnesquam 
and other bays, who brought suits for damages to 
lands and mill privileges. The company lost their 
case, and appealed, and afterwards compromised. 
The company, to secure greater capacity of reservoir 
in the lake and bays, instituted a critical survey of 
the lake and its surroundings by a skilled civil 
engineer, Daniel K. Smith, assisted by others, and 
caused an accurate computation to be made of the 
whole basin's increase in capacity, by a definite in- 
crease of height by flowage (above the natural level); 
also the amount capable of being drawn by reducing 
the natural level to a definite extent. The result of 
the litigation in cases on the Winnesquam, and the 
unexpected amount of damages that would result 
from raising the surface of the lake, led to the de- 
cision to attempt only a slight increase of flowage, 
and an extra draught by means of a canal, cut in the 
bed of the river at Aquadocton, which decision was 
carried into effect, and whatever damages were occa- 
sioned, either by draught or flowage, were paid, by 
agreement with the parties sustaining them. The 
surveying of Smith & Crocker, of Laconia, was 
notable and of fine specimen. The desire of the 
company to add height to the dam at the foot of 
AVinnescnuiui, and at Lake Village and Jleredith 



Bridge, and thereby to increase the reservoir capacity 
of the lakes and bays, was accomplished in a meas- 
ure, but by purchase, and not by court decisions. 

The litigation of citizens with one another, or the 
town with individuals, or either with corporations, 
has not been to a great extent, and the courts have 
been generally good arbiters of justice. Pauper 
cases and disputed possession, and building of roads 
and bridges, have constituted the greater part of legal 
actions and contentions. Cases of prosecutions for 
liquor-selling without license were at one time quite 
numerous. Criminal cases have been few, and the 
courts and the legal profession, in such cases, have 
honorably dealt with the arraigned, according to the 
law and the testimony. 

The Ecclesiastical History of Gilford is of im- 
portance and interesting. It will embrace the rela- 
tion and development of several denominations ; the 
annals of the several particular churches organized in 
the town ; and the biographical sketches of the 
ministers raised up and laboring here, with notices of 
the leading men in these churches and of special 
issues taken and decided. The aims and the pro- 
visions of the proprietors of Gilmanton and, more 
primarily, of the colonial authorities, were religious 
rather than ecclesias tical. They did not foresee 
or anticipate a heterogeneous moral community, and 
yet the primal stock and idea was narrow and ex- 
clusive, and, to their surprise, was found to be thus 
developing itself. Their religious sentiments mani- 
fested a dogmatic nature and tendency. At the first 
a man was placed in service by comparatively disin- 
terested authorities, the district proprietors, who 
labored more for the moral improvement of the 
people than for the special ecclesiastical outlook, or 
even the spiritual culture. 

He, the Rev. William Parsons, was a man of moral 
rectitude and devotion, and of great catholicity of 
sentiment and fellowship. He was sent by the pro- 
prietors to fulfill their stipulated engagement as a re- 
ligious instructor for the first ten years of the settle- 
ment. This he fulfilled with punctilious exactness 
and faithfulness. But the germs of two faiths and 
typical life were in this nascent body politic ; and 
when the throes were past it was found that twins 
were brought forth, and they, like the typical pair, 
had been taking each other by the heel in ante-natal 
strife. 

The people, when they came to exercise their 
choice in regard to a settled minister, found a portion 
of them united on Rev. Isaac Smith. Without dis- 
respect or averting any regard for Mr. Parsons, who 
was then nearly sixty years of age and in many ways 
still useful, the people attempted to provide for the 
future spiritual guide to the rapidly-expanding 
settlement. In 1773, when this point in religious 
affairs had been reached, the thoughts of many pros- 
pectors had been directed to the outlook of the place 
at the terminus of the Province road, which had now 



769 



been built three years, and the inevitable enlarge- 
ment in that quarter expected was taken into ac- 
count when they were devising ways and means for 
having a settled ministry. Yet, evidently, some fore- 
saw two i>arishes in their laying out and defining the 
First Parish, but doubtless did not forecast two faiths. 
In deciding the question of the location of the tirst 
church, as well as in the selection of the minister, 
there was developed a decided opposition ; and this 
opposition was found to be not altogether as to the 
question of convenience and accommodation, but 
involved matters of belief and special interest. 
Hence, in 1774, about the time Stephen Gale was ! 
locating and building his mills at Meredith Bridge, ! 
the people were building their churches in the Lower 
Parish. The Baptist element proved to be strong 
and persistent. They felt able to rival the Congrega- 
tionalists, and succeeded in raising their church 
building the same day, that the other party did theirs. 
Their church was existing, as the first in the State, 
on November 1(5, 1773. The Congregationalists' 
interests and affairs were managed townwise. Hence, 
no action churchwise antedates the Baptist records. ' 
Mr. Smith preached preliminary to a stated engage- ' 
went in the fall of 1773 and regularly after May 18, j 
1774, and was inducted into the pastorate November j 
50th of the same year, at which date the history of I 
the church, as an organization, may be considered to 
begin, prior doings being not organic action. i 

The Baptist Church, though already organized, 1 
with moderator, clerk and deacon, was without a 
regular minister installed. Ministers of that order 
from other places supplied them occasionally and [ 
administered baptism. Deacon Thomas Edgerly and 
Samuel Weeks, as clerk, officiated in public service 
in the interval and a few years later, in 1777, Samuel 
Weeks and Edward Locke were licensed to preach in 
the church, and go forth on all the field as preachers 
of the gospel and hold meetings anywhere. These [ 
going forth accordingly, and Mr. Smith as well, 
visited places beyond the First Parish lines, in what i 
was beginning to be called the Upper Parish, includ- 
ing what was afterwards called the Gunstock Parish, 
and also what was in later years denominated the 
Upper Parish of Gilmanton, the former being now 
Gilford and the latter Belmont. The sowing of this ' 
seed of dissent and independency yielded its first 
harvest in 1779 and 1780, when it was seen to be a 
game at which more than one could play. Edward 
Locke, the licensed preacher, had become tinctured 
with Arminian sentiments, and dissented from the 
articles of faith adopted by that church three years j 
previous. Samuel Weeks was then ordained, but 
soon took the same course and left the church and 
town, leaving thus the church unsupplied. 

Four years later Dudley Young was appointed to 
officiate in public services ; and soon after this Elder 
Powers was called, who was constituted pastor of the 
church bv ordination and installation, which took ■ 



place on the 14th of June, 1776. The town took ac- 
tion, in which the words " Upper Parish " are used, 
as early as 1777. In 1780 the two ministerial lots 
were designated as No. 13 in the seventh range and 
No. 10 in the thirteenth range. These were situated 
outside of the First Parish, the latter in Gunstock Par- 
ish, and which was afterwards known as the minis- 
terial lot appropriated to the benefit of that parish in 
particular; and the former in the Tioga Parish, or 
Upper Parish, Gilmanton, and hence, presumably, 
designated for the special benefitof that parish. Thus 
there was at this early date a recognition of the pros- 
pect of three parishes. There were issues made on 
the taxation of all citizens to support the Congrega- 
tional, or the town's, meeting-house service, and the 
decision was that they should be exempt who should 
file a certificate from the wardens of the Baptist 
Church that they had paid to the sup])ort of preach- 
ing at their church. But in regard to the inhabitants 
of the Upper Parish, it was voted by the town in 1787, 
that they be taxed to either the Congregational or 
the Baptist support, and that the money so levied 
be appropriated to supply preaching in that part of 
the town, and given to the two regular ministers, 
Powers and Smith, who should render service there, 
each according to the amount so raised and desig- 
nated. The place of holding their services was left 
to the judgment and choice of the adherents, or their 
preachers, respectively, as there were no churches yet 
built in the Upper Parish, or parishes more properly. 
The same action was taken in 1788 also, and thus it 
appears that Mr. Smith and Mr. Powers were the first 
authorized preachers in this part of the town, or in 
Gilford. The people now began to provide for the 
building of another church to accommodate that part 
of the town. The same rivalry and contention on the 
question of location, or of division, took place here as 
had been encountered in the Lower Parish, and the 
result was the same, viz.: two houses built the same 
year, 1792. One was located on the Province road, 
two or three miles south of Meredith Bridge, and the 
other on Gunstock Hill, now in Gilford ; and these 
were some four or five miles apart. These became 
centres of two distinct parishes, Gunstock and Upper 
Gilmanton. The Congregationalist interests more 
largely centred in this lower, or now middle house, 
and the Baptist influence predominated in the upper, 
or Gunstock house, and in that vicinity ; though that 
house, being built by the people in common partici- 
pation, was open to each society, or to preachers of 
any denomination who might be invited by any con- 
siderable party of citizens, and to these each for a 
time in proportion to the number of citizens inclin- 
ing and allying themselves to each such order or 
preacher. 

In 1792, before the completion of these houses, the 
town voted to tax the Congregationalist Society in the 
Upper Parish the same as in the Lower Parish, and 
that the society (implying that one had been already 



770 



IJI8T0RY OP BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



formed) in the Upjier Parish may lay out their money 
as they see fit. In 1794, after the houses were built, 
the town granted leave to Mr. Smith to preach in the 
Upper Parish, if an agreement could be made between 
him and the people there. They evidently were sup- 
porting a separate interest, and yet not united nor 
strong enough to support entirely a separate minister, 
and much less one for each of the two or more parties. 
It is understood that Mr. Smith's preaching in the 
Upper Parish was mainly at the Province road house, 
and that on that service the Congregationalists resi- 
dent in the Gunstock region generally attended. 

The Baptists, who had established themselves in 
Meredith in 1782, controlled affairs largely in the 
north part of the town, and had the principal occu- 
pancy of the Gunstock meeting-house for several 
years. The defection of Weeks and Locke had 
checked their fervor, and put the Baptist cause into a 
serious disadvantage. Nor were they alone in the de- 
parture. John Shepard, Esq., afterward most |)opular 
and prominent in public civil ati'airs, who had been a 
member of that church almost from its beginning, 
was in sympathy with Locke and in connection with 
him, and Elder Tozer Lord, of Barrington, laid the 
foundation of an extensive and organized secession 
from the Baptist order and denomination, and the 
founding of the order of Free-Will Baptists, which 
was an anti-Calvinistic movement and successful in 
many parts. He professed afterwards to have re- 
ceived these views by a special Divine Tinfolding or 
revelation before they were known to Locke and Lord, 
and that he communicated the same to them, and with 
them founded the order. 

These three men, voluntarily shutting themselves 
up in the untenanted house of Esquire Piper, on 
Clough's Hill, over the Gilmanton border, in Loudon, 
fasted and prayed for a week, as they said, and then 
wrote out their articles of faith, mutually ordained 
themselves, Locke and Lord as preaching elders and 
Shepard as ruling elder, and went forth as a new church. 
The genius of the new order was zealous propagan- 
dism, and the immediate action was to go, the 1st 
of April, 1780, to New Durham, and ordain one Ben- 
jamin Randall, who became the apostle and reputed 
originator of the new faith. This doctrinal faith 
thenceforward was advocated in various places ; and 
when the Baptists sought a man to occupy the Gun- 
stock field, and had united on Richard Martin, of Lee, 
who had been ordained in 1795 and came to labor 
here the following year, they found that he held like 
views. 

The project to form a Second Baptist Church at the 
Gunstock meeting-house, by a council called October 
12, 1797, was therefore abandoned, and the next 
year a Kree-Will Baptist Church was organized there, 
and Richard Martin became its pastor and continued 
such a little n)ore than a quarter of a century, and 
until his death, by apoplexy, October 17, 1824. 

The Baptist cause was thus checked, or super- 



seded, and but little effort was made to sustain 
meetings regularly in Gunstock Parish until 1811. 
At this time the Second Baptist Church was formed 
by a territorial division of the First Chui'ch, and 
Elder Uriah Morrison was placed in care of it, and 
it was convened part of the time at the church and 
the greatest part of the time at other places, till 1817, 
when Mr. Morrison died. He was succeeded by 
Elder Strong, who preached at the school-house and 
at various other places. 

Soon after this the Baptists built a house of wor- 
ship at Lake village and concentrated their interests, 
and held their meetings there. A large and flourish- 
ing church has been gathered there under the labors of 
Elders A. M. Swain, L. Chase, H. D. Hodge, Mr. 
Huntley, J. M. Coburn, A. Brown, W. A. Horn, 
King Solomon Hall (who has been twice in the 
pastorate and once State commissioner of education) 
and several others, as J. B. Damon, J. M. Chick and 
A. R. Wilson. Kelley Rowe improved his gift as lay 
preacher with this church and elsewhere. Deacon 
Eliphlet Blaisdell has been a life-long, active and de- 
voted member. 

The church building has been rebuilt and enlarged 
and rededicated in 1871, and is an elegant and 
spacious edifice. 

For a few years after the death of Richard Martin 
his church continued to occupy the Gunstock meet- 
ing-house the major part of the time and was minis- 
tered to by various ministers from abroad, one of 
whom was John Rollins. The other denominations 
claimed its use their share of the time, and there 
was no little contention for its occupancy and com- 
plaint for too fre(iuent occupancy by others. The 
Baptists, too, complained of exclusion. The Univer- 
salists demanded it a part of the time ; William 
Blaisdell occupied it part of the time in the interest 
of the Christians, or Christian Baptists, whose tenets 
and faith he indorsed and advocated at that time. 
The Congregationalists claimed its use a fourth part 
of the time. Under the force of these existing 
circumstances and conditions, and these discordant 
and jealous sentiments, the several parties success- 
ively relinquished their claims, and, for peace and 
prosperity's sake, located themselves in different 
quarters; and so the old church was abandoned. 
And for several years it served only for a jilace to 
hold the town-meetings, till the building of the new 
town hall, about 1840. 

It was finally sold to Captain Benjamin Weeks; and 
others, and taken down. It was a stately edifice, two 
stories in height, steepleless, with two iiorches for 
entries to the end-doors and for stairways to the gal- 
leries ; a broad door in front, leading to the broail 
aisle ; galleries on three sides, the east, west and 
south; asounding-bo.ird suspended over the high and 
narrow pulpit, and the singers' seats opposite, in the 
left ; s(]uare (and a lew oblong) pews, above and be- 
low, built in panel-work, with rail and banisters: and 



GILFORD. 



771 



double rows of small and thick!y-sot windows, thus 
making a grand appearance, and commanding admi- 
ration in the beholder, and wonder and pride to the 
! townsman. Its timbers were massive and Iranie 
Btrong, and should have endured ages, and yet it 
stood scarcely fifty years. It sat on the very summit 
of a hill, about six hundred feet above the lake-level, 
ij and commanding one of the finest prospects and 
j scenery of New England, and itself a conspicuous 
landmark and object of veneration and beauty in all 
' this region; but its glory was despoiled by discord 
: and strife, alienation and division ; its beauty had 
■ departed. Soon after the close of Elder Martin's 
: pastorate, or bishopric (for he was not confined to 
labor in this church, but superintended, or oversaw, 
1 churches or enterprises in Gilmanton Upper and 
Lower Parishes, and Sanbornton and elsewhere), the 
; church was reconstructed, and they built a house at 
the village. This had a large congregation in attend- 
ance, coming from all parts of the town. The 
church has been ministered to by Elders John L. Sin- 
clair, Abel Glidden, John D. Knowles, John Knowles, 
Elbridge Knowles, .Tohn Pinkham, Ezekiel True, 
Maxy Burlingame, L). C. Frost, Seth Perkins, G. 
Sanborn, G. A. P.ark, I. C. Kimball, .7. W. Rich, F. 
E. Wiley, Mr. Emery, Mr. Hyatt and some others. 
It was reorganized about 1855. 

The Second Free- Will Baptist Church was organ- 
ized November 6, 1816, in the southern part of the 
town and northern part of Gilmanton. It was not to 
be considered as distinctively a church of the Upper 
Parish of Gilmanton, though it used the Province 
road meeting-house most of the time. The church 
at Fellows' Mills, under Peter Clark, was the regular 
church of this order in Upper Gilmanton, and this 
church, whose members mostly lived in Gilford, was 
considered, as appropriately classed, a church of 
Gilford, and it was under the care of Elder John 
Knowles, Sr., while sometimes supplied and superin- 
tended by Elder Martin. It had about fifty members, 
and continued till the death of Elder Knowles, in 
1837. After that time the major part of the members 
joined the First Church, at Gilford village, and a new 
church was organized at the Province road house, 
and became distinctively a church of Upper Gilman- 
ton, and is not, in a proper sense, the successor of the 
Second Church, though some of its members are res- 
idents of Gilford, and a large part of the Second 
Church was incorporated into it. Elbridge Knowles, 
Bon of John, Sr., was its piistor, and it has had a con- 
tinued line of succes.sion since then. 

A Third Free-Will Baptist Church was gathered at 
Lake village in 1838. Meetings were at first held 
some four years, in a room in the upper story of the 
woolen-mill, by I. L. Sinclair and others. Subse- 
quently a chapel was built on the main street, north 
of the Baptist Church, in 1842, and Elder Waldron 
(T. N. H.), Nahum Brooks, John Pettingalc, William 
Johnson and Uriah Ch.ase supplied the congregation. 



At length a commodious house was built on the 
Commons Hill, in 1852, and has been occupied siKce. 
I. L. Sinclair and Elders H. S. Kimbal, Smith Fair- 
field, Kinsman R. Davis, Ezekiel True, I. N. Knowles, 
S. D. Church, Hosea Quimby, C. B. Peckham and 
others have supplied it ; also, M. C. Henderson, I. 
W. Scribner, C. E. Gate, E. W. Ricker, E. W. 
Porter and a few others more temporarily. 

A Fourth Free-Will Baptist Church was gathered 
at Meredith Bridge, which worshijjed awhile in the 
court-house, and afterwards built a commodious 
house, which has been rebuilt, then burnt and rebuilt 
again. The church has prospered, and the congrega- 
tion has been one of the largest of the place. It has 
had for its supply Revs. Nahum Brooks, I. D.Stewart, 
Ebenezer Fisk, A. D. Smith, Elders F. Lyford, F. 
Locke, Lewis Malvern, Granville Waterman, F. 
George and others. Its sanctuary is elegant and 
spacious. 

The Universalists built a church at Gilford village 
at the time of abandoning the old Gunstock house, 
and held services in it a few years, with intervals of 
discontinuance. Josiah Gilman and Robert Bartlett 
supplied the society some years, and lived on Liberty 
Hill, the latter on the Osgood estate and the former 
at his father's, Antipas Gilman, and, later, at the vil- 
lage. William I'luisdi 11 |iii;u-hed for the Christians. 
Other preachers u. iii|.i. i| the [lulpit at times, and, in 
later years, the >(ininl Miiliddist Church have used 
the building and held service regularly. 

The Universalist society that was gathered at Mer- 
edith Bridge built a house and held services there 
many years, but subsequently sold the house to the 
Methodist society, who now occupy it. The Univer- 
salist society was supplied by Elders Atchinson, 
Prince and others. The society was not large, but 
was prosperous for a number of years, and then was 
given up, and has now no open existence. 

The people of Unitarian sentiments, not being 
numerous and wealthy enough to maintain a separate 
church and services, and being well pleased with the 
Rev. Dr. Young and bis preaching, united in the 
congregation worshiping in the North Church, and 
only in later years have had a church and supply. 
Their church was located on the Laconia side, but 
some of the principal adherents lived in Gilford. 

The Congregationalists, who at first held services 
in the Gunstock and Province road meeting-houses, 
having but limited privileges in those houses, by rea- 
son of the claimed rights of other .sects, began to cen- 
tre their interests at Meredith Bridge, and built a 
church in the south part of the village, which was 
about midway between the Gunstock and Province 
road meeting-houses. Here a church was organized 
in 1824, the year in which Elder Martin died, and 
the current began to run in favor of relinquishing 
claims to, and occupancy of, the old church. They 
enjoyed the services of Mr. Jotham Sewell Norwood 
for five years, and in 1832 settled Rev. J. K. Young. 



772 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Soon after the beginning of his pastorate the church, 
together with the dwelling-house of Esquire L. B. 
Walker, was burnt. It stood south of the Lawrence 
tavern (since the Tilton and the Willard). The so- 
ciety decided to rebuild on the Meredith side, and 
thenceforward the church is no longer called a church 
of Gilford, though a large part of its communicants 
and attendants have belonged to this town ; and 
they are the only representatives of the orthodox 
faith in the town, and are citizens of good standing 
and of financial ability. Some of that religious be- 
lief mingled in the Free-Will Baptist congregations 
at Gilford village and Lake village, as a matter of 
convenience, there being no Congregational Church 
near in either direction. This church has had pro.s- 
perity, and enjoyed distinction among other churches, 
under the long pastorate and able services of Dr. 
Young and his successors, the Eev.s. Stone, Bacon, 
Fullerton and Thurston ; and it supplies an impor- 
tant place in the religious interests and moral power 
of Gilford society. 

The two Methodist Churches, already alluded to, 
one located at Gilford village, and the other at La- 
conia village, are of recent origin, and yet hold some 
prominence in the religious elements and forces of 
society. They are neither of them strong, but jealous 
of their interests and zealous in their work. Their 
growth has not been rapid, nor yet quite limited. 
The succession of appointments, by Conference, has 

been, to the Gilford Church, — Rev. A. R. Lunt, 

Knott, James Morrison, Hardy, Berry and 

Tisdale; and in the Laconia Church, the ap- 

iwintmenta have been well-chosen and good. 

The Catholic portion of the community have had 
church privileges at Laconia, where a church was 
built about 1850. It was afterwards burned by light- 
ning, and rebuilt. It is a large and well-built edi- 
fice, and has a numerous constituency and attendants 
from both Gilford and Laconia. 

The Adventists have had a chapel at Lake village, 
and for several years maintained regular services 
there. Likewise, the same people held services at 
Oovernor's Island, or vicinity. Nathaniel Davis 
preached that doctrine, and arranged for its procla- 
mation by Miller himself and other leading advo- 
cates, at the island and vicinity, in camp-meetings 
and other assemblies. The faith was held by many 
in the east part of the town, and preached by Stephen 
Mooney, Abel Glidden (2d) and others. Their chapel 
is in Alton. Rev. J. Knowles, Jr., also embraced 
and advocated the doctrine. 

Nathaniel Davis, in earlier times, embraced and 
propagated a peculiar faith of one Osgood, who re- 
jected and discountenanced all forms of church gov- 
ernment, or covenant, and holding a free religion. 

There have been a few inhabitants holding the 
tenets of the Friends, Elder Robert Carr being per- 
haps the best known among them. There was no 
regular meeting of their adlierants maintained in 



town, and the nearest Quaker meeting-houses were 
that near Gilmanton Academy and that near Wolf- 
borough Bridge. These were not so distant as to be 
inaccessible at the times of their Yearly and Quarterly 
meetings. Their numbers have decreased and their 
Meetings are not regularly held at Gilmanton. 

A few from Gilford have adopted the Shaker faith 
and joined the Canterbury Family, or colony of them, 
particularly a Knowles family, in the south part of 
the town, and related to the family of Elder John 
Knowles. The community at Canterbury was in 
good favor in these parts prior to the years 1840 or 
1845, and were adjudged to be sincere and upright, 
honorably industrious and enviably ingenious, pros- 
perous and pure. Attendance on their public Sab- 
bath service, for recreation and curiosity, was one 
while quite common by young people of this and 
other towns. Their public services were discon- 
tinued and the attendance ceased. 

To complete the list of special religionists, which, 
as will be seen by a careful observer, has already 
reached no inconsiderable breadth, there must be 
added the Deist and Atheist, which were not unrep- 
resented among our sober and thoughtful popula- 
tion. Dr. Josiah Sawyer secured, from some source, 
ordination for the propagation of sentiments which 
he professed to hold, and which he represented and 
endeavored to inculcate or proclaim. These seemed 
to be deistical or, later, atheistical, seemingly in- 
cluded a certain type of annihilationism, or, at least, 
the non-immortality, and perhaps, more correctly, the 
non-existence of the soul and a future state. He was not 
without some following, and that on the part of per- 
sons in good intellectual and social standing, 
who, when elected to positions of public trust and 
responsibility, and consequently were required to take 
oath, declined to do so in the usual form on grounds 
of disbelief in either the Divine interposition or of 
the actual Divine existence. 

These remarks perhaps sufficiently cover the vari- 
ous phases of religious life and sentiment, unless we 
include witchcraft and necromany. It was once widely 
believed that a Mrs. Roggers and a Mrs. Clark were 
representatives of the world of mystery, or witch- 
dom. Jugglery, not of the modern spiritualistic type, 
was indeed exercised by some, though not claiming 
for it any religious nature or relation. Many mar- 
velous facts and peculiar features of ecclesiastical 
history might be added, which have diversified the 
fields of church as well as state, without exhausting 
the reservoirs of memory or the store-house of the 
common annals and tradition, but these may sutfice. 
A word, however, may be due in regard to Sabbath- 
schools. In the time of Mr. Nathaniel Goodhue's re- 
sidence a school was opened at the Mill-House and 
then at the Potter's shop about the year 1820. The 
Baptists, and notably Miss Sally Sleeper, afterward 
missionary to Siam. were enthusiastic in the new type 
of Christian work. During the ioUowing half-cen- 




^. 



£,-z-x-^ //^J-^^-z^^ L-f 



GILFORD. 



773 



li tury this nu-ans of religious instrucliuii ;uid moral 

culture has been made a prominent feature of church 

lalior in all of the evangelical churches of the town. 

Military History.— The matter and the facta em- 

[ braced in the military history of the town are worthy 

1 of mention, and no less important and interesting 
than those of other departments. The Revolutionary 
War began, but was not ended, before there were 
any settlers occupying seats on the soil of the present 

i town of Gilford, and hence we may not expect to 
find men from this place in the Revolutionary army. 

[i Yet there were men there who afterwards were some 

i of our own citizens, as, for example, Thomas Fro- 
hock, one of the men in the battle of Bunker Hill 
(one of the three-months' men, serving from April 2;kl 
to August 1, 1775). He knew no fatigue, and would 

1 accept no relief while the redoubt on Breed's Hill 
was being constructed in the night of preparation 
before that eventful day, June 17, 1775. He was one 
of one hundred and fifty-one men in Gilmanton be- 
tween the ages of sixteen and fifty, according to the 
military census taken in that year, twelve of whom 
went to the ft-ont at the first call of the American 
cause. He also re-enlisted in 1776 and served three 
months and eight days under Washington at New 
York, and was one of the thirty-six men enlisted in 
that year ; and the family name was originally Spar- 
Hawk, or Sparrow-Hawk, but to escape British ap- 
prehension and execution for deserting the British 
cause before this, the changed name Frohock was 
taken and has been ever since retained. Before the 
close of the war Gilmanton had furnished one hun- 
dred and twenty-five enlisted men, among whom are 
other names of Gilford inhabitants, as Major Jabez 
James, John Cotton, Benjamin Libbie, Lieutenant 
Samuel Ladd, David Clough, Abel Hunt, Enoch 
Hunt, Mr. Page, Ichabod Buzzell, Jacob Jewett, 
Jeremiah Bartlett and others. A part of the militia 
was called into service in 1781 and ten men went. 
The afterwards-organized militia called for two com- 
panies of infantry from Gilford proper; also a rifle 
company and light infantry company and some artil- 
lerymen and cavalrymen. 

As the territory was first settled in the time of the 
Revolutionary War, so it was set off and incorporated 
into a township in the time of the War of 1812. Born 
and reborn amid the throes of civil strife, she would 
be expected to inherit a somewhat belligerent nature 
and develop into a championship. Into this war she, 
as the youngest municipality, sent her honorable 
quota. Nor were her sons wanting in courage when 
the conflict grew severe. There were three drafts 
made for the army and many watchers went to the 
Canada line to staijd as sentinels and watchers on our 
borders. The men were Joseph York, Stephen Langley 
(who had settled near the Benjamin Libbey place, by 
Long Bay), Frank Bowman, who lived near the Weirs 
and who died in the army. He was an Indian doctor 
and said to be a Prussian. He was one while located at 



the Stone-Dam Island, then previously at or near tlie 
Weirs; Daniel Foster, Joseph Libbey going to the 
line; Ira Seabury to go to Portsmouth; and from Cap- 
tain Bradford's company,— Lieutenant Henry Mal- 
lard, who was a carpenter; and Mark Chase, who 
went as a substitute. Captain Mason led his company 
to the line. Lieutenant Samuel Leavitt was officer in 
Mason's company. The men of 1812 were mainly 
sent to Portsmouth. The spirit of resistance ran high, 
and yet there were opposers. 

The matter of pension was not hotly handled in those 
days. Lieutenant Philbrick Rand was prominent in 
military affairs. So was also Lieutenant John Gilman. 
The distress was considerable, but not extreme, on 
account of the war. 

The organization of the militia and its annual 
muster were continued till about 1855, when the old 
organization was abolished and muster was no longer 
required, and so this gala season was lost sight of, to 
a great relief. 

Under the old regime, the Tenth Regiment wa.s 
raised in the original towns of Gilmanton and Barn- 
stead, or, later, of Gilford, Gilmanton and Barnstead. 
The muster-field, in earlier years, was at Lower Gil- 
manton ; but in later years it was by circuit, lield, in 
turn, at Gilford and Barnstead also. 

The law required a company parade and drill in 
the month of May annually, and for preparation for 
the regimental parade a company drill was practiced, 
at the option of the officers and company, in Septem- 
ber, a short time previous to the annual muster, and 
besides these three regular parades there were also 
occasionally other special drills. The oflicers in the 
regiment, the commissioned ones, also had a regi- 
mental drill before the muster, at which arrangements 
for muster-day were made between the regimental 
and the subordinate company oflicers and orders 
given accordingly. 

The men of Gilford who held regimental and higher 
official rank were Peasley Hoit, Ebenezer Stevens, 
Benjamin F. Weeks and George W. Weeks, success- 
ively, colonels ; and John M. Potter, J. Q. Merrill 
and Daniel K. Smith, majors ; Nathan Weeks, regi- 
mental stafl-officer ; J. J. Morrill, general ; Major 
Robie, drum-major; J. M. Potter, adjutant. 

The independent companies. Riflemen and Light 
Infantry, received their arms and equipments from 
the State, and they were usually uniformed. The 
Rifle Company was of later organization and enlisted 
from the north part of the town. The Light Infantry 
company was enlisted mainly from Meredith Bridge. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



Hon. Benja 



UOX. B. J. COLE. 

.Tames Cole, son of Isaac and Han- 



774 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



nah (Atwood) Cole, was born in Franconia, N. H., 
September 28, 1814. 

James Cole, the first of the name in America, came 
to the Plymouth Colony in 1633, and was granted 
lands on Leyden Street, Plymouth, in 1G37. His de- 
scendants scattered to various parts of New England, 
and we find the name a prominent one in Rowley, 
Mass. The family is an old and honored one, and, in 
the early part of the eighteenth century, the great- 
grandfather of Benjamin James Cole was a man of 
solid worth and property in Rowley. Among his 
numerous children was Solomon, born in 1742. The 
family was strongly patriotic, and Solomon and his 
brothers performed twenty-seven years' service in the 
colonial army of the Revolution. Solomon was en- 
gaged throughout the war, participated in the battle 
of Bunker Hill and in numerous other engagements, 
and was wounded at Chippewa Plains. The house in 
which he was born is still standing in Rowley, and 
occupied by one of the name, Caleb Cole. 

Solomon married a Barker, and had eight sons, — 
Timothy, John, Isaac, Benjamin, Solomon, Kimball, 
Samuel and Asa, — and was one of the stalwart 
men to whose patriotic principles, firmness of pur- 
pose and religious character so much of our modern 
prosperity is due. He was of medium size, pleasant and 
social manners and a tailor by trade. He lived in Row- 
ley and Methuen until 1796. From that time until his 
death, in 1835, at the age of ninety-three, he resided 
with his sons, Isaac and Rev. Samuel, in Landaff 
and Lisbon, N. H. (Samuel was a minister of the 
gospel for forty years, and his son. Rev. Moores Cole, 
has been in the Christian ministry forty-eight years.) 

Isaac Cole was born in Rowley, Mass. ; became 
first a cooper, then a carpenter ; married Hannah At- 
wood when he was about twenty-three, and settled in 
Chester, N. H. (Mrs. Cole was a woman of deep re- 
ligious principle, who carried her belief into daily 
life. She was a native of Atkinson, N. H., and a 
cousin of Harriet Atwood, who married Rev. Mr. 
Newell, and was one of the first female missionaries 
who went to India from the United States.) Mr. 
Cole lived in Chester for a few years, when, purchas- 
ing new lands in LanJaf}', he removed thither and 
gave his name to " Cole's Hill." His nature did not 
incline to agriculture, and, about 1813, he went to 
Franconia to assume the superintendence of the 
wood-working department of the New Hampshire 
Iron Manufiicturing Company, located there, and 
continued in this position eight years. In 1821 he 
changed his residence to Salisbury (now Franklin 
village), where he constructed one of the first foun- 
dries built in New Hampshire. This he conducted 
six years, when, in 1827, the very great advantage af- 
forded at " Batchelder's Mills" (now Lake village), in 
Gilford, induced his removal to that place. Here he 
established the small foundry which was the germ of 
the large works of the present Cole Manufacturing 
Company, and was car-ried on by him nine years. He 



was an active man, of mechanical aptitude, of great 
industry and a worthy member of the Free Baptist 
Church for many years. He died aged eighty-five. 

Benjamin James Cole was seven years old when 
his father removed to Salisbury, and had the advan- 
tages of education afforded by the public schools of 
that town and Noyes Academy until he was thirteen, 
afterwards attending Sanbornton Academy. When 
about nineteen he was, for nearly a year and a half, 
unable to attend either to study or business, by rea- 
son of ill health. In December, 1836, in connection 
with his older brothers, Isaac and John A., he pur- 
chased the foundry of his father at Lake village, and 
succeeded to his business, taking the firm-title of 
" Cole & Co." This firm continued operations, and, 
in 1846, it became " Cole, Davis & Co." This co- 
partnership had an existence of ten years, when, in 
1857, Mr. Cole became sole proprietor, and conducted 
it until 1873 under the name of " B. J. Cole & Co." The 
various demands for his manufacture had steadily de- 
veloped, from the small iron foundry established by 
his father, a diversified and rapidly-increasing 
business, necessitating the erection of new and addi- 
tional buildings, the introduction of machinery and a 
large increase of the capital invested. In 1873 the 
plant was taken by a stock company, incorporated as 
the " Cole Manufacturing Company," with a capital 
of sixty thousand dollars, of which all the stock was 
owned by Mr. Cole and family, except about eight 
per cent. This company has carried on extensive 
operations. Their annual product has ranged as 
high as one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, 
with one hundred and sixty employes, and during the 
present depressed times the product is about sixty 
thousand dollars, with sixty operatives. They con- 
struct machinery for the manufacture of various kinds 
of products, such as hosiery, woolen goods, lumber, 
paper-pulp and paper. During and after the Civil 
War they have made one hundred thousand dollars' 
worth of looms in one year. They also make a spe- 
cialty of manufacturing water-wheels. In their forge 
and foundry they manufacture car-axles, agricultural 
implements and stoves. The company has just com- 
pleted eight sets of machinery for manufacturing 
" excelsior," which will be placed in the first mill 
erected for that purpose iu California. The man- 
agement of this corporation has been under the per- 
sonal supervision of Mr. Cole. He was the treasurer 
and superintendent of the company until 1883, when 
Colonel Henry B. Quimby was elected to the super- 
intendency on Mr. Cole's resignation. This estab- 
lishment has done all the castings for the B., C. and 
M. Railroad since the road was built, the business of 
this one production amounting from ten thousand 
dollars to thirty thousand dollars per annum. The 
power for this large manufiictory is given mostly by 
water, of which they have two hundred horse- power. 
They have been necessitated to use steam but a few 
months in thirty years' time. 




^^^^.x^-^ 



GILFORD. 



776 



In 1848, Mr. Cole was an incorporator of the Win- 
nipesaukee Steamboat Company, and waa elected its 
first president, which office he still retains, and, in 
isf.i, with the late Captain William Walker, built 
III. -it<:inier " Lady of the Lake" for this company. 
ill' li:is built several mills and bridges on contract; 
was one of the incorporators of Lake Village Savings- 
Bank, and for ten years its president ; also, one of the 
incorporators of the Laconia National Bank, of which 
he was a director ten years ; and an incorporator and 
the present president of the Wardwell Needle Com- 
pany, of Lake village. In connection with his manu- 
facturing Mr. Cole carried on merchandising for over 
1 thirty years, and for half a century he has been inti- 
i niately connected with the growth and prosperity of 
' Lake village, and one of the vital factors of its flour- 
I ishing condition. 

I He married, June 17, 1838, Mehitable A., daughter 

I of Nathan and Peace (Cliflbrd) Batchelder, of Lake 

I village. She is a descendant, on the one side, from 

I the celebrated colonial minister, Rev. Stephen Bach- 

ilor;on the other, from the honorable old English 

family of Clifford. Their children are Ellen A. and 

Octavia M., who married Colonel Henry B. Quimby, 

and has two children, Harry Cole and Candace E. 

Mr. Cole was a Democrat until the breaking out of 
the Eebellion, in 1861 ; since then he has been a Re- 
publican. He represented Gilford in the State Legisla- 
ture of 1849 and 1850. In 18(52, 1863 and 1864 he was a 
candidate of the Republican party for State Senator 
in the Sixth Senatorial District ; but as he represented 
a minority party, he was not elected. He was nom- 
inated and elected a member of the Governor's Coun- 
cil for the Second Councilor District, and served as 
such in the years 1866 and 1867. He was a delegate 
to the Constitutional Convention in 1868. He was a 
delegate to the National Republican Convention 
which renominated Lincoln at Baltimore, in 1864. 
He is a member of the Free- Will Baptist Church and 
a trustee of New Hampton Institution. 

Mr. Cole is a man of influence in hia town and 
church, and throughout a large business acquain- 
tance. He has a kind, social and affectionate na- 
ture, and cherishes home and friends. He has a winning 
personal magnetism, which makes for him many 
friends. To these he is loyal, and he enjoys, to an 
unusual degree, the marked confidence of the better 
portion of society and leading business men. He is 
generous in the highest degree in contributing to 
religious and charitable objects, and no case of deserv- 
ing need or suffering ever appealed unsuccessfully to 
him. He is not only a prominent and leading busi- 
ness man, an active temperance worker, but, higher 
yet, a consistent Christian, whose active zeal has 
done much for the church and society of his locality. 

CAPTAIN WINBORN A. SANUORN. 

In the " History of Belknap County " it is fitting 
that there should be a record of Captain Sanborn, 



who was so widely and pleasantly known, and so 
intimately identified with steamboat navigation on 
Lake Winnipesaukee, and to whose energy and en- 
terprise the development of that beautiful summer 
resort. Weirs, is largely due. 

WiNDORN Adams Sanborn, whose life commenced 
December 13, 1810, in Gilford, N. H., was the eldest 
of the four sons of Samuel Oilman and Sally (Mason) 
Sanborn. The Sanborn family is of English origin, 
the name being derived from the ])arish bearing the 
name Sanborn. The emigrant, John (son of John, 
who married, in England, the daughter of Rev. 
Stephen Bachilor), came to America in 1632, and 
to Hampton, N. H., in 1640. He was a man of 
note, with the title of lieutenant. One of his de- 
scendants in the seventh generation wiis Samuel Gil- 
man Sanborn, a man of marked ability, who was 
born March 20, 1787, on the Sanborn homestead, in 
Gilford, which was the first land cleared in the 
Weirs district, and the home of his ancestors from 
the first settlement. When a mere lad, his ardent 
desire was for an education, and, in response to his 
earnest request, he was permitted to attend the acad- 
emy at Sanbornton Square for a few terms. The 
sacrifices his parents made in order to pay his ex- 
penses were amply rewarded by his progress. He 
was, for many years, a successful teacher. He was a 
man of intelligence in public affairs, served his town 
many years as selectman and representative, held a 
commission as justice of the peace for a long period, 
and was universally known as '"Squire" Sanborn. 
After a useful, honored and respected life, he died at 
the age of eighty-two, upon the farm where he and 
his wife had lived for nearly sixty years. Sally 
(Mason) Sanborn, his wife, was the daughter of Cap- 
tain Lemuel B. and Molly (Chamberlain) Mason, of 
Durham, N. H. Captain Mason was among the early 
settlers of Gilford. He was a Revolutionary soldier, 
having joined the Continental army at Portsmouth 
when only sixteen years of age, and remained in con- 
stant service till the close of the war. He also en- 
listed and took part in the War of 1812. AVhen the 
division of Gilmanton took place, according to the 
family tradition, corroborated by the testimony of 
the old inhabitants, he was invited to name the new 
town, which he called Guilford, from the battle of 
Guilford Court-House, S. C, in which he was an 
active participant. 

Winborn Adams Sanborn (8) received his name in 
remembrance of the gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Win- 
born Adams, who bravely fought and lost his life 
during the Revolution, at Stillwater. His early life 
was passed upon the farm aiding his father in his 
labors. His opportunities for learning were extremely 
limited, and his only chance for an education, beyond 
a few weeks at the district school each year, was one 
term at "Master" Leavitt's select school at Mere- 
dith, and two terms at Gilford Academy. Books and 
newspapers were scarce; but the few that fell into 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



his hands were eagerly perused, and their contents 
carefully stored in his memory. By improving his 
leisure moments he became a man of rare intelli- 
gence. To the last of his days he never allowed a 
newspaper to be carelessly destroyed. When only 
seventeen, he began teaching, and for several win- 
ters taught in Gilford and adjoining towns. His life 
was uneventful, and his active and energetic nature 
was not content with quietude, and, at the age of 
twenty, he left home to carve out his future alone 
and unaided. With his love of adventure, he went 
to Massachusetts and engaged as a common sailor for 
a twelve months' voyage on an East India trading- 
vessel, bound from Salem to Bombay, India. To a 
country boy, who had never been beyond the capital 
of his own State, a sea-faring life was particularly 
attractive ; but, to gratify his parents, he relinquished 
his plan of following the sea as a vocation, after this 
voyage. His neatly-written log-book is still pre- 
served. In 1833 he became the first commander of 
the " Belknap," the first steamboat on Lake Winnipe- 
saukee. At the end of two seasons he gave up his 
position, and, with his love of adventure still una- 
bated, started west. He first stopped at Wheeling, 
Va., where he at once .secured a situation as assistant 
teacher in Wheeling Academy; then, allured by the 
letters of a friend, he journeyed to St. Louis. He 
readily found employment, but was soon compelled 
to return home on account of ill health. The entire 
journey — going and returning — from New Hamp- 
shire to St. Louis was by stage over the Allegheny 
Mountains. (Postage between the two places was 
twenty-five cents a letter.) 

On arriving in New Hampshire, he resumed the 
command of the "Belknap." After a few seasons, he 
left this position to establish himself as a " country 
trader" at Alton Bay. In this undertaking, he was 
financially unsuccessful; but, with unfaltering cour- 
age, he tried again, — this time as book-keeper for 
"Isaac & Seth Adams," iron founders, of South Bos- 
ton, Mass. Here, by a faithful discharge of his 
duties, he won the confidence of his employers, and 
the strong friendship thus formed continued to the 
end of their lives. All his leisure moments were 
now given to the study of machinery, and, in a short 
time, he became an engineer of one of the harbor 
steamers. He soon procured a better situation as 
engineer of the steamer "Decatur," running between 
Boston and Newburyport, and retained this position 
till he was oftered and accepted a more lucrative one 
as engineer of the steamer "Ohio," on the same 
route. While here, a long and distressing illness 
began, and he once more returned to his home in 
Gilford, where, for two years, he was unable to attend 
to any business. 

In the winter and spring of 1851 he superintended 
the construction of the "Dover" at Alton Bay, and, 
on its completion, became its captain, and continued 
in that office for sevcr.il summers, his winters being 



mainly passed upon his farm, in Gilford. In the full 
of 1852 his friends and old employers, Isaac & Seth 
Adams, needed a man of trust, and secured him to 
superintend the erection of machinery in Cienfuegos, 
Cuba, where he passed several months. In 1863, he 
became a large stockholder in, and the captain of, 
the "Lady of the Lake." In the fall of 1869, Cap- 
tain Sanborn, with his brother, went on a pleasure 
trip to Florida, and, while there, found a good open- 
ing for the lumber business; and the next spring, 
1870, he formed a partnership with Charles L. Hoyt, 
a fellow-townsman, purchased a saw-mill and com- 
menced the manufacture of lumber in Fernandina. 
When he relinquished navigation, in 1869, he fully 
expected to exclusively devote himself to his Florida 
interests; but his natural liking for a seaman's life 
and the power of habit were too strong for this, and, 
in 1878, he again became captain of the "Lady," 
which position he occupied until the time of his 
death. As captain, he came in contact with people 
from all parts of the United States, and his courtesy, 
combined with his extended knowledge gained by 
travel, reading and discriminating powers of observa- 
tion, .speedily won their friendship. During this 
time, however, he continued the southern business, 
which had now become extensive, embracing the 
manufacture and wholesaling of lumber, merchan- 
dising, etc. In 1880, in addition to his many other 
cares, he conceived the idea of building a hotel at 
Weirs. With him to think was to act, and in six 
weeks from the time the sills were laid, " Hotel 
Weirs" was ready for occupancy. Of all his enter- 
prises, this interested and pleased him the most. 

In 1835, Captain Sanborn married Laviuia Feaslee 
Hoyt, a very fine-looking and intelligent woman, 
only daughter of James Hoyt, Jr., and his wife, Ruth 
(Ayer) Gordon. Mrs. Sanborn was born in Gilford, 
and died on the home farm, April 20, 1877. Of their 
two children, the son died in infancy; the daughter, 
Ellen E., married Captain John S. Wadleigh, the 
present commander of the " Lady." 

While in the full possession of all his faculties, 
after a brief illness. Captain Sanborn met death as 
bravely as he had life, at Fernandina, Fla., February 
21, 1882. His remains were brought to Gilford, and 
deposited, with Masonic rites, in the family burial- 
place, March 3, 1882. 

In politics, Captain Sanborn was one of the " Old 
Guard " Abolitionists. He represented his native 
town two years in the Legislature. He was, for 
many years, an active member of Mount Horeb 
Commandery of Knights Templar, F. and A. M. He 
was decided in his views, yet charitable to all ; in 
religion a "Liberal;" sincere in his friendships; gen- 
erous to the needy, yet unostentatious in his manner 
of giving. He was courageous, self-reliant, strong in 
his convictions, and his keen observation and well- 
balanced mind enabled him to decide promptly and 
justly in matters of importance. He possessed the 




'^"-^^^ ^^, ^ J^ ^,,1^ 



GILFORD. 



777 



soundest common sense and that practical view of ' 
matters that made him competent to guide liis own ' 
aflairs with discretion and give lielpful advice and ' 
counsel to others. The humane side of his being was j 
quickly and energetically responsive. All the ties of , 
nature and of friendship rooted deeply in his soul, 
and whoever won his confidence found in him a rare I 
and valued friend. 



KEY. K. S. H.4.LL.' 

Rightly to estimate achievement in any depart- 
ment, account must be taken alike of the impelling 
and repelling forces, the aids and hindrances, the en- 
couragements and rebuffs, which have combined to 
make it what it is. Heredity, social position, wealthy 
poverty, dictate most careers. Social aptitude, wise 
training and family influence send countless numbers 
of men triumphantly to their goal ; while the want 
of these often makes every step wearisome and suc- 
cess well-nigh impossible. The thoughts of one 
man move to the music of rhyme and rhythm, 
and he cannot but choose to be a poet. Those 
of another clothe themselves in the sonorous 
language, the felicitous expressions of an orator; 
the imagination of a third is an exhaustless foun- 
tain, overflowing in pen-pictures which delight 
the world. We admire the result ; yet we remember 
that the genius of each was given, not won. An 
illustrious name, an attractive physique, a graceful 
address, smooth the way for merit, commend it to 
notice, make it conspicuous to the common eye, and 
this we perceive. It is the battle which is fought 
without adventitious aid, but against the odds of 
hostile circumstances, which excites our deepest 
sympathy and our most hearty praise. These ideas 
apply with striking force to Rev. King Solomon Hall, 
of Lake village, X. H. He was born in Groton, 
N. H., October 22, 1819, the offspring of Josiah and 
Sarah White Hall. His father died when he was 
three years old, leaving a family of six children in 
circumstances of indigence, mainly dependent for 
support on their widowed mother. At the age of 
seven he went to reside in a farmer's family, where 
he remained about seven years. The facilities of- 
fered him in childhood for acquiring an education 
were extremely limited. Frcm the age of six to 
fourteen he attended the district school about six 
weeks each year in winter, none being held in sum- 
mer. These were kept in private houses, no school- 
house having been built until after he left the dis- 
trict. The seats and desks were of the rudest pat- 
tern, the former being made of slabs, with legs fitted 
into the oval sides. In very cold weather it was 
necessary for comfort to draw the seats around the 
open fire. The childhood of Mr. Hall was overcast 
with many shadows. While kindly cared for, as the 



' By S. H. Qu 



, Lancaster, 5IaS3. 



world goes, his sources of pleasure were meagre ; no 
mother's companionship cheered him in his daily 
tasks, and his father's voice was silent in the grave. 
The elasticities of youth were checked and left a deep 
impression on his future character. The stern battle 
of life was begun. At the age of fifteen he found 
employment in a factory in Lowell, where he re- 
mained about four years. In the spring of 18.39 he 
attended a select school, taught by Miss Spaulding, 
at Rumney, where, at the age of nineteen, he com- 
menced the study of English grammar. The writer, 
a member of the same school, well remembers how 
keenly he felt the loss of early training, and how 
deeply he deplored the fact that he was so far behind 
many so mucli younger than himself. But a new 
revelation inspired him with fresh zeal. He clearly 
saw the necessity of educational acquisition. A new 
life opened before him, which was filled with promise, 
though many discouragements darkened his daily 
life. He had no advantages of early study ; conse- 
quently his abilities for acquisition were not rapid. 
But he was thoroughly in earnest, and he here de- 
veloped the careful and patient investigation which 
were marked characteristics of his after-career. In 
the autumn of the same year he entered the Academi- 
cal Department of the New Hampton Institution and 
graduated from the theological department of the 
same school in 1845. The writer, a room-mate for 
two years, clearly recalls his heroic struggles during 
this critical period of his life. He was entirely de- 
pendent on his own earnings for support. Not the 
gift of a dollar did he ever receive from a relative 
after he was seven years of age. But some friends in 
Rumney and New Hampton, touched by his manly 
efforts to secure an education, rendered him some as- 
sistance, which, although small in amount, was most 
gratefully received. He taught school during the 
winters, together with evening schools in singing, 
writing and geography ; and during the latter part of 
his connection with the institution, besides occasion- 
ally preaching elsewhere, he regularly supplied, for 
several terms, the pulpit of the Baptist Church in 
Danbury, frequently walking fifteen miles to reach 
an appointment. 

During one term, while other students were en- 
gaged in recreation, he cultivated the soil, giving the 
proceeds for a copy of " The Religious Encyclopa-dia." 
But these struggles with adverse elements were not 
without reward. He never grew discouraged, and 
these fierce contests were daily developing into a 
sturdy manhood. With self-reliance came firmness 
and moral strength. He was sedate — perhaps a na- 
tive feature of his character, enhanced by the sur- 
roundings of his boyhood and his earliest recollec- 
tions, mingled with poverty and the laborious toil of 
his mother's needle. Still, he was always cheerful, 
and had a host of friends. 

The frivolities and merry-makings, in which too 
many of the young men engaged, had no allurements 



778 



HISTOKY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



for him. His aims in life were too serious, his 
efforts too arduous, his time too precious to give to 
any hours spent in such amusements, the glitter of 
even a passing pleiisure. 

In the first term of his academic course he had be- 
come deeply interested in a religious life, and, in 
Novemljer, 1839, he was baptized and received iuto 
the Baptist Church in Kumney, and by the same 
licensed to preach in September, 1840. During this 
period of his life he had the aid of high religious 
convictions, and in his greatest straits found comfort 
and strength from the Father, who, out of this 
severe discipline, was to raise an efficient helper in 
his earthly vineyard. The same patient study was 
continued. No subject was left until thoroughly 
understood ; and what had been somewhat slowly 
acquired was not forgotten. He graduated with credit 
to himself and with the confidence and well-wishes 
of the entire faculty. His after-life belongs to the 
Baptist denomination of the State. He was ordained 
a pastor of the Baptist Church in Hopkinton, N. H., 
April 22, 1846, having supjilied them regularly from 
the September previous. 

On the 30th of July, 1847, at Warner, he was mar- 
ried to Ann Elizabeth, daughter of Dr. Caleb and 
Eliza Follansbee Buswell. He was dismissed Septem- 
ber 30, 1851 ; settled with the church at Lake village 
October 1, 1851 ; dismissed February, 1859 ; with the 
Merrimack Street Church, Manchester, March 30, 
1859; dismissed October 1, 1862; with the church at 
Methuen, Mass., October 1, 1862 ; dismissed April 
30, 1867; with the church at Lake village May 1, 
1867 ; dismissed August 1, 1880; with the church at 
Eumney April 17, 1881 ; dismissed October 1, 1883. 

It is safe to say that, during this long period of 
thirty-seven years of active pastoral work, the minis- 
try of Mr. Hall was remarkably successful. He was 
thoroughly devoted to his calling, and his whole 
heart was enlisted in the salvation of mankind. He 
was warmly welcomed to the several churches at his 
settlements, and when the stern decree of duty 
called him away there were very many grieving 
friends. 

The amount of good that he accomplished will 
never be known until the veil is lifted from the 
future. 

He will have many stars in the crown of his re- 
joicing. As an illustration applicable to all his 
parishes, 1 quote from the history of the First Bap- 
tist Church in Methuen, published in the Minutes of 
the Association for 1880 ; after speaking of especial 
trials, it says : 

"The coining of Mr. Hall at this time was very opportune, and gave 
encouragement to the church to renew tlieir diligence and reconsecrate 
themselves to tlie work of God. He was especially adapted to the field, 
and by his genial manner, dignified beai-ing and sympathetic heart won 
not ^nly the hearts of bis church and congregation, but the respect of 
the community. His labors ai-e frequently referred to now among the 
older nionibei's of his church, and his kindness is cheritibed with tender 
recollection liy those wlm shared it in times uf trials and sorrow. 



His labors were blessed to the strengtbenin 
tinuanceof harmony and spiritual activity, 
was a quickening of the church and many were added, who became use- 
ful and otiicient helpers. . . . Having labored earnestly and successfully 
for about five years, Mr. Hall resigned his pastoral care March 27, ]8r>7. 
The church, being anxious to have him continue his labors, urgently re- 
quested hint to reconsider his determination and remain with them. 
Still adhering to his purpose, the church very reluctantly accepted his 
resignation." 

But the labors of Mr. Hall were not by any means 
confined to those pertaining strictly to his profession. 
His reputation extended far beyond his pastorates, 
and he became a power in the denomination through- 
out the State. His advice was widely sought. He 
was deeply interested in educational institutions, and 
his keen insight and patient endeavor fully equipped 
him to be of great service in this direction. All 
charitable organizations of merit found in him an 
active helper. His has been truly a busy life. Among 
his published works are some twenty or more reports 
as school committee of various dates for the towns of 
Hopkinton, Meredith and Laconia, N. H., and 
Methuen, Mass. ; reports as school commissioner for 
Belknap County for 1854, 1855, 1858 and 1859 ; re- 
port of the New Hampshire Board of Education to 
the Legislature, 1855 ; seventh and eighth annual 
reports of the board of trustees of the New Hamp- 
shire State Normal School ; seventeen reports as sec- 
retary of the New Hampshire Baptist Convention ; 
discourse delivered at the funeral of Mrs. Martha R. 
Herrick, wife of Rev. J. S. Herrick, Rumney, N. H. ; 
the first half-century of the First Baptist Church 
in Methuen, Mass., 1865. The honorary degree of 
A.M. was conferred on him by Dartmouth College in 
1860 ; that of D.D. by Central University, Iowa, in 
1882. Mr. Hall was a member of the New Hamp- 
shire Board of Education for Belknap County for 
four years ; secretary of the board in 1855, and chair- 
man in 1858. He was for several years a trustee of 
New Hampton Academical and Theological Institu- 
tion, previous to its removal to Vermont ; and for 
twenty years held the same position in regard to the 
New London Literary and Scientific Institution (now 
Colby Academy). He was also a trustee of the New 
Hampshire State Normal School for seven years, from 
1872, and for two years secretary of the board. He 
was secretary and treasurer of the New Hampshire 
Baptist Pastoral Association from 1851 to 1861 inclu- 
sive. He was a trustee of the New Hampshire Bap- 
tist Convention from 1849 to 1862 and from 1867 to 
1878, and secretary of the same from 1856 to 1862 
and from 1867 to 1878 — in all seventeen years. In 
all these various trusts, strict fidelity to duty, an un- 
swerving integrity and an unvarying courtesy were 
the marked characteristics of his office. 

The great measure of success which has attended 
his career, Mr. Hall cheerfully claims is largely due 
to his wife, who, by her ability and liberal culture, 
combined with strict economy, industry and tact, has 
proved a helpmate in so many ways for nearly forty 





~t^u^ 



fe ^<^^-^^^<^ 



ilLFOKD. 



r79 



Mr. Hall does not possess the qualities that make 
what the world would call a brilliant man. Conclu- 
sions do not come to him as intuitions or startling 
revelations. 

His grasp of mind, always t'oiiiiircluMisivc, is too 
massive to move by electricity. 

Results are rather worked out by careful investiga- 
tion. Conscientious in every fibre of his being, he 
desires clearly to see the right. Cousequently ho has 
always been a safe counselor, and his judgments 
have seldom failed. As a pastor, he has been prudent 
and vfatchful, pure and dignified in his daily life, 
always casting oil upon troubled waters. His heart 
has always been open to the anguish of suffering or the 
wail of sorrow. 

In his religious views, it seems unnecessary to say 
tliat he has always been a Baptist to the core. To 
him the doctrines of the Bible are clear and explicit 
and a living truth. 

But he is exceedingly catholic and tolerant of the 
views of others, as it would be a part of his nature to 
be. Firm and uncompromising in what he believes 
to be the teachings of the Scriptures, and in his 
j)reaching never withholding them, he would not 
willingly injure the feelings of a single human being. 

Mr. Hall is not a controversialist for the sake of 
argument. There is nothing pugnacious in his na- 
ture. He loves those things that tend to peace. 
Still, when principle is involved, he is firm and even 
aggressive. An indomitable perseverance is one of 
his marked characteristics. Without this quality, 
he never would have achieved success. Indeed, his 
better aspirations would have been utterly crushed in 
early life ; and by this alone he has borne the most 
serious responsibilities and carried through the 
greatest enterprises of his life. 

Mr. Hall has, from his earliest boyhood, been a 
stanch temperance advocate, having never drunk 
a glass of intoxicating liquor as a beverage, nor used 
a particle of tobacco in any form. Besides lecturing 
on temperance, he has always sought to persuade 
young men to abistain from the use of these stimu- 
lants, and he has joyful reason to believe that, 
through his earnest eilbrts, many children and youth 
have been saved from the terrible evils of intemper- 
ance. 

Since his return to Lake village, Mr. Hall has 
found recreation and pleasure in fruit-culture, par- 
ticularly that of grapes and pears, of which he has 
had on his grounds about fifty varieties of each. 
Premiums for the best show of these fruits have been 
repeatedly awarded him by the Grafton and Belknap 
Counties Agricultural Fairs. 

Long-continued illness alone compelled him to 
relinquish the active work of the ministry; with 
returning health, many pulpits woul* be gladly 
ojiened to him. But it is not probable that he will 
enter upon another pastorate. He and his worthy 
wife are living quietly in their pleasant home at Lake 



village, where so many hope that the evening of 
their days may be sjjanned with the bow of promise. 
He is still frequently called to the bridal and the 
funeral. His interest is in no manner relaxed in the 
success of Christian effort ; and as the shadows begin 
to gather, a long life devoted to the welfare of his 
kind grows luminous with a brightness which merges 
into the glories of the hereafter. This hastily- 
prepared sketch is the tender testimonial of an old 
schoolmate and a life-long friend. To those, so few 
of whom are living, who know the privations of his 
childhood and youth and the heroic struggle of his 
early manhood, out of which came ultimate success, 
it will not seem like words of adulation, but a calm 
and dispassionate rehearsal of some of the events 
and characteristics of a valuable life. 



Martin Alonzo Haynes comes from old Puritan 
stock, being a descendant, in the eighth generation, 
from Samuel Haynes, who came over from England, 
in 1635, in the ship "Angel Gabriel ;" was wrecked at 
Pemaquid (now Bristol) Me., in the great hurricane 
of 15th of August, same year; finally settled at Ports- 
mouth, N. H., in the parish of Greenland, in 1650; 
was one of the nine founders and a deacon of the 
First Congregational Church of Portsmouth; was a 
selectman from 1653 to 1663, and ;held many other 
ofHces of trust. 

The subject of this sketch was born at Springfield, 
N. H., July 30, 1842, and four years later his parents 
removed to Manchester, N. H. 

His father, Elbridge G., wiis for thirty years a prom- 
inent figure in the city's history, noted for his un- 
swerving convictions, his old-fashioned integrity and 
sound judgment and his interest in public affairs. 

He was anxious that his children should enjoy 
better advantages than had been his in youth, and 
the outbreak of the Civil War found Martin, his oldest 
child, with a good High-School education and the 
printer's trade acquired. But President Lincoln's 
first call for troops found the boy of eighteen ready, 
and he enrolled his name and was mustered into the 
"Abbott Guard," the first company to enter the camp 
of the First Regiment at Concord. Before leaving 
the State the company was transferred to the Second 
Regiment and ro-enlisted for three years. 

Shortly after the regiment's arrival at Washington 
he was appointed clerk to the regimental commissary; 
but when the first advance was made into Virginia, 
learning the arrangements contemplated his remain- 
ing back in camp, he threw up his derkshij) in dis- 
gust, demanded his musket and took his place in the 
ranks of his company. 

It is his boast that he served as a private soldier for 
three years, that he participated in every engagement 
of the regiment from Bull Run to Cold Harbor, that 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



he never answered to " surgeon's call " and was never 
a day ofi" duty. 

He was three times slightly wounded, — at First 
Bull Run, in the neck by a splinter from a fence-rail, 
while defending, late in the day, the sunken road, 
immediately in front of the Henry house; at Glen- 
dale, receiving a severe contusion in the groin from a 
spent ball ; at Second Bull Run, in the famous bay- 
onet charge of Grover's Brigade, when the Second 
Regiment pierced two rebel lines of battle, he re- 
ceived a savage blow in the face and bled profusely, 
but carried out of the mel6e the wounded Lieutenant 
Rogers, who died in his arms. 

In this affair the regiment lost 132 out of 332 men. 
At Gettysburg, where the regiment rendered the 
" Peach Orchard " famous and suffered the terrible 
loss of 193 out of 354 engaged, the three men nearest 
him in line were all wounded by fragments from one 
shell, but he escaped unmarked. 

Upon his return from the war he resumed news- 
paper work at Manchester for a while, serving upon 
the editorial staff of the Daily Mirror and Daily 
Union, until he left to take the position of clerk and 
paymaster of the Rockingham Mills, at Portsmouth, 
N. H. He remained there until the suspension of 
the mills — about a year. 

In January, 1868, in company with Benjamin F. 
Stanton, he founded the Lake Village Times newspa- 
per, and has retained control of the paper ever since, 
with the exception of the first three years, as sole 
proprietor. 

He represented the town of Gilford in the New 
Hampshire House of Representatives in 1872 and 
1873, in the first year serving as chairman of the 
committee on fisheries, in the latter as chairman of 
the military committee. He was an aide-de-camp on 
the staff of Governor Prescott, with the rank of colo- 
nel. In 1876 he was appointed clerk of the Circuit 
Court and the Superior Court of Judicature for Belk- 
nap County, retaining the position until 1883, when 
he resigned to take a seat in the National Congress. 
In 1881 and 1882 he served as president of the New 
Hampshire Veteran Association, which he turned 
over to his successor not only free from debt, but with 
several thousand dollars' worth of buildings for the 
accommodation of its annual reunions at Weirs. He 
was also Commander of the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, Department of New Hampshire, during the 
same years. 

Upon the approach of the fall elections of 1882 his 
old comrades-in-arms brought his name forward lor 
the Republican nomination to Congress from the First 
New Hampshire District, and after a canvass which 
is memorable in the history of New Hampshire poli- 
tics he was nominated in the convention, at Dover, 
and elected in November by an unprecedented plu- 
rality of nearly thirty-eight hundred. In 1884 he was 
renominated by acclamation in the convention held 
at Wolfeborough, and received nearly twenty-tive 



hundred plurality at the polls, his opponent being 
Rev. L. F. McKinney, of Manchester, one of the ablest 
and most popular men of his party in the State. In 
both elections he ran very far ahead of his ticket, re- 
ceiving hundreds of Democratic votes. 

He was married, in 1863, to Miss Cornelia T. Lane, 
of Manchester, and two daughters survive to bless 
their pleasant home, which is delightfully situated in 
Lake village, surrounded with fruit and forest-trees 
and looking down ujion the waters of Lake Winui- 
pesaukee. 

He has delivered many addresses and poems at sol- 
diers' reunions and gatherings; but his caief literary 
work was a "History of the Second Regiment," copies 
of which are now eagerly sought for by collectors. He 
is decidedly a man of the people, makes friends and 
keeps them, and delights in the sports of gun and 
rod. 



JOHN S. CR.\XE. 

Among the vigorous, active and successful men of 
Belknap County must be mentioned John Summer- 
field Crane, of Lake village. He was born in Spring- 
field, Mass., February 3, 1834, and was son of Luther 
and Rebecca (Manter) Crane. 

The Crane family has been a representative one in 
various spheres, in New England from the days of its 
first settlement. Jasper Crayne was one of the 
founders of the New Haven colony, signed its 
" fundamental agreement" June 4, 1639, and became 
one of its leading and influential members. Another 
branch of the same family settled in Berkley, Mass., 
at its first settlement, and the descendants of this 
pioneer have ever held positions of responsibility, 
and been represented in every generation in medicine, 
law and theology. Henry Crane settled in Dorches- 
ter early. His descendants are numerous. One of 
them, John, was a pioneer of Taunton, and he is the 
progenitor of the numerous families of that name in 
Norton and Canton. Luther Crane was a native of 
the latter town, but, owing to the incompleteness of 
the records, we find it impossible to give the exact 
line from Henry. 

John S. Crane not only descends from good 
paternal stock, but his mother, a native of Plymouth, 
Mass., was a lineal descendant of the famous Gover- 
nor and writer of " Plymouth Colony," William 
Bradford. From such a stock we should expect good 
offspring, and when we see the odds against which 
Mr. Crane has been compelled to battle, and the 
signal success that has attended his career from the 
humble condition of his boyhood up to the station he 
now occupies of a leading and wealthy manufacturer, 
we must concede to him his full share of the ability 
of his strony progenitors, and acknowledge him as 
one who, in the highest sense of the term, is a "self- 
made" man. 

Luther Crane was a hatter, of an ingenious and 





^^^^^1.^^- 



GILFORD. 



781 



mechanical nature, and was employed by the Hamil- 
ton Cotton Manufacturing Company as a spinner in 
the first cotton-mill in Lowell. He then removed to 
Ohio, and when John was nine years old came to 
Salmon Falls, N. H., where he became a resident. 
John was a liid of quick conception, and made good 
progress during his attendance at the district school 
and South Berwick Academy. His skill in drawing 
■was so great that a gentleman voluntarily offered to 
educate him as an artist ; but, with the impulsiveness 
of youth, he did not avail himself of this offer, and at 
fifteen years of age shipped as a boy before the 
mast on a clipper ship bound for India. The voyage 
lasted twenty-two months, and the vessel circumnavi- 
gated the globe. On the return from the Sandwich 
Islands Mr. Crane was the ship-carpenter. The hard 
actualities of a sailor's life dispelled his romantic 
dreams, and, during the long hours in which there 
was nothing to do but think, he decided to "make a 
man of himself" by honest industry and patient ap- 
plication. So, returning to Salmon Falls, he entered 
a shop to learn the trade of machinist, which was his 
choice from his aptitude for mechanics. Remaining 
here one year, he went to Lawrence for six months' 
labor, then to the Lowell Machine-Shop, in Lowell, 
conducted by Lucius Cutter. By this time he had 
attained proficiency in his calling, and, after six 
months' service here, was engaged l)y Lucius Waite 
to fit up and take charge of a sewing-machine manu- 
factory for one year. This business was then discon- 
tinued, and Mr. Crane, after working a short time in 
Manchester, concluded to visit the West, and see if he 
could find a suitable place to establish himself with 
the small capital acquired by his industry and careful 
savings. Not finding a situation to his mind, he re- 
turned to Lowell and became the superintendent of a 
pattern and model-shop for one year. In 1855 he 
removed to Franklin, N. H., to complete and place in 
running order some knitting-machines for a Lowell 
house. This kept him busy for only a short period, 
and, in the spring of 1856, he began the connection 
with the manufacturing interests of Lake village, 
which has been of such value to him, and which links 
him with every step in the rise of an important 
industry in this place. He was employed by B. J. 
Cole to build knitting-machines for Thomas Apple- 
ton, the manufacturer. This was the introduction of 
this branch of manufacturing to this vicinity, and 
began a new and successful era in its progress. He 
worked for Mr. Cole six months, and then made a 
contract with Mr. Appleton to build knitting-ma- 
chines at his mill, and, about the same time (fall of 
1857), became his superintendent. These positions 
he occupied until the spring of 1862. Designing and 
perfecting, in connection with John Pepper, what 
■was called the " Pepper Knitting-Machine," he then 
took the contract to build the machines, and, with 
William Pepper, formed the firm of Crane & 
Pepper. They began work with fifteen operatives, 



in a building owned by B. J. Cole, and constructed 
from fifteen to twenty machines per month. They 
were burned out about 1863, and John Pepper built a 
new shop for the firm on the site of the old Small mill. 
About this time Mr. Crane, Benjamin F. Peaslee, of 
Lake village, and Thoma.s Joyce, of Boston, formed 
the Winnipesaukee Hosiery Company, purchased 
the machinery of the Pulsifer mill, and, in 1864, 
began the manufacturing of hosiery, employing 
thirty hands, with Mr. Peaslee in charge and Mr. 
Crane as superintendent. In December, 1864, Mr. 
Crane purchased the interests of his partner, and 
after running the works till March, 1865, sold the 
whole to R. M. Bailey. The manufacture of knit- 
ting-machines continued until about 1869, when Mr. 
Crane sold out this business and became connected 
with Walter Aikin, of Franklin, in the proprietorship 
of the " Gilmore Revolving Diamond Stone-Dressing 
Machine," for dressing mill-stones. Mr. Crane spent 
most of his time in Franklin, and for two years was 
engaged in introducing this invention to the public. 
Returning to Lake village, he purchased, for two 
thousand dollars, the interest of Charles H. Young 
in the firm of Young & Peaslee, engaged in manu- 
facturing circular knitting-machines under Young's 
patent, and, in the spring of 1872, the firm of Crane 
& Peaslee began its existence with six men, and for 
two years made one hundred and fifty hosiery-ma- 
chines a year. 

In 1873, Mr. Crane designed and perfected a ma- 
chine for making shirts and underwear on the same 
principle, which he secured by patents, and in Sep- 
tember, 1874, moved his manufactory to its present 
location. The new machines became an important 
addition to this business, as they were rapidly called 
for. In January, 1875, the firm employed ten men, 
with a monthly pay-roll of four hundred dollars, and, 
in spite of the depressed times, they continued to do 
a most prosperous business. In November, 1878, Mr. 
Peaslee sold his half-interest to Mr. Crane for four 
thousand dollars. B. F. Drake purchased one-third 
interest, and the firm became J. S. Crane & Co., 
and they carried on the business until July, 1884, 
employing as high as sixteen men, and, from a pro- 
duction of five thousand dollars, in 1868, the business 
steadily increased until it amounted to fifty thousand 
dollars annually. Purchasing Mr. Drake's interest 
at the above date, Mr. Crane has since continued 
manufacturing under the same name, with his son as 
partner. They now employ from twenty to twenty- 
five men, and have a yearly business of seventy-five 
thousand dollars. Their specialties are circular 
knitting-machines, for hosiery, underwear, Jersey 
cloth and stockinet. 

About 1883, Mr. Crane became jointly interested 
with R. F. M. Chase in a patent knit fabric,— the 
"stockinet," — which bids fair to become one of the 
leading features of this class of goods in the country, 
and to assume enormous business proportions. To 



782 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



this Mr. Crane has given his whole attention, has in- 
vented and improved inventions, patented improve- 
ments, and also constructed machines for making 
Jersey cloth and stockinet. The machines of his 
manufacture are in use in all parts of the United 
States, but to the greatest extent in New England. 
He has taken orders for this class of machinery as 
high as fifty thousand dollars' worth at one time. 

Mr. Crane married, in 1856, Clara J. Smith, of 
Nashua, a lady well fitted to appreciate and promote 
the artistic ideas of Mr. Crane and be an eflicient 
associate of his life. Their only child is Mazellah L. 

In politics, Mr. Crane is a pronounced Republican. 
He represented Laconia in the State Legislature of 
1875, and Gilford in that of 1878. He was one of the 
incorporators and is now a director of Lake Village 
Savings-Bank, and belongs to the various Masonic 
bodies to the commandery. 

Mr. Crane can attribute his success to persistent 
and indefatigable industry, to the close and concen- 
trated action of mind and body and his quick and 
intelligent appreciation of meu and things. His 
natural tastes are in harmony with artistic and 
cultured surroundings, and his business has enabled 
him to gratify- his desires. He has designed and 
erected the handsomest residence in the town, a view 
of which appears on another page, and his home 
abounds in all the comforts that money will buy. 
He is a lover and owner of fine horses, intelligent 
dogs and a fine steam yacht, and is passionately fond 
of aquatic and field sports. He is a good citizen, a 
social companion, a strong friend, and, with his 
positive and energetic nature, may be truthfully 
called a good type of the rushing, active, impetuous 
and successful Americans of the nineteenth century. 



MO.SES SARGEXT. 

But little more than a quarter of a century had 
passed after the long and exhausting Revolutionary 
war, when manufiictures were few and in their infan- 
cy, and our people were chiefly agriculturists and day 
laborers, compelled to exercise the utmost economy, 
and but a limited number were able to give their 
children the advantages of a liberal education, when 
Moses Sargent, son of Moses and Nancy (Morrill) 
Sargent, first saw the light of day, in the old town of 
Amesbury, Mass., December 16, 1803. His father 
was a ship-carpenter, wholly dependent on his daily 
labor, and when Moses was but a few years old Mr. 
Sargent met with an accident, which seriously crip- 
pled him for life, and incapacitated him from longer 
attending upon his vocation; so, at the age of nine 
years, the young lad was obliged to go out into the 
world of work and struggle for a living, not only for 
himself, but for his parents, without any of the ad- 
ventitious aids of education or inherited rank, and 
with only his brave heart and willing hands. 

He commenced work in a factorv in .Vincsbiuv, 



which was the first broadcloth-factory erected in the 
United States. Being a good, honest, industrious, 
hard-working lad, he soon attracted the attention of 
his employers, and the agent of the factory gave him 
one term's schooling, when he was about thirteen, and 
he also wrote off the multiplication table for him to 
learn while at his work. But to the eagerly desirous 
and willing searcher for knowledge the way is made, 
ojjeued or found in some manner, sooner or later, 
and at a school, which was kept on Sunday, by a 
Quaker gentleman and philanthropist, for the pur- 
pose of giving the factory operatives an opportunity 
to obtain some education, Moses learned the ruili- 
ments of mathematics, and took a peep into that 
realm of knowledge which he had so longed to enter. 
His diligence and rapid progress, and his wish for an 
education, so impressed his teacher, that when he was 
about sixteen he offered to pay the expenses of Moses' 
tuition at some good school, but as he was almost the 
sole dependence of his parents he was forced to de- 
cline this kind offer. 

He remained for eight years in the broadcloth-fac- 
tory, when Amos Lawrence and his brother, with 
others, under the firm-title of '' A. & A. Lawrence & 
Co.," started a flannel-factory, where Moses engaged 
work and was employed for twelve years. About 
1830 this firm purchased a broadcloth-factory a 
short distance up the river, for the purpose of using it 
for making satinets, and Mr. Sargent, who had grown 
up almost to manhood in the factories, and had made 
capable and good use of his time, and become a skilled 
and experienced workman, was given the super- 
intendence of the putting in of the machinery and 
getting the manufactory in running order. He held 
this position for about three years, when he went to 
Byfield, leased a water privilege, and with one set of 
cards he started the manufacture of yarn in a small 
way on his own account. He continued in business 
here for two years, when his health failed and he was 
advised by his physician to leave the proximity of 
the salt water, and in December 1835, he came to 
Batchelder's Mills, N. H. (now Lake village), and leased 
a yarn-mill of the Lake Company, and fitted it up to 
make woolen yarn for domestic knitting purposes. 
Mr. Sargent was the pioneer manufacturer of this yarn 
in New Hampshire. He commenced with one set of 
twenty-four-inch cards and ten operatives, and for 
twenty-nine years he was engaged in this industry. 
The business steadily augmented, and the one set of 
cards was increased to five, and for the last two years 
Mr. Sargent himself manufactured the yarn into 
stockings ; among his contracts, filling two for the 
United States government, amounting to one hundred 
and fifty thousand pairs. 

Shortly after the close of the Civil War Mr. 
Sargent disposed of his business interests to the 
Belknap Company, of Laconia, and for about a year 
was not in active business. He then went to Upper 
Gihnanton, bought a cotton-mill, fitting it up for 





YU>^> 




y- 




^-'^/.A c ? 



(83 



making cotton stockings, ami carried on tliis manu- 
facture for six years, employing two hundred opera- 
tives. His factory was then pureliased by " A. 
Lawrence & Co.," who after a few years formed a 
stock company ; fifty shares of the stock were given to 
Mr. Sargent, in consideration of friendship, long 
acquaintance and the pleasant business relations 
which had always existed between them. 

During his residence in Upper Gilmanton he took 
an interest in the affairs of the town, and it was 
through his influence that the name was changed to 
Belmont. Politically, he was a Whig, and is now a 
Republican, and represented Belmont in the State 
Legislature in 1872, and its prosperity and growth is 
due, in a large measure, to Mr. Sargent's enterprise. 
He relinquished business after the sale of his interests 
in Belmont, and returned to Lake village, which has 
since been his home. 

Mr. Sargent married, first, October 27, 1824, Judith, 
daughter of Stephen and Esther (Reynolds) Hoyt. 
Their children were Mary (married H. O. Heywood, 
has two surviving children, and resides in Lake vil- 
lage.); Stephen H., who now lives in Salem, Mass.; 
Moses, who is agent of the Gilmanton Mills, Belmont; 
John, deceased; David, deceased; and Frank S., now 
an overseer under Moses. Mr.s. Judith Sargent died 
July 26, 1849; and Mr. Sargent married, second, 
Mrs. Mary Huntington (born Seavey), in February, 
1850. She died December 2, 1854, and he then 
married, Sarah, daughter of Gilman and Sally 
Thyng. 

Mr. Sargent has been a resident of Lake village 
for many years, but his devotion to business has pre- 
vented him from being especially active in its public 
affairs or taking official position ; yet he has always 
contributed generously to every worthy object, public 
or private. He was one of the incorporators of the 
Lake Village Savings-Bank, and director and vice- 
president from its establishment until the present 
time. For forty years he has been a member of the 
Baptist Church, and conscientiously acted according 
to the truths and doctrines of the same. For forty 
years, also, he had been a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd-Fellows, and has taken an active part 
and taken all the degrees. His attention has been 
drawn somewhat in the direction of military organi- 
zations and at one time he was a lieutenant in the 
militia. 

Mr. Sargent for more than three-score years has 
been a producer, and not a mere consumer, earning 
his own bread, and assisting his parents while yet a 
mere lad, and before attaining his majority he had 
provided a comfortable home for them. The patient 
industry that characterized his early years, when his 
daily bread and that of others was earned by the toil 
of his hands and the sweat of his brow ; the perse- 
vering energy which he manifested when, starting 
from an humble beginning, he entered upon the special 
line of manufacturing through which he gained suc- 



cess,— all these arc worthy of record ; for, " men may 
come and men may go, but the work they do lives 
after them, and the industries they plant or aid in 
advancing go on after they are gathered to their 
fathers." 

Mr. Sargent, mindful of early struggles, has assisted 
many young men to start in life, both with his coun- 
sel and means. Social, kind -hearted and cheerful, 
he is a pleasant friend; of sterling integrity and an 
enterprising man he has made a deep impress upon 
the industrial development of this section, and now, 
in his eighty-second year, honored an<l esteemed by a 
large number of acquaintances, there will be nowhere 
found a tongue to whisper aught against his integrity 
or his broad Christian charity. 



JO.SEPII CMFFOUI) MOORE. 

Hon. Joseph Clifford Moore, editor of the Manches- 
ter Union and the financial head of the Union Pub- 
lishing Company, is a thorough representative of that 
valuable class known as self-made men. He is the 
second son of Dr. D. F. and Frances S. Moore, and 
was born in Loudon, N. H., August 22, 1845. His 
early education was limited to the common schools, 
and more or less shared with labor. Later in life, 
having made the best of such advantages as came 
within his reach, he pursued with success a course of 
medical training at New York Medical College. 
From this training he returned to Lake village, the 
business centre of the town of Gilford, which has 
been his home since he was ten years of age, and 
entered upon the practice of medicine in partnership 
with his father. Dr. D. F. Moore. This was in 1866, 
and from that time up to his joining in the newspaper 
enterprise at Manchester, in November, 1879, he fol- 
lowed his profession with untiring industry and grati- 
fying success. His practice extended over a wide 
section, and involved long hours and much arduous 
travel. During this time he was also active in gen- 
eral business enterjjrises. 

Mr. Moore began his journalistic career without 
the benefit of any special training whatever, but 
brought to the work a clear, cool head, ripe judgment 
and honest purpose; but it was early apparent that 
he possessed that rare quality, "the newspaper fac- 
ulty." Careful, prudent, cautious and conservative 
by nature, he applied that faculty with constantly 
increasing shrewdness and wisdom ; so that the en- 
terprise not only developed a remarkably rapid, but 
a sound and healthy, growth. Exercising good 
business judgment and methods, he successfully main- 
tained the financial standing of the paper, notwith- 
standing the excessive demands of a rapidly-growing 
plant. In shaping the tone and conduct of The 
Union, he has uniformly aimed to give it a character 
for independence, integrity and respectability, ad- 
vancing it on the true line of progressive modern 
journalism. He is a ready editorial writer on 



784 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



political and general topics, eschews the ornamental | 
and descriptive, and goes straight at the meat of a 
matter in a plain and direct style. His methods are ! 
convincing as well as terse and vigorous. 

Mr. Moore has always taken a warm and active 
interest in politics, not from the selfish motives of 
the office-seeker, but as an ardent believer in and 
stanch supporter of a sound, sterling and progressive 
Democracy. At the State election of 1880 he was 
elected a member of the State Senate from the Sixth 
Senatorial District, and filled the seat with credit to 
himself and his constituency. He introduced and 
was chiefly instrumental in securing the passage of 
the measure which created the present State Board 
of Health. Always under self-command, easy and 
agreeable in manner, he proved to be valuable in 
legislative work, and was invariably relied upon to j 
release the Senatorial body when sharp conflict of 
opinion led it into a jangle. Since the expiration of | 
this oflicial trust his time has been given exclusively [ 
to business matters and the conduct of the Union. 



In January, 1885, he was unanimously chosen 
president of the Xew Hampshire Club, an organi- 
zation comprising the leading business and profes- 
sional men of the State, and shortly after accom- 
panied it on a successful excursion South. As 
president of this body he is broad and liberal, seeking 
only to develop its interests and extend its in- 
fluence. 

Dartmouth College, at the June commencement, 
1884, conferred upon him the degree of A.M. 

Mr. Moore retains his residence at Lake village, 
with his aged parents. He is married, but has no 
children. In manner he is easy and agreeable, and 
is favored with an excellent address and attractive 
personal presence. In business aflairs he is careful 
and conservative, and at the same time enterprising. 
Honorable and just in his transactions, he enjoys the 
confidence and respect of business men. At this 
writing he is in the full vigor of his powers, with 
the promise of a useful and successful future before 
him. 



HISTORY OF GILMANTON. 



liY REV. S. S. N. 



CHAPTER I. 

The present people and the multitudes who have 
gone out all over the land from the old town of Gil- 
manton have enjoyed opportunity to learn of the 
earlier history of their town from one of the most 
thorough and complete town histories that in its day 
had issued from the press. Indeed, the work was 
never so eagerly sought after, never so highly prized, 
as at the present time, though its records ended nearly 
forty years ago. 

Personally, I have owned three or four copies to- 
gether, but literary friends have " borrowed " them, 
litigants have desired to turn to something in " that 
book" which might help their case, orstrangers want- 
ed to know something about the town, or descendants 
of sundry ancients desired to be certain where they 
came from,— and so I loaned them the books, and 
after the passage of years can only sing in mournful 
cadence, — 

" When shall we meet again — 
Meet ne'er to sever ? " 

The historian of Gilmanton, Rev. Daniel Lancaster, 
for more than twenty years Congregational pastor in 
the town, very early in his ministry, seemed to hear 
the voice of Bildad the Shuhite sounding down the 
centuries, " Inquire, I pray thee, of the former age 
and prepare thyself for the search of their fathers : 
.shall not they teach thee? " So from the fathers dead, 
from the aged living, from town records, church rec- 
ords, school records and transpiring events he brought 
out, at length, Lancaster's " History of Gilmanton," 
as he says in his preface, " at the cost of an amount of 
labor which none can estimate but those who have 
made similar attempts; a labor that has been con- 
tinuous through nearly twenty years." But, in his 
modesty on the issue of the work, he su])pressed al- 
most one-half of it. 

Some hundreds of copies passed through the bind- 
ery and were thrown on the market, when again, in 
his modesty, he concluded that as many copies were 
completed as ever would be called for and no more 
were issued. That was not the worst of it. Half a 
'cart-load, more or less, of printed sheets were disposed 
of for wrapping paper ! 



The work sold for about seventy-five cents. Num- 
bers of prominent citizens subscribed for ten, fifteen 
and twenty copies by way of encouragement, and 
gave them to friends and sold to others, as they had 
opportunity, till the stock is long since exhausted, 
and the call for the book from far and near is more 
imperious as the years move on, and never so earnest 
as it is to-day. Ten, twenty and thirty dollars are 
offered for a copy ! This history of a history is an 
illustration of the increasing value of family, town 
and county annals, if not with cotemporaries, with 
generations yet unborn. All that makes up the world 
and life is ever changing, but " the pa.st is with the 
past " and will ever stay there. It cannot be changed. 
It has already " put on immortality," and its events, 
like old monuments in Egypt, become but the more 
interesting the farther their age is pushed up the 
river of time. 

If these statements are true, then this inference 
follows : that families to whom this new collection of 
town histories is offered should not fail to secure it, 
though at large first cost. While whole family libraries 
wax old and are neglected, local history becomes but 
the more valuable, as seen through the vista of years. 

Gilmanton was incorporated in 1727. It was named 
and originally spelled Gilmantown, from the fact that 
among the grantees of a charter, issued by His 
Majesty, King George, there were twenty-four per- 
sons by the name of Oilman. 

This charter opens with kingly dignity,— "George, 
by the grace of God and Great Britain, France and 
Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c.. Greeting." 

Then he would have all people know that " wee '' 
(with concurence of his counsel), " for the due en- 
couragement of settling a new plantation, do give and 
grant, in equal shares, unto sundry of our beloved 
subjects that inhabit or shall inliabit within the said 
grant, within our province of New Hampshire, all the 
tract of land within the following bounds." Here 
follows a most liberal slice of the earth : 

" From the head of Barnstcad, ne.tt to the town of Chichester ; thence 
on the N. W. line to Winipissiokeo Pond, or the river that runs out of 
said Pond, and from the first place where it began, to run N. E. six 
miles ; then N. W. two miles ; then due K. to Winipissiokee Pond ; then 
on said Pond and river to meet the first line ; provided it do not entrench 
on any former legall ^ninte." 

785 



786 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



His Majesty then proceeds with certain royal "con- 
ditions" to be fulfilled by the inhabitants of the 
town from that date " forever ! " Evidently at the is- 
suing of this instrument the geography (Tf King 
George did not make a note of Concord, Lexington and 
Bunker Hill and another " George," whose "sir-name" 
was Washington ! 

The charter was signed on the 20th of May by His 
Majesty's Colonial Governor, John Wentworth. 

During the French War several frontier towns had 
been greatly tried by the raids of hostile Indians. 
They had pillaged, carried away and, in sad in- 
stances, murdered the early settlers. These suffer- 
ings and exposures deterred the waiting families for 
Gilmanton from any speedy entrance upon their 
granted lands. They did not sing with any great ear- 
nestness, — 

" oil, for a lodge in this vast wilderness ! " 

and the settlement of Gilmanton was delayed for a 
series of years. In fact, there was no permanent set- 
tlement until the close of 1761. From 1727, the year 
the charter was granted, until 1766, a period of nearly 
forty years, the town-meetings were held in Exeter. 

On the memorable evening of December 26, 1761, 
Benjamin Mudgett and his wife, from the town of 
Brentwood, arrived in Gilmanton, having come that 
day from Epsom, a distance of not less than twelve 
miles, on foot. Mrs. Mudgett was the first white wo- 
man who set foot on the soil of Gilmanton, and she 
passed the first night in town with no other woman 
nearer than Epsom. On the next day, December 
27th, John Mudgett and wife, with great weariness, 
reached town. About fifteen days later, January 10th, 
Orlando Weed and wife joined them, and here these 
three families remained through a winter of terrible 
severity (1762). " Snows were so frequent and so deep as 
to prevent passing in any direction for two months, 
being nearly six feet on the level." So writes Mr. 
Benjamin Kimball, of Concord, in his journal. Mrs. 
Mudgett (of the first family) was the daughter of 
Joshua Bean, who, by two marriages, had twenty-one 
children. They all came at length from the home in 
Brentwood about 1780, and settled in Gilmanton, — a 
valuable accession to the population. Mrs. Mudgett 
lived in Gilmanton until the inhabitants had in- 
creased in number to more than five thousand. This 
was before Gilford was disannexed. She died in Mer- 
edith July 9, 1834, aged ninety-five years. She was 
mother of the first male child born in town, — Samuel 
Mudgett, born February 15, 1764. 

The first child born in the town wa.s Dorothy, daugh- 
ter of Orlando Weed and wife, October 13, 1762. 
The early families were generally large, embracing, 
most of them, from ten to twelve, and some even fif- 
teen children. 



In the course of the next season, 1762, seven fami- 
es moved in. Many prospectors prepared to move 



their families the following season. Jeremiah Connor 
had cleared land and built a camp, and Captain Jo- 
seph Badger and his two sons, William and Joseph, 
had put in some seed and built a log house. 

Captain Joseph Badger was one of the original pro- 
prietors, and from his first entrance into Gilmanton in 
person, seems to have won the respect and confidence 
of the settlers, and was never free from the occupancy 
of public trusts. Although here in the spring, in con- 
sequence of the sickness and death of his son, in the 
month of May, he did not remove his family from 
their home in Haverhill, Mass., until July. His was 
the eighteenth family, and at the raising of his barn 
that season, the first framed building -erected in the 
town, he had, as he often afterwards related, every 
man, woman and child to take supper with him. 

On August 1, 1763, the first minister moved his fam- 
ily into town, for a permanent residence,— the Rev. 
William Parsons. He became a proprietor of Gilman- 
ton and was employed by the corporation to preach to 
the settlers, and for the first ten years was preacher 
and schoolmaster. Before any school-houses were 
furnished he taught in private houses. He was a very 
useful citizen, and a minister earnest and faithful, 
and did much to give a right direction to the early 
movements in regard to religious institutions. 

In March, 1773, the Rev. Isaac Smith came into 
town, the second minister, and entered upon a pastor- 
ate of forty years. 

This year came also William Sibley, the first mer- 
chant, together with Lieutenant Peter Folsom, Simeon 
Copp, Colonel Samuel Greeley, Lieutenant Ebenezer 
Eastman, Samuel and Nicholas Oilman and twenty 
others. 

The next year, 1774, was memorable for the erec- 
tion of two houses of worship, — one by the town for 
the use of the Congregationalists, and one by individ- 
uals for the use of the Baptists. A Congregational 
Church was organized, and the Rev. Isaac Smith was 
ordained over it. This year the town voted to build 
a school-house at Peaked Hill (Centre village). 

But we hasten now from the toils and prosperous 
progress of those who struggled to make the wilder- 
ness bud and the desert blossom like the rose, to the 
times when the cloud of war darkened all the land. 
Gilmanton had now become the home of many dis- 
tinguished men, lofty in character, wise in counsel, 
brave, patriotic, unswerving in devotion to their coun- 
try and their God. Their names are illustrious in the 
annals of the town, and their descendants have been 
largely men and women worthy of their sires. They 
have been leading minds in town affairs, and occu- 
pants of public positions of wide responsibility. 

At the opening of 1775 the Revolutionary War 
commenced, in which struggle Gilmanton bore an 
honorable part. She not only sent her representative. 
Colonel Antipas Oilman, to the deliberative conven- 
tion called at Exeter, but these earnest men were ready 
also to take the field. Accordingly, a few days after 



GILMANTON. 



787 



the battle of Lexington, twelve of the inhabitants of 
Gilmanton, Lieutenant Ebenezer Eastman at their 
head, volunteered, and marched forth to the rescue. 
This officer, in the absence of the captain, commanded 
a company at tlie battle of Bunlcer Hill, on the 17th 
of June. There is an interesting story current in this 
connection, out of which the poet, B. F. Taylor, wove 
his popular effusion known as " Mary Butler's Ride." 

She was the young wife of Lieutenant Eastman. 
When he hastened to the war she was left alone with 
a young child. Report soon reached her of the bat- 
tle of Bunker Hill, and that her husband was among 
the killed. She determined to know if it was but 
flying rumor or serious fact for her. There were 
no roads, no guides but spotted trees ; no carriage to 
convey her ; but, mounting her horse, with her infant 
child on the saddle before her, she struck out for 
her father's house in Brentwood, a distance at least 
of forty miles. When she reached her father's house 
the news of the battle was confirmed, but no list of 
the killed or wounded. 

Leaving her infant child, she mounted again, and 
on reaching Charlestown found her husband alive 
and well. 

" Then up rose Mary Butler, and set her wheel at rest : 

She swept the puncheon floor, she washed the cottage pride — 
The cottage pride of three weeks old — and dress'd him in his best. 
She wound the clock that told the time his mother was a bride, 
And porringer and spoon she deftly laid aside ; 
She strung a clean white apron across the window panes 
And swung the kettle from the crane for fear of rusting rains, 
Then toss'd the saddle on the bay, and donn'd her linen gown. 
Full seventy miles to Cambridge town I Bring out your civic crown ! 
I think 'twill fit that brow of hers, who sadly smiled and said,— 
' We'll know about your father, boy, and who is hurt or dead.' " 

The ancient cellar over which stood the cottage of 
Lieutenant Eastman is a frequented spot by summer 
visitors, and, till lately, scattering rose-bushes opened 
their fragrant annual tributes to the memory of the 
brave. 

At a late festival of the Centre Congregational 
Church, a granddaughter of Mary Butler, Mrs. W. C. 
H. Hutchinson, came upon the platform before the 
audience, and spun upon that identical " wheel." Af- 
terwards a small skein was sent to the poet (Milwau- 
kee, Wis.), bringing from him a pleasant note of 
thanks, which he concludes with expressions of great 
joy that in these days any ladies are found that can 
spin. 

On the 1st of December of this year (1775) the 
town was divided by the selectmen and a Committee 
of Safety into two militia companies. 

By order of the Provincial Congress, a second cen- 
sus was taken September 25, 1775, with the following 
showing for Gilmanton : Males under sixteen years of 
age, 238 ; males from sixteen to fifty, 151 ; males above 
fifty, 16; males absent in the army, 12; the whole 
number of females, 357; negroes and slaves, 4, — total 
population, 778. 

In the month of May, 1776, a very worthy citizen died 
who was a lieutenant in the militia, by the name of 



Joseph Philbrook, leaving a widow and two children. 
He had been one of the selectmen ; was at the time of 
his death one of the building committee of the 
meeting-house. 

His was the first silent form laid in the cemetery 
near the First Congregational Meeting-House (known 
in these later times as the "Old Smith Meeting- 
House"). 

There is a full notice in " Lancaster's Historj'," 
but for a long period it did not seem to be known 
who it was that " lay like a warrior taking his rest " 
in a quiet nook in the ancient burying-place. But 
now, after more than a hundred years, his grave is 
decorated with the sweet flowers of the spring-time, 
as comrades adorn with loving hands the graves of 
modern heroes who for their country died. 

In July of this year sixteen soldiers were enlisted 
under command of Joseph Badger, Jr., in aid of the 
northern army. Captain John Moody enlisted twenty 
men and marched to New York under Washington. 

At a union town-meeting of Gilmanton and Barn- 
stead, November 22d, Joseph Badger, Esq., was chosen 
a representative to the Assembly to meet in Exeter 
in December. 

In 1782, Great Britain having acknowledged the 
independence of the United States, there was no 
longer need of providing men for battle-fields. There 
had been enlisted in all eighty-one men. 

The town of Gilmanton, after the incoming of the 
day when it was exultingly said "We have a Country !" 
made rapid strides in all the factors of municipal 
prosperity. It rapidly attracted immigration within 
its borders, and very largely immigrants of a higher 
order as to intelligence, culture, refinement, moral and 
Christian attainments. 

On the 11th of March, at the annual town-meeting, 
the article in the warrant to bring in votes for Presi- 
dent and representatives under the Constitution the 
State had now adopted, seems for the first time to have 
been acted upon. 

March 10, 1785, a committee wiis chosen to divide 
the town into school districts. It was also voted to 
raise one hundred and fifty pounds for the support of 
schools the ensuing year. The same was voted for 
the following year. 

In March meeting, 1778, it wa.s " Voted, that ten 
dollars bounty be given tor full-grown wolves, five 
dollars for whelps' heads, and £9 pr. head for cata- 
mounts, if killed within two months, and £6 if killed 
after that time." Colonel Joseph Badger, Jr., 
Colonel Joseph Greeley and John Shepard, Esqs., 
were appointed to ascertain the line on the northeast 
side of the school lot, and to lay out the broad high- 
way near the meeting-house into house-lots, with a 
view to build up a village. 

On November 29, 1790, the freemen of the town for 
the first time carried their votes for representatives to 
Congress, and for electors of President and Vice- 
President of the United States. The vote stood : For 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Representative to Congress, Thomas Cogswell, fifty- 
nine; tor Elector, Hon. Joseph Badger, seventy-two; 
and they were chosen. 

The town also met on the 13th of August, and ap- 
pointed Thomas Cogswell, Esq., Colonel Samuel 
Greeley and Colonel Joseph Badger, Jr., a committee 
to devise a plan to detect thieve.s, in case there 
should be anything stolen. 

At a meeting of the town August 8th, Colonel 
Thomas Cogswell was chosen a delegate to a conven- 
tion, to be holden in Concord on the first Wednesday 
in September, to revise the Constitution. It was at 
this convention that the title of the chief magistrate 
of the State was changed from President to Governor. 

In 1794, jNIarch 13th, the votes were for State and 
county as well as for town officers. From citizens of 
Gilmanton the voice of the town was for Hon. Joseph 
Badger, on the Governor's Council, and for repre- 
sentatives to the General Court, Joseph Badger, Jr., 
and Colonel Samuel Greeley. 

It was by the zealous interest and efforts of these 
representatives that, on the 20th of June, the charter 
of the Academy was issued by the Legislature. 

Passing the regular routine of business and the 
annual increase of population in a town now widely 
known aud prosperous, we come to the first act of 
cutting up or cutting off a valued section of the town. 
At the town-meeting in 1792 the Upper Parish 
(Gunstock) presented a petition to be set oft" into 
another town. Referred to a committee of twelve.' 
In 1811, a disinterested committee was appointed to 
describe the boundary lines of Gunstock (so called) to 
be set off as a new town. This committee reported 
boundaries on the 31st of May. March 12th, on the 
petition to have the town consent by vote to set off 
Gunstock Parish into a separate town, the petition 
failed of being carried. But, on the article to see 
whether the town would oppose in the Legislature 
the application about to be made by citizens of Gun- 
stock Parish for an act of incorporation, it was voted 
in the negative. The application, therefore, was 
successful, and, on June 16th, that part of Gilmanton 
known as Gunstock was disannexed, and, by act of 
the Legislature, erected into a separate town called 
Gilford. 

Following thus for half a century the progress of 
affairs, we come to the times and doings that were 
•within the memories of recent fathers and mothers, 
and in which they were actors. Minute detail from 
year to year is unnecessary and quite beyond the 
limits allowable to this sketch. Diminished by the 
sundering of pleasant farms and many pleasant 
families, there were yet left more than the constitu- 
tional "six miles square" of our newer western 
States. Gilmanton yet remained a grand old town, 

'la 1808, at the annual meeting, March 8th, a petition was presented 
to have the Upper Parish set off, to be united with part of Mereditli. The 
town voted that it was not expedient to set off Mie I'pper Parish as a town 
to be annexed to a part of fllereditli. 



and Gilford opened new doors for new officials to fill 
new offices. 

Gilmanton has always been and still is a " high old 
town!" Lifted toward heaven to an elevation sur- 
passed only by Bethlehem, under the shadow of the 
White Mountains, it has an atmosphere so pure that 
every breath is vital. It has beautiful ponds, flowing 
rivers, meadow brooks and bubbling springs, into 
some of which nature has dropped a few "drugs" for 
special invalids: so that for healthfulness it is unsur- 
passed. Its up-building force for debilitated ones is 
increasingly appreciated, and for the seekers of rest 
and quiet from the hard taxation of extended busi- 
ness, and for retirement from literary toils on the one 
hand, or on the other, for the prosecution of literary 
labor with every outside inspiration, the denizens of 
the cities are finding here in annual visits the fulness 
of the desirable qualities "restful" and "helpful." 

The natural surroundings of Gilmanton are won- 
derfully beautiful. With its own high altitude it 
has mountain-peaks from whose summits the entire 
circle of the horizon seems one vast amphitheatre of 
grandeur and beauty. Mountains stand like mighty 
buttresses in endless variety of contour and elevation, 
and, far as the eye can see, wide valleys with cultured 
farms, hamlets and villages, dim woods and glistening 
streams and templed hills stretch away into a land- 
scape that is indeed a "study" for the artist. An 
intelligent visitor (one of the most distinguished 
editors of our State) said recently, " As I ride in 
various directions from day to day, I am struck with 
the fact that while the views are ever changing and 
new vistas constantly opening, there is not a tame one 
among them." 

Gilmanton again Territorially Diminished.— By 
an act of the Legislature, approved by His Excellency, 
Ichabod Goodwin, Governor, June 28, 1859, the town 
of Gilmanton parted company with many valuable 
and esteemed fellow-citizens, and with the " Upper 
Village " or " Factory Village," one of the three 
grand points of interest in the original town. They 
parted with many regrets on both sides. The histo- 
rian of what is now " Belmont " can tell the story — 
while the writer hereof knows but little about it, hav- 
ing lived out of Gilmanton and out of New Hamp- 
shire nearly the whole of his professional life. He 
has never conversed, however, with any citizen in 
either town who did not deprecate the division. The 
result has proved advantageous to " Upper Gilman- 
ton" (afterwards named "Belmont"), while the an- 
cient and honorable Centre village, or " The Corner," 
finds itself on the corner quite too literally. 

In the bill enacting the division it was stated that 
the first town-meeting in Gilmanton (diminished) 
should be called by a committee consisting of Moses 
Price, Cyrus Gilman and Isaac E. Smith, who, on the 
13th of July, 1859, were duly sworn before Levi H. 
Mudgett, Esq., justice of the peace. 

On the 14th of Julv this committee issued their 



GILMANTOX. 



" warraat," calling the first town-meeting in Gilmiin- 
ton at Academy Hall, on Saturday, the 6th day of 
August," prox., " at nine of the clock in the fore- 
noon." Agreeably to the call, the legal voters of 
Gilmanton (diminished) assembled in town-meeting 
and chose John L. Kelley moderator, Levi W. Sanborn 
town clerk, and proceeded to fill all the required of- 
fices and appointments until the regular town-meet- 
ing in the following March. 

Up to the time of the constitutional reconstruction 
the town had sent two representatives to the General 
Court; since that change, diminishing the House and 
enlarging the Senate, the town is allowed but one 
representative. The following is the list of represen- 
tatives since the division of the town and incorpora- 
tion of Belmont : 

March 30, 1860, first March luoeting, Cyrus Oilman ami John K. 
Woodman were chosen representatives. 
1861.— The same. 

1862.— Isaac E. Smith and Keuben W. Page. 
1863.— The same. 

1864. — Jonathan Brown and John L. Kelley. 
1865.— John L. Kelley and Burleigh F. Parsons. 
1866.— Joseph S. Kimball and Burlcigli F. Parsons. 
1867.— Joseph S. Kimball and E/.ra Ham. 
1868.— Ezra Ham and Rufus E. Gale. 
1869.— Rufus E. Gale and George W. Sanborn. 
1870.— Henry E. Marsh and George W. Sanborn. 
1871.- John S. Page and Thomas Cogswell. 
1872.— The same. 

1873.— EnoB T. Oilman and Joseph B. Durrell. 
1874.— The same. 

1875.— Levi C. Grant and Jeremiah W. Sanborn. 
1876.— The same. 
1877.— Joseph W. Marsh and William B. Thompson. 

BlENNi.\L Elections. 
1879-80.— Stephen S. N. Greeley. 
1881-82.— Lewis E. Jenkins. 
1883-84.— Henry E. Marsh. 
1885-86.— John Connell. 

Gilmanton in the War of the Rebellion.— The 

guns at Fort Sumter finally awoke startling echoes 
among these distant hills, and the children of patriot 
sires began to bestir themselves for the defense of 
their country. The Rebellion that had been widely 
spoken of as a mad uprising that " would soon shame 
itself to death," or "be crushed down in six 
months," was showing itself a more formidable out- 
break than the wisest statesmen had apprehended at 
the beginning. The call had gone forth for men, 
strong and true, to turn from the peaceful fields of 
culture and the walks of industry to fields of battle. 
Gilmanton had strong men, for whom the bugle-blast 
was sounding, but, in such an unanticipated exigency, 
who should care for the loved ones left in the home ? 
At a legal town-meeting, by special warrant con- 
vened on the 11th of May, 1861 (John L. Kelley, 
moderator), David Hatch, Jonathan P. Hill, Thomas 
Cogswell, John K. Woodman, George W. Sanborn, 
Stephen Gale, Stephen L. Greeley, Samuel Parsons 
and Nahuin Wight, were appointed a committee to 
consider a resolution submitted to the meeting by 
Jonathan P. Hill, as follows : 



*'iit«.'/'' /, 1 1 ii III I. ittt.-ii bo authorized to hire for ami in behalf 

ol'the Iu\Mi . I of money OB thoy may think proper, not 

exci'cdiii- II I I iiiH. to ho cxpondeil for tlio benefit of the 

family ort.iiiMhi . I .i n i- t-,.ii or persons aa may servo as volunteers 
in the State or Unit<.'d Status' service from the town of Gilmanton ; and 
to he left, at the discretion of the selectmen, to apply the same in such 
case or cases as they may think that humanity and the host good of our 
common country may require." 

This wiis but the beginning of the contribution of 
money for the country's sake, and evidence of the 
little apprehension at the time of what the Rebellion 
would yet cost the people. 

At a special meeting of the town, December 5, 1861 
(Thomas Cogswell, Moderator), " Voted, that the chair 
appoint a committee of three to draft a resolution." 
The chair appointed John L. Kelley, John M. Durgin 
and Jonathan P. Hill, who reported a resolution 
similar to the foregoing, but setting the limit of pro- 
vision at fifteen hundred dollars. 

At the regular annual meeting, holden March 11, 
1862 (George W. Sanborn, moderator), the following 
resolution presented by Hon. Thomas Cogswell 
passed : 



" Besoli erf. That the legal voters 
scmbled, do approve of President Lincoln's message of March 6th, and 
respectfully request our Senators and representatives in Congress to vote 
in favor of the resolution therein recommended by the President. 

" And further, Raohed, That the town clerk send copies of the fore- 
going resolution to each of our delegation in Congress." 

August 9, 1862, at a legal meeting called by peti- 
tion of Thomas Cogswell and thirty-seven others 
(Henry W. Dudley, moderator), Thomas Cogswell pre- 
sented the following resolution, which was passed : 

" Whereas, The President of the United States has called for thre» 
hundred thousand men to enlist for three years, or during the war ; 

" Be it Resolved, by the legal voters of Gilmanton, in town-meeting 
assembled, that the selectmen of said town be authorized to pay to each 
able-bodied man, resident of said Gilmanton, who shall enlist and be 
mustered into the service of the Vnited States for three years, or during 
war, unless sooner discharged, a bounty of two hundred dollars until 
October 1, 1862. 

" And it is further Resolved, That the selectmen be authorized to hire 
for, and on the credit of, s'» town of Gilmanton, the sum of fifteen thou- 
sand dollars, to be applied as herein directed, or so much of said sum as 
may be needed." 

By an order of the President of the United States 
August 4, 1862, the Governor of New Hampshire was 
required to furnish five thousand and fifty-three men 
to be drafted from the enrolled militia of the State 
for the term of nine months' service. Immediately the 
Governor authorized the selectmen of the towns to 
accept volunteers in lieu of drafted men ; where- 
upon, at a legal town-meeting September 2, 1862 
(Thomas Cogswell, moderator), the following resolu- 
tion, by C. S. P. Sanderson, was adopted : 

" Whereas, it is desirable to raise the quota of this town without resort- 
ing to a draft, therefore be it Resolved, etc., that the selectmen of the 
town of Gilmanton be authorized and instructed to pay to each ablo- 
bodied man, resident in said town, who may volunteer to take th» 
place of those who might otherwise be drafted from said town 
and then he mustered into the military service of the United States 
for the term of nine months, unless sooner discharged, the sum of on» 
hundred dollars when mustered into the United States service, and when 
ordered out of the State the a.lditional sum of one hundred dollars— pro- 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



vtded that tho above sums shall not be paid to more than a Hufllcient 
number of men to complete tho quota of the town. 

"And b« it further Reaolved, That the selectmen he hereby authorised 
to hire, on the credit of tho town, the sum often thous4ind dollars, or 
such part of said sum aa may be necessary for the purpose aforesaid." 

At a legal meeting of the town on Saturday, Octo- 
ber 3, 1863 (Jonathan P. Hill, moderator), a resolu- 
tion was passed that, — 

•' MHierecu, forty-five men of the enrolled militia of this town have been 
drafted under the conscription law ; 

'* And Whereat the Legislature, at the late June session, authorixed 
towns and cities to appropriate to drafted men or their substitutes the 
sum of three liundred dollai-seach, as a bounty, therefore Resolved, That 
the town of Gilmanton pay tho sum aforesaid to each drafted man or 
substitute, or order, ton days after being mustered into the service of the 
United States. It was also further voted that tho town hire the sum of 
fifteen thousand dollars, to be appropriated to tliis purpose so far as 
needed." 

At a legal meeting of the town on Tuesday, De- 
cember 1, 1863, on petition of Charles S. P. Sander- 
son and others (George W. Sanborn, moderator), 
Thomas Cogswell submitted a resolution in substance, 
that,— 

" nliereiu, on the 17th of October, 1863, the President of the United 
States issued a proclamation calling upon the Governors of the loyal 
States for 300,OJ0 volunteoi-s to serve in the army for three years, and if 
not raised voluntarily, must be raised by draft, after the fifth of January 
next ; and Wltercas the Government of the United States ofier a bounty 
of four hundred and two dollars — to be paid in instalments — to veteran 
volunteers, and three hundred and two dollare to now reci-uits ; and 
ir/iercrts the Governor of New Hampshire has, by liis Proclamation of 
4th November, called on the cities and towns of the State to take imme- 
diate measures to raise their quota of men, and has offered a bounty of 
one hundred dollars to each volunteer in addition ; tlie tjuota of Gilman- 
ton at this time being twenty-one men. Now, therefore, be it R&iolved, 
that the selectmen be and are hereby authorized to pay to each volun- 
teer the whole amount offered by the general and State Governments, 
and further, that the selectmen are authorized to offerand to pay to each 
volunteer a yet additional sum, when mustered into the service of the 
United States, necessary to obtain said volunteers to fill the town's quota 
of twenty-one men. Also Resolved, that the selectmen hire, on the credit 
of tho town, the sum of thirteen thousand dollars before the 5th day of 
January next, or so much as may be needed to the carrying out of this 
resolution." 

At a called meeting of the town on the 20th of 
February, 1864 (Stephen L. Greeley, moderator), 
voted to pass resolutions presented by C. S. P. Sander- 
son. These were, first, " to pay each veteran soldier 
belonging to this town who has re-enlisted to make 
up the quota of this town under the recent call of the 
President of the United States for ' five hundred 
thousand more,' the sum of two hundred dollars. 
Also, that the town hire two thousand dollars, or 
what portion thereof may be needed." At a legal 
meeting of the town, March 29, 1864 (Stephen L. 
^ireeley, moderator), — 

" Voted, to accept and adopt resolutionspresented by Thomas Cogswell, 
in view of tho call of the President for two hundred thousand men for 
three years, or tho war, to wit: That the seloctmon of the town of Gil- 
manton be authorized to pay to each citizen who shall volunteer, 
agreeably to the call of the President, till tho town's quota be filled, the 
sum of two hundred dollars when mustered in. And, that the selectmen 
hire thirty-two hundred dollars to pay said volunteers." 

August 13, 1864, at a legal town-meeting (George W. 
Sanborn, moderator), the following resolution was 
presented by Thomas Cogswell : That 



" Wkereat, the President 
for five hundred thousand t 
of three hundred dollars to 
three years to act as a substitute for any man subject to dntft u Im niiiy 
wish to put in a substitute in advance of impending or future dnifts. 

" Also the town will pay one hundred dollare, two hundred dollars 
and throe hundred dollars, respectively, to each man who will volunteer 
for the terms of one year, two years and three years, respectively ; to bo 
croditcd on the quota of the town for the impending and future drafts. 

" Also, the selectmen are authorized to hire thirty thousand dollars, 
by sale of town orders on the best terms, or such part of said sum as may 
be necessary for the above purposi;s." 

At a legal town-meeting August 30, 1864 (George 
W. Sanborn, moderator), accepted and adopted a 
resolution by C. S. P. Sanderson,— 

"That the town will pay to each drafted man at his muster in the 
sum of two hundred dollars in addition to the State bounty, and to each 
substitute who will take the place of the drafted, one hundred dollars 
for one year, two hundred dollars for two yeare and three hundred dol- 
lars for three years, respectively, in addition to the State bounty. 

"Also that the selectmen be authorized to hire or raise, by the sale of 
town orders, the sum of twenty thousand dollars, or what may be needed 
for these payments." 

At a legal meeting September 6, 1864 (George W. 
Sanborn, moderator), it was voted to adopt resolutions 
presented by Thomas Cogswell, — 

" I. There shall be paid by town orders, to each citizen that has vol- 
unteered into the service of the United States, since the 30th day of last 
August up to this sixth day of September, instant, when fully mustered 
in and placed on this town's quota, under the last call of the President, 
five hundred dollars for one year's men, ten hundred dollars for two 
years' men and fifteen hundred dollars for three years' men, including 
what was voted on the 13th day of August last, to one, two and three 
years' men, who might volunteer to fill the quota of the town of Gilmau- 



"II. That the selectmen be authorized and directed to pay, by town 
orders, to each inhabitant of said town who shall volunteer for one year 
to fill the balance of said town's quota the sum of eight hundred dol- 

At this meeting it was voted also to accept and 
adopt a resolution by C. S. P. Sanderson " that the 
selectmen hire, on the credit of the town, the sum of 
forty thousand dollars, or such sum as may be neces- 
sary to carry the foregoing resolutions into effect." 
At this time the indications were that the war was 
near its end. It was so contended by Hon. Thomas 
Cogswell and others before the Assembly. Whether 
the town actually hired, after all that had been de- 
voted, " the sum of forty thousand dollars " is best 
known to the men who were at that time its citizens; 
but it looks at this late day that if that was so, and if 
there were men who enlisted for three years when al- 
most " the fight was done," with town bounty and 
State bounty and government bounty, they found a 
bonanza ! 

We who went to the front in the early days had no 
bounties. The fighting thousands in the field had 
soldiers' wages and hard struggle and hard-tack and 
were volunteers. 

As with our towns generally, the war laid upon Gil- 
manton a heavy burden. But it is being nobly lifted, 
^ta.xes are every year less, while the debt is rajiidly 
diminishing. 

"Tho morning light is breaking." 

According to the most accurate estimates of town 



GILMANTON. 



791 



otticials, Gilmanton raised for war purposes about 
seventy-five thousand dollars. She furnished for the 
army more than two hundred men. Died, from the 
eflects of war and lying within the town, forty. 

Gilmanton Academy.— Judge Tourgce, in his 
"Fool's Errand," says, tersely and forcibly: "The 
remedy for darkness is light ; for ignorance, knowl- 
edge ; for wrong, righteousness. Educate the voter, 
because the nation cannot afford that he should be 
ignorant." President Hayes said, in a speech in 
Canton, Ohio : " Ignorant voters are powder and balls 
for the demagogue." The New England fathers believed 
devoutly in great truths for the popular weal, which 
are accepted to-day and are a power for good. They 
saw that, especially in republics, popular ignorance is 
popular peril. But they saw, still further, that edu- 
cation must be more than simply of the intellect. 
Science is not virtue. There must be the pervasive 
influence of that religion which sanctifies the power 
of knowledge, and teaches the freeman what is true 
liberty ; which puts the eternal Potentate on the 
throne, and writes His Law on the great popular 
heart. 

In the settlement of New England towns the 
fathers gave thase matters early attention. After the 
pattern of the Pilgrims landing on the bleak coast of 
Plymouth, '" they built a shelter for their heads with 
rapid industrj', then built a house for God, and built 
the school-house bene.ath its shadow." They put the 
Bible there, with the intent that it should stay there. 
The founders of Gilmanton took early measures to 
provide for the education of the young. In the 
seventh year of the settlement, 1769, they voted to 
hire a teacher eight months the ensuing year, and to 
build two school-houses. The following year, 1770, 
they voted a tax of twenty pounds for the schools. In 
the time of the Revolutionary War Rev. Mr. Parsons 
was paid three hundred and eighty-nine pounds and 
Dr. William Smith ninety pounds for teaching schools. 
Alter the war Eliphalet Wood was a celebrated 
teacher, and opened a private school near '• Smith 
Meeting-House," which was quite largely attended. 
Afterwards Rev. Samuel Hidden (Father Hidden) 
taught with great celebrity ; and at a later period 
Dudley Leavitt taught with success and honors. 

Soon the districts employed and paid their own 
teachers, and their transactions cea-sed to be matters 
of town record. 

There were now many leading citizens who desired 
the establishment of an institution of higher order 
and broader reach than the common schools. After 
due consultation, a petition was presented, and Gil- 
manton Academy was incorporated by the Legislature 
in 1794. 

A commodious building was rapidly pushed for- 
ward, and the school opened under the instruction of 
Peter L. Folsom, A.B., a graduate from Dartmouth 
College, who continued as principal during the fol- 
lowing six years. At the opening of the school a 



sermon was preached by Rev. Jlr. Smith. From 
that date to the present the school has lived, while 
many kindred institutions have passed away. It has 
never lost a term in the ninety-one years. What is 
on record of its early history must be gathered from 
the careful chronicles of Rev. Mr. Lancaster ; for in 
an unfortunate fire on the night of September 25, 
1872, all the records, with the miscellaneous papers, 
were burned. The records had been carefully kept 
by Stephen L. Greeley, Esq., who held the office of 
secretary of the board of trustees for fifty successive 
years. 

In 1796 a fund had been raised of five thousand 
five hundred dollars. On October 1, 1799, Ste- 
phen Moody, Esq., was elected to the board and to 
the office of treasurer, which office he held for thirty- 
five years. 

Matters went on very pleasantly and prosperously 
till, in 1808, a sad trial came, through the entire de- 
struction of the academy building by fire, on the 
night of the 22d of January, and through the care- 
less deposit of ashes in a barrel. But the fathers 
were men of might and indomitable purpose. On 
the 24th of February, just four weeks and four days 
after the fire, the frame of the present building was 
erected. The town voted to contribute two hundred 
and fifty dollars toward completing the building, and 
the trustees granted the future right to hold in the 
hall its meetings for town business. 

As Gilmanton Academy is one of the three acade- 
mies first founded in the State, so it has maintained 
its integrity through all vicissitudes. Its children 
are a multitude, widely scattered abroad, and it is 
here suggested that many of them, who have attained 
not only to fame but to fortune, would remember their 
Alnta Mater with some generous donations. She is 
now venerable for age and good works. Her "bow 
abides in strength," but she greatly needs pecuniary 
aid, in order to enlarge her usefulness. 

Through the opportune publication of the town 
history by Rev. Mr. Lancaster, the names are pre- 
served of all who had care of this institution from 
the beginning, — men who were zealous for popular 
education, and, so far as citizens of Gilmanton, men 
who did much for the prosperity and honor of the 
town. The reading of the roll awakens emotions of 
gratitude and of sadness. Not one of these men is 
to-day among the living. 

" Man being in honor continur-th not," 

but, departing late or early. 



Beginning with names of the first curators, ap- 
pointed at the issuing of the charter, in 1794, they 
stand as follows: Hon. Joseph Badger, Rev. Isaac 
Smith, A.M., Rev. Joseph Woodman, A.M., Rev. 
Jedcdiah Tucker, A.M., Rev. Simon Finley Williams, 
A.M., Hon. Joseph Badger, Jr., Samuel Greeley, Esq., 
Hon. Ebenezer Smith, Hon. Thomas Cogswell, Joseph 



792 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Parsons, Esq., Stephen Moody, Esq., Enoch Wood, 
Esq., His E.xcelleucy William Badger, John Ham, 
A.M., Thomiis Burns, Escj., Daniel Smith, Esq., Peter 
L. Folsom, A.M., Rev. Abraham Bodwell, A.M., Rev. 
William Patrick, A.M., Rev. Luke Ainsworth Spol- 
ford, A.M., Rev. Enoch Corser, A.M., Stephen 
Leavitt Greeley, Esq., Francis Cogswell, Esq., A.M., 
Jeremiah Wilson, Esq., Rev. Heman Rood, A.M., 
Rev. Daniel Lancaster, A.M., Andrew Mack, A.M., 
Rev. Nathaniel Bouton, D.D., Rev. Nathan Lord, D.D., 
Stephen C. Lyford, A.M., Rev. Jonathan Clement, 
A.M., Hon. Thomas Cogswell, Jonathan Clarke, Esq., 
Rev. William Cogswell, D.D., Nahum White, M.D., 
Hon. Ira A. Eastman, A.M., Rev. John K. Young, 
A.M., Hon. William C. Clarke, A.M., Asa McFar- 
land, A.M., Rev. Joseph Blake, D.D. With the one 
exception of Rev. Joseph Blake, all the foregoing 
have passed away. 

At this present time (July, 1885), the official board 
is as follows : Trustees,— Colonel Thomas Cogswell, 
A.M., president and treasurer ; Rev. S. S. N. Greeley, 
secretary ; Colonel Joseph Badger, A.M., Rev. Moses 
T. Runnels, A.M., William Pitt Eastman, Esq., John 
B. B. Batchelder, Esq., Stephen H. Dearborn, Daniel 
S. Ayer, Stephen G. Clarke, Esq. Instructors, — 
Samuel W. Robertson, A.B., teacher of Latin, Greek 
and natural science ; Mrs. Grace K. Robertson, 
teacher of mathematics and English ; Mrs. Emma P. 
Dearborn, teacher of music (instrumental and vocal); 
James W. McMurphy, librarian ; William M. Dear- 
born, librarian in long summer vacation. 

Some notice may be proper here of trustees of the 
academy who, living for years in the town, and 
having more immediate care of the institution, have 
deceased since the issue of any town history. 

Ex-GovERXOR William Badger. (See Belmont.) 

Jeremiah Wilson, Esq. — Thomas Wilson came 
to this country from Scotland in 1633. He was 
admitted a freeman in Massachusetts in 1634. He 
soon removed beyond the limits of Massachusetts, 
and was one of a party that left Boston on account 
of the Arminian controversy, and began a plantation 
at Squamset Falls, which they called Exeter. In 
1638 they combined into a separate body politic, 
which has been known as the " Wheelright Com- 
pact," so called from John Wheelright, a preacher at 
Braintree (then a part of Boston), a man of piety, 
learning and zeal. This combination lasted three 
years. Their laws were made in a popular Assembly, 
and formally assented to by the rulers, who were 
Isaac Grosse, Nicholas Needham and Thomas Wilson. 

He had a son, Humphrey Wilson, who had a son, 
Thomas Wilson, born May 30, 1677, and married 
Mary Light, October 16, 1698. He was one of the 
original proprietors of Gilmanton. They also had a 
son Humphrey, who was born December 9, 1699 ; 
married Mary Leavitt. He was an original pro- 
prietor. Captain Nathaniel Wilson was their son, 
born June 24, 1739; married Elizabeth Barber, 



March 15,1762. He came to Gilmanton from Epi)ing 
in March, 1769, and settled on what has since been 
well known as " Wilson Hill." He was one of the 
original five members organized into the " First Con- 
gregational Church," November 30, 1774, that wor- 
shiped so many years in the " Old Smith Meeting- 
House," under the pastor they settled, the Rev. Isaac 
Smith. He was one of the selectmen in 1770, and 
one of a " Committee of Safety " chosen by the town 
in 1777. He was commander of a company of thir- 
ty-five men called into military service from Gilman- 
ton and vicinity. They joined Colonel Thomas 
Stickney's regiment of General John Stark's brigade, 
in defense of the western frontier from the ravages of 
Burgoyne's army. They fell in with the enemy 
August 15th, at Bennington, and occupied the right 
wing in that well-fought battle, which turned the 
fortunes of the British commander, and led the way 
to the speedy surrender of his whole army to the 
American forces. This service won great honor for 
the town. They were out two months and one day. 
Captain Wilson was a good farmer and mechanic, an 
energetic and industrious man, a very worthy citizen 
and an exemplary Christian. 

Jeremiah Wilson, son of Captain Nathaniel Wil- 
son and Elizabeth Barber, was the youngest of nine 
sons. He was born October 14, 1781 ; married Abi- 
gail Prescott Sanborn, daughter of Deacon Abraham 
Sanborn, May 23, 1803. He succeeded his father in 
possession of the Wilson farm, which he much im- 
proved and enlarged by purchase. He obtained, 
mostly by his own exertions, a good common school edu- 
cation ; engaged early in trade, which he pursued about 
thirty years, at the same time conducting agricultural 
operations rather extensively. In the later years of 
his life he turned his attention to the mountain lands 
in the north part of Gilmanton and adjoining towns, 
of which he purchased several thousand acres, cleared 
up extensively from the original forests, and valuable 
for grazing. 

He was for several years one of the selectmen ; five 
sessions he was a member of the Legislature, and for 
many years the candidate of his party for councilor. 
He was a leading citizen, watchful of the public 
interests, much engaged in business for others, active 
and energetic to accomplish whatever he undertook. 
He was a zealous supporter of public worship and a 
promoter of reforms. He was esteemed for integrity 
of character and a sound judgment. At the annual 
meeting in 1827 he was elected to the board of 
trustees of Gilmanton Academy. He was an earnest 
friend of education for the people and desirous that 
facilities for broader culture than he had himself 
enjoyed should be zealously maintained and perpet- 
uated. After the lapse of ten years, with pressing 
cares upon him, he tendered his resignation, in 1837. 
He died suddenly and alone in his pasture at the 
mountains, supposed of apoplexy, August 15, 1846. 
His wife died June 12, 18.34. They left no children. 



1^ 




(p^^UxMy 



GILMANTON. 



Hon. Thomas Cogswell, Sr. — In the artistic, 
interesting and instructive volume issued by Colonel 
John B. Clarke (Manchester, 1882), "Sketches of 
Successful New Hampshire Men," there is a finely- 
drawn portraiture of the subject of this notice, — so 
truthful, just and worthy of a good and honored man, 
that nothing better can be done than to crave per- 
mission to transfer that article largely to this new 
volume. 

The town of Gilmanton, says this anonymous 
writer, has always been distinguished for its strong 
and able men, who have exercised a powerful influ- 
ence in the affairs of their town and State. It has 
furnished men to fill nearly every position of trust 
and honor within the gift of the people of our State ; 
and it has ever been proud of its illustrious sons. 
Among the very strong men of this old town stood 
Hon. Thomas Cogswell, who, in the year 1820, at the 
age of twenty-one. moved hither from Atkinson, 
N. H., where he was born December 7, 1798. He 
was one of a family of nine children of William and 
Judith (Badger) Cogswell, eight of whom lived to 
years of maturity. He settled on the farm formerly 
occupied by his grandfather, the Hon. Joseph Bad- 
ger, and, with strong hands and indomitable courage, 
commenced gaining a livelihood for himself and 
young wife, Mary Noyes, whom he married just before 
moving here. 

Among the older settlers he soon became a leading 
man of the town, and ever afterward took an active 
part in all its local affairs, and for the whole period 
of his life was honored and respected by his neighbors 
and townsmen, and received at their hands- every 
office in their gift. There is no position that more 
truly shows the strength and power of a man than 
that of moderator of a New Hampshire town-meeting ; 
but for many successive years he was chosen to 
preside over the deliberations of the annual and other 
meetings of this then large town ; and always did so 
with great dignity, and to the perfect satisfaction of 
all. He was also chosen one of the Boai-d of Select- 
nifu, and represented the town in the Legislature, and 
while a member of that body introduced and sup- 
ported a bill to repeal the law authorizing imprison- 
ment for debt. For ten years he was a deputy sheriff 
of the old county of Strafford, and during all this time 
was actively engaged in the duties of the office. For 
years he was county treasurer. In 1841 he was 
appointed one of the judges of the Court of Common 
Pleas for the new county of Belknap, and held that 
position till the change in the judiciary system of the 
State, in 185.5. In 1856 he was elected a member of 
the Governor's Council from District Number Three. 
For over forty years he was a justice of the peace. 
He was an officer in the New Hampshire militia, 
and attained the rank of captain. He was of 
Revolutionary stock, his father and seven uncles 
having served in that war, and performed, in the 
aggregate, thirty-eight years of service. 



For seven years in succession he taught tlie winter 
school ofhisdistrict, and attended to all theallairsof his 
farm in their season. During Ids whole life he was in- 
terested in and a promoter of education. Gilmanton 
Academy, established by the efforts of his grandfather, 
General Joseph Badger, and his uncle, Hon. Thos Cogs- 
well, with the assistance of other strong and good 
men, early received his aid and co-operation, and he 
was one of its board of trustees twenty-eight years 
(1840-C8). 

Notwithstanding the burdens of almost continuous 
public service for so many years, Mr. Cogswell was a 
large and successful farmer, adding year after year 
by his own exertions to his original farm, so that at 
his death he owned in one tract nearly one thousand 
acres of valuable land, — " Does farming pay ?" Mr. 
Cogswell loved the soil, studied its cultivation by the 
best methods, loved agriculture as a science and a 
great art, to be prosecuted not only diligently, but 
intelligently,- -the foundation of the wealth and pros- 
perity of the whole country, — and so with him, " Farm- 
ing paid .'" 

In early life he became a member of the Congrega- 
tional Church at Gilmanton Iron-Works, and was 
deacon of the same from March 1, 18.39, through 
many years of active service and usefulness. He 
always gave freely of his means for the advancement 
of the cause of the Christian religion. 

He possessed to an uncommon degree strong natural 
powers of mind, and was capable of grasping difficult 
questions and giving a good legal opinion. His mind 
was essentially judicial, and, had he devoted himself 
to the study and practice of law, would undoubtedly 
have been a leading mind in that profession. For 
many years he was consulted by his neighbors and 
townsmen upon the troubles that frequently rose 
between them, and, to his credit, by his clear and 
practical judgment saved, frequently, long and expen- 
sive litigation. He was true to every trust committed 
to him, and was scrupulously honest and exact in all 
his dealings. 

In politics, Thomas Cogswell was a Democrat to the 
end of his life. During the War of the Rebellion he 
was a strong supporter of the government, and a 
friend and well-wisher of every soldier in the field. 

He saw clearly and plainly that his duty as an 
American citizen was to render all the aid in his 
power to help carry on and bring to a successful close 
the terrible struggle then going on. He was a lover 
of his country, and delighted in its free institutions, 
and, though strong in his political convictions, was 
never a partisan. 

Mr. Cogswell was noted for his energy and force of 
character, and when he once made up his mind as to 
a certain course to pursue, he never changed it until 
he was thoroughly satisfied that he was wrong. He 
was a natural leader among men, and possessed the 
characteristics of a great general. 

He was a ready and fluent public speaker, and few 



796 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUiNTY, NEW HAMPSHIllE. 



torate for five years. In 1860 he, with his family, 
removed to New York City, which was his home 
until his death. He did not assume the further cares 
of any "parish," but preaching frequently and most 
acceptably till about ten years before he retired from 
public labor. About this time he had the sad afflic- 
tion of the failure of sight, which gradually increased 
almost to blindness. In an obituary notice in the 
Ntio York Evening Post, by Greenleaf Clarke, Esq., 
speaking of this and of the recent dead, he says, — 

" He bore this hardship like all other trials in life— with a degree of 
cheerful Christian resignation which is rarely witnessed. ' His kindness 
of heart was unfailing ; and while rigorous in his sense of duty, he was 
always tolerant of all minor failings in others. Of dignified bearing, and 
in appearance the type of an old-school clergyman, he was without a tinge 
of austerity, and possessed a vein of quiet humor that gave a charm to 
his conversation. To the last he preserved a youthful freshness of mind 
and an interest in all passing events that are unusual in a man of his ad- 
vanced years and retired habits." 

Rev. Lyman Abbott, of the Xew York Christian 
Union, said of him, — 

" I had an active acquaintance with Mr. Lancaster for about three 
years previous to his,— death an acquaintance which, on my part, was 
one of uniform affection and esteem. The garrulity of old soldiers is 
proverbial. Mr. Lancaster was an exception to the proverb. He was 
already an old man then, retired without a pension from the army in 
which he had served faithfully and long. He was then seventy years 
of age. But, intimately as I knew him. it was not till after his death 
that I learned from others the brief story of his life and the positions of 
honor and influence he had occupied." 

Mr. Lancaster, to the close of life, maintained the 
warmest interest and love for the college from which 
he was graduated, and in the autumn of 1863 he 
formed the idea that its welfare might be advanced 
by the formation of an Alumni Association in New 
York City. By personally visiting many of the grad- 
uates of Dartmouth, and expending much time and 
labor, he succeeded in inspiring them with his own 
enthusiasm in the project, and the result was the 
speedy formation of the Dartmouth College Alumni 
Association, — the pioneer of all the organizations of 
the kind in the city of New York. Until the last 
three years of life Mr. Lancaster attended regu- 
larly the annual dinners of the association as an 
honored guest. He was the last survivor of the Dart- 
mouth class of 1821. 

Mr. Lancaster was twice marrifd, — the fir.^t wife, 
Anne E. Lemist, daughter of John Leniist, of Dor- 
chester, Mass. ; he married August 29, 1827; she died 
August 27, 1829, aged twenty-eight years. He mar- 
ried, in Gilmanton, Eliza Gibbs Greeley, daughter of 
Daniel Greeley, Esq., of Foxcroft, Me., February 14, 
1831. There were five children, two only of whom 
survive, and, with tli« mother, are highly esteemed 
and useful citizens in the great metropolis to-day. 
Rev. Mr. Lancaster died May 28, 1880. 

Hon. Ib.\ Alt.en E-\stjhan, son of Stephen and 
grandson of Lieutenant Ebenezer Eastman, was born 
in Gilmanton January 1, 1800; fitted for college 
principally at Gilmanton Academy, and graduated at 
Dartmouth in 1829. He read law in Troy and Albanv, 



N. Y., and was admitted in the city of New York to 
the Supreme Court and Court of Chancerj- in Jlay 
1832. He commenced practice in Troy, and was 
married to Jane, daughter of John N. Quackenbush, 
Esq., of Albany, Februarj- 20, 1833. He returned to 
Gilmanton in the spring of 1834, and began bi;^ 
official career as clerk of the State Senate in IS?.-' ; 
he represented Gilmanton in the Legislature in 18:!il, 
1837 and 1838, filling the Speaker's chair during the 
two latter years. He was register of Probate for 
Strafford County from 1836 to 1839, when (1839) he 
was elected to Congress for two years, and re-elected 
in March, 1841, for two years more, and, September 
26, 1844, was appointed circuit judge of the Court of 
Common Pleas for the State of New Hampshire, 
which office he held until 1859. In 1863 he was the 
Democratic candidate for Governor, making a remark- 
able run and very narrowly escaping election. lu 
1851 he was elected a trustee of Gilmanton Academy, 
and from 1875 to 1879 was president of the board. 
In 1857 he was chosen a trustee of Dartmouth Col- 
lege, a position he held to the time of his death. 

He ever retained a deep interest in his native town 
and the academy, and was seldom absent at the meet- 
ings of its trustees, and equally so after he had re- 
moved from the town and built his pleasant home in 
Manchester. 

His death was after a very brief illness, and an 
obituary in one of the city papers said: " In the death 
of Hon. Ira A. Eastman the State has lost one of its 
most widely-known and honored citizens. Retiring ' 
from many years of public service, discharged with 
diligence for the past ten years, he has found sufiicient 
employment in the management of his private affairs. 
He died at his home in Manchester March 21, 1881." 

Rev. Hemax Rood, D.D., was born in Jericho,. 
Vt., January 29, 1795. He was one of eleven children 
of Thomas D. and Sarah (Bradley) Rood. His grand- 
father came from Scotland and settled in Lanes- 
borough, Mass., about the year 1730, where he lived 
until his removal to Jericho, some five or six years 
before the Revolutionary War. He was the first 
Christian, and his the third family that settled in 
that town. Having received a thorough common- 
school education, at the age of fifteen Heman Rood 
commenced teaching. In the spring of 1814 he began 
fitting for college at Shoreham Academy. At twenty 
years of age he entered Middlebury College, gradu- 
ating in 1819. Subsequently he was for two years 
principal of Montpelier Academy, and was then ap- 
pointed for one year tutor at Middlebury. In 1822 
he entered the Theological Seminary at Andover. 
Completing the three years' course, he was licensed 
to preach by the Suffolk Association June, 1825. 
While in the seminary he received an invitation to 
preach at Gilmanton (N. H.) Centre village. Hither- 
to the people of that section had worshiped at " the 
Old Smith Meeting- House," three miles distant, and 
with the original "First Congregational Church" of 



GILMANTON. 



797 



the fathers. Mr. Rood commenced his labors at the 
Academy or Centre village, Sabbath, October 22, 1 825. 
A church was soon formed and a house of worship 
erected. He was ordained and installed over this 
new church July 12, 1826. Dr. Justin Edwards 
preached the sermon from 1st Timothy iii. 15 : " That 
thou maye-st know how thou oughtest to behave thy- 
self in the house of God," etc. During the ministry 
of Mr. Rood, of about four and a half years, there was 
one very interesting time of revival, in which over 
twenty prominent citizens were brought into the 
church. Receiving an unexpected call from New 
Milford, Conn., he was dismissed from his firet pastor- 
ate March 3, 1830, and installed over the Congrega- 
tional Church in New Milford April 21, 1830. In 
later lite he considered that his most important work 
was performed at this place. In the spring and sum- 
mer of 1832 there was a very general religious in- 
terest in the town resulting in the addition to the 
church of one hundred and twenty persons, ninety- 
nine of whom were received together, on the first 
Sabbath of 1833. On July 28, 1835, he was dismissed 
from this pastorate, and' on September 9th accepted 
the appointment of professor of Hebrew and Biblical 
Literature in a new Theological Seminary at Gilman- 
ton, N. H., the field of his first public labors. He 
held that position a little more than eight years, when, 
on account of the general moneyed stringency and 
the decrease of students, he and Professor Aaron 
Warner tendered their resignations, November 22, 
1843. The three following years he was principal of 
a High School in Haverhill, N. H., and was after- 
wards for five years acting pastor at Quebec, Vt., and 
for six following years at Hartland, Vt. At the age of 
seventy he gave up his regular work in the ministry 
and removed to Hanover, N. H., and there engaged 
in a private study of the Bible. As a result of that 
study, several interesting articles have appeared in 
religious periodicals. It has been understood also 
that he was preparing a critical and labored com- 
mentary on the Psalms. Mr. Rood married Frances 
Susan Moody, daughter of Stephen Moody, Esq., of 
Gilmanton, November 29, 1827. A few years ago 
Middlebury College gave him the honorary degree 
of Doctor of Divinity. He spent his last few years 
with his children, and after a gradual coming down 
to the close of life and labors — strong in faith and 
joyously confident in the truths he had preached for 
many years— at the home of a daughter in Westfield, 
N. Y., he died June 8, 1882. His remains were 
brought to Hanover and interred beside his wife, who 
had preceded him some seven years to " the better 
country." 

Nahusi Wight, m. d'., died at his home in Gil- 



1 In the above notice I draw largely from the excellent tribute read 
before the New Hampshire Medical Society by Dr. John Wheeler, of 
PittaSeld, president of the society, at an annual meeting, June 18, ISM ; 
also from the sermon preached at the funeral of Dr. Wight, May 13, 



manton on May 12, 1884. Born in Gilead, Me., No- 
vember 20, 1807; the eldest of a family of fifteen 
children ; acquired his education mainly by his own 
efforts; placed himself for medical instruction un- 
der the charge of Dr. John Grover, of Bethel, Me., 
father of United States Senator Grover, of Oregon, 
the latter being for a time a pni)il of Dr. Wight ; 
graduated from the medical school at Bowdoin Col- 
lege in the spring of 1832 and in November of the 
same year settled at the Academy village, in Gilman- 
ton, succeeding Dr. William Prescott, a man dis- 
tinguished as a medical man and scientist. His com- 
petitors, when he entered this field, were Dr. Di.\ie 
Crosby and Dr. John C. Page. After a few years 
Dr. Crosby was called to a professorship at the Dart- 
mouth Medical College, and Dr. Page entered the 
ministry, leaving to Dr. Wight the entire practice 
without competition. 

Gilmanton village, though small, was at this time, 
in many respects, important. It was the business 
centre of a large and thrifty farming community in 
a town of nearly four thousand inhabitants. Here 
the highest court in New Hampshire held its stated 
sessions ; here, also, was one of the oldest and most 
flourishing academies in the State; and here was 
the seat of a theological seminary, conducted by pro- 
fessors eminent for learning and piety. The society 
of the place was noted for morality, intelligence 
and refinement. Into such a community the young 
physician entered, and rapidly won respect, confi- 
dence and patronage. 

Dr. Wight began early to take charge of medical 
students, and did so till near the close of his Hie 
More than forty young men were under his direction 
during the whole or a part of their course of profes- 
sional study. For several years he maintained a dis- 
secting-room, from which some dry preparations are 
still preserved, that for perfection of execution are 
not surpassed in any medical museum. 

Dr. Wight continued earnest in his extending prac- 
tice and in teaching, studious and growing in knowl- 
edge and reputation, till, in 1846, he determined to go 
abroad for medical improvement. He was in Europe 
nearly twelve months, visiting the medical centres, 
studying and observing. He made the utmost of his 
opportunities. Having gained much practical knowl- 
edge and obtained a supply of excellent instruments, 
he returned to his professional work with renewed 
zeal. His letters from abroad were much enjoyed 
by such a scholar as the late Professor E. R. Peaslee, 
and his lectures after his return were received with 
great favor. This foreign travel and study from the 
savings of a moderate income was quite a bold un- 
dertaking for a country doctor forty years ago. Dr. 
Wight attained eminence in his profession. His 
practice was distinguished for definiteness in diagno- 
sis, in which he early began to excel. His faith in 
the use of drugs was reasonable, but limited. He 
was a good surgeon, often called by other physicians 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



for consultation and operations; and by medical 
brethren and the people, in a wide field, his medical 
services and opinions were held in high estimation. 
Many difficult surgical operations were performed by 
him successfully. He loved the profession of his 
choice and strove to elevate it. Having been for 
many years a member of the Centre District Medical 
Society, in 1839 he was received a Fellow of the State 
organization. He took occasional part in its discus- 
sions, read papers before it and in 1874 was elected 
its president. 

It has been a remarkable and unusual life, — fifty- 
two years of medical practice in one town, by night 
and day, in heat and cold, in sunshine and storm, in 
strength and in weariness. 

In the civil and educational affairs of the town Dr. 
Wight has been called to fill important and honorable 
positions. In three successive years — 1841, '42, '43 — 
he was representative. In 1851 he was elected a trustee 
of the academy and held the office till his death,— 
thirty-three years. November 10, 1870, he was 
elected treasurer, which office he held nearly four- 
teen years. 

Dr. Wight, though not in membership, was a warm 
and generous friend of the Congregational Church 
and a constant attendant on public worship, so far as 
professional services made it possible. 

Dr. Wight was married, September 3, 1833, to Mary 
Ann Straw, daughter of Lieutenant Gideon Straw, a 
widely-known citizen of Newfield, Me. She was an 
excellent woman, wife and mother. Neither ostenta- 
tious nor spasmodic, the sincerity of her piety shone 
in her daily life. 

Dr. Wight survived his wife and five of his eight 
children. It was his fate to meet with much af- 
fliction. 

His first-born, a son who much resembled his 
father, and in whom his ambition and dearest hopes 
centred, with trunk packed for the journey to enter 
college, suddenly sickened and died. The father's 
grief at this loss was terrible. Its dark shadow rested 
on all his after life. He performed two surgical opera- 
tions, of a severe and hazardous character, upon his 
wife, by her requirement. The writer was called once 
to assist. An anaesthetic made the patient calm and 
comfortable — the surgeon suffered. The operation 
was well performed, and death was averted several 
years. 

On the fiftieth anniversary of his coming to Gil- 
manton a large number of his friends gathered at his 
home and commemorated the event in an impressive 
and hapi)y manner. A few weeks after this occasion 
he was warned suddenly by a mild apoplectic attack. 
From this he nearly recovered, till about two weeks 
before his death, when he was found in bed helpless, 
with signs of cerebral hemorrhage. Although he rallied 
for a little time, he gradually sank, and calmly passed 
away. At his ftineral the church was filled by neigh- 
bors, [latrons, physicians, clergymen and representa- 



tives of the bar and bench, many of whom came from 
a distance, all friends of the good old physician. 
The religious services were conducted by the pastor, 
Rev. S. S. N. Greeley, who uttered an eloquent and 
tender eulogy on the pleasant acquaintance of his 
early life and the intimate friend of recent years. 
The remains were borne to the village cemetery, beau- 
tiful by nature. Physicians and chosen friends sadly 
and thoughtfully, with careful hands, lowered to his- 
last resting-place all that was mortal of Nahum 
Wight. For more than half a century he honored our 
profession, and was a benefactor to his race. 

Gilmanton Theological Seminary. — Some men- 
tion sliiuilil Ik- made (if this institution, though its 
brief liut ust'liil history is widely known. It was con- 
templated by the fathers, and provided for by the terms- 
of the original charter of Gilmanton Academy (as An- 
dover Seminary rests back to-day on the charter of 
Phillips Academy), and after many years a theological 
class was received. There were circumstances that led 
good men to believe that the time had at length come 
to open a department of theology. After the great 
revivals of religion in the years 1832-33 there was an 
unusual call for preachers, especially for home mis- 
sionary parishes and the sparse settlements of North- 
ern New England, and the existing seminaries were 
unable to supply the demand. In the State of New 
Hampshire alone there were more than a hundred 
towns without any Congregational minister, and over 
fifty Congregational Churches without a pastor. 

At the same time, as another consequence of these 
revivals, there was quite a large class of men, partly 
educated, who earnestly desired to study for the min- 
istry without a previous college course, on account of 
their age or pecuniary inability, but men who, by 
practical knowledge of the world, by energy, physical 
strength and talents, were admirably adapted for these 
waiting fields. There were, however, even at the first, 
several graduates of colleges who studied at Gilman- 
ton with much pleasure and profit; and it is worthy 
of note that in late years the theological seminaries at 
Andover and Chicago have made separate provision, 
by the endowments of professorships and special 
courses of instruction for just this class of men for 
whom the seminary at Gilmanton was first opened. 

It was on August 15, 1835, at their annual meeting, 
having been maturing plans for two years, that the 
trustees of Gilmanton Academy called the Rev. He- 
man Rood, from New Milford, Conn., to open and con- 
duct a department of theology. He accejJted the ap- 
pointment and was inaugurated professor of theology 
and Biblical literature on the 9th of September. The 
seminary commenced operations the following month, 
October, 1835. The course of instruction began with 
seven students. 

Very soon, by the advice of men in whom the board 
had confidence (says the historian of Gilmanton, 
p. 170), both in New Hampshire and in Massachu- 
setts, the plan of the department was enlarged so as 



GILMANTON. 



799 



til include a more complete course of training for the 
ministry, and Rev. Aaron Warner, D.D., was appointed 
1 1 rofessor of sacred rhetoric. He was inaugurated on 
the first anniversary, August 26, 1830. There has 
been printed for the family and pereonal friends a 
very interesting life-sketch of Professor Warner, by 
Professor Crowell, of Amherst College (a son-in-law), 
in which, speaking of this appointment, he says : 
" Professor Warner was in full sympathy with the ob- 
ji'Ct for which the seminary was established. During 
the seven years and a half of his connection with it 
he untiringly devoted all his energies to its interests, 
and especially to the work of his own department, — 
the training of students in the art of pulpit discourse, 
— and, according to the testimony of competent ob- 
servers, and particularly of his pupils, with a large 
measure of success." Says his colleague. Rev. He- 
man Rood, D.D. : " Professor Warner was very useful 
and popular as a teacher in the seminary. The classes 
were well and thoroughly trained in his department. 
They learned to write correctly and to speak and 
preach impressively. He once afterwards said to me 
that he regarded the years spent in the seminary a.s 
the happiest and most useful years of his life," After 
closing these years of usefulness Professor Warner 
was appointed to the chair of rhetoric, oratory and 
English literature in Amherst College, upon the duties 
of which he entered in January, 1845. The college at 
that time was in circumstances that necessitated the 
performance of labor sufficient for three men. 

It gradually undermined his strength, and a weak- 
ness of the eyes, which had long been a trial to him, 
increased almost to blindness, so that he resigned his 
severe toils in the autumn of 1853, having held his 
professorship through a term equaled at that date by 
only three out of seven instructors who had preceded 
him in that position. Professor Warner continued to 
reside in Amherst the years that were left him, till, in 
the full assurance of hope, he died May 14, 187G, in 
the middle of his eighty -second year. 

In September, 1839, the institution, that had now- 
taken on the form and offices of a distinct theologi- 
cal seminary, was increased in facilities by the call to 
a professorship of the Rev. Isaac Bird, late of the Sy- 
rian Mission of the A. B. C. F. M. Mr. Bird was ad- 
mitted to be one of the finest linguists in his day, 
among the entire regiment of the board's mission- 
aries. Lancaster ("History," p. 221) says of him: "He 
sailed as a missionary to Syria in December, 1822; 
resided at Beyroot the greater part of ten years, be- 
sides short residences in different villages in Mount 
Lebanon, at Jerusalem, Malta and Smyrna, four years 
more. He was in the constant conversational use of 
the Italian and Arabic languages for twelve years, and 
acquired a ready reading knowledge of the Syriac, 
French, Spanish and German, besides some acquain- 
tance with the Turkish and Persian. He returned to 
this country at the close of 1836, and was an instructor 
at Gilmanton in the department of theology from Sep- 



tember, 183P, to December, 1843, and from that time 
was instructor in sacred literature, to which depart- 
ment he was elected professor July 9, 1844, and wa.s 
inaugurated on the 11th of the same month." 

In 1838, Dr. Dixie Crosby was appointed lecturer on 
anatomy, physiology and health, succeeded by Dr. 
Nahum Wight in 1844. 

On the 23d of April, 1839, the ground was broken 
lor the erection of a new building for the use of the 
seminary, of brick, eighty-eight feet long, fifty Teet 
wide and three stories high above the basement. The 
plan of this building was drawn by Ami B. Young, 
Esq., architect of the custom-house in Boston, and 
was one of the most admirably adapted to the pur- 
poses intended of any college or seminary hall then 
known in the country. In November of 1839 the 
walls were up and covered by a roof. " Its location," 
says Professor Crowell (" Memorial of Professor War- 
ner," p. 40), " is on an elevation commanding a beauti- 
ful prospect, secured in 1837, and money to defray 
the cost of its erection gradually obtained, and on 
August 18, 1841, the completed building was dedicated 
with public services, Professor Warner delivering the 
dedicatory address." 

At this time there had been donated by a multitude 
of friends and publishers in Boston, and more largely 
in New York, a library of nearly four thousand vol- 
umes. With its able teachers, the seminary greatly 
prospered, and visiting clergymen and friends from far 
and near gave their testimony that they found every- 
thing about it and pertaining to it on a vastly higher 
plane than they had anticipated. 

Within three years from the first anniversary 
twenty-two of its graduates were settled in the pastor- 
ates of churches, most of them in New Hampshire, 
and for the first seven years the number of graduates 
averaged, yearly, ten. Each man was spoken for be- 
fore his term of study was completed. To meet the 
current expenses of the institution, it was obliged to 
rely chiefly on yearly donations. The embarrassed 
state of mercantile affairs throughout the country in 
the years 1841 and 1842 prevented the continuance of 
these gifts, and caused such a pressure in the finan- 
cial condition of the seminary that by the next year 
the support of the professors almost entirely failed, 
and there seemed to be no alternative but withdrawal. 
Accordingly, on the 22d of November, 1843, Professor 
Warner and Professor Rood both resigned. 

At the same date Rev. William Cogswell, D.D., 
professor of history and national education in Dart- 
mouth College, was appointed president and profes- 
sor of Christian theology in the seminary. There is 
little need to speak him particularly here, as he was 
a man of national reputation. The appointment, 
and his coming at this time of trial, simply show how 
highly the seminary was prized by scholars and pub- 
lic officials in the Christian Church, and their readi- 
ness to sacrifice, if in any way possible, to save it. 
Dr. Cogswell accepted the office .lanuary 11, 1844, 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



entered at once on its duties and was inaugurated 
February 7th the same year. At the same time Mr. 
Charles Tenney, a very popular principal of the 
academy (Dartmouth, 183.5), was ordained an evan- 
gelist, and was appointed instructor of sacred rhetoric 
in the seminary. By new special gifts from benevo- 
lent friends, and by severe sacrifices from residents in 
the village, the seminary struggled on till the census 
shows over fifty men that passed through and out of 
it, publicly to toil in the world's great field of whiten- 
ed harvest. At this date quite a large number of them 
have ceased from their labors, having heard a voice 
saying, " Come up higher ;" others are enfeebled 
•through age and toil, and others growing old are yet 
young, and working " while the day lasts." One of 
the number, nigh upon the period that is reached 
only "by reason of strength," several years ago 
received " extreme unction " in a doctorate of divini- 
ty, and still lives, while the rest have been enab!e<l to 
dodge it hitherto. 

Under all the difficulties and discouragements Dr. 
Cogswell struggled manfully to sustain the institu- 
tion, but not only was there stringency in pecuniary 
matters all abroad, but the young men were few who 
turned their thoughts toward the ministry. Of course^ 
then the regular routine of the past had to be sus- 
pended ; but the trustees offered the free use of rooms 
and ftirniture in the building, use of the library and 
what of instruction they might obtain to any and all 
students who would like to repair to the seminary 
for a season. 

The great hall is the property of the academy, and 
is used for summer boarders in the long vacation, and 
by students of the academy in term-time. 

The Chvirches. — The churches of Gilmanton, like 
the population of the town, have decreased in mem- 
bershii) and pecuniary ability. The fathers and the 
mothers in Israel are mostly numbered with the dead, 
while the warm young blood of the children flows in 
the life of churches in the larger towns and cities. 
It is so all abroad through our New Hampshire. 
And yet, worthy of all honor and needed help are 
these little churches scattered over the hills and 
valleys. They have impoverished themselves by 
giving to others. They have not much ability to "go 
down to the battle," but they are "sticking by the 
stufl';" they are holding back the tide of iniquity, 
and are shedding quietly and beautifully that 
hallowed light without which large sections of our 
State would be speedily in moral darkness. 

Since the publication of Lancaster's " History of 
Gilmanton," the old First Church at the "Smith 
Meeting-House " has become virtually extinct, and 
for several years has not been reported in the 
minutes of the General Association. 

According to Rev. Mr, Lancaster (" History," page 
192), its first pastor. Rev. Isaac Smith, preached forty- 
three years, and, after a short illness, died among his 
people, March 2.5, 1817, in the seventy-third year of 



his age. He was succeeded by Rev. Luke Ainsworth 
Spoffbrd, who was ordained on .Tune 9, 1819. His 
pastorate was about six years, during which time 
j thirty were added to the church. On account of in- 
sufficient health for so large a field of labor, he asked 
release, and was dismissed on the 9th of June, 1825. 

On the 21st September, 1825, the Rev. Daniel Lan- 
caster was settled, having received two calls from the 
church. 

On the 26th February, 1826, letters of dismission 
and recommendation were voted to twenty-five mem- 
bers of the church to form a new church at the 
Centre village (Academy), and on the 12th Octol)er, 
1830, thirteen individuals were dismissed to form a 
church at Gilmanton Iron-Works. 

These two special periods of emigration diminished 
the church by thirty -eight members. On the other 
hand, there were two special revival seasons, in the 
winter of 1846^7 and in 1831, which brought into 
the church seventy-five new members. Thu;- the 
number was more than restored, but the pecuniary 
ability of the church was not restored, and on .July 
25, 1832, Rev. Mr. Lancaster was dismissed for want 
of support. During his ministry of six years eighty- 
five were added to the church ; there were one hun- 
dred and eighteen baptisms and over one hundred 
burials of the dead. 

After this removal of their pastor the church se- 
cured supplies as they had opportunity, till, in 1834, 
they had the Rev. Francis P. Smith, son of the first 
minister, as acting pastor through the entire year. 
A revival season was enjoyed during this year, and 
twenty were added to the church. At the close of 
Mr. Smith's engagement the Rev. Josiah Carpenter 
was secured for a year, under whose ministry twelve 
were added to the church. Subsequently students 
from the seminary preached as Sabbath supplies, till 
Mr. Horace Wood, a licensed graduate, engaged with 
them for a considerable period ; but in the recent 
years there has been in the meeting-house no regular 
service. Occasionally neighboring pastors preach an 
afternoon or evening sermon ; otherwise the house is 
closed, and silence reigns. The families surrounding 
have greatly changed. Some have become extinct, 
others removed, and others, who in these days go to 
church anywhere, go to the village, or to the Iron- 
Works or to the church at Lower Gilmanton ; and yet, \ 
there is the spirit of beauty and of sacredness linger- 
ing about the old spot. Near at hand is the burying- 
ground, " where the forefathers of the hamlet sleep," 
and numbers of the patriot dead are gathered here, 
whose graves are decorated by loving hands at the 
appointed seasons. A few years since, John B. Batch- 
elder, Esq., in early life a resident, and educated in 
the town, awakened a lively interest in an enlarge- 
ment and beautifying of this ancient cemetery, and 
a wonderful change was effected. It is now a pleas- 
ant and ample inclosure, adorned with trees and 
lilooming with flowers, while new care and taste and 



GILMANTON. 



801 



generous expenditure are at once observable in the 
erection of monuments for the dead. 

Here, also, at the " Old Smith Meeting-House," are 
held the public services of the soldiers' "Memorial 
Day," when there is a general gathering of the people 
of the town. 

The Centre Coxgregational Church. — The 
twenty-five persons from the old First Church were 
organized into a new church by an invited council 
on the 8th of March, 1826. Rev. Heman Rood, the 
first pastor, was ordained July 12, 1826. A new 
house of worship was built at a cost of three thousand 
five hundred dollars, and dedicated September 30, 
1827. Mr. Rood continued with the church three 
and a half years from his ordination. 

In 18.35, December 16th, Rev. Daniel Lancaster, 
who had removed from the old First Church, was in- 
stalled pastor. He finished a laborious and most suc- 
cessful ministry January 2.5, 18o2, having done 
service in the town more than twenty-seven years. 
In the following spring, April 22, 1852, the Rev. 
Roger M. Sargent was installed pastor, who con- 
tinued with the church till January 31, 1860, when 
he was dismissed, and accepted a call from Farming- 
ton, N. H. June 13, 1860, the Rev. Joseph Blake, 
D.D., was installed, and, finding his health failing, 
was dismissed February 14, 1871. But on October 
2.5th, having been recalled by the church, he was re- 
installed, and continued pastor till his final dismis- 
sion, June 3, 1879, though he had removed from the 
town two months before. His ministry was more than 
•eighteen years. Immediately on his leaving, the parish 
applied to Rev. S. S. N. Greeley, a townsman, who 
had returned after three years in the army and eight 
years ministry in the city of Oswego, N. Y., to re- 
cruit in health in the wonderful air of the moun- 
tains. He told the committee he did not come back 
to New Hampshire to take churches, nor to remain 
in his childhood's home; but, in the destitution of 
the people and church of the fathers, he would give 
them a few Sabbaths till they could look round. It 
is sufficient to remark that the " coming man " has 
not come yet, and it has now been more than seven 
years. 

Irox-Works Congregatioxal Church was con- 
stituted by an ecclesiastical council, October 20, 1830. 
On the 12th of September the church extended a call 
to Mr. Charles G. Safibrd, a recent graduate from 
Ando\'er, who was ordained pastor September 28, 1831. 
On the 12th of June, 1836, Rev. Mr. Saft"ord was dis- 
missed on account of failing health. There had been 
two seasons of revival during his ministry of four 
years and nine months, and fifty-six new members had 
tome into the church. 

Early in the year 1838 a revival commenced under 
the labors of Rev. Jeremiah Blake, M.D., a student 
in Gilmanton Theological Seminary, more powerful 
than any yet witnessed, which resulted in the addition 
of sixtv-two to the church, fiftv-five in one dav bv 



profession. On January 31, 1839, Rev. Stephen S. N. 
Greeley was ordained pastor of the church, (graduated 
at Dartmouth College in 1835; studied one year at 
Andover and two years at Gilmanton Theological Sem- 
inary). After nearly four years' pleasant labor among 
his townsmen, Mr. Greeley received an earnest call to 
the Congregational Church in New Market (Lamprey 
River). The church there was in great trial at the 
time from outside pressure, but was " fighting a good 
fight " — and the field was an important one. It was 
to be made manifest that the Christian Churches did 
not desire to "bind the fetters on the slave!" Mr. 
Greeley requested dismission from the church at Gil- 
manton Iron-Works, which was approved by council 
October 19, 1842, had a lively time in his new field 
the first few months, with five years pleasant labor 
following, till called to the then Seventh Church in 
Springfield, Mass. (Chicopee Falls). On the 6th of 
November, 1844, the church at the Iron Works 
received another pastor in the ordination of the Rev. 
Rufus Childs. He was pastor at the time " Lancaster's 
History " was issued ; but in the church records there 
appears no statement of the date of his dismission. 
It must have been near the close of 1855, for on the 
first Sabbath in 1856 (January 3d) it is stated that the 
pulpit was occupied by Rev. Jairus Ordway. Sub- 
sequently Mr. Ordway was engaged as acting pastor, 
and remained with the church till March 1, 1861. 
December 1, 1870, Rev. N. S. Moore commenced 
labor as acting pastor, and closed his labors of three 
years' continuance, December 28, 1873. July 22, 
1875, Rev. George Rogers (from England) was ordained 
pastor, and in failing health was dismissed by Coun- 
cil February 22, 1877. He soon died. August 30, 
1877, Mr. Charles L. Tomblin succeeded; supplied 
till June 1, 1878, and was followed by Mr. Cassan- 
der C. Sampson in one year's service. 

January 1, 1880, Rev. E. J. Roke (also from Eng- 
land) commenced a year's service, and closed his 
labors April 1, 1881. 

On the 12th of December, 1882, the church extended 
a unanimous call to Rev. Lyman White, for some 
years pastor in Deerfield, but had been supplying the 
Iron-Works pulpit for a season. He is still with the 
church as acting pastor, strong in the confidence of 
his people, and, as a minister, able, faithful and useful. 

The Free- Will Baptist Church, Gilmaxtox 
Irox Works.'— The Free-Will Baptist Church 
at Gilmanton Iron- Works was organized between the 
years 1785 and 1790. The denomination was in its in- 
fancy, with but few ministers of the gospel ; therefore, 
only a few of the churches had a settled pastor for the 
first thirty or forty years. These servants of the Lord 
" had a mind to work ; " so they fi-equently visited and 
encouraged the destitute churches. This church had 
a few stated supplies by such men as Elders Abel Glid- 

1 The above is kindly furnislied by Harlan Page, Esq., clerk of the 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



den, Thomas Flanders and Ezra Ham, until about 1835 
when Elder Hezekiah Buzziel was settled as pastor of i 
the church, and continued with them some five years. 
After his retirement the church has had the following | 
succession of pastors, in their order, down to the 
present time : Rev. Samuel P. Fernald, from 1840- 
49; Benjamin McMurphy, 1849-52; Ichabod R. Cook, 
1852-55 ; Thomas Keniston, 1855-60 ; John M. Dur- 
gin, 1800-62 ; Moses Quimby, 1862-65 ; Gilman San- 
born, 1866-68; John C. Osgood, 1868-73; John M. 
Durgin, 1873-75 ; John B. Leighton, 1875-77 ; Wal- 
lace W. Brown, 1877-79 ; George W. Price, 1879-81 ; 
Moses Quimby, 1881-83 ; Orrin Pitts, 1883-85 ; James 
C. Nelson, 1885, present pastor. In quite recent years 
the congregation has rejoiced in the possession of a 
commodious and tasteful house of worship, and two 
years since received from Samuel Goodwin, Esq., a 
native, but a successful business man in New York 
Citv, the very desirable gift of a tower-clock and 
bell 

The Free-Will Baptist Church, Lower Gil- 
MANTON. — Rev. H. B. Huntoon, present pastor of 
this church furnishes the following report after dili- 
gent search for facts for this history, saying, " It is 
very imperfect, but the best I could do with the little 
material I have at command." 

The Free-Will Baptist Church was organized at 
Lower Gilmanton January 8, 1860, and enrolls the 
following pastors, with periods of labor : Moses Fol- 
sora, two years ; John Malvern, one ; J. C Osgood, 
one; C. B. Griffin, two; J. G. Munsey, four; D. L. 
Edgerly, two ; John M. Durgin, one ; C. L. Plum- 
mer, two ; John Chamberlain, one ; L. E. Hall, two 
and a half; H. B. Huntoon, present pastor. 

For many years the church at Lower Gilmanton 
was Calvinistic Baptist. Lancaster's " History " (p. 
199) states that it was organized November 16, 1773, 
and on the 14th of June, 1786, settled as pastor 
Elder Walter Powers, who continued with them about 
twenty years. He was succeeded by Elder Phinehas 
Richardson, who resigned his care of the church after 
a ministry of eighteen years. It was with deep re- 
gret that the church parted with him. The greatest 
harmony had existed, and one hundred and sixteen 
new members had been brought into tlie church. 

At two different periods after the retirement of 
Elder Richardson the church was supplied by Elder 
Hiram D. Hodge, an unusually interesting preacher 
— scholarly, logical, clear and convincing. There 
were several pastors or supplies after he left ; but as 
time went on, emigration and death had reduced the 
church to the degree that they finally ceased to main- 
tain a distinct organization, and the very few that are 
yet living unite in service with the Free-Will Bap- 
tists, who occupy the house of worship on the old 
location, but reconstructed from the old timber, neat, 
tasteful, a smaller house with a larger liberty ! 

In the by-gone years Lower Gilmanton was a live 
and prosperous section of the town, and many were 



the travelers by the rattling stage-coach, and many 
the wearied teams with their drivers, who found rest 
and abundant supply for all pressing needs at the 
well-filled barns and loaded tables of " Major Parish." 
He was a landlord of the old school ; genial, witty, 
attentive to his customers, and, in business matters, 
one that " knew how to keep a hotel." Here were 
the law-offices of Benjamin Emerson and John Ham, 
Esqs., with their pleasant and spacious residences, 
and here were stores and varied industries that were 
pursued with profit. But in these hitter days business 
is not rushing. As with many hopefiil localities in 
earlier times, a change has become strikingly evident ; 
from every direction roundabout the remaining peo- 
ple the voice of the steam-engine is heard in the land, 
but it steers quite clear of this section. 

The Society of Friends. — Lancaster (" History," 
p. 204), in a brief paragraph, states that "A Society 
of Friends was organized in Gilmanton about the 
year 1780." Well do citizens remember the quiet, 
happy old age of some of these early founders. They 
were industrious, self-controlled, honest, truthful, and, 
as citizens, always interested in the prosperity of the 
town, and numbers of them long occupied official 
positions. They are all dead, but the church or soci- 
ety still lives. A little group of the children of the 
early sires still keep up the organization, hold regular 
meetings, stir up one another's pure minds by way of 
remembrance, or devoutly '" meditate." They are 
notable examples of the perseverance of the saints. 
Some five years ago they took down the old house 
where their fathers worshiped, and on the old site 
in the Academy village erected as commodious, well- 
planned, thoroughly-finished and pleasant a Sabbath 
home as any people need desire, and while their chil- 
dren are, in numbers of instances, by marriage or 
removal, absorbed into other congregations, still they 
are determined that a remnant shall remain. 

The Methodist Church. — Two Methodist classes 
(1807-1818) were established here, connected with the 
Northfield Circuit, and had only occasional preaching. 
In 1826-7 a brick meeting-house was built, at a cost 
of about two thousand five hundred dollars, which 
was dedicated in 1827. Elder George Storrs preached 
the sermon. He was on the circuit two years (1828- 
29) and was a strong man. He became famous in the 
early days of anti-slavery as a bold and convincing 
lecturer. He was the man who was arrested while on 
his knees in prayer in the Congregational pulpit in 
Pittsfield, where the pastor. Rev. Jonathan Curtis, had 
invited him to lecture. 

Lancaster's " History " records, through quite a series 
of years, the succession of ministers in the Methodist 
Church, but at this date it is a lengthy roll, and mostly 
a very worthy one, for which there is neither space 
nor necessity for record here. The wheel turns round, 
and each man jumps off at the appointed locality only 
for a season. The church has experienced trying 
losses by removals and deaths of efficient members, 



GILMANTON. 



and lives to-day only by severe sacrifices. But it has 
held on its way perseveringly and usefully, and has 
the best wishes of the entire community that it may 
continue long and prosper. 

The Villages.— GiLMANTox Iron-Wouks. — We 
have spoken of the settlement at Lower Gilmanton, 
past and present, and of the quiet section full of 
tender memories, where, by the old Smith Meeting- 
House, the sod was early opened to receive the dead. 
A few words concerning the Iron-Works village may 
be due in this connection. There are not smelting 
furnaces, nor heavy castings and wondrous mould- 
ings of glowing metal in these days, as strangers sup- 
pose, at Gilmanton Iron-Works. But in the early 
settlement of the place there were discovered here 
and there, and especially in the neighboring Suncook 
or Lougee Pond, deposits of iron ore. Yankee con- 
trivance lifted this ore from its bed twenty feet under 
water and established " works," and for a time prose- 
cuted the making of iron for the market. But it was 
found ere long that the obtaining the ore under diffi- 
culties and the limited supply, so far as then known, 
w^ould forbid continuance of the undertaking as a pay- 
ing investment. But it gave name to "Avery town," 
as the first designation was, and from the early day it 
has been known as " Gilmanton Iron-Works." 

It has a fine water-power, furnishing opportunity 
for a large amount of machinery and manufactures. 
This power has long been utilized to considerable 
extent, and the village is a stirring business point, 
beyond any other locality in the town. There are 
signs of thrift and neatness about the homes of the 
people, and the village has improved every way in 
the recent years. There is evidence in stores and 
shops of lucrative business and in the professional 
walks, — three or more clergymen guard their spiritual 
folds, four or more physicians have care for the health 
of the people, and, that the right may prevail, the 
genial and watchful Colonel Thomas Cogswell pays 
honor due to "the Majesty of Law;" has a busy life 
in adjusting the claims of law and equity between 
man and man, — "Fiat Justitia," etc. ("Let justice be 
done though the heavens fall)." 

Gilmanton Iron-Works within the past year has 
established a new industry in the erection of a large 
shoe-fiictory. " It is in successful operation," writes 
one of the principal owners, '' and gives employment 
to about seventy-five persons. We have a good lo- 
cation and a fine building." Among other manufac- 
turing is the sash and blind-shop of Eeuben Giles, 
the grist and saw-mill of Danford Cook, the plow- 
shop and rake-factory of the Marsh Brothers. All 
these are cheeriugly prosperous. 

The village of the Iron-Works, lying low under 
surrounding hills, at the water-level, would not be 
judged as healthful as other portions of the town. 
But large is the number who have, at a very advanced 
age, reached the bounds that were set that no man 
can pass. 



On the 21st of August, 1885, a prominent citizen, 
Moses P. Page, died, a citizen aged and so prominent 
as to challenge some special notice. He lived to 
within two months of ninety years, being eighty-nine 
years and ten months. He was born in Gilmanton 
October 30, 1795, and, with the exception of a single 
year, passed his whole life in town. He was educa- 
ted in the town school and Gilmanton Academy, and 
commenced mercantile life in Lower Gilmanton j 
then at Gilmanton Iron- Works in 1818; opening a 
store, he continued a successful merchant fifty years. 
Mr. Page was one of the thirteen who formed the Con- 
gregational Church in Gilmanton Iron-Works. He was 
a constant attendant upon public worship and a daily 
reader of the Scriptures. He also kei)t himself in- 
formed in relation to the doings of the various benev- 
olent societies. While living he made the following 
donations: To the American Home Missionary So- 
ciety, $2500 ; to the New Hampshire Bible Society, 
$2500 ; to the American Board for Foreign Missions, 
$2500; to the New Hampshire Missionary Society, 
$2500; to the American Missionary Association for 
Educating the Colored People at the South, $10,000 ; 
to the Gilmanton Iron-Works Congregational Church, 
$3333 ; also his pew in the meeting-house for the min- 
ister and his family ; and to said society, by his will, 
he gave his dwelling-house for a parsonage. His 
gifts in all amounted to about $25,000. 

The Centre Village.— The Centre village. Acad- 
emy village, (or, vulgarly, Gilmanton Corner), need* 
but brief mention ; for, though greatly changed in 
many respects, it is as pleasant to the eye as it ever was. 
It is reduced in population and wealth, yet has 
many visitors from near and far, who come and 
go. The mountains hold fast their old positions, " as 
the mountains were round about Jerusalem ; the 
little hills rejoice on every side," and rising suns and 
evening sunsets are glorious to the vision. " Do you 
keep painted up, and the village neat and tidy, as 
when I went to school at the academy ?" asked the 
worthy president of the New Hampshire Medical So- 
ciety. Generally so, and a little more so, though the 
ability to gratify taste is far less than the desire. The 
attractions for business men and money-making are 
not strong. There are no facilities for manufactures 
nor the convenience of railroad stations, and yet 
every day the sharp whistle of engines, and often the 
rumble of wheels, are distinctly heard from the four 
cardinal points ; but, to the waiting traveler, eight, 
ten or twelve miles of outstretched country must be 
first passed over ere the eye sees what seemed so nigh 
at hand. It is most forcibly suggestive of the love- 
song in one of the operas, "Thou art so near and yet 
so far ! " But, if not pressed by urgent business, 
these stage and carriage-rides are highly enjoyable, 
and, to the worn and weary under the cares of life, 
seeking for quiet, there is a feeling of positive relief 
in deliverance from smoke and noise and the endless 
excitements of large towns and cities. Gilmanton 



804 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



has some very pleasant residences, with tasteful sur- 
roundings, as, for instance, the country-seat of Z. S. 
Kitchen, Esq., of New York, built with all modern 
improvements but a few years since ; then, nearly op- 
posite, the massive old homestead of Major Ebenezer 
Eastman, once the home of Mary Butler, now im- 
proved, owned and occupied in the summer months 
by Dr. J. M. W. Kitchen, of New York ; then the 
lofty mansion, purchased and improved a year ago 
by the celebrated lecturer, John L. Stoddard. From 
these points, also from the " Prospect House," the 
views are uncommonly fine. Another home, with a 
wonderful outlook, is that of Colonel Cyrus Gilman, 
on the southern outskirts of the village ; also, the en- 
tire sweep of the horizon at Oakland Cottage, the 
residence of J. Horace Drew, Esq. The late Rev. Dr. 
Prime (" Irenieus" of the iV«« York Observer), whWe 
boarding there in a recent summer, sent a capital let- 
ter to his paper, extracts from which will close this 
article. 

" Oakland Cottage," with its pleasant outlying 
fields, was once Copp's Hill, from the owner of years 
ago. There resided in the family an ancient and pious 
spinster, quiet and meditative, to whom in the love 
of nature holding communion with her visible forms, 
she spake a varied language. 

The view of the village from this high point, es- 
pecially before the obscuring growth of trees and 
shrubbery on streets and in yards, was like a clear- 
cut picture. " I sit by my window on beautiful sum- 
mer mornings," said the ancient dame, " and look down 
upon the plain and upon the village, and I think of 
Sodom and Gomorrah!" 

Doubtless, she had not the least intention of com- 
plimenting the villagers. It was only because her 
thoughts ran Scripturally. There is a fine view from 
the vicinity of the recent home of Levi Grant, Esq., 
of the Tamworth and Sandwich Mountains, and one 
of the best in all the region of Mount Washington. 
A lovely view is also had of distant mountain scenery, 
parts of Loudon, Canterbury, the Shaker village, 
part of Concord, etc., from the dwelling of Mr. 
Richard D. Varney, immediately in the village. 
Then, but a little way off, stands and firmly abides 
the well-known Peaked Hill, and here the view tran- 
scends the largest anticipations of its visitors. Such 
is its relative position that it seems to stand alone, 
detached from the mountain range of which it is 
really a part, while, as on the apex of a cone, the 
world falls off' on every hand, and rises again to- 
ward the distant horizon. Here one gets a marvel- 
ous view of the mountain scenery in New Hamp- 
shire, and extending into Maine and Vermont. 
Peaked Hill has been for many years a favorite re- 
sort for pleasure parties, for students of the academy 
and visitors who love to climb for the sake of the 
climbing. 

There are other |)lace.s of interest that are worth 
the visiting, as P(u-cupine Ledge, the Gulf, Lougee 



Pond, with its fine fishing, and Loon Pond, the largest 
and most beautiful body of water in this region, 
where sail-boats may have the most ample swing. 

Beside this pond the traveled road leading to Lower 
Gilmanton, Pittsfield, etc., rises into a long and quite 
tedious hill, but on reaching the " height of land," 
while the horse should stand and rest a little, the 
traveler if possessed of any " sense of the beautiful," 
will be very willing to have him. A lady artist from 
Boston said, in her enthusiiism, " I want to get me a 
tent and a cooking-stove, and just come here and 
stay." 

If one shall continue his tour some two miles be- 
yond this hill, there will come in sight the beautiful 
and yet higher grounds and farm of Jeremiah Wil- 
son, Esq., deceased, at present owned and cultivated 
by his nephew and heir, George W. Sanborn, Esq. 
The prospect from this summit is of wide extent, and 
exceptionally striking in variety. The location of 
the old Wilson mansion is very commanding, and 
has about it a yet-lingering savor of aristocracy — an 
element which, for many years, was attributed to " Gil- 
manton Corner" pre-eminently; but whether pervad- 
ing the atmosphere like a miasm, or like an imponder- 
able agent in nature, when one would put his finger 
upon it, it was not there ! But this owner and occu- 
pant of the Wilson property, if not an aristocrat, is a 
periodical autocrat, whose favor with his fellow-citi- 
zens is worthy to be put on record. 

In years gone by, at the town-meetings, the strife of 
parties at the very opening was often fierce and long 
on the simple matter of the moderator. This was 
from the idea that whatever might be the political 
stripe of the moderator, so would be the elections of 
the day. He was a sort of standing prophecy, a fore- 
casting shadow. This is all changed, and being 
struck with the facts in a later acquaintance with 
Gilmanton, that no sooner is a town-meeting assem- 
bled than George W. Sanborn is called to the chair, 
a little note was sent to hira, saying, — 

" Tell me about the late Jeremiah Wilson— the date of birth and death 
and anything of family history ; also, have you any records from which 
yon could tell me how many times you have been moderator of Gilman- 
ton town-meetings ? " 

There was returned soon the following racy reply : 

"UrarSir ; I herewith send you date of death of Esquire Wilson and 
matters pertaining to his family, taken iiarUy from Belknap's aud Lan- 
caster's Histories, and partly ft-om my own records. PleasD use what la 
pertinent to your object. As to your humble servant, I hardly perceive 
that there is anything that can adorn your article on Gilmanton or en- 
hance its value. In answer to your question, I will say, I have had thr 
honor to preside at twenty-one March elections, commencing in March, 
1S62, and including every one to the present time, excepting 1872, '7:1, 
'74 ; also atsix and probably seven November elections {am not positive 
about that of 1868). Besides these, I have presided at six special town- 
meetings, 80 that in all I am confident my fellow-citizens have elected 
me moderator thirty-four times. I was born in Sandwich May 11, 
1822 (I was entirely innocent of that). I was married to Mary Ann 
Brown, March 2*, 1846— that was premeditated. My decease is not on 
record yet. In my youth I was taught at Gilmanton .\cademy by Sewell 
Greeley—" associate teacher, "as he was called then. I trained, on sever.-il 
occasions, with Rev. S. S. N. Greeley, Jis chaplain of the Tenth Reginieiit, 



aiLMANTON. 



805 



at('gonenil muster.') Been representative two years— 1«00-70— and 
worked hard on the farm most of the time. 

'* Yours, most respectfully, 

" GEOltdE W. SAMIOEN.'' 

\V'ith tliiuiks for information and assistance 
proniply conveyed, this section must close with refer- 
ence to one more point of observation, with beautiftil 
outlook in and around the Centre village of Gilman- 
ton. Summer guests have named it, very prettily, 
" Sunset Rock." It is but a few rods northwest from 
the Prospect House, on the summit of a gentle rise 
of land, but from its relative position aflbrding a 
broad sweep of horizon, with distant mountains, that 
is ipiite unusual and truly beautiful. 

The following is a letter written to the Neio York 
Observer by "Irenseus." 

Beautiful Situatio.v, Its .\ncient People, Its Sons and Schools. 

" \t Old Orchard Beach I celebrated the praises of Lake Winnipesau- 
kee. If that does not spell the word as you learned it in your geogra- 
phy days lean spell it twenty-five other ways, as it is in a work now 
lying near me, on New Hampshire. All right, so -take your choice. It 
is by some writers regarded the most beautiful lake in America. 

"A few years ago some friends of mine, Mr. and Mrs. Kitchen, of 
Twenty-third Street, traveling in the summer, became enamored of this 
Gilmanton village — this elevated, picturesque, cool, healthful and peace- 
ful region. They returned and built a beautiful country seat. Remote 
from cities and unvexed with cares they find it a pleasant summer home. 
What we heard from them drew us to the hills of New Hampshire, and 
to this particular hill, of which I am writing. In the open air, at noon, 
in the shade on a hot day, it is as cool as a garde) 
are at Mrs. Drew's farm-hotise, on 'Oakland Hill,' — the most 
ing and beautiful site in this romantic region. From the summit we hav^ 
a panorama of extraordinary extent and variety, with rare combination 
of sublimity and beauty. The circle of the horizon, fifty miles away in 
every direction, is a rampart of mountains, whose lofty peaks and grace- 
ful curves make a battlemented wall three hundred miles around, sur- 
mounted by an azure dome, in the zenith of which, this moment, biases 
the noonday sun. Nearest to my right hand is Mount Kearsarge, classic 
in all time for the story of naval war ; Ascutney, full of history and 
poetry, and the Grand Monadnock and the two domes of the Unconoo- 
nock— the Indian for ' breaks,' — which they are fabled to resemble ; Mt. 
Major, Mt. Minor and the great Moose Mountain ; and, in the north, 
the mighty White Mountains, in grand array, make a faint claim for this 
region to be called the ' Switzerland of America.' At least thirty different 
townships are^in sight from our door. The population is sparse and does 
not increase. Taung people are enticed by the commerce and arts and 
chances of the age to quit their native hills and seek * fresh fields and 
pastures new ' in other regions. Instead of saying, — ' The fathei-s, where 
are they ? ' it is the children for whom you must iuquire, and you get no 
answer. They are gone. But it is a remarkable place for longevity. 
Those who stay, live. The town has records of more than fifty of its in- 
habitants who have lived more than ninety years ; some one hundred, 
one hundred and three and one hundred and four years. 

" This Siime Gilmanton is not the least among the tribes of the Granite 
State, for out of it have gone some 'of the most illustrious sons of New 
England. Among the original families was that of Adams, and by-and- 
by one of them begat a son, who begat Juhu, wliu l.cjral ,lohn Quincy, 
who begat Charles Francis ; and so thr Ihimi' ■! vlim- :iiiie out of the 
tribe of Gilmanton. Even so the hou.^r , ! >\ i . i -till is, here ; 

and one of that name begatEbeuezei, " li - Ezekiel and 

Daniel, — and Daniel grewup iua town iji i i . M. ;i mighty man. 

And time would fail me to speak of Cu^^nell, riiir.inl, Dudley, Clark, 
Eastman, Greeley, Uackett, Hutchinson, Moody, Nelson, Page, I'arsons, 
Peaslee, Prescott, Sanborn, Shepard and many others whose names are 
familiar, and whose ancestors once dwelt among these hills. It is often 
said of a country Uke Scotland or New Hampshire, that it * is a great 
country to go from ; ' and what better can be said of Ti land than this, — 
'that it gives birth to good and great men.' It may, indeed, be too small 
for them to grow in, and so the world is richer and better when they are 
driven to go abroad on the face of the eartli to be kimwu aiul felt amoug 



men. Out of the leiwt of the tribes may spring the leader, and thus the 
least becomes the greatest. 

" Here is one way in which this town made Itself a home, out of which 
arose njiii of mark. In the veiir 17!i2 the town raised a committee of 

twenty riii/,]is I ,1,1,1 III, r|,i,.-ii,,„ of founding an academy for 

higher ..ill. ,11,, n iliiii ili, , , ,m „ l„,nl, and on the report of this com- 

niittii' til, 1 i,l,ihi,,l, , i„l,,«,,l, .11,1, ,1, two years' time, had in operation 
an instiluiiuii «liicti baa tlounslied tiom that day to this under a long 
series of successful and eminent teachers, fitting for college and business 
generations of young men who have made their mark in the church, the 
State and the world ; and I will say, a better place for a boy's school is 
not to be found in New England, so far as my knowledge extends. 

" By and by the trustees found, in their original constitution, a clause 
lequiring them to provide instruction in 'the doctrines of religion re- 
vealed,' and, on the strength of this, they established a theological semi- 
nary, built a large brick edifice and called able and learned professors. 
They graduated from the opening, in 1835, some ten or twelve classes of 
yonng men. One of the graduates in its first class was the present pastor 
of the village church. Rev. S. S. N. Greeley, who adds to his pastoral 
work the care of a farm, and has a seat in the Legislature of the State, 
and is chairman of the House committee on education. But there was nck 
call for this seminary to be perpetuated. We have more seminaries and 
colleges than are needed now. It is more economical, wiser and better ttt 
concentrate the funds, the learning and energy of the churches on a few 
institutions, and make them fltst-classwith all possible furnishings, than 
to multiply feeble colleges and seminaries in every State or section. Thia 
has been carried on to a deplorable exces.s, and a mortality among them, 
with a ' survival of the fittest,' tends to the improvement of education in 
the church and in the country." 

Longevity. — The following is a portion of a letter 
written by a lady resident of Gilmanton in answer to 
a letter to Eev. Mr. Greeley (in his absence from 
home) by W. H. Ward, editor of the New York In- 
dependent, inquiring as to the truth of the report 
going the rounds of the newspapers, that only one 
child had been born in Gilmanton Iron- Works dur~ 
ing the last five years : 

" I have been talking by telephone with Eev. Dr. Blake, of Gilman- 
ton Iron-Works, and learned that within the last five years only one 
child has been born there, and he is now more than four years old. We, 
in this Academy village, would not be unduly elated or too boastful over 
our neighbors, but during that time, in the families resident here, ther» 
have been seven or eight births. 

'* To those of us familiar with the rapid increase of population in th& 
West, this feature of the inland towns of New England is strange and 
saddening. But ' we must count np our mercies,' and we certainly 
have our share of those in unusual second childhood, according to thft 
common reckoning of that period. Not long ago a bright, old citizen, 
one hundred years old, wrote his name very legibly for his numerous, 
callers. Our neighbor across the street received her friends on her 
ninetieth birthday, and, till about a year before herdeath, worked in her 
garden almost daily, took a deep interest in the important questions of 
the day and read without glasses to the last. In the very next house, with 
the granddaughter of Mary Butler, lived another, ninety-seven yearn 
old. A few yards beyond, one ninety-three, and in the house adjoining, 
bright and active at eighty-three, is one highly esteemed. On my right 
lives a widow eighty-one years of age, who does all the cooking for a 
house full of summer boarders, besides making butter and taking care of 
her garden, and reading without glasses more than many people of leis- 
ure. Just aeross the academy green is a lady verging upon ninety. 
When not busy about her house she reads the best books of the day and 
entertains friends witli her just criticisms and comments and her many 
pleasant recollectimiB, sli, r,,iiiiiM n, cd the Bible with Scott's Commen. 
tary last January, i,:nlinj ih, i,\i. nitli all the notes and practical ob- 
servations ; and, It ,li. 111, -. uill lihisli it by the close of this year. There 
are many others 1 c..iil,l ;„l,l i,, tin- li-tof ' worthies,' and I have chosen 
these six widows, .as they all have lived, within a few rods of each other. 

" The young people go to the West and to the cities, and the census- 
taker is lightly taxed— but do not the pure air of these breezy hills and 
' the touch of the mountain sod * seem to favor vigor of body and mind ? 

"S. B. C. G., in Manchester Mirror." 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The centenarian alluded to in the above commu- 
nication was Mr. Russell Philips. He was a native 
■of Connecticut ; pa-ssed his first seven years of life in 
New Hampshire, in Loudon; moved into Gilmanton 
in 1824. He became a member of the Methodist 
Church, and was a brotlier in whom could well be 
reposed an unshaken confidence. His was an every- 
day religion. 

His wife was Mary Merrill. They had seven chil- 
<iren,— Clarissa, Hiram, Calvert, Mary, Josephine, 
Phylena and Dr. Butler, of Suncook. Ou the Uth of 
June, eleven years ago, the oldest daughter became 
totally blind. There is, however, in this sad ca- 
lamity, " light within," and she lives in waiting " for 
the dawning of the jnorning, when the shadows pass 
a,way." 

Mr. Philii>s died September 15, 1874, aged one 
hundred years and six months. 

It was intended to present in this article brief no- 
tices, or at least the names, of a multitude of distin- 
guished men who were natives, or pursued their early 
education in Gilmanton, but space forbids. 

By the census of 1880 the population of Gilman- 
ton is fourteen hundred and eighty-five. By the 
records of its history, among the earliest settlers were 
a family of Weeds. The last to leave will be weeds, 
unless our young men come out of cities on to these 
farms, that have all the elements of beauty and fruit- 
fulness. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

THOMAS DURRELL. 

There is always something encouraging and inspir- 
ing in the record of a brave and honest struggle with 
the difficulties of life and the untoward circumstances 
of one's lot, when that struggle results in success,— a 
success gained by honest and persistent endeavor. 
We have an example of this in the life of Thomas 
Durrell, who was born in Gilford, N. H., January 29, 
1798. He was born and educated among a peculiar, 
tried and worthy people, among plain, frugal, solid, 
toiling pioneers, — a race quite difierent from those com- 
prising the society of the present time. The principal 
capital of those days consisted in the virtues and per- 
sonal energies of the people. In his boyhood our 
country knew very little of newspapers, libraries, 
academies and colleges ; it knew chiefly country school- 
houses, and working, thinking men and women. 

His grandfather was Eliphalet Durrell, an English 
iMuigraiit who settled in Northwood, N. H., and was 
one of the pioneer farmers of the eighteenth century. 
The name, although domiciled in England for cen- 
turies, betrays its Norman French extraction. 

Joseph, son of Eliphalet, married Olive Garmon, a 
descendant of Joseph Garmon, one of the early set- 



tlers of Northwood, and removed to Gilford, with his 
young wife, to make a home. Gilford was at that 
time very sparsely settled, the country a wilderness of 
rocks and woods, and every new-comer had to clear 
his land, fell the trees and, with courageous heart and 
hands, convert the forest into cultivated fields. 

The young couple remained in Gilford for a few 
years, working with patient and unremitting industry, 
and then removed to Gilmanton, where Mr. Durrell 
purchased a lot of land. Three children were born 
to Joseph and Olive (Garmon) Durrell, — Nicholas, 
Thomas and Polly, who married Jerry Hutchinson. 
Joseph Durrell died in 1819, at the age of forty-six, 
and his land was inherited by his two sons. Nicholas 
was a man of energy, a colonel in the militia. His 
barn was struck by lightning in 1831, with a loss of 
about one thousand dollars, and he soon after sold his 
interest in Gilmanton to his brother, and emigrated to 
Thornton, N. H., and died there. 

Thomas Durrell married, April 19, 1819, Sarah, 
daughter of Levi and Esther (Melcher) Hutchinson. 
(Levi Hutchinson was a soldier in the War of the 
Revolution, and one of the detachment sent the night 
before the battle of Bunker Hill to throw up entrench- 
ments there). Thomas and Sarah (Hutchinson) Dur- 
rell had eight children,— Joseph B., Ann M. (Mrs. John 
Wallace, of Sanbornton), Martha C. (died aged four- 
teen years), Sarah A. (Mrs. George Folsom), Thomas 
F. (died in California), Eliza J. (Mrs. Hiram Richard- 
son, of Concord), Lewis E. and Charles W. 

Mr. Durrell remained in Gilmanton, and for many 
years was one of the hardest-working men of this .sec- 
tion. He continued making additions to his farm 
until he owned about two thousand five hundred acres 
in one body, and gave his name to Durrell's Mountain. 
An old citizen informs us that Mr. Durrell told him 
that he had made about forty miles of stone wall, 
and to the observer of the work to-day it would seem 
as if this was rather under than over-estimated. The 
same qualities which made him successful as a farmer 
recommended him to offices of trust. He devoted 
much time and attention to the public interests of the 
town, attended every town-meeting from the time he 
was a voter until the year of his death, and for many 
years was a man of much influence. He was often 
called to office in the town, served as selectman, rep- 
resentative, etc., and was honored by an election as 
county treasurer. In all his official duties the same 
.safe conservatism, active energy and unflinching in- 
tegrity which prevailed in his private life were exhib- 
ited. He was interested in the military organizations 
of the State, and in 1825 was appointed adjutant of 
the Tenth Regiment. Politically, Mr. Durrell was of 
the Jeffersonian school, and remained true to those 
old Jeffer.sonian and Jacksonian ideas, having always 
voted thestraight Democratic ticket with one exception. 

In 18G1, Mrs. Durrell died, and the following year 
Mr. Durrell married Mrs. Francis A. Burns, and im- 
mediately purchased the James Bell estate, in Laco- 



'h 




c^-^ 




(TT^fuJ i^O o/-^^-^^-^^ 



GILMANTON. 



807 



nia, where he made his residence, attending to his 
numerous financial interests until his death, May 9, 
1883, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. He 
was the owner of the Cerro Gordo Hotel, and after the 
destruction of that liotel by fire he erected several 
stores on this property. He was one of the incorpo- 
rators of the Laconia National Bank, of which he was 
made a director, and was actively connected with 
various business enterprises. He was for many years 
-a member of the Congregational Church at Gilmanton 
Iron- Works and the North Church, of Laconia. 

Mr. Durrell was a fine-looking man, of pleasant 
manners, social, kind-hearted, careful and conserva- 
tive in business matters. He was a man of good per- 
sonal habits, of strong constitution, with good health, 
and retained the use of his faculties in an unusual 
manner. He adopted and maintained through life 
good rules of thought and good principles of conduct, — 
the soundest and best of rules, as his long life and his 
success fully testify. Thorough, positive and ener- 
getic, he accomplished much and was a valued and 
worthv citizen. 



THOMAS COGSWELL, JR. 

Thomas, youngest son of Hon. Thomas and Polly 
Noyes Cogswell, was born in Gilmanton February 
8, 1841; was educated at Gilmanton Academy and 
Dartmouth College, from which institution he grad- 
uated in the class of 1863. In 1862, Mr. Cogswell 
enlisted in Company A, Fifteenth New Hampshire 
Volunteers, and was at once appointed first lieuten- 
ant, soon afterwards being promoted to captain. He 
was stationed iu the Department of the Gulf, under 
General Banks, and was with his regiment at the 
siege and surrender of Port Hudson. Upon the ex- 
piration of his term of service, in 1863, Mr. Cogswell 



pursued the study of law with Messrs. Stevens & 
Vaughau, at Laconia, and at Harvard Law School, 
and was admitted as an attorney-at-law in the Su- 
preme Court of New Hampshire in September, 1866. 
He commenced the practice of law at Gilmanton 
Iron- Works in December, 1860, where he has since 
remained. 

The town of Gilmanton has generally been largely 
Republican in its politics ; yet Mr. Cogswell, al- 
though a Democrat, has been elected to nearly every 
office in the gift of his townsmen. In 1868 was su- 
perintending school committee ; in 1871 and '72, 
representative in the State Legislature, and the last 
year candidate of his party for Speaker ; in 1880, 
1881 and 1882 was one of the selectmen, and for two 
years was chairman of the board ; in 1878 was 
chosen State Senator from District No. 6. Mr. Cogs- 
well was appointed colonel on Governor Weston's staff 
in 1871. In addition to a busy professional life, Mr. 
Cogswell has carried on extensive farming operations, 
and has made great improvements on the large farm 
formerly occupied by his ancestors. 

In the cause of education Mr. Cogswell has always 
been active, and for many years has been one of the 
board of trustees of Gilmanton Academy, and at the 
present time is president and treasurer of the same. 
Mr. Cogswell is noted for his liberality and public 
spirit, and large numbers of poor people have cause 
to remember him as a good friend iu their time of 
need. 

Mr. Cogswell is a member of Winnipesaukee Lodge 
of F. and A. Masons ; also of Post 37, Grand Army 
of the Republic, at Laconia, and Crystal Lake 
Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, Gilmanton Iron- 
works. In 1873, Mr. Cogswell married Florence, 
daughter of R. D. Mooers, of Manchester, and has 
three children, — one daughter and two sons. 



HISTORY OF LACONIA. 



CHAPTER I. 

Geographical — Early Histoi-j' — Kndiciil Rock — Original Ownci-eof Land — 
Forniei- Propiiotors .of Laconia Village— Mereditli Bridge in 1813— 
Laconia in 1842— The First Tavern— First Saw-Mill. 

The town of Laconia lies near the centre of the 
county, and is bounded as follows : North by Mere- 
dith ; East, Gilford and Long Bay ; South, Belmont 
and Lake Winnesquam ; West, by Lake Winnesquam. 

In the year 1622 " the council established at Ply- 
mouth, in the county of Devon, for the planting, 
ruling and governing of New England, in America," 
granted to Captain John Mason " all the lauds be- 
tween the rivers Merrimack and Sagadahoc, extend- 
ing back to the great lakes and rivers of Canada, and 
this was called Laconia." This was the famous Ma- 
sonian grant which so much and so long affected the 
geography and history of the province of New Hamp- 
shire. 

In laying out a new township from Meredith and 
Gilford the town fathers very properly and appropri- 
ately sought to commemmorate the historical fact 
above mentioned and chose the present name of 
Laconia. For this reason much of the early his- 
tory of Laconia will be found in the histories 
of Gilmanton and Meredith. The population of 
Laconia, according to the census of 1880, was about 
three thousand eight hundred, but it is proba- 
ble that the increase since that time will carry the 
number of inhabitants to four thousand and over. 

Strange as it may appear, the territory of Laconia 
was once claimed as within the jurisdiction of 
Massachusetts Bay Colony. As early as 1638 the 
colony had sent out a surveying party, who ascended 
the Merrimack River and marked a tree somewhere 
near the confluence of the Pemigewasset and Winni- 
piseogee Rivers as the northern bound of the colony. 
Some years later, "upon perusal of our charter," they 
of the Bay Colony who had the affairs of the settle- 
ment in charge decided that they had not extended 
their claim far enough north into the wilderness ; so 
they dispatched a new party into the north-laud to 
expand their frontier. Accordingly, in May, 1652, 
Captain Simon Willard and Edward Johnson were 
named iis commissioners. They started from Ip.swich 
in a sail-boat with a small company ni' :i-i-i>t:iiits. and 
sailed up the Merrimack River. In ili. ( onipany was 
Jonathan Ince, John Sherman and at Ir.ist two In.liaiis. 
The river was the Indian thorou'rlifaix', aiul ari>unil 



the numerous falls of its course the red men had 
paths, called carrying places. There is no record extant 
of how the expedition overcame the natural obstacles 
of the journey ; but certain it is that they arrived at 
the Weirs August 1, 1652, and there marked a boulder 
as the north bound of the colony. They returned to 
the lower settlements after an absence of nineteea 
days, and for nearly two centuries their monument 
was lost to human ken. 

In 1725, John Lovewell, withhis,band, traversed the 
wilderness, seeking for the scalps of hostile Indians, 
but it was years later before the white men came to 
stay. 

The rock marked by Simon Willard and party has 
had a history. Its location was rediscovered by- 
chance about the year 1854, while making an exca- 
tion in the channel, and it was visited by Judge Saw- 
yer, Philip Carrigain and others interested in his- 
torical subjects. The Lake Company had raised the 
water of the lake by a dam, and it was exposed to 
the action of ice, and from fear that the inscription 
would be entirely lost, J. A. Dupee, a former treasurer 
of the Lake Company, sent Italian artists to make a 
cast of the inscription, and facsimiles were made, 
one of which can be seen at the New Hampshire 
Historical Society's rooms in Concord. The lovers of 
history and the antique, however, were not satisfied 
with doing this alone, but agitated the matter, and 
at last, in 1883, got an appropriation from the State 
Legislature for raising the rock above the surface, 
and surrounding it by safeguards against further 
harm. The Legislature of 1885 made a further ap- 
propriation. Hon. John Kimball, E. P. Jewell, Esq., 
and W. E. Buck are the commissioners having the 
business in charge. 

This bound lost all interest for the Massachusetts 
Bay Colony in 1740, when the present boundary be- 
tween the two States was established. 



! 

E I 


s w 


WP 


I OHN 




E N D I C V T 




GOV 



LACOxNIA. 



Original Owners of Land. — Colonel Samuel Ladd 
bought the huid on what is now called Ladd Hill in 
178U. Hesoou alter purehasod two and a half acres 
on the east side of the river, of Samuel Jewrlt. lor 
seven Spanish milled dollars. The land on tin .iih, r 
side of the river he already owned. A savv-niill was 
soon after erected on this lot of land, and as the wa- 
ter privilege was better, was an improvement over the 
mill at " Wears." 

Former Owners of Laconia Village.— The land 
on the north side of WiniHi>esaukee River was first 
owned by Master (schoolmaster) James, of Exeter. 
Stephen Gale, of Gilmanton, nest purchiised the land 
and sold it to Colonel Samuel Ladd in 1783. This 
tract of land ran from where the river empties into 
Lake Winnesquam to a point near the Church Street 
bridge, and embraced all the laud between this line and 
the river. Colonel Ladd also purchased all the laud 
possible adjoining this property, and probably owned 
about all that the pre.sent village of Laconia covers 
north of the river. When Colonel Ladd died, in 1801, 
his property was divided among the heirs and a large 
portion of the land was inherited by the wife of Ste- 
phen Perley, Esq. When the town of Gilmanton was 
divided into lots, the land on the south side of the 
river, from the outlet at Round Bay to Gove's Point, 
was divided into two lots about one hundred and 
twenty rods wide. Most of this property was first 
owned by James Conner and John Lowe, but was soon 
after purchased by Samuel Jewett, together with other 
land further to the east. Daniel Avery and Dr. Bow- 
man afterwards bought part of this property. 

The land where the first settlement was made in 
Laconia was near the head of Round Bay, and was 
purchased by Ebenezer Smith of John Purmont, the 
original owner. 

Meredith Bridge in 1813.— The late Timothy D. 
Somes came to Meredith Bridge in 1813, and, in a 
statement made a short time before his death (in 1884), 
gives the following interesting facts regarding the 
Bridge at that time : He states that there was but 
one church then, and no settled minister in town. 
The church was built by individuals and belonged to 
no particular denomination ; was a small building and 
stood on the lots just below the present Willard Hotel. 
There was a cotton-mill where the brick Belknap Mill 
now stands ; this building was of the same size on the 
ground in 1813 as to-day, and was called the Avery 
Mill. The owners were Daniel Avery, Daniel Tucker, 
Stephen Perley, and perhaps others were also inter- 
ested. This mill was burned down some eight or nine 
years after Mr. Somes came here. There was a cloth- 
ing-mill at the end of Mill Street bridge, on the site 
now occupied by J. W. Busiel & Co.'s dye-house. 
This clothing-mill was owned and operated by Sam- 
uel and Nathan Bean. 

There was an oil-mill a few feet above the clothing- 
mill owned by Stephen Perley, — a small mill, with 
one set of stones. The oil was sold and used for paint- 
■52 



ing purposes. Daniel Tucker owned a blacksmith- 
shop where L. F. Busiel's hosiery-mill is to-day. 
Tucker's shop was run by water-power and had a 
small trip-hammer. He manufactured axes, scythes, 
-In arsand other edge-tools. There was a bell foundry 
jiisl below Tucker's shop, owned and run by the well- 
known Holbrooks. They cast the first bell rung in 
town ; this bell was hung in the bell-tower of the cot- 
ton-factory. The Holbrooks afterwards left town and 
continued business in Massachusetts, where they 
achieved a national reputation. The North Church bell 
and other bells in town were cast by the Holbrooks. 

There was a small, narrow bridge across the river 
on Main Street at that time, near where the present 
bridge is located. The bridge had no railing then ; 
but a man named French fell off into the water and 
was drowned soon after Mr. Somes came here, and 
then the bridge was supplied with a railing. 

On the Gilford side was a saw-mill owned by Dud- 
ley Ladd. It stood near the end of Mill Street bridge, 
on the Baldwin site. There was a grist-mill on the 
site now occupied by the Pitman picker-house, owned 
by Jonathan Ladd, a brother of Dudley Ladd. The 
house where Rev. J. P. Atkiuson lives was, in 1813, 
kept as a hotel by Jonathan Folsom, and was proba- 
bly the first hotel in the place. 

The road through the village was the old Province 
road ; the only road to Lake village was what is now 
called Lake Street. At Lake village Mr. Folsom had 
at that time a saw-mill, and a grist-mill on the Mere- 
dith, or Laconia, side of the river. There were only 
five houses on the Gilford side at Lake village in 
1829. Mr. Folsom's house was the only dwelling at 
Lake village in 1813 on that side of the river. 

There were but thirty-four houses at Meredith 
Bridge in 1813, on both sides of the river, and 
some of these were mere shanties. The best house in 
town then was the John A. Harper residence, where 
Mrs. Dr. Prescott now lives. Mr. Harper was the 
only lawyer in town, and was an able man ; was at 
one time a member of Congress. 

The mails were frequently carried from Concord to 
Centre Harbor on horseback. No wagons were to be 
seen on the streets when Mr. Somes came here, but 
all business seemed to be done on horseback. It was 
no uncommon thing to see four persons on one horse, 
and Mr. Somes stated that he had been one of 
three persons on a horse's back many times. The first 
wagon ever made in these parts was built by James 
Jackson, in Meredith. 

The leading spirits then at Meredith Bridge were 
John A. Harper; Stephen Perley, who lived on the 
spot now occupied by the Parker block ; Dudley Ladd ; 
Jonathan Ladd ; Asa D. Eager, who lived where 
Gove's Block now is ; Deacon Kimball, who carried 
on an earthenware business on the lot next to the 
Gilford Hosiery boarding-house ; Daniel Avery, who 
lived where the residence of W. L. Melcher, Esq., is 
now located, in the house called the Andrew Wood- 



810 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



man house ; Mr. Avery had a small store nearly op- 
posite his residence, where he sold groceries and rum. 
Soon after 1813, Mr. Avery went into the potash busi- 
ness in a building just south of his store. Dr. Za- 
dock Bowman was the only physician in town ; he 
lived where D. A. Tilton's house stands. The doctor 
was very peculiar and eccentric; not much of a pby- 
.sician, but did what business there was, and also made 
money by letting money and farming; was a short, 
thick-set man, and owned a large amount of land. 

Mr. Somes spoke very highly of Stephen Perley, 
and said that no man left his impress more distinctly 
than Mr. Perley. He was a large, noble-looking man, 
owned a great deal of property, did a large business 
and was connected with all the enterprises that 
tended to build up the town. Mr. Perley kept the 
post-office for quite a number of years ; was an active 
Democrat ; kept a general supply store, and, as usual 
in those days, sold rum, but it is said never drank any 
himself. In 1813 Mr. Perley traded in a small wooden 
building, where afterwards a brick store was erected, 
about half of which is now standing on the corner of 
Main and Mill Streets. There was no Main Street then 
above Mill Street. The first place where Mr. Somes 
attended school was in a little, old-fashioned school- 
house near the present location of Huse's machine- 
shop. In 1813 a small brook ran through Bank Square, 
following what is now the course of the canal. The 
brook was crossed bysmallbridgesofoneortwo planks. 

A copy of the Belknap Gazette, printed in 1842, 
gives a very good idea of the village of Laconia at 
that time. Colonel Charles Lane was the editor and 
l)ublisher of the Gazette, and from its columns it ap- 
]>ears that there were in the place three cotton-mills, 
a woolen-mill, grist-mill, saw-mills, shingle, clap- 
board, sash and door machinery, a large tannery and 
various other industries. There was a large printing 
establishment operated by D. B. Allison, with water- 
l)0wer press, and a bindery and book-store connected. 
There were ten stores, two apothecaries, one jeweler 
and watchmaker, two barbers, two physicians, five 
lawyers, three clergymen, three taverns, three new 
churches, well finished and painted, and one academy 
in a flourishing condition. William Clark, Benjamin 
Boardmau, Lyman B. Walker and H. L. Hazelton 
were of the legal fraternity. Nathaniel A. Stephens 
ran a tailor shop over George L. Sibley's general mer- 
chandise store. Lewis H. Ham was a dealer in gro- 
ceries and provisions. A. G. Folsom was also in the 
grocery business, and William M. Ladd sold patent 
medicines and drugs. Wilson & Barron and Gale, 
Pitman & Co., general merchandise, were also in 
liusiness at this time. 

The regular stage line went through from Holder- 
ness to Boston in one day, at that time leaving the 
Belknap Hotel at six o'clock in the morning, going 
three days in the week by way of Pittsfield and Ex- 
eter, and the remainder of the time via Concord and 
Manchester. 



Dr. Josiah Crosby had just opened an eye and ear 
infirmary. The Gilford Academy was under the in- 
struction of Joshua M. Pitman. S. J. Osgood the 
barber advertised his business. Gove & Currier were 
dealers in furniture, opposite John C. Moulton's 
tavern. In 1842, New Hampton was the only town 
in Belknap County that did not permit the open sale 
of liquor ; but in October, 1842, all the public-houses 
in Laconia claimed to discontinue the sale of ardent 
spirits. A declaration of independence was issued in 
1843, signed by one hundred and two citizens, who 
pledged themselves to prevent the sale of liquor in the 
town. Soon after this it was announced that the sale 
of intoxicating drinks in the village had entirely 
ceased. The Meredith Bridge Washingtonian Total 
Abstinence Association, Miss Harriet Gale, secretary, 
was then in active operation. 

First Tavern. — The first public-house erected 
within the precincts of what is now Laconia village 
was built about 1783, and stood a short distance above 
the Main Street bridge of to-day. A store and stable 
were connected with the establishment. The tavern 
proved to be a handy " half-way house" between Gil- 
mauton and Meredith Parade. 

A log house was built on the spot where W. D. 
Huse's machine-shop now stands, about 1780, and 
after the saw-mill was started was replaced. This 
second building stood, with more or less repairs, until 
a few years ago. 

The first saw-mill in town was built at Weirs, in 
1766, by the proprietors of the township. Ebenezer 
Smith and William Mead had charge of the mill, and 
paid rent for the same. The iron-work for this mill 
was brought from Exeter, and the wood-work was 
hewn on the spot. The power was obtained from a 
large under-shot wheel. The mill, although of course 
a rude afl'air, answered all purposes and remained in 
use for many years. For the first ten years after the 
mill was built the logs were sawed on the " halves " 
plan, and one-quarter went to the owners of the mill 
for rent. 

CHAPTER II. 

LACONIA- ( CoiKinued). 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

Congregational Church. — The first religious or- 
ganization in Meredith Bridge was incorporated by 
an act of the Legislature, in 1811, as the Meredith 
Bridge Religious Society. The members of the origi- 
nal society were Stephen Purley, Daniel Avery, John 
A. Harper, John Smith, Jonathan Ladd, Simeon 
Taylor, Dudley Ladd, Daniel Kimball, Daniel Tuck- 
er, Horatio G. Prescott, Samuel H. Bean, John Bur- 
leigh, Josiah Randlet, James Crockett, Samuel Jew- 
ett and Jacob Jewett. The first meeting of this soci- 
ety was held August 3, 1811. Their by-laws ordered 
that all nionevs were to be raised by assessment on 



811 



the members, in inojjortiou to the ratable property of 
said members. The meeting-house, when built, was 
to be open to all religious denominations. The by- 
laws stated : " The use and occupation of the house 
shall be open to all religious denominations in such a 
way that no one proprietor thereof shall be barred 
from introducing any regular preacher of any religious 
denomination into said house for the purpose of 
preaching such a proportion of the time as shall be 
equal to his or her proportion of property therein." 

In 1809 the lot south of what is now the Willard 
Hotel, containiug about five rods front on Province 
road, was purchased by Daniel Avery, as trustee for 
the inhabitants, as a site for a church building. The 
price paid for the land was one hundred and twenty- 
live dollars, and the money was raised by subscription 
of twenty-seven of the business men and farmers in 
the vicinity. 

Dr. Bowman oftered a larger lot on what is now 
Court Street, and at a less price, but the Province 
road site was thought the better location, and, accor- 
dingly, the church was built there. The building was 
built largely by subscriptions of lumber and labor. 
One person gave a certain amount of lumber, another 
agreed to lay one thousand of shingles on the roof, 
and many others gave from a day to two weeks' labor 
on the edifice. The dimensions of the building were 
•nearly fifty by forty feet, high-posted, with two rows 
of windows for light. The end facing the street was 
ornamented with a bell-tower and large steeple, with 
a wooden fish as a weather-vane. This steeple was 
a great affair for that time, and was considered by 
many the most beautiful church-steeple in all New 
England. Inside the church was a good-sized gal- 
lery, in which the pews were sold, which were of the 
old-style, square and high-backed. 

This church building remained in use for twenty- 
six years, and was destroyed by fire on the morning 
of February 27, 1836. 

Several missionaries of various denominations vis- 
ited Meredith Bridge after the erection of the new 
church, but none of them appeared to remain very long. 
Rev. John Turner, of Massachusetts, was the first pas- 
tor who was rewarded with anything like success for 
his eftbrts. The following extract from a letter writ- 
ten by Mr. Turner, in 1833, and dated at Boston, 
Mass., will give some of the difficulties under which 
he and other clergymen labored at that time in Mere- 
dith Bridge : 

" I was the first missionary who succeeded in gain- 
ing a congregation to hear me at Meredith Bridge. 
There preceded me three missionaries, whose names 
I do not now recollect, who, not being able to gather 
any of the people in a few days to hear them preach, 
and who encountered sour looks and hard words from 
everybody, were discouraged, and went away without 
doing anything, practically saying that the soil was 
too sterile to be broken up by the plowshare of the 
Oospel, and was incapable of culture ; so they left it. 



as that which bears briars and thorns and is nigh 
worthless. 

" If I mistake not, I made my first visit to that 
place as a missionary in June, 1813, under the direc- 
tion of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting 
Christian Knowledge, in whose employment I labored 
the whole time I was there. To them I looked, and 
from them I received my support. I first went on a 
commission of three months to all the towns de-stitute 
of a settled minister, which lay on every side of Win- 
nipiseogee Lake, making Meredith Bridge my princi- 
pal stand, and to use my own discretion in going from 
one place to another as I thought best. This com- 
mission was renewed from time to time, as it expired, 
for three years, in which I was constantly in their em- 
ployment on that interesting ground, except a few 
weeks at a time when I visited my family and preach- 
ed to the people of my charge. . . . 

" The Congregational missionaries once passed 
through the country like shooting stars, making a lu- 
cid path ; but being obliged by their commissious to 
pass on, they were not able to cultivate the seed sown. 
Sectarians were silent while they passed along, but 
then fell into their train, and turned the excite- 
ment which they had occasioned against the order 
by whom their attention had been roused to the things 
of religion, so that they hurt rather than benefited 
the cause in which they labored. I therefore refused 
to accept a commision of that kind, lest I should do 
an injury to the cause of Christ. 

" My reception by the people of Meredith Bridge, 
when I first went among them, was by no means flat- 
tering. Sectarians of every name had blended their 
influence, and succeeded in planting a deep-rooted 
prejudice in the minds of all the people against the 
Congregational ministry. The first remarks I made 
in my journal on that ground I distinctly recollect to 
be nearly in the following words: 'This morning I 
came from Tuftonborough, over the lake to Alton, and 
walked to this place, the distance being sixteen miles, 
and came to Mr. Avery's before eight o'clock, to 
whom I had letters of introduction. I was weary and 
exhausted when I came out of the wilderness through 
which I passed, but when the village broke upon my 
eye the contrast was animating. Everything before 
me and around me wa.s pleasant to the eye; but when 
I went from house to house and mingled with the in- 
habitants my heart sank within me. From eight 
o'clock in the morning to four in the afternoon I met 
not an individual who welcomed me in words or looks. 
But at four in the afternoon I found a family about 
half a mile out of the village, Mr. Jacob Jewett's, who 
received me with open arms, and welcomed me to 
their home. 

"When I introduced myself to Mr. Jewett he said : 
' I am very glad and very sorry to see you.' To my 
inquiries regarding his reply, he answered: 'I am 
glad to see a minister of the gospel ; but I am sorry to 
see you here, for I know that you can do no good. 



812 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



for none will hear you preach, and you will be in- 
sulted and abused.' 

" But as hard looks and loweringcouutenances never 
broke my head or heart, I ventured to appoint a 
meeting for the Sabbath at the meeting-house. We 
were agreeably disappointed to find about fifty per- 
sons who tamed out to hear the word of God. I did 
not visit in the village any more for three weeks, but 
preached to them, according to appointment, every 
Sabbath, and found the congregations increasing in 
number about fifty each succeeding Sabbath. Rightly 
knowing that the sectarians would let me alone while 
they thought I would soon leave the ground, I made 
my appointments from Sabbath to Sabbath, leading 
them to think, when an appointment was made, that 
it might be the last. In this way I kept them easy 
so that they broke not upon me, nor interfered in my 
labors, till I had awakened an interest among the peo- 
ple in my favor. Knowing that the prejudice among 
the people was so strong against notes, that if a min- 
ister should show a scrap of paper ever so small, while 
preaching, it would drive all out of the house, I 
preached extemporaneously to them for nine months, 
and had not even the Bible with me in the pulpit, 
lest they should think notes were hidden therein. 

"There was another evil which I had to encounter, 
namely, a suggestion from some that the sermons 
were written and committed to memory, and preached 
a thousand times. They soon, however, gave me an 
opportunity to stop this by giving me three portions 
of Scripture in one day, as I was going into the pulpit, 
from which I preached to their satisfaction the three 
services of the day. 

" Had it not been for the unbounded kindness and 
hospitality of Mr. Jacob Jewett, whose house and 
stable were ever open for my accommodation, I prob- 
ably should have been discouraged at the outset, 
as others before me had been. . . . After I 
had been there about two months the church where I 
preached on the Sabbath was generally full." 

After Mr. Turner, who remained about three years, 
came Rev. Jotham Sewell, Rev. Henry Sewell, Rev. 
Nathan Fiske (afterwards professor of Greek in Am- 
herst College) and Rev. Francis Norwood. Mr. Nor- 
wood came in June, 1824, and the church was organ- 
ized July 20th. He stayed till 1830; Rev. J. K. 
Young, from August 12, 1831, to 1866; Rev. H. M. 
Stone, 1868 to 1871 ; Rev. William T. Bacon, 1871 to 
1876 , Rev. J. E. Fullerton, 1877 to 1881. The pres- 
ent efficient pastor is Rev. Charles A. G. Thurston. 

The society owns a large, substantial church edifice, 
with a clock-tower supporting a lofty and graceful 
spire. The interior is conveniently arranged ; a large 
vestry below, capable of accommodating three hun- 
dred people, and a smaller vestry afford space for 
religious and social gatherings. A beautiful and 
spacious audience-room above afibrds one of the most 
pleasing interiors in the State. 

The Laconia Free Baptist Church was organized 



March 17, 1838. Rev. Nahum Brooks was the first 
pastor ordained here, and served till December 10, 
1843 ; Rev. Silas Gaskill served from December 31, 
1843, to April 4, 1844; Rev. I. D. Stewart, from April 
4, 1844, to April 3, 1852; Rev. Ebenezer Fisk, from 
April 8, 1852, to September 8, 1853; Rev. G. H. 
Pinkham, from "September 8, 1853, to May 24, 1855 ; 
Rev. A. Redlow, from September 7, 1855, to April, 
1857 ; Rev. A. D. Smith, from September 5, 1857, to 
April, 1861 ; Rev. Arthur Caverno, from September 7, 
1861, to April 5, 1862 ; Rev. C. H. Smith, from Sep- 
tember 6, 1862, to May, 1864; Rev. A. D. Smith, from 
June 4, 1864, to May 8, 1873; Rev. F. H. Lyford, 
from May 8, 1873, to April 31, 1875 ; Rev. J. Frank 
Locke, from May 4, 1875, to April 1, 1876 ; Rev. 
Lewis Malvern, from May 6, 1876, to January 24, 
1880 ; Rev. G. C. Waterman, from March 6, 1880, to 
April 2, 1881 ; Rev. F. D. George, from May 7, 1881, 
to January 17, 1883 ; Rev. Lewis Malvern, from 
January 17, 1883. 

The present membership of the church is 179; the 
Sunday-school numbers 260. The church was built 
before 1840, and remodeled at an expense of $12,000 
in 1873. It was burned to the ground October 14, 
1876, and rebuilt the following year for $10,000. 
The society is composed of the strong business men 
of the village. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church was first organ- 
ized in 1838, and was in a flourishing condition for a 
number of years, when, from internal dissension, the 
church languished. It was resuscitated about 1860. 
At first they worshiped in the court-house and at Fol- 
som Hall until, in 1868, the society purchased the 
Unitarian meeting-house. There are at present one 
hundredand twenty-five church members. Thesociety 
owns the church edifice, clear of debt ; they owe a small 
sum on the parsonage. Since 1860 the following pas- 
tors have been in charge : Revs. G. W. H. Clark, Wil- 
liam H. Thomas, George S. Noyes, Calvin Holman, 
George W. Norris (who in 1868 raised the money for 
buying the meeting-house), B. W. Chase, H. B. Copp, 
T. Carter, E. R. Wilkins, S. C. Keeler and the present 
pastor. Rev. G. A. McLaughlin. 

The meeting-house is a modest and attractive 
building of familiar New England architecture, hav- 
ing a tower with a bell and a pretty, tapering spire. 
The audience-room is tastefully frescoed, and con- 
tains a fine organ and appropriate appointments. 

The TJniversalist Society was organized July 19, 
1848, at Meredith Bridge. They built a meeting- 
house, employed a preacher and continued to hold 
services until about 1846, when the society lan- 
guished. From that time until 1860 there were only 
occasional services held. At that time the organiza- 
tion was revived, preaching was supplied, and in 1867 
the name was changed to the First Unitarian Society 
of Laconia. The church was repaired and meetings 
were held until the congregation outgrew their ac- 
commodations. In May of that year a committee was 



appointed to build a new church, and the next year the 
old building was sold to the Methodist Society. The 
new edifice cost over twenty thousand dollars, and 
was dedicated in 1868. It is centrally located, and is 
the most conspicuous building iu the town. The in- 
terior is elaborately finished, containing, in the base- 
ment, a Sunday-school-room, a studj', a dining-room 
and a kitchen, and above, a large audience-room, 
lighted by cathedral windows, with elegantly-paneled 
wall and ceiling and rich walnut furniture. The gener- 
al effect of the room is pleasing, and expresses quiet 
elegance. Rev. Thomas L. Gorman was the first set- 
tled minister; he was succeeded, iu 1869, by Rev. C. 
Y. De Normandie, who, iu turn, was succeeded, in 
1873, by Rev. Clarence Fowler ; later, by Rev. James 
Collins, Rev. Enoch Powell, Rev. John D. Wells, and, 
in September, 1884, by the present pastor, Rev. James 
Pardee. The society includes about one hundred 
families. 

The St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church.— For 
more than half a century there have been Catholics 
in Laconia and Lake village. As their numbers 
grew, they were occasionally visited by priests from 
other parishes. Fathers Dailey and McDonald, of 
Manchester, among others. Rev. T. H. Noiseux, then 
of Lancaster, gathered the faithful into a society about 
the close of the war, and stimulated them to raise 
money and build a church. Accordingly, a lot on 
Main Street was bought, and a building was erected, 
and was consecrated by Rt. Rev. David W. Bacon. 
The people now wanted a resident priest, and, iu 
1871, Rev. John W. Murphy was settled — the parish 
including Laconia, Lake village, Franklin, Ashland, 
Canaan, Lebanon, Hanover and other places. In 
April, 1872, Father Murphy was succeeded by Rev. 
M. T. Goodwin, a gentleman of great learning, elo- 
quence and zeal, who reduced, by his exertions, the 
church debt. 

The Catholic Church was burned July 1, 1877, 
having been struck by lightning ; but the money for 
the erection of a new edifice was quickly raised. 
Father Goodwin left the parish the same year, and 
was succeeded the year following by the present in- 
cumbent, Rev. John Lambert, under whose ministra- 
tions the rebuilding of the church was conducted. 
The basement was first occupied February 24, 1879 ; 
the church was finished in 1881, and was consecrated 
the first Sunday in May. 

In 1879 a convent school was opened in the village 
by four Sisters of Mercy, of whom Sister Margaret 
was superior. The school can accommodate two 
hundred scholars. 

In September, 1881, the parish purchased a ceme- 
tery lot of six acres, which was consecrated July 5, 
1885. 

In 1884 Franklin was erected into a separate par- 
ish, Ashland and northern towns having been de- 
tached several years earlier. 

The church is of Gothic architecture, cruciform, 



with tower on epistle side, and cost about six thou- 
sand dollars. 



CHAPTER III. 

LACONIA— (ContMiuerf). 
The Press— The Belknap Gazette— The Laconia Democral^TUe Belknap 
Tocsin— Horse liailroad- Telepliono Company— Eoads and : 
Fire Department- Fire-Alarm Telegraph— First Fire-En 
braries. 



Belknap Gazette.— The Belknap Gazette was the 
first newspaper published in Meredith Bridge, and 
was started about 1840 by the late Colonel Charles 
Lane. Colonel Lane conducted an extensive estab- 
lishment for those days, running a printing-office 
and book-bindery, located about where the post-oflice 
building now stands. Bibles, hymn-books and works of 
that kind were printed on a hand-press and furnished 
to order all complete. Colonel Lane was a Jeft'erson- 
ian Democrat, and in 1843 the Whigs bought the pa- 
per and afterwards controlled it. Various editors 
and proprietors had the management of the Gazette 
after Colonel Lane, but the paper was discontinued 
in 1861. The late J. H. Brewster was the last pro- 
prietor, and his reason for stopping the publication 
was the war prices of paper and scarcity of laborers. 

The Laconia Democrat— In the year 1848, Abram 
Keach and D. K. Seaver, of Mauchester, came to 
Meredith Bridge to print a weekly newspaper for 
Enoch Gordon. At this time Belknap and Carroll 
were the only counties in the State that had no " or- 
gans." The paper was called The New Hampshire 
Democrat, and the first number was printed the last 
week in December, 1848, and bore the date January 4, 
1 849. This issue bore the name of E. Gordon, publisher 
and proprietor; but as Gordon could furnish no secur- 
ity to carry out his contract with the printers, his 
connection was severed after one issue, and Messrs. 
Keach & Seaver assumed control, with J. Elkins, Esq., 
as editor. The paper was a success from the start, and 
was at that time said to be the neatest printed sheet 
in the State. May 13, 1850, Seaver retired from the 
business and Keach continued alone until 1852, when 
the paper passed into the hands of Samuel C. Bald- 
win. David A. Farrington of Concord was associated 
with Mr. Baldwin from 1854 to 1857 and then retired. 
Mr. Baldwin committed suicide, and the paper was pur- 
chased by Joseph B. Batchelder, January 24, 1862, 
who, in turn, disposed of the concern to O. A. J. 
Vaughan in January, 1868. Mr. Vaughandied April 
6, 1876, and in June of that year William M. Ken- 
dall, Jr., of Lebanon, N. H., took control and united 
the Democrat and Weekly News, which he had pre- 
viously published at Lebanon. The Democrat was 
enlarged and otherwise much improved about this 
time ; but Mr. Kendall became weary of the business, 
and was succeeded in 1878 by Edwin C. Lewis and 
Fred. W. Sanborn. Mr. Sanborn retired in April, 



814 



HISTOKY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1882, and the paper is now published by the firm of 
Lewis, Vaughan & Co. An evening edition was 
commenced in December, 1883, and continued about 
a year, liut not receiving sufficient encouragement, 
was discdiitinued for the time being. 

The Belknap Tocsin.- — This paper was established 
as a Republican organ by Messrs. C. W. & A. J. 
Hackett, of Belmont, in- the summer of 1881. The 
Tocsin was a large paper, neatly printed and ably 
edited. \ daily edition was commenced about a 
year later, and the Lakeside News from Lake village 
merged with the Tocsin, Mr. E. G. Wilcomb, of the 
News, taking an active interest in the firm. The 
Hacketts shortly after gave up the business, and the 
paper was continued until March, 1884, at which 
time Mr. Wilcomb sold out to Lewis, Vaughan & Co., 
of the Democrat, and the Tocsin was discontinued. 
The paper did not receive a hearty support from the 
Republicans of the county, and it was evident from 
the first that the Tocsin would not long continue. 

Horse Railroad. — The Laconia and Lake Village 
Horse Railroad was chartered at June session, 1881, 
of the New Hampshire Legislature. The grantees 
were A. G. Folsora, James H. Tilton, J. P. Hutchin- 
son and Richard Gove. The capital stock was fixed 
at fifteen thousand dollars, and the road built in the 
summer of 1882. The first car was run over the road 
on Friday afternoon, August 18, 1882. The first 
annual meeting of the .stockholders was held at 
Folsom Hall January 16, 1883. A. G. Folsom, J. P. 
Hutchinson, S. C. Clark, C. A. Busiel, S. 8. Wiggin, 
R. Gove and S. B. Smith were elected directors, 
and subsequently A. G. Folsom was chosen president 
of the board, J. P. Hutchinson clerk, and W. L. 
Melcher treasurer. Bela IS. Keniston was the first 
superintendent of the road. About two and one- 
half miles of track were laid, extending trom the 
Williard Hotel, in Laconia, to the steamboat landing 
in Lake village. The road was a success from the 
commencement. 

Telephone Company. — The Winnipesaukee Bell 
Telephone Company was incorporated April 23, 
1881. E. H. Blaisdell was the first president; W. F. 
Knight, secretary ; S. B. Smith, treasurer ; Augustus 
Doe, D. W. Marsh, E. H. Blaisdell, G. H. Everett 
and E. C. Lewis. The capital raised amounted to 

$ . The lines of the company now extend to 

Lake village. Weirs, Meredith, Gilmanton, Tilton 
and Belmont. 

Roads and Bridges,— The first bridge over the 
Winnipesaukee River was built in 17G4, four years 
before the town of which I^aconia was then a part 
was chartered under the name of Meredith. This 
bridge was built of logs and was termed a passable 
bridge. It stood, with occasional repairs, for nearly 
fifty years, and was replaced with a better structure 
about 1810. The bridge at Great Weirs was built 
in 1804. 

In 1781 a road was l)uilt from the head of Round 



Bay to the falls of the Winnipesaukee River, and from 
Folsom's Falls (Lake village) to what is now Church 
Street, and half of a bridge was built soon after, the 
town of Gilmanton building the other end of the 
bridge. The first bridge across Mill Street was built 
in 1788, a few years aft«r the saw and grist-mills were 
put in operation. 

Fire Department. — Soon after the erection of the 
cotton-mill, in 1813, measures were taken to procure 
apparatus to extinguish tires, and the first fire-engine 
was purchased in 1815, and a suitable engine-house 
provided on Mill Street, in about the location of the 
Belknap boarding-house. There was no suction hose 
attached to the first engine, and it was therefore 
equipped with leather buckets, and the water poured 
into the top and forced out with the brakes. This 
engine was destroyed in 1855. The company to work 
the engine was incorporated in 1814 by the Legisla- 
ture, and went under the name of Meredith Bridge 
Engine Company. 

In 1834 a hose company was organized to operate 
force pumps, one of which was located in the yard of 
the cotton-mill, and the other just across the river, 
on Mill Street. This company was incorporated 
under the name of Meredith Bridge Hose Company, 
James Molineaux, Alvah Tucker and Abram Brig- 
ham being foremost in the enterprise. 

The present fire precinct was established by the 
Legislature in 1849, and the hand tub " Torrent, No. 
2," was purchased in that year, and a company was 
formed to man the machine. A store-house in the 
Belknap mill-yard was used for an engine-house for 
some time, until the precinct erected the house on 
Water Street, where the old Torrent is now stored. 
The Torrent boys were the first company at the 
Bridge to procure uniforms, and for many years a vast 
amount of pride was taken in this engine and its 
company. 

In 1875 a steam fire-engine was purchased, the 
" Laconia," also a new hose-carriage and a hook-and- 
ladder truck. In this year the present companies 
were organized as follows : Laconia Steam Fire-En- 
gine Company, No. 1, Reliance Hose Company, No. 
1, and Laconia Hook-and-Ladder Company, No. 1. 
The Fire Department now has two engine-houses, 
about a dozen large reservoirs and other property, 
valued at nearly fifteen thousand dollars. 

Fire-Alarm Telegraph.— The fire-alarm telegraph 
was introduced in Laconia by Frank H. Champlin. 
The sum of one thousand dollars was raised in 
March, 1876, and the apparatus was manufactured 
by F. H. Champlin and O. L. Andrews. There are at 
present about ten miles of wire connected with forty 
six-inch gongs in the dwellings of the firemen, and a 
twelve-inch gong on Gove's Block, on Main Street. 
Twenty-four signal-boxes are distributed throughout 
the precinct. 

At a meeting of the legal voters of the Meredith 
Bridge Fire Precinct, held at the Universalist Church 



LACONIA. 



815 



(on Lake Street), on Saturday, September 22, 1849, it 
was voted to adopt an act making further provision 
for the extinguishment of fires. Nathan B. Wad- 
leigh was chosen chief engineer, with Alvah Tucker, 
Charles Eanlet, I. E. Brown, James S. Hoit, Charles 
Lane, J. F. Clough, E. Mallard, John T. Coffin, A. 
Warren and T. D. Whipple, assistant engineers. 

The sum of one thousand dollars was voted for the 
purchase of a fire-engine and other necessary appa- 
ratus. 

First Fire-Engine. — Stephen Perley was ap- 
pointed a committee to go to Boston and purchase 
the engine. By his bill to the precinct we find that 
the sum of two hundred and seventy dollars was paid 
for the machine. Seventeen dollars was charged for 
hauling the " tub " to Meredith Bridge, and the pre- 
cinct also paid eight dollars, one-quarter of Mr. Per- 
ley's expenses. The committee appointed to locate 
an engine-house reported in favor of building on the 
court leading to the burying-ground (on Water Street, 
where the engine buildings are now located). It was 
first kti>t in Avoi y mill-yard. 

Laconia's Libraries. — The Meredith Bridge Social 
Library was started in 1803. The first meeting was 
held February 14th, when Jeremiah H. Woodman 
presided, Daniel Avery acted as clerk and Simeon 
Taylor, J. H. Woodman and Kichard Boynton were 
chosen a committee to draft a constitution. They re- 
ported, April 25th, a constitution of twenty-seven 
articles. The annual meetings were to be held the 
last Monday in December, at five p.m., in the hall at 
Mrs. Deborah Sanborn's tavern. Members were to 
pay an entrance fee of two dollars and an annual as- 
sessment of fifty cents. No professional books, in 
law, physic or divinity, could be purchased at the ex- 
pense of the proprietors. The officers were moderator, 
clerk, librarian and three directors; and the library 
was to be open each Saturday from three to six p.m. 
At the first annual meeting, in December, 1803, the 
membership was reported to be thirty and the amount 
expended for books was 183.47, the largest amount 
reported in any one year, the average sum being less 
than thirty dollars. In 1805 only $13.55 was used in 
buying books, but Lieutenant Stephen Perley was 
paid eight dollars for covering books with sheep- 
skin. 

The library was incorporated in 1807, and Stephen 
Perley and David Avery called the first meeting of 
the corporation. John Burleigh was elected modera- 
tor, John A. Harper clerk, Simeon Taylor, J. A. Har- 
per and Dr. Zadock Bowman directors and Daniel 
Avery librarian. The fee for membership was ad- 
vanced from three dollars to $3.50 in 1806, $4.25 in 
1810, and to six dollars in 1826. In 1811 the librarian 
was authorized to sue as many as he thought proper 
of those who were delinquent in dues and fines for 
six months. The result was that forty-one dollars 
was expended for books that year instead of nothing, 
as the year before. It was also voted to enlarge the 



book-case or get a new one, to buy the " History of 
England " and make a catalogue. The records do not 
state how many volumes there were, but a copy of 
the catalogue was ordered to be hung in the library- 
There were twenty-three members to meet at the 
annual meeting in 1818. Those who were delinquent 
for tliree years were expelled, and once more the 
" History of England " was ordered, but two or three 
years seem to have slipped away before it was ob>- 
tained. In 1820 the library subscribed for the North 
American Review, which was continued for several 
years. In 1821 we have the only record of the books 
actually purchased in one year. They cost twenty- 
five dollars, and consisted of the North American 
Review, Federalist, " Delano's Voyages," " Presi- 
dent's Hour," " Gazetteer of the Bible," " My Friend's 
Family,'' " Watts on the Mind " and " Schoolcraft's 
Tours." 

In 1826, Rev. Francis Norwood was given one share 
while he remained in town. In 1831, Rev. John K. 
Young " was allowed the use of Butterworth's ' Con- 
cordance of the Bible ' from the time he took it from 
the library until otherwise ordered by the proprie- 
tors," and he was also given a share in the library. 
Conveyances of shares are recorded with all the for- 
mality which attends the transfer of real estate, and 
the records show the names of nearly all the leading 
men in Meredith, Gilford and Gilmauton. 

In 1836 an attempt was made to create a new in- 
terest in the enterprise, and it was proposed to bring 
in twenty new members at four dollars apiece, if so 
many could be found. But the attempt seems to have 
been a failure, for in 1837 the record ends very ab- 
ruptly. At that time S. C. Lyford was president; 
J. T. Coffin, Sr., clerk ; Otis Beaman, librarian ; Daniel 
Tucker, G. L. Sibley and Francis Russell, directors. 

We do not find that the yearly accounts ever rose 
as high as ninety dollars, and there is a prudence 
and carefulness shown in looking after small items 
that is positively ludicrous. For instance, the rec- 
ord for 1813 shows that there is $1.38 in Dr. Bow- 
man's hands, twenty-three cents due from the libra- 
rian, and $1.67 from J. A. Harper. The same items 
are reported due in 1815, and in 1816, Dr. Bowman 
still stands charged with $1.38, and the estate of J. A. 
Harper with $1.67. We do not see that the Harper 
estate ever paid. The Bowman item appears in 1817 
and then drops out. 

In the thirty -four years covered by the records the 
whole amount expended for books could not have 
been but little more than what the town of Laconia 
annually appropriates for the public library ; and 
yet it is plain the Social Library furnished more or 
less reading for the most intelligent families living 
within several miles of the " Bridge." 

The library was for some years kept in the Avery 
store, and some of our older citizens remember to 
have seen it there. They all speak of it as a small 



816 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



affair, almost insignificant when compared with some 
of the private libraries which may now be seen here. 
The late John T. Coffin had the care of it for many 
years, and it was located in the rooms of the Meredith 
Bridge Savings-Bank. During its later years it seems 
to have been unused and neglected, and was practi- 
cally unknown and forgotten to all but a few of the 
surviving proprietors. 

It went through the fire of 1846 in safety and met 
its fate in the big fire of 1860. Mr. John T. Coffin 
Wiia among the very last to see it. He tells us that it 
was in a case some eight feet long and six feet high, 
and stood in the bank-room. By dint of hard work, 
all the other property of value was carried out and 
the library case was moved toward the door. But he 
could not obtain sufficient help to carry it out before 
the flame broke into the room, and so he was forced 
to leave the old relic to make his own escape through 
a back-door ; and this was the end of the Merediih 
Bridge Social Library fifty-seven years after its organ- 
ization. With it there went many old papers which 
would have been of priceless value to the future histo- 
rian of the town, and if the old volumes had been 
spared, there are many besides the antiquarian book- 
worm who would have enjoyed themselves in shaking 
the dust from the calfskin covers and examining the 
literature which our fathers read half a century ago. 

The foregoing facts in regard to the first public 
library at Meredith Bridge were published in the 
Laconia Democrat in 1883, and were taken from a 
record-book then in the possession of the late Deacon 
F. W. Reeves, but since presented to the Laconia 
Public Librarv. 



CHAPTER IV. 

■LkCmik—iContmued). 
WEIBS AND LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE. 

The vicinity of Weirs, which lays just within the 
limits of Laconia and at the outlet of Lake Winnipe- 
saukee, has been famous as a summer resort further 
back, probably, than the historical or traditionary 
records exist. Long before the white men invaded 
New England, the Winnipesaukees, a branch of the 
Penacook tribe of Indians, maintained a permanent 
ahquedaukenash, or fish-weir, at the outlet of the lake, 
and all the tribes in the vicinity would gather to par- 
ticipate in the spring and fall catch of shad. The 
weir was constructed by placing large boulders in 
an irregular line across the river at a proper distance 
from the outlet. The rocks were generally placed 
some ten feet apart, and a matting woven of twigs 
and tough bark was strung from rock to rock entirely 
across the stream, leaving a narrow opening in the 
centre of the weir, through which the fish must pass 
to enter the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee. When 
the shad would reach the weirs and crowd through 



the opening was the red man's harvest-time. The 
braves would man the canoes, and, paddling out 
among the struggling fish, with spear and dig-net 
would soon fill the boat to the water's edge and 
return to the shore to deliver the shad to the 
squaws. The fish were split open and cleaned, and 
either laid out to dry on flakes or hung up and 
smoked for winter use. This wholesale method 
of fishing was also indulged in to a certain extent 
by the early settlers, and as shad were plenty 
in those days, many loads were iised to enrich the 
soil on the high ground in the vicinity of the river. 
The weir was constructed in a substantial manner 
and portions of it remained long after the mill-dams 
on the Merrimack had stopped the annual visitation 
of the shad ; and now, although the Indian, the 
shad and the ahquedauken are among the things of 
the past in this vicinity, the name by which the 
locality was known still remains, and the Weirs is to- 
day one of the most popular summer resorts in New 
Hampshire. Until within a few years, however, the 
place was simply known as the landing-place of the 
steamer " Lady of the Lake," in connection with the 
railroad. 

The visitor to Weirs now will find three large 
hotels,— the Hotel Weirs, built by the late Captain W. 
A. Sanborn, for many years commander of the "Lady 
of the Lake ; " the Lakeside, built by L. R. & G. W. 
Weeks ; and the Winnicortte, built by D. S. Doolittle. 
Besides these are many less pretentious places of 
resort, and in the grove near the wharf are numerous 
cottages of all grades, neatly laid out along the 
avenues. Opposite the passenger station is the per- 
manent encampment of the Veteran Association of 
New Hampshire, who held their first reunion here in 
1879. These reunions are held every year and gener- 
ally last three days, calling together thousands of 
New Hampshire's veteran soldiers, many of them 
coming from far distant States to attend the gather- 
ing. Large and substantial buildings have been 
erected, which serve as barracks, regimental head- 
quarters, dining-rooms, officers' headquarters, etc. 

In the grove, nearer the lake, the Methodists, 
Unitarians and various other societies hold an annual 
gathering. An annual New England musical festival 
was also established in 1884. 

Lake Winnipesaukee lies in the counties of Belk- 
nap and Carroll, and is very irregular in form. Its 
area, exclusive of two hundred and seventy-four is- 
lands, is upwards of seventy-one square miles and the 
distance around its shores is one hundred and eighty- 
two miles. It is about twenty-five miles long and 
varies from one to seven miles in width. There are 
ten islands, each having an area of more than one 
hundred acres, and one (Long Island) having an area 
of over one thousand acres. At the west end the 
lake is divided into three large bays, at the north is 
a fourth and at the east end there are three others. 
The waters descend four hundred and seventv-two 



817 



Icot on their way to the Atlantic, forming a rapid 
river of the same name as the lake, and emptying into 
the Merrimack. The waters of the lake, are so clear 
that the fish which abound in it can be seen playing 
among the stones at the depth of many feet. 

While Lake Winnipiseogee is distinctively a moun- 
tain lake, yet it lacks almost all those wild, rough 
features of mountain scenery that usually character- 
ize inland lakes in mountainous regions. The shore, 
seen from a distance, appears, as it is, comparatively 
smooth and level, but the mountains rise high on all 
sides. The islands which dot its surface are covered 
with vegetation and are generally neither rocky nor 
precipitous. 

Steamboat Navigation.— The first steamboat ever 
operated on the lake was called the " Belknap," and 
was built by Ichabod Bartlett, a well-known lawyer, 
and Stephen C. Lyford, Esq., of Laconia. The keel was 
laid at Lake village in 1842, and the boat was fin- 
ished early in the season of the next year, the launch 
taking place in June, 1833. The work of getting the 
boat through the channel at Weirs, into the lake 
proper, occujjied nearly a week, the channel at that 
time being a shallow, turbulent stream, with many 
large boulders at the bottom, and was only navigable 
for very small boats with but little draught of water. 

The master-mechanic of the " Belknap " was, at 
first, Charles Bell, of Weathersfield, Conn. Bell, 
however, was drowned, at Lake village, while pulling 
planks from the dam. He was succeeded by Harry 
Upton, who completed the boat. The first pilot was 
Perkins Drake, for many years well-known as a 
stage-driver between Centre Harbor and Laconia. 
Levi Cowdin was the first engineer. James Jewett 
was the captain of the " Belknap," and, consequently, 
the first commander of any steam craft to travel the 
waters of the lake. 

The general make-up of the "Belknap," from its 
primitive nature, was rather uncouth in appearauce, 
and very much unlike any of our modern constructed 
boats, especially above the water-line. A striking 
peculiarity was her engine, of the horizontal pattern, 
of high pressure. The exhaust could be distinctly 
heard, in calm weather, a distance of ten miles- 
There were many different compartments all built 
upon the lower deck, like so many small houses. The 
pilot-house was a small, elevated " coop," the entrance 
being effected by a flight of stairs upon the outside. 
The ladies' and gents' cabin, captain's quarters, etc., 
were of small size and ill-shaped. The model of the 
hull was rather out of proportion, the width being 
greater in proportion to the length (ninety feet) than it 
ordinarily should be in boats of her size. The " Bel- 
knap" did not run but three or four years, being cast 
away upon a sand-bar near what is now Steamboat Is- 
land. From that event the island takes its present 
name. The mishap was caused by a misunderstand- 
ing on the part of the engineer. The "Belknap" 
was towing a large raft of timber from Centre Harbor 



to Alton Bay. It was in early spring-time, and the 
lake was very rough. Through some mismanage- 
ment, the boat was drifting toward the island with the 
fury of the wind and wave. The signal given to back 
the boat was understood by the engineer to be that 
for going forward, which resulted in the boat striking 
a sand-bar with such force as to be unable to get off'. 
Subsequently the steamer "hogged," which opened 
several seams below the water-line, and she soon 
filled with water. Several unsuccessful attempts to 
get her oft' the bar were made, without effect, however, 
the last being on the Fourth of July of that year, 
when the efforts of forty men failed to move her, and 
she was left to her fate, and after removing her en- 
gine, boiler and iron-work generally, she finally went 
to j)ieces. Thus ended in disaster and evil forebod- 
ings the career of the pioneer steamboat on the lake. 
The "ribs " and other portions of the hull are still to be 
seen to-day upon the sand-bar where she went to 
pieces, and affords the curiosity-seeker an interesting 
object for investigation. 

A few years afterwards a charter for the Winnipe- 
saukee Steamboat Company was obtained through 
the Legislature, which resulted in the construction of 
the " Lady of the Lake," about the year 1848. This boat 
was designed to run between Weirs, Centre Harbor 
and other places about the lake. Her first captain 
was William Walker, of Lake village. Not long 
after, she fell into the hands of the B., C. & M. R. R., 
in whose interest she still remains. During her ca- 
reer she has undergone some changes, and suffered 
numerous tinkerings from time to time, none of which 
have been more thorough and complete than the re- 
pairs made in the year 1882, when nearly a new hull 
was added, and extensive improvements were also 
made, both above and below the lower deck. At 
present she is regarded as being as stanch and fleet 
as at any time since the original construction. Since 
the days of Captain Walker she has been commanded 
by Eleazer Bickford, of Meredith, Stephen Cole, of 
Lake village, Winborn Sanborn and J. S. Wadleigh, 
of Laconia, the latter being her present captain. Her 
route during the season lies between Weirs, Centre 
Harbor and Wolfeborough, several trips being'made 
daily in connection with the time-table of the Boston 
and Lowell Railroad at Weirs. 

Next on the list came the " Long Island," built by 
Perley R. & George K. Brown, of Long Island, with 
a carrying capacity of about one hundred passengers. 
This boat was designed for general commerce about 
tlie lake, and is still in existence. 

About this time Langdon Thyng constructed the 
" Jenny Lind " (at first a horse-boat) at Lake village, 
whose carrying capacity was about the same as that 
of the "Long Island." 

This brings us down to the building of the "Red 
Hill," by the "Red Hill Steamboat Company," at 
Lee's Mills, in Moultonborough, with Allen Bumpus 
as her captain. This boat was of a rather uncouth 



818 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



architecture, and built for the trade between the 
"Mills" and Alton Bay. The hull of this boat was 
modeled something like that of a scow. She was very 
laborious in her movements. The "Red Hill" was 
finally sent "up in a balloon" one fine day, by the 
bursting of her boiler. Remnants of her hull can still 
be seen on the shore at Alton Bay, just below the 
bridge that crosses the Merry Meeting River. Charles 
Brown, of Lake village, next came out with the " Nau- 
gatuck," afterward sold toSweet & Morrison, of Wolfe- 
borough, which is still in existence, though a little the 
worse for w'ear. About this time William Guptil, of 
Wolfeborough, built the " Dolly Dutton." Both the last- 
named boats had a carrying capacity of about one 
hundred passengers. We have next to speak of the 
" Seneca," of about the same size as the two boats named 
which finally went ashore on the "Goose Egg," a 
dangerous rock on the Moultonborough " coast," which 
terminated fatally, and the end came. Uriah Hall 
was her captain, residing at Melviu village. Hall 
subsequently constructed the " Ossipee," a similar craft, 
another specimen of the laboring craft. Ansel Lam- 
prey built the " Gazelle" at Tuftonborough, a little later 
on, which subsequently came into the possession of 
Dearborn Haley. 

In those days came the introduction of the steam 
yachts, such as the "Pinafore," "Nellie" "Bristol, '' etc., 
the " Nellie" being the first propeller ever introduced 
to the waters of the lake. The "Nellie" was origin- 
ally a steam launch and used at Portsmouth, from 
whence she was taken to the lake by George Dun- 
can. Soon after she became the property of Dear- 
born Haley, at Wolfeborough. Later on she was owned 
by a Mr. Waldron, at Farmington, but still remained 
in the lake, being used by the summer boarders at 
the Winnipesaukee House, at Alton Bay, under the 
management of A. 0. Philips & Co. A few years 
previous to this epoch came the "Union," Captain John 
Tabor, of Wolfeborough, a craft with eminent renown 
and always a constant attendant at the Alton Bay 
camp-meetings in their early stages. The " May- 
flower",built at Wolfeborough, with several owners, put 
in an appearance about this time as a freight-boat 
more "particularly, did good service, and was quite a 
favorite with small excursion parties to different 
parts of the lake. 

At the time of the completion of the "Cocheco 
Railroad," some thirty-five years since, between Dover 
and Alton Bay, it became advisable to open commu- 
nication with the various towns which lined the 
shores of different parts of the lake, and for that 
purpose a steamer was constructed at Alton Bay 
called the " Dover." This was about the year 1852. 
Captain Winborn Sanborn, of Gilford, was her first 
captain. Augustus Wiggin, of Tuftonborough, at that 
time acted as captain's clerk, and some time after- 
ward the " clerk " became the captain. Owing to 
some oversight in the location of the Dover's engine 
ami boiler when jilaccd in her native clement, she 



settled at the bow, and large quantities of stone were 
placed in the stern to counteract that influence and 
make her assume a natural position in the water. 
Later on it became necessary to increase her size, and 
an addition of about twenty feet was made in the 
centre. Thorough repairs were made otherwise, and 
her name changed to the " Chocorua," with Captain 
Wiggin still master. The " Chocorua" did good service 
for several years, but it soon became necessary to 
have a new boat, and the present "Mount Washing- 
ton " was constructed. This was about 1872. Cap- 
tain Wiggin assumed command, and with a popular 
notion of " what to do and how to do it," has suc- 
ceeded in making his route one much sought after by 
tourists and pleasure-seekers. The " Mount," as she 
is familiarly termed, is a model of neatness and work- 
manship, and said to be the fastest boat on the lake. 
Following the advent of the " Mount Washington," 
the " Chocorua " lay in the dock at Alton Bay that 
season, and underwent the process of " decomposi- 
tion" to a certain extent. The apartments compos- 
ing her upper decks were sold to various parties there- 
abouts, principally those connected with the camp- 
meeting association, and utilized for lodging-rooms, 
being located mostly about the vacant space near 
the passenger depot. The pilot-house was secured by 
"Aunt Mary" Ryan, of the "Alton Bay Cottage," 
who set it up on the lawn for a sort of a summer 
house, or "lover's retreat." 

The first horse-power craft ever on the lake was 
built and owned by Captain David Parsons in 18.38, 
at Long Island. About the year 1875, Dearborn 
Haley, of Wolfeborough, built the " Maid of the Isles," 
a propeller, with an engine of one hundred and twenty 
horse-power, and capable of carrying five hundred pas- 
sengers. The " Maid" was of a very fine model, with up- 
per and lower decks, and calculated to be very fast. 
'Tis said that her owner intended that she should be a 
sort of" mediator" between the "Lady" and "Mount." 
She was used only a part of two seasons, and subse- 
quently lay "moored" in the "ofling" near Wolfe- 
borough, until last season, when her cable-chain wore 
a hole through her hull below the water line and she 
sank. She was raised afterwards and towed to a 
position on the back side of Long Island, where she 
lies at present in her wonted useless condition. She 
is said to have cost about twenty thousand dollars. 
The failure of this craft was due to her immense 
draught of water, which was about seven and a half 
feet. Her captain was Anson Lamprey, of Long 
Island. Since that time has come to " Mineola" a fine 
little steam yacht ; the " Maud S.," of South Wolfe- 
borough ; the " Gracie," of Meredith village ; the 
" Undine " and " Laconia," of Lake village ; and 
several other crafts of this class, as among the batch 
of steam-yachts. 

The "James Bell " was built and owned by Messrs. 
Wentworth & Sweet, of Centre Harbor, in 1859, who 
some years since sold her to the B., C. & M. R. E., 



since which time she has been used as an excursion 
boat with headquarters at Lake village. Stephen 
Wentworth was her first captain. Clarence W. 
Adams, of Lake village, is her present captain. 
The " Bell" was thoroughly repaired during the sum- 
mer of 1882, and is now regarded to be in first-class 
condition. 

The " Wiiinipesaukee," Captain Robert Lamprey, 
Jr., formerly on the line between Lake village and 
Long Island, makes her headquarters at Tufton- 
borough and is run mostly for freighting purposes. 
This brings us down to the " Belle of the Wave," 
which was built at Long Island by Arthur H. Lam- 
prey (a son of Uncle Robert). The " Belle " was a 
propeller, carried a forty horse-power engine and 
rated for one hundred and twenty-five passengers. 
Her model was perfect for attaining speed. 

The " Belle" was burned at Long Island in the fall 
of 1884, and the next year was replaced with a larger 
and better boat of similar build, called the " Lam- 
prey," and commanded by Captain George Lam- 
prey. 



CHAPTER V. 

LACONIA— (Co«<!,i»e<0. 
Miiiiiifacturing Interests— Post-Oflfice — Buuks. 

Manufacturing Interests. — Granite Hosiery- 
Mills. — The Granite Hosiery-Mills were established 
by the late John W. Busiel in 1847, and after the 
death of Mr. Busiel the business was continued by 
his sons, Charles A., John T. and Frank E., under 
the firm-name of John W. Busiel & Co. They 
manufacture men's, women's and children's hose, 
employing about one hundred and seventy-five 
hands. Their mills are built of brick, and are the 
best buildings for the purpose in the town. 

White Mountain Mills. — Lewis F. Busiel, pro- 
prietor of the above-named mills, commenced busi- 
ness in Laconia in 1853, and at first only manufac- 
tured hosiery yarn. Machinery for the production of 
hosiery was added in 1855. Mr. Busiel is said to be 
the oldest living manufacturer (of power-loom pro- 
duction) iu the country. 

Gilford Hosiery Company.— Incorporated in 
1864. Capital stock, seventy-five thousand dollars. 
About one hundred and twenty-five hands are em- 
ployed by this company in the manufacture of 
hosiery. Hon. John C. Moulton, the treasurer and 
largest owner in the corporation, is identified with 
the growth and prosperity of the town in a large 
measure, having taken a prominent part in nearly all 
the large enterprises. 

Pitman Manufacturing Company. — Estab- 
lished by the late Joseph P. Pitman. Manufacture 
ladies' and children's hose. Employ about one 
hundred and fifty hands. Have been established iu 
the mill they now occupy since 1875. 



WiNNipisEociEE Mill. — In 1872, Mr. Frank P. 
Holt started in the paper box-making business in 
Laconia, with a capital of less than one hundred 
dollars. About five years later he went in company 
with Mr. James T. Minchin, under the firm-name of 
Minchin & Holt, and commenced the manufacture of 
underwear and hosiery. After three years Mr. Min- 
chin retired, and the business has since been con- 
tinued by Mr. Holt alone. About one hundred and 
seventy-five hands are employed. Annual product, 
one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. 

Abel Machine Company. — Established by the 
late William H. Abel. Manufacture all kinds of 
knitting-machinery and bobbin-winders. The Abel 
machines have a world-wide reputation, and are used 
in all parts of the United States and also in some 
foreign countries. 

O'Shea Brothers. — In 1875, Messrs. Dennis and 
John O'Shea, Jr., rented a small store on Bank 
Square and started in the dry-goods business. To-day 
the firm of O'Shea Brothers is one of the best known 
in New Hampshire, occupies the largest store and 
does a larger business than any other concern in the 
State. 

Laconia and Lake Village Water-Works. — 
This organization was chartered by the Legislature of 
1883. Capital, fifty thousand dollars. The first annual 
meeting was held June 1, 1885, and the following 
board of officers was elected : Clerk, J. W. Ashman ; 
Treasurer, W. L. Melcher ; Directors, John C. Moul- 
ton, W. L. Melcher, B. J. Cole, E. A. Hibbard, B. F. 
Drake, Gardner Cook, H. B. Quinby. John C. Moul- 
ton subsequently elected chairman of the board of 
directors. The pipes were laid in the summer of 
1885 by N. W. Ellis & Co., of Manchester, N. H. 

G. Cook & Son. — Gardner Cook, the senior mem- 
ber of this firm, established himself in the saw-mill 
and sash and blind business here in 1852. Some 
forty hands are now employed, and a large quantity 
of first-class work is produced annually. The entire 
factory was destroyed by fire in 1883, but immediately 
rebuilt. 

Meredith Cotton and Woolen Company. — 
The first meeting of this company was called July 1, 
1811, and the warrant for the meeting was signed by 
Stephen Perley, Daniel Tucker and John A. Harper. 
The shares of stock were issued and sold to the citi- 
zens of Gilford and Meredith, land was purchased 
of Stephen Perley and a large wooden mill erected 
on the site of the present Belknap brick mill. This 
was one of the first mills for the manufacture of cot- 
ton goods in the country. Considerable of the ma- 
chinery was built in a machine-shop near by, operated 
by John Chiise. The mill was not fairly in operation 
until 1813. Daniel Avery, a prominent citizen at 
that time, was the first agent, and accumulated con- 
siderable property and did much to advance the in- 
terests of the village. 

Carding-Mill.— About 1800 a carding-mill was 



820 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



established by Samuel & Nathan Bean on the lot 
now occupied by .1. W. Busiel & Co. The building 
in which the business was carried on was torn down 
and replaced by Messrs. Busiel in 1882. 

Paper-mill. — About 1800 a paper-mill wiis built 
on Mill Street by Aaron Martin. The rags were 
ground to a pulp with water-power, but most of the 
other labor was performed by hand, and a coarse 
paper was turned out until 1834, when the building 
was destroyed by fire. 

Bell- Foundry. — In 1810, George Holbrook, who 
served an apprenticeship in Boston with the famous 
Paul Revere of the midnight ride, established a bell- 
foundry at Meredith Bridge, near the site of the 
present Belknap Mill. The foundry was, of course, a 
small aftair ; sleigh-bells, door-knockers and church- 
bells were cast. In 1810 the concern was removed to 
Medway, Mass., where it is still in operation, and the 
Holbrook bells have a world-wide reputation. The 
bell now in use at the Belknap Mill was cast at the 
foundry in Meredith Bridge, and bears Holbrook's 
name and the date of casting. 

In 1808, Daniel Tucker purchased land of Stephen 
Perley where the present mill of L. F. Busiel now 
stands, and erected the first machine-shop in Meredith 
Bridge. The shop was equipped with a small trip- 
hammer, forges, anvils, etc., and almost all tools used 
Ijy farmers and carpenters were manufactured. Mr. 
Tucker lived in the small yellow house on Mill 
Street, opposite F. P. Holt's office, until 1813, when, 
having accumulated considerable property, he erected 
what is now known as the Mansion House in the 
rear of the Unitarian Church. When erected, this 
was the largest house and one of the best houses at 
the Bridge, and a handsome lawn extended in front 
of it to Main Street. Mr. Tucker went out of busi- 
ness in 1832, outside competition proving too much 
for the industry. 

Postmasters. — Following is a list of the different 
postmasters and tlie date of their appointment up to 
the present time : 

Meredith, Strafford County, N. H. — Stephen 
Perley, April 1, 1805; Jonathan Ladd, July 1, 1807; 
Stephen Perley, July 13, 1813 ; John Langdon Perley, 
May 7, 1829 ; Stephen Perley, July I.'), 1830. Dis- 
continued February 22, 1833. 

Gilford, Strafford County, N. H.— Horatio 
G. Prescott, April 3, 1824; Francis Russell, July 24, 
1829; Hugh More, March 19,1830; L. B. Walker, 
August 23, 1830 ; Jacob G. Foss, February 3, 1841 ; 
Benjamin Boardman, December 2, 1843 ; J. C. Moul- 
ton, July 31, 1845 ; Caleb P.Smith, June 2.5, 1849; 
Coryden W. Cook, December 6, 1850; Andrew C. 
Wright, November 7, 1851 ; Charles S. Gale, January 
12, 1853; John C. Moulton, April 1, 1853. Changed 
to Laconia July 26, 1855; J. C. Moulton continued; 
S. W. Sandei-s, July 10, 1861 ; Joseph E. Odlin, Octo- 
ber 4, 1861 ; Perley Putnam, 1874. 

Tremont Hotel.— In 1810, Horatio G. Prescott 



erected a large building on the corner of Main and 
Lake Streets, as a tavern, known as the "Tremont." 
The building was three stories high and had one hun- 
dred and fifteen feet front on Main Street. The 
" Tremont " soon passed into the^hands of Lyman B. 
Walker, Esq., and was destroyed by fire in 1872. 

laconia Savings-Bank was incorporated in 1831. 
as the Meredith Bridge Savings-Bank. Its fii-t 
treasurer was John T. Coffin, who died in 1860, an.l 
whose portrait adorns the trustees' room at the pre-- 
ent time. John T. Coffin, Jr., shortly afterwani 
assumed the position. In 1864, Woodbury L. Melchrr 
was elected treasurer, and remains such at this dat<'. 
A portrait of Mr. Melcher's father, who was tlir 
president of the bank for many years, hangs upon the 
wall in the banking-room. In 1869 the name of the 
institution was changed to that of Laconia Sav- 
ings-Bank. The first deposit was received March 27, 
1832. The only one of the original members of the 
corporation now living is Dr. John L. Perley. Its 
assets amount to over eight hundred thousand dol- 
lars, with a surplus of over forty thousand dollars. 

The present officers of the bank are Albert G. Fol- 
som, president; W. L. Melcher, treasurer; Edmuml 
Little, clerk ; trustees, Daniel A. Tilton, Jas. S. Hoit, 
Ellery A. Hibbard, Ebenezer Stevens, Almon < '. 
Leavitt, Samuel B. Smith, Noah L. True, W. L. 
Melcher. 

Presidents : George L. Sibley, 1831 ; Stephen W. 
Mead, 1843; John L. Perley, 1847; Woodbury 
Melcher, 1862; Albert G. Folsom, 1871. 

Treasurers : Stephen C. Lyford, 1831 ; John T. 
Coffin, 1833; John T. Coffin, Jr., 1861; Woodbury L. 
Melcher, 1864. 

The Laconia National Bank has a capital of 
one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. President, 
J. C. Moulton ; Cashier, 0. W. Tibbetts. 



CHAPTER VI. 

LACONIA— ( Continued). 

CIVIL HISTORY. 



Laconia was incorporated in 18.55. 

The following is a copy of the warrant for the first 
town-meeting : 
" To the inhabitants of the town of Laconia, in tlie 

county of Belknap, in said state, qualified to vote 

in town afl^airs : 

" You are hereby notified to meet at the Freight 
Station of the B. C. & Montreal Railroad, near the 
house of Stephen Gale, in Laconia, on Thursday, the 
second day of August nest, at nine of the o'clock in 
the forenoon, to act upon the following subjects: 

" 1st. To thoose a moderator to preside in said meet- 



LACONIA. 



821 



" -M. To choose all necessary town officers for the 
year ensuing. 

"Given under our hands and seal, this seventeenth 
day of July, eighteen hundred and fifty-five. 

" H. N. BURNHAM, I 

" Stephen Gale, | Authorized to call 
" John C. Moulton, f suid meeting. 
" Sam'l W. Sanders, J 
" A true copv. 

"Attest B. P. Gale, Town Clerk." 

" Laconia, August 2d, 1855. 
" We hereby certify that we gave notice to the in- 
habitants within named to meet at the time and 
place and for the purposes within mentioned, by 
posting up an attested copy of the within warrant at 
the place of meeting within named, and a like attested 
copy at the Store of George W. Weeks, being a public 
place in said town, on the seventeenth day of July, 
1855. 

" H. N. Burnham. 
" Stephen Gale. 
" John C. Moultox. 
" Sam'l W. Sanders. 
" A true copy of the original. 

"Attest B. P. Gale, Town Clerk." 

First Town-Meeting. — "At a legal town-meeting, 
duly notified and holden at Laconia in the county of 
Belknap, on Thursday, the second day of August, in 
the year eighteen hundred and fifty-five, the legal 
voters of said town, by major vote and by ballot, chose 
Horatio N. Burnham moderator to preside in said 
meeting, who, being present, took the oath of office 
by law prescribed. 

" Chose Benjamin P. Gale Town Clerk, who, being 
present, took the oath of office by law prescribed. 

" Chose Samuel W. Sanders, John Davis (2d) and 
Ebenezer S. Cate Selectmen of said town, who, be- 
ing present, severally took the oath of office by law 
prescribed. 

" Chose Elijah Beaman Town Treasurer. 

" Chose John K. Young Superintending School 
committee of said town. 

"And the inhabitants of said town, legal voters 
therein, present at said meeting, by major vote 

"Chose John W. Robinson, Hugh Blaisdell and 
John C. Moulton Auditors. 

" Chose Harrison Sibley, Thomas Wilder, Moses 
B. Gordon and Benjamin P. Gale surveyors of wood. 

"Chose Nathan B. Wadleigh, John Davis (2d), 
Joseph Ranlet and Moses B. Gordon surveyors of 
lumber. 

" Chose Noah Robinson town Agent. 

"Chose Horatio N. Burnham weigher of hay. 

" Chose James S. Hoit Sealer of weights and meas- 
ures. 

" Chose David Blaisdell, Pound-Keeper. 

" Chose Ebenezer S. Cate, Charles Snith and Jo- 
seph W. Robinson fence-viewers.] 



"CIhi-:,- cliiiilr^ C.mld, Charles S. Gale, Moses Sar- 
gent imW \\i~ilr\ Ma loon hog-reeves. 

"Clio.-c i'.ihvMiil r.aion surveyor of highways for dis- 
trict number one. 

"Chose Lewis W. Boynton surveyor of highways 
for district number two, who, being present took the 
oath of office by law prescribed. 

" Chose Lucian A. Ladd surveyor of highways for 
district number three. 

" Chose Reuben P. Smith surveyor of highways for 
district number four. 

" Chose James R. Gray surveyor of highways for 
district number five, who, being present, took the 
oath of office by law prescribed. 

" Chose John C. Folsom surveyor of highways for 
district number six. 

" Chose Nathaniel Sanborn surveyor of highways 
for district number seven. 

" Chose John L. M. Swain surveyor of highways for 
district number eight. 

"Chose Jacob Smith surveyor of highways for 
district number nine. 

" Chose John M. Robinson surveyor of highways 
for district number ten. 

"Chose James Gordon surveyor of highways for 
district number eleven. 

" Chose Ebenezer S. Cate surveyor of highways for 
district number twelve, who, being present, took the 
oath of office by law prescribed. 

" Chose James S. Hoit, Hugh Blaisdell, Augustus 
Dow, Horatio N. Burnham and John C. Moulton con- 
stables. 

"Voted, that when this meeting adjourn, it adjourn 
to last Saturday in August. 

" Voted, that this meeting stand adjourned to the 
last Saturday in August, two of the clock in the af- 
ternoon, at this place. 

" A true record, 

"Attest B. P. Gale, Town Clerk." 

1855. — First town-meeting, second Tuesday of Au- 
gust, 1855. Elected B. P. Gale, town clerk ; S. W. 
Sanborn, John Davis (2d), Ebenezer S. Cate, select- 
men ; Elijah Beaman, town treasurer ; John K. 
Young superintending school committee. 

1856.— B. P. Gale, town clerk ; J. S. Hoitt, repre- 
sentive; John Davis (2d), D. A. Farrington, J. W. 
Robinson, selectmen. 

1857.— B. P. Gale, town clerk; G. W. Stevens, 
representative; David A. Farrington, J. W. Robinson, 
E. B. Prescott, selectmen ; K. S. Hale, superintending 
school committee. 

1858.— B. P. Gale, town clerk ; G. W. Stevens, repre- 
sentative; Joseph W. Robinson, E. B. Prescott, 
James Pike, selectmen ; John Davis (2d), super- 
intending school committee. 

1859.— B. P. Gale, town clerk; Bradstreet Wiggin, 
representative ; James Pike, Augustus Doe and E. P. 
Osgood, selectmen ; Williahi N. Blair, superintending 
school committee. 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1860. — B. P. Gale, town clerk; Bradstreet Wiggin, 
Augustus Doe, representatives; James Pike, E. P. 
•Osgood and Samuel L. Smith, selectmen; Daniel C. 
Woodman, superintending school committee. 

1861. — B. P. Gale, town clerk ; Augustus Doe, 
representative; Samuel L. Smith, H. O. Haywood, 
John Chapman, selectmen ; Daniel C. Woodman, 
superintending school committee; Samuel L.Smith, 
town treasurer. 

1862.— B. P. Gale, town clerk ; Benjamin P. Gale, 
representative; Joseph W. Robinson, Nathan B. 
Wadleigh, E. C. Haserick, selectmen; John Davis 
(2d), superintending school committee ; Noah Robin- 
son, treasurer, elected by the people, and Joseph W. 
Robinson was appointed treasurer by selectmen. 

1863.— B. P. Gale, town clerk; Benjamin P. Gale, 
representative ; Joseph W. Robinson, Nathan B. 
Wadleigh and E. C. Haserick, selectmen; John 
Davis (2d), superintending school committee. 

September 28th, " Voted to pay a bounty of three 
hundred dollars to those who may be drafted or 
their substitutes." November 30, 1863, " Voted that 
selectmen be authorized to fill quota by advancing 
to volunteers all bounties, town. State and national, 
when mustered, amount not to exceed five hundred 
dollars. 

1864.— B. P. Gale, town clerk ; Joseph W. Robin- 
son, representive ; Benjamin M.Sanborn, John Davis 
(2d), and Samuel M. Doe, selectmen ; Samuel L. 
French, superintending school committee ; Benjamin 
M. Sanborn, treasurer. 

August 10th, " Voted to pay soldiers under last call 
to fill quota, $100 for .one year, S200 two years, $300 
for three years' men." " Voted to pay drafted men 
$200." 

August, 1864, Francis M. Cawley, superintending 
school committee. 

December 28th, " Voted to pay the sum of $600 to 
enrolled men mustered for three years, and $300 to 
those who may enlist as substitutes for enrolled men 
and mustered for three years, and that any enrolled 
man shall be entitled to have a substitute put in for 
himself, and said sum of $300 shall be paid to said sub- 
stitute, said enrolled man paying the difference be- 
tween legal bounties and the cost of said substitute, 
and $200 be paid to drafted men for one year." 

1865. — Benjamin P. Gale, town clerk ; E. A. Hib- 
bard, representative ; Benjamin M. Sanborn, John 
Davis (2d) and Samuel M. Doe, selectmen; Fran- 
cis M. Cawley, superintending school committee ; 
B. M. Sanborn, treasurer. 

18(56.— B. P. Gale, town clerk ; E. A. Hibbard and 
Samuel M. Doe, representatives ; Benjamin M. San- 
born, E. P. Osgood and Jonathan G. Dow, selectmen ; 
Francis M. Cawley, superintending school committee, 
resigned September 10th, and S. Lowell French ap- 
pointed. 

1867.— B. P. Gale, town clerk ; B. M. Sanborn, 
Samuel >I. l)oo, representatives; B. M. Sanborn, E. 



P. Osgood, Jonathan G. Dow, selectmen ; S. Lowell 
French, superintending school committee ; B. M. 
Sanborn, treasurer. 

1868.— B. P. Gale, town clerk ; Benjamin M. San- 
born and E. P. Osgood, representatives; Samuel JI. 
S. Moulton, Alpheus Dolloffand S. J. P. Hadley, se- 
lectmen ; Otis G. Smith, superintending school com- 
mittee; B. M. Sanborn, treasurer. 

1869.— B. P. Gale, town clerk ; John W. Busiel and 
E. P. Osgood, representatives; Samuel M. S. Moul- 
ton, Alpheus Dolloff and S. J. P. Hadley, selectmen ; 
Otis G. Smith, superintending, school committee ; 
Samuel M. S. Moulton, treasurer. 

1870.— B. P. Gale, town clerk ; John W. Busiel and 
Jonathan G. Dow, representatives; Alpheus Dolloff, 
Taylor L. Grant and Charles F.Robinson, selectmen ; 
C. Y. De Normandie and O. A. J. Vaughan, school 
committee ; Alpheus Dolloff, treasurer. 

1871.— B. P. Gale, town clerk ; Timothy D. Somes 
and Jonathan G. Dow, representatives; Almon C. 
Leavitt, Charles F. Robinson, Frank M. Rollins, se- 
lectmen ; C. Y. De Normandie and King S. Hall, 
school committee ; Daniel S. Dinsmore, treasurer. 

1872.— Benjamin P. Gale, town clerk; Timothy D. 
Somes, Thomas O'Donnell and John F. Prescott, 
representatives ; Frank M. Rollins, Samuel M. Doe, 
Langdon G. Morgan, selectmen ; Erastus P. Jewell, 
King S. Hall, school committee; Benjamin M. San- 
born, treasurer ; Benjamin Munsey, W. F. Bacon and 
O. A. J. Vaughan, prudential committee. " Voted, to 
put in street lights." 

1873. — February 17th, B. P. Gale resigned as town 
clerk and George L. Mead appointed in his place ; 
George L. Mead elected town clerk March, 1873 ; 
Langdon G. Morgan, Samuel M. Doe and John B. 
Pulsifer, selectmen ; Erastus P. Jewell, John F. Pres- 
cott and Thomas O'Donnell, representatives; King S. 
Hall, school committee ; Danl. S. Dinsmore, treasurer. 

1874. — George L. Mead, town clerk ; John T. Busiel, 
Langdon G. Morgan, John B. Pulsifer, Selectmen ; 
Daniel S. Dinsmore, tresjsurer; William F. Bacon, 
school committee ; E. P. Jewell, John S. Wadleigh, 
Frank M. Rollins, representatives. 

1875. — William F. Knight, town clerk ; John S. 
Crane, D. S. Dinsmore, A. J. Thompson, John M. 
Robinson, representatives ; Jonathan L. Moore, 
Francis M. Davis and Frank W. Reeves, selectmen ; 
B. P. Gale, treasurer; Charles F. Stone and K. S. 
Hall, school committee. B. P, Gale resigned and W. 
L. Melchcr appointed in his place. 

1876. — George A. Hatch, town clerk; Ricliard 
Gove, Lewis F. Busiel, Joshua B. Robinson and S. 
M. S. Moulton, representatives ; Sylvester S. Wiggin, 
George L. Mead and Smith E. Dockham, selectmen ; 
Benjamin P. Gale, treiisurer ; John T. Busiel, school 
committee ; Samuel M. Doe appointed treasurer in 
place of B. P. Gale, resigned ; Mrs. E. S. Wadleigh ap- 
pointed superintending school committee .Tuly 17, 
1876. 



LACONIA. 



822 



1877.— George A. Hatch, town clerk ; Sylvester S. 
Wiggin, George L. Mead and Joseph P. Pitman (2d), 
selectmen ; Samuel M. S. Moulton, Lewis F. 
Husiel and Joshua B. Eobinson, representatives; 
Benjamin P. Gale, treasurer ; Mrs. Ellen E. S. Wad- 
leigh, superintending school committee. 

March, 1878. — George F. Leavitt, town clerk ; 
Nelson Kichardson, Joseph P. Pitman (2d), Samuel 
M. Doe, selectmen ; Benjamin P. Gale, treasurer ; 
Mrs. Ellen S. Wadleigh, superintending school com- 
mittee; George A. Hatch, Charles A. Busiel and Ste- 
phen J. P. Hadley, representatives. 

November, 1878. — Charles A. Busiel, Geoi'ge A. 
Hatch, Stephen J. P. Hadley, representatives for two 
years ; S. F. Noble, H. F. Moulton and P. C. Smith, 
supervisors ; E. P. Jewell, D. S. Dinsmore, John T. 
Busiel, J. H. Tilton, W. S. Thomas and Charles F. 
Pitman, trustees of Public Library. 

1879. — George F. Leavitt, town clerk ; Nelson 
Richardson, treasurer; Mrs. Lydia E. Warner, super- 
intending school committee ; Sylvester J. Lam- 
prey, Frank W. Reeves and Paul C. Smith, select- 
men ; John T. Busiel, James H. Tilton, trustees of 
Public Library ; Daniel S. Dinsmore, appointed treas- 
urer in place of Nelson Richardson. 

1880.— John W. Ashman, town clerk; Daniel S. 
Dinsmore, treasurer ; Paul C. Smith, Frank W. 
Reeves and S. J. Lamprey, selectmen ; Mrs. Lydia E. 
Warner, superintending school committee ; Charles 
F. Pitman, Daniel S. Dinsmore, trustees of Public 
Library ; David B. Story, appointed supervisor in 
place of Paul C. Smith, elected selectman ; George 
H. Tilton appointed supervisor in place of H. F. 
Moulton, resigned. November, 1880, Benjamin P. 
Gale, Sylvester S. Wiggin and Benjamin E. Thurs- 
ton, representatives; David B. Story, George H. 
Tilton and John F. Batchelder, supervisors. 

1881. — J. W. Ashman, town clerk ; Sylvester J. 
Lamprey, P. C. Smith and David B. Story, select- 
men ; Orran W. Tibbetts, treasurer ; Lydia E. War- 
ner, superintending school committee ; E. P. Jewell 
and W. S. Thomas, trustee of Public Library; George 
B. Lane, appointed supervisor in place of D. B. Story 
elected selectman April 14, 1881. Edgar A. Rowe 
was appointed supervisor February 28, 1882, in place 
of G. H. Tilton, resigned. 

1882.— John W. Ashman, town clerk; Orran W. 
Tibbetts, treasurer ; David B. Story, Sylvester J. 
Lamprey and David O. Burleigh, selectmen; John 
H. Robinson, superintending school committee; 
James H. Tilton and John T. Busiel, trustees Public 
Library ; Lydia E. Warner, appointed superintending 
school committee in place of J. H. Robinson, March 
20, 1882 ; John H. Robinson, appointed October 12, 
1882, supervisor in place of J. F. Batchelder, re- 
signed November, 1882 ; John T. Busiel, Charles F. 
Moulton and Horatio F. Moulton, representatives ; 
George B. Lane, George E.Stevens and John H. Rob- 
inson, supervisors. 



1883.— John W. Ashman, town clerk; Orran W. 
Tibbetts, treasurer; Angeline B. Eastman, superin- 
tending school committee; Daniel S. Dinsmore and 
Charles F. Pitman, trustees Public Library. 

1884. — John W. Ashman, town clerk; Orran \V. 
Tibbetts, treasurer; Sylvester J. Lamprey, Freeman 
W. Ladd and Seth Flanders, selectmen; Angeline 
B. Eastman, superintending school committee; John 
W. Ashman and William F. Knight, trustees Public 
Library. November, 1884, Napoleon B. Gale, Sylves- 
ter J. Lamprey and Stetson J. Hutchins, representa- 
tives ; George B. Lane, George E. Stevens and Joliii 
H. Robinson, supervisors. 

1885.— George B. Lane, town clerk: Ornin ^V. 
Tibbetts, treasurer ; Sylvester .1. I^amprey, Freeman 
W. Ladd and Jonathan G. Dow, selectmen ; John T. 
Busiel and James H. Tilton, trustees Public Library ; 
Angeline B. Eastman, superintending school com- 
mittee. 



CHAPTER VII 



MASOXIC HISTORY. 



Mount Lebanon Lodge, No. 32, A. F. and A. M., 

was chartered June 10, 1819; Lyman B. Walker, 
John Chase, Nathan Bean, charter members. The 
following were the first officers February 23, 1820 : 
Jonathan Piper, W. M.; Benjamin Swasey, S. W.; 
John Burns, J. W.; Lyman B. Walker, Sec. 

The first application received was from John Avery, 
February 23, 1820, and received his E. A. Degree 
March 29, 1820. 

October, 1820. — Benjamin Swasey, W. M.; Aaron 
Martin, S. W.; Jonathan Piper, J. W.; Mark ^V. 
Piper, Sec. 

October, 1821.— Aaron Martin, W. M.; Jonathan 
Piper, 8. W.; Lyman B. Walker, J. W.; John T. Cof- 
fin, Sec. 

Received an act of incorporation June 27, 1822. 

October, 1822.— Benjamin Swasey, W. M.; John T. 
Coffin, S. W.; Stephen P. Tolman, J. W.; Francis 
Russell, Sec. 

May, 1824.— John T. Coffin, W. M.; John Avery, 
S. W.; Amos Smith, J. W.; Francis Russell, Sec. 

May, 1825.- John T. Coffin, W. M.; Francis Rus- 
sell, S. W.; Amos Smith, J. W.; James Molineux, 
Sec. 

May, 1826.— Francis Russell, W. M.; Benjamin 
Swasey, S. W.; John Avery, J. W.; James Molineux, 
Sec. 

May, 1827.— Francis Russell, W. M.; James Moli- 
neux, S. W.; Jeremiah Avery, J. W.; Thomas Wilder, 
Sec. 

May, 1828.— Aaron Martin, W. M.; .James Moli- 
neux,"s. W.; Jeremiah Avery,.!. W.; Thcmas Wilder, 



ISTOIIY OF l'.i;i,K.\AI' COUNTY, NEW II AMl'SIIIRK. 



May, 1829.— Francis KuHMvll, W.M.; IkiijuMiiri R. 
Gilman, 8. W.; John Avery, .1. W.; Williiu,, T. ( :..ol- 
idge, Sec. 

May, 1X30. — Janic8 Molineu.x, W. M.; Benjamin 
K. Giinian, S. \V.; J. W. Mudgett, .1. \V.; W. T. Cool- 
idge, Sec. 

May, 1831.— Amos Smith, W. M.; Benjamin R. 
Gilman, 8. W.; I. W. Mudgett, J. W.; Charles Mor- 
gan, Sec. 

May, 18:32,--AiiioH Sinilh, W. M.; Benjamin K. 
Gilman, S. W.; I. W. Mudgett,.). W.; Charles Mor- 
gan, Sec. 

May, 1833.— Aaron Martin, \V. M.; B. R. Gilman, 
S. W.; I. W. Mudgett, J. W.; Charles Morgan, Sec. 

May, 1835.-L. B. Walker, W. M.; J. Elkins, S.W.; 
L. M. Barker, J. W.; D. 11. Sanhorn, Sec. 

May, 1830.-Jeremiali Elkins, W.M.; AmosSmith, 
S.W.; Mark Chase, . I. \V.; D. II. Sanborn, Sec. 

No meetings were held licin -May, 183G, to August 
7, 1844. 

August 7, 1844.— ,l(ihn T. Collin, \V. M. ; Mark 
Chase, S.W.; .lames S. Iloilt,.!. W. ; Chas. Morgan, 
Sec. 

May, 1845.— Francis Russell, W. iM.; Mark Chase, 
S. W.; .lames S. iloitt, J. W. ; B. Boardman, Sec. 

May, 184G.— .Teremiah Elkins, W. M. ; B. Board- 
man, S. W. ; J.S. Hoitt, J.W. ; Charles Morgan, Sec. 

May, 1847.— Francis Russell, W. M.; J. S. Iloitt, 
S. W.; Samuel Winkley, .1. W. ; N. P. Burnham, Sec. 

April, 1848.— Francis Russell, W. M. ; James S. 
Iloitt, S. W. ; Samuel Winkley, J. W.; John T. Cof- 
fin, Sec. 

April, 1849. — Francis Russell, W. M. ; Samuel 
Winkley, S. W. ; Amory Warren, .1. W. ; .lidiii T. 
Coffin, Sec. 

April, 18r)(l.— Kni.icis Kiiss.ll, W. .M. ; Summd 
Winkley, S. W.; John Hrown, .1, W. ; .1..I.M T. Cof- 
II ri, Sec. 

A|.ril, lS.-,l..-.l,.,-,.,iiiidi Klkiiis, W. M.; .luhn 
r.inuri, S. W.; Klhrid-e K. Welisler, .1. \V. ; John T. 
Collin, See. 

April, 1852.— JercMiiiih lllkiiis, W. M.; Kll.iid-e 
E. Webster, S. W.; Henjaiuiii li. ( aiiuaii, .1. W. ; 
John T. Coffin, Sec. 

April, 1853.— James S. Iloilt, W. .M., Klbrid-e E. 
Webster, S. W. ; Benjamin K. (iilmaii, .1. W. ; .lohn 
T. Coffin, Sec. 

April, 1854.— Janus S. I loin, W. M. ; K. E. Web- 
ster, S. W. ; B. K. (iilmini, .1. W. ; .bdui T, Coffin, 

April, Is.'lS.— Finniis Kussril, W. M.; James S. 
Iloitt, S. W. ; It. K. (iilMinn, .1, W. ; .lolui T. Coffin, 
See. 

April, IS.'h;.- Francis Russell, W. M. ; Klbridne K. 
Webster, S. W. ; James S. Iloitt, .1. W. ; .lohn T. Col- 
lin, Sec. 

April, 1857.— Elbridge E. Wcbsicr. W. M.; Charles 
C. Clement, S. W. ; J. S. Thinu', J. W. ; Ira F. Fol- 



April, 1858.— Elbridge E. Webster, W.M.; Charles 

C. Clement, S. W. ; J. S. Thing, J. W.; Ira F. Fol- 
som. Sec. 

April, 1859.— Charles C. Clement, W. M.. J. S. 
Thing, S. W.; E. H. Blaisdell, .1. W. ; Thomas Wil- 
der, Sec. 

April, I860.— Eldridge E. Webster, W. M.; John 
Aldrich, S. W.; C. P. S. Wardwell, J. W.; Th.Mnas 
Wilder, Sec. 

April, 1861.— John Aldrieh, W. M.; C. I". S. Ward- 
well, S. W.; W. L. Meleher, .1. W.; Thomas Wikhr, 
Sec. 

April, 1862.— John Aldiich, W. JI.; W. L. Meleher, 
S. W.; Alpheus Dollolf, J. W.; Thomas II. Belt, 
Sec. 

March, 1862. — Voted that the regular meetings in 
April, June, August, October, December and Feb- 
ruary be held at Lake village; and months of May, 
July, September, November, January and March at 
Laconia, for the year. 

April, 1863.— Alpheus Dolloli; W. M.; W. L. Mel- 
eher, S. W.; Samuel E. Young, .f. W.; Thomas H. 
Belt, Sec. 

In 1863.— Took a lease of hall in Folsom's Block 
for ten years. 

1864.— W. L. Meleher, W. M.; Samuel E. Young, 
S. W.; B. F. Peaslee, J. W.; John T. Coffin, Sec. 

April, 1865.— Alpheus Dolloff, W. M.; B. F. Peaslee, 
S. W.; John F. Morrill, J. W.; S. M. S. Moult(m, 
Sec. 

Ai)ril, 18t;(i.— E. E. Webster, W. M.; A. .1. Thomp- 
son, S. W.; J. S. Crane, J. W.; E. B. Bell, See. 

April, 1867.— Alpheus Dollofi; W. M.; E. B. Bell. 
S. W.; George E. Chase, J. W.; George B. Lane, Sec. 

April. 1868.— Ezra B. Bell, W. M.; tieorge E. 
Cb:isc, S. W.; J. (!. Jcwett, ,1. W.; George B. Lane, 

April, 1869.-Alphcus Dollolf, W. M.; J. C. Blake, 
S. W.; R. R. Somes, J. W.; George B. Lane, Sec. 

April, 1870.— Alpheus Dolloff, W. M.; I. P. Plum- 
MUT, S. W.; Arthur Tucker, .1. W.; George H. Lane, 

April, I,s71-7l',— 1. V. I'luiumcr, W. Al. : D. S. 
Dinsmore, S. W. ; G. B. Lane, .1. W. ; W. F. Knight, 
Sec. 

April, 1873.— D. S. Dinsmore, W. M.; .1. H. Ilcn.l- 
ley, S. W.; II. B. t^unby, J. W.; (ieorgc L. .Mead, 
Sec. 

April, 1874.— I). S. Dinsmore, W. .M. ; W, II. 
Jones, S. W. ; E. C. Covell, J. W.; George L. M, ;,d. 
Sec. 

April, 1875.— D.S. Dinsmore, W. M. ; W. II. .Ion, ., 
S. W. ; E. C. Covell, J. W. ; F. H. Champlin. Sec. 

1876-77.— W. II. Jones, W. M. ; E. C. Covell, S. W , 
Isaac Fonda, J. W. ; F. H. Champlin, Sec. 

1878.— E. C. Covell, W. M.; I. Fonda, S. W. ; K. 

D. Sawyer, J. W. ; George B. Lane, Sec. 

1879.— Edgar C. Covell, W. M. ; Isaac Fomhi, 
S. W.: H. Frank Dnikc, J. W. ; George H. Lane. Sec. 




«%--•- ' i-^ 



/^^. "-"/-ly ^_y^^H^/^-^^ 



LACONIA. 



825 



1880.— Isaiic Fonda, W. M. 
S. W.: M. M. Robinson, J. V 



John B. Hendley, 
. ; George B. Lane, 



1881 


— 


Isaac 


F. 


nda 


S. W., 


. 


ohn 


G. 


Je^ 


Sec. 










1882 




.— JI 


ark 


11 



W. M. ; Mark M. Robinson, 
ett, J. W. ; George B. Lane, 



Edgar 



nsoi 


, ^v 


M. 


; .lohn 


G 


lowi 


, .1. 


W.; 


George 


B 


W. 


M. 


K. 


ndrick 


D. 


l»\\ 


e, J. 


W.; 


George 


B. 



Jewett, !<. W 
Lane, Sec. 

1884.— John G. Jewet 
Sawyer, S. W.; Edgar A 
Lane, Sec. 

1885.— Keudrick D. Sawyer, W. M.; Edgar A. 
Rowe, S. W. ; Stephen S. Jewett, J. W. ; George B. 
Lane, Sec. 

The first meeting of Mount Lebanon Lodge, No. 
32, was held in the house now occupied by L. F. 
Busiel, on Pleasant Street; afterwards a hall was fitted 
up in the Williard Hotel ; then to what was called the 
otfice building of L. B. Walker, on Main Street ; then 
to tlie hall on land now occupied by them till the fire 
in 1860, when meetings were held alternately at Lake 
village and this place ; after Mr. Folsoni built the 
present block the lodge was permanently located 
again. 

Pythagorean Council, Royal and Select Masters, 
No. 6, was instituted at Sanbornton Square in 1830 ; 
after working a few years became dormant; in 1870 
it was revived and removed to Laconia with the fol- 
lowing charter members : Charles Lane, A. J. 
Thompson, Alpheus Dolloff, John P. Smith, Jr., 
George B. Lane, Hazen Copp, Fred. H. Coffin, John 

C. Blake, B. F. Peaslee, C. P. S. Wardwell, Francis 
Russell, Ezra B. Bell, A. H. Busiel, G. A. Copp, E. J. 
Dinsmore, C. H. Fullerton, J. L. Flanders, Isadore 
Fox, Jewell Gove, E. W. Gourd, E. C. Hasiruk, 
W. H. Jones, I. P. Plummer, R. R. Somes, C. A. 
Sanborne, K. D. Sawyer, H. P. Smith, George R. 
Somes and E. E. Webster. 

The following is a list of the officers of Pythagorean 
Council from its organization in 1870 to 1886: 

1870.— Charles Lane, T. I. M. ; Andrew J. Thomp- 
son, D. M. ; Alpheus Dollofl', P. C. of Work. 

1871.— Andrew J. Thompson, T. I. M. ; Alpheus 
Dolloti; D. M. ; I. P. Plummer, P. C. of Work. 

1872.— Alpheus Dolloff, T. I. M. ; George B. Lane, 

D. M. ; I. P. Plummer, P. C. of Work. 

1873.— I. P. Plummer, T. I. M. ; George B. Lane, 
D. M. ; W. H. Jones, P. C. of Work. 

1874.— George B. Lane, T. I. M. ; W. H. Jones, 
D. M. ; K. D. Sawyer, P. C. of Work. 

1875.— George B. Lane, T. I. M. ; F. R. Gammon, 
D. M. ; B. W. Crosby, P. C. of Work. 

1876.— Frank R. Gammon, T. I. M. ; George A. 
Hatch, D. M. ; Frank H. Champlin, P. C. of Work. 

1877.— George A. Hatch, T. I. M. ; Frank H. 
Champlin, D. M. ; George R. Somes, P. C. of Work. 

1878-79.- Frank H. Champlin, T. I. M. ; Charles 
M. Elkins, D. M. ; George E. James, P. C. of Work. 
53 



I 1880.— Charles M. Elkins, T. I. M.; John R. 

I Champlin, D. M. ; W. H. Jones, P. C. of Work. 

i 1881.— W. H. Jones, T. I. M. ; John R. Champlin, 
D. M. ; Frank H. Champlin, P. C. of Work. 

1882.— K. D. Sawyer, T. I. M. ; E. J. Dinsmore, 
D. M. ; G. H. Everett, P. C. of Work. 

1883.— K. D. Sawyer, T. I. M. ; G. H. Everett, D. 
M. ; C. E. Frye, P. C. of Work. 

1884-85.— George H. Everett, T. I. M. ; C. E. Frye, 
D. M. ; S. S. Jewett, P. C. of Work. 

John L. Perley, Jr., Post. No. 37, G. A. R., was 
chartered November 30, 1877, with the following 
charter members : W. H. Piper, D. H. Lewis, John 
F. Baker, A. H. C. Jewett, James Collins, Jr., Jack- 
son H. Lawrence, P. H. Rowen, Edward C. Ryan, 
Winslow O. Whipple, William Goulding, Bernard 
Mulligan, Charles W. Baldwin, D. A. H. C. Jewett, 
S. M. S. Moulton, A. J. Farrar, H. L. Wilkin.son, 
M. B. Plumber, George B. Lane, 1). B. Nelson, John 
L. Bachelder. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. .lOHX CARROLL MOULTON. 

The first historic mention of the Moulton family is 
in the " Doomsday " Book, compiled in 1086. This 
shows the Moultons to be of Norman origin, and to 
have accompanied William the Conqueror in his in- 
vasion and conquest of England, 1066. The follow- 
ing concerning the early history of the family and 
description of coat-of-arms is furnished by John T. 
Moulton, of Lynn : "Thomas de Multon was a fav- 
orite of Richard Coeur de Leon (1190). He is called 
' Lord of Gillesland,' in Cumberland, and by the 
Normans ' Lord de Vaux.' Sir Walter Scott intro- 
duces him as such in the ' Talisman.' He is proba- 
bly the same Thomas de Multon who, as one of the 
barons, signed Magna Charta, in 1215. Thomas de 
Multon, doubtless a grandson of the first Thomas, 
was also a signer of the Great Charter of Edward, in 
1297. They were Lords of Egmont, in Cumberland. 
Multon Hall, in Wilberton, now in ruins, was once 
the property of Sir Thomas. Dugdale says : ' Acre 
was an old hospital for poor people, dedicated to St. 
Leonard, which, being given with the manor, a.d. 
1230, to the Knights Hospitalers by Sir Thomas Mul- 
ton, Knight, etc' Prior to 1571 the Moultons bore 
arms with devices differing somewhat in minor details, 
yet alike in the main. The following is the descrip- 
tion of the arms granted in 1571 : Jloulton — Argent ; 
three bars ; gules, between eight escallop shells, sa- 
ble; three, two, two and one. Crest on a pellet, a 
falcon rising Argent." 

As many as seven Moultons were in America at a 
very early date, one in the Jamestown, Va., settle- 
ment. In 1635, John and Thomas Moulton emigrated 



826 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



from Norfolk County, England, to Newbury, Mass. 
They came to Hampton, N. H., in 1638, and their 
names appear on the list of the first settlers. John 
Moulton (1) was born in England about 1599; mar- 
ried Anne . Their children were Henry, Mary, 

Anna, Jane and Bridget (twins), John and Ruth. He 
was a man of note, and, in 1639, was a representa- 
tive to the General Court. John ('2), born in New- 
bury in 1638, married Lydia, daughter of Anthony 
Taylor, also one of the earliest settlers of Hampton. 
John (2) was a " Lieutenant." The children were 
Martha, John, Lydia, Daniel, James, Nathan, David, 
Anna, Lydia, Jacob and Rachel. Jacob (3), born 
1688, married Sarah Smith, December 10, 1714. He 
died in 1751, and his wife in 1739. Children : Sarah, 
Lydia, Nathan, Dorothy, Jonathan and John. 

General Jonathan Moulton (4) was born in 1726, 
and died in 1788. He was representative to the Gen- 
eral Court in 1755-58 ; was distinguished for his 
energy and enterprise, and rendered valuable service 
in the Indian wars. When thirty-seven years old, 
in 1763, the town of " Moultonborough " was granted 
to him and sixty-one others by the Masonian proprie- 
tors. He had great foresight and shrewdness. The 
following amusing incident of the way in which he 
obtained the grant of land now known as the town of 
New Hampton is characteristic : " Having a very 
fine ox weighing fourteen hundred pound.s, fattened 
for the purpose, he drove him to Portsmouth as 
a present to Governor Wentworth. He refused 
any compensation, but said he would like a 
charter of a small gore of land he had discovered 
adjoining Moultonborough. The Governor granted 
this simple request, and Cieneral Moulton called it 
New Hampton in honor of his native town. This 
small gore of land contained nineteen thousand four 
hundred and twenty-two acres, and a part now con- 
stitutes Centre Harbor." In July, 1774, General 
(then Colonel) Moulton was one of the four delegates 
to the Provincial Congress, at Exeter, to choose dele- 
gates to the Continental Congress. His title of gen- 
eral was gained in the Revolution, where he greatly 
distinguished himself. In 1777 he was stationed at 
Saratoga. Energetic, and a born leader of men. 
General Moulton did much to forward the settlement 
and build up the region adjacent to the lake on the 
north, and absolutely created the three towns of 
Bloultonborough, New Hampton and Centre Harbor. 
Among the children by his first wife, Abigail Smith, 
was Penning (5), who was born May 21, 1761. He 
married, November 7, 1782, Sally Leavitt, and settled 
in Centre Harbor in 1783, where he died December 
23, 1834. They had six children, — Nancy (married 
Jonathan Moulton), Jonathan S., Thomas L., Pen- 
ning, John H. and Elizabeth (Mrs. Daniel Hilton). 
Jonathan Smith (6) was born at Centre Harbor De- 
cember 14, 1785. He married Deborah Neal, and 
died November 15, 1855. He was a large farmer and 
also was quite extensively engaged in merchandising. 



Mrs. Moulton is now living with her son, John C, at 
the advanced age of ninety-seven, in the full posses- 
sion of her faculties. 

Hon. John Carroll Moulton (7), son of Jonathan 
Smith and Deborah (Neal) Moulton, was born at 
Centre Harbor, N. H., December 24, 1810. His dis- 
trict-school education was supplemented by an at- 
tendance of several terms at Holmes' Academy, 
Plymouth, N. IL, then in charge of that famous 
educator, Samuel Burns. Evincing an aptitude for 
mathematics, he availed himself of the instruction of 
" Master Dudley Leavitt," the astronomer and mathe- 
matician, whose fame was almost world-wide. Under 
this tuition he developed rapidly a great proficiency 
in this branch of science, which has been of valuable 
assistance to him. In vacation-time he assisted his 
father in all branches of his extensive business. And 
so he attained manhood, acquiring a strong physique 
by labor among the rocks and hills, and a mental dis- 
cipline of more than ordinary quality formed as acute 
and powerful a mind. He commenced active life by 
entering into trade at Sandwich, but in a few months 
removed his business to Centre Harbor, and, in 1833, 
opened a hotel in that place, and continued both as 
merchant and landlord. This hotel met with great 
approval, and was the pioneer of the numerous and 
elegant hostelries of that attractive summer resort. In 
1836 he changed his residence to Lake village, and 
engaged in merchandising and manufacturing. In 
1841 he removed to Meredith Bridge (now Laconia), 
and from that time he has been one of the formative 
and directing forces of the progress of this flourishing 
place, — first, as landlord of the popular " Belknap 
Hotel ; " next, as bookseller and druggist ; then as 
postmaster of the lively village, appointed by Presi- 
dent Tyler. He continued in this oiEce, being reap- 
pointed by President Polk, for about six years, when, 
under the Whig administration of Taylor, he was 
deemed an "offensive partisan" and removed. He 
was again appointed by Frank Pierce, continued in 
office by Buchanan, but shortly after Lincoln's acces- 
sion to the Presidency he was succeeded by a Repub- 
lican. This long term of service — sixteen years — is 
the strongest proof of his popularity. 

In 1861, Mr. Moulton became a partner in the large 
freight-car manufiictory which had been conducted at 
Laconia by Charles Ranlet & Co., until Mr. Ranlet's 
death, in 1860. Giving his personal attention to the 
business, he rapidly developed a large and profitable 
industry. The works have been frequently enlarged, 
extensive buildings put up, and the quality of work 
advanced until passenger-cars of the finest style were 
manufiictured here and the " Laconia Car Company " 
had a national reputation. This gave employment 
to hundreds of workmen, the pay-roll amounting to 
eight thousand dollars per month. The entire plant 
was destroyed by fire in February, 1881. With 
characteristic energy, Mr. Moulton began work on 
new buildings before the ruins were cold, and work 




G/ie^Z^^ ChL 



^f-e^-t^. 



827 



was resumed in the new factory in less than a month. 
This was done by Jlr. Moulton when men at his ad- 
vanced age and with his ample fortune would have 
retired from active life and its responsibilities. 

Ilis persevering nature was turned, in 1865, to the 
establishment of a bank to accommodate the financial 
needs of the business interests so largely increasing 
in Laconia and its vicinity. In obtaining a charter 
for a national bank, he had to meet and overcome 
'' almost insurmountable obstacles ; " but his labors 
resulted, however, in the securing the charter for, and 
the founding of, the " Laconia National Bank." He 
was at once elected to its presidency, which he still 
retains. In 1868 be became the sole owner of the 
'• Gilford Hosiery Corporation," which furnishes em- 
ployment to many operatives, mostly females, and 
does a most prosperous business, the annual product 
having been as high as one hundred and twenty-five 
thousand dollars. Mr. Moulton, with Benjamin E. 
Thurston, owns the extensive flour and grain-mill at 
L.iconia. In other and widely varying ways has Mr. 
Moulton contributed greatly to the improvement, 
growth and prosperity of Laconia, and he is, beyond 
cavil, one of the ablest financiers of this section of 
the State. Sterlingly Democratic in his principles, 
he represented the Sixth District in the State Senate 
in 1871 and 1872, and was electee a member of the 
Governor's Council in 1874. He was a delegate to 
the National Democratic Convention in 1876, and a 
candidate for Presidential elector on the Tilden 
ticket. 

Mr. Moulton is a charter member of Winnipesau- 
kee Lodge of Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, 
which was founded at Laconia in 1842, and is now 
■one of the Uniformed Patriarchs of the order. 

He married, July 15, 1833, Nellie B., daughter of 
Samuel M. Senter. Her ancestor, Colonel Joseph 
Senter, was one of the first settlers of Centre Harbor. 
They had five children, — Edwin C, deceased, an ac- 
tive business man ; Samuel M. S., connected inti- 
mately with his father's extensive business operations; 
William H., died young; Horatio F., superintendent 
of a hosiery-mill at Columbia, S. C. ; and Ida L. 
(Mrs. Joshua B. Holden), who resides in Boston. Mrs. 
Moulton died November 18, 1860, and Mr. Moulton 
married, August 18, 1866, Sarah A. McDougall, a 
lady of estimable qualities and generous character. 

Mr. Moulton has had no small share in all the 
prominent business enterprises of the lake region for 
the last half century. Faithful in the discharge of 
official duties, far-seeing, bold, persistent, he deserves 
and has won a success far beyond the hopes and 
aspirations of his early manhood. Unlike many men 
of wealth, he gives with a liberal hand to all things 
tending to advance the financial, educational and 
moral interests of the people with whom he has been 
80 long connected. 

His benefactions in behalf of liberal Christianity 
have always been marked. The organization of the 



Unitarian Society of Laconia was accomplished 
largely by his active energy, and its church owes its 
erection, in a great measure, to his labors and finan- 
cial aid. He is also one of the most generous of its 
supporters. Pleasing in his intercourse, a strong and 
powerful friend, he possesses qualities which endear 
him to a large circle, who esteem him for his worth. 
He has the satisfaction of seeing his children filling 
honorable and useful positions in business circles and 
society, and worthy descendants of a noble ancestry. 



COLONEL SELDON CROCKEIT. 

Seldon Crockett, son of Samuel and Sarah {Wil- 
comb) Crockett, was born in Meredith (now Laconia), 
N. H., October 9, 1804, and died June 14, 1868, at his 
birthplace, aged sixty-four years. 

His grandfather. Captain Joshua Crockett, was a 
native of Newburyport, Mass., who, according to the 
family tradition, came, when a young man, with 
six others, to Meredith (then New Salem) to avail 
themselves of the government grant of fifty acres 
of land to each settler, with the privilege of pur- 
chasing as many more as he might desire at the nom- 
inal price of fifty cents per acre. They camped on 
what is since known as " Cotton's Hill." The wild 
appearance of the country discouraged five of the 
number, and the next morning they abandoned the 
enterprise. The others. Colonel Ebenezer Smith and 
Captain Crockett, selected their future homes from 
the top of a tall pine-tree, Captain Crockett choosing 
the land between Winnisquam Lake and Hound Bay, 
"so he could have it fenced by water on two sides." 
On this location he cut trees, cleared enough land to 
plant a few potatoes he had brought on his wearisome 
way, and erected a log cabin— the first dwelling 
" within an area of forty miles." This occupied the 
site of the present summer residence of Mrs. Crockett. 
The next year Captain Crockett brought his mother 
to his new home and the battle with the wild and re- 
fractory forces of nature was commenced. For this ■ 
Captain Crockett was especially well fitted. Possessed 
of a strong and active frame, of great energy and ex- 
ecutive force, he enjoyed the labor and the life. He 
was a noted hunter of the various wild animals of the 
country, was captain of a company of riflemen raised 
for service in the Revolution and died aged seventy- 
three years. 

His son, Samuel Crockett, born 1780, inherited a 
portion of the acres of his father, and, by his wife, 
Sarah Wilcomb, had a family of four boys and one 
girl. He was a highly-prized member of the Free- 
Will Baptist Church, and, with his pious wife, would 
go on horseback eight miles to the nearest religious 
services. She was a much-beloved and devoted Chris- 
tian. Her faith in the eflicacy of prayer was strong 
and unswerving, and many wonderful instances of 
marked answers to fervent petitions are handed down 
to the present generation. She was a most remarka- 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



ble woman in many ways, and lived to the good old 
age of eighty-six, surviving her husband (who died in 
ISo-l) twelve years. 

Seldon Crockett came of industrious ancestors, and 
was a worker from very early years. The common 
school, of a few months in each year, where he ac- 
quired his education, was the college of those days, 
and for the practical business life of active New Eng- 
land it did its work well. It made independent, clear- 
headed, self-reliant men, who could reason logically, 
and logically carry their conclusions into practical 
results. From the age of sixteen, when he left home, 
Seldon earned his living and gave of his earnings to 
help his parents. His seventeenth year was passed on 
a farm in Massachusetts, and fifty-eight of the sixty 
dollars received for his labor were given to his father. 
He afterward became a manufacturer of furniture in 
Boston, and, by his energy and industry, created a 
successful business. 

In 18.31, Mr. Crockett married Lucy, daughter of 
Thomas and Susan (Learned) Eliott, of Watertown, 
Mass. This union with a lady possessing the noblest 
qualities of the leading New England families, from 
whom she descended, proved most felicitous. She ably 
seconded all his labors, joined in his benefactions and 
was a prominent factor in his success. Their children 
are Seldon Frank, Sarah W. (Mrs. William W. 
Hague), Susan E. (Mrs. S.Stillman Blanchard), Grace 
H. (Mrs. J. L. Grandin) and Lucy E. (Mrs. S. A. 
Shannon). 

But it is pre-eminently as the genial landlord, 
friend and host that Colonel Crockett is recalled to the 
memory of his numerous friends, or should appear in 
history for the perusal of coming generations. Dis- 
posing of his manufacturing, on account of ill health, 
in 1844 he became the proprietor of the " Bromfield 
House," in Boston, and until his death, a period of 
more than a quarter of a century, he conducted it with 
admirable ability, and many prominent citizens of 
New England made it their chosen place of resort. 

During his long residence in Boston Colonel Crock- 
ett won the respect of all who knew him as a gentle- 
man of kind spirit, courteous manners and undeviating 
uprightness. He was loyal to his friendships and to 
all his business relations. Not as demonstrative of 
hia religious feelings as many others, he showed by 
his daily life that his mind and heart were under con- 
trol of religious principle, and for years was a valued 
member of the Ro we Street Baptist Church, then under 
the pastorate of Rev. Baron Stow, D.D. Every one 
met Colonel Crockett with pleasure and parted from 
him with regret. His friends came voluntarily to him 
from the highest circles of political, business and 
social life, alike from city and country, and remained 
friends during life. He was most unassuming and un- 
obtrusive, yet the sterling worth of the man forced 
a recognition of his merits and an appreciation of his 
exalted character upon all with whom he came in 
contact ; and, when a member of the Boston Common 



Council, the only position he would accept, he never 
took part in anything conducted for mere show, but 
was one of the working members, faithfully discharg- 
ing his duties without ostentation or display. He 
ever had a warm sympathy for young men coming 
from the countrj' to seek occupation in the city, and 
his nature went out to their aid in all ways, and many 
men of prominence owe their success to his kind in- 
terest and generous assistance. President Pierce once 
gave this advice to Colonel Thomas J. Whipple, — 
" You are going to Boston, colonel, and you may want 
a friend to advise and consult with. Now, if that 
time comes, go to Colonel Seldon Crockett, of the 
' Bromfield House ; ' he is a safe and reliable man, 
and always ready to assist a friend ; he is a good man 
to tie to." 

The character of Colonel Crockett, the quality of 
his intimate friends and the esteem in which he was 
and is held can best be told by some of those friends, 
and, fortunately, their utterances are on record. We 
extract from the Boston Advertiser of April 8, 1869, — 

*' A number of gentlemen, who, for more thau a generation, have en- 
joyed the hospitality of that famous hostlery the ' Bromfield House," 
which is about to be removed before the progress of business enterprise, 
determined to hold a festive gathering in the old bouse before it should 
be closed, in order to revive the recollection of the many pleasant hours 
they had passed within its walls, and to testify their respect for the hon- 
ored landlord of so many years— Colonel Seldon Crockett." 

The committee of arrangements consisted of Hon. 
Marshall P. Wilder, the originator of the "gathering," 
Hon. George P. Sanger, Benjamin Callender, M. P. 
Kennard, James A. Dupee, P. H. Wentworth and A. 
K. Loring. Among the invited guests present were 
ex-President Pierce, Mayor Shurtlefl' Rev. Drs. 
Hague and Stow, Hon. George S. Hillard, Hon. 
George P. Sanger, Judge Joel Parker, Judge C. Levi 
Woodbury, Hon. Peleg W. Chandler, Judge Burbank, 
of Lenox, George Lunt, E.sq., and Hon. Richard 
Frothingham. We extract briefly from a few of the 
speeches. 

Ex-President Pierce said : 

"I have made this house my sojourning-place while in Boston for 
many years, and my knowledge of it and the noble man who presided 
over it is but a type of your own, and your appreciation of them is but a 
typo of my own. I have been here through many and long years, and I 
can truly sjiy, what I think can rarely be said by any of us of other places, 
that 1 have known not a single disagreeable association or a singlo 
memory that it is not pleasant to cherish." 

Hon. Marshall P. Wilder : 

*' For more than a quarterof a century the 'Bromfield House,' under 
the administration of the Crocketts, has been celebrated for its quiet, 
well-regulated, home-like character ; especially has it been noted for the 
excellence of its dinners, and it has long since passed into a proverb, — ' If 
you wish for a good dinner, go to the 'Bromfield House.' It is this 
which has made this house the resort of those who sought comfort rather 
than display. Around this hospitable board have sat Presidents of the 
United States, members of the Cabinet and Congress, Governors and 
Judges of our own and other States, and eminent men from the various 
professional, commercial and business walks of life ; and who that has 
been an inmate of this house does not remember the cheerful smile, the 
cordial grasp, the hearty welcome of the late Colonel Seldon Crockett — 
characteristics happily perpetuated in his worthy son — and who that has 



LACONIA. 



829 



" ' Whoe'er has traveled life's dull r.juiul, 
■WHiere'er his stages may have boeu, 
Will surely Bay, hero have T found 
The warmest welcome of au iuu.' " 

Hon. PelegW. Chandler brought up the memories of 
his boyhood and bis first visit to Boston. As a coun- 
try lad, he called upon his wealthy uncle at the din- 
ner hour, and when he came, in response to the an- 
nouncement that " his nephew wished to see him," he 
asked Peleg what he wanted to do. "See Boston." 
" Of course ; well, a good place to start from is Bow- 
doin 8quare," bade him " good-day, as his carriage 
was naiting," and he saw him no more. He had a 
letter of introduction to Colonel Crockett, who re- 
ceived him heartily, cordially entered into his plans, 
gave him his advice and hospitality and made him at 
borne and among friends, and through his counsel he 
had become what he was. So warm, so encouraging, so 
lasting was this friendship that Mr. Chandler was 
feelingly eloquent when he spoke of the many excel- 
lent qualities of " his dear friend. Colonel Crockett." 

We close this tribute to the memory of this most 
worthy Christian gentleman in the language of Colo- 
nel John G. Greene, of the Boston Post, at the time 
of Colonel Crockett's death : 

" He was faithful to all the duties of life, and leaves a memory worthy 
of ardent emulation. Benevolent, confiding, honorable in all business 
transactions, spirited and patriotic as a citizen, tender as a husband, 
parent and friend, he commanded undeviating respect." 



DAVID S. PRESf'OTT, M.D. 

David S. Prescott, M.D., was born at Franklin, 
N. H., April 26, 1823, and died at Laconia February 
2.5, 1874. He was a descendant of a family whose 
name is sufficient to command respect. Inheriting in 
a large measure some of the prominent characteris- 
tics of his ancestors, David was not content to pass 
his life quietly on the farm, and endowed with a heart 
full of glowing ambition and high aspirations, he de- 
sired an education which should enable him to 
achieve success in a larger and broader field of action. 
But his parents' circumstances did not afford him the 
advantages of liberal culture, and he was dependent 
on his own efforts for the means of acquiring the 
knowledge he sought, and with the courage and 
energy of an earnest boy, be took up the burden of 
life while very young and went to work in his father's 
saw-mill in order to earn money to go to school. But 
the brave lad's career was soon impeded by an acci- 
dent, which appeared to blast his fond hopes of a 
bright future. His right hand was badly injured, 
leaving only the thumb and fore-finger, and David's 
first words to his father were, " I am ruined for life." 
However, he soon took heart again, and, with the en- 
couragement and aid of his father, he found employ- 
ment and succeeded in gaining sufficient money to 
carry on his studies. His preparatory medical edu- 



cation was pursued under the direction of Dr. L. M. 
Knight, of Franklin, N. H. ; he was graduated at 
Dartmouth Medical College in 1849, commenced the 
practice of his profession January 1, 18-50, at Temple, 
N. H., and removed to Laconia in 1853, where he 
married Mrs. Olive J. Knowles (widow of Dr. Knowies, 
of Laconia, and daughter of Jonathan and Betsey 
(Lawrence) Ladd), who survives him. 

Dr. Prescott now addressed himself fully to the 
noble and self-denying labors of a medical man, and 
evinced great patience in the midst of the cares and 
trials of his profession. The difficulties, lack of 
means, ill health, etc., with which he had to contend 
in preparing for his life-work did not crush his spirit 
nor prevent his rising in the world. They only 
seemed to develop his manhood, to bring out those 
sterling qualities which constitute a truly noble 
character. He was peculiarly adapted to his work ; 
his large and sympathetic heart was drawn toward 
suffering in any form, and his tender and gentle man- 
ner was restful to the sick. His interest in his pa- 
tients was not merely professional ; he was at once 
their friend, counselor and sympathizer in all trials, 
and his advice and pecuniary help, where needed, 
was given freely, and, although never of sound phy- 
sique, his first and last thought was the comfort of 
others. Through his long and arduous career of ser- 
vice in his noble and humane profession it is not too 
much to say that, by untiring devotion to medical 
duty, by the constant care, patience, fidelity and skill 
in the daily exercise of a pursuit so important to 
humanity, he illustrated the best qualities of a phy- 
sician, and won the respect, enduring love and grati- 
tude of the community. Can any one doubt the 
popularity and success of such a man ? 

Politically, Dr. Prescott was a Democrat, and his 
object, first and last, the good of his country. He 
believed in party action, without being a partisan, and 
in all things followed the dictates of his judgment 
and conscience. When the emancipation proclama- 
tion was issued, he said : " Slavery is dead, and I 
thank God for it." He was a strong temperance ad- 
vocate and an indefatigable worker in the cause ; ac- 
tive in educational matters, and in all affairs of pub- 
lic interest he took an intelligent concern. 

As a Christian worker, Dr. Prescott deserves especial 
mention. His earnestness and fervor awoke a re- 
sponse in every soul. He was a regular attendant of 
and participator in the prayer-meeting whenever his 
duties permitted. He was a natural leader in the 
church, the promoter and organizer of every benevo- 
lent movement and a most liberal contributor. His 
home, his time and his money were at the -service of 
his Master ; and, in alluding to his death, his pastor, 
Kev. Mr. Bacon, said, " In losing Dr. Prescott, I lose 
my right arm." Never did the Congregational Church 
of Laconia lose a more valued or efficient member. 

If a Sabbath -school excursion was in contempla- 
tion, he looked up the children of the poor and ar- 



830 



HISTOKY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



ranged for them to attend at his expense ; and in all 
church charities his customary words to the members 
were, " Put your hands in your pockets, and put them 
down deep ;" and he enforced his words by personal 
example. His patienta felt the sincerity and earnest- 
ness of his religious nature, and, to use the language 
of one, " he prescribed for body and soul." The 
magnetic influence of the man was wonderful, and 
showed itself alike in eloquent and burning oratory, 
captivating tones of song and vigorous personal en- 
deavor. 

Dr. Prescott was a wise, benevolent, conscientious, 
public-spirited man, whose example and influence 
were beneficent in all the relations of life, whose 
memory is gratefully cherished, and those who knew 
him will say that this is not the language of eulogy, 
but simple truth. 

"Better than storied urn or animated bust" is such 
a monument of tender memories. 



NAPOLEON BONAPARTE GALE. 

The annals of an honest, industrious and useful 
life are of more value as a lesson to coming genera- 
tions than many of those which are placed high on 
the scroll of fame. 

Napoleon Bonaparte Gale, son of Daniel and Abi- 
gail (Page) Gale, was born in Gilmanton (now Bel- 
mont) March 3, 1815. His grandfather was Stephen 
Gale, who married Susannah Flanders. Stephen 
Gale was born in Exeter in 1739. He moved to Ray- 
mond, where he owned and conducted a mill. He 
was one of the sturdy, patriotic men of that period 
to whom we of the present are so much indebted, 
and served as a soldier in the French and Indian 
War. He was stationed at Tioga, in the western 
part of New York, and did good and valiant service. 
When discharged, he was obliged to journey on his 
homeward way hundreds of miles on foot, through 
the trackless wilderness, exposed to cold and other 
perils, and for three days was entirely without food. 

In 1780 he settled in Gilmanton, and gave the 
name " Tioga" to the place where he made his home, 
on account of its resemblance to the country where 
he served as a soldier, and that part of the town even 
yet bears the name he conferred upon it. He died 
September 10, 1813, having "served his day and 
generation well." 

Daniel, son of Stephen and Susannah (Flanders) 
Gale, was born in Raymond April, 1775, and died 
October, 1845. He came to Gilmanton with his par- 
ents when he was five years old, and was ever after a 
resident there. He was a bright, intelligent boy, and 
improved his opportunities for education to the ut- 
most, and became the schoolmaster of the town, 
which position he held with credit for over twenty- 
five years. He was, besides, in numerous ways, one 
of the influential men of the town, holding many 
offices of honor and trust. He was selectman for 



twenty years, justice of the peace for many years, 
representative to the General Court for several terms, 
and one of the associate judges of the Court of Ses- 
sions. He transacted much Probate business, and 
attended to the securing of Revolutionary claims and 
pensions. His nature was positive and energetic; 
his judgment sound and practical ; his memory very 
retentive, — he could carry in his mind the location* 
and boundaries of all the farms in a large area, and 
his accuracy in this respect was so well known that 
when any dispute arose concerning boundaries, he 
was at once appealed to, and his decision was received 
as final. Kind-hearted and generous, he worked 
more for the good of others than for remuneration, 
and although, with the same opportunities, a cold, 
calculating man of the world would have become 
rich. Judge Gale was so only in the love and esteem 
of his fellow-townsmen. He was of large physique, 
well proportioned, over six feet high, weighing over 
two hundred pounds, and a very distinguished and 
fine-looking man. He married Abigail, daughter of 
Deacon Benjamin and Hannah (Sanborn) Page, of 
Epping. Their children attaining maturity were 
Hazen, Daniel M., Napoleon B. and Benjamin P. 
Mrs. Gale was born in 1779, and died in 1856, surviv- 
ing her husband eleven years. She descended from 
two good colonial families, and was a thrifty, prac- 
tical woman of strong executive powers, and im- 
pressed her individuality upon her children, and 
labored zealously that they might receive a good 
education. She was strongly orthodox in her opin- 
ions, and her father was a deacon in the Congrega- 
tional Church. 

Napoleon passed his early years with his parents, 
attending the town school and supplementing his 
education by attendance at Sanbornton and Gilman- 
ton Academies. When eighteen years old his brother, 
Daniel M. (who had purchased the interest of his 
uncle Stephen in the mercantile house of " Gale & 
Pitman," doing business at Laconia and Lake village), 
offered him a position as clerk, which he accepted, 
and continued with the firm until 1833, when the 
store at Lake village was sold, and he returned to the 
home farm at Gilmanton, 

In August, 1835, the young man, not having \ i t 
attained his majority, went to Boston, and engage! 
as clerk in a grocery -store, where he remained nearly 
four years, doing his duties faithfully, and every year 
adding to his mercantile knowledge. In 1839 he 
came to Meredith and, in company with Joshua R. 
Smith, engaged in merchandising under the name of 
"Smith & Gale." In the fall of 1840, on account of 
ill health, he removed to his father's house, and after 
the death of his father, in 1845, he assumed the carr 
of the home farm. 

In August, 1852, his health being re-established he 
went into the Belknap County Bank as a substitute 
for his brother, Daniel M., the cashier, who was ill, 
and was ever after connected with the bank. In No- 




//. /9. ^^- 




^^^^^^^1^ 



«ii-«-2_ 



LACONIA. 



831 



vember, 1853, he was elected casliier, and held that 
office until the expiration of the charter, in 18()6, and 
the closing up of its affairs, some three years later. 

In 1868 Mr. Gale was one of the incorporators of 
the Belknap Savings-Bank, and was one of the trustees. 
Upon the resignation of the presidency by Dr. Perley, 
Mr. Gale was elected president, and still holds the 
position. Politically, he is a Democrat, and repre- 
sented the town of Belmont in 1867-68, and is one of 
the representatives of Laconia this present year 
(1885), of which place he is now a resident. 

Major Gale, as he is universally called, carries his 
seventy years with the appearance of a much younger 
man ; possesses great strength of character, can say 
yes when he means yes, and no when he means no, 
and is a model banker. He commenced by keeping 
the books, and knows all the details, and there is no 
need of an " expert " to " straighten out " the affairs 
of this bank while Major Gale, with his clear mind, is 
at the helm. 

In a business career of over half a century his life 
has been one of unblemished integrity and conscien- 
tious uprightness. He is ever honest in all transac- 
tions, — not because honesty is the be^st policy, but 
because of his sound principles, which he never for 
one moment compromised. He has sought no means 
of obtaining wealth by any speculative or hasty 
methods, choosing rather to labor with untiring zeal 
and cheerful industry in his own field, in which he 
his won and deserved the confidence of the entire 
community. 

Kind-hearted and generous, iu all good causes he 
yives with a liberal hand, without ostentation and 
assumption. Public-spirited and enterprising, he 
advocates and promotes any effort for the improve- 
ment and betterment of this section. He is, in many 
ways, one of Laconia's representative men, and 
among the most honored of her citizens. 



JOSEPH p. PITMAN. 

Joseph p. Pitman, for more than fifty years an 
honored and influential citizen of what is now Laconia, 
descended from a family which had been long and 
favorably known in Belknap County. 

Among the officers elected at the first town-meeting 
held in Meredith appears the name of the grand- 
father, Ebeuezer Pitman, who was afterward made 
representative to the General Court, and served 
several years as town clerk. The confidence of his 
fellow-citizens was also bestowed upon the son, Eben- 
ezer Pitman, Jr., who was likewise for a number of 
terms a representative to the General Court, and in 
various ways rendered valuable service to his own 
townsmen by virtue of his legal acquirements. 

Joseph P. Pitman, second son of Ebenezer Pitman, 
Jr., was born on the old homestead in Meredith Jan- 
uary 12, 1800. Passing his earlier days upon the 



ing SI 



ollc 



profited greatly by his advantages. But eager to 
know and quick to learn, he was not content with the 
instruction to be obtained at home, and therefore 
entered the academy at New Hampton, and made 
such progress that prior to his majority he has taught 
several terms of school, and had been a clerk for two 
years in Concord. At the age of twenty-one he began 
business in what is now Laconia, in connection with 
the late Daniel M. Gale, and subsequently continued 
it with his brotlier, John M. Pitman, afterward, for 
more than thirty years, with his intimate friend, 
Daniel A. Tilton, and from 1877 in compauy with 
his own son, Joseph W. Pitman. Mr. Pitnum early 
acquired an enviable reputation as a sucessful business 
man of sound practical judgment, and was conse- 
quently selected to fill many positions of responsibility 
and trust. From 1836 to 1841 he was both agent and 
treasurer of the Winnipesaukee Lake Cotton and 
Woolen Manufixcturing Company, and during a part 
of this time he was also engaged in business at Lake 
village, in company with the late John V. Barron. 
In 1842 he was made a director in the Winnipesau kee 
Bank, and rendered such essential service in Ithe 
management of its affairs as to prevent its threatened 
failure. 

During the twenty years of its existence, from 1846 
to 1866, he was a director of the Belknap County 
Bank, acting on the discount committee, and in 1876 
he was chosen a trustee of the Belknap Savings- 
Bank, an office which he continued to hold during 
the remainder of his life. 

Mr. Pitman was a director of the Winnipesaukee 
Steamboat Company, also of the Concord Railroad, 
president of the Pemigewasset Valley Railroad. 

But his ability was, perhaps, put to the severest 
test in connection with the Boston, Concord and 
Montreal Railroad, of which at the time of his death 
he was senior director, having been elected to that 
office as early as 1858. It was mainly through his 
persistent energy, foresight and tact that the railroad 
enterprise was preserved from financial ruin and its 
late prosperity secured. What Mr. Pitman accom- 
plished in connection with the distinguished president 
of the road, the late John E. Lyon, in restoring the 
credit of the corporation when failure seemed inevit- 
able, can be appreciated only by those who knew the 
difficulties and discouragements with which he had 
to contend. 

For a number of years Mr. Pitman was engaged in 
manufacturing, and his efforts in this direction were 
concentrated in 1868 in the production of knit-goods. 

In conducting this business he held a controlling in- 
terest in the firm of Pitman, Tilton & Co., which was, 
iu 1874, incorporated as the Pitman Manufacturing 
Company, and in this he was president and principal 
owner. 

Mr. Pitman was a life-long Democrat and thoroughly 
interested in the success of the party, williout ever 
scfkin- any oflicial position tor hiiiisrlf. 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



He was, however, a representative from Meredith 
to the General Court in 1851 and 1852, and showed 
that he was thoroughly well adapted to the work of 
legislation. 

Mr. Pitman was for forty-three years a member of 
the Laconia Congregational Church, and identified 
with its activity in many relations. He was the prin- 
cipal member of the building committee, under whose 
direction the house was remodeled in 1871, making it 
at that time one of the finest church edifices in North- 
ern New Hampshire. 

He was a man whose kindness of heart was recog- 
nized by those with whom he came in contact from 
day to day, and he wiis held in grateful remembrance 
by the many who had become indebted to him for 
wise counsel or timely encouragement. 

Prompt in aiding every worthy eflbrt to secure in- 
dividual prosperity or public advantage, he was 
especially interested in the success of young men who 
desired to engage in business for themselves, and 
lived to see many manufactories and other busine.ss 
enterprises thoroughly established through the finan- 
cial assistance they had received from him. The 
following, taken from the resolutions adopted by his 
townsmen, who had been called together for that pur- 
pose immediately after his death, will show, to some 
extent, how he was regarded by those among whom 
the greater part of his life had been passed: 



Wo deeply lament the loss which we, in common with others, have 
by the death of one so intimately connected with the substantial 
history and prosperity of our town. Mr. Pitman was widely and moat 
favorably known as a strong business man, of undoubted intCKrity :inj 
great sagacity, always punctual in meeting every engagement, and l.iitli - 
ful in performing every duty, and combining energy with pru.i.'iKc tu li 
rare degree. JJo one has contributed more largely to give to Laciiiu its 
enviable rank as a business centre than Mi-. Pitman, and his loss will bo 
long and severely felt far beyond the immediate circle in which ho 

Although SO far advanced in years, Mr. Pitman 
continued to be actively engaged in business to the 
end of life. 

His hist illness was of short duration, and he died 
in peace at his own home on the 16th of February, 
1883, aged seventy-four years. Thus for upwards of a 
half-century Mr. Pitman was a resident of Laconia, 
holding a high place in the esteem of his fellow- 
citizens, on account of the upright character of his 
life, and succeeding by patient industry and skillful 
management in acquiring a large estate. 

Mr. Pitman was married, on May 9, 1841, to Char- 
lotte Abby, daughter of Charles and Abigail Parker. 
Their children were Elizabeth W. (now Mrs. Charles 
U. Bell, of Lawrence, Mass.); Helen M., deceased 
(the first wife of Mr. Bell) ; Charles F. (the present 
manager of the Pitman Manufacturing Company) ; 
Joseph VV. and Walter H., who continue the business 
of the father under the established partnership name 
of J. P. Pitman & Co. 



HISTORY OF MEREDITH. 



CHAPTER I. 

Introductory — Topograpby and Description of Town — First Settlement — 
Extracts from Proprietors' Records of Salem and New Salem — Pro- 
prietors' Grant — Names of Persons Drawing Lots — First Saw-Mill — 
First Improvements and Residenta— First Births — Grist-Mil!, etc. 

The history of Meredith really covers a period of 
nearly two and a half centuries, for in 1652 a party of 
hardy adventurers was detailed by Massachusetts to 
seek the northern source of the Merrimack, and at 
the ancient Aquedoctan, or Weirs, August 1, 1652, 
they chiseled the inscription on the rock which bears 
the name of Endicott, so-called in honor of the Gov- 
ernor of Massachusetts, who gave them their commis- 
sion. 

The foot of Lake Winnipesaukee was a favorite 
resort for the red man. Large villages stood on each 
side of the river, and on the Laconia side can yet be 
seen the site of one of their forts. Eighty years ago 
their dams filled the river, built for the purpose of 
taking the shad, which swarmed there in the fall. 
Here the warlike chief, Wohawa, called a council to 
inflame the neighboring tribes just previous to the 
bloody days of 1675, and here the gallant, but ill-fated, 
Lovewell often halted in his raids on the Ossipees. 
This whole region is rich in legendary lore, and many 
an interesting story could be related if time and 
space would permit; but we must turn to more au- 
thentic history. 

''^ Meredith is one of the oldest towns in this part of 
the State. Her early settlers were men and women 
of a most sturdy character. They were pioneers of a 
more than ordinary type, and took an active part in 
the formation of the Granite State, and stamped 
their individuality upon its enactments. The exam- 
ple which they displayed of heroic faith, of invinci- 
ble courage, of bold and untiring enterprise, and 
their sacrifices in developing the resources of the 
country, all reflect honor upon them, and their de- 
scendants should recall their heroic struggles with 
pride, and by these recollections be stimulated to an 
emulation as noble, to a patriotism as pure, to virtues 
a.s exalted and philanthropy as generous. 

This town was incorporated by the Governor and 
Council December 30. 1768, and was within the 
bounds of Mason's patent. By an act approved 
December 30, 1799, Stone Dam and Bear Islands 



were annexed. A division of the town took place 
July 14, 1855, the southeasterly portion being incor- 
porated into a town by the name of Laconia. By an 
act approved July 3, 1873, a portion of Meredith was 
annexed to Centre Harbor. 

Meredith is thirty-six miles north of Concord, and 
is bounded on the north by Centre Harbor and Lake 
Winnipesaukee ; north and northeast by said lake ; 
southeast by Laconia ; south by Sanbornton, and 
west and northwest by New Hampton. Waukawan 
Lake (formerly called Measley Lake), near the vil- 
lage, ia connected with Lake Winnipesaukee by a 
stream affording a large amount of water-power. 
As a farming town, it is surpassed by but few in the 
State. Agriculture is the principal employment of its 
inhabitants, who are well recompensed for the labor 
bestowed. The soil is deep, fertile, easily cultivated, 
and many of the farms beautifully situated on the 
shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, which washes a large 
portion of its southern and northeiistern borders. At 
Meredith village there is one of the best water privi- 
leges in the State, which is controlled by the Mere- 
dith Mechanic Association, and there is considerable 
capital invested in manufactures. The population is 
about eighteen hundred. There are two post-ofHces, — 
Meredith village and Meredith Centre. The present 
town ofiicers are, — Selectmen, William S. Smith, J. L. 
Prescott, O. N. Roberts ; Clerk, I. C. Boynton ; Treas- 
urer, T. S. Moses; Superintendents, F. L. Mason, 
John Webster. S. W. Rollins, Esq., Probate judge 
of Belknap County, is a resident of of the town. 

The oldest physician is George Sanborn, M.D. The 
present churches are Congregational, Calvin Baptist 
and Free-Will Baptist. There is one bank, Meredith 
Village Savings-Bank, with a deposit of three hun- 
dred and thirty thousand dollars, and over nine hun- 
dred and ninety depositors. The manufacturers are 
Waukawan Hosiery Mills, Samuel Hodgson, proprie- 
tor (see biography) ; J. A. Lang, piano-forte cases ; 
Meredith Shook and Lumber Company ; American 
Twist Drill Company ; Wadleigh Plow Company ; 
J. S. Robinson & Co., organs; G. H. Clark & Co., 
lumber. 

First Settlement— Extracts from "Proprietors' 
Records " of Salem and New Salem.— The first set- 
leinent of this territurv was commenced in 1748, and 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the land was surveyed and laid out as the town of 
Salem, which soon was changed to New Salem, and 
this name the township bore until the incorporation 
of Meredith. The business was done and proprie- 
tors' meetings held for twenty years principally in 
Exeter. We give extracts from " Proprietors' Kec- 
ords," the following being the first record : " Novem- 
ber the 3d, 1748, Ensign Jonathan Longfellow and 
fifty-nine others petition ' that they may have a town- 
ship or a tract of land granted or given to them and 
to their heirs forever. Gentlemen, whose right it is to 
grant or give our request, we being the loyal and du- 
tiful subjects of His Majesty, King George the Sec- 
ond, we pray you to grant or give to us a part of the 
land which is to be laid out into townships in our fron- 
tiers above.' " The same persons met November 
10, 1748, and organized by voting " Ensin Oliver 
Smith, moderator, and Jethro Person, treasurer, to 
keep the money to be raised by the society for carry- 
ing on the business." " Voted, Ensin Oliver Smith, 
Joseph Juewt, Joseph Smith and Daniel Clark be a 
committee to go up and lay out a township." Decem- 
ber 19, 1748, " Voted, Joseph Rawlins have two 
pounds three shillings, old tenor, for going to Hamp- 
ton and Eping for a surveyor." November 14, 1749, 
" Voted, That there be a comety to joyn with the comi- 
tey of the first town to ron the line at the head of s^ 
Towns betwen the Pound and Pemigewasset river, 
and to look out a place for a saw-mill and for a Sen- 
ter Scware." At a meeting of the proprietors, held 
at the dwelling-house of Tilton Lawrence, at Strat- 
ham, December 26, 1750, " Voted, Ensin Jonathan 
Longfellow moderator for s'' meeting. Voted, Joseph 
Juett, Josiah Sandborn and Jonathan Longfellow, or 
aney two of them, to go down to Portsmouth and order 
draw the first division of lots." [This first divi- 
sion comprised about what is now contained in the 
town of Laconia, with a little of the present Meredith 
on its northern boundary]. "Voted, Five shillings on 
each Wright. Voted, That all that don't pay to Mr. 
Josiah Sandborn their respective somes due on their 
Wrights at or before the 4th day of January next, their 
Wrights to be forfeted fortheir negleckting. Josiah 
Sandburn, Daniel Smith and Joseph Clark be a com- 
mity, ajust accounts with the Treshurs and Colectors 
for the town of Salem." November 2, 1752, "A com- 
mittee was chosen to lay out a second division of 
lots." [This division included the portion on the 
west and north of Winnisquam Lake.] At a meeting 
of the proprietors of the township of Salam (so 
called), at the house of Captain John Lights, in Ex- 
eter, January 1, 1753, " Voted, That the Proprietors' 
annauel mcateing for the future shall be on the first 
Monday in Janary, in order to chuse Town oflicers. 
Voted, That their should be three assessors and one 
collector chosen for the year ensueing. Voted, That 
Mr. Josiah Sanibon be Treasure for this year. Voted, 
That Mr. Jonathan Longfellow shall have one shil- 
ling, old tenor, Pr acer for every acer he shall, on his 



own charge, Gitt added to the township of Salom, 
more than is contained in the two Plans all Readey 
taken, and to Gitt it confeirm'' by the Grantors; and 
if he dose not git any added, is to have nothing for 
his charges ; and that the assessors shall taxe the 
Proprietors for to pay him for what he Gitts added." 
May 3, 1754, the proprietors of Portsmouth increased 
the grant by calling the north line twelve miles in- 
stead of seven, so adding Meredith Neck. 

PROPEIETORS' GEANT. 
*' At a meeting of the Proprietors of tho lands purchased of .John 
Tufton Mason, Esq., in the Province of New Hampshire, held by ad- 
journment at the dwelling-house of Sarah Pnist, widow, in Portsmouth, 
on Saturday, the thirty-first day of December, Anno Domini 1748, Voted, 
that their be and hereby is granted unto Samuel Palmer, Esq'., Jonathan 
Shaw, Beiy" Shaw, Jun'., all of Hampton in sf Province ; Samuel Goud- 
hew, Jun'., John Purmot, John Smith, Benj* Jewett, Joseph Rawlings, 
Elisha Smith, Daniel Clark, Tilton Larrance, Joseph Clarke, Joiiatlian 
Sibbley, Richard Scammon, James Si-anmi.in, Honj" Wlii.h.r, Willi^un 
Chase, Moses Chase, Benj« Norris, L;i/.iii;- 1; i^^ r — i ], liii i "M.^.'s 
Eawlings, John Taylor, Jacob Low, lui i. : ' . 1: .-- m, 

Josiah Goodhue, all of Stratham in>.ii I i ,, , i — r.l- 

low, John Light, Joseph Wadleigh, .I'>n i[li n, w . , , I' - mili, 

Daniel Gale, Josiah Robinson, Jun'., J<"*'^l'h !t. .1.111- ! i • i 'i I', h-.ti, 
Eliphelet Rawlins, Joseph Rawlings, Jun'., N.uh.ii. 1 I;.! il- i. .lun'-, 
Ephraim Robinson, Abraham Clark, Joseph Raului--. I'.mi.l Ihni^tMi, 
Jo5iah Sambon, JohnMorgen, Joseph Goodhew, (_Hn .r Mniih, .luii^ . .la- 
cob Longfellow, JohnLeavit, Jun'., Oliver Smith, Joseph Norris, .<auiuel 
Norris, Beiy"* Norris, Samuel Norris, Jun'., Josiah Sambon, Robert Cut- 
tier, all of Exeter in said Province, and Thomas Ford, of Nottiugham 
in said Province (together with twenty other persons hereafter to be 
named by said Proprietors), in equal shares, excepting as hereafter here- 
in excepted, on the terms, conditions and limitations hereinafter ex- 
pressed ; all that tract of land within the Province of New Hampshire, 
Containing the extent and quantity of Six miles Square, etc." 

The conditions of this grant were, that there should 
be one hundred shares, each share to consist of two 
lots, to be laid out within one year, one share to be 
for the first minister of the gospel to settle on the 
land, six acres to be left for public purposes, — build- 
ing a meeting-house and school-house, a training- 
field, a burying-place, etc. Each of the owners of 
the eighty shares not reserved by proprietors should 
build an house eighteen feet long and fourteen feet 
wide, or equal thereto, upon some part of his land, 
and clear three acres of it fit for tillage or mowing 
within eight years from that date, and ten years to 
build a meeting-house. 

The following are the names of ]>ersons drawing 
lots in New Salem, May 3, 1754, with number of lot 
in first division : 

" 1, John Leavitt, Jr. ; 2, Samuel Sally & March ; .3, Proprietors ; 4, 
Heirs of Jonathan Odiorne, Esqr. ; 5, Theo. Atkinson, Esq'. ; 6, Benj» 
Shaw ; ", Nath«i Bartlett, Jun. ; 8, Joshua Pierce, Esq'. ; 9, Bcnj« 
Whitcher; 10, Samuel Norris ; II, Richard Scanuii.m; VI, John .Shaw, 
Jun'. ; 13, Joseph Fifleld j 14, Benj* Norris, Stnitli iin , I, I:, m N .nis, 
Exeter ; 16, Proprietors; 17, Josiah Sambon, .111 II i i, I 19, 

Mess". Tomlinson & Mason ; 20, Daniel Gal.- ; - 1 i . : . . J2, 

Richard Wibirn, Esq.; 23, Daniel Thurston; Jl, l: i.ii ri,ii!.i j.i, 
Thomas Ford; 2G, William Chase; 27, Eph™ l!ol.ins,.n ; Js, .Joseph 
Peireon ; 29, Joseph Hobinson ; 30, Elisha Smith ; 31, John Smith ; 32 
Nath'' Mosarvo i Co". ; 33, Joseph Rawlings ; 34, Josiah Sambon ; 35, 
Joseph Jewett ; 36, Josiah Robinson, Jun. ; 37, Jacob Longfellow ; 38, 
Joseph Norris; 311, Thomas Packer, Esq. ; 40, John Morgin ; 41, Mosea 
Chase; 42, Josiah Goodhue; 43, Daniel Smith; 44, James Gibson; 45. 
John Moffatt, Esq'. ; 46, John Purmort ; 47, Daniel Pirce & Mary More ; 
48, David Riiwlings ; 40, Joseph Rawlings, North Hampton ; 50, Chase 
Robinson ; 61, Sam«' Palmer, Esq. ; 52, .Tames .^ca.nimon ; 53, Josiah 



<;ou*lhvic ; 54, Mark H. K. Wentworth, E(i<l^ ; ■■■'. .in >tu n i i, i. iiuw ; 
£6, Tbo» M'tiliiigford, Esqf . ; 57, John Light: '^. I i i i: i n: ■■', 

Tilton Larrance; 60, Oliver Smith; 01, John !;,;,;_■ , ■., i n nli.iii 
Wadligh ; 03, Samuel Goodhue, Jun'. ; 04, Ui/diu.-. K-.u , i...., John 
\Veutworth, Esq'.; 66, Moses Kawlings ; 67, Ahi-aiu (Jlaik ; 08, Juhn 
Taylor; 09, Joseph Rawlings, Jun. ; 70, Samuel Norris, Jun'. ; 71, Jona- 
than Shaw ; 72, Daniel Clark ; 73, Beiij* Je\Yett ; 74, Joseph Wadligh ; 
7."., George Jeffery ; 76, Oliver Smith, Jun^, ; 77, Jonathan Sihlcy ; 78, 
Proprietors; 79, Proprietors; first settled minister, Lott for ministry, 
School Lott." 



At a proprietors* meeting, held J;ii 
this action was taken, — 



2, 17G4, 



" Wliereas, those persons that first settle in new Towns are exposed to 
many ditlicnlties, as well as great charges in clearing of ways to their 
own particular lots, &c. It is therefore Voted the Propriotoi-s of the 
ahove s-i Township be taxed with four thousand Pounds, old tenor, to be 
paid in one year to the first twenty Proprietore that appear and give 
obligation to settle their Rights in the above s^ Township in the follow- 
ing manner (or some person under them), — Viz.: To fall six acres of 
trees in one year from this date & to clear up three acres of said land fit 
for planting or mowing in sixteen months from this date, & in twenty 
months to have a house built fit to dwell in, eighteen feet long & four- 
teen wide, or equal thereto, & to abide there four years after that time, 
fl,nd if in case that twenty proprietors do not appear in Six months from 
this date to settle their Rights on the above conditions the number of 
Proprietors that do appear shall be entitled to the four thousand pounds, 
to be equally divided between them. Voted that there be a Bridge 
built uver Winnepiseoke River, at the saw mill grant, within twenty 
month from this date." 

The First Saw-Mill was commenced in 1765, on 
the'afore-mentioned grant (which covered the present 
liusiness portion of Laconia on the Meredith side) ; 
but after it was carried away by the freshet of 1779 
it was rebuilt on the Gilmanton side, in 1780. 

January 6, 1766, " Voted that M'. Eben'' Smith & 
William Mead shall have the care & charge of the 
saw-mill in New Salem for the space of three years 
to come, and that they shall saw logs to the halves 
for any of the Proprietors or settlers in said Town- 
ship that shall bring logs on the stage of said mill." 

First Improvements and Residents.— September 
2it, 1766.— 

" A committee to view the settlement at Xew .Salem have been and 
viewed the same, and find as followeth, Viz^; 

"1. Abiain Folsom has a house built, & 10 acres of laud fell, & 3 clear, 

■ - I , liLiliinson, a house built, & 7 or 8 acres of land fell, &a 
H I u iNil .Tames (Juinby there. 

I [i|,Im l,t Rawlings, a house built, 8 or acres of land fell, & 3 
:i. ir. cl.ar, and Eaton 4 his wife & 7 children there. 

■■ 4- Jonathan Shaw, a house built, 6 acres of land fell, & 3 clear, & 
'I il^-y & his wife & 6 children there. 

■•"i. Jonathan Robinson, D acres of land fell, it 3 clear, & a small house 
l.iiilt, & a frame of another, & Eobert Briant there. 

■ ■ I .. Samuel Goodhue, 5 acres of land fell, & about half clear, a house 
lart bviilt, & Pitman there. 

••7. William Mead, a house built, 16 acres of land fell, & 6 clear, 4 a 
house built, & himself there. One Eight he settles for Eben' Smith. 

"8. Josiah Sambon, a house built, 6 acres of land fell, & 3 clear, & 
Hasten there. 

" 10. Ebenezer Smith, 6 acres of land fell, & 3 clear, & a house part 
built, & George Bean, wife & children. 

" 11. ditto, 6 acres of land fell, one clear, Judkins to settle ditto, 25 
acres of land fell, 18 acres clear, 2 Houses i a barn frame, & his family 
there ; ditto 6 acres of land fell, & 2 clear, a house built, Danford to 



The first birth among the early settlers of New 



Salem was probably that of Tamar, daughter of Jacob 
Eaton, March 11, 1767 ; the second was that of 
Daniel, son of Ebeuezer and Sarah Smith, born July 
4, 1767. 

January 5, 1767, "Voted the e.xpences of this meet- 
ing be paid by the Proprietors. Voted that Mr. 
Joshua Folsom shall have paid him by the Proprie- 
tors of New Salem forty pounds, lawful money, if the 
said Folsom does build a good Grist-Mill in the above 
said Township, on the stream that runs out of a Pond 
between Richard Wibard, Esq'., & Joseph Robinson's 
lot into the great Bay in said Township, & finish it 
completely fit to grind corn and grain." The site 
was at the Falls at Meredith Centre. 

June 14, 1768, " Voted that Eben' Smith, Joshua 
Folsom, William Mead, Abram Folsom, Ju'., & 
Jonathan Smith be a committee to lay out the second 
& third Division of lots in said Township." 



CHAPTER 11. 

M-EUEOna— (Continued). 

Petition for and Ordinance of Incorporation of Meredith— Warning and 
Eecords of First Town-Meeting— Action of Town Concerning Fish— 
Sleds— Town-House— Meeting-House— Preaching— Schooling. 

This petition for an incorporation was presented in 
1768,— 

" To His Excellency John Wentworth, Esq'., Captain-General, Governor 

& Commander in Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of New 

Hampshire, & the Hon. ; His Majesty's Council. 

" The humble Petition of David Lawrence, Esq'., and Ebeuezer Smith, 
Oentn, in behalf of themselves and others, Proprietore and Inhabitanta 
of New Salem, in the Province aforesaid, upon Wiuipisiokee Pond. 

"Sheweth That 17 FamiUes have actually Settled and are now resi- 
dent in New Salem aforesaid, and four other Families preparing to go ft 
reside there. 

*' That they humbly apprehend they are ripe for an Incorporation and 
an Investment with Town Privileges, which will greatly assist the pres- 
ent Settlement, and accelerate its Completion, as they can thereby make 
proper Highways, & have power to chuse Town Ofliccrs, &c. 

" They therefore pray your Excell'r 4 Hon" to take the promises into 
your Consideration, and that they may be incorporated accordingly. 

'' And your Pet'* will ever pray, &c. 



'Portsmouth, 10>t June, 1768," 



INCORPORATION, 
of New 1 George the third, by the 



of God, of Great 
Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender ot 



Hampshirf 
the faith, 4c. 

"To all whom these presents shall come, Greeting: Wlierau, our 
Loyal Subjects, Inhabitants of a cerUin tract of Land within our prov- 
ince of New Hampshire, known by the name of New Salem, and con- 
taining six miles square, and bounded as hereafter nientioued, have 
humbly petitioned us that they may be erected and incorporated into a 
township and infranchised with the same priviledgos which other towns 
within our said province have and enjoy by law, and it appearing unto 
us to be conducive to the general good of our said province, as well as of 
the said inhabitants in particular by maintaining good order & encourag- 
ing the culture of the land, that the same should be done. Ksow te, 
therefore, that we, of our special grace, certain knowledge, and for the 
encouragement and promotion of the good purposes and ends aforesaid, 
and with the advice of our trusty and well-belov'd JOHN WENT- 
WOETH, Esq' , our Governor and Commander in Chief of our said Prov- 
iNiE and of our said CocNCll. of the same, have erected and ordained. 



836 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and by these pieBents, for us, our heirs and Successors, do will and or- 
dain, that the Inhabitants of the tract of Land aforesaid 4 others who 
improve thereon hereafter, the same being butted and bounded as fol- 
lows, vi?.'. : Beginning at a Hemlock tree, mark'd with sundry Letters 
& spotted on four sides, stending at the great bay on Winipesioke Kiver 
at the N. E. side line of Sanborn town, where said line leaves said Bay ; 
thence runs northwesterly, bounding on said Sanborn town five miles 
and 124 Kods to a beach tree mark'd, it being the corner bounds between 
Bald Towns ; thence North, 55 Degrees East, ten miles and 226 rods to an 
hemlock tree & spruce tree, both standing on a rock ; thence to 35 De- 
grees Kast, 30 rods to a pine tree mark'd, standing on a ledge of Kecks 
by the side of Winipesioke pond, where a small brook or branch runs 
into said Pond, River and Bays, till it comes to the bound begun at, bo 
and hereby are declared to be a Towx Corporate, and are hereby 
erected and incorporated into a Boot Politic and Cortoiiate to have 
continuance and Succession forever by the name of MERKDITII with 
all the powers and Authorities, priviledges. Immunities and Franchises 
which any other Towns in said Province by law have and enjoy, to the 
said Inhabitants or who shall hereafter Inhabit there, and their Succes- 
eore for ever, always reserving to us, our heirs and Successors, all white 
pine trees which are or shall be found growing, and being on the said 
tract of Land fit for the use of our Royall navy, reserving also to us, our 
heirs and successors, the power and right of dividing said town when it 
should appear necessary and convenient for the Inhabitants thereof. 
Provided, Nevertheless, & tis hereby declar'd that this Charter & grant 
is not intended and shall not in any manner be construed to affect the 
private property of the said soil within the Limits aforesaid, and as the 
severall towns within our said Province are by the laws thereof enabled 
& authoris'd to Assemble & by the majority of the voters present to chuse 
all Officers & transact such affairs as in the said Laws are declar'd. We 
do by these presents nominate and appoint Ebenezer Smith to call the 
first meeting of said Inhabitants, to be held within the said Town, at 
any time within Three months fiom this date ; hereof giving legal 
notice of the time & design of holding such meeting, after which the 
annual meeting in said Town shall be held for the choice of said officers 
and the purposes aforesaid on the first Monday in April annually. 

" In Testimony whereof we have caus'd the Seal of our said Province 
to be hereto affixed. Witness our aforesaid Governor and Commander 
in chief, this thirtieth day of December, in the 9th year of our reign, 
Annoqui Domiuit 1768. 

" By his Excellency command with advice of council. 
" Recorded in the Secretary's office. 

" T. Atkinson, Jvn'., .T. W. 

"J. Wentworth. 

" Attest Dan'l Smith, T. Clerk." 



June 13, 1769, the proprietors of Meredith met at 
the house of Caleb Robinson, iunholder, at Exeter, 
and John Folsom, Jeremy Smith and Captain John 
Odlin were accepted as second settlers ; also, " Voted 
Ebenezer Smith, Esq., ten pounds sixteen shillings, 
Lawful money, for his charges in getting the charter 
of Incorporation for the Town of Meredith." June 
7, 1770, the proprietors " Voted to apply fifty dollars 
for preaching the Gospel the present year in the 
town." According to the records, the first proprie- 
tors' meeting held in Meredith met at the dwell- 
ing-house of Ebenezer Smith, Esq., September 17, 
1778, pursuant to warning given by Ebenezer Smith, 
proprietors' clerk, and Jonathan Smith, Joseph Rob- 
ards and Abram Folsom, assessors, and elected Wil- 
liam Mead moderator. 

WA USING I'OE FIRST TOWN-JIEETlNfi. 
" Province of New ) These are to notify and warn all the freeholdere aud 

Hampshire. J other Inhabitants of the town ol 
are qualified by law to vote in town-meetings, that they 
selves together on Monday, the twentieth day of this ini 
the dwelling house of me, the Subscriber in said town, 
clock on said day, then and thier to chuse 
and town clerk. Constable & Selectmen, a 
law directs to be chosen at such meetings. 



p Domini 1709. 



Meredith that 
assemble them- 
tant, March, at 
it twelve of the 
moderator for said meeting. 



" Dated at Meredith this sixth day of March, 
"Ebenezer Smith. 

" By order of the authorilij to cM taid metting." 
TRUE COPY OF THE RECORD OF THE FIRST TOWN-MEETI-NG. 
" Province of New I At a legal meeting of the freeholders and other In- 
Hampshire. > habitants of the town of Meredith, held on Mon- 
day, the twentieth day of March, 17C9, at the house of Ebenezer Smith. 

" lly. Voled William Mead, Moderator. 

" 21y. Ebenezer Smith, town Clerk A sworn. 

" 31y. Voled Ebenezer Smith, Ruben Mareton and Ebenezer Pitman be 
selectmen for the year Insewing and sworn. 

" 41y. Nicholas Carr Folsom chosen constable and sworn. 

" Sly. 7oied Abraham Folsom & Ruben Marston servairs of highways ] 
St. sworn. 

"61y. VoUd Thomas Danford & Ebenezer Pitman, tythingnien & 

" 71y. VoUd Abraham Folsom & Robert Bryent be assessors i sworn. 
" 8Iy. VoUd Abraham Folsom & Robert Bryent be auditors & sworn. 
" 91y. Voted Samuel Torrey & Abraham Folsom, fence viewers and not 

" lOly. the meeting was desolved. 

"Attest "Ebenezer Smith, Toicn Cleric." 

April 1, 1771, " Voted that the town petition the 
General Court of said Province from an act that the 
Inhabitants of s" Meredith may have liberty to catch 
fish in Wiuepisockey River three days in each week 
and that the s'' river may be kept clear of wears or 
any other incumbrance to the free passage of the fish 
the other four days of each week." April 6, 1772, 
" Voted that no person or persons shall use or improve 
in the publick road in s" town any ox-sled or sleds 
under the demention of four feet and six inches in 
whedth, upon paine of forfiting his or their sled or sleds 
that shall be so found under the aforesaid dementions, 
to be forflted unto the present Selectmen of s'' town 
and by the said Selectmen taken from the owner or 
owners upon sight and utterly destroyed, etc. Voted 
to build a house for the publick use of said town, 
about 24 feet by 20, in six months from this date & 
to be horded & the flowers layd." April 4, 1774, 
•' Voted to build a meeting-house in said town forty 
feet long & thirty-two feet in wedth, to be eight feet 
studed and that the said meeting-house be set on the 
west side of the Province Road on the lot drawn to 
the original Right of John Leavitt, Ju'., in the first 
division in said town, and that the same be completed 
within sixteen months from this date." April 3, 1775, 
" Votedto raise six pounds, lawful money, to be applied 
to hire preaching some part of the year eiisewing. 

Voted to raise six pounds, lawful money, to be applyd 
for schooling and that the Selectmen hire some suti- 
ble woman to keep the same if tliey can convenantly 
hire such a one." 

CHAPTER III. 

MEREDITH— (Co)i(i.ii,erf). 

War of tlie Revolution— Action of Town Concerning Deputy— Powder, 
Lead and Flints-Firearms-ComnJittee of Safety-Soldiers' Pay, etc.— 
Names of Legal Votoii^Names of Soldiers-Soldiers' Orders snd other 
Documents— War of 1812. 

Revolution.— This infant town took a strong and 
patriotic stand in the Revolutionary contest. .\t a 



special town-meeting held May 15. V'Ti, the following 
action was taken : 

"Ebenezer Smith was chosen as Deputy to meet with the Deputies 
from the other towns in said Province, which convention is proiwsed to 
ho holdcn at the town of Exeter, in stiid Province, the Bcvontcenth day 
of tliiB instant, May, at ten o'clock A. M., with full power to adopt and 
pursue such measures as may be judged most expedient to preserve and 
restore tlio Eights of this and the other Colonies, and that ho is hereby 
impowered to act in behalf of himself and his constituauts for six months 
if it should be thought by said convention necessary, and to atUurn as oc- 
casion may require. Voted that the Selectmen of said town purchas 
one barriel of powder of about fifty or sixty wt., and lead or bullets & 
flints answerable thereto and that they apply for the part of the Prov- 
ince stock of powder belonging to this town and that they also purchase 
ten good guns at the cost & charge of said town and to be procured as 
soon as may be. Voted to inlist ten soldiers of this town to hold them- 
eelves in readiness to march to the releaf of any of oner distresed country 
breathren, and that they be furnished by the comntittee of said town at 
the cost thereof, and that each soldier have two shillings pr day for each 
day they shall expend." 

August 29, 1776, " Chose a Committee of safety to 
consist of Ave persons. Voted John Folsham, Jona- 
than Smith, Nathaniel Eobinson, William Mead and 
Lieutenant Joseph Robards be said Committee. Toted 
to raise the sum of forty-five pounds, lawful money, to 
be applyed to purchase fire-arms, such a number as 
that sum will purchas, for the use and service of said 
town, and that the selectmen of said town be a com- 
mittee to applye that sum of money to procure said fire- 
arms at the cost and charge of said town, as abovesaid, 
as soon as may be." 

An article in the warrant calling a town-meet- 
ing on March 31, 1777, at the house of Ebenezer 
Smith, where the meetings were usually held, was for 
the town "to assist Captain Joshua Crocket in the 
raising eight men from the company under his com- 
mand to serve in the Continental Army the term of 
three years, or during the war with Britain, as they 
chuse, including those that have already enlisted and 
passed muster in either of the regiments of Stark, 
PoororScammell, and see what sum the town will vote 
to raise for those that shall appear to enlist into said 
service as aforesaid, and vote thereon as the town shall 
see fit when met." 

At an adjourned meeting of the town, April 7, 1777, 
this action was taken, — " Voted to choose a committee 
of three persons to pi-ocure the five men that are the 
remainder part of the proportion of men for the 
three Continental Regiments to be raised from this 
town at the cost and charge of said town, and that the 
committee allow & pay each man the sum of ten 
pounds, lawfull money, as a town bounty, and allow in 
that proportion and give credet to all and each per- 
son that have been from this town, according to their 
respective times they have served accordingly in the 
present war." April 6, 1778, " Voted to raise eighty 
pounds to pay the other Continental Soldier to be 
raised for and in behalf of this town, and if said sol- 
dier should not be procured, then the money to be for 
the use of said town." 

On March 29, 1777, when the call was issued for all 
legal voters to assemble, the following names were en- 
tered in the town records : 



John Folsham, Nicholas Carr, Joshua Folsham, Joseph Robards, Sam- 
uel Tonery, David Watson, Job Judkins, George Bean, Jonathan Clark, 

Gordon I.iiwri'uci', .NiUlianii'l Iloehaiii, Wllliiuii Mwid, J.ihn Mead, Bcn- 



Merilles, Thn,,,,.. - , 1'. 

Swain, Joshua • i i i 
Smith, I*ear8on Mim , i ■ i ■ 
sou, Jonathan S.iuiulI -li i h^jj 
Robinson and Abraham lolsom. 



iiiight.in. Klx-n I'itman, Abram 
iill, Thomas Doeham, Jonathan 
, Jonathan Kdgerly, Daniel Morr4- 
mthan Crosby, Ellas Swain, Chase 

i;reditod to 



Among the Revolutionary soldii 
Meredith we give these names, — 

Nathaniel Holland, John Robinson, .Jonathan Crosby, Jonathan Smith, 
Jr., Moses Senter, Oliver Smith, Thomas Frohock, Aaron RawUngs, Jo- 
seph Eaton, James Sinclair and William Maloou (Jonathan Smith was in 
Rhode Island service). 

April 5, 1784, the town voted "that the selectmen"- 
settle with those soldiers who have served during the 
war as this town's quotaof the Continental [Army], as 
they shall think just, and make provision for the pay- 
ment thereof, as they shall judge best, and also settle 
with Thomas Frohock for the loss of a gun & blanket 
lost in the army." 

The following are interesting documents in this 
connection : 

SOLDIERS' ORDERS. 

" meredith December y« ISik 1777— 
"S' Pleas to pay Col" Ebenezer Smith the full Sum of the Rations Duo 
to me the Subscriber as an Ensign in your Regiment in Gen' Starks Bri- 
gade — and you will oblige your Humble Serv* 

" Robert BnVANT, Kmign. 
" To CoL" Thomas Stickney— of Concord — " 

" To the paymaster of the continental men Pleas to pay Ebenezer 
Smith the whole of Pay due to me up to the first of the year 1782 I 
being soldier in the Newhampshire line in Colonel Reids regiment and 
you will oblige your Humble Serv* 



" Meredith December the 2« 1783. 

" test RoBEET Bryant John Kimbei. " 

" New Saleru Januar.v i 
" To the Treasurer of the Stale of Nero Hampahire 

" Sir please to pay Daniel Cook or his order all that is due 
husband Nathaniel Chase deceased who was a Soldier in the 'J 
and was killed in 1781— 



' Sam" I 



' Betsy x Chase.' 



RELATIVE TO WILLIAM MALOON, SOLDIER. 
" The deposition of Nathaniel Wadleigh, of lawful age, testifies & 
says that William Mallon was in the Service in the Contcntal Army ae 
one of the six months men in the first New Hampshire Regiment in 
Captain Farewells Company in the year 1781— & I suppose that ho had 
his discharge at the same time that I & the Rest had our discharge & 
he & myself Came out of Camp together * further wiilh not— 

" Meredith March 12th 1791 
" [Sworn before Ebenezer Smith]." 

" I certify that In Conformity with an act of Congress of the 5th of 
July, 1812, Entitled an act Concerning Invaled Pensioners, Nehemiah 
Leavitt, who was a Corparel In the newhampshire Lino of the Revolu- 
tionary Army is Placed on the Pension of the United States and Roll of 
the Newhampshire agency at the Rate of two dollars and fifty cents p' 
Month, to Commence on the twenty-Eighth day of December one thou- 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The War of 1812.— The town does not seem to have 
taken :i very active part in the War of 1812, and but 
little concerning it is to be found in the records. 
August 1, 1812, a warrant was issued for a town-meet- 
ing, to see what compensation the town will make to 
the militia who are attached to the regular service 
from this town, " by virtue of a Law of the Congress 
of the United States," in addition to the pay to be 
allowed by the general government, agreeable to a 
petition of sundry inhabitants of said town. At the 
legal meeting following, on September 19th, the vote 
was passed not to raise any money for that purpose. 

Theophilus Dockham, a soldier of Meredith, was 
taken prisoner at General Hull's defeat. 



CHAPTER IV. 

MEREDITH-(Co«(tnuerf). 

CiTil History after the Eevolutioa— Extracts from Town Records con- 
cerning Place of Town-Meeting — Change of Date of Town-Meeting — 
Preaching of the Gospel— Parsonage Eight— Weirs Bridge— Equip- 
ments of War — Punishment of Rogues, Vagabonds, etc.— "Pole 
Parish" at Meredith Bridge— Town Farm— Proprietora of Winnipe- 
saukee Steamboat granted Permission to raise Bridge — Fire-Engine 
Company— Boston, Concord and Montreal Railroad— Village Precinct 
at Meredith Bridge— Town-House—The Great Catastrophe— Village 
Prei iucr, :\IereJith Village — Committee of Investigation, etc. — Present 
ToMM-IIouse. 

Civil History.— In 1778, Ebenezer Smith was chosen 
to represent the town in a convention to meet at Con- 
cord, June 10th, " for the laying of a plan of govern- 
ment for this State." This year Meredith was 
represented in the General Court with Sunbornton. 

The town held its meetings at the houses of the 
citizens until August 30, 1790, when the place of 
holding was changed to the North Church. The date 
of annual meeting was changed, by an act passed 
November 5, 1784, to the second Monday in March. 
March 9, 1795, the town voted Chase Wiggin consta- 
ble, and that he pay nineteen shillings for that office. 
September 14, 1801. at a special meeting, the town 
" Voted to raise sixty dollars for to be applyed to byre 
the Preaching of the Gospel in said town the currant 
year. Voted, to sell the Parsonage Right in said 
town. Voted, to Lease said Lots for the Terms of 
eighty years, or as long as wood Grows or water 
Runs, the interest to be paid yearly, to be applyed 
for the use of hiring the Preaching of the Gospel in 
town annually." March 12, 1804, " Voted, that the 
town should build the one-half a Bridge over the 
river at the Great wears (so called), at the outlet of 
Winnipissogee pond." 

One article in the warrant calling the meeting of 
March 13, 1810 was 

" To see what method the Town will accept to procure Powder, Ball, 
Flints, Tin or Camp-Kittles, and a place for the safe keeping of the 
same, agreeably to law of this State ; also, to see if the Inhabitants of 
said town will vote to build, purchase or hire a Building or house to be 
used for the keeping, correcting and settiiip to work of Uognes, Vagabonds, 



Common beggars. Lewd, Idle and disorderly Persons, and to appoint 
proper officers for the Government of said house, and to make, establish 
and adopt all necessary rules, orders and Regulations for the Ruling, 
Governing and punishing of Such Persons as may there be committed ; 
also To see if the town will give their consent that a Pole Parish shall 
be incorporated at Meredith Bridge, to consist of Poles belonging to 
Meredith and Gilmantown, by the name of the Meredith Bridge Religish 
Society, agreeable to a Petition of Sundrey inhabitants and freeholder!! 
of said town. Also, VoUd, to choose committee of three to confer with 
the Selectmen of committee of Gilmantown and Sanborntown, concern- 
ing erecting a building to put Vagabonds and Disorderley persons in and 
imploy them." 

In September, 1827, the town " Voted, not to divide 
the town into school districts, agreeably to the late 
law of the State of New Hampshire." In November 
of the same year this vote was passed, that " all the 
school districts in said town be defined as they are 
now defined." 

At the annual towu-niectiug held March 9, 1830, 
it was 

"Voted, that the selectmen be authorized and directed to jmrchase a 
farm for the use of said Town, and take a Deed of the same, and also 
that the Selectmen be authorized and directed to give the Towns secur- 
ity for the purchase sum, payable at such time and in such manner as 
the Selectmen may deem proper, and that such farm shall not exceed 
the value of fifteen hundred dollars, and, when such purchase has been 
made, the said Selectmen are authorized and directed to proceed and 
make arrangements to move the poor of the Town of Meredith onto 
said farm as speedily as circumstances will authorize, and that the 
Selectmen be authorized to appropriate for this purpose any simi of 
money, raised or not otherways appropriated, belonging to said Town." 

March 11, 1829, "Voted, that the police law of 
Portsmouth be adopted at Meredith Bridge and three- 
fourths of a mile from said bridge every way on the 
Meredith side and no farther;" also, "that idle per- 
sons be made to work." October 2, 1832, " Voted, 
not to give any liberty to the proprietors of Winni- 
pisogee Steamboat to raise Wares (Weirs) Bridge.'' 
In November, 1832, however, they amended their 
vote in this way, " That the proprietors of Winnipis- 
iogee Steamboat, now building, or any of them have 
the right, so far as this town is Interested, to raise 
and make such alterations in the Bridge at the Wares, 
at the outlet of the lake, as will be found Necessciry 
in order for the safe passage of the Said Boat over 
the falls at said outlet at all times." March 12, 1839, 
" Voted, 446 votes out of a total of 467 for a division 
of Straftbrd County into three parts." 

Fire -Engine Company.— May 11, 1840, "Luke 
Furnakl, Joseph Dodge, David Corlis, Jr., Nathaniel 
G. Corliss and John Busiel have given notice that we 
and our associates have formed ourselves into a com- 
pany, to be known by the name of the First Fire-Eu- 
gine Company in Meredith village, agreeably to 
an act of the Legislature of New Hampshire, 
passed July 1, 1831, A. B. Merrick, clerk." March 
11, 1845, " Voted, that the selectmen be authorized to 
invest the sum of $10,000 in the capital stock of the 
Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad, providing that 
the railroad comes through Meredith and stop build- 
ing the road called the Long routes." March 11, 
1846, " Voted, that the surplus fund agents be author- 
ized to collect and pay over the two first assessments 



that is now due ou the railroad stock, which the town 
by vote directed the selectmen to subscribe for at the 
last annual meeting, and if the road should go north 
of Lake village they shall pay over the assessments as 
they are called for." March 14, 1848, " Voted, that- 
the town agent be directed to collect twenty-six hun- 
dred dollars of the town funds in his hands, and pay 
the same to the treasurer of the Boston, Concord and 
Montreal Railroad, in part of assessment on stock 
taken in said road by the town."' March 14, 1849, 
" Voted, that the selectmen be authorized to borrow 
a sum of money, not to exceed seventeen hundred and 
fifty dollars, to meet the deficiency in the town's sub- 
scription for railroad stock." August 20, 1849, " Pur- 
suant to an application and request of Stephen Gale, 
W. Melchor, John T. Coffin, Jeremiah Elkins and 
sixty-five other citizens of Meredith Bridge, dated 
July 25, 1849, made to the selectmen of the town, the 
latter established a village precinct there." March 
9, 1852, " Voted, by 221 to 125, against amendment of 
State Constitution abolishing the religious test ; by 
174 to 165, in favor of the amendment abolishing the 
property qualification of voters." March 15, 1854, 
" Voted, that the town of Meredith build a town-house 
at Meredith village, providing the inhabitants of 
Third Division build one-half of the house by con- 
tribution, and pay their share to be raised by taxes. 
Voted, that the town build a town-house, in conjunc- 
tion with the citizens of Meredith village, at Mere- 
dith village. Voted, that the town raise seven hun- 
dred and fifty dollars for the purpose of building a 
town-house at Meredith village, and that as much of 
that sum as may be necessary to do the same be ap- 
plied thereto. Voted, that the town of Meredith build 
and finish a suitable town-house, and that the same 
be finished in season for the annual meeting to be 
holden on the second Tuesday of March, 1855. Voted, 
that John Haynes, William Pike and David B. Plumer 
shall be the building committee to see to the building of 
the town-house at Meredith village. Voted, that the 
selectmen be authorized to call the next annual town- 
meeting in 1855 at Meredith village, if the town- 
house is finished and is ready." 

The Great Catastrophe.— The annual town-meet- 
ing met, pursuant to warning, at 9 A.M., March 13, 
1855, in the yet unfinished town hall at Meredith vil- 
lage. Soon after organization, while preparing to 
take a vote by ballot, the rush of the voters, of whom 
there were from six to eight hundred present, threw 
too much weight upon the timbers sustaining the 
floor. They gave w-ay and about one hundred and 
fifty were precipitated into the basement. Out of 
this vast mass of humanity sixty persons were carried 
from the ruins seriously injured, " with broken bones, 
dislocated joints and internal injuries." Four, James 
W. Durgin, Washington Smith, Benjamin D. Robin- 
son and Nathaniel Nichols, died in a short time; a 
number of others were so injured as to cause their 
death after a longer period, and others were crippled 



for life. Medical aid was procured from all the ad- 
joining towns and from Concord, and it was long be- 
fore the community recovered from the terrible eflect 
of the catastrophe. 

In 1855, among the votes cast for representatives 
to General Court, Elizabeth Bachelder received three. 
In July of the same year, by act of the Legislature, the 
town of Meredith was divided and the town of La- 
conia organized, and, in 1859, a village precinct was 
laid out and establislied at Meredith village. 

"The undersigned, Selectmen of Meredith, havinj;, agreeably to a 
Petition of Amos Cram and others, inhabitants of Mereditli Village, so 
called, established the following lines as the bouudarj- of a Villa^-f Pre- 
cinct, do conimmence as follows : Beginning on Lake Winuipiis-iugee, 
opposite of the southeast corner of laud owned by Joseph W. Laug and 
occupied by Thomas E. Lang, Jr., on the neck road, so called ; thence 
northerly, across the said road on the line between the said Joseph W. 
Lang'sland and land of Joseph Elaand on line between land of said Kla 
and George G. Hoyt ; thence on line between Madison Chaso and Joseph 
Ela to land of Dr. John Sanborn ; thence northerly, between said Chase 
and said Dr. Sanborn's land, to the main road leading by Richard NeaPa 
house ; thence across said road between said Sanborn's and said Ela'a 
land ; thence on the northerly and easterly side of said Ela's land to 
land of Timothy Badger, on mill brook, near said Badger's bark-niill ; 
thence westerly, on said mill brook and mill pond, to land of J. Ela ; 
thence on said Ela's land to land of said Badger ; thence between said 
Badger's land and laud of Thomas E. Lang to land of Samuel Bean and 
John How ; thence westerly, between the said Bean's aud How'n land 
an<l land of Thomas E. Lang, to Measley Pond ; thence sovUherly on 
said Measley Pond to the main road leading from Mereilith Village to 
William Pike's dwelling-house ; thence easterly, across said road, to 
land of David Corliess ; thenoe southerly, on said Corliss' land, to land of 
Bradbury Robinson ; thence on the westerly, southerly and easterly side 
of said Robinson's land, across the main road leading from Meredith 
Village, by the house of A. P. Ladd, to Lake Winnipissiogee ; thence on 
the westerly and northerly shore of said Lake to the bounds began at. 
"Geohoe G. Hott, ] Selectmen 



'David R. Love 



'Meredith, March ; 



In 1871 the financial aflairs of the town were 
found to be in a very unsatisfactory condition, and at 
a special town-meeting, held May 26th, a committee 
of investigation, consisting of S. W. Rollins, S. D. 
Pease and 6. G. Hoyt, was appointed, and the select- 
men were authorized to offer a reward of five hundred 
dollars " for the recovery of the town records and 
papers which had been lost." This committee had 
an arduous task which lasted several years, but it 
saved quite an amount of money for the town. At 
the same meeting the town voted one thousand dol- 
lars to pay " expense of defending the annexation 
of part of the town to Centre Harbor." January 
21, 1873, the town voted to exempt from taxation for 
a term not exceeding ten years any manufiicturing 
establishment whicli should be erected or put into 
operation with a capital of five thousand dollars or 
upwards. May 23, 1876, " Voted to build a Town- 
House on the lot of Josiah T. Sturtivent," and appro- 
priated five hundred dollars in addition to what had 
been raised for that purpose ; appointed George H. 
Clark, John S. Sanborn, Benjamin F. Wiggin a 
committee to convey the old lot to Mr. Sturtivent, if 
they accept his proposition, and to receive a convey- 
ance of the lot from him in accordance therewith. 



840 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and to give a lease of the first story of the building. 
Koveniber 7, 1876, " Voted three hundred dollars, to 
provide seats, lights and warming apparatus for the 
new town hall." December 23, 1876, accepted and 
ado])ted the rejKjrt of committee on town-house and 
ratified the deed taken and lease given by tlie com- 
mittee. 



CHAPTER Y. 

MEREDITH— (Co.i(»iHerf). 

War of the Rebellion— Action ot the Town and Extracts from Town 
Records— Aid for Families of Volunteers— Bounties, etc. — Selectmen 
During the War— Recruiting Agents— Names of Soldiers— Roster of 
Company I, Twelfth Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers. 

The Civil War (1861-65).— Meredith furnished 
for this war, out of a voting population of but a few 
over five hundred, one hundred and twenty-two offi- 
cers and soldiers of her townsmen, and one hundred 
and five volunteer substitutes, — making a total of two 
hundred and twenty-seven. The record is a noble 
one, and indicates that the spirit of patriotism which 
animated the first settlers still dwells in the breasts 
of its people, and that they are worthy sons of noble 
sires. We quote from the town records the action 
taken by the town. 

September 12, 1861, the town " Voted to raise three 
hundred dollars, to be expended in aiding the wives 
and children (under sixteen years) of volunteers or 
■enrolled militia of. this State, who may be mustered 
or enlisted into the United States service, and also, 
for the aid of parents or children dependent on them 
for support." Levi Towle, Isaiah Winch and Simeon 
D. Pease were appointed a committee to apjjropriate 
the money. 

January 7, 1862, " Voted to raise six hundred 
dollars on the credit of the town to aid the wives and 
children of enlisted soldiers, to be laid out under the 
direction of the selectmen." 

March 11, 1862, " Voted to raise four hundred 
dollars for the benefit of the wives and children of 
enlisted soldiers. " 

July 1, 1862, " Voted to raise and pay to all per- 
sons that may enlist in the service of the United 
States, one hundred dollars ; this includes the num- 
ber to fill our quota of the first call. Voted to raise 
fifty dollars and pay to each person that enlists into 
the service of the United States to fill our quota on 
the last call." This vote was reconsidered, and in its 
place it was " Voted to appropriate and raise the sum 
of one hundred dollars for each and every soldier, 
citizens and residents of this town, who shall enter 
into the service of the United States on or before 
August 18, 1862 ; the same to be paid after the soldier 
is mustered into service, and not to exceed one hun- 
dred and one men ; and the the selectmen are in- 
-structed to hire said sum of money upon the credit of 
the town." 



October 4, 1862, " Voted to pay one hundred dol- 
lars to those that may enlist in the service of the 
United States as nine months' men to fill our quota, 
also to all those that have enlisted in said service 
since September 18, 1862; " also, " Voted to raise a sum 
not exceeding four thousand dollars to aid dependent 
families of volunteers that have enlisted into the 
service of the United States." 

March 10, 1863, " Voted to raise, for the purpose 
of aiding dependent families of volunteers now in 
United States service, a sum not exceeding five thou- 
sand dollars, and that the selectmen be authorized to 
hire and appropriate the same as it is needed." 

August 1, 1863, " Voted to raise three hundred 
dollars for every man that is drafted into the United 
States service, or his substitute, to be paid after he is 
mustered into service." 

December 1, 1863, " Voted to raise for the purpose 
of aiding the families of volunteers who have enlisted 
into the United States service from Meredith, or 
who may enlist under the call of the President for 
three hundred thousand men, and those that have 
been or may be conscripted into said service, or their 
substitutes, a sum not to exceed two thousand dollars, 
and that the selectmen be authorized to borrow the 
mone}' on the credit of the town." 

December 1, 1863, " Voted to raise a sum not to 
exceed fifteen thousand dollars, to be applied as 
bounties, with which to raise the quota of the town, 
under the la.st call of the President for three hundred 
thousand men, and that the selectman be instructed 
to fill the quota by themselves and agents." 

March 8, 1864, a motion was made to pay enlisted 
men from this town one hundred dollars bounty. 
" Voted to amend this by adding one hundred dollars ;" 
also, " Voted to raise ten thousand dollars, to be ex- 
pended in obtaining volunteers for the army, at such 
times and as the agents deemed best." 

June 6, 1864, " Voted to raise the sum of ten thou- 
sand dollars, to be paid as bounties for volunteers, 
drafted men or their substitutes, who may be mustered 
into the service of the United States for the town, 
under any anticipated or future calls for volunteers 
or drafted men for such service." 

August 11, 1864, " Voted to raise twenty thousand 
dollars, and appropriate the same as bounties to 
soldiers who shall be mustered into the United States 
service, to fill the last call of the Government, 
whether said soldiers shall voluntarily enlist or go as 
substitutes for drafted or enrolled men, and for 
bounties for men drafted under said call for one year, 
w-ho shall be mustered into L^nited States service as 
part of the quota of the town, and for incidental 
expenses in obtaining and recruiting the volunteers 
aforesaid." 

March 1, 1865, " Voted to raise fifteen hundred dol- 
lars to aid families of volunteers, drafted men or 
their substitutes ; also to raise fourteen thousand dol- 
lars to refund the money paid out by drafted men and 



MEREDITH. 



841 



•others who obtained substitutes who have filled the 
town's quota ; also the amount raised by subscription 
to aid the same." 

Selectmen- during the War. — As it required as 
high an order of statesmanship to creditably fill the 
office of selectman during this critical period as to be 
a Congressman in time of peace, we give the names of 
those entrusted with the office,— 1861, John W. 
Bedee, Sheppard Rowe, Levi Towle; 1862, Levi 
Towle, Isaiah Winch, Simeon D. Pease; 1863-65, 
Colonel Ebenezer Stevens, Nathan L. True, John 
Smith (2d) ; 1866, John Smith (2d), Levi Towle, 
Charles L. Hoyt. 

Towx Agents.— Daniel S. Bedee and James H- 
Plaisted were recruiting agents to procure volunteers, 
and served through nearly every year of the war. 
Occasionally another was associated with them. 

NAMES OF SOLDIERS IN THE W.\K OF THE REBELLION. 
( Taken from the selectmen's report of the year ending March 1, 1S05. 
Ill '^e marked (*) are from other towns, reported with the company.) 
- ,11 G, Swasey, private, First New Hampshire Regiment, discharged 
and dead. 
- ■■ "-ter Gordon, private, Second New Hampshire Regiment 
: V Clifton, private. Second New Hampshire Regiment. 
: ze Piper, private, Third New Hampshire Regiment. 
ird E. Lawrence, private, Fourth New Hampshire Regiment, served 
'iiree years and discharged. 
Lett L. Carr, private, Fourth New Hampshire Regiment, died from 

amin Fairfield, private. Fourth New Hampshire Regiment, dead. 
I :ik Garland, private, Fourth New Hampshire Regiment, dead. 
N. S. F. Leavitt, private. Fourth New Hampshire Regiment, re^enlisted. 
Michael Morris, private, Fifth New- Hampshire Regiment, discharged. 
iBenjamin M. Bean, private, Fifth New Hampshire Regiment, discharged 

and dead. 
r..i,iamin F. Chase, private. Fifth New Hampshire Regiment, killed in 

,1 ihn L. Hadley, private, Fifth New Hampshire Regiment. 

John R. McCrillis, private, Fifth New Hampshire Regiment, re-enlisted 

and promoted to captain. 
Edward Amidon, private, Fifth New Hampshire Regiment. 
M. F. Hutcbins, private, Fifth New Hampshire Regiment, discharged. 
John Elliott, private. Fifth New Hampshire Regiment, discharged. 
Frank B. Jenness, private. Fifth New Hampshire Regiment. 
George W. Wiggin, private. Sixth New Hampshire Regiment. 
Horace Sceggel, private, Sixth New Hampshire Regiment, discharged. 
James M. Seavy, private, Seventh New Hampshire Regiment, re-enlisted 

and promoted. 
Dr. H. H. Smith, surgeon. Eighth New Hampshire Regiment, transferred 

to Second Louisiana Cavalry, surgeon. 
Philip McCrillis, private. Eighth New Hampshire Regiment, discharged. 
Asa D. Peabody, private. Eighth New Hampshire Regiment, discharged 

and dead. 
1: I'^n Bean, private. Eighth New Hampshire Regiment, died in ser- 

■ - Bean, private, Eighth New Hampshire Regiment, died in ser- 

Stopben Hawkins, private. Eighth New Hampshire Regiment, died in 

John P. Moulton, private, Eighth New Hampshire Regiment. 
Albert Hodsdon, private. Eighth New Hampshire Regiment. 
George C. Meserve, private. Eighth New Hampshire Regiment. 
Freeman .\. Chase, private, Eighth New Hampshire Regiment, wounded 

and discharged. 
Daniel Bennett, private, Eighth New Hampshire Regiment, discharged 
Luther Dockham, private. Eighth New Hampshire Regiment, re-en 

Joseph H, Chase, private. Ninth New Hampshire Regiment, died. 
Nathaniel Nichols, private. Ninth New Hampshire Regiment, died in 



Rf.uimest. 



Samuel P. Smith, private. Tenth Massachnsetu Eegimcnt, served three 

years and was discharged. 
Simeon P. Smith, private. Tenth MassachusetU Regiment, died from 

wounds. 
Lyman P. Tilton, private. Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment. 
Charics S. Glidden, private, Tl.irty-thinl Massachusetts Regiment. 
George Sturtevant, private, Thirty-third Massachusetts Regiment. 
Edwin A. Leavitt, private, Pennsylvania Cavalry, 
Richard \V. Black. 

Stephen Cornell, captain, United States army. 
Melvin Chase, private, First New Hampshire Batic 
Opkicehs of the Tweljth New H.\mp8iiii 
Isaiah Winch, regimental (juartermaster. 
Daniel S. Bedee, adjutant, discharged. 
Dr. J. H. Sanborn, assistant surgeon, discharged. 
E. K. B.'dec, sergeant-major, promoted to captain. 
J. H. Prescott, ijuartcrmaster-sergeant, promoted to second limitonant 

aTid discharged. 

The following is the roster of Company I, Twelfth 
New Hampshire Volunteers, from its organization to 
September 1, 1864: 

J. W. Lang, Jr., received captain's commission in Company I September 

8, 1S62 ; honorably discharged August 19, 18C4, for physical disa- 

biUty, on account of wounds received at CliancelloiBville May :i 

1863. 

W. H. H. Femald, received first lieutenant's commission in Company I 

.September 8, 1862 ; received captain's commission and transferred 

to Company A, Twelfth New Hampshire Volunteers, December 20, 

186.3 ; honorably discharged December 18, 18M. 
William W. Stevens, received second lieutenant's commission September 

8, 1862 ; discharged on surgeon's certificate of disability April 5 

1863. 
Goorge S. Cram, appointed orderly sergeant, to date from September 9, 

1862 ; discharged for promotion March 6, 1863 ; received second 

lieutenant's commision and assigned to Company E, Twelfth New 

Hampshire Volunteers, March-6, 1863 ; killed in battle at Cbancel- 

lorsville May 3, 1863. 
Edwin Pronk,* sergeant, to date from September 9, 1862 ; discharged for 

disability .August 4, 1863. 
Levi Leach, appointed sergeant, to date from September 9, 1862; dis- 
charged for disability April 3, 1864, on account of wounds received 

at Gettysburg July 2, 1863. 
William P. Ham,* appointed sergeant, to date from September 9, 1862 ; 

appointed orderly sergeant November, 1863 ; discharged by reason 
. of promotion February 3, 1864 ; received second lieutenant's com- 
mission and mustered and assigned to Company I February 4, 1804 ; 

died of wounds, June 15, 1864, received at Coal Harbor June 3, 

1864. 
Moses F. Hutcbins, appointed sergeant, to date from September 9, 1862 ; 

left hand shot oif accidentally in camp at Orleans, Va, ; discharged 

December 12, 1862. 
Alden .\. Kidder, appointed corporal, to date from September 9, 1862 ; 

appointed sergeant, to date from January 1, 1863 ; appointed orderly 

sergeant, to date from February 4, 1864. 
Moses Chapman, appointed corporal, to date from September 9, 1862 ; ap- 
pointed sergeant to date from October 13, 186:1. 
Samuel W. George, appointed corporal, to date from September 9, 1862 ; 

died of congestion of the lungs in camp near Falmouth, Va., Jan- 

uarj- 4, 1862. 
George G. Badger, corporal; discharged for disability February 11, 

1864, of wounds received at Chancelloi^ville, May 3, 1863. 
George W. Ham, appointed corporal, to date from September 9, 1862 ; 

discharged from hospital at Washington, D. C, December 29, 

1862. 
Loami Hartshorn, appointed corporal, to date from September 9, 1862 ; 

appointed sergeant to date from February 4, 18G4. 
Dudley F. Norris, appointed corporal, to date from September 9, 1862 ; 
appointed orderly-sergeant, to date from March 12,1862; discharged 

for disability, November 2, 1863, on account of wounds received at 

Clianccllorsrille May 3, 1863. 
Robert Forsaith, appointed corporal, to date from September 9, 1862 ; 

killed in battle at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Edwin .\very,* died at .Annapolis, 5Id., of chronic diarrhoea, October 30, 

18C3. 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Oliver S. Bickford. 

Charles R. 'Boynton,* died of chronic diarrhoea, July, 1884. 
Winbom Bryant, discharged for disability December 10, 18ti3. 
William 0. Bryant, killed in battle at Coal Harbor, June 3, 1804. 
Sullivan Bryant, wounded at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, and transferred 

to Invalid Corps December 8, 1803. 
George L. Brown,* died May 22, 1803, of wounds received at Chancel- 

lorsville. 
Albert L. Biisiel, died at Concord, N. 11., date unknown ; accideutally 



Dana Busiel. 
Ezra B. Burbauk.* 
Rufue F. Bickford.* 
Joseph G. Chapman, 
C. C. Chapman. 
John P. Clay, died i 



, 1804, of wounds received in front of Petere- 



Jolu. I'. Clifton. 

George W. Clifton, appointed corjwral January, 1804. 

John i: Clough, discharged for disability October 17, 1803, from wounds 
received at Chancellorsville. 

George S. Clough, discharged for disability November 17, 1802. 

Charles B. Clough, died of chronic diarrhcr-a, October 8, 1803, at Mere- 
dith, N. 11. 

George W. Davis. 

X. S. Davis, appointed corporal February, 1803 ; disebarged for disa- 
bility March 7, 1804, on account of wounds received at Chancel- 
IfireviUo, Jlay 3,l«(a. 

John S. S. Dolloff, appointed corporal March, 1804 ; killed at Coal Ilar- 



Levi S. Downing, died of camp fever i 
Cirlaiido Burgin,* October 19, 1862, 






Falmouth, Va., De- 
ral hospital. Harper's 



died i 



1 camp near Falmouth, Va., of camp fever, 
Hartwood Church, Va., of measles, Novem- 



Carlton C. 

February 2, 1863. 

George H. Follctt,* died 
her 26, 1802. 

William E. S. Foss, discharged from hospital at Philadelphia, Pa., Jan- 
nary 14, 1863. 

James Fullerton, died of typhoid fever in hospital at Berlin, Md., No- 

N. L. Greeuloaf, sent to general hotipital, Washington, D. C, November, 

17, 1802. 
George W. Gines.* 
George W. Gordon.* 

Daniel F. A. Goas, discharged for disability September 4, 1803. 
Albert A. Graves.* 
Benjamin S. lla\\kiu.s,'^^ died of chronic diarrhtea, September, 1802, at 

Will:.. II II I'.-l .hine 10, 1803, of wound received at Chancel- 

Jaijii;, il-i'Lu., ii I i]i hospital July 3, 1803, of wounds received at 

Gettysburg, July 2, 1S63. 
Lorenzo Hawkins. 
Josiah B. Hill,* died in hospital at Harper's Ferry, Va., of typhoid 

fever, November 9, 1862. 
George W. Hall, discharged for disability Novembers, 1863. 
James H. How. 

Willar.l L. IlMiitnss, disiharged fur disabilily .\pr!l 10, lSfi4. 
H, s liui. lull-,* NVi.uti.l. .1 .11 I lull. . tl-i-\ 111' , "^Iix -'. lsf.3 ; promoted 

.- (.. .1 ,[ 1 1 .hi I . I. \ 1 : 'I ■ .1 ... .1 lor promotion. 

\|.i 'I I. 1 ■ 1 . ' • • I' . .i I ':.. .!(... ,1,1 .-I,, 11 and assigned 

I,, I'll 1 I nit, ■! ^i.ii,, \ ,liii,i, ,.! - , [.I.. I, ,1 1., Ill -I lieutenant July, 



nil K. Jenness, 
i II. J.'UUess. 
1. l.add. 



linted corporal February, 1864. 



Join 

John L. Lawrence, discharged for disability, December, 1862. 

Bradford Leach, died of camp fever in camp, near Falmouth, Va., De- 
cember 25, 1802. 

Willie S. Leach, died in camp near Falmouth, Va., of camp fever, Feb- 
ruary 17, 1803. 

Charles P. Leavitt,* discharged for disability June 15, 18G4, on account 
of wounds received at Chancellorsville, May 3, 1863. 

John Lovett, discharged for disability from camp near Falmouth, Va., 
March 28, 1863. 



Walt. -I I . \1 : II II, ■! Ill Washington, D. C, June 16, 1863, of wounds 

f : i-ville, 3Iay3,1863. 

Geni^, . \i , ■ - |, runted corporal August, 18C4, and promoted ser- 

John r. McKeudrick, discharged September 

wounds received at Chancellorsville, May 3, 
George H. Moulton,* died in hospital at Washington, D. C, of typhoid 

fever, October 22, 1802. 
N.Lyman Merrill,* appointed corporal November, 1861; promoted to 

sergeant, to date from May 1, 1864. 



Convalescent Camp, Va., of diphtheria, 



t Chancellorevil 



and assigned t 



John N. Marshe, died 
30, 1803. 

Samuel B. Noyes, wounded at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863 ; discharged 
April 24, 1864, for promotion ; received second lieutenant's commis- 
sion, and assigned to the First United States Volunteers ; promoted 
to first lieutenant July, 1864. 

George F. Nichols,* died of camp fever at camp near Knoxville, Md., 
October 24, 1862. 

Enos H. Nudd.« 

Charles H. Perkins, discharged from camp near Falmouth. Va,. for dis- 
ability, .lanuary 27, 1863. 

Alonzo S. Philbrook, died of camp fever in camp near Falmouth, Va., 
December 22, 1862. 

Oscar L. Piper, discharged for disability at camp near Falmouth, Va., 
April 16, 1863. 

B. G. Piper,* died May 17, 1863, of wounds received f 

May 3, 1863. 
Newton B. Plummer, received a captain's commissic 

the Thirty-second Begiment United States Volunteers March, 

1804. ' 
Nathan G. Plummer, appointed corporal, to date May I, 1864 ; wounded 

at Coal Harbor, June 3, 1864. 
H. S. Plaisted,* killed in battle at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1S03. 
James Prescott, discharged for disability November 17, 1862. 
Stephen J. Pitman. 
Darius Robinson, accidentially shot on board cars between Baltimore and 

Washington, September 27, 1862. 
William H. Rogers,* appointed corporal February, 1863 ; killed in battle 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May3, 1863. 
William H. Skinner. 

Gilman Smith, died May 14, 1863, of wounds received at Chancellors- 
ville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

C. 0. Smith. 

Daniel Shaw, died May 17, 1803, of wounds received at Chancellorsville, 

.May 3, 1863. 
William H. Stickney,* wounded in battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 

186.3. 
Edwin S. Towle,* discharged for disability July 16, 186:!. 
John W. Towle,* discharged tor disability April 3, 1803. 
W. S. True,* ilied of camp fever in camp near Falmouth, Va., December 

26, 1802. 

D. G. M. Twombly, killed in battle at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 

1803. 

Simeon T. Ward,* appointed corporal January, 1864. 

James Wallace,* killed in battle at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 

John F. Webster, wounded in battle at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1803 ; 
appointed corporal May 1, 1864. 

.\mmon K. Webster,* wounded at Chancellorsville, May 3, 18t>3 ; trans- 
ferred to Invalid Corps April 10, 1864. 

Thomas Welch, appointed corporal February 1804. 

Under the call of the President, July 3, 1863, there 
were twenty-three men drafted September 29, 1863, 
all of whom furnishcdsubstitutes. Under the. Presi- 
dent's call made October 17, 1863, the town furnished 
twenty-.si.v volunteers, only one (William Prescott) 
from the town. In answer to the call for more troops 
made March 14, 1863, Meredith furnished sixteen vol- 
unteers, as follows : 

John K. McCnllis, Fifth New Hampshire ; re-enlisted ; promoted to cap- 
tain. 
William H. Lovering, First New Hampshire Cavalry ; re-enlisted. 
Luther Dockhiuu, Kighth New Hampshire ; rc-enlisted. 
Martin It. Plumber, Kii-Kt New Hampshire Cavalry. 



The other twelve were not residents of Meredith. 
Three were drafted and furnished substitutes. 

July 18, 18G4, wheu the President called for five 
hundred thousand men, this town furnished forty-five 
men, of whom five were volunteers from Meredith, 
namely,- 

George T. Craai, captain, First New Hampshire Cavalry. 
George E. Gilmau, ticuteuaut, First New Hampshire Cavalry. 
Johu Badger, private, Fii-st New Hampshire Heavy Artillery. 
Oscar J. Piper, private, First New Hampshire Heavy Artillery. 
Frank B. Swain, private. First New Hami>shii-e Heavy Artillery. 

Twenty enrolled men furnished substitutes; the re- 
mainder were volunteers, not residents (twenty in 
numljer). 

Under the last eall of the President, made Deccm- 
Ijer 19, 18G4, nine enrolled men furnished substitutes, 
that number being more than sufBefent to fill the 
iiuuta, or accounts of credits for three vears' men. 



CHAPTER VI. 

iIERKDlTH^(6'o«</Hucrf). 

ECCI.ESIASTKAL HISTORY. 

of Town concerning Town Minister— Kev. Simon Finley Williams 
.etter of Acceptance — iMsmissat— First Congregational Society— Or- 
lization— Pastors— Church Edifices— Rev. Giles Leach— Rev. Charles 
rnham -Original Members, Etc. — Second Advent. 



"State of New Ham 

lilts ufthe town of Meredith, who 
ini;et and assemble themselves at tli 
on Monday, the second djiy of Jann 
in the forenoon for the followiii 
moderatorfor said meeting. 21y. t 
Reverend Mr. Simon Finley Willia 



I'SMIHB, STbAFFORD, SS. 

11 the Freeholders and other Inhiibit- 



11 of the clock 
jte to give the 



ithe 



said town. 3dly. to see what encouragement they will Vote to give the 
said Mr. Williams for settling iu said town, as above. 4thly. to choose a 
Oinmiltee, of as many pei^sons as the town shall think proper, to treat 
with Mr. Williams on the matter, and make report to the town of Mr. 
Williams' aprobation or disaprobation of the encouragement. Voted 5ly. 
to pass any Vote or Votes in or about the said premises, as the town shall 
think best when met. 

*■ Given under our hands and seal at Meredith, aforesaid, this tenth 
day December .\. Domini, IT'.ll. 

" William Davis, . Sekctmen 
" Reuben 3Iorgi.\, | of Meredith. 
Meredith, January 2d, 170-2. —We, the subscribere, hereby certify that 
till- within notification for a town-meeting hjis been publicly posted iu 
said town more than fifteen days last past. 

" William Davis, i Sf(ec(raeii 
"Reube.s Moegi.v, J of Meredith." 

" At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of Meredith, held 
at the north meeting-house, in said town, on Monday, the second day of 
January, 1792, for ye following purposes : Viz*. ; Firstly, to choose a 
moderatorto govern said meeting. Secondly, to see if the town will Vote 
to give the Reverend Mr. Simon Williams a call to settle in the ministry 
in said town, .and to see what encouragement the town will Vote to give 
said Mr. Williams to settle in said town, as above, as town'sminister. 

'' lly. When met chose Capt. Joshua Woodman moderator for said 



" 21y. the town clerk being absent, choose John Gilmau, clerk, V. T., 
o keep the minutes of the meeting, who was sworn by the moderator, 
here being no magistrate present. 

":'.Jly. A'oted to give the said Mr. Williams a call to settle, as above, 
ml Voted to choose a Committee to consult together what sums to offer 



to 3Ir. Williams and report to the town at this meeting for their accept- 
ance or non-acceptance, and for that purpose chose as a committee Capt. 
William Davis, L' Joseph Robards, Mr. Chase Robinson, Eus. Robert 
Bryant, jMr. Gideon Robinson, Bus. Daniel Smith, Ens. Joseph Neal, Lt. 
Reuben Morgin, John Robanls, John Perkins, Moses Merrill, Capt. 
William Ray, Reuben Maiuton, William Pike and Jonathan Danforth. 
After said committee had consulted together on the premises made the 
following Report, Vii>. : that as their oppinion the town should build a 
house forty feet in length and thirty-two feet in width, two stories high, 
for said Mr. W'illianis, on the fii-st Division lot, in said town, called the 
minister's lot, and board, clapboard and shingle said house aud make and 
complcate a good cellar under the one-half of said house, and,buiM a 
good stack of chimneys in sjiid hoiwc, and finish three rooms in said 
house in a guml worktiiuiiUko manner, to be done and compleated by the 

ftrai "I ^ ••'''■■■■ '■' ^■ 15 a settlement, and to give the said Sir. Wil- 

Ham- ^1 ' ' 111 y, yearly, so long as he shall continue to b« 

thelMMi ' III -third part of said sum to be paid in cash, the 

one-lliii'i 1' II I t . I J Hi! Ill ^ood beef and pork, the above beef and pork 
to be at till- i-i.miiiijii i-ash price ; which report the town Voted to receive. 
Tlie town chose a committee of three persous, Vi/.«. : .^Capt. William 
Davis, Capt. William Kay and I.t. Joseph Kobards, to present the same to 
y\r. Williams for his aprobation or disaprobation. The town also Voted 
that it -■^Ir. \\'illiiims should settle in town that he shall preach in the 
si-i-iiiiil iiiiil tliii-d Divisions their full proportion according to the money 
thiy piiy towards the support of said Mr. Williams, if requested. 

"JosHfA Woodman, Moderator. 



" Gentle)iiai : 

" .\8 God the Supreme has seen 
the glad tidings which the gospel 
the people of this town to manifes 



" Mereditii, January the 28th, 



amongyou to preach 
as disposed the hearts of 
attachment towards me 



as to make choice of me in so public and united a manner to settle among 
you as a gospel minister, as appears from the Votes Committed to me as 
a committee, chosen by the town at a legal meeting for that purpose, I 
have, in the most serious and prayerful manner, attended to your invita- 
tion, wishing not to keep you in long suspense respecting the matter, 
have thought it to be my duty to give this, my answer, in the affirmative, 
pruying that the God of peace may so rule in each of our hearts that the 
connection may be for the mlvancement of His glory aud our mutual 
happiness ; that I may be enabled, by divine assistance, to serve you in the 
sacred office, and being faithful to my Lord in performance of the solemD 
vows already taken upon me, and that you all may ever hear the word 
with joy and be nourished thereby, that I may, to the end of ray short 
life, have abundant reason to adore the God who sent me to feed his flock 
iuthisplace by ouradhearing to the rules of the Gospel shall at some 
future day be my crown and joy iu the Lord. 

" I am. Gentlemen, with all possible esteem, 

" Vour friend and pastor-elect, 

Simon Finley Williams. 
"To Capt. Davis,! Committee 
"Capt. Ray, j- of the 

" Lieut. Roberts, J Town." 
The pastorate of Mr. Williams did not result in as 
much good as might have been e.\peeted from these 
sonorous expressions, as his private life was not in 
conformity with his belief and caused much discon- 
tent and scandal. Cognizant of this, in 1797 he 
asked for his dismissal ; but the town voted not to 
dismiss him, but appointed a committee " to confer 
and arbitrate with him." " He had to give up all the 
back-pay due him of one hundred and fifty pounds,^ 
40 pounds in back sallery and six acres of land, and 
80 pounds lawful money, iu other pay, and an addi- 
tion of 9 acres of land." And finally, six months 
after his request, the town " Voted to dismiss Rev. S. 
F. Williams from this ministry, he giving up fifteen 
acres of land and all the back sallery." 

CongregationalChuTch— Fir.stConguegatioxai> 
Society. — The Congregational Church in Centr- 



o4 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Harbor and Third Division of Meredith was organized 
February 20, 1815, by the assistance of Rev. Edward 
Warren, missionary. Moses Morse was elected dea- 
con of said church. On March 11, 1817, the town 
took action on the article in the warrant calling the 
meeting, "to see if the town has any objection to a 
society being incorporated in the Third Division of 
said town, to be known by the name of the First 
Congregational Society in Meredith," and " Voted 
that Ebeuezer Pitman, Jr., the representative, be 
instructed to care for the bill of incorporation before 
the Legislature, that the town funds may not be em- 
braced in the act of incorporation." 

March 24, 1817, Rev. Daniel Smith was installed 
over said church. The meetings were held half the 
time on Centre Harbor Hill, and the other half in the 
Third Division of Meredith, in a church built a mile and 
one fourth north of Meredith village, which was raised 
in 1808, and owned by Congregationalists and Calvin- 
istic Baptists. Rev. Daniel Smith died in Meredith 
August 18, 1824. The next mention we have of a settled 
pastor is January 1, 182i), when Rev. Reuben Porter 
was installed, and, April 27, 1830, was dismissed. He 
was followed by the Rev. Joseph Lane, who entered 
upon his pastorate April 20, 1831, and was dismissed 
in April, 1833. 

April 19, 1831, this church "Voted to assume the 
name of the First Congregationalist Church in the 
Third Division of Meredith." A new church editice 
was built one-fourth of a mile north of Meredith vil- 
lage by this church and .society, and was dedicated 
February 7, 1833. 

After the dismissal of Rev. Joseph Lane, for nearly 
three years. Rev. Abram Wheeler acted as pastor. 
March 28, 1838, Rev. Eli W. Taylor was installed, 
and his dismissal took place September 12, 1841. 

Rev. Giles Leach was installed over this church 
November 23, 1842. A brief sketch of this earnest 
and fervent preacher of the gospel, and of one who 
left a plea.sant memory of his life and ministry in 
Meredith, is in place here. Mr. Leach was born in 
liridgewater, Mass., April 1, 1801. He graduated 
at Amherst College in 1826 and at Andover (Mass.) 
Theological Seminary in 1833. His first ])arish was 
Sandwich, N. H. ; from there he was called to this 
town, where he remained nearly twelve years, severing 
his connection with this church May 23, 1854. His 
next pastorate was in Wells, Me. ; then he went to 
Rye, N. H. Here his wife died, and at the urgent 
solicitation of his four daughters, he resigned his 
charge, and made his home with them, passing the 
different seasons of the year at their homes. At 
present writing he is rapidly approaching the dark 
river of death, having had paralysis. He is a man 
of whom it can truly be said, " In him there is no 
guile." 

Rev. Charles Burnham became jiastor of the 
church January 8, 1857 ; his pastorate was one of the 
bingest ever known in its historv. His dismissal took 



place April 19, 1871. He was a scholarly man and 
an eloquent preacher. In November, 1872, Rev. 
George J. Bard succeeded Mr. Burnham, and was 
dismissed November 28, 1882. Rev. John E. Wildey 
was ordained and installed as pa.stor February 28, 
1883, and is the present clergyman. 

About 1842 the church building was removed td 
its present location. In 1871 it was enlarged and 
thoroughly repaired at an expense of over four thousand 
dollars. In 1878 the society built a chapel near 
their church. February 20, 1885, this church ceU- 
brated its seventieth anniversary. 

The following were the thirteen original members 
of the church: Ephraim Doton, David Robinson, 
Moses Morse, Jeremiah Towlc, Joshua Norris, Stephen 
Norris, Hannah Morse, Elizal)eth Robinson, Mary 
Ladd, Abigail Norris, Dorethy Sturtevant, Sarah 
Norris, Susannah Doton. During its existence there 
have been enrolled three hundred and ten mem- 
bers, and its present membership is eighty-three. 
The church and society are free from debt. Tlie 
Sabbath-school numbers eighty scholars and eleven 
teachers. 

We copy, as worthy of notice in these days ol 
" woman's rights," one of the rules published by tliis 
church in 1829 : 

"Resolved, that it ii» the duty of Turenta and Guardians to require the 
children and members of their respective families punctually to attend 
the public worship of God on the Sabbath and at other seasons, as op- 
portunity may present, and utterly to forbid their attending the meet- 
ings of Female preachers or speakers." 

The present deacons are Moses Morse, John Osgood, 
John Sanborn, Richard Furber, Daniel Norris, Levi 
Leach, Horatio N. Newell, George N. Wiley, Charles 
Maloon. Clerk, James Seavey. 

Second Advent.— In 1843, Rev. William Miller 
and Rev. Joshua V. Himesheld the first Millerite, or 
Second Advent meetings in the town, and from that 
time there has been occasional preaching by various 
persons. The number of believers in this faith was 
once quite large, and a meeting-house was erected 
on the " Neck," but no organized society was formed 
and no stated services held regularly. At present 
meetings are held at the town hall. 



H.VPTER VII. 



ECCLKSi.vsTic.-M, HISTORY— {Continued). 

The Original Baptist Church— Character of Its Members — Klder Folsoiii 
— Description and Fate of the Old jMeeting-Housc— Petition for Vote 
of Town Concerning, and Incorporation of, the Society — Elder Parker 
Fogg— Elder Lewis Caswell— Other Pastors— Disbanding of the Society 
—Second Baptist Church— Organization— First Place of Worslii]- 
Brick Meetiug-IIouse — Pastors — Meredith Village Church — Menib. i 
ship— Sabbath-School. 

The Original Baptist Church of Meredith.— Th. 

village church ol' the di-iioiiiinaticm, bi-iiig part heir 



J 



845 



aud successor, was founded in 1779, a little more than 
a decade after the incorporation of the town. In the 
hundred years aud more which liave passed the 
successive societies have had their seasons of great 
usefulness and prosperity, aud have also had their 
dark days of trial and adversity. Through their 
chosen elders and teachers they have ministered to 
the spiritual needs of four generations of tlie Meredith 
people. This church was founded during the War of 
the Revolution, when men and the country were un- 
settled, when opportunities of education were very 
limited aud the code of morals dirtererit from the 
present time, when the demoralizing influences of 
war — which one generation can hardly live down — 
were upon the people and when everything was more 
or less in a state of chaos. The men who fouuded this 
tirst Baptist Church were "men of strong convictions 
concerning the truth, and considered doctrinal views 
essential to church membership, withdrawing the 
hand of fellowship on more than one occasion from 
till ISC who dissented in some way from the articles of 
faith. They took the Bible as their counselor in all 
.spiritual matters, and they refused to walk in fellow- 
.sliip with those who perverted aud ignored the ordi- 
nances of baptism and the Lord's Supper. They were 
also zealous in propagating the peculiar tenets of 
their faith. Yet it was not only purity of doctrine, 
but purity of lile and conduct, for which they earn- 
estly strove. The records of their times show that it 
was not only considered a matter of discipline for any 
church member to indulge in intemperance or any 
other vice, but, as now, it was in some degree an occa- 
sion of social ostracism." In this brief tribute we 
clearly perceive that they followed the dictates of 
their consciences with firmness. Of the original 
settlers in Meredith (originally New Salem), the 
larger half came from towns in Rockingham County. 
They settled near the Parade (see Meredith's Parade, 
in this history), and from time to time, probably 
commencing a.s early as 1770, they received the 
spiritual ministrations of Dr. Samuel Shepard, 
of Brentwood, a skillful and learned physician, 
an eloquent preacher and a Baptist missionary. 
Through his efforts, the cause of the Master was so 
strengthened that on the 4th of November, 1779, the 
people met at Mr. William Mead's and, without cere- 
mony, formed themselves into a church. They 
adopted the name of Auti-Pedo Baptist Church of 
Meredith at a meeting held Aug. 3, 1780, and adopted 
Calvinistic articles of faith. On the 21st of August in 
the same year nineteen male and eight female mem- 
bers were added to the church, and at the meeting 
held to vote on their reception John Oilman was 
chosen clerk of the society. Nicholas Folsom and 
Abram Swain were chosen ruling elders, and Jonathan 
Edgerly and Brother Crocket deacons. The right 
hand of fellowship was given to the deacons by Elder 
Folsom, and the ordination prayer was made by John 
Mead. John Kimball and Gideon Robins assisted in 



the laying on of hands. After this their numbers so 
increased that, in 1782, it was voted, after a season of 
prayer and fasting, to set apart Nicholas Folsom to 
the work of the Christian ministry. Accordingly, on 
the second Wednesday in September of the same 
year, a council of the ministers and delegates from 
the churches in Brentwood, Madborough, (iilmanton 
and Sandwich, met and ordained Mr. Folsom, the 
sermon being preached by Elder Hooper, of Brent- 
wood. In the same year an effort was made to make 
Elder Folsom the town minister, but the town voted 
not to receive him. He was generally respected, but 
the voters objected to his doctrinal views. Elder 
Folsom, however, continued to preach until near the 
close of the eighteenth century, one-half the time in 
Meredith and one-half in Sanbornton, during which 
time the Meredith Church lost forty-five members, 
who removed their membership to Sanbornton, it 
being nearer their homes. These meetings of ilie 
church were held at school-houses and private resi- 
dences, in the three divisions of the town, and were 
called branch or neighborhood meetings. In the 
absence of Elder Folsom, some of the associate elders 
or deacons officiated. 

Elder Folsom received no compensation for his 
services except by the voluntary contribution of the 
people. He rode about the country on horseback, 
and whatever he received by way of donation found a 
place in his capacious saddle-bags. He owned a good 
farm in Meredith, which he cultivated. 

He is mentioned as being a plain, direct and forci- 
ble preacher, preaching what he believed the truth, 
without fear or favor. Many of the older people 
recollect hearing their parents relate his witty sayings, 
and homely but telling illustrations. 

There are several versions concerning the fate of the 
old meeting-house, which was probably built during 
the last decade of the century. The following is 
from one of the old citizens : 

•■ Tlie original uit-etiiig-house wiis about the size of a district school- 
house and stood on the left-hand side of the highway. Karly in this 
century it was set on tire by a Mrs. Morgan, an erratic woman, and 
wholly destroyed. She lived in the neighlwrhood and was offended be- 
cause the people came to her house at the intermission of services to 
warm themselves, for in those days places of worship were not warmed, 
aud declared she would have relief from the annoyance. Her husband 
paid for the building destroyed." 

The society then worshiped in the town-house, 
which stood on the Meredith village border of the 
Parade, occupying it one Sunday and the Cougrega- 
tioualists the ne.xt, and also alternating in the occu- 
pancy of a meeting-house in the Third Division of the 
town. The town-house had the old-fashioned high- 
back pews, a high pulpit, above which was a sound- 
ing-board, aud a gallery on the highway end, under 
which was the entrance. This arrangement could 
not have lasted many years, as a second place of wor- 
ship was built near the General Wadleigh place, where 
the Union School-house now stands. The cottage 
near the Wadleigh house was the parsonage. 



846 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



From 1800 to 1820 little of note occurred. The 
church was compelled to discipline some of its mem- 
bers, and to wage a continual war against the besetting 
sin of the times, intemperance, but the branch and 
neighborhood meetings were continued, and the mem- 
bership increased. Elder Folsom, whose life had been 
one of self-sacrifice to duty, began now to show signs 
of age. He had gone cold, weary and hungry for the 
Master's cause, and Icnew little of the comforts of this 
generation. Even his fireside, which, however poor 
and humble, might have been pleasant, was made 
uncomfortable. It is said he tried to keep the church 
records upon birch-bark. He wrote by the light of a 
tallow dip, and upon complaining at one time to his 
wife of the poor light, she seized the records and threw 
them into the fire, saying she would make it light 
enough for him. The records were rewritten from 
memory. 

Rev. Nicholas Folsom was born in Brentwood, 
N. H., in 1747. His father was an Englishman, 
named John Smith, who took the name Fol^ham from 
his native town after he came to America, and be- 
came a settler in Meredith in 1778, accompanied by 
his son Nicholas, who, in his youth, was a soldier in 
the Indian War, and who, in July, 1777, enlisted in Cap- 
tain Chase Taylor's company of volunteers from San- 
bornton, and fought valiantly in the battle of Ben- 
nington. He was in service until September 18,1777. 
He lives in the memory and traditions of Meredith 
as a man of more than ordinary gifts, fond of telling, 
both in and out of the pulpit, incidents of warlike 
experience. Tall, dark-comple.Kioned, well-propor- 
tioned he was one who never thouglit it necessary to 
be stern, even in moments of religious excitement. 
He was thoroughly in earnest, however, and deeply 
impK ssid that he was a chosen instrument to preach 
tlu' i^osiiel to the pioneers. It is stated that he often 
started from home without his breakfast, preaching 
in Meredith, Moultonborough and Sandwich the same 
day, reaching home at night after a travel of almost 
forty miles, and going supperless to bed. This was his 
life for many years. After the ordination of his suc- 
cessor. Elder Fogg, Elder Folsom passed the remain- 
der of his life upon his farm, where he died Decem- 
ber, 1830, aged eighty-three years. 

During the pastorate of Elder Folsom this society. 
was incorporated, and became a legal body, as is shown 
by these documents. 

The following is a copy of the petition of the Bap- 
tist Society for an incorporation, 1797. 

" To the Senate and House of Representatives of tho State of New 

Hampshire convened at Concord June, 1797 : 

'* Humbly Sheweth the Petition of the undersigned that they are and 
liave been a Religious Society in the town of Meredith for a Number of 
years Post Known Iiy the Name of tlio Baptist Sucicty ^iml have Erec- 

I.alinur Ulidi-r Some IliwidvanlaKes fi.r Net 1- .1 • 1 lulo a 

unennnorted with tile oilier Soeiely in sael Imh v., i..;,, Iluiiible 
Petitioners pr.iy this Hcmoniblc Court to pass an art to Kiic.m pi.nite 
Said Society wilb full Power to transact their own matters as Concern 



after have Liberty at any time to Joyn this Society or withdraw 
them selves therefrom as they may see fit ami as in Duty Bound we 
your humble Petitioners Shall Ever Pray 

"Meredith April 1797 

"Alirahani Swain, .l.ihn Mead, Stephen Mead, Eben' Pitmau, Eben' 
Pilin.u, I ,1 iL- ^« ,111, .Inn., Edward fox, Elisha Piper, Daniel Piper, 

I'i' ^!" ' ^' "i.I Kdgerly, Jesse Plumer, Moses Plumer, Amos 

Ptini :, Taylor Pearson, Levi Leavitt, Joseph Pearson, 

■J'l'li'ii \\ . 1, , u J, 111,^ Sanborn, Jesse Plumer, Juf, Jethro Pearson, 
Nathaniel riiiiiier, .Insepli Goss, W™ Randlett, Enoch Gordon, James 
GorUen, Levi Kandlet, Amos Levitt, John Robinson, Kathauael folsom, 
ttiomus DollolT, Joshua Moses, Joseph Moses, Joehuu Crocket, tliomaa 
(Jrusbie, David Boyutun, J', Jereuiiah Pike, John Swain, Samuel Sibley, 
William pike, Benjamin Peas, Timothy Wamoutb, timothy morrill, 
Beojauiiu Crosbie, James Peas, Nicholas Smith, Jose]ih Pease, Jonathan 
i'arrar, Philiji Connor, Bradstreet Wiggin, John M^Daniel, hesekiah 
swain, David Lawrence, Stephen Farrer, Job Judkins, Jonathan Killey, 
Gordon Lawrence, Abraham Drake. 

" the under Signed have no objections to the prayer of the within Pe- 
tition being Granted wo being Inhabitants of said mereditb — 

" Kbenezer Smith, Daniel Smith, Isaac farrar, Robert Bryant, Eben' 
Weeks, Reuben morgin, James Nichols, John fate, Jonathan Page, 
Elias Philbrick, John Perkins, Daniel Colby." 

A copy of the foregoing was posted at the house of 
" David Boynton, Inholder," and served on the select- 
men. (See following document). 

VOTE OF THE TOWN RELATIVE TO THE BAPTIST SOCIETY, 1797. 

"Strafford 66 .Meredith Aug.irt 2S>1. 17!)7 

"At a Legal I'mm] A|,,i,hj iln- iiv li .M< ti at the North Meeting- 
House insaiil tii\\ n til' I :!i 1 i ,1: \\ arrant for said Meeting to 

Coobider of the I'riiii. II . [ 1: l;,;:,: - I i> 111' this town at the Gen- 

"KotetJ that they would in.l iippo»- the Petition of the Baptist Society 
at the General Court praying for an incorporation — 
" The Above is a true Coppy from record Attest — 

"DANtKl. Slumi J' J'uion CU-rk'' 

The society was iiicorixiratcd by tin act [lassed I'l- 
cember 14, 17!)7. 

About the time Elder Folsom's health and powers 
declined, at a meeting held at the house of John 
Wadleigh, Parker Fogg was admitted to member- 
ship in the church by letter. He was a brilliant anil 
enthusiastic young man and apparently zealous in 
building up the cause. Accordingly, it was 
voted to give him ordination, the exercises to take, 
place in February, 1821, at the meeting-house in the 
Third Division. There is no record of the ordination. 
Elder Folsom died soon after, and Mr. Fogg became 
sole pastor. 

" Xt first Elder Fogg was an acceptable preacher and 
instrumental in doing good ; but he had inherited a 
strong appetite for intoxicating liquor, which proved 
his ruin and was the cause of great sorrow and 
trial to the church. After he had been pastor for a 
number of years it became evident that he 
lacked the powers of self-control, and indulged ti"> 
freely in the use of intoxicants. Many became di- 
satisfied with him as pastor and declined to hi n 
him preach. Noticing the change in the feelings ni 
the membership towards him, he resigned his char-i 
and engaged in missionary labor for the State Con- 
vention. The evil habit, however, increased upon 
him until it com)ilctcly destroyed his usefulness as a 



minister. These and other coni^jlications served to 
clieck, to a great degree, the growth of the church." 
From 1824 to 1829 the organization appears to have 
been dormant, but in 1829 a number of students at 
the New Hampton Institution wore zealous in the 
Master's cause and had a wish to labor in this town 
and some of the surrounding ones, in the hope of 
causing a revival. Among this number was an earn- 
est and talented young man, afterward a successful 
evangelist, who visited this church and held pro- 
tracted meetings. He was assisted by Elder Evans, 
by Elder James Barnaby, also a student and a man 
who figured conspicuously in the anti-Masonic ex- 
citement of the times, and by some of the local 
brethren. These meetings were the cause of great 
good to all the churches in the vicinity. On the 29th 
of October, 1829, a large number were baptized by 
Elder Evans. On the 21st of December, Lewis Cas- 
well joined the church by letter, and it was voted to 
give him ordination, which was done on the 31st of 
January, 1830. Elder Caswell proved to be the 
right man in the right place, and the year that fol- 
lowed was one of the greatest blessings to the church 
of any in its history. In 1831 thirteen members 
withdrew to form the Second Baptist Church of Mer- 
edith, and in 1833 others withdrew to form the church 
at Piper's Mills. In 1833 a council was convened 
to consider the charges against Mr. Fogg,. then still 
a member of the church. The charges, "intemper- 
ate habits," were sustained and he was deposed from 
the ministry. But Parson Fogg had many excellent 
qualities ; he is remembered as a friendly, kind- 
hearted and sympathetic man. He had uncommon 
gifts ; he once read a paper before a large assembly 
of ministers on " The connection of time with eter- 
nity," which created a profound impression. His 
memory should not be treated lightly, nor his habits 
be censured too severely. He lived at a time when 
the use of stimulants was more common than now; 
when they were less under the ban of society. El- 
der Caswell resigned after the deposition of Mr. 
Fogg. He was a man of exalted piety and highly 
regarded by his people. He was a strong, positive 
man, unbending and uncompromising in his views 
touching society atfairs, and was one of the few- 
New Hampshire preachers who, from 1827 to 183o, 
and later, were outspoken in their conflemnatiim of 
Free-Masonry. 

During 1834 and 183.5 the church bad no regular 
pastor. In December, 1835, the Rev. A. M. Swain, 
of Salem, N. Y., was engaged to preach. He re- 
mained about two years, the society showing a falling 
oft" in membership during his pastorship. In 
1838 and 1839 the church was destitute of a pastor. 
In 1839 the church ordained the Rev. Barzilla 
Pierce as pastor. Elder Pierce remained until 1842. 
In 1843 the church was apparently in a prosi)erous 
condition. During the years of 1S44 and 184-'), El- 
der Cbickering, of New Hampton, supplied nnc- 



AHiH. 847 

third of the time, and two-thirds for the second or 
village church. The church struggled on for a year 
or more, but finding it impossible to sustain preach- 
ing, in 1846 disbanded by general consent. In 
justice, however, it should be said that " the good peo- 
ple who formed its membership through all these 
years seem to have striven to support the preaching 
of the gospel and to maintain a proper mciLsure of 
discipline. That, after nearly seventy years of effort, 
they were compelled to disband was not their fault. 
Situated as the church was, half-way between the 
fast-growing villages of Meredith Bridge (now Laco- 
nia) and Lake village on one side and Meredith on 
the other, the result was only a question of time. 
But the work that was done and the good accom- 
plislied will be recorded in the Lamb's Book of 
Life, and the record thereof sliall not pass away 
like the things <if this world, but will continue un- 
to the end of time." 

The Second Baptist Church was formed, during 
the revival of 1881, by thirteen members of the First 
Baptist Church. The petition was signed by Benja- 
min R. Rollins and eighteen others, and on the 30th 
of May the request was granted. On the 1st of June 
the petitioners met and formed themselves into a 
church. At this meeting they voted to call an eccle- 
siastical council to assemble June loth, which was 
done; the council convened and the organization com- 
pleted according to denominational custom. The 
sermon was preached by the Rev. William Taylor, 
who preached for the church two years, the services 
being held at the Towie Hill meeting-house. In the 
mean time the society voted to build a meeting-house 
of brick, and Elder Taylor selected the location, and 
the church was built " upon a rock," and although a 
large undertaking for so small a society, yet it was 
completed, and some years since entirely paid for. 
In 1834 the church settled its first pastor, Rev. 
Christy G. Wheeler, who, on account of failing 
health, resigned. Mr. Daniel Mattison then supplied, 
and in December, 1836, he was ordained; but in 
November, 1840, he died, leaving a character of most 
earnest piety. He is remembered also as a man 
of promise and power. For a year or two after Mr. 
Mattison's death the pulpit was supplied by New 
Hampton students; but in January, 1842, a call was 
extended to Rev. Samuel Eastman, which was ac- 
cepted, but he resigned at the end of the year, not 
being fully Calvinistic in his views. His pastorate, 
however, was a successful one, inasmuch as there 
were many additions to the church. From that time 
until 1845 there was no settled pastor"; then Rev. 
Samuel Cook was ordained and remained with the 
church until April, 1849, when he resigned. Some 
time between the years 1845 and 1849 the church 
solicited and received aid from the State Convention. 
Elder Cook was a very earnest man, and gained the 
iill'ection of his people. In May, 1S49. the Rev. E. 
W. Cressy, of Cuncord, became jiastor, Init owing to 



848 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



the dissension in the church, arising from the revi- 
sion of the cliurch creeJ, his labors were of no avail, 
and December, 1850, he resigned. After that there 
was occasional preaching; then the house was 
closed. 

In 1852, Rev. Stephen G. Abbott ofl'ered to jireach 
if the people would open the house. His ofler was 
accepted, and he was acting pastor until 1855, and 
the people have reason to think of him and his ser- 
vices with gratitude. 

In 1856, Rev. George Dalund, of South iiraintee, 
Mass., was settled ; but at this time the shivery ques- 
tion was the disturbing element of the country, and 
the church was not exempt from its influence, and 
in 1858, Mr. Daland closed his pastorate in Mere- 
dith. 

The following two years the church was without a 
pastor. 

About 1860 the title Second Baptist Church (there 
being no First Church th«n existing) was changed to 
Meredith Village Baptist Church. 

In 1861, Rev. Nathaniel Goodhue was pastor; but, 
in the fall of 1863, he desired his dismissal, as he was 
no longer in accord with the tenets of the denomina- 
tion. He was followed by Rev. H. I. Campbell, who 
remained about two years. 

Rev. Joseph Storer became pastor in February, 1866, 
and served until 1872, building up the cause zealously. 
During this time the church edifice wiis repaired. 
Following his resignation the church was closed, but 
from 1873 to the fall of 1875 the pulpit was supplied 
by efficient preachers of the gospel, when Rev. Wil- 
liam H. Stewart took charge of the chunh and 
Sunday-school, and by his fervor and zeal revived 
the local interests of the parish. 

Mr. Stewart was a chaplain in the navy and was 
compelled to resign at the end of two years, being 
ordered to rejjort for duty. 

Rev. T. M. Merriman was pastor from 1877 to 
1879. 

The next pastor was Rev. James Graham, who sup- 
plied for the church from January to May, 1879, 
when he was regularly ordained. 

Mr. Graham resigned July, 1884, and .January, 1885, 
Rev. S. P. Everett, the present pastor, became his 
successor. 

He is a man possessing characteristics which should 
win for him success in his chosen field of labor. 
Quick, energetic, with pleasing manners and of 
sound doctrinal faith, the church bids fair to go on 
and prosper under his earnest teachings. The resi- 
dent membership of the church in 1884 was eighty. 
The Sabbath-school had one hundred and sixty 
scholars and fburlcen teachers. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

MEREDITH— (Continued). 

KCCLESIASTICAL niSTORY— (Ccm«n«rf)- 
The Tree-Will Biiptist Church— Origin— First Meeting— Baptisms— I i. 
der New Durham Church— Officers and their Duties— Fin>t Monthly 
Meeting — " Labor and Exclusion "—Separate Organization — Extent 
— Keligious Interest— Branches— Houses of Worshii)— Early Ministry 
—Early and Later Pastors— General Conference, Etc.— The Meredith 
Village ('hurch — Organization — Pastors, Etc. — Reorganization — 
Names of Organizing Memlmrs— First Church Edifice— Pastore— 
Chapel and Remodeling Church— Membership — Sabbath-Schocil— 
Church nt Meredith Centre. 

The Free-Will Baptist Church.— The Free-Will 
Baptist Church of Meredith had its origin in this 
town in the year 1800. Elder Simon Pottle, of Mid- 
dleton, — a ready speaker, but wanting in caution, 
which finally proved his ruin, — came into that part of 
the town now known as Oak Hill, about two and a half 
miles from the village, and held some meetings. At 
the first meeting, as the record runs, ''seven professed 
to be brought to a knowledge of the truth as it is in 
Jesus. The work increased in a most glorious manner." 
This was in August of that.year. September 3d, Elder 
Richard Martin, of Gilford, came and baptized four- 
teen persons, viz. : Robert Smith, Abigail Smith, 
Polly Smith, William Pike, Phebe Pike, Nancy Pike, 
Rebecca Pease, Rebecca Pease (2d), Robert Pease, 
Nathaniel Pease, Simeon Pease, Theodore Hart, Peter 
Peters and Sally Sinclair. On the 2,3d of the same 
month he baptized eleven more. The next day El- 
der Pottle baptized a few. Baptisms were frequent 
there and in Centre Harbor. It is probable the form 
of the organization took place at the first baptism 
under the name of "Monthly Meeting of Meredith,'' 
I and was regarded a branch of the New Durham 
mother-church. This took place September 3, 1800, 
as the record of the second baptism (September 23d) 
says, " and were added to this Monthly Meeting." At 
their first monthly meeting, October 11th, after their 
organization, Simeon Pease — years after chosen dea- 
con — was appointed clerk. At that meeting they pe- 
titioned the Quarterly Meeting, held the next week at 
New Durham, to be recognized and constituted a 
Monthly Meeting. Thirty -three signed the petition, 
beingthethen members of themeeting. The following 
Wednesday, the Quarterly-Meeting convened and 
their request was granted, and they were received and 
recognized as a Monthly Meeting and a branch of the 
New Durham Church. The name, then, of the com- 
munity of churches was "Free-Will Anti-Pedo Bap- 
tists." The notice of the Quarterly Meeting's action 
was signed by Elder John Shepard, moderator, and 
Elder Benjamin Randall, clerk. They adopted the 
" Order and Discipline of the New Durham Church," 
(the first church organized by ICldtr Randall, the 
founder of the Free-Will r.:i|.ti..i .l.n..iiiinntion, in 
1780). This"OrderandDisri|.liiH ■■ iv.oL'iiizcd forof- 
ficers, teaching ciders, ruling cl>lc is. iK-ir.., is, wardens, 
treasurer and clerk. The teaching elders were 



MEREDITH. 



preachers. The ruling ehlers were to have the over- 
sight of the church, and, in the absence of a preach- 
ing elder, could administer the ordinances. "They 
must be plain in dress and temperate in living;" they 
were to " improve their gifts," and, frequently, they 
became preachers. The deacons, in addition to their 
proper duties, could administer tlie ordinances in the 
absence of a teaching and ruling elder. They also 
were to exercise their gifts. Wardens were to look af- 
ter the finances, assessing and collecting taxes for 
church purposes. The record of the first Monthly 
Meeting after the Quarterly Meeting recognition 
says, — 

" Opened the iiieetiuj3: with reiK-ated petitiuns to Almighty Qoil for 
His assistance ana direction in the duties of the day, and IIo vrns piciised 
to answer, to our souls^ great joy and satisfuctiun. All glory to His 
Heavenly Name ! Kach member present related the travail of his mind to 
great satisfaction, with firm resolutions to press on towards the glorious 
work. Our meeting continued until about eleven o'clock in the even- 
ing, with strong cries and groanings in travail for the prosperity of 
/.ion, that her gates might be crowded with converts ! We have cause 
to say it was good for us to meet together, for Zion's God was with us 
of a truth, and His Almighty power was made manifest in a wonderful 
ninnoer. Then concluded with a few songs of praise to our Governor 
and King ! " 

Their " Order and Discipline " required the meet- 
ing to report to the Quarterly Meeting every session 
by delegates, and to present the book of records for 
inspection. Labor was carried on with disorderly 
and delinquent members by the meeting, but " re- 
jectment " was by the Quarterly Meeting. A letter 
was made out and forwarded to the party e.xcluded, 
signed by the moderator and clerk of the meeting. 

This form of organization went on for a while, till 
the meeting requested the Quarterly Meeting to allow 
them full power to manage their own affairs, and their 
request was granted. In April following the organiz- 
ation, John Knowles, of Centre Harbor, was chosen 
ruling elder, and Nicholas Smith, of New Hampton, 
deacon ; and, subsequently, they were ordained as 
such. Afterwards (1803) Theodore Hart was ap- 
pointed ruling elder, and Daniel Veasey deacon. 

The religious interest at the beginning continued, 
and frequent baptisms were had until, on the 1st of 
.fauuary, the meeting numbered fifty-six. The work 
gradually spread over this and adjoining tosvns till 
the membership embraced not only Meredith, but 
New Hampton, Centre Harbor and Centre Harbor 
Neck, Holderness, Moultonborough and Moultonbor- 
ough Neck. At the end of the second year the meeting 
numbered one hundred and thirty-four. Subse- 
quently it numbered more than double, if not thrice, 
that number. 

The meetings in their early history were character- 
ized by great religious fervor and power. Not infre- 
quently persons were known to possess so much 
■' power " as to lose consciousness and would remain 
in this state for hours. All understood this ; no one 
was alarmed or thought it strange. There were sea- 
sons of spiritual agony called a travail of soul. Often 
conversions took place at these meetings. 



The record of an adjourned meeting held at Wad- 
leigh Cram's, Centre Harbor, February 20, 1801, 
says, — 

"We found it to be a moeting.place, indeed, for Jesus woa with uh, 
and so refreshed our touls, that, for a long time, thero was a ehouttng 
like men filled with wine. A number of our young converts, who were 
about four months old, were filled with the spirit of prophecy and spake 
with now tongues, declaring the house of Saul waxes weaker and the 
house of David stronger. Glory to God !" 

Their Christian zeal and love, and readiness in 
obeying the commands of Christ, are seen by a record 
of a meeting for baptism, held at William Clark's, in 
Centre Harbor, January 28th, just previous to the 
above-mentioned meeting, when Elder Pottle baptized 
three through the ice at the head of Waukawan 
Lake, the ice being two feet in thickness. 

When without a preacher they conducted their 
meetings among themselves, the ruling elder pre- 
siding. The meeting soon covered so large a territory 
that branch ones were formed, which monthly re- 
ported to the parent. The first year a class was 
formed on Centre Harbor .Hill, under the care of 
Ruling Elder J. Knowles, which afterwards grew into 
a church. The next year a branch meeting was 
formed on Moultonborough Neck. The following 
year, 1803, one was formed in the "Second Division " 
of Meredith, ultimately becoming a church now in 
existence. Some time after, one was formed in the 
west part of Centre Harbor and Holderness. Still 
later, another church sprang up in East Holderness. 
In 1838 a church was formed at the village out of the 
old church. In 1839 another one was formed out of 
its membership on Meredith Neck, which, in 1843, 
was largely broken up, and which finally became ex- 
tinct. Thus reduced in membership and territory, 
the mother-church became small and feeble. This 
church has had a wide-spread influence. It has had 
much to do with moulding the religious sentiment 
and opinions of this region, and in gathering men 
out of sin. A house of worship was built between 
1800 and 1804, not long after the establishment of the 
meeting. In later years it was remodeled into the 
form it now has. The church had not in those early 
years a stated ministry, for a settled pastor was then 
hardly known in this denomination. The supply was 
mostly by traveling preachers ; yet, at a com[)aratively 
early date, this church had stated supplies and pas- 
tors. Among the first preichers were Pottle, Martin, 
Magoon, Dana and Colby. Later were Moody, Hill, 
Manson, Stevens, the Pettingills, Perkins, Webber, 
Sanborn, Knowles, Jackson, Moulton, Sinclair and 
Veasey. Its experience has been varied. For a 
number of years its prosperity was far beyond any- 
thing now known in a country place, numbering its 
membership to three hundred and fifty-two. Then 
there were seasons of " low-tide." Although so many 
churches and .societies have been formed out of its 
membership and territory, still it lives, though greatly 
reduced in size. 

In 1832 the Sixth General Conference of the denom- 



850 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAxMPSHIRE. 



illation was held with this church. There was a 
large attendance. The business was transacted at the 
Pease School-house, and the worship conducted at the 
church and in the adjacent grove. Of the delegates 
attending, Kev. S. Curtis, of Concord, still survives. 
Of the large number of ministers present, not dele- 
gates. Rev. J. Woodman, Kev. D. Jackson and Rev. 
D. P. Cilley and perhaps others are now living. 

The present pastor of the old (Oak Hill) church is 
the venerable and faithful Rev. J. Erskine, to whose 
courtesy we are indebted for the above valuable 
sketch. 

The Meredith Village Free-Will Baptist Church 
was organized October IS, 18:^8. The council was 
composed of the following brethren : Peter Clark, 
Hiram Stevens, E. Mack, D. Pettingill, H. Webber 
and E. Wiley. Peter Clark was chairman and E. 
Mack scribe. 

A communication was presented to this council 
from the First Free-Will Church in Meredith (Oak 
Hill), setting forth the action of that church and the 
granting of letters of dismission to fifty-four members 
of that church for the purpose of organizing a church 
at Meredith village. With these persons we find the 
names of Daniel Smith. David Vittum and .lohn 
Haynes. 

The organization was completed and rules were 
adopted, taking the Holy Scriptures as their guide 
in faith and doctrine, and a very decided position on 
the temperance question. David Vittum and John 
Haynes were chosen deacons, and Johiah C. Vittum 
clerk. A request was made to the Sandwich Quarterly 
Meeting for admission to that body, which was 
granted. Elder Hiram Stevens, an extemporaneous 
speaker of force and ability, acted as pastor until 
June 20, 1839, at which time Rev. Hosea Quimby be- 
came pastor, and remained until some time during the 
year 1842. He was a quiet, eflective speaker, whose 
sermons appealed to the best elements of his hearers. 
In November, 1842, I. D. Stewart was invited to 
preach for a time, and soon after was ordained as pastor 
of the church. During the following year thirty-four 
were baptized and united with the church, the num- 
ber of members at this time being one hundred and 
four. About the first of the year 1844, Mr. Stewart 
was dismissed. There is no record of the church 
after Rev. Mr. Stewart's dismissal until December 21, 
1846, when it was thought best to give up the organ- 
ization and return to Oak Hill Church, which was 
done. 

May 23, 1854, by request, previous to this date, the 
Sandwich Quarterly Meeting had appointed the fol- 
lowing as a council to come to Meredith village and 
organize a church : Rev. L. B. Tasker, Rev. P. S. Bur- 
bank and Rev. J. Runnels. A church was organized 
with the following members: David Vittum, Daniel 
Smith, John Haynes, Francis Hawkins, John How, 
Mooney Baker, Greenlicf Maloon, Ebenezer Stevens 
and David P. Cotton. The officers were David P. 



Cotton, clerk; David Vittum and John Haynes, 
deacons; and it was voted to take the name of " Mer- 
edith Village Free-Will Baptist Church," and it was 
subsequently received 'by the Sandwich Quarterly 
Meeting as a member of that body. The confession 
of faith and church covenant of the denomination 
was adopted. 

January, 1855, Rev. Hosea Quimby was settled as 
pastor, and remained until January, 1857. About 
this time the hall where they worshiped was destroyed 
by fire, and for several years there was no settled 
pastor. 

In 1858 the society commenced to build a church. 
There was standing on the " Parade " a meeting- 
house, erected in the year 1776. This building the 
proprietor kindly gave to the society. It was removed 
to the village and rebuilt during the following year. 

June 26, 1861, A. B. Meservey was ordained, and 
was pastor until April, 1862, when he resigned the 
pastorate to become the principal of New Hampton 
Institution. July 17, 1862, Rev. L. B. Tasker was 
called to the pastorate and remained until April 26, 
1863; soon after Rev. Francis Reed became pastor 
and was dismissed June 11, 1865. In April, 1866, 
Rev. J. Erskine was settled as pastor. May 10, 1866, 
James McLean and J. S. Vittum were chosen dea- 
cons. In June, 1869, the New Hampshire Yearly 
Meeting held its sessions with this church. Rev. Mr. 
Erskine was dismissed November, 1870, and J. H. 
Durkee was ordained September 28, 1871, and settled 
as piistor. November, 1871, Alvah Cotton and H. F. 
Hawkins were chosen deacons, and in September, 
1872, Rev. Mr. Durkee was dismissed. Rev. L. Given 
was pastor from February 27, 1873, to September 16, 
1875, and from this time until May, 1878, the society 
depended on supplies, and meetings were sustained 
only a part of the time. August 16, 1878, Rev. R. H. 
Tozer became pastor; was dismissed June 13, 1880. 
From September 11, 1880, to April 6, 1882, Rev. N. S. 
Palmeter was pastor. In April, 1882, Rev. J. Burn- 
ham Davis became pastor, and in September, 1882, 
John Hodsden was elected deacon. 

During the fall of 1883 the society built a chape! 
at a cost of nine hundred dollars, and in the spring of 
1884 the church was repaired and remodeled at an 
expense of sixteen hundred dollars, the seating 
capacity of the church being increased one-third. 
The church and chapel are very i)leasantly and 
neatly fitted up, much taste being shown in all their 
appurtenances. It is now a model building for a 
small society. 

The house was rededicated July 3, 1884. May IG, 
1885, Rev. Mr. Davis was dismissed. Since its last 
organization there have been two hundred and sixty- 
six members connected with the church, and at the 
present time the society is in a prosperous condition. 
The Sabbath-school has always been considered ot 
vital importance and its interests receive proper at- 



The Free-WiU Baptist Church of Meredith Cen- 
tre luul, ;is wo are int'ormed by the present pastor, 
Kev. L. E. Hall, an organization as early as 1813, for 
41 covenant is in existence bearing that date, to which 
are affixed ten names. The records are very incom- 
plete, affording absolutely nothing of the progress or 
growth of the church. At present it has a good 
meeting-house, vestry and par.sonage, with si.\ty-four 
resident and thirtv-four nun-resident mcraiiers. 



liickfurd. 



■•prescntatn 



CHAPTEE IX. 



MEREDITH— (Con(in«ed). 



u General Court — Societies— Choconia Lodge, F. aud 
A. .M.— Iklliiiap Lodge, I, 0.0. F.— George S. Cram Tost, G. .V. 14.— 
William S. Leach C'aiiip, S. of V. — Temperance—Waukawan Lodge, 
I. 0. G. 'l'. — While Mountain Lodge, I. 0. G. T.— Blue Ribbon Club- 
Meredith ^leebauic .\s3ociation — Meredith Village Savings-Bank — 
Weekly News — Public Library and Reading Room. 

Representatives to General Court. — The iirst 
representative sent by Meredith to the General 
Court was elected at a town-meeting, duly warned 
and held at the North Church, March 11, 1793. 
" Eighty-four votes were cast for Ebenezer Smith, and 
none for any other person," to serve one year. 



1793. Ebenezer Smith. 


1.S28 


Washington Smith. 


IT'.il. I'lhise l!ol.ii[-..ii(iintilJnne). 




Warren Lovell. 


,:.. ,,„.,.,., ^n„„. 


18i9 


Warren Lovell. 
Stephen Perley. 


... 1 .;..,,■, .,•;. ;,i.| half). 


1830 


Stephen Perley. 


u,.i..u.n;...v.ii..ji,»e Jhalf). 




Warren Lovell. 


i: i>. Richard Bojutun. 


1831 


Ebenezer S. Mooney. 


IT'i','. Richard Boynton. 




Jonathan Folsom. 


l-'Ni. Richard Boynton. 


1832 


Ebenezer S. Mooney. 


ISdl. Daniel Smith. 




Jonathan Fol.som. 


1802. Daniel Smith. 


1833 


Ebenezer S. Mooney. 


1S03. John Mooney. 




William Pike. 


1S04. Winthrop Robinson. 


1834 


William Pike. 


isii.-. w iiitlirop Robinson. 




John L. Perley. 


Hi... SI. |.l,.-ii I'erlcy. 


183.i 


John L. l>erley. 


H.iT St, |.h.ii IVrley. 




Samuel Bean. 


1-...V, Is.a,.- La.1d. 


1836 


Samuel Bean. 


l-..'.i. .John A. Harper. 




John L. Perley. 


Hl.i. John A. Harper. 




Ebenezer Bickford. 


1-11. Jonathan Ladd 


1837 


W-arren Lovell. 


IMi. Jonathan Ladd. 




Ebenezer Bickford. 


l-l;. Daniel Smith. 




Juiues Moliiicaux. 


Hit. Daniel Smith. 


1S3S 


Wancn Luvell. 


l-r,. Daniel Smith. 




Ebenezer S. Mooney. 


-;.. Ebenezer Pitman. 




.lohn T. Coltin. 


17 Ebenezer Pitman, Jr. 


1839 


Warren Lovell. 


M. Ebenezer Pitman, Jr. 




Ebenezer S. Mooney. 


1 i Captain Ebenezer Pitman. 


1840. Joseph Ela. 


1 -J.'. Captain Ebenezer Pitman. 




Abel Eiistman. 


I--1. Captain Ebenezer Pitman. 


18n 


Winthrop Young. 


1-jJ. Captain Ebenezer Pitman. 




Abel B. Eastman. 


John Durltce. 




Joseph Ela. 


l-il. Richard OdeU. 


1842 


Winthrop YounR. 


John Durkee. 




.loseph B. Tilt.m. 


I-JI J.mathan Peareon. 




.Toseph S. Xeal. 


st.-,,l,..n Gale. 


l.si: 


Joseph li. Tilt..n. 


I-J- -^i.,.!..... Gale. 




Bradbury Robinson. 


w,, ^t.,n Smith. 


1S44 


. J.jhn Wa.lh.igh. 


I -J., ,l..i,.,il,^in Pearaon. 




David B. Plum r. 


W'iishington Smith. 


184.^ 


. John Wadleigb. 


IvJT. Washington Smi.h. 




David B. Plnmmer. 


George L. Sibley. 


1841 


. David B. Plummer. 



1848. Thomas Eastman. 

Ebenezer Bickford. 

John llayues. 
18411. Bradbury C. Tultlc. 

Robert E. Merrill. 

John G. Robinson. 
18.")0. Bradbury C. Tuttle. 

John G. Robinson. 

Robert B. Merrill. 
18ol. Thonuis H. Holland. 

Josejih P. Pitman. 

David B. Plummer. 



Ebenezer Steveus. 
Bufus Stevens. 
Bradslreet Leavitt. 
Bradslreet Leavitt. 
Ebenezer Stevens. 
Kufus Stevens. 
Joseph W. Lang. 
David Plummer. 
Joseph W. Lang. 



1803. John M. Wiggin. 

, John Burden. 
18114. John JI. Wiggin. 

John Burden. 
18li5. Nouh L. True. 

William H. K. Kernul. 
1801). Asahol Sanborn. 

John Smith t2d). 

1807. Asahcl Sanborn. 
John iimith (2d). 

1808. John Smith, Jr. 
Jubn Nealey. 

1809. John Nealey. 
Nathan B. Wadleigli. 

1870. Charles B. Swain. 
Nathan B. Wadleigb. 

1871. Charles B. Swain. 
George Sanborn. 

1872. George Sauborn. 
Benjamin K. Wiggin. 

1873. Benjamin F. Wiggin. 
Joseph W. Lang, Jr. 

1874. Josiah S. I'rescott. 
Ebenezer T. Blake. 

1875. No representative sent. 
1870. Eleazer Bickford. 



1877. Nathaniel Davis. 

1878. Thaddeus S. Moses. 
Simeon D. Pease. 

1879. Ebenezer S. Robinson. 

1880. Ebenezer S. Robinson. 

1881. James Pike. 

1882. James Pike, 

1883. John H. Kuowles. 
Moses R. Marehall. 

1884. John )J. Knowles. 



R. Marshall. 



ISOO. Gideon Piper. 
Isaac Leavitt. 
1801. Joseph W. Lang, Jr. 

lsii2. Joseph W. Lang, Jr. 



Societies — Chocorua Lodge, F. and A. M., No. 
83. — This lodge was organized under a charter granted 
June 12, 1867. The charter members were H. P. 
Smith, J. P. F. Smith, S. B. Noyes, J. W. Lang, Jr., 
John A. Lang, Isaiah Winch, J. G. Chapman, P. B. 
Cummings, John Sanborn, Joseph W. Lang, John 
Smith (2d), T. L. Gordon, S. F. Emery, J. L. Hun- 
tress, A. P. Ladd, E. Bickford, Jr., T. E. Lang, J. R. 
Buzzell, D. S. Metcalf, Simeon John.son, Charles E. 
Neal, Charles H. Dearborn. Past Masters in order 
of service: H. P. Smith, J. P. F. Smith, Chiiilcs \V. 
Neal, Smith F. Emery, George K. James, Jamrs II. 
Hinchcliffe, Francis H. Cram, Charles IX .Mal.H.n, 
Haven Palmer. 

Present officers (1885): James H. IliiuhcliH'e, W. 
M. ; Fred. H. Smith, S. W.; Perry A. Ellsworth, J. 
W. ; John A. Lang, Treas. ; Curtis F. Smith, Sec. ; 
Frank W. Smith, S. D. ; Joseph W. Mead, J. D. ; 
James D. Bartlett, S. S.; Edmund Quimby, J. S.; 
Charles D. Maloon, Chap.; Joseph W. Lang, Jr., 
Marshal ; Henry B. Clough, Tiler ; Eleazer Bick- 
ford, Representative to Grand Lodge. The present 
membership is seventy-four. Regular communication, 
Wednesday on or before each full moon. 

Belknap Lodgi.;, I. O. oi.- O. F., No. U.— This 
lodge w^as instiluted .\pril 8, 187!». The charter 



IIISTOKY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



members were Frank P. Carey, Howard F. Hill, 
John A. Lang, Thomas B. Nichols, Alvin Peavey. 
Marvin C Brown, Brad. R. Dearborn, R. Freeman 
Sanborn. 

Officers first year (niiio moiitlis): F. 1*. Carey, 
N. G. ; Alvin Peavcy, V. G. ; B. K. Dearborn, Sec; 
J. A. Lang, Treas. 

1880.— Officers : first term, A. Peavey, N. G. ; I. C. 
Boynton, V. G. ; B. R. Dearborn, Sec. ; J. A. Lang, 
Treas. Second term, I. C. Boynton, N. G. ; B. R. 
Dearborn, V. G. ; D. A. Ambrose, Sec; J. A. Lang, 
Treas. 

1881.— Officers : first term, B. R. Dearborn, N. G. ; 
D. A. Ambrose, V. G. ; F. P. Oarey,Sec. ; J. A. Lang, 
Trens. Second term, D. A. Ambrose, N. G.; W. M. 
Rand, V. G. ; F. P. Carey, Sec; L C. Boynton, 
Treas. 

1882.— Officers: first term, W. M. Rand, N. G. ; G. 
H. Norris, V. G. ; F. P. Carey, Sec ; L C. Boynton, 
Treas. Second term, G. H. Norris, N. G. ; T. J. Sin- 
clair, V. G. ; D. A. Vittum, Sec. ; .1. D. Bartlett, 
Treas. 

1883. —Officers: first term, T. J. Sinclair, N. G.; J. 
D. Bartlett, V. G. ; F. W. Elliott, Sec. ; F. W.Smith, 
Treas. Second term, J. D. Bartlett, N. G. ; James 
Graham, V. G. ; P. A. Ellsworth, Sec. ; F. W.Smith, 
Treas. 

1884.— Officers: fir.st term, J. Graham, N. G. ; P. A. 
Ellsworth, V. G. ; A. M. Black, Sec. ; F. W. Smith, 
Treas. Second term, P. A. Ellsworth, N. G. ; C. W. 
Maloon, V. G. ; A. M. Black, Sec. ; F. W. Smith, Treas. 

1885.— Officers: first term, B. R. Dearborn, N. G. ; 
A. M. Black, V. G. ; D. A. Vittum, Sec; F. W. 
Smith, Treas. 

This lodge has furnished three District Deputies — 
F. B. Carey, Alvin Peavey and J. D. Bartlett. Pres- 
ent number of members, fifty-seven. Meetings week- 
ly, Monday evenings. 

Geouge S. Ceam Post, No. 54, G. A. R.— This 
post was chartered June 26, 18S0. The charter mem- 
bers were Levi Leach, Horace W. Clark, Joseph W. 
Lang, Jr., George K.James, Charles H. Perkins, John 
S. Piper, Cyrene Bixby, John P. Kendrick, Phillip 
McCrillis, Stephen K." Philbrick, Al.lm A. Kidder, 
John R. Quimby, Alvah Cotton, .luhn K. LikUc, 
Frank D. Clark, (leorge G. Badger. 

The first Commander was Captain J. W. Lang, Jr., 
late of the Twelfth New Hampshire Volunteers. 
Nearly all of the members comprising this post served 
in the Twelfth Regiment. The present membership is 
forty-eight. The Past Commanders are J. W. Lang, 
Jr., George Dallison and C. C. Whittier. Regular en- 
campment, Friday evening of each week. It has a 
small post fund and a relief fund. Present Comman- 
der, Phillip McCrillis; Quartermaster, George K. 
James; W. B. Reynolds, Adjutant. The post was 
named in honor of George S. Cram, Twelfth New 
Hampshire Volunteers, who was killed at the battle of 
Chancellorsville. 



Geouoe S. Cram Relief Corps, No. 2. — Auxili- 
ary to the G. A. R.. Meetings, every other Monday 
evening, 7.30 o'clock. Kate Cram, president ; Maria 
P. Kendrick, Sec 

William S. Leach Camp, No. 3, Sons of Vet- 
EKAN.S. — Through the earnest labors of a prominent 
comrade of George S. Cram Post, G. A. R., ten of the 
patriotic sons of veteran soldiers who were entitled to 
the benefits of the Order of Sons of Veterans signed 
an application for a charter and secured the third 
charter issued for New Hampshire, which gave the 
camp the privilege of recommending a major for the 
State Division of the order. The charter members- 
were Francis H. Cram, Albert A. Kidder, Frank L. 
Hartshorn, W. E. McPherson, E. E. Kendrick, War- 
ren B. Jencks, Fred. L. Hawkins, Harry L. Fernal, 
Fred. B. Wilson, George H. Thurston. 

The camp was instituted Thursday evening, March 
14, 1883, Lieutenant-Colonel E. A. Badger, of Lake 
village, acting as installing officer. Francis H. Cram 
was installed captain, and he has been followed by 
Brothers George H. Thurston, Albert A. Kidder and 
W. E. McPherson, the present incumbent. The 
camp now numbers twenty-two members in good 
standing, with a future which is indeed encouraging, 
although at present the brothers are largely scattered 
throughout the Union. Francis H. Cram is now 
serving as Lieutenant-Commander of the New Hamp- 
shire Division. 

The camp was presented. May 30, 1885, with a fine 
portrait of William S. Leach, whose name the camp 
commemorates. This was the gift of Levi and Ed- 
ward Leach,. father and brother of the gallant sol- 
dier-boy. 

Meredith is the banner temperance town of the 
State. For the population, it has the largest number 
of enrolled troops against the traffic in and use of in- 
toxicating drink, and to-day the temperance forces 
are strong and well equipped. No concealed or 
"winked-at" traffic in ardent spirits is allowed within 
the limits of the town, and, though the battle has 
been a severely-fought one, the friends of true prog- 
ress can feel themselves encouraged by the present 



in Moi 



dith.— 

Wai-kawan Lodge, No. 9, L O. G. T., of Mere- 
dith village, was organized .July 26, 1865, with thirty- 
three members. It has, with but few exceptions, 
held weekly meetings to the present time. It has had 
over three hundred different members, and has now a 
membership of fifty-nine, all active and energetic 
workers. There are only three of the charter mem- 
bers now connected with the lodge, — James M. Bedee 
(now Lodge Deputy and Treasurer), Mary E. Bedee and 
Mrs. Lizzie P. Lang. Meets Thursday evenings. 
weekly. 

White Mountain Lodge, No. 73, 1. O. G. T., of 
Meredith Centre, was organized March 20, 1883, with 



MKREDITII. 



853 



the following officers: Rev. George Piiikham, W. C; 
Mrs. S. E. M. Pinkham, W. V. T.; N. B. Plummer, 
Treas.; Ida Batchelder, W. F. S.; Mrs. Mary M. Cate, 
W. L. S.; Mrs. H. L. Pitman, W. R. S.; Amos K. 
Veasey, W. Chaplain ; Fred. L. Ratchelder, W. 0. 
G.; George L. P. Corliss, P. W. C. T.; Frank A. 
Arnold, W. M.; Annie Hill, W. D. M.; Lodge Depu- 
ties : 1883-84, George L. P. Corliss ; 1885, A. K. 
Veasey. Weekly meetings, Friday evening. This 
has been a remarkably lively lodge, having had at 
times as high as one hundred and forty-five members, 
and now numbers ninety-two. The Worthy Chiefs 
from organization have been Rev. George Pinkham, 
J. H. Robinson, A. K. Veasey, J. H. Albright, W. H. 
Cate, N. B. Plummer, John Webster, D. S. Corliss and 
X. G. Plummer. 

The Blue Ribbon Club, organized in 1879, was 
inaugurated by Messrs. Booth and Smith, February 
16, 1879. It has held meetings nearly every Sunday 
evening since that date, numbers about two thousand 
three hundred members on its roll, and, in connec- 
tion with the Good Templars, is doing a fine work. 
Meetings, Sunday evenings, at the town hall. 

The Meredith Mechanic Association was incor- 
porated in 1859. The incorporators were Joseph W. 
Lang, Ebenezer Stevens, Joseph Ela, James P. F. 
Smith, Hanson Beede and John W. Beede, with their 
associates, successors and assigns. The first officers 
were elected July 8, 1859, as follows: Joseph Ela, 
|iresident and agent; J. W. Ela, clerk; J. W. Lang, 
treasurer; Ebenezer Stevens, John F.Barron, Seneca 
\. Ladd, Daniel Smith, directors. 

Mr. Ela resigned his office September 3, 1859, on 
;u Tuuntof ill health, and EbenezerStevens was elected 
to serve the remainder of the year, when Mr. Ela 
was again elected and served as president and agent 
until 1871. George G. Hoyt was then elected presi- 
dent and he now holds the office. Joseph W. Lang 
was treasurer until 1861 ; EbenezerStevens, from 1861 
to 1862 ; J. W. Lang, from 1862 to 1863, when S. W. 
Rollins was appointed and served until 1871 ; Seneca 
A. Ladd was then elected treasurer, and appointed 
agent, and he has since filled these offices. 

The property held by the association consists of 
all the water-power affiDrded by Waukawan Like, in 
one fall of forty-two feet to Winnipesaukee Lake, 
three factory buildings, three shops, one store and 
three houses. 

The capital stock was at first twenty thousand dol- 
lars, which, by vote of the stockholders, might be in- 
creased to not exceeding fifty thousand dollars. In 
1861, by vote, it was raised to twenty-five thousand 
dollars, and January 18, 1871, to thirty-five thousand 
dollars, this being the present amount of capital stock, 
divided into shares of one hundred dollars each, and 
held by forty persons. Dividends, averaging from the 
commencement four and a half per cent, per annum, 
have been paid. It is out of debt and p.aying a divi- 
dend of two per cent, semi-annually. 



The present ofiicers are : President and Clerk, George 
G. Hoyt; Treasurer and Agent, Seneca A. Ladd; 
Directors, G. G. Hoyt, .1. W. Beede, .1. H. Plaisted, 
Samuel Hodgson, Ebenezer Stevens. 

The Meredith Village Savings-Bank was incor- 
porated June, 1869, with the following corporalun : 
Joseph W. Lang, Seneca A. Ladd, Joseph Ela, J. 
W. Lang, Jr., C. S. Prescott, Ebenezer Stevens, N. 
B. Wadleigh, John W. Beede, Isaiah Winch, George 
Sanborn, George M. Burleigh, J. S. Neal, J. H. Pres- 
cott, C. P. Towle, George G. Hoyt, Charles L. Hoyt, 
J. M. Beede, D. S. Beede, A. E. Leavit£ and S. D. 
Pease. 

October 4, 1869, the first meeting was held, at 
which time Joseph W. Lang was chosen president ; 
Seneca A. Ladd, treasurer and secretary ; and the 
same two persons have been elected to the same 
offices every yearsince. At an adjourned meeting, held 
October 7, 1869, the following names were added as 
corporators: D. S. Metcalf, Charles Smith, R. S. 
Keneson, W. H. H. Mason and C. P. St. Clair. 
At this time a board of trustees were chosen as follows : 
Joseph Ela, John W. Beede, Charles Smith, J. M. 
Beede, C. S. Prescott, S. D. Pease, R. S. Keneson, 
William H. H. Mason, George G. Hoyt and C. P. St. 
Clair. 

This bank has been very successful from the first. 
Its officers have all been practical men, and only 
those who were successful in their private business. 
Its deposits — the first of one hundred dollars, on Xo- 
vember 10, 1869, by Mrs. J. P. Lang— have steadily 
increased to three hundred and thirty thousand dol- 
lars, a guarantee fund of sixteen thousand dollars and 
undivided profit of twenty thousand dollars. There 
is no paper held known to be bad or doubtful, and no 
principal or interest overdue. July 1, 1870, it de- 
clared an interest dividend of two and a half per cent., 
and has repeated the same rate every six months 
since, and during the same time has paid four ixtra 
dividends. 

The president, possessing much valuable exjjeri- 
ence, and having long been a model business man, — 
at all times in the right place, — has rendered valuable 
aid. 

The treasurer, fully understanding the true object 
of a savings-bank, has faithfully and impartially 
attended to his important duties. 

The finance committee are practical men, with 
much veneration for law and precedents, arc well 
qualified for the business and ever attentive to 
duty. 

The present active officers are Joseph W. Lang, 
president; Seneca A. Ladd, treasurer; Samuel W. 
Rollins, John W. Beede, Ebenezer Stevens, finance 
committee. 

The Meredith Weekly News.— The first paper 
published in Meredith since the division of the town 
was established July 22, 1S80, by (ieorge F. Sanborn, 
who still controls it. Since its advent it has been 



854 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUxNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



enlarged the third time, in the mean time changing 
its name to the Meredith News. It is now pub- 
lished — folio form of thirty-two columns— independent 
in character and politics. Prosperous and with an 
increasing circulation, the paper bids fair to become 
one of the permanent institutions of the town. 

The Meredith Public Library and Reading-Room 
adjoins the office of the News and is under the nian- 
agenieut of George F. Sanborn. The library was 
established March, 1882, by subscription and donation 
of books from John Smith, Jr., of Boston, and others 
who contributed liberally. An appropriation by the 
town has given it an addition of many valuable 
works, making in all about ten thousand volumes. 
It has now a solid basis, and is well patronized. 

March 13, 1883, Aaron T. Clough, George G. Hoyt, 
George F. Sanborn, E. P. Robinson and N. B. Plum- 
mer were appointed trustees. 



CHAPTER X. 



MEREDITH— (Coil 



MISCELLANEOtJS. 



Colouol Ebenezer Smitli— Education— Early Votes uf the Town Con- 
cprniug " Schooling "—"Master Leavitt "—School-Houses at Meredith 
Villago— NuTubLT of St-liool Districts and Attendance of Scholars, 1884 
-s:> I'liM <iimiii^-:rlh,ol— Dudley Leavitt— Early Nafigation- First 
Si.Hiiii ,1 I Hl> I'm irirssMenof Meredith Village-MeredithParade 

Goi,(i.m;i. Ei;i;NiiZER Smith was, above all others, 
the principal man of the early days of Meredith. He 
was proprietors' clerk, first town clerk (both po.sitions 
were held many years), justice of the peace and se- 
lectmen for a long period of time, first representa- 
tive to the General Court, colonel of the First Regi- 
ment of militia, and often received all the votes cast 
in the town for offices of honor and trust, such as 
Senator and Presidential elector. Making his home 
in the town in the spring of 1766, he was almost 
alone in the wilderness, and the old record-books 
show him to have been the genius of the improve- 
ment of the settlement, and the good people of Mere- 
dith to-day owe much to the shrewd practicality, 
strong common sense, business ability and earnest 
labor of this old pioneer. He is allowed, September 
2, 1765, £6 12s. Sil. for cutting road and building 
bridge. November 3d he received eighteen pounds 
for work on saw-mill, and thirty pounds for settling 
rights. He was autocratic and controlled the infant 
town as a Czar his realm, but his rule was for the 
public good. For example, when the assessors would 
meet to fix the taxes, he would say, " Put such an one 
down for an amount much less than the assessment 
on his valuation ; he has been sick, had poor crops 
or has lost an o.\," etc. Another settler, who had 
had good fortune, he would ta.x a larger amount than 
the assessment. Never was his decision appealed 



from, nor was there any appeal. He would meet 
angry neighbors who were going to the " Bridge " for 
the law against someone, and authoritatively turn them 
towards home, and thus prevented strife and law- 
suits. He was truly a great man. He died August 
22, 1807, leaving numerous descendants. 

Education. — In a quiet manner the people of Mere- 
dith have paid attention from the first to the educa- 
tional interests of the town. April 5, 1773, it was 
" Voted to raise the sum of six Spanish milled dollars 
for to hire schooling the present year, and not to 
build a school [house] this present year.'' In the 
same year we find Jeremiah Smith credited " by cash 
paid Jonathan Smith for schooling, £16." 

March 10, 1778, the town took action to build three 
school-houses, and also " that the selectmen shall 
make tax on the said districts to pay the cost of 
building, after the houses are completed," and voted 
for eight months' school. Up to this time, and for 
several years the amount annually voted by the 
town for school purposes was usually five pounds. 
Some years later there was no school and the money 
raised increased the length of time taught the ensu- 
ing year. Four months in each year there was 
usually a school. One of the most celebrated of the 
early teachers was Dudley Leavitt, of almanac fame, 
whose reputation as a mathematician and astrono- 
mer extended to the scientific circles of Europe. 
His first school was taught in a house standing on 
the corner of a lot now owned by C. C. Whittier, 
near the Prospect House, on the old road from Mere- 
dith village to Centre Harbor. In digging for a 
foundation of a bank-wall, about May 1, 1885, Mr. 
Whittier came upon the foundation of the old school- 
house. Mr. Leavitt afterwards taught school on 
Meredith Parade. In 1800 the town raised three 
hundred dollars for schools. March 12, 1804, the 
town " Voted to raise four hundred dollars for the use 
of schooling the ensuing year." We cannot find 
the record of any action of the town at any period 
of its history increasing that amount. 

The school-house at Meredith village was located 
on Plymouth Street, where a house was erected, 
which, becoming too small, in time, for the number 
of scholars, was succeeded, somewhere about 1840, by 
a larger house of two rooms, which was occupied un- 
til the completion of the present school building. 
June 27, 1871, John Wadleigh, Hosea S. Swain and 
Edward F. Wiggin, school committee, located the 
site for the present school building on land belonging 
to Coh)nel Ebenezer Stevens, and appraised the value 
of the site at eight hundred and thirty-three dollars. 
The building was at once erected and occupied. 

From reports of school committee and Board of 
Education for the year ending March 1, 1885, we 
find seventeen school districts in town, the one at 
Meredith village having a graded school of four de- 
partments. The total number of scholars attending 
school (lurins the vcar was tliree liiindrrd and sixty- 



S55 



Iniir. Ol' these, one hundred ;uid ninety wt're on the 
mils (if t lie graded school. 

The First Singing-Schddl in the town was 
taught nearly one hundred years ago (1795) by Dea- 
con Josiah Perkins, iatlier of John Perkins, now of 
Meredith village. 

Dudley Leavitt. — This noted astronomer, school- 
teacher and almanac-maker was for years an honored 
character of Meredith. His fame extended to 
European countries, and it is related that one of the 
French savans, who visited his plain abode, was much 
surprised at the simplicity of the surroundings, as he 
expected to find an imposing mansion instead of a 
pioneer cabin, and when he learned that the annual 
revenue of Mr. Leavitt amounted to seventy-five dol- 
lars, and that "he had all he wanted," he could not 
understand in the slightest degree such Spartan qual- 
ities as he saw exhibited. 

For many years Dudley Leavitt drew many from 
long distances to avail themselves of the great advan- 
tages of his tuition. His "Farmers' Almanac" occu- 
pied, next to the Bible, the honored place in New 
Hampshire homes. It is doubtful whether any other 
person has had so much to do with the intellectual 
development of Meredith, or so impressed his person- 
ality upon its people. The few now living who were 
his pupils speak of him with veneration. To have 
received instruction from "Master Leavitt" was as 
satisfactory in educational requirements at that time 
as a college diploma would be to-day. 

Early Navigation on Lake Winnipesaukee.— 
During the early history of this vicinity great diffi- 
culty was experienced by the settlers in transporting 
goods and household necessities from the distant 
markets of Dover and Portsmouth. The roads con- 
sisted only of " bridle-paths," which were only wide 
enough for a single horse, and all the articles had to 
be carried upon horseback, or oftener on the backs 
of the settlers themselves. At last they got tired of 
these means of transportation, and constructed a road 
from Dover to Alton Bay about the commencement 
of the present century. From Alton Bay the supplies 
were distributed to this section by means of boats, 
and, almost simultaneously with the construction of 
this road, the old "Gundalow" boat was built by one 
Smith, of Dover, to carry the goods and passengers 
across the lake to their point of destination. This 
was a huge, flat-bottomed, unwieldy craft, propelled 
by sail, if the wind was favorable, and when it was 
not, by large oars. It ran no regular trips, but visited 
the Weirs, Meredith village. Centre Harbor and sev- 
eral other points when necessary. After running a 
number of years it was "shipwrecked" on "Great 
Boat Ledge " in a heavy gale. 

In 1830 a stock company was formed for the pur- 
pose of building a steamboat, and work was soon 
after commenced upon it at Lake village, and it was 
completed in 18-33. Great difficulty was experienced 
in getting up through the channel at the Weirs, on 



account of the low water. Like the old "Gundalow," 
it ran no regular trips, visiting all points on the lake 
when necessary. It was about one hundred feet in 
length, and flat-bottomed. The engine was in no 
w'ay in proportion to the size of the boat, in head 
winds hardly able to hold its own, and making a noise 
that could be heard for miles. The time employed in 
making the trip between Alton Bay and Centre Har- 
bor, when the wind was favorable, was nearly six 
hours. Now the time made between these two points 
is two hours, regardless of wind or weather. Captain 
W. A. Sanborn, of the Weirs, was her captain, and 
Perkins Drake, of Lake village, her pilot. In the 
month of November, 1841, the steamboat was 
wrecked on what is now known as Steamboat Island. 
Other steamers were soon after built, and run upon 
the lake, among which were the "Red Hill," the 
"Seneca," the "Union" and the "Lady." 

Early Business Men of Meredith Village.— Ar- 
cording to the venerable Jose|ih Ela, the merchants, 
in 1822, when he came here to establish a store for 
Joseph Smith, which he did near the present resi- 
dence of J. A. Lang, were J. B. Swasey, whose store 
was opposite the residence of Colonel Ebenezer Ste- 
vens ; John Towle, an old merchant, kept in the next 
block towards the post-office from the present Ma- 
sonic Hall; Samuel Gilman, who occupied what is 
now the post-office building; Samuel Bean, located 
where the meat-market now stands ; Captain Badger's 
tan-yard was where Mr. Hodgson's factory is now ; 
Mr. Moulton was a cloth-dresser and manufacturer, 
after the primitive manner of that period. The law- 
yers were Esquire Harper, Jonathan C. Everett and. 
later, Judge Lovell. The principal physician was 
Dr. John Sanborn, a man of great value, not only 
as a physician, but who is remembered as one who 
did more to inculcate a desire for knowledge in the 
minds of the youth than, perhaps, any other person 
who ever lived here. 

Meredith Parade.— Among the places in this se(v 
tion which has a claim to historic;' 
has a more interesting history than t 
Parade. 

Shortly after the close of the War of 1812-15 
with Great Britain, the State militia was thoroughly 
reorganized, and every competent man between the 
ages of eighteen and forty-five belonged to it. The 
companies of Meredith, Centre Harbor, New Hamp- 
ton and Sanbornton comprised the Twenty-Ninth 
Regiment, numbering over five hundred men. The 
law required that they should meet at some place as 
often as once a year for drill. The place selected for 
this purpose was known as Meredith Parade. The 
grounds were used for this purpose until about the 
year 1840, and became famous throughout the coun- 
try for its annual gatherings. 

These musters were looked upon as events of great 
importance. " Each soldier," as the law read, " was 
commanded to appear armed and equipped, said 



Hon, none 
Meredith 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



etiuipments to consist of a gun, two flints, a priming- i 
wire and brush, a knapsaclc and twenty-four rounds ' 
of cartridges." Soldiers who failed to put in an 
appearance were charged a heavy fine, unless they 
could give a reasonable excuse. Two old-time j 
•' taverns" and two stores furnished the crowds with , 
rations and the — at that time — indispensable article i 
known as New England rum. Many old Revolu- | 
tionary veterans, who had participated in the battles j 
from Lexington to Yorktown would be attracted 
hither. Old Indian-fighters were also plenty and 
fond of relating their hair-breadth encounters with 
the red men of this locality. The old Parade occu- 
pied an important place in the early annals as the 
town metropolis. Besides the two taverns and two 
stores already mentioned, it had one meetiug-house, 
which stood on the Parade-ground, near the line be- 
tween this town and Laconia. This old church, with 
ite high-backed seats,box-shaped pulpit with sounding- 
board, was moved to Meredith village and remodeled 
into the Free-\Vill Baptist Church. The old cemetery 
still remains, a mournful reminder of the past. The 
head-stones have nearly all fallen, and are moss-grown 
and broken ; but few are legible. With the advent of 
the railroad perished the glory of the Parade. The 
daily stage from Boston to Plymouth was discon- 
tinued, and at the present time but little is left to 
distinguish it from any peaceful farming community. 
The " Neck " and " Bear Island " were another com- 
munity in themselves. Many recollect the hardy old- 
time residents of the Neck, although hardly one is 
left. " Bear Island " owes its name to the fact that 
bears were very abundant at the time of the first 
settlement. Robert Bryant settled here during the 
Revolution, coming from the Wadleigh place, near 
the Parade. Soon quite a neighborhood grew up 
around him, and forty years ago it could boast quite 
a school district. "Aunt Dolly" Nichols was a noted 
character, who lived alone about midway the length 
of the island. She made a living by selling cider 
and rum to the boatmen and fishermen. She bore 
the reputation of being a witch, and furnished Scrib- 
ner a .subject for his Dolly Plot in the " Legends of 

A Curious Relic was discovered in 1872, about six 
feet below the surface of the ground, at the bottom 
of a post-hole dug in the trail of the Indians between 
Lakes Winnipesaukec and Waukawan. It may have 
been the work of some one living in pre-historic days, 
as nothing like its fine workmanship has been pro- 
duced by the Indian tribes of this locality, and it has 
attracted great attention from the scientific and 
ethnological world. This curiosity is of fine silicious 
sandstone, as hard as granite, of almost the size and 
shape of a goose egg, — longest diameter, three and 
three- fourths inches ; transverse, two and five-eighths ; 
weight, eighteen ounces, — but not a lathe product, 
deviating slightly from a " solid of revolution." A 
conical hole (three-eighths of an inch at base, one- 



eighth at summit) passes along the axis, but lacks 
nearly one-eighth of an inch of being concentric with 
the base, and less at the summit. Ten figures — some 
in low relief, but sunk below the surface, — are cut 
with a workmanship inferior to the gems of ancient 
Europe, but as much superior to any other ever found 
on this continent. For instance, in the ear of maize, 
seven-eighths of an inch long, there are seventeen 
kernels in the row, and four of the rows clearly 
visible, with two more partly in sight. In a circle 
below (nearer the broad end) is the scalp of an 
animal with large ears, a deer's leg, and another 
figure like a three-pointed cap. The scalp may be 
also a cap. To the right is a face in an oval, two and 
one-eighth inches long and five-eighths broad. 
This resembles strongly ancient Egyptian counte- 
nances. The face is sunken, as the nose does not 
rise above the regular surface. The next figure is an J 
Indian lodge of four poles, visible above where they I 
cross at the top. Three breadths of curtain are ] 
shown, and they are carefully roughened, as if of 
hides. This is not on a depressed surface. Below 
this is a blank circle. There remains a series of three 
figures not in depressed surfaces, — first, four spears or 
paddles arranged in a form suggestive of the letter 
M, a crescent, and under it two maces in the form of 
X, with two dots between the heads. Lastly, there is 
a circular figure around each end. One little flaw is 
seen in the edge of the depression I'rom which the face I 
is raised. The stone was so encrusted as to com- 
pletely conceal all traces of the carving, and only a 
careful investigator would have discovered its secret. . 
This was done by Seneca A. Ladd, the Meredith 
philosopher and antiquarian, in whose possession it 
now is. This stone has attracted the wonder of the 
scientific world, European savatis having vainly tried 
to obtain it. The Smithsonian Institution at Wash- 
ington has offered to send a man to Meredith to ' 
make a cast of the " egg," as Mr. Ladd calls it. 

Conclusion. — There is material enough of interest- 
ing matter relating to Meredith to fill a large volume, 
and it is not to be expected that into the space 
aftbrded by such a work as this all that is valuable 
could be compressed. We have given our attention 
more especially to preserving what we could of early 
days, knowing that the dust of oblivion would the 
sooner hide those events and charactera forever from 
the view, and have, also, faithfully endeavored to 
condense as much of pure history as possible in these 
chapters, giving the formation of civil and religiou;- 
organi/.ations and their influence, development and 
results, however, quite fully, as they, by their com- 
bined action, have formed the character of the Meri- 
dith of to-day. The patriotism displayed by the 
town has fully justified the amount of space we have 
given to the military history. We trust that we have 
formed a nucleus around which some succeeding 
writer may crystallize all that is worthy of preserva- 
tion relating to this ancient and honorable town. 




/^ 




w^^^/ 



.MKKEJJITIl. 



857 



Our thanks are due to all who have rendered as- 
sistance to the writer, and especially to W. 0. Olough, 
whose investigations and prepared articles in the 
Meredith News have been of niucli service. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



UENEKAL .)011>' WADLElliH. 

It will be a step in the progress of a people's life 
when our memorials to the dead shall take the form, not 
of dull, senseless, decorative marble, but of a means 
of generating practical good, and inspiring life with 
nobler and loftier ideals. For every man who leaves 
behind him the expression of great thoughts, the 
record of noble deeds and a career of success in his 
particular field of labor helps to educate each suc- 
cessive generatiou. Such records of life, work and 
success supply the most inspiring and disinterested 
motives to the highest exertion in the present and in 
the future. In the various departments of busines-!, 
in science and in letters, in law and theology, in poli- 
tics and statesmanship, Belknap County has been 
honored by her sous, who, in their appropriate spheres, 
have exerted a deep influence, and the old town of 
Meredith has none whom her citizens justly hold in 
greater esteem and regard than General John Wad- 
Ieigh,sonofDearbornandPolly(Hayes) Wadleigh. He 
was born in Meredith, N. H. June3, 180(5, and died Octo- 
ber 25, 1873. He was a descendant ofa family second 
to none in the State, whose members have ever been 
leaders in society and men of influence. Biography 
scientifically presents the ancestry of its subjects for 
brief and interested examination. Past generations 
are concerned in the building of the man, as well as 
the beloved mother. General Wadleigh's grand- 
father, John Wadleigh, was among the pioneers of 
the town, and the men of those early times were men 
of action. Energy was the corner-stone of their 
characters, the secret of their successful lives, — well- 
directed, steady, persistent energy. Mr. Wadleigh 
was a man of note, and his voice was often heard in 
the councils of the town, where he was many times 
chosen to office. In the great struggle of the Ameri- 
can colonies with the mother-country he was an 
active participant, serving his country with patriotism 
and zeal. He died August 11, 1842, having nearly 
reached his four-score years and ten, leaving a name 
i lid character of inestimable worth. His wife, Mollie, 
1 November 13, 1827, aged seventy years. Dear- 
u Wadleigh, their son, was born in Epping, N. H. 
ii. inherited the homestead farm in Meredith, which 
place had been his home from childhood, and mar- 
ried Polly Hayes, of Sanbornton, a woman whose 
rare merit was well known. It was said of her, "She 
was goodness itself." She died November 1, 1864, 



aged eighty-three. Dearborn Wadleigh was a man 
much esteemed in the community, and a valued citi- 
zen. He was positive, strong in his convictions, and 
in politics was an old-time Whig. He died Decem- 
ber 27, 1859, at the age ol eighty-two. 

General Wadleigh remained with his parents on 
the old homestead until he was of age, participated in 
the labors of the field and received such education as 
the district school afforded, supplementing it at the 
old Gilmanton Academy, then in its palmy days. 
While yet a lad his heart was filled with the thoughts 
of the future and the ambition to be a leader among 
men, and his manly bearing and strong personality 
impressed itself upon those with whom he was 
brought in contact. The true American inheritance 
of free and independent thought had descended to 
him in more than ordinary measure, and he found his 
whole nature to be in direct opposition to the P^eder- 
alistic principles of the Whig party, and, on reaching 
his majority, he affiliated with the Democrats, and 
cast his maiden vote for their candidate at election 
(town-meeting). On his return from the meeting he 
was informed that his presence at home was no longer 
desirable. The following morning, more in sorrow 
than anger, he left home, but with a brave spirit un- 
daunted even by these circumstances. He went to 
Boston, where he established himself as a teacher of 
penmanship, in which art he excelled. His residence 
in Boston was not a permanent one. His father re- 
considered his hasty decision, and earnestly entreated 
his son to return to his home ; and to this request 
was added the urgent solicitations of the prominent 
Democrats, who assured him that they appreciated 
the value of a man who could so i>ersistently stand 
by his political principles, even though his filial re- 
lations were sacrificed. After careful deliberation, 
and with a pardonable ambition to return to Mere- 
dith and justify the judgment of his political friends, 
he removed from Boston, and became a resident and 
citizen of the town of his birth, and tilled the ances- 
tral acres. He was elected to many offices in the gift 
of his townsmen. He was presiding officer (modera- 
tor) of the town-meetings for several years. He was 
nominated for county treasurer of Straffiird County 
in 1840, and at the election the nomination was 
indorsed by the voters, and he held this office at the 
time Belknap County was organized. He also served 
two years and a half as county treasurer of Belknap 
County, covering five terms of court, which were held 
semi-annually, in February and August. He was 
continuously in office, civil or military, from 
the age of twenty-one. He was commissioned 
justice of the peace and quorum throughout 
the State, and held the position for a quarter of 
a century, being first commissioned by Governor 
Isaac Hill, January 8, 1838, and receiving the last 
commission from Governor J. A. Gilmore, October 9, 
1863. He was a member of the Constitutional Con- 
vention in 1850. He represented Meredith .several 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



times in the General Court. In the years 1862 and ; 
1863 he was a State Senator, and in all these civil j 
offices his superior endowments were recognized. | 

But General Wadleigh's prominence as a public 
man was not confined to civil affairs ; the military 
organizations claimed his attention in a large degree. 
He was pre-eminently a soldier. In manner and 
bearing, in energy and self-reliance, in the power to 
command and control men, in quick apprehension of 
circumstances and scrupulous attention to details, 
his mind was essentially military. His rapid pro- 
motion from ensign to major-general serves to show 
his remarkable ability. He was commissioned in 
the New Hampshire State militia as follows : En- 
sign by Governor David L. Morrill, April 18, 1827 ; 
lieutenant by Governor Benjamin Pierce, April 8, 
1830; captain by Acting Governor Joseph M. Harper, 
April 20, 1831; adjutant by Governor Samuel Dins- 
moor, April 15, 1833 ; colonel by Governor William 
Badger, July 1, 1834 ; brigadier-general by Governor 
Isaac Hill, September 4, 1837 ; major-general Second 
Division by .Governor John Page, June 27, 1839. He 
was honorably discharged, at his own request, June 
18, 1841. He was appointed adjutant and inspector- 
general of the New Hampshire militia by Governor 
Jared W. Williams, December 7, 1847, which office 
he retained until June 26, 1856. All the relations 
between General Wadleigh and his officers were 
characterized hy the utmost cordiality, and his strict- 
ness of discipline did not detract from the friendship 
existing between them. 

General Wadleigh married, in 1831, Mary Ann 
Wentworth, daughter of Bradley and Nancy Hanna- 
ford, of Mereditli. They had four children, — Le Roy 
B., a resident of Clinton, la., a very able and suc- 
cessful business man, and who inherits many of his 
father's characteristics ; Abbie (Mrs. Dr. G. F. Brick- 
ett), died July 31, 1864 ; John Dearborn, died No- 
vember 10, 1871, married Annie, wife of Frank P. 
Leffingwell, an attorney of Chicago, III. Mrs. Wad- 
leigh died December 31, 1866, aged fifty-six years, 
and, like her husband, enjoyed the warmest regards 
of the community. 

General Wadleigh was a religious man and a 
prominent and active member of the Baptist Church. 
He possessed the fine feelings of the old-school gen- 
tleman, and was true as steel to his friends. He was 
a man of exemplary habits, kind-hearted, hospitable, 
generous to the needy, sympathetic with the suffer- 
ing, diligent and faithful to all his trusts ; as a citi- 
zen, he was a promoter of all movements tending to 
advance the interests of Meredith. Courage was 
a conspicuous quality of his nature. Inheriting a 
powerful physique, with immense impelling force, 
he had the self-poise and boldness imparted by the 
consciousness of strength. His latent resources, 
under the stimulus of difficulty and opposition, were 
always equal to the demands made upon him in 
meeting the weighty responsibilities and l>earing the 



heavy burdens imposed. His moral courage, tried 
in many emergencies, was never found wanting. 
Neutrality was impossible to him, for he never 
shirked a duty or an issue. Holding pronounced 
opinions, he was always ready and able to defend 
them against any attack. His marvelous endur- 
ance was the wonder of his friends. His mind was 
a battery always charged, his animal spirits a foun- 
tain that never failed. Always sincere and honest 
himself and intensely loyal to his friends, hypocrisy 
or disloyalty to friendship was to him an unpardon- 
able sin. He filled many high places of honor and 
responsibility. That he always discharged their 
duties with fidelity is shown by the oft-repeated and 
long-continued manifestations of public confidence 
and trust reposed in him. His services to the State 
were long and arduous. Such are the main points of 
the character, life and official career of General 
Wadleigh. 

To those acquainted with the annals of New Hamp- 
shire his name is a familiar one, and in his native 
town no figure has been more prominent. 'In his 
character we find many of the crown jewels neces- 
sary to a successful life. Of rare judgment and 
irrepressible energy, he hewed to the line of unshaken 
purpose, and takes his place rightfully among those 
whose memory history will perpetuate. Every- 
where, in every age, in every department of life, we 
find that success springs from the energy of the man, 
— that is, the ingredient of his nature without which 
life remains an unfulfilled promise, — and as there is 
an inspiration to others in the achievements of such 
men, we gather up this review of the life of General 
Wadleigh and lay it with honored record where its 
influence may descend with helpful strength to other 
men and other generations. His memory will long 
be cherished, and his life is a part of the history of 
the State. 



The first person bearing the name of Ladd in 
America, and doubtless the ancestor of all the 1am- 
ilies bearing the name in New Hampshire, was Daniel 
Ladd, who sailed from London with his wife, Ann, 
March 24, 1633, in the ship " Mary and John," and 
settled at Ipswich, Mass. His name is fifth on the 
list of sixty-eight who founded the town of Salis- 
bury, in 1638. In 1640, with eleven others, he 
removed to Pawtucket, on the Merrimack, and or- 
ganized the town of Haverhill, where he lived, 
respected and honored, to an advanced age. He was 
descended from an old Kentish family, who were 
landed proprietors as early as the fifteenth century. 

Daniel Ladd, a lineal descendant from the English 
ancestor, was born August 21, 1742, at Epping, N. H., 
and became a farmer. He did not remain on the 
ancestral acres, but dealt largely in new land, residing 
first in Lee, then in Canterl)ury, and finally in Lou- 




L^^^^ 



Cc^ 



859 



don, where he was an early and esteemed citizen. 
He married Judith Lyford, of Raymond, about 1765. 
They had nine children, of whom the eighth was 
Gideon. Gideon was a chaise and carriage-builder. 
He was a man of much brain-power. Sober and 
sedate in his manners, of stern demeanor, he was a great 
admirer of the characters of the ancient Greeks and 
Romans, whose history he delighted to read. He 
wiis an industrious man and faithful to all his duties. 
A life-long resident of Loudon, he died there Feb- 
ruary 2, 1848. He married Tolly Osgood, of Loudon, 
and had twelve children. 

Seneca Augustus Ladd, fourth son and sixth child 
of Gideon and Polly (Osgood) Ladd, was born in 
Loudon, N. H., April 29, 1819. 

Probably no more marked individuality than his 
has been the production of the Granite State. From 
a child his methods of thought and execution have 
been sui generis. He attended the town school, sum- 
mers, until ten years of age, and winters, until he 
was seventeen, without much progress, as he says : 
'' School-books and rules were hard tasks for me, and 
to obtain knowledge in that way was much like 
trying to take on fat by eating saw-dust bread." 
Only one of his teachers comprehended his nature — 
Johu L. French, afterwards president of Pittsfield 
Bank. He allowed the youth to pursue his own 
methods, originate his own rules, choose his own time 
and way of study, only directing him in their gen- 
eral course. From him Seneca had the pleasure of re- 
ceiving the prize offered to the class — a silver piece of 
Spanish money worth six and a quarter cents. Mr. 
Ladd still has the coin. When thirteen he went to 
learn the carriage-maker's trade in Raymond, and 
gave diligent service for four years, and, with his 
marked mechanical aptitude, was thoroughly pre- 
pared to do good work. He followed his trade in 
Meredith for two years, and then went to Boston and 
passed one year in constructing piano-fortes for 
Timothy Gilbert, in the second manufactory of the 
kind established in the United States. Returning to 
ileredith in July, 1839, he purchased mills and built 
a large carriage manufectory and entered into busi- 
ness on quite an extensive scale. This was something 
of an undertaking for a young man but twenty years 
of age ; but Mr. Ladd, with his logical foresight, had 
mentally marked out the course he must pursue to 
win success. And it came. For eleven years he 
conducted his business with success. In April, 1850, 
his entire plant was destroyed by fire, with its val- 
uable completed work. Mr. Ladd immediately leased 
the cotton-factory, then idle, and fitted it up with 
new machinery adapted to his purpose, and engaged 
in the manufacture of pianos and melodeons. He 
devoted himself to this for eighteen years in Meredith 
and Boston, and showed himself one of the most 
successful men of this line. He made money and 
was conceded to be master of all the elements of 
success in this field. Having acquired a sufficient 



property to place him above the necessity of an in- 
cessant devotion to business, and having attained all 
the mental development he could expect in the vari- 
ous branches of labor he had followed, he was ready 
for a change and further progress. His humanitarian 
and philanthropic nature guided him in this. As an 
employer he had noted the recklessness with which 
the young people squandered their wages, apparently 
not knowing how to save their money, and his advice 
had frequently been given to them to take care of it. 
In revolving the problem of how to help them, the 
idea of a savings-bank seemed the thing needed. In 
November, 18G9, he and his as.sociates procured a 
charter from the Legislature and established the Mer- 
edith Village Savings-Bank (see History). The good 
accomplished by Mr. Ladd's zealous and persevering 
efforts in founding this bank has been very great, and 
will only be appreciated at its full value when looked 
upon by those of coming time ; for it is a fiict that 
never is a man fully understood or his real worth com- 
prehended by his contemporaries. 

Such a peculiar nature as Mr. Ladd's must needs 
have had a peculiar education. This has been given 
by careful observation of everything that came in his 
way; by examining the structure and nature of the 
smallest as well as largest matters in nature ; by at- 
tending to the needs of each of the many sides of both 
mental and physical organisms ; by practical busi- 
ness, by newspapers, scientific and literary works of 
a high order, and by avoiding everything tending 
to sensation or frivolity. He has never read a novel 
or attended a theatre. This education has given him 
a mental character of strength and ability far beyond 
that attained by the usual curriculum of a college 
course, and on any of the grave subjects under dis- 
cussion among scholars his opinion is listened to with 
earnestness and commands respect. From an early 
day he has been pronounced in his adherence to 
temperance. When a boy he joined a church, but 
left it as soon as he found that it was obligatory on him 
to take wine at communion. Since then he has been 
a member of no church, but contributed to the sup- 
port of many. He has never used tobacco or alcohol 
in any form, and has battled strongly against the rum 
traffic. In politics, his votes have always been cast 
in favor of universal freedom. The Liberty, Aboli- 
tion and Republican parties have, in turn, received 
his warmest support and most active services, and in 
all social and public matters he has ever been in 
accord with the most advanced and progressive 
minds. 

His regard for the young has been noticeable 
through life. He rarely passes children without 
bowing or speaking to them, and during his life he 
continually scattered kind deeds among them. Wil- 
liam O. Clough, editor of the Nashua Telegraph, ex- 
presses the result of this in his own case, and this 
is but one out of many of like character: " Mr. Ladd 
was always giving me something, doing me some 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



favor, speaking kind words to me, encouraging me, 
giving me to understand that my chances in the 
world were just as good as anybody's, providing I kept 
at school and did right. Somehow I always felt, while 
I lived in the neighborhood, that he was watching 
mo, that I had a friend in him, and for these reasons 
I tried to be a good boy and meet his approbation. 
I hold Mr. Ladd in grateful remembrance, and never 
think of him but to honor him, or hear his name 
mentioned but to recall instantly his generosity to- 
wards me ; and I thank him for all the favors shown 
me in my youth, for all the kind words spoken and 
good advice given." 

Mr. Ladd married, first, Susan Tilton, of Meredith, 
March 24, 1840. She was a most estimable and Chris- 
tian lady, and at her death, August 14, 1850, the 
whole community was wrapped in gloom. Their 
children were Fannie C. A. (Mrs. D. W. Coe) and 
Charles F. A. (deceased). He married, second, Cather- 
ine S., daughter of William Wallace, Esq., of Henniker, 
June 1, 1852. They have one child, Virginia B. 

Mr. Ladd is an earnest student of geological and 
meteorological science. He has kept meteorological 
records for eighteen years. He has devoted much 
time to the study of geology, mineralogy and nature, 
and has acquired one of the finest private collections 
of minerals, antiquities and Indian relics in New 
Hampshire. Notwithstanding his penchant for sci- 
ence, he is a thorough New Englander in practicality 
and enjoys himself in constant occupation. 

Rev. I. F. Holton, au eminent scientist and a 
strong personal friend, gives, in the Boston Daily News, 
this graphic picture of Mr. Ladd and the bank : " This 
gentleman of boundless courtesy and leisure is very 
hard of hearing, a man of great reflection, remarkable 
observation and unusual originality. The establish- 
ment looks like a professor's cabinet ; there are no 
signs of a bank, external or internal. Cases of books, 
minerals, coins, gems and antiquities, a few pictures, 
a 'Novelty' printing-press, a moderate safe and a 
lounge or two, with easy-chairs, complete the estab- 
ment. Clay-stones and other concretions and results 
of frost have been an especial study, and also stone 
arrow-heads of both the Old World and the New. Sev- 
eral specimens are of fliut and probably came from 
Europe." (For the description of the stone " egg," 
the gem of his collection, see ''History of Meredith.") 

Mr. Ladd, through partial loss of hearing, has 
been compelled to labor in a more circumscribed 
field than otherwise would have been the case ; but 
the same fi.xcd integrity, persevering diligence and 
mental qualities which have in so conspicuous a 
manner won success in the unassuming vocation to 
which he has given his attention could have wrought 
only the same successful result in a broader sphere. 
He is an honorary member of the New Hampshire An- 
tiquarian Society, resident member of the New Hamp- 
shire Historical Society, member of the Pilgrim So- 
cietv of Plymouth, Mass., and lifc-momber of the New 



Hampshire Home and School of Industry. Many of his 
pithy sayings and expressions are worthy of beingpre- 
served as comparing well with those given by Frank- 
lin in "Poor Richard's Sayings." They have a dry, 
pleasing, Yankee terseness which goes at once to the 
essence of the subject. We regret we have space for 
but few,— 

" Life-possessors, the world over, are artists. Mind, 
however high or low, is the canvas. All labor is 
merely the placing of colors and tints. The picture 
exhibits nature improved by art. Life was not created 
for life's sake, but as a means of perfecting nature, 
and thus form the basis of perfect bliss, the apparent 
aim of all sensible beings." " The active youth, hav- 
ing a good physique, who shuns idle labor, will build 
up a beautiful and perfect body, a wise and powerful 
mind, and among men will be as a towering pyramid 
among chafing pebbles." "It is common for sonic- 
persons to go back to rectify mistakes, and for others 
to go forward after duty; both are in error, as there 
cannot be any duty back or forward of the present.'' 

Most kind and attentive in his family relations, 
liberal in all matters of public improvement, no man 
in Meredith has stronger friends. Confucius, in his 
five classes of men, describes one as " philosophers." 
" They are they who, in their words, their actions 
and in the general conduct of their lives, never de- 
part from the line of strict rectitude ; who do right 
because it is right; whose passions are subdued ; who 
are always the same in adversity and prosperity ; who 
speak when they ought to speak, and are silent when 
they ought to be silent ; having firmness enough not to 
conceal their sentiments when it is proper to utter them, 
although they should lose thereby their fortunes or 
their lives; who despise no one, nor prefer themselves 
to others ; who are not content to derive their knowl- 
edge from ordinary sources, but push their investi- 
gations to the fountain-head, so as to free their 
knowledge from all mixture of error ; not discouraged 
when they fail, nor proud when they succeed." 

In placing Mr. Ladd in this class wc will receive 
the approval of those who understand him best. 



S.\MrEL HODGSOX. 

It is a pleasure for the historian to turn aside from 
the narration of events to chronicle the record of a 
self-made, industrious and useful person, who, by his 
own ability and honest dealing, has placed himself 
high on the list of business men, as having achieved 
a justly-merited success. And of such a man we 
write when we write of Samuel, or " Sam " Hodgson, 
as he is familiarly called. 

Samuel Hodgson was born January 19, 1842, in 
Halifax, Yorkshire, England. He comes of a family 
of respectability, his parents, Ellis and Sarah (Lassey ) 
Hodgson, being in comfortable financial circum- 
stances. His school-education was acquired before 
he was fourteen years old at the boarding-school ol 





^:^^^- TTlTt^cy^i^ 



^6^cy 



861 



Mytholmroyd and Farrar's Academy at Halifax. His 
great-uncle, George Wilcock, manufacturer of cotton 
yarns and warps, needing a clerk, Sara took the place 
and rapidly developed a practical knowledge of both 
manufacturing and financial departments. He re- 
mained here eight years, having full charge the last 
lour, conducting the business successfully. His 
father afterward established him in manufacturing 
for himself, but he was so hampered by conditions, 
which gave him little opportunity to carry out his 
own ideas, that he gave up the concern to his father 
and, in 1866, crossed the ocean to America. Here he 
arrived with a strong and healthy physique and a de- 
termination to conquer all obstacles. His eyes were 
turned naturally to the manufacturing town of 
Lowell, and his first employment was found in the 
dye-house of one of the large corporations there. 
The quick observation of Mr. Hodgson, his deter- 
mination to do his work well and his obvious atten- 
tion to the interests of his employers gained him the 
hearty friendship and confidence of the agent and 
superintendent, and was the foundation of his suc- 
cessful business career. One of these gentlemen, Mr. 
Ajipleyard, in a few months went to Lake village to 
e-itablish a dye-house, there being a demand for one 
at that place. He soon had an opportunity to secure 
Mr. Hodgson's services and gladly accepted them, 
giving him at the same time an interest in the busi- 
ness. Before policies had been issued on their appli- 
cation for insurance to cover their own property and 
goods left there to be colored, a fire destroyed the 
entire plant, with the exception of a few chemicals 
liurriedly drawn from the burning building. The 
little capital economy had acquired for Mr. Hodgson 
was thus swept away, but the firm of Appleyard & 
Hodgson was soon at work in a new building on the 
same spot. Mr. Appleyard soon formed another busi- 
ness connection at Ashland, and the dye-house was 
left in Mr. Hodgson's control. Taking personal 
charge of the practical part of the business and ex- 
posing himself in the wet dyeing-room, thus depriv- 
ing himself of needed rest and sleep, a rheumatic 
fever seized him, and with such strength that his re- 
covery was considered impossible by his physicians. 
His robust health heretofore, the careful nursing of 
kind friends and an invincible will wrought a cure, 
however, and in the intervals of delirium he gave 
directions to an unskilled workman, which enabled 
the business to go on its regular course. The dye- 
house was conducted to the satisfaction of his patrons 
and with profit for four or five years; but as the mills 
in Laconia and Lake village for which he did busi- 
ness began to add, gradually, dyeing to their own 
establishments, the demand arose for something to 
take the place of the waning industry, and Mr. Hodg- 
son, in 1870, began the manufacture of cotton and 
merino hosiery. In 1872 the cotton hosiery business 
was in a very unsatisfactory condition, and by a 
falling market Mr. Hodgson lost nearly all his ac- 



cumulated capital, which necessitated the temporary 
closing of his works. During this year (1872) Wm. 
H.Abel, an ingenious mechanic, came to Lake village 
and, at Mr. Hodgson's suggestion, began to experi- 
ment on the construction of an automatic loom which 
should take the place of the old-style hand-loom for 
knitting stockings ; for Mr. Hodgson was convinced 
that before this manufacture could become largely 
profitable an improvement in the machinery used 
would have to be made. While at work on this, Mr. 
Abel invented a machine for knitting mittens, with 
which, in 1874, Mr. Hodgson began the manufacture 
of mittens on contract, with good success. In 1876 
he removed to Meredith village, leased the power and 
mills of the Mechanics' Association and continued 
manufacturing mittens until 1877. By this time Mr. 
Abel had perfected and patented his automatic ma- 
chine for knitting stockings, which made a full- 
fashioned stocking that possessed great advantages 
over the common sewing-machine work. This won- 
derful invention, doing by machinery that which be- 
fore had to be done by hand, entirely revolutionized 
the manufacture of knit goods, furnished a new in- 
dustry to the country and gave an impetus to this 
branch of business, which added largely to the wealth 
of, and built up rapidly, Laconia, Lake village, etc. In 
1877, Mr. Hodgson began manufacturing stockings 
with the new machines, putting them in as fast as possi 
ble and to the full capacity of his power. Since com- 
ing to Meredith he has erected new buildings, trebled 
the floor-room and capacity of the mills, and has 
been largely engaged in the manufacture of his spe- 
cialties, woolen hosiery and knit mittens, and is to-day 
the principal motor of activity in the village and 
town. He employs from one hundred and fifty to 
one hundred and sixty operatives, the greater number 
of whom are women and natives of the vicinity. Mr. 
Hodgson, believing that good wages secure good 
workmen, acts on his belief, and this industry has 
added much to the prosperity of Meredith. A visit 
to these mills shows one secret of his success. Abso- 
lute purity is required in every article ; even so simple 
a thing as the soap used is manufactured here, and the 
exact strength of each dye is known, so an exact re- 
sult can be exactly predicated. All material is of the 
best of its kind, the machinery, made under special 
patents, some of them being entirely the property of 
Mr. Hodgson, is of the latest improved designs and 
almost automatic in the perfection of its workman- 
ship. The mill is fully ventilated; perfect clcanlincsa 
is observable in every department. Mr. Hodgson has 
a keen eye to read human nature, and calls into his 
service the best adapted persons. His superintend- 
ent, W. H. Hurst, an intelligent gentleman, formerly 
a practical knit-goods manufiicturer of England, is 
thoroughly at home in the mill, and, with an expe- 
rienced overseer, carries on the daily programme of 
labor so well that Mr. Hodgson knows in his absence 
that all is going on properly. The mill is protected 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



from fire by good force pumps, with hydrants in each 

Jlr. Hodgson is now a naturalized American, and 
cast his first vote last fall for President, .and is as 
fully devoted to the welfare and prosperity of this 
country, and as fully in accord with American man- 
ners and customs, as if he were a born New Eng- 
lander, and with characteristic good judgment has 
taken one of the daughters of New Hampshire for a 
wife, Elizabeth A. Dow, of Ashland. She has been 
and is truly a help-meet, and now superintends the 
finishing department of the mill. Her practical 
common sense, industry and frugality have been im- 
portant factors in his success. 

A kind, social and agreeable companion, a public- 
spirited citizen of unostentation and without pre- 
sumption, it goes without saying that Mr. Hodgson is 
immensely popular, not only among his workmen 
and in Meredith, but throughout a wide range of ac- 
quaintance. He is a member of the New Hampshire 
Club, of the A moskeag Veterans, and has taken the 
various Masonic degrees to Knight Templar. 

Ijooking forward to some period of retirement from 
manufacturing, Mr. Hodgson is at work on a farm of 
two liuiidrcd acres with the same system and" push" 
that characterize all his undertakings, and although 
rapidly putting this place into permanent improve- 
ment by a force which seems large to the old-fashioned 
farmer, yet his expenditures would be considered in 
Boston only a fair salary for a confidential clerk or a 
"super" of a first-class manufactory, and the work 
is done in accordance with true business principles, 
and is an investment which will pay. 

Mr. Hodgson's success should be an incentive to 
every young man who, like himself, has brains, ener- 
gy and a capacity to carry ideas into practical work- 
ing. He has been successful because he deserves to 
be, and enjoys the friendship and esteem of the 
leading men of this section. A citizen of sterling 
integrity, kind and generous impulses, and frank and 
manly bearing, there is not one who does not heartily 
wish him a long continuance of the prosperity which 
has in no wise changed his genial and cordial nature. 



JOSEPU W. LAXG. 

None of the jiresent generation of Meredith has 
been more identified with every phase of its business 
for the last half century, or has to-day a higher 
place in the esteem and love of the people of the 
town, than the honored and venerable Joseph W. 
Lang. He was born June 21, 1798, at Portsmouth, 
N. IL, and is descended from early settlers of Rock- 
ingham County. His grandfather, Josiah Lang, born 
in Greenland, N. H., had three brothers, one of 
whom lived in North Hampton, one in Concord, and 
one in Sanbornton. His parents were Josiah and 
Sarah (Whidden) Lang, and they had those frugal 
and honest virtues for which the New Englander of 



that day was noted. Josiah was a farmer with but 
limited capital, and to provide a more efficient 
home he moved to Tuftonborough, when lands 
were cheap, and purchased six hundred acres of 
land. He was a quiet, pleasant man, whom every 
one liked. His wife was one of those industrious 
Christian mothers whose influence was for good upon 
her children. They had three children, Joseph W., 
Thomas E., and Josiah, who died young. The loss 
of this, her youngest son, affected Mrs. Lang's sensi- 
tive nature, and she never fully recovered from the 
blow. In later life they removed to Meredith, where 
Mr. Lang died, in 1857, aged eighty-three. Mrs, 
Lang survived him three years, dying in 18G0, aged 
eighty-seven. Both were mourned by many friends. 

Joseph W. Lang was, from very early years, accus- 
tomed to labor, and grew to the age of seventeen 
amid the healthful country air and pleasant rural life 
of his father's farm. At this age he had a conference 
with his father concerning their financial condition. 
The conclusion was this : there was then due on the 
farm six hundred dollars, that could never be paid 
by labor on it, and the only way to extinguish the 
debt was to get money from outside ; so it was de- 
cided that Joseph should go from home to earn what 
he could for that purpose. He went to Portsmouth. 
Wages were at that time eight dollars per month ; 
but the young man deemed his services worth at 
least ten, and soon obtained employment as a ped- 
dler. Knowing his mother would scarcely approve 
the associations he would be subjected to, he at once 
wrote her not to be worried, as he would drink no 
spirits until be had seen her. He kept his word, not 
only by keeping his promise, but drinking nothing 
that would intoxicate while in the business, and has 
always held to strong temperance principles. Work- 
ing eight months the first year, without losing a day 
or drawing a dollar, he returned home with eighty 
dollars in his pocket. Eleven weeks of the ensuing 
winter were passed in "Master" Leavitt's school in 
Meredith, from which he graduated. He peddled 
three years, cleared the debt from the home larm, 
and developed those qualities of business acumen 
and thrift which have accompanied him through 
life. Adding one hundred more acres to the home 
farm, he taught school for three years, both winter 
and summer terms, and boarded at home. The pay 
contrasts strongly with the present wages of teachers, 
ten dollars a month being considered ample remune- 
ration for superintending the researches of a hundred 
(more or less) boys and girls in the mysteries of 
reading, writing, arithmetic and the rudiments of 
grammar. The board was from one dollar to one 
dollar and a quarter a week. Mr. Lang was a suc- 
cessful teacher, and much loved by his pupils. 

Mr. Lang had now fully decided to become a set- 
tled farmer, and had about fifty acres of the home 
farm set otf to him, on which he erected a substantial 
house and barn, and married, June 20, 1824, Mehita- 




Z/^^^ftrM^ LAri=J.Cc^/^j 



^^m^ 




ble Clark Young, daughter of Benjamin Young, Esq., 
and her counsel and assistance were very helpful to 
the young agriculturist. But the farmers of Tuf- 
tonborough were not long to claim, among their 
number, such a promising recruit. Mr. Joseph 
Smith, of Dover, was the chief business man of the 
Lake County, — an extensive merchant, who had 
stores at these places: Farmington, Alton Bay, Mer- 
edith, Wolfborough, Centre Harbor and Moulton- 
borough. In 1826, wishing an honest and reliable 
clerk, his attention was attracted to Mr. Lang. Mr. 
Crosby, one of his employes, went to Tuftonborough 
and offered the young tarmer a salary of two hundred 
and fifty dollars and the use of a house for the first 
year. 

Upon due consideration, the offer was accepted, 
and Mr. Lang was placed in charge of the Wolfbor- 
ough store. Remaining here about two and one-half 
years, he succeeded Mr. Crosby in the charge of the 
store at Meredith, and held that position until the 
failure of Mr. Smith, in 1830, when Mr. Lang was 
induced to take the Jleredith business as his own, 
which he did, assuming the liabilities, which 
amounted to six thousand dollars, and from that 
time until 1869, when he retired,— a period of about 
forty years,— he was in active business, alone and 
with various partners, being the principal merchant 
of the town. He was also connected with every en- 
ter])rise tending to the improvement and the further- 
ing of industries in Meredith. Prior to 1835, Mr. 
Lang, together with Captain Daniel Smith, Mr. Dav- 
enport, Mr. Woodman and Abel Philbrick, purchased 
a grist-mill, two stories in height, fitted it up as a 
cotton-factory, and formed the Meredith Village 
Cotton-Factory Company, and carried on busiuess for 
a few years. He was the first agent and one of the 
incorporators of the Belknap Steamboat Company, 
which built the first steamboat in the State, "The 
Belknap," at Lake village, and was the only member 
of the company from this section. He was one of 
the first stockholders of the Belknap, Concord and 
Meredith Eailroad, and for nineteen years a director, 
closing his connection with the road, as such, on 
reaching his eightieth year. He, with Joseph Ela, 
Colonel Stevens, F. Smith and others, purchased the 
mills and privileges at Meredith village and formed 
the Mechanics' Association, with a capital of thirty 
thousand dollars, and was its first treasurer, which 
position he held several years. He was one of the 
incorporators of the Meredith Village Savings Bank, 
and president from its organization. 

In February, 1863, Mrs. Lang died, and November 
8, 1866, Mr. Lang married Mrs. Julia A. Taylor, 
daughter of Captain John B. and Comfort (Sanborn) 
Perkins, of Sanbornton, a lady with whom his decli- 
ning years are passing most happily. [Captain Per- 
kins, her father, lived to be ninety-six years old, 
retaining his remarkable memory to the last, and his 
clear understanding of occurrences and men of the 



past was of inestimable service to Rev. Mr. Runnels 
in preparing his history of Sanbornton.] 

In all of the public afl'airs of the town, Mr. Lang 
has been closely allied, and he has been often called 
to offices of trust and honor by his townsmen. He 
was town treasurer for six, and moderator for many 
years. Politically, he has been Whig and Republi- 
can, and, in the State Legislature of 1856-57, he rep- 
resented Meredith. A faithful and active member of 
the Congregational Church, giving freely and liber- 
ally to its support, and living a life based on the pre- 
cepts of the "Golden Rule," Mr. Lang feels and acts 
as if the competency which he has acquired by his 
constant and unremitting industry is only intrusted 
to his care for the good of others. Goodness and 
benevolence are stamped upon his face, and, on every 
side, through all the years of his life, his kind acts 
have been continuously, quietly and unostentatiously 
done, he scarcely letting his " left hand know what 
his right hand did." 

" Anil wisest he in this whole, wide land 
Of hoarding till bent and gray ; 
For all you can hold in your cold, dead hand 
Is what you have given away." 

In the fullness of years, honored by the confidence 
and love of the better part of the community, Mr. 
Lang can have the satisfaction of knowing that he 
has worthily and honorably passed a useful and 
laborious career, and that his memory will be a sweet 
remembrance in the hearts of a large circle of friends. 

COLONEL EBENEZEE STEVENS. 

Among the leading business men whose activity, 
enterprise and persistent industry have been powerful 
motors in furthering the growth and developing the 
physical and moral interests of Meredith must be 
mentioned Ebenezer Stevens. He comes from sturdy 
ancestry, his great-grandfather. Major Ebenezer 
Stevens, being one of the early settlers of Kingston, 
N. H. He was a brave man and gallant soldier, and 
received his title from services rendered in the French 
and Indian War. Major Stevens married, December 
5, 1710, Elisabeth Colcord and had four sons. He 
died November 1, 1749. He was a very distinguished 
and useful citizen, and such was his integrity and be- 
nevolence that difi"erences among the people were 
submitted to him with perfect confidence rn a just 
decision. He sustained many important functions 
and discharged every duty with ability and faithful- 
ness and left the beneficial impress of his strong 
character upon the community where he lived for 
many years. 

The second son of Major Stevens was Colonel 
Ebenezer, born June 10, 1715; married, first, 1736, 
Mary Colcord ; second, 1768, Dolly Stevens, of New- 
buryport. His children were Ebenezer, Jr., born in 
1739, a deacon of the church in Kingston; John, born 
in 1770; Moses, born in 1771; Peter C, born in 1773 ; 
Paul, born in 1775. 



HISTORY or |{i:i,KN.\l' COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



A romiuitic inHtiiiicc of Colonel Ebenezur Stevens' 
curly life Ih (?ivcM in our liiHtory of " Rockingham and 
Strafford Counties, N. li.,"— 

" When seven years of age, he, with others, was 
taken caiitivo by the Indians, and carried thron^h Lake 
Winnipesaiikce to Canada. Here he remained for 
one year, when he wiw ransomed Uy his father paying 
100 silver pistareenH(:5(17). It is siiid that they demand- 
ed a higher price because he wore a better hat and 
bolter clothing than his companions." 

lie received a common-school education and be- 
came a farmer and successful business man, owning 
much real estate. He was for many years proprietors' 
clerk and also transacted important business for the 
Stale, and Stcvcnslown (now Salisbury ) was named 
for him. lie dicl .Fiily 1!), IKOO, wImm'ihmiIv ninety 
years old. 

Colonel St(nens was a very polite gentleman of the 
old school, and it is related of him, that, on riding on 
liorscback from meeting, he would carry his co(;ke<I 
hat under his arm, a distance of two miles, bowing to 
the i)eople on the way. He took the father of Daniel 
Webster, as a boy of nine, to "bring up," and prom- 
ised that he should learn a trade. Wut, conceiving a 
liking lor tin; boy, he kept him on his farm until he 
was twenty-one and then started him in life by giving 
him a farm in Andover. Years passed; Colonel 
Stevens began to succumb to the infirmities of age, 
and both mental and physical powers were weakened, 
when Mr. Webster, taking advantage of his condition, 
insisted that more remuneration was due him as dam- 
ages for not being taught a trade, and the colonel gave 
him the farm in Salisbury where Daniel W(>lisler 
was born. 

i'anl Stevens, the youngest son of Colonel Kbenezer 
:iii<l Dolly Slovens, was born in Kingston in 1775 and 
roiiivicl ihe usual education and did the work of 
liuiiicis' boys of that day. He learned the shoe- 
maker's trade and was also a farmer, his father's proj)- 
erty enabling all the children to own some land; but 
his share was a small farm in New Chester, worth 
about si.x hundred dollars. Hero he settled, about 
17'.K>, with his wife Sally, daughter of Dr. Howe, an 
eminent surgeon in the American army of the Revo- 
lulion, who was disowned by his family for his rebel 
alliliatioiis. His father was Lord Viscount Howe, at 
one time (iovernor of Harbadoes, and his mother, 
Mary Soi)hia Charlotte, daughter of Haron Kilman- 
sigge, Master of the Horse to (ieorge I., when IClector 
of Hanover, by a daughter of (iount I'lalen, of the 
enipiro. Lady Howe was afterward crealed ('ountess 
of Darlington by (Jcorge I. This worthy couple had 
four sons,— (ieorge A. (killed in the French and In- 
dian War in Auu'rica), Richnrd (Lord Admiral Howe, 
eommandiM' of the Ibilish naval forces of the Ameri- 
can Uevolulion) ; William ((ieneral Sir William Howe, 
who comnumdcd Ihe Ilrilish army during the same 
war) and Surgeon llowc(lhe lalhe'r of Mrs. Stevens). 

The money Dr. Howe received lor his army service, 



some three or four thousand dollars, became value- 
less by the great depreciation of the Continental cur- 
rency. 

Paul Stevens and his wife remained in New Chester 
for a few years, and there four of his children — Dolly 
William, Mark and Sarah — were born. Purchasing 
a better farm, he removed to New Hampton, which 
was the birth-place of his two daughters, — Fanny and 
Nancy. Four or five years passed, and Mr. Stevens 
moved to Gilford, near Gilmanton, and purchased 
one hundred and fifty acres of rough, unbroken land, 
which, after many years of hard, unremitting labor, 
was transformed into a well-cultivated farm. He 
passed the remainder of his life in Gilford, dying in 
August, 184(5, aged seventy-one years. The rest of 
his children — Fifield, Peter F., Kbenezer, Mosc - 
John, Paul, James S. and two who died in infancy 
were born in Gilford. 

Paul Stevens was an intelligent, unassuming, quiet 
man, of deeply religious princii)le8, much respected in 
the communities where he resided. Mrs. Stevens was 
a noble, fine-looking woman, of great strength of char- 
acter and religious feeling, and taught her children 
Christianity by example, as well as by word. Mr. and 
Mrs. Stevens were among the first adherents of tin- 
new belief of the Frec-Will Baptist Church, of which 
they were members. She survived her husband several 
years and died in Gilford. 

Colonel Ebene/.er Stevens, .son of Paul and Sally 
(Howe) Stevens, was born May 9, 1810, and when 
but seven years old was compelled to commence the 
battle of life. He first went to live with a farmer 
whose liomo svius back of the Helknap Mountains, in 
what was called " The Cellar." In a year he changed 
his abode, but until he was fourteen his occupation 
was " tilling the soil." He then learned blacksmith- 
ing of his brother William, and worked with him for 
some time. Earning some money, he attended school 
and boarded with Dr. Crosby and wife. The Chris- 
tian kindness and sympathy of this worthy couple 
won the young man's heart, and enabled them to use 
a strong and beneficial influence upon him, which is 
appreciated even yet, and causes him to hold their 
memory in reverential honor. Before he was seven- 
teen ho i)urchased an old shop in Gilford village, on 
credit, and, borrowing fifty dollars as a capital, he 
established himself as a blacksmith. Early in the 
morning and late at night the fire glowed on his 
hearth, and the sound of his hammer was heard. Ho 
was prospered, as the diligent and industrious always 
are. The first year he cleared three hundred and 
twenty-five dollars. Having ])roved his ability to 
support himself, and being well established in busi- 
ness, Mr. Stevens married, January IT), 1831, Thcrina 
daughter of John 8. and Leah (Prcscott) Osgood, and 
granddaughter of Colonel Prcscott, of Gilmanton. 
They had three children, — Cyrus A., Celestia A. (mar- 
ried Edward Stowell, resides in North Adams, and 
has two children) and Ebenczcr (who dicl when luur 



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865 



years of age). Mrs. Stevens died January 17, 1845, ] 
aged thirty-three years. 

In 1837, Mr. Stevens removed to Meredith village 
and carried on blaeksmithing until 1845, doing a j 
large business. About 1850 he engaged in merchan- 
dising with .Iiisriih \\". Lang. This partnership con- ] 
tinned ]dc:is;nitly :ni«l |ii(ilitably for six years, aud after j 
this Mr. Stevens was in hade alone and with various 
Ijartuers lor twenty years. 

He married, April 22, 1846, Cassandra, daughter of 
John B. and Alice (Ladd) Swasey, of Meredith, and 
had one child — Alice S. (married Henry W. Lincoln, 
of Norton, Mass.; they have three children). [Mrs. 
Stevens is a descendant of two early New Hampshire 
families of repute, her father being third in descent 
from Ebenezer Swasey, of Exeter, whose son Benja- 
min, born at Exeter October 16, 1752, married.Jane 
Bund, February 15, 1777, and moved to Meredith, 
where John B. was born April 3, 1782. He settled 
in Meredith village, became a prominent business 
mau, having a large mercantile trade, and extensively 
owning real estate. He erected large mills on the 
water privilege owned previously by Daniel Avery, 
and in numerous ways served the town as postmaster, 
etc., and was a pillar of society. He died March 11, 
1828. His wife, Alice Ladd, was a descendant in the 
sixth degree from Daniel Ladd (see biography of 
Seneca Ladd), the line being Daniel (1), Samuel (2), 
John (3), Timothy (4), Eliphalet (5) (born February 
19, 1755, married Mary Park, of Windham, May 13, 
1774), Alice (6). Mrs. Alice (Ladd) Swasey died 
February 6, 1875, aged ninety-six years. She had 
lived in Meredith over sixty-five years, and in houses 
located on the same site. She was a lady of intellect, 
and her love of reading and appreciation of good 
literature continued through life. Her memory was 
very retentive, and, her mental faculties being unim- 
paired, she wrote a poem when she was ninety years 
old, which had all the freshness of one written by one 
not half her age. She ever possessed a great love of 
the beautiful in art, literature and nature. Mrs. 
Stevens inherits many of the characteristics of her 
mother, and is a most intelligent and interesting lady, 
whom it is a pleasure to meet.] 

From about theageof seventeen Mr. Stevens took an 
interest in militia matters, and was rapidly promoted 
through the various gradesto that of colonel, and held 
t'n.e offices of brigade and division inspector for many 
years. In 1845 he was elected selectman and served 
three years, and conducted several important lawsuits 
for the town to a successful issue. Since then he has 
been largely identified with town and public matters. 
He has held the commission of justice of the peace for 
over forty year.s. He was representative in 1854 and 
1855. An old Whig, he became an active Republican, 
and was Presidential elector for Lincoln in 1860. He 
was selectman of Meredith during the Rebellion, and 
was energetic in the discharge of the onerous duties 
which devolved upon him in that capacity 



He; 



sisted in the disbursement of thousands of dollars ; 
was oft'ered the colonelcy of the Twelfth Regiment, 
wliich, through his efforts and others, was raised in 
five days ; he prepared the list of soldiers sent by 
Meredith, published elsewhere in this history, and 
during the war period received the nomination of his 
(the minority) party, and carried its full vote lor the 
important positions of State Senator, councilor, etc. 
Before 1850 he began to do probate business; this has 
grown largely, and a great portion of his time since 
has been occupied in settling estates, attending to 
guardianships to which he has been appointed, and 
he has done more of this class of business, probably, 
than any other person in the county. Being careful, 
prudent and kind-hearted, he is peculiarly fitted for 
the guardianship of the poor and unfortunate. 

He has been prominently connected with the Free- 
will Baptist Church since 1840 ; has been trustee of 
New Hampton Seminary, where, for seventeen years 
consecutively, he was marshal on anniversary occa- 
sions. 

He was one of the incorporators, and has served as 
president and treasurer, of the Meredith Mechanic 
Association ; one of the incorporators and trustees of 
the Meredith Village Saviugs-Bank ; one of the di- 
rectors of the Belknap County Bank, Laconia, and is 
also trustee of Laconia Saviugs-Bank. 

We can in no better manner sum up the character 
of Colonel Stevens than to repeat the words used by 
the historian of Kingston in describing his great- 
grandfather. Major Ebenezer : " He sustained many 
important functions, and discharged every duty with 
ability and faithfulness," Of untiring energy and 
persistent perseverance, he is a "self-made " man in 
the highest sense of the word. 



JOSEPH ELA. 

Joseph Ela, son of John Whitchcr (Whittier) Ela 
and his wife, Mehitable Dame, was born in Lee. 
N. H., July 20, 1797. 

The Ela family has been, for many years, a reputable 
one in England. The name of the first American 
progenitor of this line is, doubtless, Daniel Ela, with 
whom the town of Haverhill, Mass., voted to ex- 
change certain lands on October 19, 1658. From this 
time the name occurs frequently in Haverhill, Daniel 
being often elected to ofiices of trust. He was chosen 
moderator in 1699 and town attorney in 1700. He 
was an inn.keeper in 1677 and possessed quite a prop- 
erty for those times. 

Israel Ela, probably his son, was made freeman of 
Haverhill in 1677, and his descendants for many 
years occupied the lands granted to Daniel. He 
married Abigail Bosworth, and died March 29, 1700. 
He had two sons and three daughters. John Ela, 
second son of Israel, born in Haverhill June 15, 
1683, married Rachel Page, had five children and 
died in 1742, aged fifty-nine. Their oldest child. 



HISTOllY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Jacob, born February 1, 1711-12, was twice married. 
By Iiis second wife, Mrs. Ednah (Little) Gale, he had 
eight children, the oldest being John. (His sixth 
child, Lydia, married. Daniel Applcton, and num- 
bered among her descendants the celebrated family 
of that name in New York City.) 

John Ela was born in Haverhill, Mass., January 6, 
1740— il. He was a ftirmer and noted for his great 
size. He weighed four hundred pounds. All his 
children were by his first wife, Ruth Whittier. He 
died at the age of forty-six years. The oldest were 
twins, Nathaniel W. and John Whittier, born 
February 5, 1766. Nathaniel became a citizen of 
Dover, where, for over fifty years, he conducted a 
most popular hotel and made a large range of ac- 
quaint.ance. He was a very genial person, a hatter 
by trade, which he carried on for some years. John 
W. became a farmer in Durham, Lee and Barn- 
stead, N. H., married Mehitable Dame, of Dur- 
ham, January 7, 1793, and had three children,— 
Ednah, Joseph, John. He died June 15, ISOl, when 
Joseph was but four years old. Keceiving the care 
of a faithful mother until he was nearly fifteen years 
old, Joseph went to Dover to learn the hatter's trade 
of his Uncle Nathaniel. The confinement proved in- 
jurious to the young man, and he had two attacks of 
fever, in which he nearly lost his life; but he finished 
his trade, and, when of age, in company with another 
young man, he established himself as a hatter in Nor- 
way Plains (Rochester). His health again failing, 
he changed his business and became a merchant's 
clerk for two years, in which he was so popular as to 
make many friends and attract the attention of lead- 
ing merchants. 

The long and unusually active business connection of 
Mr. Ela with Meredith and its vicinity, and his residence 
in this town, date from July 2, 1822, when he came 
to take charge of the Meredith store of Joseph Smith, 
of Dover, the great merchant of the lake. For four 
years Mr. Ela gave his unintermitting and untiring 
attention to the onerous duties of this position, until, 
tlu' sedentary life again impairing his health, he found 
he must change his business to one giving more exer- 
cise in the open air. For six months he was a teamster. 
Receiving the appointment of deputy-sheriff, in 1828, 
for the county of Strafford, and shortly after being 
deputized to act in Grafton County, he soon found 
his hands full of legal business. Everything in those 
days was sold on credit, and none were refused. 
When the merchants were tired of waiting for 
their pay, which came in all kinds of barter, 
money being almost an unknown quantity, the 
debtor was sued and the officers of the law were 
set at work. An execution against the body of any 
debtor who owed thirteen dollars could be taken out, 
if no property could be found, and the unfortunate 
man sent to the county jail at Dover. Many of these 
trips were taken by Mr. Ela, who was active, vigor- 
ous and resolute in discharging his official duties, 



tempering them, however, with as much mercy as 
his position would allow. For over thirty years he 
continued in this official capacity in Strafford ami 
Grafton until the organization of Belknap County, 
then in Belknap, Carroll and Grafton; and probably 
no other officer in any of these counties ever tran>- 
acted as much business, served as many writs or r(><le 
so many miles as Mr. Ela. For twenty years he was 
the "crier" of the courts of Strafford County, and 
served in the same oflSce in Belknap County as long 
as he was in active service, which continued until 
1858 or 1859. His long continuance in office is the 
strongest evidence possible of his capabilities, his lion- 
esty, his devotion to duty, and, also, of his popularity 
as a man. 

In 1846, Mr. Ela was employed by the Lake Com- 
pany to purchase the right of flowage on Lake Win- 
nipesaukee, and, in doing this, was compelled to buy 
many pieces of land beyond the flowage line. In set- 
tling with the company Mr. Ela received this land, 
and in this manner acquired much land along Plym- 
outh Street, in Meredith village, as well as else- 
where. The possession of this real estate led him in- 
to building houses upon it, and he has built and 
owned fifty-two different houses in the village. 

In 1858 he suggested the importance of forming a 
corporation to buy and control the water-power at 
Meredith village, and from his suggestion and active 
interest the Mechanics' Association was organized. 
(See history.) 

Mr. Ela was also one of the incorporators and first 
trustees of the Meredith Village Savings-Bank, and 
has been, du'ring all the years of his residence here, 
connected with, and an earnest supporter of, all things 
tending to improve, benefit or advance the better in- 
terests of Meredith. He married, in 18.32, Sally Mil- 
ler Moulton, daughter of Jonathan Moulton, a prom- 
inent manufacturer of his day in Meredith. She 
died May 21, 1878, in her sixty-fifth year. This 
worthy couple had five children who attained ma- 
turity, — Laura E. (married, first, Daniel S. Bedee, 
whose surviving daughter, Nellie, is now the widow 
of James W. Horn, and, second, Alvin Peavey) ; 
John W., educated at Cambridge Law School, be- 
came a lawyer in Plymouth, went out in the Civil 
War of 1861 as captain of a company in Fifteenth 
New Hampshire Volunteers, honorably discharged at 
expiration of term of service, he established himself 
as a lawyer in Chicago, 111., where he now enjoys a 
fine practice; Charles H., deceased; Ednah, married 
George E. Gilman, now lives in Detroit and has three 
children ; Luella C, died aged seventeen years. 

Mr. Ela has ever been a pronounced Democrat of 
the Jefferson and Jackson school, believing their 
doctrines to be the only guide to a successful contin- 
uance of the republic, and he has strongly battled 
for the success of those principles. He was appointed 
postmaster in 1822 and held the office three years. 
He has been selectman six or eight terms, town agent 




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867 



and special agent in numbers of cases, represented 
Meredith in the State Legislature of 1871-72, and has 
been frequently requested to accept bis party nomi- 
nation for Senator and other offices, which were de- 
clined. At the time of the construction of the Boston, 
Concord and Montreal Railroad he took several large 
contracts, which were faithfully performed. His 
sight was destroyed by cataract in 1872. 

For over sixty years has Mr. Ela been one of the 
leading men of this town, and to-day, with clear 
mind, he can look back over the whole of that time 
and tell the course, progress and development of any 
movement which has occurred, and analyze clearly 
the reason of its growth or failure. 

Successful in business, happy in his family relations, 
blest with the kind care of loving descendants and 
with a large circle of friends who honor and esteem 
him for his many good, qualities, Mr. Ela is a vener- 
ated member of society, one of the few remaining 
l)ensioners of the War of 1812. 



SIMEON D. PEASE. 

The Pease family was among the early settlers of 
Meredith and is well worthy of record in this place. 
By reference to the ecclesiastical history of this town, 
we see the great influence its members had in the 
religious matters and progress of this section, and, 
in all ways, they have been connected with the well- 
doing and honorable element of its citizens. 

Joseph Pease was born March 10, 1774, and was 
one of the good, old-fashioned men of the last cen- 
tury. He was kind-hearted, full of activity and 
blunt earnestness, and delighted in nothing better 
than in a run after the foxes, of which he was a noted 
hunter. The children had cause to love him for his 
kindness. Before mounting his horse to ride from 
his house to the village he would fill his capacious 
pockets with apples to throw to them. Often, when 
shaking hands with a poor man, he would leave a 
silver dollar. Quaint, impulsive, humorous and ec- 
centric withal, fixed in his Democratic faith, he was 
a thoroughly good man and took great pride in his 
well-tilled and remunerative farm. His brother Sim- 
eon was a deacon for many years in the Free- Will 
Baptist Church and possessed a deeply religious na- 
ture. They were of a family of eleven children of 
Benjamin and Anna (Sanborn) Pease, who established 
their home on Oak Hill among the first settlers, and, 
by hard work, economy and steady battling with 
obstacles little understood in these days, carved out a 
home and secured a competency for their children. 
Benjamin was born August 2, 1743, and died Febru- 
ary 26, 1802, leaving the record of a life usefully 
spent. Joseph married, April 11, 1796, Hannah Fol- 
som. They had ten children. 

Simeon D. Pease, son of Joseph and Hannah (Fol- 
som) Pease, was born at Oak Hill, Meredith, July 7, 
1S12, and died January 21, 1885. He married Betsey, 



daughter of Nathaniel and Patience (Page) Batch- 
elder. Their children are (1) Arzelia Jane, mar- 
ried Edwin Cox, express agent in Meredith village ; 
they have one child, named Clarence. (2) Laura E. 
(3) Mary R., married Howard Prescott, and lives 
in Chicago, 111. (4) Hannah A., married Frank 
Cummings; resides in Holderne-ss ; they have one 
child, Hannah I. (5) Frank B., married Clara 
Hoyt, and is a member of the mercantile house of 
Pease & Towle, in Meredith village ; they have 
one child, Betsey Bertha. (6) Simeon Loring, 
married Ellen Hanson, and is a farmer on the old 
homestead. Simeon, as before mentioned, was born 
in the early part of the nineteenth century, and, en- 
vironed by the narrowing circumstances of that per- 
iod, his education was necessarily limited to the com- 
mon schools of his native town. Devoting himself 
to agriculture, he threw himself with all the energy 
of his nature into the cultivation and improvement 
of the ancestral acres, succeeding his father in their 
care and became known as one of the best farmers of 
the town. Industrious and frugal, he added to his 
inherited property. He was a life-long Democrat 
and believed, with Jefferson, that " a .strict adherence 
to the Constitution was the one thing needful to the 
perpetuity of the Union, and that any departure 
from its spirit and teachings would result in harm to 
our country," and during all the years of his man- 
hood he battled strongly for his principles. 

Mr. Pease was an industrious, social man, possessed 
of sound judgment and good common sense, which 
were appreciated by his townsmen, who often asked 
and heeded his counsel in affairs requiring firmness 
and deliberation. He was often chosen to positions 
of public trust, served as selectman, and was several 
times elected representative to the General Court, 
and many times selected to do other business of pri- 
vate as well as public character. He enjoyed the 
esteem of the community for his many sterling 
qualities. 

Mrs. Pease, who survives her husband, is a descend- 
ant of the Rev. Stephen Batchelder, a prominent 
minister, who was born in England in 1561, and 
emigrated to America in 1632, and settled first in 
Lynn, Mass., and afterwards, 1638, removed to Hamp- 
ton and exerted a great influence for many years. 
He returned to England, where he died, having 
lived nearly a century. Abraham Batchelder was 

born August 13, 1750, and married Nabby , who 

was born in 1752 and died July 11, 1802. Their son 
Nathaniel was born in Northwood, N. H., May 16, 
1786, and married Patience Page. Their daughter, 
Mrs. Pease, inherits many of the strong traits of her 
ancestors. 

JAMES OILMAN. 

One hundred years ago Exeter was, as it is to-day, 
the abode of many families of ancient and honornble 
descent. They were people of means, education and 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



their patriotism was undoubted. Through all the 
colonial period they Avere a notable and influential 
race, and there have been men among their descend- 
ants, in every generation, who have done honor to 
their country. The Gilmans came to New Hampshire 
soon after its first settlement, and, in 1679, Hon. 
John Oilman was one of the councilors named in 
President Cutts' commission. Captain Nicholas Gil- 
man was an officer of skill in the Indian wars of 
Queen Anne's reign. Hon. Peter Oilman was the 
first to bear the title of brigadier-general in New 
Hampshire. Colonel Daniel Oilman was a grantee 
of the town of Gilmanton. 

The American ancestor of the Meredith branch of 
the family was Moses, who came from Hinghani, Eng- 
land, and settled at Exeter. The line to the present 
generation is Moses (1), James (2), Timothy (3), James 
(4), David (5), James (6). 

James Oilman (6), son of David and Sally (Clark) 
Oilman, and grandson of James and Deborah (Good- 
hue) Oilman, was born in Meredith December 31, 
1813. His grandfather, James (4), was born in New 
Market, N. H., May 30, 1750 (O. S.). He was a tiller 
of the soil, and resided in his native town, working 
industriously, until he was forty years of age, when, 
with his wife and six children, — James, Samuel, Uriah, 
Deborah, David and Josiah, — became to Meredith, in 
1790, when it was comparatively a young town, and 
settled on the lot where his grandson, James (6), now 
lives. At the time of the Revolution he served a few 
months at Portsmouth. He was a Democrat, one of 
the old-fashioned men of fixed principles, good judg- 
ment and few words, and those words were held as 
law by his children, who respected and loved him. 
He was a hard-working, diligent farmer, brave and 
patient in accomplishing whatever his hands found 
to do, and for forty-eight years he lived and labored 
on the farm in Meredith. He died September 12, 
1838, when nearly four-score years and ten, having 
served his day and generation well. His wife was 
of the Goodhue family, and a member of the 
Baptist Church. She died July 4, 1815. David (5), 
fourth son of James (4), was born in New Market, 
May 9, 1785. He married, October 22, 1812, Sally, 
daughter of Moses Clark, of Sanbornton. They had 
three children, — James (6), Martha and David. July 
1, 1817, less than five years after his marriage, David 
Oilman died, and his father, although past the prime of 
life, gave a home to his grandchildren and their 
mother. David Oilman was a Democrat in politics. 
He, with his wife, were active members of the Baptist 
Church. 

James Oilman (6) was the oldest of the three chil- 
dren, and early in life he made a brave and honest 
struggle with the difiiculties of his lot. He became 
afarmer on the old homestead, receiving his education 
at the common schools of the town, and now resides 
in the same house that his grandfather built in 1790. 
In 1836 he was surveyor of highways, and out of 



twenty-eight names on the list there is now but one 
person besides himself living. The same year, Feb- 
ruary 24th, he married Susan, daughter of William 
and Eunice (Roberts) Mead, who w:us born August 
20, 1810. 

[Mrs. Oilman is a descendant from two old and 
respected families in Meredith. Her grandfather, 
William Mead, was one of the first settlers of the 
town, and was chosen moderator of the first town 
meeting. He was a man of good judgment, and one 
whose counsel was of great value to the pioneers. 
He had a large family, — seven girls and four boys. 
His son William married Eunice (born in 1789), 
daughter of Lieutenant Roberts, whose name often 
appears on committees to serve for wise and grave 
purposes. William Mead (2) was always a farmer 
and lived where his grandson, Joseph, now resides, 
on Meredith Neck. He was an upright, honest man, 
and took great pride in his fiirm and stock, and by 
his care and labor acquired property and the reputa- 
tion of being an excellent farmer. He married 
twice, and had an old-fashioned New England fiimily 
of fifteen children, — Eunice, Joseph, William and 
John, Joshua, Benjamin, Daniel, Polly, Abigail, 
Susan and her twin, Stephen, Smith, Stephen and 
Sarah.] 

The children of James (6) and Susan (Mead) Gil- 
man were as follows : (1) Granville B., born April 16, 
1837; married Carrie Fletcher; resides in San Fran- 
cisco, Cal. (2) Martha Jane, born September 16, 
1839. (3) James Marshall, born June 9, 1842 ; mar- 
ried Mattie Smith ; they reside in California and 
have six children, — Marshall F., Herbert M., Carrie 
A. James G., Arthur F. and one other. (4) Mary 
Susan, born December 7, 1843. (5) David Frank, 
born May 15, 1846. (6) Sarah Frances, born Sep- 
tember 6, 1849; died April 13, 1850. (7) Ellen 
(Lill), born March 29, 1851 ; married Fred. S. Pres- 
cott; they have three children, — Leo F., Harry S. 
and Frank O. (8) Fanny M., who died aged two 
years and nine months. 

James Oilman possesses unwearied industry, and 
through many long years he has been a worker, a 
producer and not a mere consumer. Early in life he 
learned the full import of the words, "Thou shalt 
earn thy bread by the sweat of thy brow." For 
twenty-four years he diligently worked eighteen 
hours a day. He holds the old-school principles, 
such doctrines as were established and current in the 
period of his manhood, for men rarely change their 
views and habits after they pass middle life. So- 
cially, he is plain and unpretending, has an active, 
keen, inquiring mind and a clear and retentive 
memory. He is a good conversationalist, and gives 
accurate and graphic descriptions of the times and 
manners of the people of his earlier years. Politi- 
cally, Mr. Oilman has ever remained true to those 
old Democratic ideas of Jefferson and Jackson, and 
has been wise enough not to be a lover of party 




'uyi/\ 



t^/ .^M-yuui4ri^ 



1 



political offices. Religiously, he holds to the Bible, 
and rests his hopes on it, and has been a consistent 
member of the Baptist Church for nearly half a 
century. Mr. Gilnian has been through life a strong, 
representative man of the town, held in high esteem 
by its best citizens, and has the pleasant satisfaction 
of knowing that his children are occupying useful 
and honorable positions, doing credit to the good 
name of the fomilv. 



GEORGE OILMAN FOGG. 

George Oilman Fogg was born at Meredith Centre, 
N. H., May 26, 1813, and died at Concord, N. H., Oc- 
tober 5, 1881. He was the son of David and Hannah 
Oilman (Vickery) Fogg. His father was a native of 
Pittsfield, and his mother of Exeter. He was fitted 
for college at the New Hampton Institution and grad- 
uated at Dartmouth College in the class of 1839. 
He studied law with Judge Lovell, at Meredith, and 
at the Harvard Law School, and commenced the 
practice of his profession at Oilmanton Iron- Works 
in 1842. 

In 1846 he was a member of the House of Repre- 
sentatives and took an active part in the election of 
John P. Hale as Senator. Up to this time a Demo- 
crat, he now became a prominent member of the 
Free-Soil party, as it was then constituted, so far as 
they were not affected by the question of slavery. 
During this session he was elected Secretary of State, 
holding the office for one year. This necessitated bis 
removal to Concord, which was thenceforward his 
home. 

Mr. Fogg was, practically, the founder of the Inde- 
pendent Democrat, a newspaper which exerted a great 
influence upon New Hampshire politics. It was 
started in Manchester May 1, 1845, but removed to 
Concord in June following. Mr. Fogg did not nom- 
inally assume control till February, 1846, but he con- 
tributed to its columns from the first. From this time 



until 1861 this newspaper absorbed the best energies 
of his life. In 1856 he made a trip to Kansas as 
clerk of the Kunsas Commission of the United States 
House of Representatives. He was law reporter of 
New Hampshire from 1855 to 1859. He was a dele- 
gate from New Hampshire to the convention which 
nominated Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and secretary 
of the Republican National Executive Committee in 
the campaign which followed. After the Republican 
party obtained control of the State he was also, for 
several years. State printer, that position, according to 
custom, being always given to prominent editors. In 
1861 he was appointed by President Lincoln minister 
for the United States to Switzerland, holding the of- 
fice until after the assassination of the President, in 
1865. After his return from Europe he was ap- 
pointed, in 1867, United States Senator by Governor 
Smyth, to fill the unexpired term of Hon. Daniel 
Clark, who had been appointed judge of the United 
States District Court for New Hampshire. 

He resumed editorial labor in 1867 (though not, as 
before, taking sole charge of the paper), finally sever- 
ing his official connection in 1872. From this time 
to his death he only wrote occasional articles for the 
press. 

Mr. Fogg was a member of the New Hampshire 
Historical Society, succeeding Rev. Dr. Bouton as 
corresponding secretary, trustee of Bates College, 
Maine, receiving from that institution the honorary 
degree of Doctor of Laws. He was stricken with par- 
alysis September 11, 1879, from whicli he only par- 
tially recovered, and which finally culminated in his 
death. 

Mr. Fogg was never married. He left legacies to 
Dartmouth College, the school at New Hampton, the 
Unitarian Church in Concord, with which he was 
connected, the school district where he was born, and 
to various charitable institutions in Concord, in ad- 
dition to legacies to his kindred and friends. He had 
previously made a liberal gift to Bates College. 



HISTORY OF NEW HAMPTON. 



CHAPTER I. 

Geograpliical— Original Grant— Incorporation of Town^Variona Peti- 
tions — Documentary History — Congregational Clinrcli— New Hamp- 
ton Academy. 

The town of New Hampton lies in the northern 
part of the county, and is bounded as follows: 

Northeast, by Centre Harbor ; Southeast, by Me- 
redith; North and Northwest, by Grafton County ; 
Southwest, by Merrimack County. 

The territory was granted to General Jonathan 
Moulton and others, proprietors of Moultonborough, 
January 24, 1765, and was called Moultonborough 
Addition. It was incorporated as a town November 
27, 1777, and received its present name at that time 
at the request of General Moulton, in honor of his 
native town. 

By an act passed December 7, 1797, the northeast 
part of the town was set off and incorporated as a 
town by the name of Centre Harbor, which name was 
given in consequence of its containing within its 
bounds the centre one of the three principal harbors 
on the north side of the lake, said harbor having 
borne that name for some years prior to the incor- 
poration of the town. 

In 1784 the following persons petitioned the 
Governor and Council for the appointment of Benn- 
ing Moulton as a justice of the peace : 

"Ebeiir'/cr clmiiil-frttiin, Ephraim Chamberlain, John Pain, James 

towl. I,/' ].:■ ' Hi I ^ Quimby, Hosea Sturturvant, Josiah Towl, 

AmoH I' L I I 1 Itaill page, Israel Glinefl, Enoch Gate, Abe] 

MorwM I , I |,h Senter, Ephraim Moore, Daniel Chamlier- 

lain, V.rt.r \\n 1,1', , l,li-li;v Smith, James harran, Ezra Backet, Levi 
Prow, PuiiiL'l Sutt XU. Thomas Harran, John harran, Elisha Cnminga, 
John Smith, Benjamin Smith, John Harper, Isaac Cunimings, Ehsha 
Cumings lunr, Nathaniel Comings, John Leavitt, thomas Wooiiman, 
Jonathan James, William Plaisted Juner, Joseph Smith, James 
Hurkins, M'illiam Plasted, Samuel Plaisted, deniel Veesay, Andrew 
Nuelo, Ephirum hacket, JohnJBoynton, Sami Colcord, William^ Boyn- 
ton, Richard lloynton, Nicholas Smith, Jeremiah Ward, OueBiphorus 
Flunders, SumellTbllof, lohn dollof, David Dolsar, John Smith, John 
fuller, zaduck Sanborn, Benia Sanborn, Joseph Sanborn, Zadock San- 
burn Jr., Kbcno^ Ingalls, Oliver smith Blake, Moses Carter, Daniel 
Hariiir, ollvir Lyford, James Harper, Mark blacko (his X mark), Abr. 
Drake .Inn', .lohn Hutchins, Eobard Smith, Joseph Smith iuner, Abra- 
Ijam Driiki', lii-iij" Smith Junr, Daniel Ward, simcon Walton, Willico 
mucli, .luiiiitlmn Dow." 

The following is the vote of the town relative to 
setting off the northeast part, 1796: 
870 



•' At a puhlick Town meeting Bolden in New Hompton the Sixth Day 
of March, A. D. 1706, Toted that the N. E. part of New Hampton be set 
off as far as Measley pond, thence to Measlty pond Brook, thence up the 
middel of S<i Brook to Long pond, thence up the middel of long pond to 
the inlet at the Head of S^ pond, thence N. thirty-five Degrees W. to 
New Holderness — 

" A true Copy- 



' Attest. AHIMAAZ niANCIIARD, i 



Ctcrl-: 



The territory named was set ofl" and became a por- 
tion of Centre Harbor December 7, 1797. 
The following is a soldier's order : 

"Newhampton, August 29, 1792. 
"To the Treamrer of the Stale of New Hampshire : 

" Sir, Pleaa to Pay to John Nicholl or his order what Ever is due to 
me, I, John Smith, having been a Soldier in the I" N. Hampshire Beg', 
it being for value Received. 

'•Witness my hand, 
"attest. "Jons Smith. 

" J.\. B. Eastham. 

Congregational Church.— The first reference on 
the town records to ecclesiastical affairs is under date 
of March 20, 1800, when it was voted " to settle Mr. 
Hebard as a gospel minister ;" yeas, 73 ; nays, 45. 
At the same meeting it was voted to choose a com- 
mittee of nine men to make arrangements for his 
settlement. At an adjourned meeting in May fol- 
lowing, the committee reported that if Salmon He- 
bard be settled as minister, he shall have one hun- 
dred acres of land off the northwesterly end of the 
minister lot (so called), exclusive of six acres to be 
round about the meeting-house for the accommoda- 
tion of said town as common and burying-ground. 
He was also to have fifty acres more as " compensa- 
tion to him as a settlement for the erected buildings, 
etc." It was agreed that the new minister should 
have one hundred and fifty dollars per year, and it 
was also agreed that he should have two or three 
Sabbaths a year to visit his friends. 

Rev. Salmon Hebard was ordained June 25, 1800. 
In 1801 the church had one hundred and thirty-five 
members. After a number of years the membership 
began to decrease, and in about the year 1820 meet- 
ings were discontinued. In 1833 it consisted of twelve 
members. 

October 7, 1842, the church met at the residence of 
tlufus G. Lewis, the following being present : Rufus 



NEW HAMPTON. 



G. Lewis, A. B. Sanborn, Noah Mason and Timothy 
Merrick, of the New Hampton Church ; and Kev. 
Daniel O. Morton and Chester Stone, of Bristol. At 
this meeting the church was formally dissolved. The 
records of the church closed with a list of nineteen 
members who had received letters of recommendation 
to the church in Bristol, May 4, 1842, and of one 
other member to the same church. May 0, 1843. 

A literary institution, called the New Hampton 
Academy, established here, was incorporated June 
27. 1821. The management of the institution was 
jilaced in the hands of three trustees, and so contin- 
ued until 1826. In June of that year the name of 
the institution was changed by law to "The Academ- 
ical and Theological Institution in New Hampton," 
and the number of trustees increased to eleven, five 
of whom were to be appointed by the proprietors 
and five by the Baptist Convention. The principal 
of the school w^as also to be one of the trustees. By 
an act of the Legislature, approved July 6, 1849, the 
control of the academy passed into the hands of the 
Baptist Convention, which was empowered to appoint 
all of the eleven trustees. This institution was re- 
moved to Vermont about 1852. 



jCH AFTER II. 

NEW HAMPTOS -{Contiuucd). 
NEW HAMPTON INSTITUTION. 

The history of the New Hampton Institution 
naturally divides itself into three periods, the bound- 
aries of which are sharply defined. 

The beginning of the first period is set forth in the 
following characteristic announcement : 
" New Hamptpn Academy. 

" The public ave informed that the first term of this Seminary for the 



instruction of young gentlemen and ladies, will commence on Monday, 
the 17th day of September next, at the new and elegant building on the 
town common, within six rods of the meeting-house. 

" Mr. George Richardson, who graduated at Dartmouth College at the 
last commencement, and is now Preceptor of Moore's School, at Han- 
over, is engaged as Preceptor. Said Richardson is highly recommended 
by Prof. Adams, of Dartmouth College, a.-! a man of good moral charac- 
ter and respectable literary acquirements, and has given general satis- 
faction as a public teacher. 

"Tuition, S3.00 per quarter. Board, from $1.00 to $1.38 per week. 

" New Hampton, July 19, 1821. 

" William B. Kelley, i Triisleet of 
" Nat'l Noekis, 1 said Academy.^^ 

It is a matter of surprise, in the retrospect, how 
there ever happened to be a New Hampton Institu- 
tipn, and how it so early acquired and has so long 
maintained its widely-extended reputation. "The 
new and elegant building " was only a two-story frame 
building, twenty-four by thirty-two, and at the open- 
ing of the first term had but one room ready for 
occupation. Without libraries, philosophical ap- 
paratus or even black-boards, it was furnished with 
plain, unpainted seats and desks of pine, like the 



district school-house of thirty years ago, and was 
heated from an open fire-place. The little building 
stood on the town common in a country with such a 
sparse population that scarce a dozen buildings of any 
kind could be found within a radius of half a mile, 
and was surrounded by a community who quite gene- 
rally entertained the notion that education spoiled 
people for work, and that learning was an aristocrat- 
ical luxury; and yet with all these drawbacks, the 
New Hampton Institution has been, from tiie first, 
remarkably successful, having had a much wider 
patronage than has been usual in schools of a 
similar grade, and having maintained an exception- 
ally good reputation during its whole history. 

The original movement for the erection of an acad- 
emy building grew out of a combination of circum- 
stances. There was at the time an unusual interest 
in educational matters manifeste'd in difierent parts 
of the State. The journals of the Legislature show 
that academies were springing up on every side, and 
to locate an academy in a community was regarded as 
a popular thing to do, and as a probable source of 
material prosperity. John K. Simpson, Esq., a native 
of the town and a successful Boston merchant, did 
much to intensify this feeling. Keenly alive to the 
interests of his native town, and with little sympathy 
for the prejudice against education then entertained 
by Free-Will Baptists, with whom he was connected 
he was an early, if not the foremost, leader in the 
enterprise. At Quarterly Meetings and elsewhere he 
spoke earnestly upon the subject, and undoubtedly 
promised a liberal contribution from his own purse. 
What other causes conspired to bring about the re- 
sult we may not know, but the fact remains that on 
the 17th day of September, 1821, the door of the 
academy was opened, and since that time, with the 
exception of a few months, a school has been regu- 
larly maintained. 

At first the academy was little in advance of the 
common school. Few, if any, of the students had 
mastered more than tlie rudiments of an English 
education. Fully one-third of the fifty or sixty who 
sat in Preceptor Richardson's school-room were Bos- 
ton Lads, who, to come here, had to submit to the 
hardship of a two-days' journey by stage-coach, and 
to exchange the comforts of their city homes for the 
rough fare of poor country farmers. 

There were four terms of twelve weeks each. All 
the students remained in the school-room for six 
hours daily, and the green-hide was the last resort in 
enforcing discipline. Mr. Richardson remained until 
1825, when he was succeeded by Bezalecl Smith, wlio 
was recently an orthodox minister in West Hartford, 
Vt. 

It was during this year (1825) that the first- im- 
portant change in the management of the school oc- 
curred. At that time the Baptist denomination was 
without an academy in New England. Mr. Simpson, 
1 who, after removing to Boston, had become connected 



872 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



with the Baptists, proposed that the proposition be 
made to the Baptists of New Hampsliire to take the 
school under their patronage. The trustees, having 
learned by experience the diiHculties attending the 
maintenance of a school dependent so largely upon' 
local patronage, were quite ready to receive iissistance 
from abroad. Mr. Simpson, with a prophetic shrewd- 
ness little less than wonderful, stated that " the Free- 
will Baptists are not prepared to enter this enterprise 
now, but they will be in about twenty-five years " — a 
prophecy whose literal fulfillment came only twenty- 
seven years later. Accordingly, the proposition was 
made that the Baptists assume control of the school, 
" with the right to appoint one-half of the trustees, 
besides the Principal, who should be a Baptist and 
President of the Board." At a Baptist State Conven- 
tion this proposition was accepted and Rev. B, F. 
Farnsworth, then editor of the Christian Watchman, 
was chosen principal. 

The school, by virtue of an amended charter, now 
became known as "The New Hampton Academical 
and Theological Institution," and at once commenced 
a vigorous growth. The patronage of the Baptists 
immediately secured a large attendance of students 
from every New England State, besides occasional 
representations from New York, New Jersey, Penn- 
sylvania and the Canadas. The slender accommoda- 
tions were soon filled to overflowing, and new build- 
ings became necessary. In 1826 a new building, for 
recitations, was added, and in 1829 a large brick block 
of three stories was erected for dormitories. 

During the same year (1829) the people at the "Vil- 
lage," aroused to action by the success attending the 
school at the "Centre," erected a school building and 
opened what soon became known as the " Female De- 
partment." Previous to this time the attendance had 
been largely confined to males, but afterwards the two 
sexes were quite equally divided. Under the care of Pro- 
fessor Farnsworth and of Kev. E. B. Smith, D.D., who 
succeeded him as principal in 1832, the school rapidly 



improv 



in the extent and thoroughness of its course 



of study, and was annually attended by more than 
three hundred difl'ereut students. The female depart- 
ment, under the care of Miss Martha Hazeltine and 
of INIiss Sarah Sleeper, who followed her as principal 
in 1839, justly held an advanced position among the 
female seminaries of that day. It is not too much to 
say that these ladies did here what their cotempora- 
ries. Miss Lyon and Miss Banister, were doing at 
Mount Holyoke. They impressed all the pupils with 
whom they came in contact with their own earnest, self- 
sacrificing spirit, and awakened in them a high opinion 
of the mission and dignity of true womanhood. They 
made their department a place of thorough and faith- 
ful instruction, and of earnest, painstaking study. As 
a result, many of their pupils became missionaries, 
and not less than one hundred of them became suc- 
cessful teachers in female seminaries. 

In 1829 a Theological Department was opened. 



which, for twenty-three years, had an annual average 
attendance of twenty-five. 

The three literary societies — the " Literary Adel- 
phi," founded in 1827, the "Social Fraternity," in 
1830, and the " Ladies' Literary and Missionary Asso- 
ciation," in 1833— added largely to the interest felt 
in the school, and, by means of their libraries, read- 
ing-rooms and weekly meetings, aflbrded an ample 
field for valuable discipline and public display, of 
which their members were always ready to avail 
themselves. 

The death of its first patron, Mr. Simpson, in 1837, 
and the financial disturbances of that year, put an 
end to the liberal plans that were entertained for the 
future enlargement of the school. 

From 1837 to 1852 there seems to have been but 
little change. The attendance of pupils averaged over 
three hundred annually, and teachers were not want- 
ing to maintain the credit of the Institution. But 
financial embarrassments, for a long time a source of 
difficulty, at last compelled the trustees to consent to 
the removal of the school to Fairfax, Vt. 

It has been estimated that during this period not 
less than seven thousand five hundred different 
students were connected with the Institution. 

But the departure of the Baptists was not to close 
the New Hampton School history ; it merely opened 
the way for the fulfillment of Mr. Simpson's predic- 
tion. The Free- Will Baptists were now ready for the 
enterprise. Defeated in several attempts to maintain 
unendowed schools, the generous offers that came 
from New Hampton aroused them to make another 
effort, and a variety of events conspired to make the 
movement successful. Here was a small community 
which had grown up around the academy, all of 
whose associations and business plans hinged, more 
or less, upon the culture, life and material activity to 
which the school gave rise ; here were ample school 
buildings which, to devote to mechanic arts, seemed 
a profanation, while to allow them to fall down in 
ruins w'as a sight not to be endured ; here still re- 
mained the prestige of the name " New Hampton," 
which would be a power in a thousand New England 
homes ; here was, very nearly, the numerical and 
geographical centre of the Free-Will Baptist denom- 
ination ; here were the libraries of the two societies 
who, after a somewhat bitter canvass, had decided by 
a decisive vote to remain in New Hampton, and here 
was the man. Colonel R. G. Lewis, with brain quick 
to conceive, with liberal heart, and hands prompt to 
do, who felt the burden of a mission to give a tithe of 
the means a kind Providence had given him, for the 
benefit of those among whom he lived. What could 
be more natural than a proposition to the Free-Will 
Baptists to come in and occupy the abandoned ground, 
and a prompt acceptance of the proposition by them? 

A new charter, with the name of the " New Hamp- 
ton Literary and Biblical Institution," wjis approved 
January 5, 1853, and the corporation organizeil 



NEW HAMPTON. 



873 



twenty days after. The charter contains the names 
of the following gentlemen: Ebenezer Fisk, Levi 
Carter, Rufus G. Lewis, Henry Y. Simpson, Russell 
Cox, Dana Woodman, Thomas Perkins, Benjamin 
Magoon, David B. Plummer, Benjamin J. Cole, 
Smith Swain, Daniel Smith and William Moore. 

It was voted that all the departments should be 
located at the "Village." The old school building.s 
were purchased at once and the work of removing 
those at the "Centre" commenced. The library 
belonging to the ladies' literary society, the cabinets 
of curiosities, the philosophical apparatus and the 
chapel bell were removed to Fairfax. The remainder 
of the school property passed into the hands of the 
new corporation by purchase. 

The Female Department was opened in the " Old 
Seminary " in April, 1853, with Mrs. C. P. Stanton as 
principal, assisted by four lady teachers, with fifty- 
seven students in attendance. Three weeks later, 
the Male Department was reopened in what is now 
Commercial Hall, formerly the "Chapel" at the 
" Centre," with Professor Benjamin Stanton prin- 
cipal and Rev. I. D. Stewart assistant. Mr. A. P. 
Shattuck was teacher of penmanship in both depart- 
ments. There were forty-one students present. 

The school rapidly increased in numbers, and the 
average aggregate attendance for the next five years 
was seven hundred and thirty-five annually. 

In 1863 the old " Brick " at the " Centre " was 
taken down and the materials used in the erection of 
" Randall Hall," and a wooden building of two stories, 
immediately in the rear of it, was added for a board- 
ing-house. About the same time the building known 
as the " Lodge " was opened for a female boarding- 
house. In 1858 the trustees purchased the building 
formerly owned by Miss Sleeper, and now known as 
the " Centre House." The old village church, which 
for some years had been used as a chapel, was taken 
down in 1859, and the materials employed in the 
erection of " Chapel Hall." During the same year 
the " Old Seminary " ceased to be used and was soon 
after removed. 

In 1854 the Biblical School was transferred to 
New Hampton from Whitestown, N. Y. This de- 
partment, under the instruction of Rev. J. J. Butler, 
D.D., and Rev. J. Fullonton, D.D., occupied a por- 
tion of the Institution buildings, but was entirely dis- 
tinct from the other departments of the school, being 
under the control of the Free-Will Baptist Education 
Society. It was afterwards, in 1870, removed to Lew- 
iston, Me., having had an average annua! attendance 
of about twenty. 

The aggregate attendance in all the departments of 
the Institution since its reorganization has been about 
six hundred annually. 

The school is located in New Hampton village, 
near the geographical centre of the State, and is acces- 
sible daily from almost every part of New England. 
It is seven miles from Ashland Station, on the Boston, 



Concord and Montreal Railroad ; five miles from Bristol 
Station, on the Northern Railroad, and thirteen miles 
from Center Harbor, on the Winnipesaukee. 

The air, water and drainage are good ; the scenery 
IS beautiful ; the climate is healthful. There was one 
period of twelve successive years in wliicli llnrc \\:is 
not a single death of any student comic. ir(| wiih ihc 
Institution. The buildings are pleasiuitly >iiii:itrd, 
and their internal arrangements are neat atul commo- 
dious. Chapel Hall has a brick front fifty feet in 
length, three stories high, with a wing extending in 
the rear seventy feet, two stories high. This building 
is used for a chapel, recitation-rooms, laboratories, 
cabinet, library, etc. It contains sixteen, large, well- 
ventilated rooms. Randall Hall is a brick building 
one hundred feet long and three stories high. The 
whole of the upper floor is occupied by the Commer- 
cial College. The remainder of the building is used 
for libraries and dormitories for gentlemen students. 

In the Ladies' Department it is the aim to combine 
the influence of family life with the literary advan- 
tages of the Institution. Instead of one large dormi- 
tory, the young ladies are accommodated in several 
smaller ones, thus enabling students to mingle more 
freely with each other and with their teachers. 

There are six buildings belonging to the Institution, 
the value of which is estimated by the trustees at 
about thirty thousand dollars. 

There are six courses of study, — the English 
and classical, the classical, the English, the scien- 
tific, the musical and the Commercial College 
course. All these are open to both sexes, and 
those who complete them are entitled to receive di- 
plomas. The classical course is unsurpa.ssed in thor- 
oughness. The course in Latin and Greek includes 
the usual amount required for admission to college. 
Derivation, synonyms and the systematic analysis of 
words receive careful attention. French and German 
are taught by a lady who has spent several years in 
France and Germany. The natural sciences are 
taught according to the most approved methods, and 
the most important truths are illustrated by the use 
of apparatus. There is a good cabinet of minerals 
and fossils. The course in mathematics consists of 
four terms in arithmetic, four in algebra, two in ge- 
ometry and one in surveying. In the Commercial 
College are taught penmanship, commercial law, sin- 
gle and double-entry book-keeping, commission, 
joint-commission, freight and express business, polit- 
ical economy and banking. The course is systematic, 
thorough and practical. 

The college bank is organized each term with a 
cash capital of four hundred thousand dollars, in 
which the books are kept and business is transacted 
as in legal national banks. 

The merchandise emporium is a wholesale estab- 
lishment with an inventory of merchandise amount- 
ing to more than two hundred thousand dollars, 
where the books are kept according to the most ap- 



874 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



proved methods for the jobbing business. The price 
of merchandise is regulated by a varying standard, 
allowing ample opportunity for the exercise of finan- 
cial ability. 

There are six telegraph-offices in the rear of the 
hall, I'urnished with first-class apparatus. Telegraphy 
is taught wholly by sound. 

.Special attention is given to music, drawing, paint- 
ing and elocution. 

Connected with the Institution are four libraries, 
containing about four thousand volumes of well-se- 
lected books, to all of which students have access 
free of charge. 

As a large proportion of the students who have 
been connected with the Institution have been com- 
pelled to support themselves by their own exertions, 
it has been the constant aim of the trustees to fur- 
nish the best facilities for obtaining an education 
with the least possible expense. 

Hence, the expenses of students have been less 
than at any other school of similar grade in the 
State. 

The school is organized on the modern plan ot 
most similar institutions, with two departments em- 
bracing both sexes under the same general govern- 
ment and instruction. A board of thirty-six trustees, 
two-thirds of whom must be members of Free- 
will Baptist Churches, exercise a general control and 
supervision of the afi'airs of the Institution ; but the 
practical management, for the most part, devolves 
upon the executive committee, consisting of five 
members, usually residents of New Hampton. 

The government of the students is entrusted to 
the faculty, consisting of the salaried teachers. The 
discipline is mild, but firm and decided. There are 
ten teachers connected with the Institution, — four fe- 
males and six males. 

From the reorganization of the school in 1853 to 
1868 there were frequent changes in the faculty. 
During those fifteen years there were eight different 
principals, but the present principal has had charge 
of the school during the last seventeen years. 

The Institution has an endowment of about ten 
thousand dollar.s, which ought to be largely increased. 
It is hoped that the alumni will see that the school 
is properly and speedily endowed. 

The trustees consider that the school is in as good 
a state, and is as worthy of patronage, as it has 
ever been, and it will be their constant endeavor to 
advance with the progressive spirit of the age. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



JiEV. A. B. MESERVEY. 

Rev. Atwond Bond Mesorvey, son of William and 
Elvina (Bond) Mesorvey, was born at Ai)|)leton, Me., 



September 30, 1831. His father was a farmer and a 
member of the Baptist Church, and all the religious 
influences of Christian home-life were thrown around 
the early years of the children. After receiving the 
education given at district schools and several terms 
at High Schools and academies, Mr. Meservey made 
choice of medicine as his profession, and attended 
lectures in the school-year of 1852-53 at Bowdoin 
College. He, however, was actively engaged in re- 
ligious exercises, having joined the Free-Will Bap- 
tist Church at South Montville, Me., in 1850, and, 
after long and earnest consideration, he decided to be- 
come a clergyman, and, in 1855, came toNew Hampton 
to prepare for college. He was graduated from the 
literary department in 1857, and then passed three 
years here in the study of theology, supplementing 
this by six months' attendance at Andover (Mass.) 
Theological Seminary, afterwards, in 1862, attending 
lectures on physical geography and geology at Browu 
University. He may be justly called a self-educated 
man, as he earned the necessary money to defray his 
expenses while studying by teaching and preaching. 
In 1861 he was ordained pastor of the Free-Will 
Baptist Church at Meredith village. In the fall of 
1862 he became convinced that a most useful field of 
Christian labor was presented to him in educational 
work, and commenced his long and valuable con- 
nection with New Hampton Institution, as pro- 
fessor of mathematics and natural sciences, and, from 
that time, he has been identified with the educational 
interests of the State. He went to Northwood, in 
1867, as the principal of the seminary, and after a 
year's service- in that capacity he returned to New 
Hampton and became principal of the school. 

Mr. Meservey has shown himself to be unusually 
well fitted for the labors devolving upon him of 
maintaining a high standard of scholarship among 
the students, of impressing a spirit of integrity, 
purity and elevated purpose upon their minds, coupled 
with an energy and thoroughness which would insure 
valuable practical results ; and under his guidance 
and unremitting exertions the school has taken a 
high rank. He has given himself without reserva- 
tion to this end, and with his characteristic zeal has 
sown lavishly the seed which has brought forth as 
bountiful fruit. As an instructor he has made sim- 
plicity and thoroughness the prime objects of hi.s 
attention, and with an enthusiasm that was conveyed 
to his pupils, he carried tliem over all obstacles, mak- 
ing himself at the same time at once their instructor, 
counselor and friend. The graduates of the " Insti- 
tution" under his management arc scattered over the 
whole land, and recall with pleasure the days of their 
sojourn at New Hampton, and the friendly and 
inspiring memories of school and principal. Many 
of them are filling responsible positions of honor and 
trust, doing credit to themselves and to their teachers, 
and gratefully confess their indebtedness for the 
stations they are occupying to the kind and faithful 




L^-^ ^^ (/^^^^^Z^.^^i-^t-iM^ 



I 



NEW HAMPTON. 



875 



perseverance, fatherly sympathy and religidus care of 
Professor Meservey. 

The school has been conducted under great disad- 
vantages. No rich endowment fund has given its 
wealth to lighten the care of management, and it has 
been a struggle, always continuing and never ending, 
to bring about the desired result of yearly advanc- 
ing its efficiency and strength ; but Professor Meser- 
vey has the satisfaction of knowing that each succes- 
sive graduation day has added to the reputation of 
the school and to the solidity of its foundation. The 
"business college " is conceded to be the best in the 
State, while every department is doing excellent 
labor. 

He has been an educator in other ways, — in the 
pulpit, on the lecture platform, and last, not least, as 
an author. A serial contributed to the Congregation- 
alkt, and since published in book-form by D. Lothrop 
& Co., under the title of "Through Struggle to Vic- 
tory," is an earnest plea for aid to needy students 



preparing for the Christian ministry. In 1875 he 
published " Meservey's Book-Keeping," which has 
met with favor, being now in use in over five hundred 
schools in various towns and cities of New England, 
and in over ninety academies and seminaries. He 
has just issued from the press " First Lessons in 
Political Economy." These works present the sim- 
plicity, earnestness and directness so characteristic 
of the author. 

Mr. Meservey received the degree of A.M. from 
Brown University, and that of Ph.D. from Bates 
College. Republican in politics, he represented New 
Hampton in the State Legislature in 1867. 

Mr. Meservey married, first, in 1861, Miss Lizzie 
Bean, of Candia (they had one child, Lizzie) ; second, 
in 1869, Miss Loanna Sherburne Mead, of North wood ; 
(their only child, John Edwin, died in infivncy); third, 
in 1883, Miss Clara Bell Fall, of Great Falls (she was 
the valued lady principal of the " Institution " for 
three years ; they have one child, Arthur Bond). 



HISTORY OF TILTON 



BY J. J. DEAEBOEN, SI.D. 



CHAPTER I. 

On the 28tli of October, 1748, a petition containing 
sixty names was addressed to His Majesty, King 
George the Second, asking for a tract of land in this 
vicinity. Before granted, it was found that the land 
desired came within the Masonian claim. These 
sixty petitioners then addressed the Masonian pro- 
pcietors for the tract of land, which they granted, 
with the proviso that they (the grantors) should 
name twenty other grantees. The petitioners ac- 
cepted their proposal, and the land was granted on 
the 31st of December, 1748. It was substantially the 
same ground covered in the act of incorporation of 
Sanbornton, March 1, 1770.. 

It is a singular fact, but nevertheless true, that the 
first settlement of Sanbornton occurred within the 
present town of Tilton. From Eev. M. T. Eunnels' 
" History of Sanbornton " (vol. i, p. 44) we obtain 
the following information : That the first settlement 
was on the farm now occupied by Andrew Philbrick, 
just above East Tilton, on the Laconia road ; that 
the town was settled in 1765-66 by John Sanborn, 
David Dustin, Andrew Rowen and others. It is 
equally certain that Daniel Fifield and Samuel Shep- 
pard moved to the town in 1764; the three first 
settlers being Moses Danforth, who settled near 
Little Bay, Andrew Rowen, at East Tilton, and Solo- 
mon Copp, they coming here early in the spring 
of 1764. 

The first frame house in town was erected by Ser- 
geant John Sanborn in 1765, some three-fourths of a 
mile north of Tilton village, on land now owned by 
F. A. Morgan, on the road leading from the village 
to Sanbornton Square. The first settlement at Tin 
Corner was made in 1764-65. The first store within 
the bounds of Tilton was built by a Mr. Duncan, 
from Concord, as early as 1789. It stood on the 
corner now occupied by the town hall. 

The first permanent saw-mill within the present 
town was known as the old Morrison or Darling 
privilege, it being the first west of the present 
railroad station, and was built previous to January 5, 
1775 ; and there must have been a grist-mill in con- 
nection with the saw-mill as early as 1766. 

In the granting of most of the townships in this 
State by Massachusetts, or the Masonian proprietors, 
876 



a territory equal to six miles square, and frequently 
larger, was granted to actual settlers under conditions 
named in their charters. As their population increased, 
the towns became incorporated under State laws. 
The residents were economical, thrifty and energetic ; 
their land gave abundant crops, and, for a time, they 
were content ; but, as their children reached maturity, 
population and wealth increased, they became pos- 
sessed with the idea that the old town contained too 
much territory. The business had changed from 
where, in times past, it had developed, one portion of 
the town having grown with greater rapidity than 
the rest, and soon the effort was made to incorporate 
a new town. In many instances a new town was 
made from two or more older towns; while in other 
instances a new town was incorporated from the 
original township. 

Formation of the Town of Tilton.— The first ac- 
tion taken in regard to the formation of the town 
of Tilton was a petition presented to the General 
Court in 1850> In 1860 two special town-meetings 
were held in the old town of Sanbornton, to act on 
the division of the town, but nothing came from it. 
A special town-meeting was held May 18, 1869, to act 
on an article relative to the division of the town, one 
hundred and fifty voting to dismiss the article and 
one hundred and five voting in its favor. The men 
at the helm were energetic, courageous and de- 
termined on the formation of a new town, and this 
proved the final and decisive action. Sanbornton 
appointed Herman T. Hale as agent, authorizing 
him to employ such counsel as was necessary to op- 
pose the division of the town. 

As first proposed, it was intended to make the di- 
vision on the fourth range line, with a southern de- 
tour at the east end, thereby giving Mosquito bridge 
to Sanbornton; but by the act approved June 30, 
1869, third range line was adopted, with a northern 
detour, thereby assigning the bridge to this town. 

ACT OP INCOBPORATION. 
" An act to constitute tlio Town of Tilton from a Part of the Territory 
of the Town of Sanbornton. 
*' Be it enacted by the Senate and Souse of Representaiivea in Generai 
Court Convened : 

" Section 1. That all that part of Sanbornton lying within the following 
lines and bonndarics, to wit : Beginning at the centre of the Winnipi- 
Heogee River, at the Boutliwest corner of said Sanbornton, on the line of 
the town of Franklin ; thence northerly, on the line between said Frank- 



lin and said Saiibornton, to the north side of tho third range of lots In 
eaid Saubnrnton ; thence eaaterly, on the north side of eaid range lino, to 
the highway leading from i'tiioii ItriHut- rn I.aiuiiiii. across the Hay 

Bridge; thence on tho n.>itii hn. i ri in !,^^ i\ i.mIi. ^ini inn 

town line, on the northerly -i' I i i ^' i -nl-.m- 

bornton town Hue, down tlic w ;i.:.'i , - I. i i. ih. i-l i. . -ii. ^iii- 

and made a body politic and corporate by tho name of Tiltou. 

" Section 2. All real and poreonal property, including all debts, claims 
and demands of every kind now owned by and dne to tho town of Sau- 
borntou, all school and other funds belonging to said town, and the pro- 
portion of the literary fund, which, until a new apportionment of State 
taxes, shall he payable to said towns, shall be divided between tlu-m iu 
tho proportion of $i.50 to Sanbornton and 85.50 to Tilton. And if said 
towns cannot agree upon the division of any such property, the County 
Commissioners for the County of Uelknap, for the time being, upon the 
request of either town, may make divison of thesame, or assign the same, 
or any part thereof, to either of siiid towns, and may order the town to 
which such property may be assigned, to pay over such sums of money 
to the other town as in their opinion is equitable, according to the fore- 
going proportion, and may fix the time of payment. 

" Section 3. All taxes assessed since March last upon the polls and estate 
of persons residing in Said town of Tilton, as hereby constitiited, and all 
non-resident taxes assessed since Marcli last in said town, shall be collected 
by the collector, to whom the same has been conunitted for that purpose ; 
and after deducting therefrom the State and county taxes, shall be by 
him paid over to said town of Tilton, in the same manner in which be 
is directed to pay the same to the town of Sanbornton before this di- 
vision thereof ; and the treasurer of the town of Tilton, when duly 
chosen and qualified, shall have the same power to issue an extent against 
such collector for any neglect to comply with the provisions of this Act 
thathe would have if such collector had been chosen by said town of 
Tilton. 

" Seclimi 4. All debts and liabilities heretofore incurred by said town of 
Sanbornton, and all municipal expenses of said town since the first day of 
March last, shall be paid by the aforesaid towns in the same proportion 
as hereinbefore prescribed for the division of property. 

'* Sectwn 0. All paupers now supported by, and in actual receipt of as- 
sistance from, said Sanbornton, shall be supported by the towns of San- 
bornton and Tilton, each contributing in the same proportion as here- 
inbefore mentioned for the division of property, until such time as either 
of said towns shall call for a division of said paupers ; and if said towns 
do not agree upon a division, the aforesaid county commissioners, for the 
time being, shall, upon the request of either of said towns, determine 
and assign to each of them its proportion of said paupers, upon the same 
basis, as near as practicable, as that prescribed for a division of the 
town property, and determine which of said paupers shall be supported 
by each of said towns. 

" SecHon 6. In all assessment of State and county taxes, until the Leg- 
islature shall otherwise order, Sanbornton, as constituted after this divi- 
sion thereof, shall pay 83.16 and Tilton S2M ; and the State and county 
treasurers shall issue their respective warrants accordingly. 

" Section 7. Jeremiah C. Tilton, Alexander H. Tilton, Addison B. 
■\Vyatt, or any two of them, may call the first meeting of said town of 
Tilton by posting up a warrant for that purpose, as the law direct. 
Which meeting either of said persons may preside until a moderator be 
chosen, and at such meeting all necessary town officers may be chosen. 

"Section 8. This act shall take effect from and after its passage. 
" Samuel M. Wherler, 

" Speaker of the House of Representativer. 
"JouN Y. MuGRtDGE, President of the Senate. 
" Approved June 30, 1869. 

** Okslow Stearns, Governor.'* 

From Rev. M. T. Runnels' most valuable " History 
of Sanbornton " (p. 259) we gather the following sta- 
tistics : 

' ' According to the provisions of this Act, as we learn from the San- 
bornton town records, Tiltou's portion of the cash in tho treasury was 
81U.03; Sanbornl..n'«, 9.«s 7.-. tol,il,— $7.'i2.77. Ilil.t in rates : Tilton's 
portion, 11-20, S4V ;,;., jn - ,,,i„,Mii"ir~'i-VH ;::> /:i -n ,i,„t in reality, 

Tilton assuine'l ^l. I- -I I .-,,(,i: m i -IT more, 839,- 

5'Jl.SO, tlmtsiiiH.^IT 1 I 1.. 1,1;. h ■>.-„./:. in order to 

distribute the rat™ between ll.e i..« „, «ill.,.ot cluUKii.,ij,-l..tal, 887,944. 
Whole amount of school and pai-sonage fund, 8o7o7, — Tiiton's portion, 
(U-20), 83166.35 ; Sanbornton's, (9-20), 82500.65. Railroad stock, 



thirty-eight sharosandSaO in scrip, equaling 8:S930,— Tiiton's portion, 
82100.60 J Sanbornton's, 81723.50, but Tilton takes for its portion twenty- 
one shares and Sio iiis.-rip. Bu.l |mv» Saiil...rMlun «l.:i:i. und Sanbornton 

cents on a dollar. \h, i, i.i :,,i.,i for 1869 

(before division);!,,. -, I , -.,,,!. ii,i,i |...ii..,,, .h.; Tiiton's, 

87321.60. Whole a ua ,.1 iv,il ,u.,l |.ui„..i.,.l .-.La., -..i.l. iH7.'i0.07 ; ex- 
penses, 8141.78, balance, J4U»8.2tl, of which received by tlio town of Tilton, 
82534.65." 

The name "Tilton" was adopted by the citizens of 
the proposed new town at the suggestion of Hon. 
Charles E. Tilton (the fourth generation in line of de- 
scent from the original settler), its wealthiest citizen, 
whose magnificent gifts to and pride of his native vil- 
lage has done much to render this place one of the 
most beautiful and attrat^tivc in the country. 

The name is not in honor of himself individually, 
but for his ancestry. 

Nathiiniel Tilton, the patriarch of this family, re- 
moved to that part of Sanbornton now Tilton be- 
tween 1768 and 1771, settling on the farm now owned 
by Charles W. Colby, nearly a mile north of Tilton 
village. His name was very prominent in the early 
history of the first church, of which he was deacon for 
more than thirty-nine years. He died Feb. 11, 1814. 

His son Jeremiah (Colonel) built the original hotel 
on the site of the Dexter House and occupied the 
same (see Copp mill). He served iu the Revolutionary 
War six months and was a colonel in the State 
militia, a justice of the peace, and, in all respects, 
may be regarded as among the prime founders of 
this thriving village. He died April 10, 1822, aged 
sixty years. 

His son Samuel, born August 20, 1789, commenced 
his business career at his father's trip-hammer shop, 
then occupied the hotel, adding another story to the 
original building; a man of great business energy and 
s.igacity and always remained at the Bridge village. 
He accomplished much for its prosperity and was a 
"living spirit" in the afl'airs of the town at large for 
many years. Besides other offices, he was elected Re- 
presentative five times (1826-29 and 1835) ; was sheriff", 
justice of the peace and United States marshal under 
President Pierce, having previously been chosen one 
of the State electors for President of the United 
States in 1848 and delegate to the Baltimore Conven- 
tion in 1852. As a friend, he was honest, firm and 
unwavering, and no falsehood or pretense whatever 
had the least influence in detaching him from those 
in whom he confided. The records of the schools, 
seminary and houses of religious worship in his native 
village will all bear witness that no man among us 
gave more freely or abundantly than he did towards 
their establishment ; always conservative and patri- 
otic in his feelings, a strong friend of the Union and 
a most decided and outspoken opponent of all kinds of 
radicalism.' He died November 12, 1861. For an 
account of his son, Hon. Charles Elliott Tilton, the 
reader is referred to his biographical sketch. 



I Runnels' "History of Sanbornton," vol. ii. pp. 800. See notes. 



878 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP BOUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



The Memorial Arch of Tilton, considered as a 
work of art in its solid and massive completeness, or 
in the light of the purpose for which it was designed 
(commemoration of a family name), and erected from 
the resources of an individual, stands emphatically 
solitary and alone. 

For ages monuments have been chiseled with 
virtues that once inspired the dust beneath them. 
Cenotaphs have kept from forgetfulness the memory 
of the unsepulchred dead, and obelisks in hiero- 
glyphics are preserved from an older age as reminders 
of the common desire not to be forgotten. History 
itself is antedated in discovered symbols honoring the 
dead among the ruins of forgotten cities. 

All these visible tokens are manifestations of that 
longing for immortality common to the human heart. 
An impression has gone abroad that the Arch of 
Tilton is a fac-.timile of that of Titus. Such is not 
the fact, except that the relative proportions are pre- 
served. 

The arch on the Sacred Way was built by Ves- 
pasian on the return of his son Titus from the 
capture and destruction of Jerusalem. 

It illustrated his triumph in that its inscription 
bore his name, while profuse carvings, representing 
Jewish captives bearing the consecrated utensils of 
the temple, were literal interpretations of actual 
events. All this is replaced in its American counter- 
part by the severest simplicity consistent with archi- 
tectural taste. 

The two columns in that of Titus apparently spring 
from a foundation level with the face of the earth, 
and are built of marble. 

These rise from a cut granite platform approached 
by live courses of easy steps on all sides, the whole 
resting on a sub-foundation of solid stone and cement 
seven feet in depth, in the form of a parallelogram, 
forty feet by seventy. It is superior in size to the one 
which for eighteen hundred years has recalled the 
destruction of that most magnificent temple, the in- 
human atrocities of a Roman soldiery and the un- 
paralleled sufferings of the chosen people of God. 
That emphasizes the glory of potentates, which 
comes of carnage, slaughter and sanguinary violence ; 
this is the product of peace and prosperity, and an- 
nounces the blessings of good-will and the liberality 
of a citizen in the ranks of the people. 

Its height is fifty-five feet and its width forty feet. 
Eight hewn stones make the entire covering, weighing 
one hundred and thirty thousand pounds. It is most 
thoroughly constructed, was two years in building 
and completed without accident. 

Its location is on a mound-shaped hill, one hundred 
and fifty feet above the river, which gently flows at 
its base. Marl, lianl-pan and roi'k make the elevation, 
and nothing liut an iMrlh(|uakc can disliirli tlie founda- 
tion. 

The view Ironi the base of the arch is as if one stood in 
the centre of a vast amphitheatre adorned with every 



variety of landscape. Within a boundary from 
Kearsarge and Rugged Mountains in the east to the 
hills of Meredith in the north, circumscribed by the 
horizon that marks the highlands to Ossipee and 
Gilford Mountains in the east and south, the prospect 
is unobstructed. 

Visible at all points of the compass are villages or 
well-tilled farms nestling on hill-top or slope, teem- 
ing with industry and life, while the puff of the 
locomotive, the shriek of the whistle and the pealing 
of bells are sounds that come and go with every 
breeze. Forests that never echoed with the woodman's 
stroke add completeness to the scene, as if of some 
genius had designed the broad expense and filled it 
with gems of beauty. An extensive traveler, who de- 
lights in the beauties of American scenery, says that 
in extent and diversity it exceeds anything he ever 
saw. This opinion is confirmed by many others who 
have visited the site. 

A polished device in Scotch granite, on which a 
Numidian lion is reclining, the whole weighing fifty 
tons, rests between the two columns of the arch, 
bearing this inscription, — 

"TllTON, 1883." 

Each end of the keystone, in raised letters, reads 
"Memorial Arch of Tilton, 1SS2." Ten or twelve 
acres of land are inclosed in the tract on which this 
memorial has been erected. 

Four elegant cut-glass lamps, supplied with gas, 
are lighted each dark night, making the locality a 
land-mark for many surrounding miles. 

A concrete walk and drive-way for carriages lead to 
the summit from two different directions. Large 
numbers of visitors in good weather daily travel over 
them and avail themselves of the enchanting prospect 
and a nearer inspection of the arch. It counts one 
among the many attractions to our thrifty town con- 
tributed by Mr. Charles E. Tilton, of the fourth 
generation from Nathaniel Tilton, the original 
pioneer of the family, of about one hundred and 
fifteen years ago. 

The old ancestor, at the signal of danger, visible to 
his clearing on the range above, may sometime have 
sped his way to the old fort that once occupied the 
hill. Be that as it may, with all his remembered 
virtues, there is no sign that, with a prophet's ken, his 
vision caught sight of the benefactions that were to 
emanate from his descendant. 

It is enough that we possess them, and that the 
present generation is not insensible to their value or 
unmindful of the enlarged liberality that gave them 
form. 

Village Advantages.— Tilton village is situated on 
the old liciston, Oonuurd and Montreal Railroad, now 
known as the White Mountain Division of the Bos- 
ton and Lowell Railroad, eighteen miles north of Con- 
cord, ten miles south of Laconia, the shire-town of 
the county, and in close proximity to Franklin, at 
which place the Northern Division of the Boston and 



Lowell Eailroad passes, passenger facilities between 
these roads being conducted by J. L. Lawrin's twelve- 
passenger four-horse coach route, which makes two 
round trips a day, connecting with the important 
trains over both roads, viz., — passengers coming down 
over the White Mountain road and wishing to go up 
over the Northern, instead of going to Concord, take 
this stage and save over thirty-six miles travel. Quick 
time and sure connections are made as they carry the 
United States mail. Daily stage leaves here for San- 
bornton and New Hampton and semi-daily stage for 
Belmont and Gilmanton. 

The railroad facilities are very good, the track 
laid with steel rails and a ride of but two hours and 
forty minutes from Boston ; while passengers taking 
the two P. M. train arrive in New York at half-past 
ten the same day. The past summer twelve passen- 
ger trains have stopped here daily ; the passenger Pull- 
man and Mann boudoir coaches were of the best, and 
the road earned the reputation of being the best 
equipped of any in New England. The passenger 
station is a model for size, comfort and convenience, 
modern in in its construction, the inside finished in 
hard woods, heated by steam, lighted by gas and con- 
tains all conveniences for passenger and railroad facil- 

A charter has been granted to build and operate a 
railroad from this place to Belmont. Application has 
been made to the Grand Court for right to construct a 
railroad from here to Franklin, and there is a bright 
prospect of seeing the road in operation within three 
years. 

The location of the town offers unusual water-power 
facilities, which, by its proximity to the leading lines 
of transportation, should place it foremost in the 
ranks for manufacturing industries. The quantity, 
quality, purity from sediment cannot be excelled in 
the United States. It contains no lime, iron or other 
injurious material held in solution to deaden the 
colors used in dyeing ; no sawdust or vegetable mate- 
rial to prevent the proper washing of wool. It drains 
no territory containing tanneries and filthy material, 
and is as pure drinking water as can be found in flow- 
ing streams. 

With Lake Winnipiseogee back of us, a dam across 
its outlet into Winnipiseogee River, retaining her 
waters to such an extent that the water-power com- 
pany can prevent its overflow to not less than two 
hundred and fifty cubic feet per second (the dam 
being five hundred and two feet above mean tide), 
with an unobstructed flow of water from Great Bay, 
or Wiunesquam Lake, containing 2,003,729,124 square 
feet to Middle Bay, of two miles in length and three- 
fourths of a mile in width, thence to Little Bay and 
to the falls at East Tilton. There is not an obstruc- 
tion on this great body of water. At East Tilton is 
a larsc, strong dam affiirding an immense power,which 
at present is only utilized by Byron W. Brown at his 
mill, and he haa built a short canal. 



Such is the water-power here that, before efl^brts 
wore made to start water-power manufacturing at 
Manchester, it was determined to use the power at 
this place, and, with that object in view, the water- 
power party closed negotiations for the land there- 
about. It is a fact that, but for the stubbornness of one 
man, the great industries of Manchester would have 
been located here. Below this first dam is another 
fall of water unutilized. This power lies idle and 
with a small expense could be utilized, and is par- 
ticularly valuable on account of its nearness to the 
railroad. 

The first dam across the river at Tilton allows the 
present fall of eight feet, and Ballantyne & Fletcher 
have the right to flow back to East Tilton, a distance 
of two miles. The power is only utilized by Messrs. 
Ballantyne & Fletcher, proprietors of the Granite Mill, 
manufacturers of ladies' woolen dress-goods. They 
employ seventy hands, with a pay-roll of two thousand 
dollars per month, and at present make fifteen 
thousand yards • of six-fourth cloth a month. On 
their side of the river are two good privileges. At the 
other end of the dam is an equally good unoccupied 
mill-site. The next dam below is occupied by Copp's 
grist-mill, Dodge's hosiery-mill, and the other end by 
Richard Firth, proprietor of the Elm Mill, who man- 
ufactures about the same quality of goods as Ballan- 
tyne & Fletcher, running three looms. 

Continuing down-stream is the cofler-dam, with a 
water-fall of eleven feet. George E. Buel & Co.'s large 
hosiery-mill occupy one end of the dam ; they employ 
ninety operatives and do an annual business amount- 
ing to from one hundred and thirty thousand to one 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars. 

The cotton-mill at the other end is being converted 
into a shoe manufactory by the Pillsbury Brothers. 
They will employ not less than three hundred people 
with a monthly pay-roll often thousand dollars. Here 
are certainly two splendid privileges. Next in 
order is the Tilton Mills, who only occupy one end of 
the dam with a twelve-foot fiill of water. The other 
end is unoccupied and the land and power can be 
bought remarkably cheap. From the above we find 
there are nine water privileges, all dammed, and free 
use of the power is guaranteed. This is exclusive of 
the power at East Tilton. 

Forty-four rods below the Tilton Mill is a fifteen-foot 
fall ; forty-four rods below the last is a fall of twenty- 
three feet; these falls are undeveloped. Adjoining 
land to all these privileges will be disposed of at a 
very reasonable figure to persons wlio will erect mills 
and run them. When one thinks of the manufactur- 
ing industries conducted at Manchester, Lawrence and 
Lowell, and that their jjower comes from here, it 
seems surprising that so much steam-power is utilized, 
when water-power can be obtained under such favor- 
able circumstances, and all within half a mile of the 
railroad. The fall of Winnipiseogee River, from 
Great Bay througli this town, is some one hundred 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NP]W HAMPSHIRE. 



and forty feet, iiml the wliolc fall of the river two 
hundred feet. 

Statistical.— The census of the town in 1870 was 
1147; in 1880, 1282, and by reference to the Governor 
and other votes the voting population will be found. 
The selectmen's valuation in 1876 was $G8.'),008. 

Following is the selectmen's inventory made in the 
spring of 1885 : 

Number of polls, 330, $33,000; horses, 197, $13,000; 
land and buildings (6585 acres), $394,930; oxen, 56, 
$2795 ; cows, 277, $7421 ; other meat stock, 140, $2259; 
sheep, 220, $667 ; hogs taxable, 16, $102; carriages, 61, 
$4455; stock in public fund.s, $6200; money, $290.80; 
stock in trade, $48,005 ; mills, $48,790; total valua- 
tion, $608,004 ; total taxes, including highway, 
$9158.39; rate per cent, on all, $1.50; on each, $1.00; 
poll-tax, $1.13. 

The assets of the town March 1, 1885, $6886.88, 
leaving a net indebtedness of $12,324.11. 

Water. — At the northeast portion of the town is a 
small portion of Lake Winnisquam, or, as it was 
called in old times. Great Bay. Continuing south is 
the Sanbornton or Middle Bay, some two miles in 
length and three-fourths of a mile in width, whose 
waters flow into Little Bay, constituting the third of 
these bays, which are most picturasque and beautiful 
bodies of water, affording boating and fishing, and 
many are the pleasures enjoyed on their cool, clear 
waters in the summei", while in the winter they are 
famous resorts for the fishermen, who, fishing through 
the ice, generally meet with good success. The 
southern shores of the town are washed by the 
Winnipesaugec River, whose falls afford water-power 
for many and varied indu.strics. 

Bamford, Gulf, Hunt, Packer and Meadow Brooks 
are the principal small streams of water. 

The surface is generally uneven, being diversified 
with hills and valleys. Some of the hills are quite 
elevations, but most of them can be cultivated to 
their summits. The soil throughout the town is very 
good, and produces all the crops cultivated in this 
climate. 

Villages. — The business portion of the town is at 
Tilton, formerly known as Sanbornton Bridge, situ- 
ated on the Winnipesaugec River, where it forms the 
boundary line between this town and Northfield, 
the business portion of Northfield being situated on 
the southern side of the river, in Merrimack County. 
Their manufacturing interests, po.st-oifice. Fire Pre- 
cinct and village improvement societies being in 
common, both villages are known as Tilton; the 
post-office of Northfield proper being at the depot, 
four miles from Tilton. The villages are connected 
by two elegant iron bridges, completed in the spring 
of 1882, at a cost to both towns of $5500, the upper 
one costing $3250, of which Mr. Charles E. Tilton 
paid $500, the sum being equally divided between 
ihc town.s. The upper bridge i.s much nmre elabo- 
rate and iiiiKinieulal, with high arching trus.s. 



In addition to the manufacturing industries there 
are twenty-two stores, seven halls, three churches, 
one hotel, two hay stables, one steam laundry, an 
elegant brick building containing the post-ottlce, 
town-hall, town offices and one store and bank. 

The villages are united in what is known as the 

Fire Precinct, which was formed in 1867, the fire 
apparatus consisting of two hand-engines ; the large 
one having eight-inch cylinder, and requiring fifty 
men to proi)erly operate, and throwing a stream one 
hundred and sixty feet. The small is the most efficient. 
Both tubs are kept in good condition. They have 
fifteen hundred feet of hose, and with the mill- 
pumps answer all ordinary requirements. 

The village has extensively suffered from fires, — 
first, when it was part of Sanbornton in 1838; again, 
the 7th of November, 1863; and the most destructive 
fire which has occurred in the town took place on 
the 27th of May, 1875, involving a loss of sixty 
thousand dollars, for an account of which the reader 
is referred to the Laconia Democrat, June 3, 1875. 

Village Improvement Association was formed 
at the time Rev. Lucius Waterman was pastor of the 
Episcopal Church (1879-81), he being the prime 
mover in forming the association which has done 
much towards beautifying the place; principally 
through their eflbrts, some two miles of concrete walk 
has been laid, street-lamps added and other improve- 
ments made. 

East Tilton Village, situated four miles east of 
Tilton, on the railroad, is a thriving hamlet, contain- 
ing two stores, owned respectively by Chase Rollins 
and William C. Mudgett ; the former is postmaster ; 
both keep good stock of such goods as are usually 
found in country stores. Here are two churches, 
school-house and twenty-five or thirty dwellings. 
Byron W. Brown has a large saw-mill, with a capacity 
of getting out twelve thousand feet of lumber a 
day, in addition he has a shingle-mill ; also a grist- 
mill with three run of stones,one set of which is used 
lor flour, and em))loy9 twelve men. 

Tin Corner, once a thriving hamlet, containing a 
hotel, store, blacksmith, shoe-making, house-joiner 
and cabinet-maker shops and a large tin-ware estab- 
lishment. All have succumbed to the inevitable 
and nothing but farming is left. 

Religious Societies.— The Methodist Episcopal 
Churcii iir NouTHFiELD AND TiLTON is the oldest 
and contains the largest number of communicants. 
The church was formed on the Northfield side of the 
river in 1806, where it continued till the 4th of Feb- 
ruary, 1857, at which time the present church, on 
this side of the river, was dedicated. The house con- 
tains a large vestry and committee-rooms with modern 
improvement. In 1880 the building was thoroughly 
repaired, the old tower was taken down and the 
])resent one erected. At the completion of Rev. 
Nathan V. Philbrook's pastorate there were two hini- 
dred and (ifleen members and thirty-nine fm proliulioii. 



TILTON. 



881 



The following have been the pastors since the in- 
corporation of the town : Rev. Charles W. Millen, 
1870-71; Rev. 'William H. Jones, 1872-73; Rev. 
Lewis P. Cushnian, 1874; Rev. John W. Adams, 
1875-76 ; Rev. Silas E. Quimby, 1877-78 ; Rev. Xelson 
M. Bailey, 1879-80; Rev. Nathan P. Philbrook, 
1881-83; Rev. Charles S. Nutter, to present time. 

The Congregational Church of Northfield 
AND TiLTON was organized in the former town July 
18, 1822, and has continued an active and successful 
church. The present building was erected (in this 
town) in 1837. In 1869-70 the house was elevated, 
a vestry and pastor's rooms placed underneath the 
church and the whole building thoroughly repaired. 
In 1881 the old pews were removed, modern ones 
added, the floor leveled, an addition built at the rear 
for the organ, which was built over, and gas added, 
the whole expense amounting to six thousand dollars. 

Rev. Corban Curtice was pastor at the time of 
incorporating the town, continuing until the follow- 
ing year; succeeded by Rev. Theodore C. Pratt, 
1870-75 ; Rev. Frederick T. Perkins, 1875-83 ; Rev. 
C. B. Strong, July 1, 1884, to May 3, 1885 ; Rev. C. C. 
Sampson, May If, ISSo. 

Trinity Parish (Episcopal) Church of Til- 
Tox was organized by Dr. James H. Eames, of 
Concord, in the fall of 1860, securing the temporary 
services of Rev. B. Colburn, who officiated some three 
or four months. The society purchased the brick 
edifice formerly occupied by the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, on the Northfield side of the river, put the 
same in thorough repair at a total expense of some 
three thousand dollars, which was duly consecrated 
on the 1st of October, 1861, by the Rt. Rev. Carlton 
C. Chase, bishop of the diocese. 

The Rev. Marcellus A. Herrick, D.D., however, is 
regarded as the founder of the church, he removing 
to Northfield, and for fifteen years was most effective 
and unwearied in promoting the interests of his 
parish. 

Dr. Herrick took charge of the parish as rector on 
the loth of February, 1861, and continued until his 
death, October 31, 1875. When he settled here the 
church had but a single communicant within the 
limits of the parish. April 1, 1861, the first regular 
parish-meeting was held and church oflicers elected. 
In 1872 the foundation of their new house of worship 
was laid in Tilton, It was tastefully and substan- 
tially built of brick, and on Easter Sunday, April 
13, 1873, services were held in it for the first time. 
The house was consecrated May 25, 1875, by Rt. Rev. 
"William W. Niles, bishop of the diocese of New 
Hampshire. The whole cost of the lot, building, 
organ and other furniture was about fifteen thousand 
dollars. Mrs. Dr. Eames, of Concord, presented the 
chancel window. On the left is a large painting 
from Richelieu done at Rome, representing Christ 
delivering the keys to Saint Peter with the injunction : 
" Feed my Sheep." 



The building is forty-two by sixty-two, with a large 
tower at the northwest corner, and is a most beau- 
tiful structure. 

After the death of Dr. Herrick, Rev. Frank S. Har- 
raden wjis rector for one year from the spring of 1876 ; 
Rev. Henry H. Haynes rector for one and a half 
years (1777-79); Rev. Lucius Waterman (1879-81), 
Rev. Frederick C. Cowper acting as assistant during 
the time Mr. Waterman was in Europe (1881). Rev. 
Isaac Peck rector over a year closing his services in 
October 1885. 

Free-Will Baptist Church at East Tilton 
was organized March 27, 1827. In June, 1834, they 
built a house of worship, forty-eight by forty, thir- 
teen feet post, costing $835.73. In 1861 the building 
was turned round and remodeled at an expense of 
nine hundred dollars. In 1876 the building was 
again repaired and put in good condition. 

The following had been the pastors since incorpo- 
ration : 

Rev. Oilman Sanborn, September 1, 1869, till June, 
1870 ; Rev. Otis F. Russell, June, 1870, to May, 1871 ; 
Rev. E. Preston Monlton, May, 1871, to May 4, 1872 ; 
Rev. Mr. Walker resided at Laconia and occupied the 
pulpit nearly one year; Rev. John G. Munsey, May, 
1873, till February 20,1878; Rev. J. Herbert Yeo- 
man, from June 1, 1878, two years ; Rev. William H. 
Yeoman, 1880 till March, 1884; Rev. John G. Mun- 
sey, the present incumbent. 

Methodist Church at East Tilton was built 
previous to 1835 and thoroughly repaired in 1879, and 
since the incorporation of the town nine pastors 
have most acceptable filled the ministerial positions 
with their people. 

Educational— New Hampshire Conference 
Seminary and Female College. — Situated on 
Academy Hill, just north of the village and facing 
the south, overlooking the village, the valley of the 
Winnipiseogee River and a panorama of mountains 
and quiet valleys, is situated the above seminary, 
composed of three buildings ; the central is sur- 
mounted by a cupola. It contains the president's 
office, chapel, reading-room and well-furnished reci- 
tation-rooms on the two lower stories, and a spacious 
hall in the upper story. Three rods from either ex- 
tremity of this main building are two other three- 
story buildings, that on the west being the ladies' 
boarding-house, that on the east being devoted to 
male teachers and students. These buildings are of 
brick, and during the summer of 1886 extensive 
alterations will be made, which will unite the three 
buildings in one, and the central will have a large 
clock placed in the tower. 

During the year 1845 the first seminary building 
was erected on the Northfield side of the river, on 
the site now occupied by Miss Hannah Houghton. 

The building was of brick .and was unpretending 
in appearance. In 1857 the building was found 
inadaquate, and in August of that year a commodious 



HISTOKY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



and substantial edifice was dedicated, where, under 
one roof, the faculty and students found a pleasant 
home. 

On the night of November 7, 1862, the structure 
was destroyed by fire and the school left homeless. 
" The old file was abandoned and the present and 
more desirable location adopted. During the darkest 
days of the Rebellion the buildings were completed 
and consecrated (August 24, 1864) to their noble work 
— the education of the young. Although under control 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the school is by 
no means sectarian. It has ever enjoyed a liberal 
patronage from Christian parents of every denomina- 
tion." ' Among its graduates are found ten eminent 
lawyers, two members of Congress and one New 
Hampshire Slate officer, a number of successful 
business men, at least ten prominent clergymen, 
one distinguished theological author, four physicians 
and ten professors. All branches of education are 
taught, including mu?ic, art, language and scientific 
course. The insiiiution was under the management 
of Rev. Silas E. Quimby, A.M., until 1885, to whom 
much credit is due for the successfnl and able man- 
ner in which the institution is conducted. Rev. D. 
C. Knowles, A.M., became president succeeding Rev. 
Mr. Quimby, and is bringing the school to a higher 
grade. 

Union School District, No. 1, was formed out 
of Districts Nos. 2 and 28 (old districts in Sanborn- 
ton), in Tilton, and District No. 10, in Northfield ; 
the first officers being appointed by the selectmen 
April 16, 1872, consisting of W. Balcom, of North- 
field, Adam S. Ballantyne, Charles B. Garmon and 
Samuel J. Tilton, prudential committee. There be- 
ing a qiiestion of the legality of this union, a special 
act of the General Court was granted. Pending the 
granting of this act, a meeting was held, May 28, 

1872, at the school-house in No. 28 (which stood on 
what is now the Park, owned by Mrs. A. H. Tilton, at 
the west part of the village, — the school-house being 
subsequently sold, moved west of its old location and 
fitted for a dwelling-house), and Charles T. Hill 
elected clerk pro tern. The action of this meeting 
was that Messrs. W. S. Clark, Charles C. Rogers and 
Franklin J. Eastman were chosen a building com- 
mittee to select the site, put in the foundation and 
superintend the erection of the school-house. The 
plan of Mr. Arthur Smyth for a building costing 
four thousand four hundred dollars was accepted, 
and a sum of money not exceeding five thousand dol- 
lars was voted to purchase land and erect the build- 
ings, three thousand dollars being raised by taxation 
and the balance being borrowed at a low rate of in- 
terest. One-half acre of land was given by Mr. 
Friinklin J. Eastman on the Northfield side of the 
river, and the present building erected. In March, 

1873, the building committee reported the cost of the 

1 Granite Monthly, July, 1880. | 



building, $4947.35, and the entire cost, including 
wells, pumps, etc., at $5130.73. 

After the act of incorporation was granted, the 
citizens met, September 4, 1872, and chose a Board of 
Education, as follows: Rev. Marcellus A. Herrick, 
Rev. Theodore C. Pratt and Rev. John B. Robinson. 

The check-list was first used at the annual meeting 
in 1883. Three schools are kept in the building, 
consisting of primary, intermediate and grammar 
departments, and the schools are fully up to the 
standard. The district schools consist of five in num- 
ber, situated as follows: No. 1, at Tin Corner (it was 
the first school district in the old town of Sanborn- 
ton) ; No. 2, on the Sanborn road ; No. 3, at East Til- 
ton village ; No. 4, above Tilton village; No. 5, above 
East Tilton, and known as the Rollins District. With 
the exception of the graded school, no new buildings 
have been erected, but all are in thorough repair and 
conveniently situated. The average length of the 
school term is not far from thirty-six wrecks a year. 

Mills.— Tilton Mills.— In 1828, Nathaniel Holmes 
removed here from Meredith, and built the first cot- 
ton-mill for making yarn and warp on the site of the 
present Tilton Mills. The mill was forty by fifty feet, 
and did much towards giving Tilton its prosperity. 

" In 1859, Colonel A. H. Tilton i)ut two sets of wool- 
en machinery into this mill and started on cassimeres; 
he invented and made the all-wool goods known as 
Tweeds. The mill property, embracing seventy-five 
acres, and extending one-third of a mile down the river, 
controls an immense water-power, with twelve feet 
fall at the mills, fifteen feet fall forty-four rods farther 
down and twenty-three feet fall forty-four rods below 
the last."'- Colonel Tilton was soon obliged to en- 
large the mill, and in 1865 doubled its capacity. 

The mill property consists of the main building, 
dye-house, picker-house, sorting, dye, finishing and 
waste-houses as separate buildings. " The Tilton 
tweeds " have attained a wide celebrity, and for years 
were manufactured exclusively, but as times changed 
and the market required, meltons have been gradually 
added, and up to the present time the mills have made 
fifty-five styles of goods. All the narrow looms have 
given place to the broad looms, of which there are 
twenty. The mill is equipped with four sets of woolen 
machinery. There has recently been added one new set 
of cards, a hydro-extractor, Brammel's self-feeders 
and a rotary fulling-mill, a Bigelow steam boiler of 
sixty-four horse-power, a new Rodney & Hunt tur- 
bine water-wheel, a new dye-house, and the cajjacity 
of the finishing-room has been doubled. They give 
employment to seventy-five hands, with a monthly 
pay-roll of two thousand dollars, and manufacture 
three thousand six hundred yards of cloth per month. 

Bailey, or Winnisquam, Cotton Mill was built 
in 1868 by R. M. Bailey, and now owned by the New 
Hampshire Manufacturing Company (Dexter, Abbott 



\ Co., Boston). The factory is of wood, one hundred 
.and si.Kty by fifty-eight feet, three stories in 
height, with basement. Mr. Charles T. Ahuy was the 
hist lessee, manufiicturing cotton yarns and silesias 
or fine sheetings, operating seven thousand three hun- 
dred spindles, and employed fifty hands. The mill 
has remained vacant since Mr. Almy vacateil it, the 
1st of January, 1884. 

In the fall of 1885 this mill was sold to J. A. & 
A. J. Pillsbury, under the firm-name of Pillsbury 
Brothers, shoe manufacturers of Northwood, who are 
remodeling the mill preparatory to occupying the 
whole as a shoe manufactory. 

Loud Brothers' Manufactitring Company. — 
In 1877, Messrs. J. S. Towle and Albert C. Lord, un- 
der the firm-name of Towle & Lord, began the manu- 
facture of eye-glasses in one end of Ilazen Copp's 
woolen-mill, giving employment to four hands. As 
they grew in experience and perfected their machin- 
ery so the demand for their goods increased and more 
room was required. November 22, 1877, Mr. Towle 
sold out to George W. Lord, and the firm-name con- 
tinues as above, Mr. Towle still continuing in their 
employ. In the summer of 1878 the brothers erected 
their present thoroughly-constructed building for 
their steam factory, situated on Main Street, op- 
posite the depot. The building is thirty-two feet 
front, eighty feet long, having two high-posted stories 
and basement, and costing some ten thousand dollars. 
Since then they have added a wing twenty by forty- 
two feet and two stories high. They removed to this 
building thelst of January, 1879. They employ from 
thirty-five to forty workmen, and do an annual bus- 
iness of from fifty thousand to sixty-five thousand dol- 
lars, having the largest special factory in the United 
States. Their specialty is eye-glasses, from the com- 
mon to the best French pebble, and a patented metal- 
lic spectacle-case. Although not making bows for 
spectacles, yet they do considerable in setting the 
lenses. Mr. Albert Lord has just patented an adjust- 
able nose-piece for eye-glasses, which grips the sides 
of the nose without causing any undue pressure, and 
will not slip from the nose during movements of the 
nasal muscles. 

In addition to their factory, they have a large 
wholesale and retail jewelry-store and large drug- 
store. 

TiLTON Machine-Shop.— Benjamin C. Stevens, 
proprietor, established himself in Franklin in 1872, 
and in December, 1882, removed to Tilton, occupy- 
ing the shop in the rear of Lord Brothers' Manufact- 
uring Company, and using their steam-power. The 
proprietor possesses considerable inventive skill, and 
makes a specialty of drafting and making difficult 
machinery for special work. He has originated very 
complicated labor-saving machinery, and, as it was 
for special purposes, it has never been patented. He 
employs five hands, and docs all kinds of iron repair- 
work. 



Copp GuiST-MiLL.— On the site now occupied by 
this mill was erected the first manufacturing industry 
at Sanbnrnton Bridge, — i. e., Tilton, proper. It was 
a trip-hammer, scythe-shop and grist-mill, conducted 
by Tilton & Smith, and erected as early as 1788. 
Benjamin Smith is said to have built the first house 
in what is now Tilton village. 

In 1872, Ml. Hazen Copp built the present, thirty- 
five by sixty, two-story grist-mill, fitted it with 
modern improvements, four run of stones, a flour-mill 
and two bolting-m.icliines, and at present conducts 
the business. In' 1877 Mr. Copp built the mill just 
below, now occupied by Mr. Arthur M. Dodge as a 
hosiery manufactory. The mill is thirty-five by 
sixty, three stories in height, the machinery in 
both mills being run by the same fall of water. The 
estimated value of both mills is fifteen thousand 
dollars. 

Dodge's Mill.— Late in the fall of 1S84, Mr. 
Arthur M. Dodge, of Franklin, leased the old Colvin 
Mill, owned by Hazen Copp, and put in one set of 
cards, and began the manufacture of all-wool Shaker 
hose, weighing two pounds, four ounces per dozen. 
He has twenty-one knitting-machines, ten of which 
knit the hose entire. The mill started up January 1, 
1885 ; employs twenty-eight operatives, with a 
monthly pay-roll of seven hundred dollars. 

Societies. — Doric Lodge, No. 78, A. F. and A. M., 
organized July 2, 1866, and consists of eighty-eight 
members. Past Masters: Adam S. Ballantyne, John 
Fletcher, Frank L. Mason, John F. Eastman, Samuel 
Condon, Jr., Daniel W. Page, Selwin B. Peabody, 
Charles R. Gould, James L. Jlowe. 

Harmony Lodge, No. -65, I. O. O. F., was insti- 
tuted April 13, 1881. Charter members are as fol- 
lows: Sidney E. Smith, Enoch G. Clark, Leroy S. 
Atkinson, Albert A. Adams, John W. Watts, Frank 
W. Hurlburt, Otis C. Hurlburt, Frank W. Fletcher, 
Albert C. Muzzey, Enos H. Johnson, A. Ci. Arnold 
and Frederick A. Clement. 

Following is the list of the first officers : G. E. 
Smith, N. G. ; E. G. Clark, V. G. ; L. S. Atkinson, 
Sec. ; A. A. Adams, Treas. ; J. M. Watts, W. ; F. W. 
Hurlburt, C. ; A. C. Muzzey, N. G. R. S. ; T. W. 
Long, N. G. L. S. ; F. W. Fletcher, V. G. R. S. ; E. 
C. Healy, V. G. L. S. ; A. Arnold, R. S. S. ; F. A. 
Clement, L. S. S. ; E. H. Johnson, I. G.; O. (1 Hurl- 
burt, 0. C;.; M. C. Abbott, Chap. 

Knights or Honor, No. 928, was instituted in 
this place February 7, 1878. They have a fine hall 
and reception-rooms adjoining. The floors are laid 
with birch, the other wood-work is ash, the ceiling is 
handsomely frescoed and the furniture is modern. 
There are forty members, and but six deaths have 
occurred since their organization. 

Crescent Lodge, No. 451, Knights and Ladies 
OF Honor, like the former, is a charitable organiza- 
tion, consisting of ladies and gentlemen, this lodge 
having a third more of the former than of the latter 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



members. The lodge was organized in August, 1883, 
and has forty-four members. 

Mix.NKii.MiA Division, No. 8, Son.s of Temper- 
ance, was organized April 23, 1883, with twelve 
charter members. The lodge has steadily increased 
in numbers and influence, and most of the young 
people are members and constant attendants. They 
have a fine hall in Hill's Block. 

Independent Order of Good Templars, un- 
der the name of Tilton, No. 52, was formed August 7, 
1885. The organization has some forty members, 
meets weekly and is in a flourishing condition. 

Women's Christian Temperance Union. — Or- 
ganized in March 1863, has a large number of mem- 
bers, and is in a flourishing condition. 

The Tilton Cornet Band was organized in June, 
1880, consisting of twenty pieces, and finely uni- 
formed. W. P. Long is president; T. J. Davis, treas- 
urer; Nathan S. Cheaver, secretary; and Frederick 
Clement, director. 

Post No. 62, Graxd Army of the Republic, 
was organized on the 6tb of October, 1881, with twelve 
charter members, and named "Adams K. Tilton," 
in honor of that gentleman, who was born in that 
part of Sanborn ton now included in Tilton, Feb- 
ruary 21, 1833; son of John A. and Clarissa (Kimball) 
Tilton ; grandson of Jacob, and great-grandson of 
Nathaniel and Abigail (Oilman) Tilton. 

Mr. Tilton resided in his native town until 1853, 
when he removed to Pawtucket, R. I., and followed 
hia trade, that of a sash, door and blind-maker; 
married Miss Ellen Elizabeth Arnold in May, 1864, 
at that time being a soldier. He first enlisted in the 
First Rhode Island Regiment in 1861, and was after- 
wards captain of one of the companies in the Sixth 
New Hampshire Infantry. He was instantly killed 
by a shot which penetrated the brain just over the eye, 
in an action at Poplar Grove Church, Va., Sep- 
tember 30, 1864. 

The organization has had thirty-six members, and 
at present has twenty-nine. When first organized 
they met in Knights of Honor Hall, then in the North- 
field town hall, and May 11, 1882 removed to their 
present hall in Hill's Block. 

Following is the list of the first officer.* chosen, and 
the " Roster " at this time (1885) : 

First officers : Commander, George E. Dow; S. V. 
C, Leander H. Irving ; J. V. C, L. D. Miller ; Chap- 
lain, Otis C. Wyatt ; Surgeon, A. A. Moulton, M.D.; 
Officer of the Day, T. K. Bean ; Officer of the Guard, 
C. H. Davis ; Quartermaster, S. A. Clark ; Adjutant, 
Charles W. Tilton; Sergeant-Major, Charles W. 
Davenport ; Quartermaster-Sergeant, Francis Schiatt. 

Present officers : Commander, Charles W. Tilton ; 
S. V. C, William H. Tripp; J. V. C, Charles 
H. Davis ; Chaplain, Otis C. Wyatt ; Surgeon, A. 
A. Moulton, M.D.; Officer of the Day, Leander 
Irving ; Officer of the Guard, Francis Schiatt ; 
Quartermaster, John Haslom ; Adjutant, George E. 



Dow; Sergeant-Major, Lorenzo D. Miller; Quarter- 
master Sergeant, Edgar A. Porter. 

Banks. — The charter of the original State Bank of 
Sanbornton Bridge, known as the "Citizens' Bank," 
was granted in June, 1853. The first meeting was 
held the 3rd of the following August. Asa P. Cate 
chosen president, and Charles Minot, of Concord, 
cashier; Samuel Tilton, Thomas Chase, Benjamin 
Hill, Isaac Whittier, John Kenniston and Woodbury 
Melcher, directors. These gentlemen were men of 
influence, of more than ordinary mental capacity 
and universally respected for business capacity. The 
capital stock was fifty thousand dollars. Mr. Minot 
owned the present house of William T. Cass, and the 
business was started in the room now occupied for 
that purpose. In 1855, Mr. Cass bought the property, 
and succeeded Mr. Minot as cashier. As time passed 
on, considerable feeling and disagreement arose in 
the minds of the stockholders and officers in chang- 
ing its character from State to a National Bank. At a 
meeting of the officers of the bank, held February 20, 
1865, Woodbury Melcher made a motion that the 
bank be changed to a National, and, on a vote being 
taken, Messrs. Austin F. Pike, Eleazer Davis, Robert 
Gray and Woodbury Melcher voted in the affirma- 
tive, and Asa P. Cate in the negative. Agreeable to 
this vote, a national charter was obtained, and it was 
intended to have the capital one hundred thousand 
dollars, but, through delay, it only reached seventy 
thousand dollars. It became known as the Citizens' 
National Bank of Tilton. 

The first meeting, after obtaining their second char- 
ter, was held May 25, 1865, and consisted of the fol- 
lowing directors : Asa P. Cate, Austin F. Pike, Wood- 
bury Melcher, Eleazer Davis, John Kenniston, Rob- 
ert Gray and E. S. Wadleigh. Mr. Cate was chosen 
president, and William T. Cass cashier. From the 
time the bank was started, in 1853, to the present 
time (1885), the average semi-annual dividend has 
been 4i% per cent. The charter has recently been 
extended to March 20, 1905. 

loNA Savings-Bank, organized in 1870, with per- 
petual charter. The first meeting was held July 30th, 
with the following directors : Asa P. Cate, Benjamin 
F. Cofran, Eleazer Davis, J. Frank Taylor, Addison 
B. Wyatt, John Kenniston, A. H. Tilton, lAIilton 
Gerrish and B. T. Brown. A. P. Cate was chosen 
president, and William T. Cass treasurer. 

Eleazer Davis made the first deposit of one thou- 
sand dollars, and Arthur T. Cass made the second. 
The former has been withdrawn. For a number of 
years the dividends have amounted to five per cent. 

From the bank commissioners' report of 1884 we 
gather the following facts: A. S. Ballantyne, presi- 
dent; William T. C;iss, treasurer. Amount due de- 
positors, $270,388.10 ; guaranty fund, $4300 ; surplus, 
$7484.01 ; net earnings for the year 1883, $14,372.96; 
expenses for the year 1883, $896.95. 

Physicians and Lawyers.— The following sketches 



TILTON. 



885 



are from Kev. Jlr. Runnels' " History of Sanborn- 
ton " (vol. i., pp. 239-240) : 

Dk. Byley Lyford (1857) w:is the son of Jere- 
miah and Naomi (Dickey) Lyford, and was born June 
25, 1822, in Stanstead, C. E. He attended school in 
Newbury, this State, studied his profession in Camp- 
ton, and graduated at the Dartmouth Jledical College, 
Hanover, in 1849. Having practiced one year in 
r'arapton, three yeai-s in Hillsborough and four years 
in Nashua, he became established at the Bridge 
lilton), in this town, in the eighth year after his 
■jiaduation, and here for eighteen years continued in 
I'lactice till his sudden death, January 23, 1875. . . . 
1 le was highly prized in this and the adjoining towns 
for his medical skill and kindly sympathy for those 
in distress. " One of the ablest physicians in New 
Hampshire." He was married in Nashua, March 6, 
1851, to Vashti P., daughter of Hon. Zebadiah and 
Vashti Shattuck; one child, Mrs. George G. Trow- 
bridge, resides in Chelsea, Mass. 

De. James Peescxjtt Osborne (18(54) was born 
June 3, 1833, in Piermont, being the son of Cyrus 
and Sally C. (Thresher) Osborn. . . . Graduated at the 
Dartmouth Medical College in 1855. He first prac- 
ticed at Felchville,Vt., eight years. . . . In the fall of 
1864 he came to Sanbornton Bridge (Tilton) and 
entered into partnership with Dr. Lyford for three 
years, from December 12th, since dissolving which 
(1867) he has maintained an extensive practice by 
himself till the present. . . . He married Sally P. 
Stanyan, of Wentworth, March 18, 1855. One child. 
Flora G., born October 6, 1862. 

Dr. Frasklin L. Wasox (1870) resided on the 
Sanborn road, in Tilton. He had a successful prac- 
tice in his immediate neighborhood, in other parts of 
Tilton and the adjoining towns. In 1877 he relin- 
quished practice and removed to Meredith village, 
where he has a drug-store. He was born in Freedom 
August 18, 1834. He married, first, Amanda C, daugh- 
ter of Ebenezer Colby, August, 1852, died December 
27,1869; married, second, Mrs. Carrie (Philbrick) 
W. Meeks, November 28, 1872. 

Dr. Albert Alonzo Moulton (1874) was the 
son of Jonathan and Mary (Morse) Moultou, and was 
born in Meredith October 6, 1829; studied medicine 
at Bristol and Hanover, and graduated M.D. at the 
D.irtmouth Medical College, 1850. He practiced at 
Meredith six years, and in Concord from 1856 till 
1874, including one year as surgeon in the Third 
Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers, by which 
service his health was seriously impaired. He has 
practiced in Tilton since 1874 to the present. . . . 
Married Anna Maria Sawyer, of Bristol, May, 1850 ; 
died in Concord June, 1872. One son, Arthur C, 
resides in Colorado. 

JOHX J. Dearborn, M.D., removed to Tilton in 
December, 1884. (See "History of Salisbury.") 

Lawyers.— Hon. Asa Piper Cate (1840-71) was 
a native <>( Xi.rthlield. the eldest child of Simeon, 



Jr., and Lydia Durgin, born June 1, 1813. He read 
law with Hon. G. W. Nesmith at Franklin, and be- 
gan practice in his native town, which he represented 
in the Legislature, 1839-40, and at several other time.". 
In 1844 he was a member of the Senate and president 
of the same in 1845, and railroad commissioner three 
years. In 1858-60 he was the Democratic candidate 
for Governor of the State. As president of the Citizens' 
National Bank (which see) and largely interested in 
the Boston,Concord and Montreal and White Mountain 
Railroads, he represented the moneyed interests of the 
place. July 24, 1871, he was appointed judge of Pro- 
bate for Merrimack County, holding the office until 
ne.ar his death. His law-office was in Judge Atkin- 
son's old office, which stood at the south end of Hill's 
Block. " He was a genial gentleman and enjoyed 
the confidence of his townsmen and acquaintances to 
a large degree. An adept in horticulture and a lover 
of his well-tilled acres, the homestead in Northfield, 
where for many years he resided, was always made 
peculiarly attractive to those who visited him. He 
lived and died a conscientious Christian, greatly 
mourned and missed as a pillar of the Episcopal 
Church and Society in Northfield and Tilton. He 
died December 12, 1874, and his funeral was attended 
by nearly all the members of the Belknap and Merri- 
mack bars. He married Clara Proctor, September 2, 
1840," '■ three children being born to them. 

Charles C. Rogers, Esq. (1858), born at Broom- 
field, Vt., August 19, 1834; read law with his cousin, 
Benjamin A. Rogers, Esq., at Tilton, succeeding him 
in practice in April, 1858. He enjoys a large and 
lucrative practice, and has the confidence of the 
people. In June, 1874, he was appointed county 
solicitor; removed by address of Legislature in July, 
1876 ; elected to the same oflice in November, 1878, 
and re-elected in 1880. 

Married August 27, 1860, Sophia Currey. Chil- 
dren: (1) John W., born October, 1861, gradu.%ted 
from Dartmouth College in 1883, resides at San 
Antonio, Texas, and is a professor of languages and 
the higher mathematics in St. Mary's Hall, a semi- 
nary for girls ; (2) Carrol B., born April 28, 1863, died 
February 27, 1873; (3) Arthur, born January 25, 1870, 
died February 26, 1873; (4) George Bell, born Sep- 
tember 25, 1874; (5) Herberts., born April 29, 1877. 
Francis R. Chase, Esq. (1866-76), a native of 
Gilmanton ; read law with Judge Dana, of Frye- 
burg, Me., and was admitted to the bar soon after 
his marriage, in 1843, to Huldah P. Fessenden. He 
removed to Northfield in 1866, opening an office in 
Tilton. He represented the town of Northfield in 
the Legislature in 1871-72, and was a prominent 
member of the Episcopal Society. He died March 
12, 1876, in his fifty-eighth year. 

JA51ES Otis Lyford, Esq. (1880-82), the son of 
James Lyford, was born in Boston, Mass., June 28, 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



1853. He graduated at the New Hampshire Con- 
ference Seminary in 1S72; read law at Concord; was 
a member of the Constitutional Convention from 
Canterbury in 1876, and for the years 1877-79 edited, 
the People at Concord. He was admitted to the bar 
in 1880 and opened an office in Eastman's Block, 
Tilton ; married, May 2, 1882, Susan A. Hill, and 
soon after took up his residence at Washington, D. C, 
where he is engaged in one of the departments. 
■ Walter D. Hardy, Esq. (1882-84), son of An- 
thony C. and Eliza (Martin) Hardy, born at Leb- 
anon June 27,1857; graduated at Penacook Academy 
(Concord) ; taught in the same one year ; read law 
with Sargent & Chase, of Concord, in 1878-80, then 
with Hon. E. B. S. Sanborn at Franklin Falls ; ad- 
mitted to the bar in August, 1881; continuing with 
Esquire Sanborn till the spring of 1882, when he re- 
moved to Tilton and took Esquire Lyford's place. 
At the fall election, in 1882, he was elected solicitor 
for Belknap County, assuming the position in July, 
1883, and held it until July, 1885, although, No- 
vember 1, 1884, he became associated as partner with 
Hon. E. B. S. Sanborn at Franklin, under the firm- 
name of Sanborn & Hardy. He was succeeded by 

William B. Fellows, Esq., son of Colonel E. Q. 
and Mary E. (Quimby) Fellows; born at Sandwich, 
July 5, 1858 ; took a college preparatory course at the 
New Hampshire Conference Seminary and Female 
College, completing the three years' course in the 
spring of 1876; entered Dartmouth College, from 
which he graduated in 1880 and immediately began 
the study of law under Hon. E. A. Hibbard, of 
Laconia ; admitted to the bar the 1st of September, 
1883, and opened an office at Ashland, where he was 
married to Ida G. Scribner, November 1, 1881 ; two 
children ; removed to Tilton in the fall of 1884. 

Postmasters — Tilton. — Bradbury M. Morrill, ap- 
pointed April 19, 1869, the office being in the Colby 
house, west of the hotel; office changed name from 
Sanbornton Bridge to Tilton July 21, 1869. 

Jeremiah C. Tilton, appointed January 23, 1871, 
he removing the office back to the corner store, on 
the site of the present town hall. 

George W. Tilton, appointed July 15, 1872. The 
office again moved back to the Colby building. 

Daniel F. Hill, appointed March 10, 1877, and is 
the present incumbent. After the town-hall building 
was completed, it was removed to its present ample 
and well-furnished accommodations. 

East Tilton.— Chase Rollins, appointed Novem- 
ber 23, 1868, and still continues; uame changed to 
East Tilton July 21, 1869. 

Town Officers. — Until 1795 the State law required 
that tlic annual meeting for the election of State, 
county and town officers should be held the last 
Tuesday in March, when the day was changed to the 
second Tuesday. On the revision of the State Consti- 
tution, , the law was so changed that the State 

and coiintv ollicers, including town reproscntativcs 



and Board of Supervisors, were elected biennially, in 
November, the first election under this form occur- 
ring in November, 1877. 

The first meeting for the election of town officers 
was held on the 17th of July, 1869. 
moderators. 

William T. Cass, 1869, '70, '71, '73, '74. 

.Toseph P. Dearborn, 1872. 

Bradbury T. Brown, 1875, '7G, '77, '78, '70, '80, '81. 

Adam S. Ballantyne, 1882, '83, '84. 

Gcorgo II. Brown, 1885. 

TOWN CLERKS. 
Lyman B, Ames, 1869. 

Samuel H. Williama, 1870, '71, '73, '74, '75, '75, '77, '78. 
Solwin B. Peabody, 1872. 
George A. Stevens, 1879, '80, '81, '82, '83. 
Walter C. Wyatt, 1884. 
Leroy S. Atkinson, 1885. 

SELECTMEN. 
1809-70.— Elezear Davis, Horace I^Iuultoii, Leonanl K. Cloufrli. 
1871-72.— Bradbury T. Brown, Jacob B. Sanborn, Dearborn S, Daniels. 
1873.— Bradbury T. Brown, Jacob B. Sanljorn, .lohn C. Ladd. 
1874.— Jacob B. Sanborn, Ilonnc Siuibiirn, John C. Ladd. 
1876-7G.—Amo8H. Jones, Ch.,^' ■ r i;,!;:, :,, Henry Q. Dalton, 
1S77. — Ebenezer L. Sanbnrrj, 'II i u. Henry Q. Dalton. 

1878. — EbenezerL. Sanbuin I: ' I i ,. s.miuel S. Hussey. 

1879.- BussellT. Noyes, 11. 1 ~ : \. ; i.ni 11. 11. liollins. 

1880.— Enoch G. PbilbrlcK. . I : l; '. •■ r ■ w ; i.nM '. Mudgelt. 
1881.— Horace Sanborn, Hi. I , i l;;il, » :: ., ii ii l; .llins. 
1882.— Horace B. Savage, l:.i .- l: : :■ M, i .i. II ~ ,.v.-y. 
1883-84.— Horace B. Savage, Will. .mi II -...\ .y. Mi. n M.,ulton. 
1885.- Bradbury T. Brown, Dearburn S. Daniels, Grorgo W. Lord. 

REPRESENTATIVES. 
1869-70, Lyman B. Ames ; 1871-72, Joseph Hill ; 1873-74, Byron W. 
i Brown ; 1875-76, Enoch G. Pliilbrick ; 1877, Russell T. Noyes ; 1S78, 
j George H. Brown (re-chosen in November of that year fur bienniiil 
term, 1879) ; 1880, Selwin B. Peabody, two years ; 1882, Kicliard Firth, 
two years ; 1884, George S. Philbrick, two years. 

■ TOWN TREASURERS. 
(Until the revised constitution went into effect in 1S78, the office 
was filled by the chairman of the selectmen). 1879, Kliazer Davis ; 
1880, John F. Taylor ; 1881-85, Amos H. Jones : 1682-83, Russell T. 
Noyes ; 1884, William T. Cass. 



'-MMITTEE. 

I.. Wason; 1874, Theo- 
:-, iloorgeS. Philbrick; 
;.l. Dr. Frank L.Aiken 



SUPER1NTESPTX<; ? 
1860-71,. "Sylvester Dixon ; 1- - 
dore f'. Pratt; 1S7.">~76, Joseph r I 
1879, J. Herbert Yeoman; Is-.., I,.: 
and Walter D. Hurdy; 18,sl-¥:j, .S; 
Libby; 1885, Edwin Smith. 

Vote for Governor. — ^The following votes and 
figures will show the increase of voting population, 
and the growth and development of the political 
parties. The total Governor vote of Sanbornton in 
1869, the last year in which the people of what was 
later Tilton voted with the old town, was five hun- 
dred and fifty. The successful candidate is marked 
with an asterisk (*). 

uel Flint, 24; Lo- 



1870.- 



Bedel,112; Onslow Stearns,* 95 
reuKu D. Barrows, 26—257. 

1871 .—James A. Weston,* 157 ; James Pike, 103 ; scattering, 7-267. 

1872.— James A. Weston, 157; Eiwlkiol A. Straw,* 102; scattering, 1 
—270. 

1873.— James A. Weston, 153; Ezekiel k. Straw,* 113; scattering H- 



-_^^^. 



> 







TTLTON. 



887 



1S7B.— Daniul Mairy, 159; I'ereoii C. Cheney,* l;i8 ; scattering, 7— 
1877.— Daniel Marcy, 149 ; Belijaniin V. rrcscott,* I2S ; scattering, 9 



1878.— Frank A. McK 
ing, 8—278. The first 1 
held November 5, 1878. 

1878.- Second eiection : Kranl; A. McKcan 
267. 

1880.— Frault Jones, 187; Cliarles II. licll, 
1—355. 

1882.- Martin V. B. Ecigerly, U3; Samuel \ 

1884.- Moody Currier,* 154 ; John M. Hil 
16—349. 



152; Benjamin F. I'rcscott,* 118; scatti 
ial election for Slate and county ollici 



142; Natt Head," 



vkiu D. Ma«on, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



CHARLES E. TILTON. 

Deacon Nathaniel Tilton, whose descendants have 
borne a prominent part in all that has made the 
renown of Sanbornton back to a period of time ante- 
dating the Revolution to the present, little thought, 
and perhaps cared less, that the date of his settlement 
and the place from which he came would ever be 
shaded with uncertainty. 

He removed from Stratham or New Market, and 
settled on the lot now owned by Charles W. Colby & 
Son somewhere between 1768 and 1771. 

In November of the latter year he signed the orig- 
inal church covenant, his signature being the second 
on that instrument. 

Less than two months later he was chosen second 
deacon, which office he filled acceptably almost for 
forty yeai-s, when, on his own motion, he was excused 
by the church from performing the duties pertaining 
to it any longer. 

There is reason to believe that this ancestor of the 
Tilton family was an upright and godly man, and a 
strict observer of the ordinances of the church ; that 
the unwritten obligations imposed by his confession 
of faith were conscientiously regarded and discharged. 

It is well authenticated that the earliest religious 
instruction received by his grandchildren in catechis- 
mal teaching and in sacred song came from the lips 
of this devout and honored old patriarch. 

Those early precepts may not have matured in open 
acceptance of conventional forms, or in public ac- 
knowledgments of creeds, yet the inclination of 
mind then formed may have been the seed that has 
borne the fruit of generous liberality to every church 
enterprise and demand, or educational purpose ever 
manifested on the part of his descendants. His son 
Jeremiah was born in 1762, probably at Hampton or 
Kensington, and came into town when a lad of six 
or eight years with his father. He grew to be an 
energetic man of business, identifying himself to a 
remarkable degree with the improvements and fa- 
cilities required by a new country. He built the 
Di-isinal Dc.xter House, engaged in lilacksmitliing 



when utensils of iron were more often forged at home 
than purchased abroad. He ])Ut in operation a grist- 
mill, acted as justice of the peace, was a colonel in 
the militia and a soldier in the Revolutionary War. 
He was the father of eleven children,— six daughters 
and five sons, — all of them possessing strong points and 
sterling qualities of character. Samuel, the second 
child and son, was born in 1789. 

He was a marked man, of fine presence, unusual 
sagacity, solid sense and self-reliance. 

He possessed qualities which would have made 
him a foremost man in any position Providence 
might have assigned him. Runnels says, "Asa friend 
he was honest, firm and unswerving, a liberal con- 
tributor" to religious and educational interests, and, 
in the broadest sense of the term, a public-spirited 
citizen. 

He married Myra, daughter of Samuel Ames, of 
Canterbury, in 1815, a lady of unusual excellence. 
She was endowed with characteristic's which, to a 
great extent, form the ideal of a noble woman, a 
model wife and devoted mother. 

Charles Elliott Tilton was their youngest son of a 
family of five children, and was born within a stone's 
throw of his present premises, September 14, 1827, 
He received the benefit of a good common-school edu- 
cation, and at the age of fifteen was placed under the 
tuition of Professor Dyer H. Sanborn, and sul)se- 
quently entered a military school at Norwich, Vt., 
where he remained three years. The training and 
discipline acquired here well fitted him for the intense 
activity required by the business enterjjrises he orig- 
inated and developed, or was engaged in, on tlie 
Pacific slope from 1850 to 1880, — a period of thirty 
years. 

On the declaration of the war with Mexico he was 
offered a captain's commission by Colonel Ransom, 
which he was anxious to accept, but the honor was 
declined on account of paternal influence. 

Young Tilton, with a limited outfit, repaired to 
New York, and was employed by his brother Alfred, 
a well-known and successful merchant. 

Although most favorably situated with excellent 
prospects of promotion, New York failed to satisfy 
the ambition that had grown with his youth of twenty 
years. He cut loose from all present and prospective 
advantages held out in this great commercial mart, 
from friends and acquaintances, and visited nearly all 
of the inhabited West India Islands with a view to 
future business. He prospected the Amazon and 
Orinoco Rivers to the head-waters in canoes, aided 
by native Indians as guides, visiting localities seldom, 
if ever, seen by white men. 

He then proceeded on land to Caracas and La 
Guayra, from thence to Maracaybo, St. Hatha, Car- 
thagena, Chagres and Panama. 

Having been absent from civilization for a long 
time, the knowledge of gold discoveries in California 
;iMd the thousands on tlic islliiiius uii their wav to 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



gather it, representing every tongue and condition, 
were stubborn facts which changed Iiis purposes ; 
causing a revolution in his plans which ended in 
the realization of his youthful dream of fortune. 

His knowledge of the Spanish language was the 
means of attaching himself to a company of gold- 
hunters from Vermont, who made u.se of his services 
in the purchase of subsistence from the natives while 
waiting for transportation to San Francisco. For 
three months his party remained here ; every arrival 
from the East added large numbers to the thousands 
already in Panama. A chance came at last to leave. 

It was announced by the agent of the Pacific Mail 
Steamship Company that the steamer " Panama " 
would soon arrive from New York, and that in due 
time one hundred and fifty deck passages to Sau 
Francisco would be disposed of at one hundred and 
fifty dollars each. 

The vast army of resolute adventurers (not less than 
fifteen thousand) swarming on the Isthmus demanded 
fair play in face of the fact that the chances were 
ninety-nine out of every hundred against any one 
individual securing the coveted ticket. 

In deference to public opinion, the agent advertised 
that on a designated day, at nine o'clock a.m., one hun- 
dred and fifty tickets would be issued on the principle 
of " first come, first served." 

The subject of this sketch was the solitary exception 
in the vast throng who alone lacked ready funds, in 
that no-credit period, wherewith to pay his passage. 

He visited the agent, but could obtain no con- 
cession in his own behalf, and the inevitable fiict 
confronted him that he had now reached the tightest 
spot in his career. 

The parting words of the agent, " Boy, if you get 
here I'll take your draft on your brother," lifted the 
burden and inspired courage for the terrific struggle 
which began at midnight on that memorable occasion. 

At twelve o'clock preceding the morning of the sale 
the streets of Panama were filled with a turbulent mob, 
each one desperate and determined on securing a 



For nine long hours the crazed and maddened 
crowd hooted and yelled, struggled and pushed, 
swayed and surged in front of the ticket-office. Hats, 
coats, vests and shirts were torn from their owners, 
and in many cases men denuded of all clothing 
were seen in this raging sea of humanity. 

In ten minutes after the lime appointed for sale the 
one hundred and fifty passages were secured. Young 
Tilton, stripped to his pantaloons, was recognized by 
the agent, and his profane salutation had a flavor of 
admiration in it as he passed him ticket No. 102, 
with " I'll take your draft, my boy." 

He had intuitively recognized the unflinching 
pluck and innate honesty of his new acquaintance. 
Tickets changed hands freely at from twelve to fifteen 
hundred dollars each. 

A younsr m;in liv the name nCNewliMll purch.ased one 



at twelve hundred dollars, and chance or Providence 
(let the sequel decide) brought him and Tilton to- 
gether as messmates. They pre-empted a section of 
the deck, and at no time during their passage did 
both leave it at the same time. Tilton from his 
limited funds bought a bag of crackers and a few 
pounds of cheese, which for twenty-two days made 
the daily fare of the two adventurers on their way to 
the land of gold. Six feet square of oaken plank made 
their domicile and dormitory, and the skies of the 
Pacific their only roof. 

Youth and young blood were proof against such 
accommodations, and when San Francisco, with its 
piles of sand and scattered red cedar shantie-s, first 
met their view, it gave faint promise of its future 
opulence and magnificence. 

Newhall went to the mines and shortly returned 
home-sick, dejected and without funds, and there 
were thousands similarly situated. No chance existed 
for working a passage to the East, and all attempts to 
obtain one proved failures. 

There is a divinity which shapes our ends, and the 
divinity in Newhall's affairs was a little red flag. He 
was a ready talker, witty and quick at repartee. Til- 
ton's fertile perception had gra.sped the possibilities 
as he entered the auction-room and solicited employ- 
ment for an auctioneer. 

An arrangement was made in less time than it takes 
to record it, and young Newhall was engaged for the 
night to sell jack-knives, needles, combs, &c., on 
trial. 

He suited, was retained at good rates, was prudent 
and saved his money and soon started a similar ven- 
ture for himself, which developed into an immense 
business, from which he retired with a fortune of two 
millions of dollars. His sons became his successors, 
and their warehouse is still found adjoining the Bank 
of California, on Sansome Street, the leading auction 
and commission house on the Pacific Coast. 

Newhall never forgot the friendship that stood by 
him in the days of his need, or the prompting that 
was instrumental in his success. Identified as Mr. 
Tilton became with the development of the resources 
of our Western coast and its ever-receding frontier 
for thirty years, his diversified operations required 
the assistance of many men. 

Through such agency others became successful who 
can trace their fortune to a beginning apparently as 
remote and improbable as could Newhall. 

In Clarke's "Skil.liisi it Successful New Hampshire 
men," it isstatt'dthat ■' In :ill this period Mr. Tilton was 
interested in many cntiiiirisfs on the coast and 
frontier. Among them may be mentioned the navi- 
gation of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. 

" He was one of five who controlled what has de- 
veloped into the Oregon Railway and Navigation 
Company, with a capital of twenty-four million dol- 
lars. 

"As carlv as IS.')! he interested himself with a IVicnd 



TILTON. 



889 



of liis boyhood, W. S. Ladd, who started in business in 
Portland, Oregon. 

" In 1860 they organized the first banking-house in 
that territory, under the style of Ladd & Tilton, 
which soon acquired a national reputation. For over 
twenty years it occupied a high rank among the 
financial institutions of the country. Under their 
control, whatever stress affected thfe world of finance, 
the credit of this house remained uoquestioned and 
unimpaired. Mr. Tilton retired in 1881. Since then 
Mr. Ladd and his sons have fully maintained its 
honestly-earned repute. 

" Soon afterwards the banking-house of Ladd & Bush 
was founded at Salem, Oregon, also the First National 
Bank of Portland and the First National Bank of 
Walla- Walla, Washington Territory, in all of which 
Mr. Tilton was interested. 

" At the same time he was largely engaged in trans- 
portation across the plains. He fully understood the 
requirements of merchandise in Utah, Montana, 
Wyoming and Colorado. He furnished and dis- 
patched large trains from San Francisco, Cal., to 
Utah, and from St. Joseph, Mo., to Colorado, and 
from thence to Montana, giving his personal attention 
to them all. 

" A country largely held by hostile Indians had to be 
traversed, and few trains reached their destination 
unmolested. Desperate encounters occurred fre- 
quently, resulting in more or less loss of life and 
property, and once ending in the capture of the entire 
train. 

" Other obstacles had to be met, incident to such 
undertakings, — like storms, swollen rivers and break- 
downs, which would have seemed insuperable to any 
one of less force of character. He purchased lands in 
all the Territories, which investments have proved ad- 
vantageous. 

" He engaged in many other transactions which 
his keen perceptions led him to believe would be re- 
munerative, so that, in fact, there were but few enter- 
prises of importance connected with the growth of the 
Pacific slope, whether pertaining to its finance, in- 
ternal improvement, its foreign and domestic com- 
merce, in which the cool and sagacious subject of this 
sketch was not a participator. To organize and direct 
successfully such varied and extended operations, out- 
lined only in part, required a mind strong in per- 
ception and purpose. A union of these qualities with 
that adventurous spirit which led the youth of eighteen 
to the sources of the Orinoco and Amazon in pursuit 
of wealth constituted a mental plant which could well 
measure the possibilities of a new country and turn to 
advantage pecuniarily its development. 

" In all this time Mr. Tilton enjoyed excellent health 
and immunity from serious accident. 

"After living amidst the malaria of tropical lagoons, 
sleeping by the side of his mustang on the plains, 
blockaded by storms among the Sierras and assailed 
by hostile Apaches, he returns to his native hills un- 



scathed, with a sound constitution and his youthful 
purpose fully accomplished." 

Since 1881 more of his time has been spent in Tilton 
than for many years previously, and has been occupied 
to a considerable extent in superintending the various 
improvements he has planned. 

There are two conditions apparent at all times in 
whatever he does, — thoroughness and general utility. 

He has constructed an artificial island, and on it an 
elegant summer-house surrounded with statuary 
enduring as marble and bronze, and refreshing shade, 
easily accessible by a solid bridge of granite and iron, 
all of which is the common property and of any who 
choose to avail themselves of its enjoyment. 

Fountains as classic and permanent as ever adorned 
the streets of Rome are kindly tributes to the needs 
of man and beast. 

The grateful coolness of a shady park, with easy 
drives and rural seats, for many summers to come will 
invite the visitors' presence and return. 

A town hall of brick and granite, with its recurring 
income, will remind posterity for generations of the 
large liberality which gave it form. 

Generous outlays for cemetery improvements and 
for a driving park unexcelled in all that makes one 
perfect are substantialities which will remain evi- 
dences of a broad humanity which recognized the 
enjoyments as well as the necessities of mankind. 

His liberal contributions for church and school 
interests are influences which may be felt " to time's 
remotest bound." 

There are many other attractions in our village 
which can be traced to his direct agency. 

The elegant passenger depot and its appointments 
the iron bridges, and. in fact, all the public improve- 
ments of the town are indebted more or less to him 
for their construction. 

His bounty has recognized the field of our needs, 
our comfort and our pleasure. 

As a natural sequence, a business career as extensive 
and diversified as his has been requires occupation 
now. His various enterprises in Tilton, which are 
giving more than a local reputation to the town, 
afford rest as well as employment to a mind by nature 
and habit inclined to vigorous activity. 

His thirty years of participation in those renewing 
instrumentalities which have wrested a territory as 
large as the original thirteen States from Indian and 
half-breed supremacy, and which now teems with an 
enlightened population possessing all the adjuncts of 
civilization, would furnish ample incident and ad- 
venture to fill a volume. 

He quietly takes his place as one of the people 
among his former neighbors, asking no consideration 
except what inures to every well-meaning citizen. 

The golden dream of his boyhood's days has come 
to pass, yet the memories of youth and early associ- 
ations remain the most sensitive chords in his nature. 
Herein lies the inspiration for that munificence 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



which has given the town bearing his family name 
prominence and fame abroad, and himself esteem and 
consideration as well. 

His cordial and unpretentious bearing at all times 
indicate his true character. His sympathies are of 
and with the people. Possessing marked elements of 
personal popularity, thus far his record leaves no 
sign of the politician. 

Public positions which would have tempted the 
ambition of almost any man have been proffered him, 
but declined, in obedience to a resolution formed in 
early life to hold no office. He has well-defined 
political convictions, yet his suffrage is influenced by 
higher motives than control the mere partisan. The 
character of the candidate, his record as affecting the 
business interests of the country, are more potent than 
party discipline or platforms in directing his vote. 

At his elegant residence, overlooking the beautiful 
village which bears his name, the warmest welcome 
is extended and the largest hospitality dispensed to 
all his life-long friends and acquaintances. 

What was the personal appearance of the subject 
of this sketch ? may be asked an hundred years hence. 
In height, five feet ten ; well and compactly formed 
and without surplus flesh ; of erect carriage, regular 
features; clear blue eyes, and when young must have 
given promise of the fine presence and noble manhood 
he now possesses. 

His weight is about two hundred pounds, and at 
fifty-seven he is a well-preserved model of a self-made 
man with all his mental faculties in mature perfection. 

It is needless to say that he holds the undivided 
regard of all his neighbors and townsmen. 

That he may long live to enjoy the fruits of a re- 
markable business career, as bold and original as it 
proved successful, is the anient wisli and silent prayer 
of all who know him. 

.A.LKXAXDER HAMILTON TILTOX. 

The first ancestor of Mr. Tilton of whom there is 
definite information was Nathaniel (1), who settled 
in Sanbornton, N. H., prior to 1771. He was one of 
the signers of the original " Church Covenant," 
and was a deacon of the old church for nearly forty 
years. He lived a devoted Christian life and died 
February 11, 1814. He married Abigail Gilman (a 
relative of Governor Gilman), who bore him seven 
children, one of whom, Jeremiah (2), was born in 
1762, and was in the Revolutionary War at the age 
of sixteen as a teamster; was later a colonel in the 
State militia ; also was a justice of the pence and an 
energetic business man, who did much to build up 
the village which later was given the name of Tilton. 
He built the original hotel on the site of the present 
Dexter House, and was proprietor of a grist-mill and 
a trip-hammer shop. He suffered much during the 
later years of his life from rheumatism. He died 
April lU, 1822. February 21, 178(3, he married 



Mehitable Hayes, who bore him eleven children,^ 
John (3), born July 16, 1787; married Eunice Jaques, 
died August 29, 1863. Samuel (3), born August 20, 
1789; married, first, Myra Ames, January 31, 1815, and. 
second, Mrs. Elizabeth Haven, March 6, 1858 ; died 
November 12, 1861. Sally (3), born in 1791 ; single ; 
died January 31, 1818. Jeremiah, Jr. (3), born Sep- 
tember 10, 1793 ; married Nancy Carter, December 9, 
1816 ; died January 23, 1863. James P. (3), born No- 
vember, 1796 ; married Mary G. Cross, July 16, 1820 ; 
died April 1, 1872 ; he was a soldier in the War of 
1812. Abigail (3), born in 1798 ; single ; died Oc- 
tober 29, 1819. Mahala (3), born in August, 
1800; married Hon. D. C. Atkinson (first wife), 
October 12, 1818 ; died June 12, 1820. Mary P. (3), 
born December 13, 1802 ; married Parson Whiddeu, 
January 31, 1832 ; died October 5, 1875. Alexander 
Hamilton (3), born December 25, 1804. Mehitable 
(3), born August 26, 1807; married Hon. D. C. At- 
kinson (second wife), September 3, 1828 ; died No- 
vember 12, 1844. Sophronia (3), born in ISIO; sin- 
gle ; died March 12, 1845. 

Alexander Hamilton, the subject of tliis sketch, 
passed his boyhood on the old Tilton place, in San- 
bornton, and at •' the Bridge," where his father re- 
moved. His educational advantages were such as 
were afforded in the common schools. Although his 
parents had planned that he should take a collegiate 
course, his own inclinations were for trade or man- 
ufacture, and at the age of sixteen he entered the 
woolen-mill of his brother and learned the trade of 
a clothier. He was an energetic young man, ready 
to see, and soort mastered the details of the business 
so readily that he was taken into partnership and so 
continued for several years. 

After dissolving partnership with his brother he 
started on his own account the clothing business at 
Meredith village, but after several years of fair suc- 
cess he returned to Sanbornton Bridge and engaged 
in general merchandising with William Follansbee, 
and continued in partnership with him several years ; 
then dissolved with him and went into partnership 
with Mr. Colby, in another store on the Northfield 
side of the river, and continued with him until the 
fall of 1837, when he formed a partnership with 
George S. Baker, and commenced the manufacture of 
cassimeres. He also built a woolen-mill on the site 
of the old Darling mill, but sold the privilege to the 
" Lake Company " (an association of Boston capital- 
ists, who were buying up the control of the stream), 
although he continued to run the mill on a lease. 
He was successful here for several years. In 1855 
this mill was burned. After the fire he took the old 
Holmes cotton-mill, changed it into a woolen-mill, 
and, in 1859, doubled the size of it to meet the re- 
quirements of a large business. He carried on the 
manufacture of woolen goods here until near the time 
of his death, employing part of the time as many 
as sixtv hands. Mr. Tilton was the inventor, and 




.(^^ <^n,^X./?L^yi" iTfc L/ttyCcrt-i 



891 



^ for years the proprietor, of an ingeniously-woven 

[ goods, to which was given the name of " Tilton 
tweeds." These goods were soon in great demand, 
and to this day are celebrated. 
Mr. Tilton built a fine residence on the bluff over- 

[ looking his mills (the house now owned by J. F. 

I Taylor), but when taking the Ilolmes mill he removed 
to the Holmes mansion and lived there the remainder 
of his life. In politics Mr. Tilton was a Democrat — 
active and influential in advancing the interests 
and policy of his party — he became a power widely 
felt. He was for many years a director of the 
Boston, Concord and Montreal Railroad, was jus- 
tice of the peace, and while he never made a 
public profession of religion, he was a liberal 
man and made frequent donations to the support 
of public worship, both in his native town, and at 
"the Bridge." One of his public donations was 
an elaborate receiving-tomb, which stands in the 
Park Cemetery. Mr. Tilton suffered severely in the 
last years of his life from chronic troubles, and died 
at his home August 16, 1878, respected and beloved, 
and as one of those whose thrift and enterprise had 
done so much to build up the community in which he 
lived, his loss is severely felt. July 27, 1837, Mr. 
Tilton married Abigail B. Baker, eldest daughter of 
Mark and Abigail Ambrose Baker, who, since his 
death, has carried on the business of manufacturing 
the "Tilton tweeds" in a highly successful man- 
ner, having associated with her Mr. Selwin B. Pea- 
body as partner. 

Mr. Tilton had three children,— Albert Baker (4), 
born June 9, 1845 ; married Abbie Gardner Day, of 
Boxford, Mass., August 15, 1866, and died August 25, 
1870; his widow married William J. Durgin, No- 
vember 27, 1873. Alfred Edwin (4), born October 
17, 1846; died November 2, 1846. A. Evelyn (4), 
born March 2, 1854; died July 20, 1876. She was a 
lovely character, but early was taken to Him who 
gave, " While the evil days come not, nor the years 
draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in 
them." 



SELWIX BAXCROFT PEABODY. 

The great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch 
was Samuel (1), who was born September 1, 1741, and 
lived in Audover, Mass., where most of his children 
were born. 

He married Elizabeth Wilkins, of Amherst, and 
-lied August 6, 1814. His wife died July 18, 1836. 
His son, John (2), was born August 15, 1775. He 
was a millwright, carpenter and cabinet-maker, and 
lived in New Boston. He married Mary Holt, and 
died May 1, 1832. Of his children, John, Samuel 
and Sargon were farmers, Jacob a brick-maker, James 
and William were blacksmiths, Ezekiel and Noah 
hatters, and Joseph a merchant. Noah (3) was born 
September 4, 1810. He married Isabella Walker 



Richards, December 9, 1834, and removed from Sut- 
ton, N. H., to Sanbornton Bridge in 1842, and opened 
a hatter's shop. He afterwards went into the mer- 
cantile business, in which he continued eighteen 
years, with fair success only. Desiring a change, he 
closed out and entered the counting-room of Alex- 
ander H. Tilton, and becoming familiar with the 
manufacture of goods, he took the position of fin- 
isher. Here he remained many years, and had finally 
the principal care of the large business of the Tilton 
Mills. He was a prominent member of the Congre- 
gational Church and n man of excellent standing as 
a citizen and a Christian. He died September 11, 
1876. His children were Selwin Bancroft (4), born 
January 13, 1839 ; James Van Ness, born October 13, 
1841 ; and Georgiana Isabel, born November 15, 
1843, married David F. Cheney, formerly of Frank- 
lin, N. H., and now of Lawrence, Miiss. The subject 
of this sketch, at the age of three years, moved to 
the " Bridge," and here his boyhood was passed. In 
addition to the advantages of the common schools of 
the town, he attended the Tilton Institute, where he 
took the full preparatory course for Dartmouth Col- 
lege. It was during this preparatory course that he 
began to look upon the medical profession as the one 
of his choice, and at its close he entered the oiiice of 
Dr. Lyford, at the Bridge, where he remained a short 
time and then went to Lawrence, Mass., to study 
under the direction of Dr. Sayforth. To obtain the 
necessary means to go on with his studies, he taught 
school at Sanbornton Bridge, also in Northfield and 
at Bellaire, Ohio. At the breaking out of the Civil 
War he enlisted in the Fortieth Massachusetts Vol- 
unteers, and served until the close of the war, being 
in nearly all the engagements of his regiment, nota- 
bly the siege of Suffolk, Va.; Baltimore Cross-Roads, 
Va.; siege of Fort Wagner, S. C; Ten-Mile Run and 
Barber's Ford, Fla.; Drury's Bluff", Petersburg Heights 
and the siege of Petersburg, Va.; Bermuda Hun- 
dred ; Fair Oaks and capture of Richmond. From 
his knowledge of medicine he became very efficient 
in the medical department of the army, and was on 
detached duty a portion of the time. He was in the 
dispensary of Jarvis General Hospital, Baltimore, in 
the oflBce of provost marshal at Governor's Island, 
and was wounded before Petersburg. At the close of 
the war he entered the drug store of Burleigh Bros., 
in Boston, Mass., at which place he received a serious 
injury by falling through an open hatchway, from 
which injury he was a long time in recovering. 

In 1869, his health not being as good as before the 
accident, Mr. Peabody went into Tilton's mill and 
learned the business in all its branches, and shortly 
after the death of the proprietor, in 1878, was invited 
to become associated with the widow of Mr. Tilton 
in the conduct and management of the large business 
left by him. Since this time Mr. Peabody has been 
the practical head of the firm, the business of which 
has been largely increased until now the full capa- 



892 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



city of the mill, about fourteen huudred yards per 
day, is reached. It is at this mill that the celebrated 
Tilton tweeds are made, la addition to these tweeds, 
there are made some styles of cassimeres (introduced 
by Mr. Peabody), which have become staple in the 
general market. 

In 1880, Mr. Peabody built a fine residence for 
himself, adjoining the Tilton mansion, on a gentle 
slope overlooking the mill in which he has won his 
large financial success. 

In politics Mr. Peabody is a Democrat. He has 
represented the town in the General Court ; has been 
town clerk ; is a director in the National Bank and 
on the Board of Education, and is an attendant on 



Chi 



ch of 



public worship at the Congregational 
Tilton. 

February 7, 1867, Mr. Peabody married Elizabeth 
S., daughter of Darius M. and Elizabeth Richards, 
of New Bedford, Mass. From this union there have 
been three children,— Leon Bancroft (5), born De- 
cember 17, 1867, died March 22, 1868 ; an infant 
daughter, born June 7, 1869; and Isabella Weston 
(5), born December 18, 1871. 

Mr. Peabody's brother, James Van Ness (4), is a 
finisher in the Tilton Mills, and lives in Northfield, 
N. H. He married Susan Mary Rand, January 1, 
1865. They have one child,— Leon Bancroft (5), born 
February 25, 1871. 



HISTORY OF SANBORNTON. 



CHAPTER I. 

Cpogrnpliica!— Original Grant— The First Settlements— Names of Pio- 
neers— Initial Events— Witchcraft in Sanbornton— Incorporation of the 
Town -Petition— The First Town-Meeting— Selectmen Elected— 
Second Town-Meeting — Third Town-Meeting. 

Sanbornton lies iu the western part of the county, 
and is bounded as follows : 

West, by Merrimack County; East, by Great Bay; 
, South, by Tilton; North, by Meredith and New 

I Hampton. 

The township was granted by the Masonian pro- 
prietors, December 31, 1748, to John Sanborn, of 
Hampton, and others. The grantees were residents 
of Hampton, Exeter and Stratham, twelve of whom 
were named Sanborn ; hence the name of the town. 
Settlements were retarded by reason of trouble with 
the Indians, and none were permanently made until 
1764. In 17(iS there were thirty-two families in 
town. 

The first settlers were Moses Danforth, Thomas 
Danforth, Solomon Copp, Daniel Fifield, Samuel 
Shepard, John Sanborn, David Dustin and Andrew 
Rowen, in 1764. 

It is certain from the "Proprietors' Records," as 
below (says Rev. Mr. Runnels, in his excellent " His- 
tory of Sanbornton"), that the two Danforths, Solo- 
mon Copp, Daniel Fifield and Samuel Shepard, and, 
as we know from other sources, Andrew Rowen, and 
perhaps David Dustin (1766?), had moved to town 
during the season of 1764. Also that Daniel Sanborn 
and probably his cousin John were in town — the 
former as builder of the mill — early that year, but 
that they did not move their families till the late 
winter or early summer of 1766. We find the clerk 
of the proprietors, by order of the committee, calling 
a meeting March 2, 1765, 

" To consider of a petition of a number of Inhabitants of said town, 
seting forth theair inebility to support their families by reason of the 
scarcity of provisions, " for which they "pray the proprietors wold help 

At the first meeting, March 18th, it was voted not to 
give them any help ; but at a second meeting, March 
27th, motives of humanity triumphed, this former vote 
was reconsidered, and it was then voted that 



" Tlie above s'd petishonors, namely Moses Danford, Thomas Danford, 
Solomon Cops, Daniel Fifield and Samuel Sheppi-d, shall receive of the 
proprietors £1(10 o. t. for theair help, the money to be equely divided 

It seems, therefore, certain that soon after the en- 
couraging vote of February 6, 1764, and during the 
following season, in which Daniel Sanborn's first mill 
was built and destroyed, the first actual settlers, witji 
their families, came to town. They must have passed 
the winter of 1764-65 in their settlements, as their peti- 
tion had reached Exeter prior to March 2, 1765, and 
they could not have moved hither in the dead of 
winter. The conclusion is, that the persons above 
mentioned, and probably one or two others of the 
first settlers who were in easier circumstances, made 
a commencement during the spring or summer of 
1764. 

It was during the previous season, doubtless (1765), 
that the first " framed house" in town was erected by 
Sergeant John Sanborn, near the original Sanborn 
homestead, now disappearing (1880) under the 
ownership of Mr. Morgan, three-quarters of a mile 
north of Tilton village. To the one finished room of 
this house Mr. Sanborn repaired with his family, 
February, 1766, and himself, his cousin Daniel, who 
moved up a few days before, and three other men, 
with their families, — five in all, — were here domiciled 
the rest of the winter, the beds being turned up in 
the day-time and completely covering the floor at 
night ; the cattle also being tied up in the back part 
of the house. It is certain, however, that the wife of 
Daniel Sanborn did not arrive in town till the June 
following, when he had put up the first part of his 
house at the Square (now the Thomas M. Jaques 
place), with material brought on his own and other 
men's backs, by easy stages, from his mill at the 
bridge, at least a portion of the way, for several days 
in succession I A similar experience is assigned to 
Edward Kelley, — backing the boards of his house, 
still higher up the hill, to the present "Kelley 
Ledge." 

To this or one of the two preceding years (1764, 
1765) must be referred the experience of three young 
men, — Satchel Clark, Jacob Smith and John Thorn, — 



894 



HISTOKY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



who came from Epping, with provisioas (for a few 
days), axes and guns, to a point just west of the pres- 
ent Tin Corner, in Tilton. The}' were there engaged 
in felling trees, helping each other by turns, when, on 
one occasion, their camp took fire from the fire of 
their boiling pork, near by. They were first alarmed 
by the report of one of the guns at a distance ; a sec- 
ond gun was heard after they started, and the third 
'before they reached the burning camp, to which they 
hastened, but not in season to save their effects. They 
were obliged to go to Canterbury in order to replace 
the provisions they had lost. This camp is said to 
have stood on the site of the old burying-grou nd, west 
of the late Lorenzo Smith's. 

Nathaniel Burleyand family settled on Calef Hill. 

It is well authenticated, by tradition in this latter 
family, that there were " only three or four little 
clearings at the Square " on Burley's arrival in town, 
viz. : Daniel Sanborn's, as before named ; his brother 
Aaron's, a little south (present Kimball or Joshua 
Lane place) ; Josiah Sanborn's, in the hollow east of 
the Square ; and Edward Kelley's, on the hill above ; 
while their nearest neighbors in other directions were 
John Sanborn, " this side," and Ebenezer Morrison 
and Benjamin Darling, " at the Bridge " (now Eleazer 
Davis') ; Clark, Smith and Thorn, "at the Tin Cor- 
ner ; " the Danforths, " on the Plains ; " Solomon 
Copp and Andrew Rowen, " near the Ferry ; " and 
David Dustiii, " at the north." The latter part of this 
year were added to their immediate neighborhood 
John Folsom upon, and Samuel Smith to the north of 
Calef Hill, and others in other parts of the town, as 
will soon appear; while the next year Major Taylor 
came to the Square; and the second spring (1769), 
William Thompson, to the present Eben Burleigh 
place. It is also a tradition from the Burley family 
that their crops were cut off, or greatly injured, these 
two first years in succession, — in 1767 by frost, in 1768 
by hail,— but " the third year, 1769, they succeeded." 

The first chaise was driven to town in 1800 by 
Israel Adams, and this was the only one in 180.3. 
Prior to 1818 no more than seven others are believed 
to have been owned here, and these, as vividly re- 
membered by the late Benaiah S. Crockett, were 
Peter Hersey's, Andrew Lovejoy's, Nathan Taylor's, 
Moses March's, Thomas Kimball's, Nathaniel Piper's 
and Stuart Hoyt's. As to the priority of four-wheeled 
vehicles, a difference of statement has appeared. It 
lies between the wagon made at Hampstead by David 
Fogg, in 1806, afterwards sold to Page Philbrook, and 
by him driven to town, and that introduced by Clark 
Gordon, the clothier on Salmon Brook. The former 
was more probably the first, the latter more striking 
and better remembered. Its body was capacious, 
holding ten bushels. It was painted gaudily, in large 
checks, and set on the axle-tree with big springs 
under the seat. It was popular, and was " let " con- 
tinually for two or three years, paying its original 
cost, seventy dollars, several times over. This must 



have been prior to 1814, soon after which wagons be- 
gan to multiply in town from the shop of Joseph W. 
Clement, at the Tin Corner. Their cost at first was 
about thirty dollars, being set on wooden axle-trees, 
with a hole for the tongue, and linch-pins instead of 
nuts. Iron axle-trees next came into use, then 
leather thoroughbraces, and finally elliptical springs. 

The first framed barn was erected by Josiah San- 
born, in the valley of Thomiw' Brook, east of the 
Square. The fir.-it cows in town fared hard in winter 
from the lack of good hay, and went farrow for three 
years or more. To a Mr. Pease, who came to Steele's 
Hill from Newmarket after 17G8, and made only a 
short stay in town, is yet ascribed the introduction of 
the first improved stock into the town of Sanbornton. 

Even after grist-mills were built in Sanbornton, 
and the settlers had ceased to bring their meal from 
distant towns on their backs, the Smith Brothers, 
one or both, on the mountain, continued to pulverize 
their corn on a large flat or hollowed rock, as the 
Indians had done before them (witness a stone used 
for that purpose, as supposed, near the Esquire Clark 
place, in Franklin) ; while in the east part of the 
town it was still easier for certain families to boat 
their grists across the Great Bay to Meredith Bridge, 
and even across the second bay to Lake village. Mr. 
Elisha Smith, in particular, had an old-fashioned boat 
made of two large jjine logs, each hollowed out on one 
side and mortised together. This boat would carry 
sixteen persons ; and Mr. Smith was accustomed to 
cross the bay with each of his boys, who were large 
enough to carry a peck of grain (himself one and a 
half bushels) over the neck of land in Laconia, from 
Danforth rock, by the present county farm, to the 
Lake village miller's boat, on the shore of Round 
Bay. 

There was only one person in Sanbornton who 
suffered from " witchcraft." The witch (says Mr. 
Runnels) was Mrs. Mehitable Danforth, on the Plains. 

He, Mr. , was on a certain occasion bringing half 

a barrel of rum to town with an ox-team. Mrs. 
Danforth, as he alleged, wished him to stop and tap 
the rum at her house ; and upon his declining to do 

so, bewitched one of his oxen. Mr. beat the 

ox severely. Poor Mrs. Danforth became very lame, 
and was compelled to keep her bed several days. 

Mr. was pursued by the Evil Spirit, and used to 

show prints of the cloven foot on several rocks, which 
were made, as he said, in the chase across the pasture 
near Mr. John Perkins's, and are still there to be 
seen ! The only strange thing now appearing is that 
such ludicrous stories were ever " credited by so many 
of the inhabitants of the town," as affirmed by the 
annalist of the town in 1841. The truth of the mat- 
ter was doubtless this: that while the said Mr. 

was crossing Danforth Brook with his undesirable 
load, brought all the way from Concord, one of his 
cattle faltered; and feeling thus vexed or "plagued," 
he charged his difficulty upon "the witch, Hitty," 



SANBORNTON. 



895 



which ho should more reasonably have done upon 
tlie weariness of the oxen and his own muddled 
brain. This same Mr. , at anotlier time, ac- 
counted for the curious marks on the rocks — one of a 
man's boot and the other a cloven foot — in the fol- 
lowing manner : His Satanic Majesty appeared to 
him one night, desiring to hold an argument ; and, 
when baffled in the discussion, retreated in great 
haste, leaving his footprints upon the solid rock. 

Incorporation of the Town.— The first movement 
for incorporation of the town was a petition presented 
to the Governor March 1, 1770, as follows : 

*' Petition of Joseph Hoit and associates, for a CJiarter of Incorporation 
for ye town of ' Sanborn.^ 1770, March 1. Granted 
" Province of New Hampshibe. 
"To his Excellency, John Wentworth, Esq., Captain General, Gov- 
ernor and Commander-ln-Ohicf of the Province aforesaid, in Council. 
"The Petition of Joseph Hoit of Stratham, and his Associates, humbly 



"That your Petitioners, being agents for and interested in the Town- 
iip of ■ Sanborn' (so called), in which there are upwards of Fortij Fam- 
ies settled, who are very desirous of being incorporated into a Town, 
jr many good reasons, humbly request your Excellency and Honors to 
laut them that privilege by a Charter of lucorporation, as usual ; and 
..ur Petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, etc. 
(Sigued) [only by two, — the committee of January 8th], 






■ Portsmouth, 1 Ma 



The petition was granted and the town was char- 
tered March 10, 1770, by " His Excellency's command 
with advice of the Council." John Wentworth was 
Governor, and Theodore Atkinson secretary. 

Of the first town-meeting held under this charter 
there is no record, but it is said that it was held at 
tlie house of Lieutenant Chase Taylor. The select- 
men elected at this meeting were Aaron Sanborn, Col- 
onel E. Weeks and Stephen Gale. These names are 
found in " Returns of roads" for 1770. 

The second town-meeting (says Mr. Runnels) was 
warned by the selectmen to be held at the dwelling- 
house of Daniel Sanborn, at twelve o'clock on Tues- 
day, March 26, 1771. This was, in part at least, 
the house at the Square since occupied by Dr. B. 
Sanborn and sons, and more recently by Chase and 
Thomas M. Jaques, rebuilt in 1878. Officers were 
chosen at this meeting, and "y' Selectmen's account" 
accepted. It was also voted to "rate all laud that is 
cleared or sowed with grain or hay seed"; after- 
wards (1784), excepting " new land sowed with Fall 
irriin." There should now be noticed the last of the 
" Town Papers" pertaining to Sanbornton, found in 
the ""Provincial Records " (vol. ix. p. 757), indorsed 
"Petition for Daniel Sanborn to be a Justice of tliB 

Peace, — 

"Phovince of Nf.w Hampshire. 
" Tn his Excellency. John Wentworth, Esq., Captain GeneralGovemor and 
Commander in Chief in and over Im Majesty's Province of Nea, Uamp- 

" The Humble Petition of the subscribers. Proprietors of the Town of 
S;inborntou in said Province, sheweth : That your Petitioners humbly 
( 'iiiiceive thatit would bo Greatly for the Benefit of the Inhabitants, as 
u,.|l as the Proprictoi-s of said Town, to have one of the Inhabitants of 
Mid Town Commissionated as a Justice of the Peace there ; and having 



Understood that the Inhabitants havo already Potitionod Your Kxcellency 
that Daniel Sandborii, Esq., of that Town, may bo Appointed by your 
Excellency to that honorable place, wo bogg leave to Join them In tbo 

said request, and Pray your Excellency to Appoint him accordingly 

And your Petitioners, as in l>uty bound, shall ever Pray, «6c. 

"July 10, 1771. 

"John TiijK.r. David Hurley (J), Samuel Folsom (J), Joseph Hoitt, 
TlH'.i|ilii1n Kiiiil. 1, ,li ! I, David Fogg (t), Jona. Rawlings, .lolhro Per- 
son, I : , 1 , I ; ih Kolsom (J), .Joseph Smith, John Fogg, Wii- 
liuiM II \ I Mil IVirkins (t), Samuel Fogg, Jeremiah Sanborn, 
Jos'iili I Ink „ , I /I I i;.irker (t), Jositth Sanborn, Josioh Dearborn ((), 
Johu Deal-burn, Daniel Hoit (t), John Folsom (t), Ebenezer Samborn, 
Jonathan Jewett (t), .Tacob Jcwott (J), John Sanborne, Joseph Hoit, Jr., 
John Uopkinson." 

Note. — The above twenty-nine signatures indicate many changes in 
the Board of Proprietors since their first petition. Those marked (J), 
thirteen in all, do not appear on the list of 1748. The petition of the in- 
habitants referred to has never como to light. 

Atthe third annual meeting(1772) it was voted among 
various other items, "Roads, Bridges, Fishing," etc., 
"to improve Chase Taylor's barn-yard as a pound." 
The "warrant" for the fourth annual meeting (1773) 
is headed " Province of New Hampshire, Rocking- 
ham, ss.," and commences, "This is to notify and 
warn y" freeholders and other inhabitants to meet," 
etc., " ten o'clock in y" forenoon " being then estab- 
lished, as it has ever since continued, for the hour of 
meeting ; but a warrant for a spcial meeting, called 
for December 13, 1773, is headed, " Province of N. H., 
Straflbrd, ss." indicating the new county organiza- 
tion of that vear. 



CHAPTER II. 

SANBORNTON— (CoiKiiin 

MILITARY HISTORY. 



War of the Revolution.— The town responded 

nobly to the su|>port of the colonial cause. The first 
soldiers from the town were enlisted early in the year 
1775 and were assigned to Captain Jeremiah dough's 
company, of Canterbury, as follows : 

Aaron Sanborn, Thomas Lyford, Jonathan Thomaa, Nathan Taylor, 
Ebenezor Eastman, Jacob Garland, Daniel Gale, Levi Hunt, Philip 
Hunt, William Hayes, John Lary, Joseph Smith, William Thompson, 
William Taylor, Jacob Tilton, Stephen Riggs, Isniel Tilton, Elisha 
Gate, Jacob Smith, Jonathan Lang, Captain Abraham Perkins, Nathan 
Taylor, Captain Chase Taylor, James Sinclear (Sinclair), James Lory 
(Le.ary), Joseph Sinclear, David Dustin (Dusten) Micail Coirecn 
(Michael Coffln) Abiel Chandler, Uenjamin Johnson, Samuel Smith, 
Henry Danforth, John Brier, Thomas Calley, Elisha Cato, Simeon Gate, 
Nicholas Clark, Satchell Clark, Thomas Critchett, Aaron Ellsworth, 
John Folsom, Daniel Gale (wounded), Colob Oilman (discharged August 
17tli), Samuel Harper, Jonathan Morrison, Robert Smart (went as the 
"waiter" of Captain Taylor), Daniel T. Sanborn, Jonathan H. Sanborn, 
Timothy Smith, Ichabod Swai.ie, Jonathan Taylor, Jonathan Thompson, 
Thomas Taylor (died August 2.% 1777), Joseph Jewett (died September 
2, 1777), Andrew Rowan (died March 1, 1778), Joseph Smith, John Smith, 
Stephen (Stevens) Burley, Caleb Gilinan, Samuel Silver, William Burley, 
Jonathan Beau, Moses Cass, John Durgan (Durgin ; wounded), John 
Rowan, Jeremiah Smith, John Morrison, JohnYcgoold, Jonathan Chase 
(re-inlistcdfor 17S0), John Magoon (died October 25, 1777, from wounds 
in battle of October 7th), Humphrey Huut, Jos<ph Giliiian, .Facob Thomas, 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



James Sanborn, Nathan Hoit, Jonathan Hobbs Sanborn, Jeremiah Til- 
ton, Joseph Burley, Jeremiah Sanborn, Jonathan Perkins, Moses Lcav- 
itt, Joseph Leavitt, John Taylor, Jonathan Taylor, Jonathan Catc, Jona- 
than Thomas, Samuel Fifield, Josiah Sanborn, Lieutenant Tlioraas Ly- 
ford, Henry Smith, Simon Gitman, Samuel Smith, Ezekiel Dauforth, 
Moses Danforth, Cliase Taylor, Jr., Thomas Copp, Sergeant John San- 
born, Joseph Hoit, Jeremiah Swain, Dudley bwain, John Rowan. 

The following persons signed the " Association 
Test," in 1770 : 



Clark 



liiM, Theo. Band- 



[Critchet?], Moses Danforth, Benjamin Darling, 

David Dustin, Enoch Ealy, Ebeneiser Eastman. 

Fifield, John Folsom, John Folsom, Daiiiil i;. 

Gale, James Gibson, Nicholas Giles, r,,:, i <,i 

Moses Gilmou, Ebenezer Gove, Sainu. I II. 

Joseph Hoit, Philip Hunt, .\nflrpw .l-u- it, I ;. 

ly, Daniel Lanr, .1 Im Tt: , dili .n I.,.„wll, .1. 

nezer Morrison, s,i! I Ml I' ivil liiiu, Di 

let, Jotham RanliM >i i: ,;i, .lohnKob 

Abijah Sanborn. I".. hi:>'MMj ~w:i mi, l>iiniel Sanborn, Ebenezer Sanborn, 

Josiah Sanborn, Josiah Saiilioni, Tliomas Sincklar, Kobert Smart. Eli- 

6ha Smith, Jacob Smith, Jonathan Smith, Jun., Timothy Smith, Icha- 

bod Swain, Chase Taylor, Jonathan Taylor, Charles Thoma»>, Moses 

Thompson, John Thorn, Nathaniel Tilton, William Tomson, Cole Weeks, 

Joseph Woodman. 

"July 3, 1770. 

*' Pursuent to the within request, the Inhabitants of said Sanbornton 
[being now at home] have alt, e-xcept one, Benjamin Hoit, severally sub- 
scribed their names hereunto. 

" To the Hon'*' General Court, or Couimitteo of Saft-ty of the Colony 
of New Hampshire." 

War of 1812.' — A large majority of the citizens of 
Sanbornton were at first opposed to the War of 1812. 
On one occasion, the year before, at a " test vote " in 
town-meeting, it is said that only eleven in the whole 
town were found ready to support what were then 
called the Republican or war measures of the ad- 
ministration, which were thought to be tending 
towards the opening of hostilities. But after the 
British had perpetrated their outrages upon our seat 
of government, in August, 1814, and their fleets were 
seen hovering along the coast of New England as if 
meditating an attack, then the patriotic spirit of '76 
was easily stirred. It seems that a mass-meeting of 
the citizens had been previously held, and at a sec- 
ond meeting, "September 21, 1814," the committee, 
through Nathan Taylor, chairman, reported a draft 
for a " military association," which was immediately 
signed by seventy-two individuals, as follows : 

" Joshna Lane, William Weeks, Eobert Steele, John Clark (.'id), John 
Morrison, James Chapman, Samuel Pnstin, Symmes Sawyer, Jona. 
Gove, Jonathan Mooro, J. B. Perkins, Cn I I' Ki:ii'il!. \ iMi.uiiel Burley, 
James Clark, Benjamin P. Sanborn. I: ' I' ' ' fo.^i-ph Smith, 
Jr., Daniel Burleigh, David Burley. I ' i ; ; -.mnel Shirley, 

James Sanders, Christopher Sunboiti, I :, ^\ i i i. ; 'i .i,ii;ih Klkins, 
Nathan Taylor, Joshua I..nii"\, r.i, w , , i l ,, , r, i [.m-, I'l-n,, 
Sanborn, Elisha Smith, .1;^, in i [. l . ri.i.iii , 

Jereh. Sanborn, Jr., Williaiu i i i : i , : i, 7 i i 

Taylor (3d), Elipht. Ordway. I; i n I' -i ., I- ;i!.i I'l ■>!. I'l,.],,, 

Hunt, Nat. Perley, .lonathan Wlii.lipv, .li-nniiuh .Sjnitli. .lolin Durgin, 
Kobert Hunkins, .\aron Wadleigli, Thomas Morrison, Stephen Merrill, 
John P. Hayes,' Klchard Hazelton, Peter Hersey, D. C. Atkinson, Saml. 

' From Kunnels" * History of Sanbornton." 



C. Dudley, John D. Sanborn, Jeremiah Sanborn (.3d), Simeon Moulton, 
Jonathan MorriBon,Wilm. Robertson, Joseph Chapman, Stephen Bowles, 
Joseph Sanborn, Jr., John Saunders, Ebonr. Sanborn, Jr., Ebenr. Chase, 
Josiah Sanborn (3), John Lane, Jr., Joseph Hiise, Jr., Caleb Rogers, 
Samuel Clark, Zebulon Smith." 

LIST OF SOLDIERS. 
Jonathan Darling, James Herrick, Demetrius Holcomb, Nathaniel 
Burleigh, Moses Gilmau, Daniel Johnson, David Burleigh, Ephraim 
Buree (?), William Cawley, Nathaniel Danforth («h), Barachias Fam- 
ham, James Mason, John S. Mason, Nathaniel Proctor, Robert Seavey, 
Jr., John Twist, Seth Tappan, Moses Smith, Luther Wallace, Noah 
Robertson, John Wiggins, Nathaniel Woodman, Jonathan Whicher, 
Joshua Smith, Chase Perkins, Bradbury Morrison, .William Eaton, Eben- 
ezer Brown, Asa Currier, Jonathan Taylor, Nathan Fogg, Nathaniel 
Buswell, Stephen Hersey, Abijah Sanborn, Ebenezer Colby, Thomas 
Webster, John Abram, Charles Ayres, Nathaniel E. Badger, Thomas 
Bruee, Jacob Bumford, John Bumford, Peter Burley, James Cate, Eb- 
enezer Caverly, Tayb.i- Olaik, John Cnirkctl, David Ellsworth, Jeremiah 

Ellsworth, Abram !"..>■ I. i, I;. uIm.,, i .il, - ~,i |. ,,[in.iii. I i,u i.l Ili-rjilcr- 

son,WilliamS.nt.n,: i il -l; li :, ,.lK,n.Hunt, 

Kelly Lakeman. I'.i I l l ' i i -i-h I.f;i\ - 

itt, Charles Loup., i i| ; i i , i -iili I'liil- 

bric, Jr., Nathan I'll i I l: i , i |- , , I, Mi-..ri, .T;iin,'s 

Sanborn (4th), J.iiMi I . i; , ' : -.i i , . Iihl. .ri.siuli 

Sanborn, Simeon > i w , i : - . wi , .I-ist-pb 

Shute, Levi Tiltun. I:. -J . i. \M i. l. i, i.m > , NiiIi.u, T. .Moore. 

Jona. Bailey, James P. Tiltou, John Bluke, ^\■jlliam Cliase'ldisrliarsed 
November 3, ISU), Nathan Huse, Levi Conner, Henry Sanborn, Wil- 
liam Durgin, William Hayes, Jr., Moses Rollins, Walker Buzzcll, Jlm- 
miah Burleigh, Jonathan Cate, Joseph Clark (died while in service, at 
Boston, 1815), David Clark (died in the service, in Ohio, 1814), John 
Critchett (killed on board the " Chesapeake," 1813), James Hersey (died 
of gun-shot wound, in Northern New York, November, 1813). Robert S. 
Hoyt, Zobulou S. Johnson, Dudley Pottle, George W. Prescott, John L. 
Sanborn (died on board a prison ship, 1813), James Silver (died iu 
Nortliern New York), Israel Tilton, Richard Wallis (died in Sanborn- 
ton, 1814). 

Sanbornton Soldiers in the War of RebeUion," 
1861-65.— In Fourth New Hanijishire Regiment, en- 
listed September 18-20, 18G1, for three years, were 
the following :- 

Charles K. Buswell, private. Company D ; disciiarged for di9al*ility De- 
cember 31, 1802. 

Charles C. Clark, corporal. Company D ; discharged for disability De- 
cember .'). 18G1 ; re-enlisted Fifteenth Regiment, corporal Coinpiiny 

Andrew li ('titl.-r, v''v;i'*>, Company D ; re-enlisted veteran, Compatiy 

D, I I I'l .iipturod at Deep Bun, Va., August 16, 18C4 ; 

di..l ... . \ . , |PMember22, 1864. 

rt. . Company D ; died of disease at Hilton 



Charl..- 1 



AlbeTl I. I I :. , Company D; promoted to corporal ; then 
loll! i..r2G,18C3; discharged for disability. 

Benjaiiiiii I liit.iiil il, pi ivate. Company D ; resided in NorthfleUI, 
but re-cnliBlo.l lor Siinliornton December 20, 1863. 

Abner L. Kuowlton, corporal. Company D ; promoted to first sergeant ; 
re-enlisted January 1, 1864 ; commissioned first lieutenant Com|Htny 
H November 9, 1864 ; commissioned captain Company H Febru- 
ar}' 17, 1865 ; mustered out August 23, 1805. 

Hortice B. Morrison, private. Company D ; promoted to sergeant ; mus- 
tered out September 27, 1864. 

John W. Sanborn, private. Company J> ; promoted to corporal ; nnis- 
tered out September 27, 1804. 

Winthrop H. Smith, private. Company D ; discharged for disability 
October IU, ISIil. 



In >i\ili Now Hamjjshire Regiment, enlisted No- 
vember :5(», 1861, for three years, were the following : 

Elijah Hastings, private. Company I ; promoted to corporal ; dischargeit 
at Washington, D. C, for disability, November27, 1802. 

= Froni Runnels* " Hi.«tory of Sanbornton." 



SANBOKNTON. 



897 



Charles Jaqucs, priviite, Company I ; discUai-geil for disability at Ncw- 

bern, X. C, Juno 24, 1862. 
Jumcs E. Sanborn, private. Company I ; ro-enlistcd as veteran for three 

years, December 19, 1863 ; wounded May 12 and June 6, 18(;4 : 

promoted to 80^g(^ant ; and to firat sergeant July 1, 18C5 ; mustered 

out July 17, 1805. 

In Eighth New Hampshire Eegimeiit, enlisted De- 
cember 20-31, 1861, for three years, were the follow- 
ing: 

George A. Tlanders, captain. Company F ; wounded May 27, 18C3 ; pro- 
moted to lieutenant-colonel December 16, 1853 ; mustered out Jan- 
uary IS, 180,5. 
Joseph W. Blake, private. Company F ; discharged for disability July 

3, 1802. 
Elijah P. Burns, private. Company F ; promoted to corporal December 

1, 1S03 ; mustered out January 18, 1865. 
Benaiah S. Cawley, private, Company G ; promoted to corporal January 
1, 1861; re-enlisted January 4, 1864 ; transferred to Company B, 
Veteran Battalion, Eighth New Hampshire Volunteers, January 1, 
1805 ; mustered out October 28, 1805. 
Amos K. Copp, private, Company D ; promoted to con'oml August 1, 

1863 ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps April 10, 1804. 
.\aron B. Fellows, private, Company F ; transferred to Veteran Reserve 

Corps May, 1864. 
Samuel C. Fifleld, private. Company F ; discharged for disability March 

27, 1803. 
George H. Flagg, corporal. Company D ; promoted to sergeant Jannary 
10, 1863 ; discharged for disability, at New Orleans, La., April 22, 
1864. 
Ephraim L. Frost, private, Company F ; mustered out January 18, 

1865. 
Josiah C. Oilman, corporal, Company F ; promoted to sergeant January 
5, 1863 ; re-enlisted January 4, 1864 ; wounded April 8, 1864 ; 
died of di.sease October 14, 1804. 
Nathan P. Hancock, private Company F; discharged for disability, 

AprU, 1864. 
WiUiamF. Hannaford, private. Company F ; re-enlisted January 4, 1864 ; 
promoted to corporal February 14, 1864 ; to sergeant September 1, 
1804 ; to first sergeant November, 1864 ; not officially accounted 
for. 
William Herrick, private. Company D ; re-enlisted January 4, 1864 ; 
transferred to Company A, Veteran BattaUon, Eighth New Hamp- 
shire Volunteei-8, January 1, 1865 ; mustered out October 28, 1805. 
Leonard Huse, private, Company F ; died of disease at Brashear City, 

La., May 31, 1803. 
William S. Huse, private. Company F ; transferred t 

Corps April 30, 1864. 
John B. Lamprey, private. Company D ; re-enlisted January 4, 1804 ; 
transferred to Company A., Veteran Battalion, Eighth New Hamp- 
shire Volunteers ; discharged for disability at Concord, June 2, 
1865. 
Spencer Lane, corporal. Company D ; promoted to sergeant January 1, 
1864 ; re enlisted January 4, 1864 ; promoted to sergeant-major 
November 13, 1864 ; mustered out January 18, 1865. 
Ezra E. Morrill, private. Company D ; promoted to corporal ; re-enlisted 
January 4, 1864 ; transferred to Company A, Veteran BattaUon, 
Eighth New Hampshire Volunteers; promoted to sergeant August 
21, 1866 ; mustered out October 28, 1805. 
Hanan Piper, private. Company D ; mustered out January 18, 1865. 
Joseph P. Sanborn, private, tx.mpany F ; discharged for disability March 

27, 1863. 
Joseph Wallis, first sergeant. Company F; promoted to second Ueuton- 

ant January 3, 1863 ; killed at Port Hudson, La., June 14, 1803. 
Ueorge R. Whicher, private Company F. 

In New Hampshire Battalion, First New England 
Cavalry, mustered in October 24 and December 17, 
1861, for three years, were the following: 

Hosea Q. Mason, Troop B ; promoted to sergeant December 30, 1861 ; dis- 

chareed for disability at Concord, May U, 1802. 
Samuel W. Leighton, Troop I ; promoted to corporal July 13, 1862 ; died 

at Camp Parole, Annapolis, Md., September 17, 1863. 
■lohn W. Swain, Troop K ; discharged for disability Februarj- 4, 1863. 



Reserve 



In Second United States Sharpshooters, enlisted 
for three years, was, — 

David C. Wyatt, tint enlisted September 9, 1861 ; re-enllstrd veteran 
January 4, 1864 ; promoted to sergeant March 1, 186-1 ; wounded 
severely August 15, 1864 ; transferred to Fifth New Hampshire Vol- 
unteers January 3D, 1860, 

In New Hampshire Battalion, First New England 
Cavalry (added), enlisted January 21, 1862, for three 
years, were the following : 

Byron L. Carr, Troop M ; re-onlistod February 1, 1864. 
Clarence B. Sanborn, Troop M. 

Otis C. Wyatt, lieutenant ; promoted to captain of Troop 15 March 31, 
18frJ. 

In Ninth New Hampshire Regiment, mustered in 
July 17 (August 13 and IS), 1862, for three years, 
were the following : 

Aaron Chase, private. Company B ; transferred to brigade baud October 
1, 1802, 

Charles H, Chase (August 15th), private. Company C, 

Samuel R. Eastman, corporal. Company C. 

John F. Evans, private, Company C ; promoted to corporal ; captured 
July 30, 186* ; died of disease at Darwcll, Va., January 15, 1805. 

Levi W. Hill, wagoner. Company C ; discharged for disability December 
1, 1862. 

Paul B. Johnson, private, Company C; dischargeil for disability at Con- 
cord, December 23, 1863. 

Horace B. Page (August 13) ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps 
September 3U, 1863 ; mustered out August 12, 1805. 

Samuel D. Peareon, private. Company Cj died of starvation at Salisbury, 
N. C, November 9, 1804. 

In Twelfth New Hampshire Eegiment, Company D, 
and "mustered in September 5, 1862" (unless other- 
wise designated), for three years, were the following: 

J. Ware Butterfield, captain ; honorably discharged November 17, 1862. 
John M. Bickford, corpoi-al ; wounded May 3, 1863 ; transferred to 

Veteran Reserve Corps February 29, 1864 ; mustered out July 20, 

1865. 
BcAJamin E. Blackstone, private; discharged by order at Washington, 

D. C, November 26, 1862. 
Henry C. Buzzell, private ; promoted to corporal November 6, 1863 ; ser- 
geant May 1, 1864 ; wounded severely Juno 3, 1864 ; died of wounds 

at Washington, D. C, June 29, 1864. 
James T. Calley, private ; died of disease afFalmouth, Vn., January 13, 

1863. 
Charies A. Cate, private. Company H, September 9th ; killed at Chancel- 

lorsviUe, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Augustus L. Chapman, private, September 9th ; killed . 

ville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Smith Chapman, private. 

Leonard Conant, wagoner ; mustered out June 18, 1865. 
John G. Donivan, private; wounded May 3,1863; i 



Cyrus P. Dow, private, Company H, September 9th'; wounded slightly 
June 3, 1864 ; promoted to corporal September 1, 1864 ; mustered 
out June 21, 1865. 

Charles W. Drown, private ; promoted to corporal Februaiy 0, 1864 ; to 
sergeant May 1, 1864 ; wounded slightly June 3, 1864 ; discharged 
by order at New York, N. Y., May 19, 1805. 

Charles E. Edgerly, private ; wounded May 3, 1863 ; discharged for dis- 
ability at Concord, October 14, 1863. 

Charies H. Foss, private ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps February 
15, 1864 ; mustered out July 4, 1865. 

Andrew P. Oilman, private ; wounded May 3, 1863 ; discharged for di^ 
ability at Concord, October 17, 1863. 

George B. Oilman, private. 

Moses B. Gilman, private ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Septem- 
ber 30, 1863 ; mustered out July 6, 1805. 

Ward E. Gilman, private; wounded May 3, 1863; mustet«dout Juno2l, 
1865. 

Dow B. Griffin, private ; mustered out June 21, 1865. 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Gcorgo \V. Hall, flrat sergeant ; wounded May 3, 1863 

second lieutenant January 4, ISM ; to firet lieutenant July 20, 18G1 ; 
coniinissiuned captain January 10, 1865 (declined) ; mustered out 
June 21, 1865. 

Arthur L. Hiinnaford, private, September Otl) ; wounded May 3, 1863 ; 
promoted to corporal May 1, I860 ; mustered out June 21, 18G5. 

Clark V. Hiues, private. Company E; miistered out June 21, 18G5. 

James M. lioilgdon, private. Company E; mustered out June 21, 1865. 

John G. Hodge, private; promoted to corporal; killeii at Chancctloi-s- 
ville May 3, 1863. 

Alanson I*. Howe, private. 

Prescott Y. Howland, corporal ; discharged for disability at Washington, 
D. C, October 30, 1862. 

John Jones, private ; wounded May 3, 1863 ; transfeiTed to Veteran Re- 
serve Corps February 23, 1864 ; mustered out August 14, 1864. 

Josiah Jones, private ; discharged for disability at Alexandria, Va., 
November 20, 1803. 

Asa Keniston, private, September 9th ; discharged by order at Falmouth, 
Va., March 19, 1863. 

Arthur L. Kimball, private; mustered out Juno 21, 1865. 

Frank Knowlton, private ; promoted to corporal March 17, 1863 ; killed 

• at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 

Jonathau E. Leavitt, private ; died of wounds at Gettysburg, July 3, 
1863. 

■Wesley Leighton, private, Compjioy U, September 9th ; killed at Gettys- 
burg, July 2, 1863. 

William S. Martiu, private ; wounded May 3, 1SG3 ; died of wounds at 
Potomac Creek, June 2, 1863. 

John Moores, private ; wounded May 3, 1863 ; promoted to corporal 
April 19, 1864 ; to sergeant November 1, 1864 ; mustered out June 
21, 1865. 

Bradbury M. Morrill, second lieutenant, September 8th ; promoted to first 
lieutenant Company E November IS, 1862 ; honorably discharged 
November 11, 1863. 

Frederick F. Osgood, private. 

Alfred V. Perrj-, private; mustered out June 21, 1865. 

Hiram C.sPhilbrick, private, September 13th ; promoted to corporal May 
9, 1865; mustered out June 21, 1865. 

Leavitt S. Roberts, corporal ; promoted to sergeant ; transferred to In- 
valid Corps December 1, 1863. 

William E. Roberts, private, September 2, 1863 ; tranferred to Veteran 
Reserve Corps February 2, 1865 ; mustered out July 25, 1865. 

Ira Robinson, private ; wounded May 3, 1863 ; transferred to Invalid 
Corps February 23, 1S64. 

William M. Robinson, private, September 2, 1863 ; wounded May 2, 1863 ; 
mustered out June 21, 1865. 

Leander S. Rowe, private, September 9th ; discharged by order at Wash- 
ington, D. C, December 11, 1862. 

Benjamin F. Sanborn, private ; killed at Chanccllorsvillo, Va., May 3, 



Freedom Sanborn, private. Company H 
Point Lookout, Md., February 1, 1864. 

Oscar P. Sanborn, private; wounded May 3, 1863 ; discharged by order 
at Alexandria, Va., November 18, 1803. 

Theodore Sanborn, private ; died of disease at Fortress Monroe January 
28, 1865. 

William H. Sanborn, corporal ; wounded June 3, 1864 ; promoted to ser- 
geant January 1, 1SG5 ; mustered out June 21, 1865. 

Andrew J. Small, private ; missing at Chancellorsvilie May 3, 1863 ; 
gained from missing ; wounded slightly May 14, 1864 ; mustered out 
June 21, 186,5. 

George H. Smith, private, Company G, September 9th ; killed at Chancel- 
lorsvilie May 3, 1863. 

George W. Swain, private ; killed at Chancellorsvilie May 3, 1863. 

Samuel B.Swain, sergeant; promoted to first sergeant Mayl, 18li4; 
mustered out June 21, 1865. 

Lafayette W. Tilton, private ; transferred to Invalid Corps February 
23, 1864. 

Isaac B. Virgin, private ; discharged by order at Washington, January 
3, 1863. 

Albert P. Wadleigh, private ; died of disease at Falmouth, Va., Jauuary 
20, 1863. 

Orrin W. Wallace, private ; discharged by order at Falmouth, Va., 
March 21, 1863. 

Benjamin W. Weeks, private ; died November26, 1862. 

It appears from the above reeord that May 3, 1863, 



was the severest day of the whole war for the '" San- 
boniton boys," no less than thirteeii of their number 
being on that day wounded in the battle of Chancel- 
lorsvilie, and six killed or fatally wounded. 

In the Fifteenth New Hampshire Regiment (nine 
months' men), Company H, mustered in October 11, 
1862, and mustered out August 13, 1863 (unless other- 
wise designated), were the following: 

Jacob P. B. Sanborn, captain, commissioned November 3, 1862. 

Bracket J. Baker, nmsician. 

John D. Blake, corjioral, sick at Sanbornton. 

George F. Bowers, private, died of disease at Carrollton, La., May 9, 
1863. 

Horace A. Burley, private, died of disease on board United States trans- 
port July 30, 1863. 

Jason J. Burley, sergeant. 

Charles W. Buzzell, private. 

Irving W. Coombs, private. 

John C. Coombs, coi-poraL 

George Dawson, private. 

Thomas W. Donald, private. 

Moses E. Eustman. private, died of disease on board Tnited States trans- 
port July 27, 1863. 

Daniel S. Gilnuin, private. 

John Hicks, private. 

Samuel H. Jacobs, private, sick at Sanbornton. 

John Perkins, private, October 31, 1862. 

Daniel M. Philbrook, private, October31, 1862. 

Thomas Philbrook, private. 

William H. Philbrook, sergeant. 

John Runnels, private. 

Adoniram T. Sanborn, musician. 

Charles H. Sanborn, private, died of disease at Carrollton, La., May 25, 
1853. 

Harlan P. Sanborn, private, sick at Sanbornton. 

John S. Sanborn, private. 

John T. Sanborn, private. 

John B. Shute, private, died of disease at Carrollton, La., February 13, 
1863. 

Horace P. Swain, private. 

Samuel T. Swain, private, sick at Sanbornton. 

James S. Walker, private. 

In the Sixteenth New Hampshire Regiment (nine 
months' men) was 

James Pike, colonel, commissioned November 1, 1862 ; nmstered out .Au- 
gust 20, 1863. 

In First Regiment Heavy Artillery was 

Oliver D. Philbrook, sergeant, Company M, enlisted December 26, 
1863 ; mustered out June 9, 1865 ; was also previously enlisted. 

Recruits in the Various Regiments. — The 
following are all headed " recruits," yet accredited to 
the town of Sanbornton. A few only resided in town. 
Many of them were foreigners, as shown by their 
names ; quite a number unsoldierly in their conduct, 
as the word " deserted" apj)ears after their names. It 
is needless here to specify such ; but we give the 
names of all in full, with other notes. The patriot- 
ism of the town will thus be correctly measured, as 
these men were either hired by the town autliorities 
on draft, or put into the service by individual citizens 
as their substitutes. The names are entered in the 
order of the State regiments. 

In the Second New Hampshire Regiment was 

Henry Harris, mustered in December 6, 1864 ; not officially accounted 



SAXBORNTON. 



In the Third New Hampshire Regiment were the 
following : 

Charles Evcrbard, Company F, mustered in December 14, 1804 ; out July 

20, 1865. 
George Roberts, Company K, December 23, 1864, to June 15, 1865. 

In the Fourth New Hampshire Regiment, enlisted 
"for three years," between December 20 and 28, 1864, 
except where otherwise stated, were the following : 

Thomas Atkinson, Company E. 

John Bantist, Company I. 

John Carroll, Company 1. • 

Charles Harrison, enlisted volunteer September 17, 18G2 ; not officially 



Peter Kelley, Company I, mustered in September 29, 1863 ; captured at 
Drury's Bluff, Va., Stay 16, 1864; released February 24, 1865 ; mus- 
tered out August 4, 1865. 

Henry McCormick, Company F, not officially accounted for. 

John McDonreld, Company F, shot by provost guard Marchl4, 1865. 

William Price, not officially accounted for. 

William L. Velpman, Company I, enlisted October 6, 186:) ; mustered out 
August 23, 1S05. 

In the Fifth New Hampshire Regiment was 

John Lynch, Company F, mustered in August 20, 1S04. 

In the Sixth New Hampshire Regiment (mostly 
enlisted for three years, between December 28, 1863, 
and January 5, 1864) were the following : 

Charles Burns, Company C. 

O. n. Dorn, Company H. 

William N. Duesbury, Company I, promoted to coiporal July 1, 1865 ; 

mub-tered out July 17, 1865. 
James Dunn, 
.lulins Frank, Company B. 
Anthony Hagerty, Company D, mustered in August 26, 1864 ; first in the 

Ninth Regiment ; absent, prisoner of war, July 17, 1865. 
.I.tlin Harbeck, Company H. 
t ibed Harris, Company I, first in the Eleventh Regiment ; absent, sick, 

since December 20, 1863 ; no discharge furnished. 
.Vntoine Hernandes, Company H. 
Lawrence Laughlin, Company A, transferred to the Department of the 

Northwest October 10, 1864. 
James McCormick, Company B, mustered out July 17, 1865. 
James McGrough. 
John W. Medford, Company D. 
Ju^rj'h l;ivers, Company I. 

( hai 1>- r. Rogers, Company I, killed in action June 3, 1864. 
KmIm'Ti S;iiiilers, Company B. 

I'jt.a. :Smitli, Company H, absent, sick, July 17, 1S65. 
Thomas Sullivan, Company F. 
William Werner. 
John W. Williams, Company I, wounded May 12, 1804 ; since absent. 

In the Seventh New Hampshire Regiment were 
the following: 

Frederick Bolte, Company H, mustered in September 20, 1863 ; out July 

20, 186:{. 
:\IichBel Hayes, Company H, mustered in November 29, 1864. 
Cliarles Meier, mustei-cd in January 13, 1865. 
Charles B. Silver, Company G, mustered in September 29, 1863, for three 

years ; mustered out July 20, 1865. 

In the Eighth New Hampshire Regiment were the 
following : 

Charles L. .Arlin (formerly of Northflcld), re-enlisted. Company D, .Jan- 
uary 4, 1864 ; transferred to Company A, Veteran Battalion, Eighth 
New Hampshire Volunteers, Januai-y 1, 18C5 ; promoted to coriioral 
October 16, 1865 ; mustered out October 28, 186.5. 

Lnigi Brigolie, Company B, enlisted September 30, 1863. 

Charles H. Hibhard, Company D, mustered in Augtist 11, 1804 ; trans- 
ferred to Company A, Veteran Battalion, Eighth New Hampshire 
Volunteers, January 1, 1865 ; mustered out July 21, 1865. 



Charles W. Kimball (formerly of Now Hampton), Company P, re-en- 
listed. Company D, January 4, 1864 ; transferred to Comittny A, 
Veteran Battulion, Eighth Now Hampshire Volunteers, January 1, 
1865 ; mustered out October 28, 1865. 

James Morrison, enlisted August 17, 1864 ; not officially accounted for. 

John Presby (formerly enlisted from Nortlifiold), re-onllsted, sergeant, 
Company D, January 4, 1864 ; not officially accounted for. 

Geortce Slamer, enlisted. Company D, September 29, 1863. 

Elbert G. Smith (formerly of New Hampton), Company F ; re^mllsted. 
Company D, January 4, 1864 ; transferred to Company A, Veteran 
liatlalion. Eighth New lIam|Mhire Voluntoors, January 1, 1865; 
promoted to corporal May 1, 1865 ; mustered out October 28, 1865. 

Rosw.ll 51. Wells (formerly of New Hampton), Company F ; re-enlisted, 
Company ]>, January 4, 1864 ; died of accidental gunshot wound 
October 30, 1864. 

In the Ninth New Hampshire Regiment was 

.John Blake, mustered in .\ugust 26, 1804. 

In the Tenth New Hamjishire Regiment were the 
following: 

Alexander Anderson, privates Company G, mustered in February 10, 
18ii4 ; transferred to Second New Hampshire Volunteere June 21, 
1865. 

Ictave Chapine, private. Company F, February 20. 1864 ; wounded 
severely Slay 12, 1864 ; transferred to Second New nampehiro Vol- 
unteers June 21, 1805. 

David Stone, private. Company F, mustered in February 10, 1864, and 
transferred to Second New Hampshire Volunteers June 21, 1865. 

In the Eleventh New Hampshire Regiment were 
the following: 

Charles Brown, m\istered in December 29, 1863. 

John Johuson, mustered in December 29, 186:1, Company B ; wounded 

slightly May 16, 1804 ; severely, July 30, 1864 ; died of disease at 

Brooklyn, N. Y., August 30, 1864. 
John Nelson, mustered in December 29, 1863 ; wounded severely May 12, 

1804 ; discharged for disability, at Washington, D. 



October 21, 



1861. 



George Scribner, mustered in December 29, 1863. 
Edward Willson, mustered in Deceuibcr29, 1863. 

In the Twelfth New Hampshire Regiment were the 
following : 

JohnN. Colby, Company l' :i!i ; I M ,! i :;'■, 1804. 

Thomas W. Donald, prixai I ,i, red in October 21, 1863; 

transferred ti>Sec..ii>l \ !■ ; luiiteers June 21, 1865. 

Edmund Greenlialgh, inn-i in, i .luirnv 1 1, mustered in January 2, 
1864 ; transferred to V.^Iimmu RLS.rve Corps April 12, 1865 ; mus- 
tered out August 24, 1805. 

In the First Regiment Netv England Cavalry, New 
Hampshire Battalion, Troop B (all enlisted March 29 
or 30, 1861 ; all but two mustered out July 15, 1865), 
were the following: 

George W. Carleton, absent, sick, since June 16, 1864 



Gilbert G. Chase, missing June 29, 1804 ; gained from missing ; promoted 

to cori>oral July 1, 1865. 
Peter Farley. 
Cornelius Jenolte, missing at Lacy Springs, Va., December 21, 1864 ; 

gained from missing; promoted to corporal May 1, 1805. 
Jeremiah Manning. 
Benjamin F. Marsh. 
John Nichols. 

Alvnh Smith, promoted to corporal July 1, 1805. 
Charics York, captured June 29, 1804 ; died of disease at Andersonville, 

Ga., September 14, 18M ; grave No. 8730. 

In Troop C (chiefly mustered in March 30 and 31, 
1864, aud out July 15, 1865) were the following: 

Paul Bernard, promoted to corporal June 1, 1865. 

Jessino I). Favour, died at Frederick City, Md., March 21, 1865. 

Charles Giliss, promoted to troop quartomuiato^sergeant July 1, 1865. 

Albert Horney, nppointeil bugler. 

John Lee, mustered out June 5, 1865. 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NKW HAMPSHIRE. 



Matthew Sullivan, mustered in April 5, 18M; promoted to corporal May 

In Troop D were the following : 

Robert B. Ferris, enlisted July 28, 1864. 
John Murphy, enlisted July 28, 1804, 
William Newell, enlisted August 16, 1864. 
George Sailor, enlisted July 28, 1864. 
George Williams, enlisted August 5, 1864. 

In Troop E, all mustered in between June 8 luifl 
August 17, 1864 (the major part July 16 and 21), 
and deserted in a body, were the following : 

William Andei-son, John Blair, Edward Bradley, John Brady, .lohn 
Brown, .lohn Cronan, John Dailey, George Duley, John Farrell, Henry 
Flarthcy, James Gilman, George Hanc, James Hardgrove, Thomas 
Jones, Charles Kent, William King, James Markham, Timothy McCar- 
ty, Daniel Miller, William Smipson, .\ndrew Smith, John Smith (2d), 
Albert Walsh. 

In Troop F (mustered in July 16, 1864; out July 
15, 1865) were the following: 

James Benton and James Fitzgerald. 

In Troop G were the following : 

John Canning, mustered in .Tuly 29, 1864. 
George Goodman, mustered in July 21, 1S64. 

In Troop I were the following : 

William Anson, mustered in AugustlS, 1864. 
George Edward, mustered in August 13, 1864 ; 

1865. 
John G. Sanborn, mustered in January 5, 1864 { 

listed). 

In the Veteran Reserve Corps were the followinj; : 

Westley \]-s:<':'.].t, .nn-t,-i,.,l in June 30, 1864. 
Williiuii Til I ■ ■ ■ : I. I .1 in July 28, 1864. 
Pat. C. >l ' I ; I in June 2.5, 1864. 

Wf .-iij-i'li iiiMit ihe above lists by the following 
fourteen names of individuals who are otherwise 
known to have served their country as Sanbornton 
men in the war of 1861-65. A few of these, though 
belonging to New Hampshire regiments, yet fail, by 
an oversight, to be noticed in the adjutant-general's 
reports ; others were enlisted in regiments out of the 
State, and others still served in some different army 
departments. 

AmosD. Baker, Sylvester i'lin;-":iT: ^Villinm o. Daniels, Ebencnezer 

C. FifieUl, George P. Uowe, .!■ I i. M n ■ I: fu, Howe, Jr., Sylvester 

D. Hunt, Oliver 1', Morris..!!, ' i I I i I.isiah S. Swain, fred- 
cricl". Taylor, Albert K. T!IImi!, ,h .-1,11,1, ! lilltm. 



1 out Juno : 
> also previously e 



CHAPTER III. 

SANBORNTON— (ConitjmctZ). 

Ecclesiastical History— Congregational Church — First Baptist Church — 
Second Baptist Church— Third Baptist Church— The Woodman Siin- 
bornton Academy — The Sanbornton and Franklin Union Academy — 
Physicians— Lawyers— Civil History— Representatives — Town Clerks 



Congregational Church.'— The first reference on 
the town records in relation to the support of the 
gospel is under date of July 1.3, 1767, when it was 
voted that "they would raise a dollar on each right. 



liable to pay taxes, for to hire a minister this present 
year," and Josiah Sanborn, Captain Joseph Hoit and 
Ebenezer Sanborn were chosen a committee for that 
purpose. Whether a preacher was actually hired 
during the summer of 1767 is uncertain; but June 
17, 1768, "fiftj' dolers" were voted "to be laid out in 
preaching this summer," and the first two of the for- 
mer committee were chosen to carry it into effect. 
A similar vote was passed for each of the three fol- 
lowing years. On the •29th of July, 1771, the pro- 
prietors began to aflford more substantial aid, it being 
voted that ten dollars be raised on each original 
"right," liable to be taxed, to assist and help the in- 
habitants of the town in supporting a gospel minis- 
ter, if they settle one among them. Three dollars of 
each ten were to be paid the first year, within six 
months after the minister is first settled, three dollars 
more within twelve months after the first payment, 
two dollars the third year, one dollar the fourth year, 
and one dollar the fifth year, in case the inhabitants 
settle one within two years from the passing of this 
vote, or otherwise to be of none effect. This was 
wisely arranged to stimulate the people to immediate 
effort, and aid them for a course of years, according 
to their disposition and ability to help themselves. 
The same favorable regard of the proprietors for the 
settlers was shown the next year. May 27, 1772, in 
their passing a vote to raise one dollar on each right 
"to help the inhabitants to build a meeting-house 
for the public worship of God in s'd town." 

Meanwhile, the settlers had resolutely started, and, 
as was natural, in the direction of a house for wor- 
ship first; one of the principal votes at their second 
annual town-meeting, 1771, being, — 

" To appoint and clear a place for a meeting-house this year ; to set 
s'd house on y« center range line, near y" main rode (thus early deserting 
the inaccessible spot designated by the first surveys) ; to build it by y« 
sale of y« pews, and according to y* plan drawn of ye same ; to pnt up yo 
frame and cover it within two year from May next, and chuse a Com- 
mittee to vandue of [off] y« pews and stuff for building s'd house." 

The same year no tardy response was given to the 
liberal ofl!er of the proprietors; for in just ten days 
after their vote, August 8, 1771, a special meeting of 
the town was called by the selectmen, at the house of 
Daniel Sanborn, for the sole purpose of considering 
proposals for settling a minister, when, after mature 
deliberation, and in view of the proprietors' offer (see 
above), it was voted, — "to give Mr. Joseph Wood- 
man a call to settle in y° gospel ministry in this 
town." His perquisites were to be as follows: First, 
"two hundred dollars as a yearly sallery, — $180 in 
money and $20 in labor at money price, — the first 
two years, and after that $120 in money and $80 in 
labor yearly;" the selectmen to agree with Mr. 
Woodman each year "how y° labor above voted shall 
be paid." Second, "Twenty cord of good fire-wood, 
cut into cord-wood length, to be hauled, yearly, to 
Mr. Woodman's door." Third, Mr. Woodman was 
to "receive, if he settle in y' gospel ministry hero, 
the valine of 100 dollars in labor and stnlf, for to 



ANBORNTON. 



901 



build him a house, to be paid, so much as will set 
him up a house-frame, next spring, and the remainder 
in boards, shingle and clapboards, in y' fall of the 
year following." At a subsequent meeting, October 
7th, it was voted that "Mr. Woodman, if he settles 
in the gospel ministry in this town, shall have liberty 
to preach old sermons when his health will not admit 
of his making new ones;" also, that he "shall have 
liberty to be absent three Sabbaths in a year, yearly, 
to visit his friends." " Wednesday, the 13th of No- 
vember next," was appointed " for y° day of Mr. 
Woodman's ordination, should he accept the call," 
and it was voted to "send to y' Churches of Canter- 
bury, Concord, Pembroke, Epping, the first in Row- 
ley, y'' second, third and fourth in Newbury, to assist 
in y' ordination." Mr. Woodman accepted and was 
ordained November 13, 1771.' 

The sole objects of special meetings, December 13, 
and 30, 1773, was to take further measures for build- 
ing and " compleating" the meeting-house. This en- 
terprise seems to have flagged for more than two 
years, Mr. Woodman quietly preaching where or- 
dained, at Daniel Sanborn's ; hence the following 
emphatic votes : 

"To build the m. h. on an entire new plan, viz., 60 
feet in length by 43i feet in wedth, and to build 
36 pews below, as by s'd plan" ; to choose a com- 
mittee " to vandue off y' pews and stuff, and to 
build said house as far as s'd pews will go, withy' money 
that y' proprietors of the town have and shall vote 
for s'd house." Also that "the meeting-house shall 
be raised, boarded, shingled, and y" lower flowers 
laid and the lower part of y* house glassed by the 1st 
of November, 1774; that the house shall be finished, 
so far as the pew money shall go towards it, by, 
Nov. 1, 1775 :" and finally, "that all the stuff for the 
frame shall be brought to the meeting-house green 
bv the last of April next, and the boards, shingles 
and other covering by the last of September next." 
It is quite doubtful whether much assistance was 
afforded by the proprietors on this new plan. The 
former meeting-house committee appear to have pro- 
posed these dimensions to the proprietors, who re- 
jected them in their meeting of November 17th. By 
the first of the above votes the town confirmed the 
recommendation of their committee, in opposition to 
the proprietors I 

Meanwhile, "dark and perilous times" were ap- 
])roaching, so that our fathers"found it simply impossi- 
ble to accomplish all they had marked out in the time 
specified." Tradition says they were working upon 
the meeting-house when the news of Bunker Hill 



I The seven individuals whose names are found subscribed to tlie First 
Church covenant, in November, 1771, and who were therefore the 
earliest professors of religion in the town, were James Cate, Nathaniel 
Tilton, Daniel Sanborn, Benjamin Darling, Josiah Sanborn, Aaron San- 
born and AbUah Sanborn. The flret confession of faith bears date 
"Jan'yy«2d, 1772," at which time Sir. Darling and Mr. Tillon were 
chosen OS the two first deacons. 



first reached them, and that among these workmen 
were some who left for the scene of conflict! The 
annalist of 1841 says : "Mr. Woodman preached the 
first sermon in the meeting-house. May 21,1775;" 
but it must have been in a rough, unfinished state, 
for in 1777 fifty dollars "of y* money in y" selectmen's 
hands" is voted " to be laid out on y" meeting-house this 
year," and it was never used for town purposes till the 
1st of January following; while in March, 1780, 
" 18,000 clapboard nails and 200 squares of glass for y* 
meeting-house" was the order ; two years later, voted 
" to get thirteen thousand of clapboard nails and one 
hundred feet of glass ; also 2000 shingle tens and 
1000 double tens ;" and June 23, 1783, the constable 
having warned a meeting " relative to settling some 
disputes that have arisen concerning some of y" pews 
in the meeting-house," it was "voted to leve an ally 
of two feet and four inches wide between y" fore 
seat and y' pews, and that there shall be a seat for 
children in s'd ally adjoining to s'd fore seat. " Fin- 
ally, September 4th, (same year), "voted to finish 
y* Gallery in y' meeting-house ;" chose Captain 
Aaron Sanborn, Lieutenant William Chase and En- 
sign Elijah True " to vendue of [off] y' peics in said gal- 
lery, and stuff for said pews, and y' work to finish 
y' same ;" also " voted to build seven pews at each 
end of said gallery and six pews on y° fore side, to be 
equally divided as to length, and to be 5J feet wide 
within boards," with John Johnson, Benjamin San- 
born and Ensign Nathaniel Grant "to examine the 
work when done." Not till 1785 and 1786 was the 
definite action taken which resulted in the " finishing 
of y' pulpit by y' money raised for y" pews," 
with Ensigns Elijah True and Nathaniel Grant and 
Lieutenant William Chase committee for the same; 
and not till March 31, 1789, did the town vote to lath 
and plaster the meeting-house, with the selectmen as 
committee. 

In 1786 it was agreed with Mr. Woodman, accord- 
ing to town vote, that his wood rate should be "ad- 
ded to y' 8120 rate," and that the selectmen should 
"vendue of[f] y' wood to y" lowest bidder, two cord 
at a bid." Four new pews were ordered for the 
meeting-house in 1787, — two at the west end of the 
men's seats, lower floor, and two at the east end of 
the women's seats, each about six feet square. April 
5, 1790, " Voted, James Sanborn to keep key of the 
meeting-house, and to sweep s'd house at one dollar 
per year." 

Mr. Woodman was dismissed November 13, 1806, 
and was succeeded by Rev. Abraham Bodwell, who 
was ordained in 1806 and remained until 1852. Rev. 
James Boutwell was pastor from 1852 to 1865, when 
he was succeeded by the present honored pastor. 
Rev. Moses Thurston Runnels, who waa installed June 
11, 1868. 

Mr. Runnels is the author of the " History of Sau- 
bornton," an elaborate work of sixteen hundred 
pages, published in 1882. For completeness and ex- 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



cellent arrangement it is unrivaled, and takes .front 
rank among the standard local works of the day. 

First Baptist Church. — This church was organized 
August 12, 17ii2, with forty members. The first church 
edifice, however, was erected in 1791, and near the 
then residence of Deacon William Chase, now Charles 
B. Parley's. Lieutenant Benjamin Morgan, Deacon 
William Chase and Peter Hersey are said to have 
been " pillars and prominent actors in starting this 
society and building its first meeting-house ;" and 
there were three earnest supporters of the enterprise 
in one neighborhood, in the south part of the town, 
above Tin Corner, viz. : Deacon Taylor Clark, Win- 
throp Durgin and Jonathan Chase. The house was 
not completed till the next year, and was for the first 
time occupied by the " Meredith Association " Sep- 
tember, 1792. The printed "sketch" of 1833 says: 
"About this time" (of the erection of the house) 
" the brethren who had been baptized and united with 
the Baptist Church in Meredith were set off and con- 
stituted into a separate church, and received the 
name of the First Baptist Church in Sanbornton." 
This was on "August 12th" (probably of 1792), or just 
before the above-noted meeting of the " Association," 
though one other account puts the date of the 
church's formation one year later. The church then 
consisted of about forty members. The "society" 
must have been organized about the same time, as 
Father Crockett afterwards speaks of the " agree- 
ment between the Church and Society " and him- 
self, entered upon in 1794. 

In 1833 the meeting-house was removed one mile 
to the northwest of its original site, and rebuilt on 
its present location, near Crockett's Corner. 

The following is a list of pastors : 

Rev. Nicholas Folsom, of Meredith, preached half the time, 1702, and 
first part of the year 1793 ; Rev. John Crockett, ordained September 3, 
1794, having preached from April, 1793, until 1833 ; Rev. Noah Hooper, 
1833-37 ; Rev. Amasa Buck, profe&wr at New Hampton Institute, sup- 
ply, 1837-38; Kov. Stephen Coombs, 1838^1; Rev. Pascal C. Himos, 
1842-43 ; Rev. Lehin.i Huntley, 184;!-17 ; Bev. S. S. Leighton, 1848^9 : 
Rev. Hiram D. H.xl-. , l- " I I;, i i.iemiah D. Tilton, 1854-60 ; Rev. 
A. McGlauflin, lsi,(;-( : , i, . . \ ^ -kc-, 1869 ; Rev. G. D. Ballantine, 
1870-72 ; Rev. F. W \ I: : , i 7.1 ; Rev. AugustusA. Bicliford, 

1879-82; Rev. Jer.in I,.' 1' I , n. 1 - J t.. present time. 

The Second Baptist Church was organized Septem- 
ber 9, 1822. A uietting-house, however, had been 
erected at the Bay as early as 1808. This church was 
remodeled in 1836. 

The following is a list of the pastors from 1808 to 
the present : 

Kev. Moses Cheney, pastor of original church ; Rev. William Taylor, 
first pastor of present church ; Rov. Daniel Mattison, acting pastor in 
183.") (in all, one or two yeais), dismissed to Baptist Church in Meredith 
August 21, 183G, and there oniained ; Rev. Benjamin Congden, or- 
dained May 31, 1837; Rev. Francis E. Cleaves, October 18, 1S43, dismissed 
Octobers!, 184r. ; Rev. J.evi Walker, acting pastor 1840-47 ; Rev. Oliver 
Barron, .Inly 'Mt, lsI7, .li'^iMiaied July G, 1850 ; Rev. William Norris, 
pastor from ^1: h !■ ! ' ill .liiiie 1, 1852, when he died iu othce ; Rev. 
John Q. A v.... ,, , ,:...: ::, I85;i, dismissed October, 1857; Rov. H. 
W. Day, I'l'.. I" I ti >■ H "1 more, 1857-58, enjoying an extensive re- 
vival of reii^'idii, Inn naiiic not recognized as pastor on the church 
records; Rev. Charles Xewhall, November 6, 18i>9, dismit^sed Slay, 1861 ; 



Rev. S. S. White, call given March, 1862, having supplied from October, 
1801, dismissed .\pril 7, 1864 ; Rev. A. W. Boardman, from Jnlj', 1865, 
till March, 1866 ; Rev. Gideon Smith, from August, 1866, till March, 
1869 ; Rev. V. E. Bunker, from April, 1870, till April, 1872 ; Rev. H. W. 
Dalton, from May, 1874, till May, 1878 ; Rev. William Nelson Murdock. 
from November, 1880, to 1882 ; Rev. Joseph W. Merrill, 1883 to 1884. 

No pastor at present. 

The Third Baptist Church.— This church was or- 
ganized June 20, 1833. The church edifice had been 
erected four years previously, in 1829, on Pine Hill, 
in Meredith. The building was removed to North 
Sanbornton, on its present location, in 1839, and com- 
pleted in 1840. It has since been remodeled, and 
was rededicated September 10, 1876. 

The following is a list of pa.stors : 

E«v. Moses Cheney, Kov. Samuel Mattison, Rev. Herman Haven, Rev. 
Stephen Coombs, Rev. Oliver Barron, Rev. Daniel M. Dearborn, Rev. 
Valentine E. Bunker, Rev. Augustus A. Bickford and Kev. Moses P. 
Favor. 

There is no pastor at jjresent. 

The Woodman Sanbornton Academy was incor- 
porated June 27, 1826, with the following trustees : 
Hon. Nathan Taylor and Revs. Abraham Bodwell 
and John Crockett, of Sanbornton ; Rev. AVilliam 
Patrick, of Canterbury ; Jeremiah H. Woodman, of 
Rochester ; Aaron Woodman, of Boston ; Drs. Benaiah 
Sanborn and Thomas P. Hill, Jonathan Moore, Abel 
Kimball, Jesse Ingalls and Peter Hersey, all of San- 
bornton. 

The first preceptor was D. L. Nichols, in 1820, and 
the last, Albert P. Whitteniore, in 1858. 

The Sanbornton and Franklin Union Academy 
was erected in 1S4."), at the chapel. The last term ot 
school was held .in 1861. The first teacher was Hib- 
bard Hanaford, in 1845, and the last, Calvin Brown, 
in 1861. 

Physicians. — The following physicians have prac- 
ticed in this town and Tilton : 

Dr. Hugh March, 1777 ; Dr. Benaiah Sanborn, 1779 ; Dr. Chicker- 

ing, 1782 ; Dr. Daniel Jacobs, 1790 ; Dr. Samuel Gerrish, 1797-98 ; Dr. 
Colby, 1800; Dr. Alexander T. Clark, 1801; Dr. Ephraim Crockett, 
1802-3; Dr. Thomas Webster, 1810; Dr. Joseph M. Haiijer, 1810; Dr. 
Peter Bartlett ; Dr. Symcs Sawyer, Dr. John Can- and Dr. Sweatt, 1813 ; 
Dr. Thomas P. Hill, 1816 ; Dr. Mark Harris, 1817 ; Dr. Obadiah E. Dur- 
gin, 1820 ; Dr. Daniel Mowe, 1824 ; Dr. Calvin McQueston ; Dr. Na- 
thaniel O. Ladd, 1835; Dr. .lames B. Abbott, 1843; Dr. Charles C. Teb- 
betts, 1845-40 ; Dr. Ephraim F. Wilson, 1846 ; Dr. Byley Lyford, 1857 ; 
Dr. James Prescott Osborne,! 1864 ; Dr. Alfred W. Abbott and Dr. 
Franklin L. Mason, 1870 ; Dr. Albert Alonzo Moulton," 1874 ; Dr. Ed- 
ward Abbott,2 1861. 

Lawyers. — The following lawyers have practiced 
in this town and Tilton : 

William Harper, Esq., 1785-1809; John A. Harper, Esq., 1800; Hon. 
Daniel C. Atkinson, 1808-42 ; Matthew Perkins, Esq., 1809-26 ; Charles 
Jesse Stuart, Esq., 1812-23 ; CharlesGilman, Esq., 1820-33 (?) ; Benjamin 
Boardman, Esq., 18:)3 (?-)36 ; Hon. Asa -P. Cate, 1840 (?-) 71 ; Beiyamin 
A. Rogei-s, Esq., ISIO (!)-58 ; Benjamin M. Colby, Esq., 1845 (?)-63; Chas. 
C. Rogers, Esq., 1868 ; Francis R. Chase, Esq., 1866-76 ; James Otis Ly- 
ford, Esq. 

Civil History. — The following is a list of represen- 
tatives, town clerks and treasurers : 



3ANB0RNT0N. 



REPRESENTATIVKS. 



Williiiin Karper (Captain, Esq.), 

Jiilu.'s llcrsey, 1787-89. 

Samiu-1 Prescott (Capt,, Esq., 1801 

Bradstreet jroody (Esq.), 1808-14; 
Samuel Gerrish (Esq., M.D.), 1S09. 
Andrew Lovejoy, 181(1. 
Satliau Taylor (Esq., Hon.), 1811- 

Jorcmiah Sanborn (Esq.), 1814-15; 
Davi.l Juhnston (Esq.), 1815-16. 
Sti.|ilM-ii Gale (Col.), 1816-19. 
.lo^rph Woudman, 1817-22. 



Josiah D. Piper, I8."iO-51. 
John B. Perkins, 185il-.'il. 
Oliver Knowlton, IS.W-fll. 
Curtis Weeks, lSj2-.S:t. 
Oliver Barron, 1852. 
Joseph L. Connor, 18.52-53. 
Jonathan S. Taylor, 1S54-57. 
liufus G. L. Bartlett, 18.54. 
Jonathan Sanborn (3d), 1854-50. 
John T. Durgin, 1855. 
Jeremiah C. Tilton, 1865. 
Stacy Brown, 1856-57. 
Jeremiah S. Thompson, 1858. 
Alvin Sargent, 1858. 
Charles W. Colby, 1859. 
EI,e,i.'Zi.r F. Odell, 1859. 



^1 :■■ ■. r. ■ 1 . : -_ 


•■'■■•: 1, irk, 1,960. 


n'"','i |'''""/~" ' ',■■' , ■'■ 


!'.-:• ' ' . ilJl, 1860. 


Joseph W. Olc-ment, 1S3I, 


Jonathan H. Taylor, 1801. 


William Jones, 1834-35. 


Bradbury T. Brown, 1861-62. 


John Comerford, 1834-37. 


Jonathan M. Taylor, 1S62. 


Zebulon Smith, .Tr., 1836-37. 


Joseph R n^^vhnvn, 1".-1-r,4. 


William Durgin, 1838-40. 


Taylor.- P: ■ .■ 1- M 


David Taylor, 1838-40. 


Leo„:n,M, .' ,_,. ....-.,, 


Thomas Taylor, ,Tr., 1839-49. 


Johns. W.un. i,-..„, ,, 


Cli.a.^<> PerUins,ls:OT-49. 


John F. Tayloi-, l.M,7-ii,s. 


.I.il,,irnii-.v, Islil-Jl. 


Joseph L. Calley, 1867-08. 


I!i-iijaliiiii Cnwli-y, 1SH_J2. 


Lyman B. Ames, 1869. 


llia.llnuy Morrison, 1841-42. 


William S. Woodman, 1869. 


AlfXHtnlerH. Tilton, 1843-44. 


Samuel M. Thompson, 1870-71. 


Klipni/.T Brown, 1843HW. 


Barnard H. Burleigh, 1872-73. 


liver II. Sanborn, 1845-46. 


Daniel A. Sanborn, 1874-75. 


Stq.h.n Coombs, 1845-46. 


Edmund Keasar, 1876-77. 


Walt,-r II. Sleeper, 1847-48. 


Charles Cawley, 1878 ; Nov., 1878, 


Walter Ingalls. lS47-i8. 


for 1879. 


Littletield Taylor, 1S47-4.8. 


Arthur C. Taylor, 1880. 


John S. Lane, 1849. 


1882-83 voted not to send. 


Zenas Clement, 1849. 


Jason J. Burloy, 1SS4-S5. 



Selectmen of the Town.— We find two distinct 
series of boards of selectmen ; firat, upon the records 
of the proprietors, who seem early to have adopted the 
form of a town organization, probably to encourage 
settlement. For some reason the last two of their 
four elections were made after the incorporation of 
the town, so that virtually there were two sets of 
selectmen for a few years. The proprietors' boards 
were chiefly designed as "assessors" to manage their 
own financial concerns. We give the first board of 
each of these two series in full (three individuals) ; 
afterwards, as with other town officers, only the names 
for each year of those that had not been previously 
elected. First series (proprietors'): Jethro Person 
(Capt.), Edward Taylor (Dea.) and JosiahRobinson 
(Capt.), April 21, 1763 (the last, also, 1770-74); same 
re-elected as "assessors" March 27, 1765; Joseph 
Hoit (Capt.), Joseph Clarke, June 25, 1770 ; David 
Fogg (Left.), Abraham Sanborn (Left.), June 22, 1774. 
Second series (chosen by the town) ,— 



(En 



Cole Weeks, 1770. 
Stephen Gale, 1770 
Josiah Sanborn, 17' 



John Sanborn, 1771-86. 
Jacob Smith, 1771. 
Chase Taylor (Cap!.), 1771-82, 
John Gibson, 1771. 
Ebenezer Morrison, 1772-8 J. 



Samnel Smith, 1772. 
James Qites, 1773-81. 
Benjamin Hoit, 177.1. 
Daniel Sanborn (Ksq.), 1774-81. 
Jonathan Taylor, 1774-76. 
Caleb Gilmon, 1775. 
Samuel Lane, 1777-80. 
Josiah Emory (Esq.). 1778-98. 
Benjamin Darlin (Don.), 1778. 
William Chase (Capt.), 1779-95. 
Samuel Morrison, 1779. 
William Harper (Capt.), 1781. 
Nicholas Clark, 1782. 
Benjamin Colby, 1782. 
Jamce Hersey, 1783-85. 
John Lane, 1783 -&4. 
Nathaniel Grant, 1785-86. 
Elijah True. 1786. 
Moses Thompson, 1787-93. 
Andrew .lewett, 1787-88. 
Jonathan Chase, 1795-1807. 
David Philbrick (Capt.), 1796-98. 
Nathaniel Piper (Ens.), 1790-97. 
Samuel Prescott, Jr., 1798-99. 
Br[o]adstreet Moody, 1799-1805. 
Ebenezer Gove (Major), 1800-2. 
Joshua Lane, 1S03-1U. 
John Taylor, 1804. 
Colo Weeks, Jr., 1806. 
Stephen Gale, .Jr. (Major, Col.), 

1806-18. 
David Johnston (Esq.), 1806-14. 
Nathan Taylor (Esq.). 1808-9. 
Joseph Woodman (Capt.), 1811-27. 
Sanmel Duslin, 1815-24. 
Joseph Smith, Jr. (Capt.), 1816- 

nnT-(,.|.I:M ; ;,n'o,r,, 1817-18. 



llniiiliuiy Morrison, Jr., 1826. 
Nathan S. Morrison, 1827-28. 
Thomas Taylor, Jr., 1827-35. 
Josejih W. Clement, 1829-31. 
Zebulon Smith, Jr., 1X29-31. 
David Taylor, 1S29-33. 
Abel Philbrook, 1830-32. 
William Durgin, 1832-36. 
Joshua L. Woodman, 1832-36. 
.Toseph G. March, 1834-35. 
David Shaw, 1830-38. 
John Lane, Jr., 1836-37. 
Asa Currier, Jr., 1837-39. 
-Nathaniel H. Clark, 1838^2. 
Oliver Knowlton, 1838 41. 
Dearborn Sanborn, 1839. 
Daniel 11. Clement, 1840-11. 
Ebenezer Brown, 1840-41. 
Folsom Morrill, 1842. 
Jonathan Taylor, Jr., 1842. 
Barnard Smith, 1843-44. 
John Curry, 184,3-44. 



John S. Lane, 1845-46. 
Waller H. Sleeper, 1845-48. 
Janioo Osgood, 1845-tfl. 
Curtis Weeks, 1847-67. 
Samuel Smith, 1847-48. 
Charles Woodman, 1847-50. 
John Goold, 1848. 
Ehonezor F. Odell, 1849-55. 
Poraon 0. Shaw, 1849-60. 
Edward Evans, 1851. 
Jacob B. Philbrook, 1861. 
Amos H. Jones, 1832-69. 
John S. Durroll, 1852-53. 
Nathaniel O. Burleigh, 1852-53. 
Bradbury T. Brown, 1854-36. 
Noah B. Brown, 1854-56. 
William S. Woodman, 1854-82. 
Benjamin M. Durgin, 1855. 
Richard Calloy, 1855. 
Joseph P. Dearborn, 1857-65. 
Joseph Wallis, 1857. 
David Burloy, 1857-65. 
Abraham B. Sanborn, 1858-59. 
John S. Gilman, 18.58-59. 
Herman T. Hale, 1859-70. 
Sanmel S. Hersey, 1860-61. 
Benjamin Calley, 1960-61. 
Ira Woodman, 1862-03. 
Chase W. Colby, 1862-63. 
Samuel O. Hanaford, 1862-63. 
Stephen C. Robinson, 1864-«5. 
Eleazer Davis, 1866-68. 
Joseph S. Clark, 1866-67. 
Arthur C. Taylor, 1868-69. 
Arthur J. Crockett, 1868-69. 
Jonathan M. Taylor, 1869. 
Barnard H. Smith, 1870-71. 
Jeremiah B. Calof, 1870-71. 
Eleazer D. Weeks, 1871-73. 
Joseph N. Sanborn, 1872-73. 
Hiram B. Philbrook, 1872-73. 
David C. Clongh, 1874-73. 
Benjamin M. Burley, 1874-75. 
Samuel D. Weeks, 1874-75. 
Stephen M. Woodman, 1876-77. 
John W. Currier, 1876-77. 
Stephen S Hersey, 1876-77. 
Timothy B. French, 1878-79. 
Cnrtis B. Burley, 1878-79. 
Richard D. Johnson, 1878-81. 
Albert M.Osgood, 1880-81. 
Stephen P. Wiggin, 1882. 
Gilman D. Lane, 1882. 
WilUam S. Woo<lman, 1883. 
Gilman D. Lane, 1883. 
Calvin P. Burloy, 1883. 
Richard D. Johnson, 1831. 
Calvin P. Burley, 1884. 
James W. Sanders, 1884-83. 
Samuel D. Weeks, 1885. 
Hazon L. Phillbrook, 1885. 
Curtis B. Barley, 1885. 



Town Clerks. — Joseph Rollins, proprietors' 
" Clarke," 1748; Josiah Sanborn (2d), proprietors' 
" clarke," 176.3. Chosen by the town, — 

Daniel Sanborn ("dark"), 177 

92. 
Samuel Lane, 1784-99. 
Joshua Lane, 1800-20. 
Joshua Lovtgoy, 1811. 
Jo.seph Woodman, pro (era. I 

ospeia utow-meeting), Sept. 

1815. 



John Lane, Jr., pro (em., Feb. 3, 

1819. 
Nouh Eastman, pro tcm., Nov. 6, 

1820. 
Thomas P. Hill, 1821-23. 
John Carr, 1824-54. 
Chase Perkins, 183.1-35. 
Henry P. Lane, 1836-42. 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Jonathan M. Taylor, 1S5G-73. 
Joflon J. Burley, 1874-84. 
Herbert J. L. BodwcII, 1885. 



Brackctt L. Johnston, 18.M. 
Walter H. Sleeper, 1843-44. 
James B. Abbott, 1850-51. 
Horace Sanborn, 1855-59. 



Town Treasurers. — Jusiah Sanborn, 1748 (chos- 
en by the proprietors). 

The town seems to have elected a treasurer as a 
distinct officer but a few times, designated, as in 1842, 
"school, parsonage, and surplus fund treasurer." In 
1845, " Voted not to choose." At other times, before 



and since, the office was chiefly filled by the first se- 
lectman, till the new Constitution of 1878 came in 
force. 



Joshua Lovejoy (Esq ), 1810. 
Charles Lane, 18.17-38. 
Daniel Sanborn, 1839. 
Winthrop Dearborn, 1840. 



Eliphalet Ordway, Ji-., 1841-42. 
Thomas J. Sanborn, 1843. 
Samuel P. Calef, 1879-S4. 
Thomas O. Taylor, 1885. 



There are five hamlets in the town, viz. : San- 
bornton Square, Salmon Brook, The Chapel, North 
Sanbornton, Clark's Corner. 



APPENDIX 



MERRIMACK COUNTY. 



CONCORD. 

The Free-WiU Baptist Church of Concord, 

K. H., was organized June 23, 1857, by a council 
consisting of Revs. Oliver Butler, Elias Hutchings, 
Ebenezer Fish and Silas Curtis. The church num- 
bered twenty-seven members. Josiah S. Ingalls was 
chosen clerk, and at the next meeting of the church 
Hosea W. Merrill and Paul Robinson were chosen 
deacons. For the first year from its organization the 
pulpit of the church was supplied by Mr. J. P. 
Nutting, a student at New Hampton Institute, Rev. 
C. E. Blake and Rev. Silas Curtis. Rev. Mr. Curtis 
gave the right hand of fellowship to fourteen mem- 
bers during this time, and nine more were added by 
Rev. Mr. Blake, three of whom he baptized. Novem- 
ber 23, 1858, Rev. J. P. Nutting was ordained pastor 
of the church, and remained with the church until 
September, 18(52. He resumed the pastorate after a 
year's absence, continuing his relation until January 
1866. His successors have been as follows: Rev. 
A. K. Moulton, 1866-69; Rev. Silas Curtis, 1869-75; 
Rev. F. L. Wiley, 1875-76 ; Rev. H. F. Wood, 1876- 
82 ; without a pastor, 1882-83 ; Rev. A. T. Hillman, 
1883. The whole number who have joined the church 
since its organization is about three hundred. Pres- 
ent membership, one hundred and si.\ty-four. The 
present deacons are James B. Fellows and Moses B. 
Smith. A flourishing Sunday-school has been main- 
tained from the first, besides which the children are 
organized into a society called the " Willing 
Workers." 

L. W. James is superintendent of the Sunday- 
school ; Frank Heath, assistant superintendent; 
Hattie B. Fellows, secretary and treasurer. 

The church owns an edifice free from debt, capable 
of seating three hundred i)ersons ; also, a vestry with 
seating capacity for one hundred and fifty. 

The .church was true to the anti-slavery position 
of its denomination, and takes advanced ground 
to-day on all social and moral questions. 

Its present condition is as bright with hope as its 
past was marked with struggles. 



j First Baptist Church of Penacook' was organ- 
ized .Vugust 6, 1845, with the I'ollowing members : Wil- 
liam H. Allen, Chloe F. Allen, Ebenezer W. Allen, 
Caroline Allen, Sarah A. Burpee, David Brown, 
Eunice H. Brown, Henry II. Brown, Mary A. D. Brown, 
John S. Brown, Samuel F. Brown, Hannah M. 
Brown, Martha A. Brown, Philip C. Clough, Lucy 
Clough, Sarah E. Call, Martha A. Crowell, Mary Dick- 
erman, Sarah Eastman, Luke Eastman, Sarah C. East- 
man, Benjamin Hoyt, Jeremiah A. Haynes, Sarah 
Haynes, Joseph F. Hale, Lucretia Johnson, JIartha A. 
Perkins, Nancy Sanborn, Hiram Simi)son, Mary S. 
Simpson, Jacob Tewksbury, Joaana Tewksbury, Rev. 
Edmund Worth, Maria Webster. 

The new church building was erected in 1857-58, 
and dedicated September 8, 1858. 

The following have been pastors: Rev. Edmund 
Worth, Rev. Joseph Storer, Rev. Joseph Henry 
Gilmorc, Rev. Ira E. Kenney, Rev. George G. 
Harriman, Rev. William B. Siiiith, Rev. Julius B. 
Robinson, Rev. George T. Raymond, Rev. Welcome 
E. Bates. 

The present officers are: Pastor, Rev. Welcome E. 
Bates; Deacons, Franklin A. Abbott, Henry F. 
Brown, William H. Allen ; Treasurer, Franklin A. 
.'Vbbott; Superintendent of Sunday-School, Edmund 
H. Brown; Clerk, M. Quincy Bean. 

Railroads.— Concord and Claremokt Rail- 
road Wiis chartered June 24, 1848; united with 
Central Railroad Company June 8, 1853, under title 
of Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers Railroad Com- 
pany. The road from Concord to Bradford, twenty- 
seven miles, was completed July 10, 1850; the branch 
{Contoocook River Railroad) from Contoocook to 
Hillsborough, fourteen and one-half miles, was 
opened in December, 1849. On July 12, 1856, the 
latter was united with and sold to the Merrimack and 
Connecticut Rivers road. The Sugar River Railroad, 
an extension from Bradford to Claremont, twenty- 
nine miles, was chartered July 7, 1856 ; opened in 
1872; consolidated with the Merrimack and Connec- 
ticut Rivers roads on October 31, 1873, under the 
existing title of the Concord and Claremont Railroad. 
Total mileage, seventy miles ; estimated cost, $1,126,- 
606.38. The road has never paid any stock dividend. 



'Furnished by 51. Quincy Bean. 



HISTOKY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



TuE Northern Railroad was originally char- 
tered June 18, 1844. This charter was superseded 
December 27, 1844, because it contained no provision 
to take land. The Bristol Branch was chartered as 
the Franklin and Bristol Railroad July 8, 1846; 
consolidated with the Northern January 1, 1869. 
The Northern road was opened to Franklin December 
28, 1846, and was operated by the Concord Railroad 
until the completion of the line to Grafton, on the 
1st day of September, 1847. On the 17th of Novem- 
ber following the road was opened to Lebanon, and to 
White River Junction in June, 1848. The Bristol 
Branch was opened in 1848 ; cost, $2nO,000 ; cost per 
mile, $16,000. Northern : Cost, exclusive of branch, 
$2,868,400; leased to Boston and Lowell road for 
ninety-nine years at five per cent. 

Concord Railroad.— This road was chartered 
June ^7, 1835, being the second charter granted by 
this State. It was not until February, 1841, that the 
first effective steps were taken in the enterprise. 
During the remainder of that year the work of con- 
struction was vigorously prosecuted. The rails were 
all bought abroad, and it was one of the incidents of 
the year that a brig with a cargo of four hundred 
tons of rails for this road was lost at sea. The Con- 
cord road was opened to Manchester July 4, 1842, and 
to Concord September 1st of the same year. A sec- 
ond track was laid in 1846^8. The total capital 
expended was one million five hundred thou.sand 
dollars. Since its opening, in 1842, the road has paid 
a dividend of ten per cent, for twenty-four years, and 
a dividend ranging irom six to nine per cent, during 
the remaining nineteen years. Since 1868 ten per 
cent, dividends have been regularly declared. The 
financial prosperity of this road has few, if any, 
parallels in the country. This has been due, in the 
main, to its small cost of construction, $40,r)06.62 per 
mile; to its low grades, the maximum being but 
fifteen feet to the mile; and to its steadily-expanding 
local business, as well as the extensive traffic that has 
fallen to it by the development of the roads to the 
north and west. 

Concord and Portsmouth Railroad. — The ori- 
gin of this road vi'as a charter granted July 1, 1845, to 
the Portsmouth, Newmarket and Concord Railroad, 
which was united with the Portsmouth, Newmarket 
and Exeter Railroad the same year. The charter ex- 
pired in 1850, when the time was extended threeyears, 
and the present name adopted. The road was built 
in 1851-52. After passing through several years of 
financial embarrassment, the road, on the 1st of June, 
1855, went into the hands of the trustees of the mort- 
gage bond-bolders. On September 1, 1857, the fran- 
chise was sold, in accordance with a special act of 
the Legislature, the capital being limited by the new 
company to $250,000. On the 11th of September, 
1858, the road was leased to the Concord Railroad 
for five years at an annual rental of §!15,000 and 
$2500 additional, to be laid out in improvements. 



In 1861 a new lease for ninety-nine years was made 
to the Concord road, the rental being increased to 
$24,500 and $500 for expenses of organization. The 
capital stock is now $350,000, and the rental equiva- 
lent to seven per cent. The coal traffic of this road 
has become the most extensive in the State, and 
alone affords a handsome revenue to the lessee above 
the rental. The importance of this road to the coal 
supply of the great manufacturing interests of South- 
ern and Central New Hampshire cannot be overesti- 
mated. 

The Manchester and North Weare Rail- 
road was chartered June 24, 1848, as the New 
Hampshire Central Railroad Corporation. The line 
as built extended between Manchester and Henniker, 
a distance of twenty-five miles, where it intersected 
the Contoocook River Railroad. The road was 
opened to Oil-Mill village February 19, 1850, and to 
Henniker December 10, 1850. Its cost was $546,- 
587.49. It was rechartered in 1858, and the incorpo- 
rators authorized to select their own name, when the 
present one was chosen. The property was purchased 
at a trustees' sale in 1859 for the sum of two hundred 
thousand dollars, and has since been owned and 
operated by the Concord road. Six miles of the 
track, between Henniker and North Weare, were 
torn up on Sunday, October 31, 1858, by Joseph A. 
Gilmore, superintendent of the Concord road. The 
accounts are merged in those of the Concord road, 
though a nominal organization is maintained. 

SuNCOOK Valley Railroad. — The first charter, 
which lapsed, was granted January 4, 1849 ; second 
charter was granted July 1, 1863. Built in 1868 and 
1869 ; road opened in the latter year. The road cost 
$454,700. On the 1st of January, 1870, the road was 
leased to the Concord and Manchester and Lawrence 
Railroad corporations for the term of forty-two years, 
at an annual rental of 114,400 and 1300 additional 
for the yearly expenses of organization. In the 
construction of the road gratuities were contributed 
to the amount of $109,700, as follows: Manchester, 
$50,000; Pitlsfield, $31,000; Epsom, $17,700; Pitts- 
field Manufacturing Company, $3000 ; individuals, 
$8000. The total cost of the road, including gratui- 
ties, was $454,070. Cost per mile, $20,046. Of the 
original 3451 shares, 1051 were taken by the Concord 
and Manchester and Lawrence corj>orations, leaving 
2400 upon which interest is paid at the rate of six 
per cent, per annum. 

The Manchester and Lawrence Railroad 
was chartered June 30, 1847, from Salem, this State, 
to Manchester connecting with Concord Railroad. The 
road was opened to Manchester November 13, 1849. 
The Methuen Branch was chartered by Massachusetts 
in 1846, and is owned by the Boston and Maine Rail- 
road, by which it is kept in repair. The branch is 
operated by the Manchester and Lawrence, for which 
an annual rental often thousand dollars is paid. The 
cost of the Manchester and Lawrence road was one 



907 



million dollars. After several years of ineffectual 
operation the road was leased to the Concord Rail- 
road, in 1856, for five years, and in 1861 the lease was 
extended for twenty years. The last year that the 
Manchester and Lavvrence was operated indepen- 
dently a dividend of three per cent, was declared, 
while seven per cent, was earned. The twenty-year 
contract was broken in 1867 by a decision of the court 
that it was illegal. The road passed into the hands of 
a receiver, but has been operated for the directors by 
the Concord road, which pays ten per cent, upon the 
cost of one million dollars. Cost per mile, $44,662.79. 

Line of Road. — Nashua to Concord, 34.53 miles, 
double track. Branch : Hooksett to Suncook, 2.5 
miles. Leased : Concord and Portsmouth road, 40.5 
miles; Suncook Valley road, 20 miles; Nashua, 
Acton and Boston road, 20.21 miles, of which 5.75 
miles are in New Hampshire. The entire road is 
operated by the Boston and Lowell Railroad. The 
Concord road owns and operates the Manchester and 
North Weare Railroad, 19 miles, and in effect oper- 
ates the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad, 22.39 
miles, to the M.nssachusetts line. Entire line owned 
and operated, 159.13 miles. 

The Boston, Concord and Montreal Railroad 
was chartered December 27, ■1844, in which year con- 
struction was begun. Opened to Sanbornton Bridge 
(now Tilton) May 22, 1848 ; to Meredith Bridge (now 
Laconia) August 8, 1848 ; to Lake village October 1, 
1848 ; to Meredith village March 19, 1849; to Plym- 
outh January 21, 1850; to AVarren June, 1851; 
to Wells River May 10, 1853. The White Mountains 
Railroad, an extension northward of the main line, 
was chartered December 24, 1848 ; opened to Little- 
ton in August, 1853 ; to Lancaster in November, 
1870; to Northumberland in August, 1872; to Fab- 
yan's in July, 1874 ; to base of Mount Washington 
July 6, 1876. The White Mountains road was con- 
solidated with the Boston, Concord and Montreal 
in 1873, the owners of the former receiving $300,000 
in six per cent, consolidated bonds for their property. 
The cost of the line from Concord to Woodsville was 
$2,850,000. No dividends have been paid on the old 
common stock, amounting to $459,600. The pre- 
ferred stock, amounting to $800,000, has paid six per 
cent, dividends since 1867. The bonded indebtedness 
of the road originally incurred, and covering the con- 
struction of the extensions and branches, amounts to 
$3,069,600. Leased to Boston and Lowell road June 
1, 1884, at 'six per cent, on preferred stock, and five 
per cent, thereafter for the term of ninety-nine years. 

Free-Masonry in Concord '—Grand Lodge of 
Nkw Hampshike.— Free-Masonry was first estab- 
lished in New England in 1733. In that year the 
Right Honorable Anthony Lord Viscount Montague, 
Grand Master of Masons in England, appointed 

1 The material for this article was furnished by Mr. George Perlcy 



Henry Price Provincial Grand Master of New Eng- 
land, and on July 30th a Grand Lodge was organized 
at Boston. 

At the celebration of the Festival of St. John the 
Evangelist by the Grand Lodge, June 24, 1734, a 
petition from the Free-Masons resident in Ports- 
mouth, N. H., for the erection of a lodge tliere, was 
granted. 

Upon the appointment, in 1736, of Robert Tomlin- 
son to be Grand Master of North America, in place 
of Henry Price, resigned, by the Right Honorable 
John, Earl of London, Grand Master of England, 
a charter was issued and the lodge duly constituted. 
This was the first lodge of Free-Masons in New 
Hampshire. 

During the years 1780 to 1788 several lodges were 
chartered in New Hampshire by the Grand Lodge in 
Massachusetts. 

The Grand Lodge of New Hampshire was organ- 
ized by deputies from the lodges in State, at Ports- 
mouth, July 8, 1789, and General John Sullivan, 
President of the State of New Hampshire, was 
elected Grand Master of Masons in New Hampshire. 
With the exception of the year 1791, in which no 
record can be found, the Grand Lodge held quarterly 
meetings regularly, every year, until 1814, when an- 
nual meetings were established in place of quarterly, 
which have been held regularly since, and the trans- 
actions have been printed annually since 1816. 

In the following list of Grand Masters will be found 
the names of men who have been prominent in both 
State and national affairs : 

There are now seventy-six lodges, having eight 
thousand one hundred and forty-four members. 

The following is a list of Grand Masters: 

John Sullivan, Hall Jaekeon, Nntlianiel Adams, Thomas Thompson, 
Clement .Storer, Kdward J. Loufr, William II. Woodward, John Harris, 
Joshua Darling, Samuel Larkin, James F. Dana, Henry Iluliljord, 
James Wilson, Jr., Artemas Rogers, Charles Gilniun, Jesse Carr, Weare 
Tappan, Israel Hunt, Jr., Robert Smith, Thomas Rundlett, Cyrus Creasy, 
Jolin Cliristie, Horace Chase, Daniel Balch, Ichabod G. Jordan. Alfred 
G. Greeley. George 11. Hubbard, Moses Paul, Aaron P. Hughes, Charles 
H. Bell, Jonathan E. Sargent, John H. Rowell, Alexander M. Winn, 
John R. Ilolbrook, Nathaniel W. Cnmner, William Barrett, John J. 
Bell, Solon A. Carter, Andrew Buntnn, Frank A. McKean, Alpheus W. 
Baker, John Francis Webster. Henry E. Burnhani. 

The officers of the Grand Lodge for 1885 are : 

ELECTEn.— Grand Master, Ilonry Eben Burnham, Manchester ; Deputy 
Grand Master, William Russell Burleigh, Great Falls; Senior Granil 
Warden, George Washington Currier, Nashua ; Junior Grand Warden, 
Frank Dana Woodbury, Ctoncord ; Grand Treasurer, Joseph Kidder, 
Manchester ; Grand Secretary, George Perlcy Cleaves, Concord. 

Ari'OlNTED.— District Deputy Grand Masters : Bradford S. Kingman, 
Newmarket, District No. 1 ; George A. Bailey, Manchester. District No. 
2 ; George H. Eames, Keene, District No. 3 ; Mareellus H. Fell, Hills- 
borough Bridge, District No. 4 ; Albert S. Batchcllor, Littleton, District 
No. S ; George F. Horn, Wolfeborough, District No. C. Grand L»vturers : 
George E. Thompson, Manchester, for the Slate ; Charles C. Dorr, Dovcr_ 
District No. 1 ; WinfleUI S. Stetson, Nashua, District No. 2 ; William 
Butler, Troy. District No. 3 ; John A. Lang. Franklin Falls, District No. 
4 ; Charies E. Mclntii-o, Lancaster, District No. 5 ; Frank W. Uarker, 
Emngham, District No. 0. Rev. Daniel C. Roberts, Concord, and Robert 
Ford, Danbury, Grand Chaplains ; John Pender, Portsmouth, Senior 
Grand Deacon ; Charies C. Hayes, Manchester, Junior Grand Deacon ; 
George C. Perkins, Lebanon , John K. Wilson, Manchester, Charies C. 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Danforth, Concord, and Alfred E. Evans, Gorhani, Grand Stewards ; 
Joseph W. Hildreth, Manchester, Grand Marehal ; John Mcljiine, Mil- 
ford, Grand Sword- Bearer ; Benjamin F. Heath, Warner, and Nathaniel 
S. Gale, Penacook, Grand Pursuivants ; Samuel \V. Kmerson, Concord, 
Grand Tiler. 

The Grand Encampment of Knights Tempi-ar 
OF THE State of New Hamp.shibe was formed at 
Concord, June 13, 1826, by a convention of delegates 
from the several encampments in the State, under a 
warrant from Henry Fowle, Deputy General Grand 
Master of the General Grand Encampment of the 
United States, with the following organization : 

John Harris, Hopkinton, Grand Master ; James F. Dana, Hanover, 
Deputy Grand Master ; Joseph W. White, Porteniouth, Grand Generalis- 
simo ; Timothy Kenrick, Lelianon, ("Jrand Captaiu-llcinTal ; Rev. Jona- 
than Nye, CIareni..iii, Cnunl rnli.t. ; -.niiu. 1 ( ii-iuiiiii, Portsmouth, 
Grand Senior Wanirn ; liariiMni i: ii. i w . (.mud Junior 

Warden; Calvin l:, niM,,, I.rl,:,,,.,,,, i,. , i 11 1, .mas Hale, 

Portsmouth, GiiiTnl li.K.r.lir ; Al|.h.H- r.,;,. ■ I 1 ,1 11 '.rand Warder; 
Jacob Silver, Hoijkinton, (Jrand Standiiicl-BcariT ; .lacob Carter, Han- 
over, Grand Sword-Bcarer. 

There were three encampments, — De Witt Clinton, 
at Portsmouth; Trinity, at Hanover; and Mount 
Horeb, at Hopkinton. 

The Grand Encampment continued to hold its an- 
nual meetings regularly, without adding to the num- 
ber of its subordinates, until June, 14, 1837, which is 
the date of the last record. About this time, when 
strong anti-Masonic excitement was raging, threaten- 
ing to destroy every vestige of Free-Masonry 
throughout the land, many ardentfriends of the. order 
became discouraged, and some of the lodges, chapters, 
councils and encampments ceased to keep up their 
organization — some from want of patronage, others 
from fear and more from a sense of prudence and 
sound discretion. 

As the persecution abated and the public mind be- 
came more tranquil, Free-Masonry began to revive 
and flourish with new life. Dormant lodges were re- 
suscitated, new lodges organized and the numbers in- 
creased to a degree heretofore unknown in the history 
of the fraternity. 

Capitular, Cryptic and Templar Masonry, as well 
as Symbolic, received a new impulse. Two of the 
encampments which had long lain dormant— Trinity, 
at Hanover, reorganized and removed to Manches- 
ter; Mount Horeb, at Hopkinton, reorganized and 
removed to Concord — two new commanderies were 
instituted — North Star, at Lancaster, and St. Paul, at 
Dover ; all giving promise of future prosperity and 
usefulness. 

By a revision of the constitution of the General 
Grand Encampment, in 1856, the name was changed 
to that of "Grand Encampmentof the United States.'' 
State Grand Bodies were styled "Grand Command- 
eries," and their subordinates " Commanderies." 

A convention of delegates of the several command- 
eries in the State wa-s held at Concord, June 12, 1860, 
and the Grand Commandery of the State of New 
Hampshire was formed. Under the authority of a war- 
rant from Benjamin Brown French, Grand Master, 



the organization was perfected and the officers in- 
stalled bv the Grand Master, August 22, 1860. 

Thoofluor^ Wrrr — 

Daijii 1 I M. ! r. Grand Commander ; Edward H. Rollins, 
Cow.iiil h. '■ i ' laimander ; Albert R. Hatch, Portsmouth, 

Gmn.l I.' II f.iii-ii.i ; .iii.-'l I. Williams, Lancaster, Grand Captain- 
General ; Thomas G. Salter, Dover, Grand Prelate ; Josiah Stevens, Jr., 
Concord, Grand Senior Warden ; John S. Kidder, Manchester, Grand 
Junior Warden ; John Knowlton, Poilsmonth, Grand Treasurer ; Horace 
Chase, Hopkinton, Grand Recorder ; Richard N. Ross, Dover, Grand 
Standard-Bearer ; Henry 0. Kent, Lancaster, Grand Sword-Bearcr ; 
Thomas Snow, Somersworth, Grand Warder ; Lyman A. Walker, Con- 
cord, Grand Captain of the Gnard. 

Since the organization of the Grand Commandery 
four commanderies have been instituted, viz. : Sulli- 
van, at Claremont; Hugh de Payens, at Keene ; St. 
George, at Nashua ; and St. Girard, at Littleton — mak- 
ing nine commanderies, with a membership of one 
thousand two hundred and fifty-five. 

The present officers are, — 

Don Hermon Woodward, Keene, Grand Commander ; Charles New- 
ell, Towle, Concord, Deputy Grand Commander; John James Bell, 
Exeter, Grand Generalissimo ; Edward Richard Kent, Lancaster, Grand 
Captain-General ; Rev. Daniel Crane Roberts, Concord, Grand Prelate ; 
Charles Carroll Danforth, Concord, Grand Senior Warden ; Nathanit'l 
Wentworth, Cumner, Manchester, Grand Junior Warden ; Frank Albert 
WcKean, Nashua, Grand Treasurer ; George Perley Cleaves, Concord, 
Grand Recorder ; Henry Augustus Marsh, Nashua, Grand Standard- 
Bearer ; Charles Chase Dorr, Dover, Grand Sword-Bearer ; ThaddeusEzra 
Sanger, Littleton, Grand Warder ; George Washington Currier, Nashua, 
Grand Captain of the Guard. 

Mount Horeb Commandery, Knights Tem- 
plar. — Henry Fowle, Deputy Grand Master of the 
General Grand Encampment of the United States, 
granted a charter dated May 1, 1826, to Mount Horeb 
Encampment, Knights Templar, to be located at 
Hopkinton, N; H., and in the same month he visited 
Hopkinton, where he constituted and dedicated the 
encampment and installed its officers. The first com- 
plete list of officers were, — 

John Harris, Commander; Harrison G. Harris, Generalissimo; Enoch 
Darling, Captain-General ; Rev. Moses B. Chase, Prelate ; Daniel C. 
Gould, Senior Warden ; Nathan Davis, Junior Warden ; William Little, 
Treasurer ; Horace Chase, Recorder ; Herman Davis, Standard-Bearer ; 
Daniel Chase, Sword-Bearer ; Jacob Silver, Warder. 

The encampment continued for several years, re- 
ceiving but few additions to its numbers, until the 
times of anti-Masonic excitement, when it gradually 
declined and eventually ceased to meet altogether. 
It remained dormant until the year 1859, when a 
number of the members, still residing in the vicinity, 
together with several Knights Templar residing in 
the adjoining city of Concord, presented a petition to 
the Grand Master of the Grand Encampment for a 
revival of the charter and the removal of the encamp- 
ment to Concord. 

The request was granted, the original charter was 
properly endorsed and returned to the commandery 
(the title having been changed to commandery by a 
revision of the constitution), the commandery was re- 
organized, and on the 21st of November, 1859, the 
following officers were installed : 

Edward H, Rollins, Commander ; Reuben G. Wyman, Generalissimo ; 
Lynuin A, Walker, Captain-General ; Charles W. Harvey, Prelate ; Jo- 



siah Stovons, Jr., Senior Warden ; Abel Hutchins, Junior Wai-den ; 
Jeremiah F. Daniell, Treasurer ; Honico Chase, Kecorder ; James L. 
Penbody, Standard-Bearrr ; Titus V. Wadswortii, Sword-Bearer ; William 
II. Wyman, Warder. 

The cotnmandery has prospered to mi extent that 
could have hardly been anticipated at the time of its 
reorganization, gradually but steadily growing until it 
has taken a high position among the commanderies 
of the State. 

It numbers among its members men of deservedly 
high rank in every profession, who have evinced a 
lively interest in its affairs, and who have been ready 
to give of their time and means for the advancement 
of its interests. 

The following have served as Commanders : 

Edward H. Rollins, Lyman A. Walker, John H. George, Josiah Stev- 
ens, Jr., George P. Cleaves, Abel Hutchins, .Samuel 1'. Morrill, Edward 
Dow, John Francis Webster, Josepl'i W. Hildrelli, Chnrlcs N. Towlo, 
Frank D. Woodburj", Charles 0. Danforth. 

The officers are, — 

Thomas A. Pilsbury, Commander ; Bev. Daniel C. lioberts. Generalis- 
simo ; Frank L. Sanders, Captain-General ; Edward Dow, Prelate ; 
Waldo A. Russell, Senior Warden ; Charles F. Batchelder, Junior War- 
cl.n ; Stillman Humphrey, Treasurer ; Fldgar H. Woodman, Recorder ; 
';.urgeO. Dickerman, Staudard-Bearer ; James C. Badger, Sword-Bearer ; 
\N ill J. Green, Warder. 

Horace Chase Council. — Charter granted by 
Grand Council to Lyman A. Walker, Charles H. 
Woods, Abel Hutchins, William W. Taylor, Luther 
W. Nichols, Jr., Edward P. Colby, Reuben G. Wy- 
man, Gust. Sargent and Joseph W. Robinson. 

The following were the first officers, June 11, 1862: 

Charles H. Wood, T. I. Master ; Lyman A. Walker, R. I. Master ; Lu- 
ther W. Nichols, L Master ; Abel Hutchins, Treasurer ; Gust. Sargent, 
Recorder ; Josiah Stevens, C. of G. ; Joseph W. Robinson, C. of C. ; 
William W. Taylor, Marshal ; Reuben G. Wyman, Steward. 

The following have been Masters : 

Charles H. Wood, Luther W. Nichols, Jr., John A. Harris, Thomas J. 
Sanborn, Edward Dow, Charles N. Towle, Frank D. Woodbury, B. 0. 
Wright, John Francis Webster, George P. Cleaves, Waldo A. Russell, 
James C. Badger. 



The following are the present 

James C. Badger, T. I. Master ; Frank G. Edgerly, Deputy Master ; 
Charles C. Danforth, P. C. of the Work ; Stillman Humphrey, Treas- 
urer ; Frank P. Mace, Recorder ; J. Frank Webster, C. of G. ; Frank L. 
Sanders, Conductor ; John W. Straw, Marshal ; Edgar H. Woodman, 
Steward ; George P. Cleaves, Chaplain ; Samuel W. Emerson, Sentinel. 

Blazing Star Lodge, No. 11.— Warrant granted 
by Grand Lodge in session at Portsmouth, February 
13, 1799, to Isaac De La Mather, Daniel Warner, Da- 
vid McCrillis, Robert B. Wilkins, Moses Lewis, 
Michael McClary, Moses Sweatt, Jacob Martin and 
Benjamin Gale. 

The following is a list of the officers for 1799 : 

Daniel Warner, Master; David McCrillis, S. W. ; Benjamin Gale, J. 
W. ; JohnOdlin, Trcaauier; Isaac De La Mather, Secretary; Levi Hut- 
1 chins. S. D. ; Moses Swealt, J. D. ; Benjamin Kimball, S. S. ; Moses Da- 

l vis, J. S. ; Robert B. Wilkins, Tiler. 

The following is a list of the Masters : 

1799, Daniel Warner; 1Y99, Andrew Bowers; 180O, David McCrillis; 
1801, John Odlin ; 1802, Andrew Bowers ; 1803, John Odlin ; 1803, John 



Harris; 1804, Slierburn Wlggln ; 18»I5, John llnrrts; 1800, Aqulla Da- 
vis; 1807, Peter C. Farnuni ; 1808, Joahua Darling; 1809, John Harris; 
1810, .\bol Hutchins; 1811, Joseph Haatlnga; 1812, Zudult Howe; IHI.I, 
John Odlin ; 1814, John Harris; 1816, Stephen Blancbard ; 1817, Tim- 
othy Chandler; 1818, Timothy Chandler ; 1810, AblierJonen ; 1820, Ab- 
nor Jones; 1821, Abnor Jones; 1822, Daniel Chase ; 1823, Robert Davli, 
Jr.: 1824, Thomas Waterman; 182C, Jeremiah Prlchanl ; 1820, Jeremlnli 
Prichard ; 1827, Hosea Fessonden ; 1828, HoMa Fessondon ; 1829, Ho- 
sea Fessondcn ; 1830, Ebenezer S. Towle ; 1831, EbeneiorS. Towlo ; 1832, 
Ebenezer S. Towlo; 18;13, Ebener.cr 8. Towlo; 18.14, Isaac IJutnian ; 
1835, Isaac Eastman ; 1830, Isaac Gaalnmn ; 1837, Isaac Eastman ; 1838, 
Isaac Eastman ; 18.39, Isaac Eastman ; 1840, Isaac Eastman ; 1841, Isaac 
Eastman ; 1842, Isaac Eastman ; 1813, Isaac Eastman ; 1844, Isaac 
Eastman; 1845, Daniel Chase; 1840, Chase Hill; 1847, IlotBco 
Chase ; 1848, Hoseu Fessenden ; 1849. Thompson Barron ; 18.V), 
Chose Hill; 1851, Thompson Barron ; 1862, John Mooro ; 185.3, John 
Mooro ; lS."i4, John Moore ; 1855, Amos B. Currier ; 1866, Edward H. 
Rollins; 1857, Abel Hutchins; 1858, Lyman A. Walker; 1859, Lyman 

A. Walker; 1800, Lyman A. Walker; 1 801, Lyman A. Walker ; 1862, 
Lyman A. Walker; 1803, Lyman A. Walker; 1864, Gilbert II. Seavey, 
1865, Gilbert H. Seavey ; 18C0, Joseph W. Robinson ; 1807, Joseph W. 
Robinson ; 1868, John A. Harris ; 1869, John A. Harris ; 1870-71, Sam- 
uel F. Morrill ; 1872-75, Horace A. Brown ; 1876-77, William A. Clough ; 
1878-79, John Francis Webster; 1880-81, Reuben A. Gerry; 1882-83, 
Frank L. Sanders ; 1864-85, Silvester P. Danforth. 

The following are the present officers : 

Silvester P. Danforth, W. Master; Frank G. Edgerly, S. W. ; Leroy 
M. Gould, J. W. ; Horace A. Brown, Treasurer ; Will J. Green, Secre- 
tary ; Martin E. Young, S. D. ; Henry 0. Adams, J. D. ; George A. 
Young, S. S. ; Fred. N. Ladd, J. S. ; J. Frank Webster, Chaplain ; Isaac 
W. Hammond, Marshal ; Harry Baker, Organist ; Samuel W. Emerson, 
Tiler. 

Eureka Lodge, No. 70.— Warrant was granted by 
Grand Lodge in session at Concord, June 13, 1860, to 
John Dame, George H. Emery, Thomas L. Tullock, Al- 
len Tenny, Charles C. Clement, Abel Hutchins, James 

B. Gove, Edward Dow and Luther W. Nichols, Jr. 
The following were the officers in 1860 : 

John Dame, Master ; Charles C. aement, S. W. ; George H. Emery, 
J. W. ; Abel Hutchins, Treasurer ; Thomas L. Tullock, Secretary ; Al- 
len Tenny, S. D. ; Edward Dow, J. D. ; James B. Gove, Slurehul ; Wil- 
liam K. Webster,! Tiler. 

The following is a list of Masters : 

18C0, John Dame ; 1861, Abel Hutchins; 1862-64, Luther W. Nichols, 
Jr. ; 186,'J-67, George P. Cleaves ; 1868, HaU B. Rand ; 1869, Frank D. 
Woodbury ; 1870-71, James T. Gordon ; 1872-73, Charles N. Towlo ; 
1874-75, Edward Dow ; 1876, Samuel C. Crockett ; 1877-78, Darius Mer- 
rill ; 1879-80, Frank D. Woodbury ; 1881-82, George A. Dickerman ; 
1883-84, Frank P. Mace ; 1885, Frank W. Smith. 

The following is a list of the officers for 1885 : 

Frank W. Smith, W. M. ; Waldo A. Russell, S. W. ; Frank S. Sli«et»r, 
J. W. ; Darius Merrill, Treasurer ; Frank P. Quimby, Secretary; Arthur 

C. Stewart, S. D. ; Fred. A. Carr, J. D. ; Ira C. Evans, S. S. ; William 

D. Merrick, J. S. ; Rev. ElUah L. Wilkins, Chaplain ; George P. Oeaves, 
Marshal ; Samuel W. Emerson,' Tiler. 

Trinity ChaIter. — Charter granted by Thomas 
Smith Webb, General Grand King of the General 
Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the United 
States, February 16, 1807, to John Harris, William 
Webster, Moses Lewis, Abel Hutchins, Joel Harris, 
Elisha Hitchcock, Lemuel Hitchcock, Robert Fowle, 
Aquila Davis, Peter C. Farnum, George Richards, 
Samuel Boardman and Joshua Darling, empowering 
them to " form and hold a Royal Arch Chapter " in 
Hopkinton. 



910 



HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



Confirmed by General Grand Chapter in New York, 
June 7, 1816, next session after granting the charter. 
Authorized by Grand Chapter on June 9, 1847, to 
move to Concord. Was represented in convention to 
form Grand Chapter at Hopkinton, June 11, 1818. 

The following were the first officers : 

John Harris, H. P. ; William Webster, King ; Moses Lewis, Scribe ; 
Abel Hutchins, Treasurer : Joshua Darling, Secretary; Aquila Duvis 
C. of H. ; Peter C. Farnum, P. S. ; Joel Harris, R. A. C. ; Elisha Hitch- 
cock, M. of 3d V. ; Samuel Hitchcock, M. of 2d V. ; Itobert Kowle, M. of 
Ist y. ; Joseph Harvey, Tiler. 

The following have been High Priests: 

John Harris, Joshua Darling, Aquila Davis, Thomas W. Colby, Abel 
Hutching, Harrison G. Harris, X. Cidy, Horace Chase, Stephen Blanch- 
ard, Jr., Artemas Kogers, Stephen Sibley, Jacob Silver, Abram Brown, 
Daniel Chase, William Little, Nicholas Fowler, Ebenezer Syms, John 
Moore, Joseph W. Clement, Albert L. Long, Josiah Stevens, Jr., Ly- 
man A. Walker, Charles W. Harvey, Albert H. Drown, Thomas J. San- 
born, John A. Harris, Luther A. Nichols, Jr., Edward Dow, Charles N. 
Towle, Frank D. Woodbury, George P. Cleaves, J.'Frank Webster, Frank 
L. Sanders, Waldo A. Russell, Horace A.Brown, Will J. Green. 

The following is a list of the present officers: 

Will J. Green, High Priest : Flunk G. Edgerly, E. King ; Arthur C. 
Stewart, E. Scribe ; StiUman Humphrey, Treasurer ; Frank W. Smith, 
Secretary ; James C. Badger, C. of H. ; Frank L. Sanders, P. S. ; Silves- 
ter P. Danforth, K. A. C. ; Charles E. Thurston, M. of 3d V. ; Martin 
E. Young, M. of 2d V. ; J. Frank Webster, M. of Ist V. ; Charles N. 
Towle, George P. Cleaves, Stewards ; Horace A. Brown, Chaplain ; Sam- 
uel W. Emeison.'Tiler. 

Grand Koyal Aech Chapter of New Hamp- 
shire.— Royal Arch Chapters were chartered in New 
Hampshire by the General Grand Chapter of the 
United States, as follows : St. Andrew's Chapter, at 
Hanover (now at Lebanon), January 27, 1807; Trin- 
ity Chapter, at Hopkinton (now at Concord), Febru- 
ary 10, 1807 ; Washington Chapter, at Portsmouth, 
November, 1815 ; Cheshire Chapter, at Keene, May 
4, 1816. 

A convention of the officers of the several chapters 
was held at Hopkinton June 11, 1818, and a commit- 
tee appointed to obtain the consent of the General 
Grand Chapter for the formation of a Grand Chapter, 
and the convention adjourned to meet at Concord on 
the 10th day of June, 1819, at which time a Grand 
Chapter was organized, regulations adopted and the 
following officers elected and installed : 

Jolin Harris, G. H. P. ; Thomas S. Bowles, D. 6. H. P. ; Henry 
Hutchinson, G. K ; Broughton White, G Scribe ; J. Davenport, G. T. ; 
Thomas W. Colby, Q. Sec. ; Kev. Thomas Beedc, G. C. ; Timothy Kcnrick, 
G. M. ; Albe Cady, Alpheus Baker, Charles A. Saxton, .\ndrew Pierce, 
G. S. ; Jesse Corbott, G. T. 

Since 1819 annual meetings have been held 
regularly and the proceedings printed. The Grand 
Chapter suffered more, perhaps, during the excite- 
ment of the anti-Masonic times than did the Grand 
Lodge. But the Royal Arch Masons of those days 
were not to be easily discouraged. 

The Grand High Priests have been as follows : 

John Harris, Thomas S. Bowles, Jonathan Nye, Thomas W. Colby, 
Samuel Cushman, Fredoriek A. Sumner, Andrew Pierce, Robert Smith, 
Brackott L. Groenough, Wearn Tappan, Daniel Chase, David Parker, 
Philemon Tolles, John Kuowlton, Daniel Balch, John J. Prentice, Al- I 



hert R. Hatch, John Christie, Theodore T. Abbott, Moses Paul, Jonas 
Livingston, Samuel W. Wilcox, Edward W. Harrington, John R- Hol- 
brook, Thomas E. Hatch, Nathaniel W. Cnmner, Daniel R. Marshall, 
John A. Harris, Edward Gustine, William Barrett, John D. Patterson, 
Andrew J. Thomiison, John J. Bell, George W. Currier, Albert S. Wait, 
Charles N. Towle, Alpheus W. Baker. 

There are twenty-one chapters, with two thousand 
four hundred and fifty members. The present officers 
are as follows : 

Alpheus Wooster Baker, Lebanon. G. H. P. ; John Francis Webster, 
Concord, D. G. H P. ; John Colin Neal, Franklin Falls, G. K. ; Harlan 
Page Goodrich, Lebanon, G. Scribe ; J. Wyman Hildretb, Manchester, 
G. T ; George Perley Cleaves, Concord, G. Sec. ; Joseph Kidder, Manches- 
ter, G. C. ; Nathan Parker Hunt, Manchester, G. C. of H. ; Henry A. 
Marsh, Nashua, G. P. S. ; Horace A. Brown, Concord, G. R. A. C. ; Wil- 
liam H. W. Hinds, Milford, G M. of 3d V. ; William F. Knight, Laconia, 
G. M. of 2d V. ; George P. Kimball, Nashua, G. M. of Ist V. ; John II. 
Steele, Peterborough, George E. Beacham, Great Falls, G. S. ; Samuel 
W. Emerson, Concord, G. T. 

Tyrian CotJNCiL OF Royal Masters (the first 
in New England) was established at Hopkinton, N. H., 
in 1815, and was afterwards united with a coun- 
cil of Select Masters established in that town. Sub- 
sequently other councils of Royal and Select Masters 
were established at Portsmouth, Hanover and Clare- 
mont. These councils organized a Grand Council in 
1823. The Grand Council organized councils in 
Keene, Sanbornton and Dover. Of the above-named 
councils, but two are now in exstence, — Orphan 
Council, at Dover, and Columbiaa'€!ouncil, at Clare- 
mont. y. 

The Grand Council was form' i at Keene, July 9, 
1823. No record of the Grand Body has been pre- 
served. The list of Grand Officers, as published in the 
A'ew) Hampshire Patriot of July 21, 1823, is as follows : 
.Tonathan Nye, G. M. ; Thomas S. Bowles, D. G. M. ; Godfrey Stevens, 
G. P. C. of W. ; .\lbe Cady, G. T. ; James Wilson, Jr., G. R. ; Sebastian 
Streeter, G. C. ; Charles Abbott, G. C. of G. ; Annis B. Toung, G. S. ; 
Samuel P. Drown, G. Sent. 

This Grand Council was in existence in 1832; 
whether any later, is not known to the writer. The 
present Grand Council of New Hampshire was formed 
at Concord June 11, 1862, by the then existing coun- 
cils, — Orphan Council, at Dover, Columbian Council, 
at Claremont, and Adoniram Council, at Manchester: 
the two former mentioned above and the latter or- 
ganized in 1856, by authority from the Grand Coun- 
cil of Connecticut. The officers first elected were 
as follows : 

Daniel Balch, G. M. ; Charles A. Tnfls.D. G. M. ; Lewis Woodman, 
G. C. ; Moses 0. Pearson, G. Chap. ; Richard N. Roes, G. T. ; Samuel M. 
Wilcox, G. R. ; John B. Fiek, G. C. of G. ; Philemon Tolles, G. S. ; 
Charles H. Woods, G. Sent. 

There are now nine councils, with eight hundred 
and ninety-eight members. 
The following have served as Grand Masters : 

Daniel Balch, Charles A. Tufts, .Tohn R. Holbrook, Thomas J. San- 
born, George H. True, .Tohn A. Harris, Oliver C. Fisher, Andrew J. 
Thompson, Henry P. Glidden, Harvey L. Currier, Frank D. Woodbury, 
Edward H. Currier, Rensselaer 0. Wright, George P. Cleaves, John 
Gillis. 

The present officers are as follows ; 

Elliott Bernard Hodge, Plj-mouth, G. M. ; Waldo Adolphus Russell, 
Concord, D. M. ; Joshua Wright Hunt, Nashua, G.P. C. of W. ; Joseph 



W. Hildreth, Manchester, G. T. ; George P. Cleaves, Concord, G. K. ; 
/"liarlea J. Dnrrah, Manchester, G. C. of G. ; George II. Everett, Luconia, 
:;. C. ot'C. ; Rev. Josiah L. Seward, Keeue, G. C. ; Edward F. llonghton, 
'IjiriL'niont, G. M. ; James C. Badger, Concord. G. S. : Snnmcl \V. Knier- 
u.n, Concord, G. Sent. 



, made Oath to the Truth 



' McClarv, J. P." 



Census. —By the census of 1773 Epsom had eigh- 
teen unmarried men from sixteen to sixty years of 
age, fifty-three married men of that age, eighty-six 
boys under sixteen years of age, and one man sixty 
years old or more ; one hundred and nine unmarried 
women, fifty-three married women, four widows and 
two slaves. 

"Agreeahle to a requisition from the Gen* Assemhly for making out 
& returning to the Gen' Court an exact No. of all polls of Twonty-Ono 
years & upwards, paying for Themselves a poll Tax, We have Acord- 
ingiy Numhered Those belonging to the Town of E|)flon, which Number 
Amounts to Ninety-Nine. 
"Ei)Som, 16th December. 

"Jeremiah Prescott, l Selectmen 
"Thomas Babb, ) for Epsom. 

••Smteof New Ham^ | ..December ICt.,, 1783. 

Eockingham, SS. J ' 

" Jereniiiih Prescott & Tho" Babh, al 
of the above return by them subscribe 

"Before 

The Gray Fainily.— Another family that was prom- 
inent in town f r many years, but leaves no male 
descendent bearing their name, was that of Captain 
James Gray. 

Mr. Gray was born in Newburyport, Mass., October 
8, 1749. He came to Epsom when nineteen years of 
age and was employed by the town to teach school. 

In July, 1769, he married Jane Wallace, who lived 
but a few years. 

At the breaking out of the war Mr. Gray at once 
joined the American forces and received a captain's 
commission in the First New Hampshire Regiment. 

As will be seen by the accompanying papers, he was 
appointed an enlisting officer by Colonel Marshall, of 
Boston, and did valiant service at Ticonderoga. 

He married, for a second wife, Susannah Parsons, of 
Newbury, Mass., daughter of Rev. Moses Parsons 
and sister to Judge Theophilus Parsons. About 1778 
they moved to Epsom, bringing into town the first 
chaise ever owned in that place. 

They lived for several years in the house of the 
widow of Rev. John Tucke, the first settled minister 
in towu, which we understand to have been where 
George W. Bachelder now lives. They then moved 
on to Sanborn's Sill, and owned and occupied the 
farm now owned by Samuel Quimby. Afterwards 
they bought on the turnpike, on what has ever since 
been known as " Gray's Hill." 

He had a grist-mill on the Little Suncook River, 
near where the mill of Horace Bickford now stands. 
He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 
1788, and was also town clerk, selectman and rei)re- 
sentativp. 

His appointment or commission as coroner for 



911 



I the county of Rockingham, dated December 25, 
j 1784, signed by Mesheek Weare, President of the 
State, is still in a good state of preservation, in the 
hands of his daugliter. Mrs. Susan M. G. Perkins. 

He was teacher of vocal music and for several 
years was church cjiorister. 

The mother of Mr. Gray was with him when lie 
first came to town, and she was employed as a 
school-teacher. 

Moses Parsons Gray, the oldest son of James and 
Susannah Gray, was born in Epsom June 29, 1779. 
When quite a small boy he went to Byfield, Mass., to 
live with his Grandmother Parsons, with whom he 
moved to Boston and attended school tiiere. At the 
age of fifteen years he became a clerk in a store for 
a short time, but soon entered his uncle's employ as a 
sailor, that he might learn the art of navigalion. 
When he became of age, he took command of the 
ship "Diana" and made several voyages to the West 
Indies and other foreign ports, having, while following 
the sea, visited Spain, Portugal and Russia. 

When about thirty years of age he returned to Ep- 
som, where he resided until his death, which occurred 
November 8, 1858. After coming to Epsom he 
taught school in the Cilley District and also in the 
Centre District. 

While in Boston, after he had left school, he 
employed his spare moments in the study of survey- 
ing, which art he was very frequently called upon to 
practice while in Epsom, there being hardly a di- 
vision line in the town but what he wiis acquainted 
with, and he was often called to other towns in the 
capacity of a surveyor. A plan of the town drawn 
by him is now in the possession of the town. 

Although he never studied law, yet his reading and 
his intercourse with his uncle. Chief Justice Parsons, 
made him familiar with much that pertained to the 
profession, so that he was often called upon to assist 
in the settlement of disputes. 

While he was hardly ever elected to any office by 
the town, yet he very frequently assisted those who 
were elected, and his peculiar handwriting can be 
found in several places upon the records. 

Theodore Parsons Gray, born August 8, 1781, fol- 
lowed the sea, and was killed by falling from aloft to 
the main-deck, September 20, 1796, and was buried 
in " that vast cemetery where there are no monu- 
ments." 

Katharine L. Gray, born February 19, 1783, married 
Dr. John Proctor, and lived in Epsom, where he died 
in June, 1837. She died in Georgetown, Mass., 
March, 1854. They left no children. 

Lucretia B. Gray, born May 5, 1785, married Wil- 
liam Brown and lived in Epsom, where she died May 
11, 1875, leaving one son aud two daughters, one of 
whom, Mrs. Susan E. P. Forbes, has recently pur- 
chased " Fatherland Farm," the old Parsons home- 
stead, at Byfield, Mass., where she spends her sum- 



912 



HISTORY OP BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



James H. Gray, born June 29, 1787, was also a 
sailor, and died when but twenty-three years of age, 
upon an island off" the coast of Florida. 

Judith Parsons Gray, born ^larch 12, 1789, mar- 
ried John Kand, of Epsom. 

Of the eight children born to them, only one 
has died, — James G., who died December, 1850. 

The following found among the well preserved 
papers of the late Captain James Gray, we deem of 
sufficient interest to be given a place in the history 
of Epsom: 

Letter from Cfipt<iin Gray to his wife. 

" Chaklestown (No. 4), May 18th, 1777. 
" Mt/ Dear Susie : As I would not, if possible, let any opportunity of 
writing to you pass unnoticed, therefore I embrace the present by the 
post to Exeter, viz. : Mr. Waldo. I arrived here last Tuesday at night, 
as you will find by my Journal, transmitted to your Father ; but it was 
attended with some difficulty, the roads being so excessively miry and 
my horse lukcn sirk that I was obliged to walk a considerable part of 
tho wiu . 1 III ii ] i. - ui ;ini very well. I expect on Tuesday next to 
take my i n: ; i i )iik*roga, to put my baggage upon my horse 
& tnnri II I. i,_ ill i~, which journey is eighty miles from here. 

When I 1-11 I \ - I I t. i_Mt my Coffe pot and thought not of it until I 
got to KeLMi.-, sn iliai I luii now at a loss how to make use of my coffee. 
Since I came here I have heard from my Brother, by Mr. Tucker, who 
left him about a fortnight since in good health and high spirits. Capt. 
McCIary has been very ill here, but has marched since through the 

"My Love and duty to the family. The reason of my putting my 
Baggage upon my horse or going on foot is because the wagon cannot 
got through the woods." 

Letter from Captaiti James Cray to hi» father-in-law, the original heivg in 

tJie possession of his granddaughter, Mrs. A. W. PerHnii, of Chichester. 
"TinoNDEROGA, June 26, 1777. 

**Hou. Sir: The last letter which I sent you by Col. Little I hope 
came sate to band. I have now the pleasure, by Dr. Conner, of Exeter, 
to write a second. The Wednesday after the date of my first 1 set of 
from No. 4 for Ticonderoga. Our waggon not being able to carry our 
Baggage thrtjugh the wood?, I was obliged to load mine upon my horse 
and venture my body upon my Legs through to my Journey's end, which, 
perhap?, niiiy b.- siiid !.> be no email risque. However, after a tedious 
Jourufv, I .Nii\ i.ii 1 1 MfMirroga, distance from No. 4 eighty miles, the 
28th ul \| '■■ '■■ ■ 1 1 hy of observation has occurred to mo since 

I caiiiL- ii I, :!j' 17th instant, at which time the Camp at 

Ticon.lcju-,i u.i.:- ,i;.iiutia l>,\ tho report of small arms at about half a 
mile distant from the Liue, in the woods, wliich proved to be a party of 
Indians, about thirty in number, which lay in ambush for us and had 
then fired upon some of our men as they were returning from duty into 
Camp, three of which were killed and one carried off by the Savages, 
upon whicli a scouting-party was immediately sent in pursuit of them ; 
but so precipitate was their retreat that we could not overtake them; 
but in their hurry to Crown Point they wero met by a party of Rangers, 
eleven in number, who readily gave them fire. The Indians returned 
the same, upon which three or four rounds were exchanged, when the 
Commander of the party of Kangors, Lieut. Little, received a wound in 
the arm & was obliged to retreat with the loss of three men. Tlio next 
day a scouting-party came upon the same grounds, where they found one 
Indian dead and took another who could not keep up with his party ; 
him they brought Into Camp and now have him confined. 

'• Sir : If I am not to tedious, I would observe that those four men who 
were killed and taken belonged to one Company and one mess, and the 
fifth, who was the ouly one left of tho mess, was the next day standing 
with his gun loaded in his hands, leaning his chin upou the muzzle of 
his gun, when it went off, as he was talking with his Brother, and drove 
the whole charge through his head, dashing his brains through tho side 
of the house by which they wero standing. 

" I luive just r<'(H-i\.-.l n.-ws rimii TicDudoroga that the British Troops 
aroliiiul^l ii < 1. ^^ n I .,(,( , liii I i ■ 1 1. -vv to be depended upon as a fact, 

so that ^^. , ■ ; ■! ■ ■ I- Ml,-. 

*m;.ii -1 ' I ., (I. ' I I .1 the Troops in this department. 

Weha\. Ill [ 1 Ini^ >i. Ill I'll .umI about lOUO unfit for duty, by 



" Tho 18th I was ordered, with my Company, to take command of this 
post, where we are to keep Garrison within the stockade. How long we 
shall remain here I can't say. I will endeavor to write again by the 
post who goes and comes through this Garrison. 

" A letter, sir, would be very acceptable. 

*' My Duty and respects to all. 

" Your Son, 



Upon the back of an old document, headed " Re- 
turn of the 3d New Hampshire Regiment of Foot, 
in the service of the United States, commanded by- 
Col. Alexander Scannel, Ticonderoga, June 28, 1777," 
in which Captains Gray and McClary, of this town, 
were reported as on duty, the former with thirty-nine 
men and the latter with forty-nine, is found the fol- 
lowing in Captain Gray's beautiful writing : 

" Sunday, Gtb July, 1777,— Retreated from Sheensboro' & lost all my 
money. Baggage, &c. Lodged in the woods at Night. 

"Munday, 7»h,- Got into Fort Ann at 6 in y« morning ; everything in 
the utmost confusion ; nothing to eat. At 11 o'clock a.m. was ordered 
to take the Command of a party upon a scout and marched with 150 men 
besides 17 Rangers ; had not marched from Garrison into tho woodfe more 
than half a mile, after detaching my front, Rear and flanking Guards, 
when we met with u party of Regulars and gave them fire, which waa 
Returned by the enemy, who then gave back. I then pursued them 
with close fire till they betook themselves to the top of a mountain. At 
the foot of this mountain we posted our selves and continued our fire 
uutil G P.M., when a reinforcement of 150 more joined me; but night 
approaching obliged me to return with my party to Garrison, after find- 
ing one of my party killed and 3 wounded, and three of the enemy killed 
by our first fire. 

" Tuesday Morning, St^",— Myself, with Capt. Hutchins, with the same 
number of men, marched to the aforesaid mountain and attacked the 
enemy very warmly. The engagement lasted about 2 houre, at which 
time the Commander of yo Garrison sent Colo. Ransleur with a small 
party of militia to reinforce us. We then advanced (firing) up tho hill, 
wliere we found the enemy's surgeon dressing a Capt^ Leg. Those, with 
two of their woundefl soldiere, we took and sent in, and a number of our 
own people, men & women, who were the day before cut off by the 
enemy, wo retook. At last, finding our ammunition gone and none to 
be had in Garrison, ordered off my wounded and some of the dead, and 
formed a retreat. Much fatigued when I returned and found no re- 
freshments, neither meat or drink ; immediately a Council was called and 
the prisouei-s who were retaken bro* upon examination, who gave infor- 
mation that an express just arrived before we made this second attack 
and gave the enemy intelligence that a reinforcement of 2000, with In- 
dians, were near at hand to join them, at which time they were to make 
a general attack upon us. It was then determined upon to reti-eat to 
fort Edward, after setting fire to the Garrison. Accordingly, tho wounded 
were sent off, except one, who was one of my own Company ; him the 
Surgeon tho* proper not to order off", that he would soon expire, or that 
if he was likely to live, the enemy, when they took possession, would 
take care of him. This I knew not of till we wero ordered to march, at 
which time I turned back alone (my Company being gone) to the rear of 
the Army, where I found him. I then picked up a tent & fastened it be- 
tween two poles, laid him upon it, and hired four soldiers to carry him. 
I took their four guns with my own and carried them'to fort Edward ; 
this was about 3 o'clock p.m. ; rained very hard; distance from fGrt 
Ann to Fort Edward, 14 miles ; arrived at Fort Edwai-U at 10 in the 
Evening ; no Barracks nor Tents to go into ; therefore laid down in the 
rain and slept upon the ground ; the fatigue of this day I believe I shall 
always rememl)er. 

" Colo Ransleur, wounded; Cap* Weare, wounded; Ensign Walcutt, 
killed ; Isimc Davis, a sergeant in my company, killed. Our loss in the 
two skirmishes about 15 ; tho Enemy's unknown. 

**WodnesdJl)th,— r found my self very much indisposed, having no 
cloths to shift myself with & nothing to cat or drink, but walking about 
to make myself warm. Upon parade I met Capt. Peters (a Dutchman), 
a gentleman I never had soon but once before ; he seeing me in my help- 
U'8S8ituatii)U took me to his tent, gave me a dram, then ordered some 
warm brcaklost for mo. Here I refreshed. Ho then procured biiiimks 



tor my Company and furnisVied with Blankets to lodge on. I then dent 
iii.v wounded men off to Albnny. Applied for kettles for my Gomp.*, Imt 
in viiin ; obli^;od to mix our tjonr in our hats and bake it upon Chips 
Infrnv th,- In. 1111(1 l.inil our Salt bcof upon tho coiils. 
•■ lliiii 111!'. I 'uiiiMil tomy barrack ; sent for a Doctor— uouo could 

'liiii 11. - \]>i.Iii.l liv nil otiirer ti) c.'ii. Schuyler to go down the 

■>.M. i_'i', -!;■ ir M < . ' I' r n & Tenno arrived. Gen. 

Ni\>.ii V 111 j^iiiii' iii;ni In I 1,1 1 ' I i:\rning. Geni Poor, having 

h' ii.l ih.ii I V, I- -I. I, . ,;i. ,ii ' I , ,v Miy. McClintock to see me 

•■Sun. 1." , - : I I i, i ,; I.' In Fort Miller, wherel met 

\Mtli i.'./l. .■-. li. ji i i : -iiiinga, but the inhabitants 

hi iiii^iilainna ! ,\ Lh> lu;;, , \aiui\iij, lu^iit were plundering houses, 
were moving uli ; thi^ielurc, 1 wiis obliged to ride until 12 at night before 
I could get a lodging. Lodged at Mr. Vrtn Vaiters. 

" MondJ 14'i>,— Set off and well to Still Walter; could get no eoter- 
taininent ; rode to ' Ilalf-Moon.' " 

Upon the above return is the following : 

"Bill of Loss. 

i. «. d 

" 1 Loose coat 7 II 

3 JacketLs 7 II 

9 Holland shirts 28 (I (l 

17 pair stockings M 8 ll 

1 pr. Silver Buckles 1 10 (1 

1 Table cloth (1 10 

1 pair Knee Uarters 3 

1 snug coat 3 15 

3 pr. Breeches 6 

9 Necks 2 It 

2 pair Shoes 1 4 

1 Barcelona Handkf 12 

190 Dollars 6" 

Apparatus for mending clothes, etc 1 4 

" Total, £131 U». 0(i.. Lawful Money." 

The above being in Captain Gray's handwriting, it 
is safe to conclude that it is what was lost on his re- 
treat from Sheensborough to Fort .\nn, July G, 1777. 

" To Captain James Gray .• 

"You are hereby empowered, immediately, to enlist a Company to 
consist of Eighty-eight able-bodied and effective men, including Non- 
commissioned Officers and Privates, as Soldiers in the Service of the 
Colony, to defend and secure the Harbour of Boston, and cause them to 
pass Muster as soon as possible at Boston. 

"Boston, nth Day of May, 177G. 

"Tho«M.M!8Hai.l, Coll". 

"We, till' Mil- 1 ■ I ' 111 I'v .«.'verally inlist Ourselves into the Ser- 
vire m1 tin' ' 1 I' .lis Bay, to serve in a Company whereof 

Janu'!i (;iii.\ I I II I || first day of December next, unless the 

service shoulil '1 .1 'i ' ii- li,iry:e sooner, and eiicli of us do engage 

and when formed «.- ..iii;ugf In niiinli to the T..wii ol linMrni, nr such 
Place withintUc Colony lis the Geiinr.-il Court of siiid Colony slnill ap- 
point ; and djjiiereby oblige Oui-selves faithfully to observe and obey all 
such orders as we shall from Time to Time receive from our Su|)erior 
Officers. 

" May 30th, Seth Richardson ; Juno 3d, Joseph Dale ; June 3d, Joseph 
Hiihort; June 6th, Daniel Berry ; June 12th, John Muley ; June 13th, 
JohnHoIman; June 13th, John nutchinsou,Jun. ; June 13th, Benja- 
min .Teffery ; June Llth, David Tolton." 

An evidence of the generosity and benevolence of 
the early inhabitants is shown by the following sub- 
scription-paper found among the papers of the late 
Captain James Gray : 

" »Tieren«,by a late distressing lire, in the Town of I'orlsmoulh, many 



" T'-i I,', . , « , , rii, Mibscribore, Inhabitants of the Town of Epiiom, 
voluiiiH. I I ,. ~niiu annexed to our names, resjiectlvoly, to be 
pniit'iiioi- HMiiii .1 10 & for the relief of those inbabllants Id 

the li^Mi r I'm- ll who are most distressed by the lute calamity, 

& promise to pay llie Mime to the connnitteo appointed to rei 
in Epsom by the 1st day of February, 1S03. 

" Jan. Llth, 1803. 



Name 


Amt. 


Knme. 


An 


"Levi Brown 


. . . 82 6U 


Sami Morrill . . . 




JohnBabb 


. . . 1 no 


David L. Morrill . . 




John Ham 


. . 1 00 


Francis Lock. . . . 




Siimi Osgood, Jr . . . 


. . . 1 00 


Jon«Peuraon . . . 




Isaac Osgood 


. . . 50 
. . . 1 00 


Sani> Lock .... 




Moses Osgood 


John McClary . . . 




Thomas Dabb .... 


. . . 3 00 
. . . 2 00 


James Gray 




John Godfrey. . . . 


Tho- Bickford . . . 




Michael McClary. . . 


... 20 00 


Daniel Cilley. . . . 




Kli/,nbeth McClary . . 
Benj. Moody 


... 2 00 
... 3 00 






JeremihPrescolt. . 




J. n. McClary . . . 


. . . 10 III) 


Josiah Sanborn . . 




McClarVit (lookin . 


. . . 10 00 


James llrown. . . . 




Thomas Marilen . . . 


. . . 61) 


JohnWallis . . . 




Jo,sephO. Willi is.. . 


. . . 1 on 


Joseph Wallis . . . 






. . . I 25 






Joseph lirmvn .... 


Dam Philbrick . . . 




Josiiih Knowles. . . 


... 1 00 


W" Burton .... 




Geo. Sanders 


... 1 no 







\Vm Sherburne .... 


50 


Total 


. .8112 3 


And" Sanborn .... 


... 2 00 








FRANKLIX. 





Congregational Church.— This church was organ- 
ized June 11, 1822, under the advice and direction of 
Revs. Samuel Wood and Ebenezer Price, both of 
Boscawen ; Eev. Thomas Worcester, of Salisbury ; and 
Rev. Abraham IJodwell, of Sanboruton, who was ap- 
pointed by the church its first moderator. A Church 
Covenant and Confession of Faith was at that time 
adopted and signed by fourteen persons. 

The church edifice, in which the society still con- 
tinues to worship, was erected in 1820, from funds 
raised by subscription and the sale of pews. It was 
built upon a very eligible lot, the gift of Ebeiie/.er 
Eastman, in what was then known as Republican 
village, in Salisbury, by residents of four adjacent 
towns representing different denominations, the Con- 
gregationalists predominating. Portions of these 
four towns, including Republican village, were, De- 
cember 24, 1828, formed into the town of Franklin. 
The bell still in use was purchased and placed up- 
on the house, when finished, by individual subscrip- 
tions, the only subscriber now living being Richard 
Judkins, of Franklin. 

During the first eight years after the house was 
built worship was maintained through the assistance 
of several ministers of the gospel, a complete list of 
whom, unfortunately, is not found in the records, 
who served for short periods only ; but November 16, 
1828, Rev. Joseph Lane became acting pastor and 
-crved lor more than two years. He was succeeded 



HISTORY OF BELK,NAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE. 



by Rev. Benjamin P. Stone, who was ordained the 
fii-st pastor of the church and society May 26, 1831, 
and dismissed May 2, 1832. The ministrations of 
Revs. D. D. Tappan and Samuel Nichols, wlio served 
as acting pastors, extended over the next four and a 
half years, the former serving about one, and the 
latter about three and a half years. Its second pas- 
tor. Rev. Isaac Knight, was installed September 27, 
1837, and dismissed December 21, 1848. 

Rev. William T. Savage, its third pastor, was in- 
stalled September 4, 1849. His able and faithful 
ministrations covered a period of exactly a quar- 
ter of a century. 

The fourth pastor of the church. Rev. Austin H. 
Burr, then a recent graduate of Andover Seminary, 
was ordained and installed over the church November 
3, 1875. Mr. Burr was succeeded by Rev. W. A. Had- 
ley and Rev. H. M. Andrews, acting pastors. 

In 1831 and the two subsequent years a doctrinal 
controversy prevailed in the society, which resulted 
in the surrender of the church edifice for a brief per- 
iod to those of Unitarian views, who, soon finding 
themselves incapable of maintaining worship, resur- 
rendered it to those of Orthodox faith, who have 
advanced in number and strength to the present time. 

For many years previous to the ministry of Dr. 
Savage, the church received pecuniary aid from the 
New Hampshire Missionary Society, but during the 
last quarter of a century or more it has been a self- 
sustaining church. It has, moreover contributed lib- 
erally to the support of many of the worthy institu- 
tions and benevolent objects of the day. 

In 1834 through the agency of Benjamin Wood- 
bury, formerly of New London in this State, a schol- 
arship was founded for Oherlin College, Ohio. Par- 
ker Noyes, Esq., Dr. Jesse Merrill and Deacon Dear- 
born Sanborn, all members of the church, were the 
principal contributors to this object. The church 
also took an early and decided stand in regard to the 
question of temperance. Septembers, 1834, Deacon 
Paul Noyes at a church meeting moved the following 
resolution, which was unanimously adopted : 



"i?Mo/red, That no person shall be 
church who dues not adopt the total abatiuence principles of the day in 
regard to the use of ardent spiritfl." 

The enjoyment of special seasons of religious in- 
terest and precious in-gatherings had not been with- 
held from its experience. 

Several years since, the church edifice was exten- 
sively repaired by the pew-holders at an expense 
of about fifteen hundred dollars. More recent- 
ly, in 1876-77, the society secured ownership of 
the old academy building and lot, enlarged and re- 
constructed the house, converting it into one of the 
best vestries in the State, with excellent facilities for 
Sabbath-school and social religious work, and con- 
venient apartments for both a Sabbath-school and a 
public library, at an aggregate cost of more than three 
thousand (l,."llar3. 



PE.Ml!UnKE. 

The Langmaid Murder.— On the 4th day of 
October, 1874, the quiet community of Pembroke was 
aroused by the news of a terrible crime committed in 
their midst. Josie A. Langmaid, a daughter of James 
F. Langmaid, a prosperous farmer living on Buck 
Street, was brutally murdered by a fiend in human 
guise on her way to school at the Pembroke Academy. 
She was scarcely eighteen years of age, and was gen- 
erally beloved by all who knew her. Her murderer 
was twice tried by the highest courts of the State and 
convicted by a chain of circumstantial evidence. He 
was hung in the prison at Concord March 15, 1878. 
His very name should be obliterated from the annals 
of the State. 

The details of the murder were of the most atro- 
cious character, unfit for the ears of the rising gen- 
eration, but the memory of the murdered maiden- 
student, kept alive in song and story, will long 
survive. A commemorative monument on Academy 
Street marks the place of the cruel deed and testifies 
to the love and respect in which she was held by her 
townspeople. 

JeweU Lodge, No. 94, A. F. A. M.— Jewell 
Lodge, named in honor of Colonel David L. Jewell, 
of this village, was organized April 7, 1879, working 
under a dispensation which was granted October 20, 
1879, from the Grand Lodge, until May 19, 1880, when 
a charter was granted to Edmund E. Truesdell, 
Augustus B. Johnson, John P. Johnson, Charles 
Williams, David L. Jewell, George H. Larabee, 
George P. Cofran, Nathaniel Head, George P. Little, 
Oscar B. Truesdell, Enoch H. Holt, James M. Young, 
Frederick E. Northrop, Joel N. Corbin, Otis S. East- 
man, William Wainwright, Lewis S. Dunbar, Henry M. 
Hadley, Martin R. Sawyer, John B. Haselton, Charles 
P. Bridgman, Josiah W. Dudley, Edwin P. Northrop, 
Retyre M. Davis, Benjamin L. Culver, Joseph L. Hos- 
mer, William F. Head, George A. Robie, Eben 
H. Nutting, Samuel S. Ordway, Charles P. Morse, 
Addison N. Osgood, Alonzo Osgood, Charles F. Hil- 
dreth, Clifton B. Hildreth and Charles A. Seavey, 
who, realizing from the beginning that liberal con- 
tributions and increasing executive labor were the 
most essential requisitions for the future prosperity 
and success of the work before them, bega^atonce to 
lay the foundation of what is to-day one of the most 
prosperous and flourishing lodges within the Masonic 
juristiction of the State. Its first officers were George 
H. Larabee, Worshipful Master; Cliarles P. Bridg- 
man, Senior Warden ; George P. Little Junior Warden ; 
Charles Williams, Treasurer; John P. Haselton, 
Secretary ; Oscar B. Truesdell, Senior Deacon ; Enoch 
H. Holt, Junior Deacon ; Frederick A. Northrop, 
Senior Steward ; Henry M. Hadley, Junior Steward ; 
George W. Ruland, Chaplain ; William Wainwright 
Tiler. But one death has occurred among its charter 
members up to the present time, — that of our beloved 



Ai'l'KXDIX. 



Brother Nathaniel Head — who. has gone, we trust, to 
a higher and brighter Lodge; a good man and true 
brother, ever ready to stretch forth a helping hand 
with a free and liberal heart; beloved in life and 
mourned in death. To Worshipful Brother Edmund 
K. Truesdell we are indebted for the energy, perse- 
verance and correspondence necessarily required in 
collecting the portraits of all the charter members, 
which are grouped in a massive gilt frame, in all re- 
spects a combination of good taste and artistic skill, 
and placed in a position assigned it upon the wall of 
our reception parlor, there to remain through the 
ages that are to come. The Past blasters are George 
H. Larabee, Charles P. Bridgman and Edmund 15. 
Truesdell, and let us here add that too much credit 
cannot be given to these three brothers for the in- 
creasing efforts which they have at all times mani- 
fested to render whatever assistance iu their power, 
financially and socially, that would tend to make its 
work harmonize with the pure principles contained 
in the order. In 1880 Jewell Lodge, by invitation of 
Andrew Buntin, then Grand Master, exemplified the 
work in the third degree before the Grand Lodge of 
Xew Hampshire, and although at that time being 
the youngest lodge in the State, it won from the craft 
unexcelled praise for the acceptable manner in which 
it performed the work assigned it, and it was at this 
time that Jewell Lodge took its rank among the best 
working lodges in the State, a position which, by its 
harmonious and increasing eflbrts it has maintained 
up to the present time. Its hall, reception and ban- 
quet rooms were fitted up in an elegant and elaborate 
manner, at an expense of about two thousand dollars, 
being all paid for and a balance in the treasury when 
the lodge was dedicated, showing the deep interest 
and liberality which characterized its charter mem- 
bers, who have contributed many valuable gifts to 
the lodge, among which was a beautiful and costly set 
of jewels, presented by David L. Jewell, and I think 
the aim of Jewell Lodge has ever been liberality and 
nobility of purpose, always realizing that it is the 
high character to which its credit has attained that 
has brought Masonry from beyond the dark ages, and it 
is its character which will carry the noble work on 
through an unknown future till time shall be no 
more. 

Although Masonry may, by some of the unini- 
tiated, be considered as derogatory to the advance- 
ment of man, yet the experience of ages has taught 
the conservative and thinking mind that it is an in- 
stitution whose moral, social and intellectual attain- 
ments are so deeply rooted in the heart of civilized 
society and indorsed by so many great and good men 
of every age and country, that its advancement is es- 
sential to the welfare of a true and noble cause, and, to 
more fully demonstrate this fact, ancient history in- 
forms us that it has been the usual and almost uni- 
versal custom for even monarchs. fora season, since the 
reign of the wise King of Israel, to lay aside the 



sceptre and descend the throne to patronize its mys- 
teries and mingle with the assemblies of the order. 



CANTERBURY. 

.lOSEI'H CLOUOH. 

Joseph Clough was one of the most prominent 
men iu the political, religious and business afliiirs ot 
the town for many years. 

His life covered nearly a century, and during his 
active manhood he was diligent and energetic. 

He wiis born in Canterbury February 1, 1795, in 
the Mansion House, where he spent his life, and where 
he died, March 24, 1885. He wjis born during the 
second term of Washington's administration, and 
died subsequent to the commencement of Cleveland's 
administration ; thus he lived under the administra- 
tions of all the Presidents of the United States. 

His grandfather, Thomas Clough, came to Can- 
terbury from Salisbury, Mass., very soon after the 
town was chartered, probably about 1735. The rec- 
ord of the marriage of this Thomas Clough in Can- 
terbury was the 10th of December, 1741. The 
father of Joseph was born August 29, 1753. 

This family was among the earliest settlers of the 
town and many of the descendants of it still live there. 

Joseph Clough was a pioneer in the cause of tem- 
perance, and was true to it through his whole life in 
theory and practice. His example in this particular 
never contributed a reproach or- a weakness. 

He was careful and correct in the transaction of 
such business as is often necessary to be done be- 
tween neighbors in country towns where there are no 
educated lawyers, such as conveying property, dis- 
posing of estates by wills and settlements under 
them, much of which he did and did well. 

He was elected a member of the Executive Council 
in 1848 and 1849. 

He married Mehitable Ambrose Cluise, daughter of 
Stephen Chase, of Northfield, May 31, 1817. She 
survived him thirteen days. 

In 1838 he was ordained a minister of the Frec- 
Will Baptist denomination, and for many years 
preached in the church in what is called the " Baptist 
District" in the town, and elsewhere in the neighbor- 
ing towns. 

His Christian life was characterized by a constant 
and steadfast devotion, by a belief that did not 
weaken when death approached, by a prudence that 
was not deferred nor abandoned when farm-work was 
most pressing, and by a conviction that afforded con- 
solation through the many vicissitudes and trials of a 
long life. 

He was a representative man in his si>liere and 
time, and whose memory is cherished in these re- 
spects : that he was an industrious farmer, an obliging 
neighbor, a conscientious business man, a worthy ex- 
ample and a faithful Cliristian to tli.' end <>f life. 



LR.IL "lO 



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